Fortress of Louisbourg must-see experience takes visitors back in time

News release

New interactive virtual reality experience immerses visitors in history at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

July 4, 2019 – Louisbourg, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Supporting local tourism associations helps attract tourists to rural areas, strengthen the region’s economy and engage visitors with new authentic experiences. That is why the Government of Canada is enabling the Fortress Louisbourg Association to develop an interactive virtual reality experience to complement current offerings at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Fortress Louisbourg Association has developed a series of immersive 3D experiences that will transport visitors 300 years back in time to witness the culture and history at the Fortress during its peak of activity. By creating authentic cultural content that is historically accurate and providing a connective sensory experience, this project will both entertain and foster a deeper appreciation of Canada and the Fortress.

Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, today announced a total of $213,265 in Government of Canada support for the project. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting tourism-based initiatives and attracting more international visitors to Canada. It is investing in tourism infrastructure to create middle class jobs, grow Canada’s economy and bring new opportunities and pride to communities looking for a chance to show the world what they have to offer.

Quotes

“National historic sites such as Louisbourg are places of profound importance to Canada. Each tells its own story, contributes to a sense of time in history and strengthens our national identity. They bear witness to Canada's defining moments and illustrate human creativity, historical innovations and cultural traditions. We are proud to keep that tradition alive while increasing tourism to create jobs for the middle class.”

     - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“National parks, historic sites and protected areas represent the very best of Canada, including the history, culture and living legacy of Indigenous peoples and settlements of the past. The new virtual reality experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site will help preserve Canadian history while showcasing the region’s vibrant culture and reinforcing Cape Breton’s reputation as an exciting must-visit tourism destination.”

     - Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Fortress Louisbourg Association is pleased to contribute to the visitor’s experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site through this new virtual reality offering. It is our goal to provide innovative and rich programming that enhances the stories told on site and continue to grow tourism in the community of Louisbourg.”

     - Jodi McDavid, A/Executive Director, Fortress Louisbourg Association

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada invested $193,265 in this project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and $20,000 from Parks Canada. Both contributions are non-repayable.

  • The virtual reality Harbour Experience, developed in partnership with Cape Breton-based digital engagement technology firm, VMP Group, requires visitors to wear a headset with special motion trackers to move the player’s field of view and take part in an interactive role-playing game.

  • The geography, topography, surroundings, sounds (in both official languages), visuals and atmosphere of the experience are engineered to reflect Fortress of Louisbourg in the 18th century.

  • This technology, which accommodates players of all skill levels, will be used to allow visitors to engage in experiences that would be otherwise difficult to access.

  • Parks Canada has provided a designated space for four virtual reality systems in the McLennan Centre at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

  • The Fortress Louisbourg Association was founded in 1976 and operates three period restaurants, a bakery, a coffee shop and two gift boutiques, which help visitors understand, appreciate and enjoy the largest reconstruction of an 18th century French fortified town in North America.

Associated links

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Jodi McDavid
A/Executive Director
902-561-5634 (cell)
jodi.mcdavid@louisbourg.ca

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