Overview
The first permanent settlement in North America was founded in 1605 on the shores of the Annapolis Basin. From its beginning there was a French-English rivalry for control of Acadia, Nova Scotia. As part of Britain’s strategy in the struggle to build an empire, she established a fortified base at Halifax in 1749.
In 1754 Britain and France were about to go to war again. Events in Europe and America virtually dictated it. However, what neither nation knew was that it would last seven years — from 1756 to 1763 — and escalate into a world war that would permanently change that world. It was seven years full of drama and much of it was acted out in Nova Scotia. The first shot of that war was fired by the English in the siege of Fort Beausejour in June 1755, followed by a formal declaration of war the following year.
Our tour will cover the historic sites of the war in Nova Scotia, concluding as the war ended with the capture of the French fortress town of Louisbourg in 1758. No one knows this enthralling story better than historian Brian Cuthbertson, who will guide you to sites that highlight Nova Scotia’s history. More than just conflict and conquest, you will discover the unique heritage and culture of this province and its breathtaking scenery. |
Day by Day
Day 1, Wednesday, August 27 Gathering day at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a welcome briefing and dinner hosted by Brian Cuthbertson and HistoryAmerica.
Day 2, Thursday, August 28 Your walk of historic Halifax will be highlighted by a visit to the rampart of the Citadel. The day ends at the cemetery where the victims recovered from the Titanic are buried.
Day 3, Friday, August 29 A Seven Years War briefing by Brian, the Titanic exhibit at the Maritime museum, a tour of a WWII corvette, and Pier 12, the Ellis Island of Canada, are on the agenda for today.
Day 4, Saturday, August 30 Today will be spent in Lunenburg on a walking tour of the elegantly restored 18th-century British colonial town, followed by a visit to the 1604 French fort of Port Royal.
Day 5, Sunday, August 31 You will be in the heart of Old Acadia today, where you will visit Fort Anne Historic Site, a new interpretive center, and the best preserved heritage home in Nova Scotia.
Day 6, Monday, September 1 The tour is at Fort Beausejour most of the morning and at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry with its artifacts and old steam locomotives in the afternoon.
Day 7, Tuesday, September 2 Today you first visit the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site, where in later life, this brilliant inventor conducted his experiments with flight. The day ends traveling the stunning Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Day 8, Wednesday, September 3 Today you tour the very large, beautifully reconstructed Fortress Louisbourg and then the Marconi National Historic Site where Guglielmo Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio message.
Day 9, Thursday, September 4 Sherbrooke Village, the largest replica of an historic settlement in Nova Scotia, and a ride along the Eastern shore to Halifax will cap this fascinating tour.
Day 10, Friday September 5 Depart at your leisure following breakfast. |
Brian Cuthbertson