Once we arrive, everyone files quickly off the bus to get a look at our surroundings: a meticulous reconstruction of a French-owned, 18th-century fortified city.

The day is full of events. The Royal Canadian Mint presents the class with commemorative coins to celebrate Louisbourg’s 300th anniversary. Later, the students take part in a GPS-driven treasure hunt through the cobblestone streets and try out traditional Fortress of Louisbourg life, including getting dressed in the clothes of the period, cooking a French omelet and sipping hot chocolate made from a centuries-old recipe.

“It was totally a new experience,” says Kaila Dunbar, a class member. “It was so much better than I ever thought it would be. It actually looked like those building were really from the 18th-century.”

Once the fortress fun is over for the day, the grade-eight students file back on the bus for a lobster meal (the best lobster of my life!) with George D. Lewis High School students, whom the Caronport Elementary grade-eights have been corresponding with since they won in April.

For a list of the contest sponsors, visit www.myparkspass.ca/blog/thank-you-our-2012-2013-my-parks-pass-contests-partners