Cross Canada Trip, the Second Leg Quiz

Answer: The British

The Fortress of Louisbourg was a key French stronghold in North America, built to protect the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The British first captured it in 1745 during King George's War, but it was returned to France in 1748 with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

The British captured it again in 1758 during the Seven Years' War, leading to its eventual destruction. Today, the Fortress of Louisbourg is a National Historic Site of Canada (est. 1928), offering a glimpse into colonial life.

Answer: False

The World's Largest Fiddle, or more properly 'Fidheal Mhor A' Ceilidh' (Big Fiddle of the Ceilidh), was designed and constructed by Cyril Hearn in 2005, and is made of steel. It is located at the Sydney waterfront and symbolizes the rich musical traditions of Cape Breton Island, particularly its Celtic music.

The fiddle is a tribute to the island's cultural heritage and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Answer: Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, forests, and mountains. The Cabot Trail is a 298 km (185 mile) loop that encompasses a significant portion of the park, and is one of the most scenic drives in Canada, winding through picturesque villages and offering stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including moose and bald eagles.

As noted, the Cabot Trail is named for John Cabot, the Italian explorer (also known as Giovanni Caboto) who sailed under the flag of England's King Henry VII. While it is disputed whether he ever landed on Cape Breton Island, the trail was named to honour his exploration of the region.

Answer: Bell

Scottish-born Canadian-American inventor, scientist and engineer, Alexander Graham Bell was not the only one working on the idea, but he *was* the first to patent a working telephone (in the U.S.A. on March 7, 1876).

At the age of 23 (in 1870), Bell moved with his family to Canada, later becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1882. In 1885, he purchased land on Cape Breton Island, and ended up spending much of his later life there (in Baddeck). The museum at the National Historic Site showcases his many contributions to science and technology, including his work on hydrofoils and aeronautics. Bell's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Baddeck and the broader region.

Answer: Pier 21

As noted, Pier 21 in Halifax served as Canada's main immigration gateway from 1928 to 1971. It was part of a larger ocean terminal complex built to handle the increasing number of immigrants and the growing size of transatlantic ships. Over its years of operation, nearly one million newcomers passed through its doors, and it also played a key role during World War II, with hundreds of thousands of troops departing from its docks. After its closure, the site was preserved and transformed into the Canadian Museum of Immigration, recognizing its historical significance.

The Port of Halifax includes several piers, with Piers 20, 21, and 22 forming the core of the historic ocean terminal area. Pier 21's location next to the VIA Rail terminal was especially important because it allowed for a smooth transition from ship to train. Immigrants could disembark and board trains directly from the terminal, making it easier to travel to destinations across Canada. This setup was crucial in supporting the country's immigration and settlement efforts during the 20th century.

Answer: None of them

The Halifax Citadel, perched atop Citadel Hill, has been a central part of Halifax's military history since the city's founding in 1749. Originally built by the British to defend against potential French attacks, the site has seen four different fortifications over the centuries, each reflecting advancements in military engineering. The current star-shaped fort, completed in 1856, was designed to protect Halifax Harbour and the naval dockyard, though it never saw direct combat. Its strategic location allowed for surveillance and defense of the city and its approaches.

Throughout its history, the Citadel housed British and later Canadian troops, serving as a key military post during times of conflict, including World War I. It also played a role in local civil defense and communications. Since 1956, the Halifax Citadel has been a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada, offering visitors a chance to explore its restored structures, learn about 19th-century military life, and experience historical reenactments that bring its past to life.

Answer: Alexander Keith

Alexander Keith's Brewery was established in Halifax in 1820 by... you guessed it... Alexander Keith, a Scottish immigrant with a background in brewing. After gaining experience locally, Keith took ownership of a small brewery and expanded it into a thriving business. In 1836, he built a new facility using durable local materials, which helped the brewery withstand economic and health-related challenges of the time. Keith's leadership and innovation in brewing made his ales popular throughout the region, and his influence extended beyond business-he was also a prominent civic figure, serving multiple terms as Halifax's mayor.

The brewery became a fixture of Halifax's identity, contributing to both its economy and cultural heritage. Over the years, the brand evolved and changed ownership, eventually becoming part of a major international brewing company. Despite these changes, the original brewery site remains a celebrated landmark, offering tours and experiences that highlight its historical importance and enduring legacy in Canadian brewing.

Of the other three options, Molson was first, with Carling and Labatt coming after:

Molson Brewery founded in Montreal, QC in 1786
Carling Brewery founded in London, ON in 1840
Sleeman Brewery founded in Guelph, ON in 1851

Answer: St. Margaret's Bay

Peggy's Cove, located along Nova Scotia's rugged Atlantic coastline, began as a small fishing village in the early 1800s. Settled by German immigrants, the community developed around the sheltered cove, which provided a safe haven for boats and a livelihood based on lobster fishing. Over time, its dramatic granite landscape and quaint charm attracted artists and tourists, making it one of the province's most iconic destinations.

The lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, officially known as Peggy's Point Lighthouse, was first built in 1868 to help guide ships safely into St. Margaret's Bay. The current structure, completed in 1914, is a concrete tower painted white with a red lantern, and it remains an active navigational aid. Its striking appearance and location on wave-washed rocks have made it one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, symbolizing Nova Scotia's maritime heritage and natural beauty.

There are two main stories that attempt to explain how Peggy's Cove got its name. One theory is geographic in nature: the village is located near the entrance to St. Margaret's Bay, and "Peggy" is a common nickname for Margaret. Over time, locals began referring to the area as Peggy's Cove, a shortened and more familiar version of the bay's name.

The second explanation is more folkloric. It tells of a young woman named Margaret who survived a shipwreck near the cove. After being rescued, she settled in the area, married a local resident, and became known as "Peggy of the Cove." Her presence and story became well known in the community, and the village eventually took on her name as a tribute to her legacy.

Answer: Bluenose

Lunenburg was founded in 1753 by British settlers and quickly became a prominent fishing and shipbuilding town. Its layout and architecture reflect its colonial roots, and the town has preserved much of its original character, earning it recognition in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shipbuilding was central to Lunenburg's economy, and the town became known for producing high-quality vessels that served both commercial and competitive purposes.

One of Lunenburg's most famous creations was the Bluenose, a schooner launched in 1921 that excelled in both fishing and racing. Built at the Smith and Rhuland shipyard, the Bluenose became a national symbol of maritime pride and has been commemorated on the Canadian dime since 1937. After the original vessel was lost in 1946, a replica - Bluenose II - was constructed in 1963 by many of the same shipbuilders. Today, Bluenose II serves as a sailing ambassador for Nova Scotia, continuing the legacy of the original schooner and celebrating the town's rich nautical heritage.

Answer: Carboniferous Period

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs, located on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy, are renowned for their exceptional geological and paleontological significance. These cliffs expose layers of rock from the Carboniferous Period, specifically the Pennsylvanian sub-period, which dates back over 300 million years. During this time, the region was covered in lush tropical forests and swamps, and the fossil record preserved in the cliffs includes ancient plants, upright fossilized trees, and some of the earliest known reptiles. The site offers a rare and detailed glimpse into early terrestrial ecosystems that contributed to the formation of coal deposits.

In recognition of its scientific importance, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The cliffs have long attracted the attention of geologists and paleontologists, and discoveries made there have helped shape our understanding of evolution and Earth's history. The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy continue to erode the cliffs, revealing new fossils and making the site a dynamic and ongoing source of discovery.