TS Von

You may want to consider renting a car in Sydney to go exploring on your own. That's what I'm planning to do next month.

Sorry you've had no local or personal experience shared here. I have no idea about the taxis. I have seen reversing tides, not in in this particular location, but elsewhere in Canada and the US (Alaska). My personal experience is that it happens somewhat gradually, and not on a set and defined schedule (it is after all, nature). I would suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before the high tide time chart . . . and expect to hang around at least another 30 minutes afterwards.

I did the maritime museum back around 2016 on a solo road trip to N/S and loved it. That area is very interesting and worth the time to visit.

Hubby & I did a drive trip to PEI back in 2017. We were there for 3 days/2 nights and didn't do Green Gables. To each their own I suppose.

I've done both Peggy's Cove and the cemetery where the Titanic victims are buried, as an independent traveler. I enjoyed both, but frankly neither required a long visit . . . 30 minutes tops at each. A previous poster talked about the windy conditions at Peggy's Cove. This was the way it was the day I was there too (Oct 2015). I would say make the most of your excursion and enjoy the day!

I will be renting a car from Enterprise while in port in Sydney. I was able to discuss the logistics with them by phone and feel comfortable proceeding with this as my game plan for the day there.

Yep . . . I'm sure there's only one TimeshareVon 🙂

I have done the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site independently twice . . . once solo and one with my hubby. I enjoyed both visits. The restoration work and character docents really add to the visit. I would recommend this excursion to anyone who likes this sort of thing. (Think of it like a smaller version of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, as an example.)

Even if you can't see the tides roll back in, seeing how low the water is a low tide is amazing! This was in the town of Alma, NB just outside of Fundy National Park.

We did the Conway Scenic Rail Tour independently while staying near Conway. Our trip was on 10/19 and the fall colors, while beautiful were about a week past prime. On our trip we had the boxed lunches mentioned by someone else.

Yes . . . the car rental is ~$64 USD and I have an annual Canadian Parks pass . . . so yes I feel much greater value not doing the motor coach, which I have a general dislike of (especially for an excursion that is scheduled for 7 hours). And just looking at R/C's page, it's $124 not $110 USD, and includes a buffet lunch. The $110 was probably a discounted rate a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks! I really would like the flexibility of my own transportation & schedule vs. the $110 motor coach tour offered by the ship as an excursion.

I have a car reserved from Enterprise for our port day in Sydney. But there is concern about having enough time to make it worthwhile AND make it back to the ship in time. We're in port 7a-4p, but Enterprise doesn't open until 8a, which is probably fine. Thoughts?

Thanks for sharing this! I too am looking at such a trip on our upcoming fall cruise.

Agreed Don! I loved Juneau (and Sitka and Skagway) without people! Hoohah was a delight as well, especially when we had the village to ourselves early in the morning before the ships arrived at ISP! We also LOVED getting to meet and chat with Alaskans as they went out about their lives. They were very nice and engaging, interested in sharing their culture and lifestyle. I've spent A LOT of time in Alaska (over 125 days over the past 15 years in all seasons . . . and the 3 weeks on the AK Marine Ferry will always be a highlight among MANY highlights.