maryann ns

Just be aware that the Bicycle Thief is very noisy. 

Try posting this on the forum for New Brunswick on Trip Advisor: HERE

The link is correct this time! Sydney information

Have a look at this document which gives information and options for cruise visitors to Sydney:

Sydney information

There are few tour operators so you likely would be best to rent a car.

So for Halifax it will depend upon how long you stop in Peggy's Cove or Lunenburg. It will likely be lunch in Lunenburg where there are several places close to the waterfront. It may be too cold to eat outside so that will limit things. I would take the advice of your tour operator.

Here are the listings for Lunenburg: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurants-g182187-Lunenburg_Southwest_Nova_Scotia_Nova_Scotia.html

There is lots to see and do in and around Quebec. Rent a car and drive around Ile D'Orleans and/or the Beaupre area.

Take a tour of Quebec City (walking or horse and buggy). There are various themed tours. Walk around on your own exploring historic buildings, shops, cafes, etc. Take a tour in the Chateau Frontenac hotel.

There are some wonderful restaurants. Enjoy a different on each evening.

Jan, you may get more help by posting this on the board for HA or the Roll Call for your cruise. Go back to the main forum and poke around: here

The fall colours in Nova Scotia generally peak the second week of October. You do not start your cruise until the third week. It may be better further south however.

There would be lots of interest for your kids in Halifax including the Discovery Centre (on the waterfront), Citadel Hill, walking the waterfront, taking a ferry or going on Theodore Too, taking the Harbour Hopper, and so on.

You could also rent a car and visit Peggy's Cove, beaches and other fishing villages.

Here is a link with information for Halifax:   Halifax for Cruise Ship Visitors

There are lots of reviews on Trip Advisor.

It would be wonderful if you would come back here to tell others how things work out.

You will be fine in Halifax along the waterfront with a scooter. The Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is accessible: https://pier21.ca/visit/accessibility

For Sydney I am not so sure. You may want to take a ship's tour to see some scenic spots. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck seems to have accessible services: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell/visit

Fortress Louisbourg would present some challenges: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/visit/acces

That is very good news about Louisbourg.

For those just joining this thread here is a link to more information for Sydney including rental car information.

I do not live in Halifax but I would not think there would be a huge difference in traffic between Wed. and Friday.

Check out the public transit systems in these cities. Most places in Europe have great public transit. You may also be able to take walking tours.

Places to research: Trip Advisor; Rick Steves' new guide for northern European ports; guide books.

The best thank you we could get would be a report on how your rentals work out and reports of your port days.

Check these links for information for cruise visitors to  Halifax  and Sydney These links include car rental information.

Here are some options for Sydney:

Yes, according to their plans it should open long before then.

For good local beer check out the brewpub listings in The Coast linked above.

There is going to be a  new oyster bar on the waterfront next to Salty's where Gahan's is now. 

Yes The Coast's listings are great. Also check on Trip Advisor. Of course opinions are so very subjective. Could you tell us a bit more about your criteria for a good restaurant.

Also check out  Trip Advisor listings using the filters to narrow down your search.

Head over to the  Trip Advisor Antarctic Adventures forum for lots of help. You have the right idea to go on an expedition ship. I have never heard that there is any advantage to a larger ship in terms of landing.

This website will give more information though I do not know how up to date it is: Travel to the Poles

The standard advice is to go on as small a ship as you can afford. A good compromise in terms of size and amenities and price is G Adventures shop Expedition which is what we took. It is very comfortable with great staff and crew and amazingly good food.

We went in late February/March and had a super time. There are pluses and minuses for all times.

Go to Fortress Louisbourg if you are there in July and August.

Here is some more information for Sydney for cruise visitors:

I am curious too since it does not include the Citadel (inside) or the waterfront. 

Here is a  guide to the port of Halifax for cruise visitors:

July is generally sunny and warm but there would be breezes off the harbour and I have no idea what the pool's temperature would be.