Sydney, Nova Scotia

[calgalcruiser]

We'll be on a New England/Canada cruise in June that stops in Sydney. A friend who visited this port several years ago said there is really nothing to see and we'd be better off staying on the ship. While we're not big history buffs, we do like seeing new places and were wondering if anyone has been to Sydney and can give us your thoughts on this. Did you go on any special excursions that you'd recommend? Thanks for any suggestions or feedback.

[Maraprince]

calgalcruiser,

 

 

While Sydney is not the biggest port in Canada one tour you might enjoy is the one that goes to Lunesburgh (not sure about the spelling!) fort. It is like stepping back in time since the guides are in period costumes.

 

If you don't want to do a tour, you could "hike" up to the town itself. The ship will be hopefully docked (only one pier) if not you are anchored off shore. The town is uphill from the port. You can do your own walking tour since you should get a map from the ship for each of the ports you will visit. There is usually a local craft fair held in the auditorium of the local church. You will see signs posted that will direct you to the church. Ask anyone you meet and they will be very helpful in directing to it.

 

If you like to meet and chat with the local people this is a good town for it since it is easy to get around. The locals are all very friendly and helpful and love to find out where you are from. You will find stores where the townspeople shop and some good deals since everything is priced in Canadian money. Use a credit card for the best rate. There is a Singer shop, fur stores, music shops, luggage shops, etc. You can find whatever you forgot to bring from home. Also, there are places to eat if you want to try the local food.

 

Sydney is a very clean city and has a lot of offer once you get away from the pier. But you have to go up into the city to see it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

Maraprince

[wwinfl91]

We were in Sydney on a Maasdam cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Montreal last spring. We went ashore early to find a Canadian bank to exchange some money and I will agree with the last poster in that it is a clean and friendly town. We did a private tour with 3 other couples to the Fortress of Louisburg and were very impressed with it in spite of the fact it wasn't really open when we visited in early May. During the time you would be visiting there would be characters in period costumes demonstrating various colonial jobs. There also would be more open than when we were there. This is a recreation of a French fort that was destroyed by the British and colonial forces in the mid 1700's. It really is something that is worth seeing and experiencing.

 

Here are a coiple of web sites showing and talking about the site.

 

http://home.golden.net/~tekapo/cook/louisbourg/louisbourg.html

 

http://www.explorenovascotia.com/destinations/index.cfm?rid=2&cid=1

 

http://www.louisbourg.ca/fort/

 

Have a great next cruise.

[calgalcruiser]

Thanks, your suggestions are all very helpful. Maybe we'll do a little sightseeing in Sydney after all!

[whale-watcher]

Any suggestions for more active/outdoors shore excursions for a family with 3 children, ages 6, 12, and 14? We will be there in late September.

Thanks

[Host Caroline]

Thanks, your suggestions are all very helpful. Maybe we'll do a little sightseeing in Sydney after all!

 

If you are not history buffs you might not like Louisbourg although IMHO it is one of the most fascinating places in Canada! Baddeck would be an option? You can get to Louisbourg or Baddeck via ship tour but would not recommend for Louisbourg as you won't have enough time to explore.. you can get tour or cab there with locals who will be at the dock.

For the person who suggested something active: IMHO only I think a lot of children woudl like Louisbourg.. the re-enactments are marvelous, they have food :), and the are interactive exhibits in some of the restored buildings..