Grand Tour of the Bras D'or Lake Region With Lunch - Sydney, Nova Scotia

[marylizcat]

I wondered whether anyone has done this tour, offered by Princess? if so, what were your thoughts? It is described as:-

 

'Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Bras d'Or Lakes region with an escorted tour of Highland Village, which celebrates Nova Scotia's Gaelic heritage. Stop for a complimentary lunch at the Inverary Resort in Baddeck, home of Alexander Graham Bell. Later enjoy free time shopping or taking in Baddecks's panoramic views.'

 

We shall be in Sydney in late October, when I understand Louisbourg no longer has the costumed guides, etc.

[maryann ns]

You can do this very easily as a private tour, or even better on your own. Does the Princess tour not include a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck?

 

I would arrange to rent a car and visit the Bell Museum and the Highland Village. Do a search for previous posts on this. At least one of the rental companies will arrange to have the car for you at the dock.

 

Also check the date for when the Highland Village is closing for the season. Even if it is closed, I would still take this lovely drive.

 

Here is a route you could take which would give you a wonderful scenic tour:

http://g.co/maps/9trmp

 

Also check out Tom's Port Guides (Do a search.)

 

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k4847897-Tours_from_Cruise_Ships_at_Sydney_Port-Nova_Scotia.html#36180250

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1401285

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1450281

[marylizcat]

Thanks for your response. I have checked the Highland Village website as you suggested and this year at least, the museum closed on 16 October. Only the gift shop seems to be open in late October. Princess have this excursion shown on our sailing date, but possibly they will have to alter the tour in that case.

 

I am not too keen on renting a car. It is the wrong side of the road for us, so rather stressful for driving and also the driver cannot then admire the scenery. Possibly a taxi tour? Is there a standard day tour for taxis?

 

I assumed the free time in Baddeck would enable you to visit the A G Bell Museum or is it not in the centre of town?

 

It seems like Princess are making a mistake calling at Sydney this late in the season (late October) if the main sights are not fully operational at that time of year. I am surprised the tourist sights don't keep going until the end of the cruise season.

[marylizcat]

I checked out Tom's Port Guides and he says about this excursion:

'Yeah, the tour was pricey, but it was one of our best excursions ever. The scenery was breathtaking - mountains, lakes, eagles, fall color of trees, and we had a superb seafood lunch!'

 

So that sounds encouraging! He also says it visits the museum, by the way.

 

[maryann ns]

I think the museums close when they do because of staffing issues and most tourists are gone. Sometimes the ships make special arrangements. I would write to the Highland Museum to ask. i read somewhere of someone who was able to go because it was open for a ship's tour even though they went on their own.

 

I have read of taxis taking people to Baddeck and area and of course to Louisbourg. I do not think there is a standard tour. You can contact someone ahead of time, or negotiate on the dock. I included a couple previous posts from here on Trip Advisor. A search should find you more.

 

I can understand the reluctance to "drive on the wrong side". One possibility would be to join up with others on your Roll Call who may be more able to drive on the right side.

[parker6]

I haven't taken the tour with Princess (I'm native to Atlantic Canada), but I can't imagine a better way to spend a day than a tour and lunch around the Bras D'Or Lakes.. absolutely a beautiful part of the world!