What to do in Sydney Nova Scotia

[alittlesassie]

We are going on the Triumph in Sept and am not sure what to do in the port of Sydney Nova Scotia. Any suggestions?

[alittlesassie]

Thanks so much for the info!

[tvetan]

When will you be going? Robyn

[Host Caroline]

Tour guides cannot post here - please see CC guidelines..

.. however I can tell you that in Sydney the best options IMHO only.. having been there .. are the Fortress of Lourisbourg or the trip to Baddeck.. I would go to the Fortress with a local and arrange transport back (there are folks on the dock).. you do not have enough time on a ship tour and this is an amazing place with re-enactments, interactions exhibits, a fabulous restoration and a drop-dead setting.. YOu can learn more about it here: http://louisbourg.com/fortress.html and more about Cape Breton Island here: http://capebretonisland.com/directory/Accommodations_-_Travel_Info/Activities_and_Attractions

The Cabot Trail is probably one of the most dramatic, scenic drives in North America BUT you cannot do it justice or see it all in one day.. really takes 2 days in a car at your leisure. And in the fall if it's foggy you can really miss out on the scenery.

The little town of Sydney is very charming. Locals sell crafts.. the church up the hill from the dock serves tea. Check some of the links above and come back if you have questions.

[Haze]

I agree with the posting for Fort Louisbourg it is spectacualr. Baddeck is also a nice place to go and has a great museum to Alexander Graham Bell. I would however take Fort Louisbourg over Baddeck.

There is a wonderful craft market right at the dock in a huge building made especially for that purpose Beutiful things inside,

We have just booked our fourth cruise to this area whcih calls at Sydney.

[Host Caroline]

Sydney is definitely on my "want to return" list! I travel to Quebec City on vacation every couple of years but still want to do a longer cruises that transits the Seaway.. I think that would be spectacular!

[Capebreton]

Hi, What i would suggest to you would be the4 Fotress of louisbourg or The town of Baddeck one is rich with history dated 1713 and the other is famous for scenery second to none. Louisbourg is approx 1/2 drive baddeck is an hour . but well worth the drive. :)

[n1dlpi05]

We are going on the Triumph in Sept and am not sure what to do in the port of Sydney Nova Scotia. Any suggestions?

Hi there

For things to do in Sydney, you might consider visiting some of these heritage sites. Here is a link: www.acadiatours.ca

 

Your ship will leave you within 500 metres of Sydney's downtown.

 

Sincerely

[jalakim]

"The little town of Sydney is very charming. Locals sell crafts.. the church up the hill from the dock serves tea. "

 

 

 

Caroline, I think you are leaving the wrong impression of Sydney. It is not " a little town". You make it sound like a little villiage with a little church just up the road.

 

Sydney is a city with many churches, a bustling downtown core, a casino, many resturants and much much more.

 

Kim

[Lisa63]

Another vote for the Fortress of Louisbourg.

 

The history of the Canadian Maritimes is fascinating, and the Fortress of Lousibourg brings it to life. We all enjoyed it.

 

Here's another link: Parks Canada - Fortress of Louisbourg

[Host Caroline]

"The little town of Sydney is very charming. Locals sell crafts.. the church up the hill from the dock serves tea. "

 

 

 

Caroline, I think you are leaving the wrong impression of Sydney. It is not " a little town". You make it sound like a little villiage with a little church just up the road.

 

Sydney is a city with many churches, a bustling downtown core, a casino, many resturants and much much more.

 

Kim

 

I didn't mean to do that :eek: .. actually one of my favorite places in Nova Scotia.. it's just "little" compared to the other ports (Portland, Halifax, Quebec, Boston) and I meant that in a flatttering way! I find it very charming and the actual area of the town near the dock up the hill and then down to the right towards the business district is relatively small i.e. very walkable etc. to see what is right downtown. And, guys, the church I'm referring to (one of many) had tea and crafts when we were there.. very friendly folks etc.

 

AND my friends still talk about the great haircut that Sandra gave me at th salon in the older house across the street from the church at the top of the hill by the harbor area..... and it's been almost 2 years.. maybe I need to start coming regularly for a cut.. let's see airfare is only gonna be about $700...

 

okay, better now???:)

[ladyandchristian]

I must say I am surprised. I spend six weeks every year at our cottage near Baddeck (cute little town), and have never actual heard that many good things said about Sydney!! My family is from Sydney, whichs makes a difference, so to us it's a stinky, underdeveloped, dying, old mine town! Kudos to you travellers for seeing some good in it!! We tend to go in, get groceries, and get out! Baddeck is nice, good prices, kind people. The Fortress is well worth the trip as well. I'm cruious, what other shores excursions do they offer in the area?

[Dolphins]

"The little town of Sydney is very charming. Locals sell crafts.. the church up the hill from the dock serves tea. "

 

 

 

Caroline, I think you are leaving the wrong impression of Sydney. It is not " a little town". You make it sound like a little villiage with a little church just up the road.

 

Sydney is a city with many churches, a bustling downtown core, a casino, many resturants and much much more.

 

Kim

 

We were wondering how long the seaside promenade was in Sydney? How far from where the ship docks? Points of interest along the promenade?

[Host Caroline]

The promenade is right near the dock and there are no real "points of interest" that I can specifically recall... just that the area right near the dock and up into the town where there are lots of lovely old homes was IMHO only very charming... the town isn't "lively" but it was a 80 deg. sunny late Sept afternoon and we enjoyed the town and, like I said, that awesome haircut is still talked about at my office :)

[crazy4cruisn]

WE will be on a Oct 15 - 26 cruise from MOntreal to Norfolk. Will that be too late to see the sites especially the fort in Sydney?

[JP46]

I must say I am surprised. I spend six weeks every year at our cottage near Baddeck (cute little town), and have never actual heard that many good things said about Sydney!! My family is from Sydney, whichs makes a difference, so to us it's a stinky, underdeveloped, dying, old mine town! Kudos to you travellers for seeing some good in it!! We tend to go in, get groceries, and get out! Baddeck is nice, good prices, kind people. The Fortress is well worth the trip as well. I'm cruious, what other shores excursions do they offer in the area?

 

 

 

Excuse Me!!!!!!

Sydney is not a stinky, underdeveloped, dying, old mine town! In fact there are no mines in Sydney at all. It is a thriving city, full of friendly people. The downtown area quite close to the port has wonderful shopping, a beautiful waterfront boardwalk, great restaurants and casino. People are on hand to give guided tours and to offer any advice. The main building at the port houses, a restaurant, cultural centre and a fabulous Craft Show that is set up by local carfters for every cruise ship. There are many tours which take you outside the city to other towns. Louisbourg-The Fortress of Louisbourg, Glace Bay(formerly a mining town)-The Miners Museum(you can actually go undergound into a mine, Baddeck-Alexander Graham Bell Museum and much more. The Cabot Trail is a natural wonder, and the host is correct when she said you really need 2 days to do it justice.

It is so unfortunate that someone with family from this area would give such a dark opinion.

For further information, google "Cape Breton Island"

Judy(proud to be a Cape Bretoner from Sydney)

[Host Caroline]

I was shocked as well at the poster's description of Sydney! And the only reason that I can "relate" I guess is that where I live there is nothing to do and I can't imagine why anyone would visit! But Sydney.. as I was chastised for describing is charming little town.. friendly people... etc etc.. read it above!

[crazy4cruisn]

Do you know if most of the places will still be open in and around Sydney in mid October? How about local tours by locals? We will dock Oct 20.

[JP46]

Yes, everything will be open mid October. Although after October 15, The Fortress of Louisbourg will be by guided tour only and there will be no animation or sevices.(no re-enactments, restaurants or bakery open). Local tours will still be available. Have a great cruise!

Judy

[Host Caroline]

It's a shame that the Fortress closes down part way Oct 15.. the re-enacters etc. are such an important part of the experience IMHO only. I'll keep that date in mind as we plan our next Canada cruise.

[crazy4cruisn]

Thanks for the information. Too bad about the reenactments shutting down after Oct 15! YOu mention local tour groups...do you know how to contact them or who they are?

Nancy

[JP46]

Nancy

I made a phone call and found out the the main terminal at the port houses a Cape Breton Tourism booth that will be able to help you out when you arrive. There is one group that does a walking tour, taxi drivers willing to take you on tours as well as limousines, and the bus tours through the ship. The next ship due to arrive is on August 24. I have the day off, so I think I'll drop on down and make a few inquiries and see what's being offered. Will let you know what I find out, though I don't think I'm allowed to give give specific names etc. of local operators. I will make sure that I give my email, if that's the case. Happy to help! (excuse my spelling!)

Judy

[Capebreton]

Dear Judy Check out a small but well known company by the Name Tartan Tours you can check them out with a lady by the name of Diane who works for tourism Capoe Breton at the Vistors information desk on the sydney marime term. or you can check them out at www.tartantours.ca I'm sure they will help you out in any way. By the way I'm from whitney pier. have fun judy:)

[JP46]

Thanks Capebreton,

I was getting the information for cazy4crusin(check out the above website, Nancy). I'm from the Hardwood Hill area. Small world! We're cruising Panama Canal in April.

Judy

[crazy4cruisn]

Hi Judy and Capebreton,

Thanks so very much for the great help! I am really getting excited about this cruise; we have not been to this area before. We are from Texas and usually escape to the Northwest for summers, but I am beginning to think we will have to return to your area next summer too! naheath@sbcglobal.net

Nancy