SYDNEY, Nova Scotia

Often viewed as its ‘sole city’, Sydney is your gateway to exploring all of what Cape Breton Island has to offer. Whilst part of Nova Scotia with its connection via the Canso causeway, the culture itself on Cape Breton is uniquely independent.

Once known for its mining, in recent decades the town of Sydney and its approximately 30,000 residents has had to reinvent itself following the decline of the steel industry in the region. It has done so through its proud history and heritage, with its music and arts culture, as well as its abundance of amazing coastal tourism routes, particularly the Cabot Trail around the Cape Breton Highlands.

Whilst small, downtown Sydney has its charms and is right at your doorstep from the cruise port. Just wander up a couple of blocks from the port and you’ll find historic churches and little local artisan stores and restaurants.

For getting out and seeing more of what the region has on offer, some of the highlights include the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Cape Breton Miners Museum, and for nature lovers, the town of Baddeck, set on the picturesque Bras d’Or Lake.

In order to see much of the Cabot Trail in a days visit to Sydney, it requires the complete full day. Most cruise lines will offer a tour in the 7-8 hour range, and if you wish to do it on your own, there are a handful of local tour drivers at the port, and alternatively you can also rent a car to drive on your own. If you go for this option, it is highly recommended to book in advance, for two reasons. Firstly, to save time, and secondly, to guarantee a car is available for you on the day. Most car rentals are a distance away further inland from the waterfront, and because of this, often the rental agencies will come and pick you up from the port and take you back to your rental car.