These top shore excursions for Sydney, Nova Scotia, offer unique opportunities to make the most of your time in port. There are so many unforgettable experiences to choose from, and the choice will be difficult. From exploring the stunning landscapes of Cape Breton Island to delving into the town’s rich history, there’s something for every traveller. Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience or an outdoor thrill, these excursions promise memories that will last a lifetime. For those wanting a similar experience on the West Coast, Port Alberni offers an array of exciting activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
This Canadian city is located on Cape Breton Island, one of the most beautiful islands in North America. Once you have made the journey to Cape Breton Island, you will want to explore more. Here is our guide to a seven-day adventure on this stunning island. Or stay longer with this 14-day itinerary for Nova Scotia.
Best shore excursions for Sydney Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers spectacular scenery, including rugged coastlines with incredible ocean vistas, rolling highlands, and canyons. The Cabot Trail scenic highway winds through this beautiful national park.
Explore some of the 26 hiking trails in the park.
Friends take a selfie as the sun sets at an interpretive look-off on the Vieux Chemin du Cap Rouge, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Scott Munn©
If you are planning a trip to explore other incredible travel destinations, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime. 8 Reasons Why Newfoundland and Labrador Should Be on Your Bucket-list, Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe, and if you are thinking about cruising to Alaska check out Explore best ports of call Alaska Cruise Guide.
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Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site examines the significant contributions made by the famous inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
The scientist, born in Scotland, is most well-known for inventing the telephone.
Bell also contributed to aviation, helping with Canada’s first powered flight and building giant kites. He and his wife created the hydrofoil.
The museum is located in Baddeck, Nova Scotia.
A group of visitors scrutinize a selection of Bell artifacts in a collection room as they enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour delivered by a heritage presenter during a White Glove Tour program at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Photo Credit: Parks Canada Dale Wilson©
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site explores life as it was in 1744. It is the most extensive historical reconstruction in North America.
The original site was destroyed in the 1760s. The fortress reconstruction started in the 1960s.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
An animator dressed as a soldier of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine showing a visitor, wearing the same costume, how to fire a real musket during the “Fire a Musket, Have a Ball!” program in front of the King’s Bastion at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Dale Wilson©
The Cabot Trail
The world-famous Cabot Trail is one of North America’s most spectacular scenic drives. The highway offers breathtaking ocean views along the coast as it twists and turns through picturesque fishing villages and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The Cabot Trail scenic highway is 298 km (185 miles) long.
The spectacular Cabot Trail one of the most scenic drives in North America. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Highland Village Museum Baile nan Gàidheal
Highland Village Museum Baile nan Gàidheal is a 40-acre site located in Iona on Cape Breton Island.
Explore the village’s 11 historic buildings to experience what it was like to live in a Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. View the Highland Village webcam.
Top shore excursions and things to do in Sydney Nova Scotia. Visit the Highland Village Museum. Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia©
Top shore excursions and things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Visit the Highland Village Museum. Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia©
Bras d’Or Lake
Bras d’Or Lake is a stunning inland sea and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the tranquil lake setting, view marine wildlife and sea birds, hike, kayak, or take a chartered lake tour.
Top things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Visit Maskell’s Harbour on Bras d’Or Lake. Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia©
Sydney Historic Walking Tour
The Sydney Historic Walking Tour starts at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.
Check out the top things to do in Sydney.
Historic Colonial homes in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Many are designated as a heritage property.
Cossit House Museum, Sydney
Visit the Cossit House Museum to learn more about 18th-century life. The designated heritage site is a fine example of neo-classical Georgian architecture.
Museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making and butter-churning. Learn more and view a photo gallery.
This museum is on the Historic Walking Tour of Sydney.
Learn about 18th-century life with a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The home is furnished with 18th-century pieces, and museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making and butter-churning. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Antique toys displayed on a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia, The architecture is neo-classical Georgian. The home is furnished with 18th-century pieces, and museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making and butter-churning. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Eat lobster
When it is offered, the Learn-to-Lobster Boil program at La Bloc, in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a culinary treat. Savour the freshly cooked lobster on the rocky shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
There are also other places to experience this.
A park interpreter plays the fiddle and shares tunes to visitors participating in a Learn-to-Lobster Boil program at La Bloc, in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Dale Wilson©
Stroll through Sydney’s scenic Waterfront District and try some of the best lobster found on the East Coast.
Eat some of the best lobster found on the East Coast. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design showcases the most recent designs by local artisans. The shop, located at 322 Charlotte Street in Sydney’s Waterfront District, offers a variety of media, including pottery, textiles, glass and wood products, jewellery, and visual art.
The World’s Largest Fiddle
Take a photo of the world’s largest fiddle. The solid steel fiddle stands about 60 feet high. Its design represents the rich Celtic heritage and their love of folk music.
The fiddle is located at the Joan Harriss Cruise Ship Pavilion.
Browse inside the pavilion at the Big Fiddle Market. The market, which features over 50 local artisans and crafters, is only open on cruise ship days.
Top shore excursions for Sydney, Nova Scotia. Sydney is a popular port for cruise ships. Holland America’s Rotterdam arrives at the Joan Harris Pavilion. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Quick Facts
- Bras d’Or Lake is Canada’s only inland sea.
- Fort Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. The French originally built the fort in 1713.
- Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876 at age 29.
- The Cabot Trail scenic highway is 298 km (185 miles) long.
- Sydney was founded in 1785.
- Sydney became a city in 1904.
- Cape Breton Highland National Park has 26 hiking trails to explore.
- Sydney has the world’s largest fiddle.
- The Celtic Colours International Festival runs for nine days in October and features the best of Celtic culture, including dancers, singers, and storytellers.
Discover the top things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Explore Nova Scotia Travel Guide for all your trip planning needs, The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure – 14 Day Itinerary
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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