Top 15 Attractions in Sydney, Nova Scotia

The largest city on Cape Breton Island, Sydney serves as the island’s primary port and establishes itself as a central hub. Once a thriving steel and coal mining city, Sydney has transitioned into a prominent tourist destination, where aspects of its industrial heritage remain evident today.

In Sydney, one can discover a selection of distinctive shops and services that are unique to the region. The city is also adorned with historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.

It wasn’t until the decline of the steel sector that Sydney emerged as a notable tourist attraction, creating an exceptional base for venturing into the broader Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Here are the 15 premier activities to engage in while visiting Sydney and its adjacent areas.

1. See the world’s largest fiddle

Positioned in front of the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion along the Sydney waterfront is the globe’s largest fiddle, towering at an impressive 18 meters, making it a prominent landmark.

Visible both day and night, the fiddle is beautifully illuminated in the evening, providing excellent opportunities for photography, including traditional souvenir pictures taken alongside it.

The pavilion itself is a remarkable architectural design, featuring a sleek, modern aesthetic. Serving as a multifunctional venue, it hosts concerts, trade shows, and conventions.

2. Learn about the history of the community

The Cape Breton Centre for Heritage & Science is dedicated to the exploration of the social and natural history of the region. A visit to the museum offers an opportunity to gain insight into the community’s past.

The museum hosts exhibitions that showcase the area’s heritage, culture, and scientific contributions through both permanent and traveling displays. Moreover, it offers special programs and events throughout the year.

Young visitors will find enjoyment at the museum, as it includes a dedicated area for children known as the Discovery Corner. Located on George Street, the museum lies in the center of downtown Sydney.

3. Live in the 18th century

Cossit House, one of the oldest structures in the city, dates back to 1787, serving as a window into 18th-century life.

This living museum honors the Gaelic culture and history of Nova Scotia, showcasing period furnishings and employing costumed interpreters to enrich the experience.

For an immersive experience, participate in interactive activities such as lace-making, candle-making, butter-churning, and weaving.

4. Walk along the coast

The Cabot Trail, renowned for its breathtaking views, is a must for any visitor to Sydney, located just a short 45-minute drive from the city.

Ranked among the country’s most famous trails, the entire hike can take approximately five days, though segments can be explored in a single day trip.

The trail in the Baddeck area leads along the picturesque Bras d’Or Lakes, providing stunning scenery, followed by a hike along the coast of St. Ann’s Harbour.

5. Explore Baddeck

A visit to Sydney warrants a side trip to Baddeck, a locale offering remarkable attractions. Baddeck experiences significant tourism, driven largely by the Cabot Trail, yet features many additional sights.

Take time to explore the village, which is home to the renowned Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the former residence of the inventor. The village also boasts many quaint shops and a charming lakeside area.

For golf enthusiasts, the prestigious Bell Bay Golf Club is nearby. Conclude your outing by indulging in freshly prepared lobster or mussels.

6. Have a picnic

Petersfield Provincial Park, overlooking Sydney Harbour, offers picturesque picnic locations with exquisite views of the water and the city.

Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a delightful meal amid stunning scenery. The park is also significant for its historical traces, reflecting four cultural periods from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century.

After your meal, you can walk or cycle along its expansive network of trails, which spans seven kilometers and varies in difficulty levels.

7. Visit artisan studios

To truly engage with local artisans, visiting their studios or workshops is recommended. Utilizing the Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map is the ideal approach to navigate this experience.

Obtain a map or download it online to follow the trail and discover local artisans. Engage with the artists to discuss their crafts and possibly purchase a unique item to take home.

The trail features painters, pottery designers, quilt makers, woodworkers, jewellers, and much more, including chocolatiers, soap makers, and jam makers.

8. Take a workshop

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design provides a range of workshops suitable for both children and adults, covering various arts and crafts.

Participants can learn skills such as painting, casting silver jewellery, or mastering the technique of mocha diffusion during workshops that may last half a day or a full day.

Moreover, one can experience learning directly from local artisans within their workshops, where opportunities to dye fabric, practice glassblowing, or engage in kayaking for painting striking landscapes are available.

9. Hit the casino

Since its inception in 1995, Casino Nova Scotia – Sydney has become a favored destination among both tourists and locals. The casino boasts over 250 slot machines alongside gaming tables for blackjack, roulette, and Let it Ride.

Poker enthusiasts can join dedicated poker tables to test their skills; prior registration is required for entrance into the poker room.

Guests can take a break from gaming to savor a meal at the on-site Celtic Junction restaurant. Noteworthy culinary events include a barbeque buffet on Thursdays, an all-you-can-eat lobster and ribs night on Fridays, as well as discounted Fish and Chips on Mondays.

10. Learn about religion

St. Patrick’s Church stands as the oldest Roman Catholic Church on the island and currently operates as a museum dedicated to the city’s religious history.

Constructed between 1828 and 1830 in the Gothic Revival architectural style, it was transformed into a museum in 1966, preserving artifacts of religious significance.

The architecture of the church is truly spectacular, featuring original hand-hewn beams, Gothic windows, intricately cut stone surrounding the openings, a grand tower with a cupola, and imposing entryways that merit a visit even for those disinterested in religion.

11. Wander around a fortress

A brief 30-minute journey southeast of Sydney leads to the historic town of Louisbourg, renowned for the Fortress of Louisbourg. This French fortress was captured twice, influencing the formation of modern-day Canada.

This National Historic Site encompasses remnants and a reconstruction of a quarter of the fortress as it appeared in the 1740s. Visitors can explore the fortress through guided or self-guided tours and delve into its fascinating history.

The site offers demonstrations illustrating historical weaponry, along with entertaining puppet shows for younger guests. Stroll along Main Street Louisbourg, visit the Fortress Chapel, and capture photographs of the King’s Bastion Barracks.

12. Tour a mine

Situated along the coast in Glace Bay, just east of Sydney, the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum commemorates the region’s coal mining heritage, including a guided tour of underground mines.

Experience the mine with a retired miner as your guide through the underground Ocean Deeps Colliery. While tour times may vary, advance reservations are recommended to secure your visit.

The museum’s exhibits focus on the geological history of the island’s coal field, featuring an array of tools, equipment, and personal stories from miners.

13. Honour Sydney’s immigrants

The Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum serves as a community museum that pays tribute to immigrants who journeyed to Sydney from across the globe to build their lives. This area became home to a diverse population, many of whom were employed in the steel industry.

The museum commemorates the intricate multicultural heritage of Sydney, which remains vibrant today. Its collection includes scrapbooks, photographs, and newspaper articles from both the Sydney Steel Corporation and periods of conflict.

A gift shop within the museum offers distinctive souvenirs. The Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum is open to visitors from June 1st to August 29th.

14. Go to the market

For nearly three decades, the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market has played a pivotal role in the community. Initially established as a seasonal outdoor market, it has evolved into a year-round indoor facility attracting thousands of visitors weekly.

Boasting around 50 vendors, the market offers fresh produce, prepared foods such as crepes, bread, and pastries, along with preserves such as jams and local honey.

The market also features stalls from local artisans, enabling visitors to find handmade crafts including jewelry, body scrubs, cutting boards, and quilts.

15. Discover the Membertou Community

Membertou Heritage Park spans two hectares, offering insights into the history of the Membertou people. The site encompasses both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing an immersive experience into the community’s rich culture.

A knowledgeable tour guide facilitates exploration through the park, highlighting the unique history and spiritual significance of the Membertou community.

Upon concluding your tour, visit the gift shop for unique Aboriginal art and crafts, as well as contemporary Mi’kmaq artworks.