Visit The Top 16 Tourist Places and Things to Do in Sydney, Nova Scotia

August 25, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 6261 Views

Sydney is a community city on the Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia province of Canada. Some of the best things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia include exploring colonial history, and world war history, enjoying coastal trails, trekking up mountains, and cruising the ocean. The city was established in 1785 by British colonists, though the French forces had established themselves in the region by 1719. It was declared a city in 1904, but its city status was retracted in 1995. Majority of the historical places to visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia hail from the colonial and world war periods.

Though the first settlement was established during the 1700s, the region was home to the Mi’kmaq people who know the region as Mi’kma’ki. There are a few Sydney, Nova Scotia attractions dedicated to their history and culture. They signed a treaty with the British Crown in 1725 after which the region was developed as a harbor and a city. Over the centuries, the city has been a major harbor, coal mining center, and steel industry hub. You will come across several interesting things to see in Sydney, Nova Scotia concerning different stages of this region’s development.

The harbor of Breton Island has had a storied history of wars, naval battles, and sieges. The harbor also played an important role during the second world war. There are several forts and coastal defensive structures among Sydney, Nova Scotia’s tourist attractions. We have talked in detail about two of these forts in the section below. These are distinguished for their museum and experiences. These activities in Sydney, NS transport you to the 1700s.

The region is blessed with wonderful landscapes including mountains, lakes, islands, coastal cliffs, beaches, plateau, forests, canyons, and rivers. You can enjoy a lot of fun things to do in Sydney, NS including hiking, trekking, boat cruises, and adventure sports. Some of the most famous natural wonders of the region include the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and Bras d’or Lake. Each of these places to see in Sydney, Nova Scotia offer a unique scenic beauty and experience.

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Table of Contents

Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia

1. The Big Fiddle

This large violin stands 18 meters tall. Standing opposite Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, this is the largest fiddle in the world. It is one of the most well-known monuments in the city. Taking pictures with it is among the best things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You will have 15 to 20 minutes of time to spend with this large stringed instrument.

2. The Sydney Museum (Cape Breton Center for Heritage & Science)

Formerly known as Cape Breton Center for Heritage & Science, this museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the region. The museum has several interactive exhibits and events. It is among the most fun things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia for family tourists. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

3. Cossit House Museum

Built-in 1787, this is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The house recreates the life of the 18th century in the region. It is also one of the most popular Sydney Nova Scotia attractions for interesting activities like lace making, butter churning, candle making, and weaving. These experiences are intended to transport people back in time. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

4. Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum

This museum focuses on the history of immigration in the region. It honors people who came to this city from different parts of the world. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Sydney, Nova Scotia as it sheds light on the multicultural heritage of the city. You will the influence of the immigrants on the modern culture of the region and this museum sheds light on its origin. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Sydney, Nova Scotia travel to tour this museum.

5. Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The Cabot Trail is one of the most well-known coastal treks in the world. The trail explores the lush forests, mountain peaks, beaches, river canyon,s and coastal cliffs. It is one of the top things to do in Sydney, Canada for those who seek adventure. The trail is part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which has several hiking and trekking trails other than Cabot. You will need at least 3 to 5 days to explore this entire trail.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

6. St. Patrick’s Church Museum

Built-in 1830, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city. The church is famous for its historical significance and its Gothic Revival style of architecture. The museum of the church focuses on the history of religion in the city. It is one of the most important cultural places to visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the church and its museum.

7. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

The construction of this fortress began in 1719 and it has a long and storied history of wars and sieges between French and British forces. The history of this fort spans 300 years which can be explored at the fort’s museum. The fort complex is one of the most magnificent things to see in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The fort also offers several cultural activities and has facilities for leisure as well. These experiences take you back to the 1700s with rum tasting, cannon fire show, open fire cooking, and more. You will need 3 to 4 hours to tour this place when you visit Sydney, Nova Scotia.

8. Cape Breton Farmer’s Market

This market is run by the community for the last 30 years. The market has more than 50 vendors selling local produce, prepared food items, handicraft items, and store food. It is one of the best places to visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia to shop for souvenirs. You will need an hour or so to explore this market.

9. Cape Breton Miner’s Museum

This museum explores the coal mining history of the region and also sheds light on the life of the miners. The guided tour of the museum is usually conducted by a former miner. It is one of the most fascinating Sydney, Nova Scotia tourist attractions. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

10. Jost House Museum

Built-in 1786, this house belonged to Samuel Sparrow, a prominent merchant of the time. The house and its interior have been restored to reflect the life of the merchant from the 18th century. It is one of the best things to do in Sydney, Cape Breton for its collection of model ships, old medicines, furniture, apothecary, and marine artifacts. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

11. Open Hearth Park

This park is popular among visitors and locals alike for outdoor activities in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The park has green spaces, nature trails, bike tracks, sports facilities, picnic spots, a playground, a dog park, and a concert venue. You will need half an hour or so to explore it.

12. Membertou Heritage Park

This heritage park focuses on the history and culture of the Mi’kmaq people, the aboriginal community of the region. The guided tour of the park includes indoor and outdoor artifacts concerning the lifestyle, religion, weapons, clothing, art, and craft of the community. It is among the most intriguing cultural activities in Sydney, NS. You will need about an hour to tour this heritage park.

13. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

This museum focuses on the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. Besides the telephone, the site also has life-size models of Bell’s other inventions including airplanes, watercraft, recording devices, tetrahedral kites, and more. This place also celebrates his contribution to the community as a teacher. The historical site is one of the most interesting places to visit in Sydney, NS. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

14. Bras d’Or Lake

This beautiful lake falls on the famous Cabot Trail. It is famous for several fun things to do in Sydney, NS including hiking and boat rides. It is also the historic site of the first powered flight of Graham Bell’s Silver Dart. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying this lake and its surroundings.

15. Fort Petrie Military Museum

This museum honors the contribution of the Sydney harbor to the allied forces during the Second World War. This fort was one of the 7 fortifications that protected the harbor and the ships from enemy submarines. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

16. Cape Breton Center for Craft & Design

This center is dedicated to the preservation and development of art and craft techniques. It is divided into 6 studios each focusing on a different handicraft discipline. The center also hosts a variety of events and workshops for artisans and visitors. You will come across some of the most interesting stuff to do in Sydney NS at this center. You will need one hour to tour this place.

If you are looking for more Sydney, Nova Scotia tourist attractions, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities which you can experience in and around the city.

Things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cossit House Museum
The Big Fiddle
Membertou Heritage Park
Jost Heritage House
St. Patrick’s Church Museum
Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum
Sydney Museum
Old Sydney Society
Cape Breton Highlanders Museum
Merchant Mariner Monument
United Heritage Church
St. George Anglican Church
St. Mary’s Polish Catholic Church
Fortress of Louisbourg
Cape Breton Miner’s Museum
Cape Breton Center for Craft & Design
Alexander Graham Bell Site
Fort Petrie Military Museum
Low Point Lighthouse

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Baille Ard Trail
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Bras d’Or Lake
Grand Lake
Keefe Lake
Browns Lake
Inglis Lake
Kehoe Lake
Kilkenny Lake
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cabot Trail
French River Wilderness Area
Middle River Wilderness Area

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Wentworth Municipal Park
Greenlink Rotary Park
Petersfield Provincial Park
Casino Nova Scotia
Open Hearth Park
Mariner’s Park

Shopping in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Farmer’s Market
Mayflower Mall
Sydney Shopping Center
Big Fiddle Market

Beaches & Islands in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Dominion Beach
Polar Bear Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Hiking
Trekking
Swimming
Mountain Climbing
Kayaking
Boat Cruise
Surfing

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sydney, Nova Scotia

The Old Triangle
Flavor
Governer’s Pub
The Dory Pub
Montana’s BBQ
The Olive Tree
East Side Mario’s
Lobster Pound
Trio
Black Spoon Bistro
Flavor on the Water

Where to Stay in Sydney, Nova Scotia?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Sydney, Nova Scotia

How to Reach Sydney, Nova Scotia?

By Air

The city is served by the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia from Montreal, Toronto and Halifax. The airport is connected to the city by buses and cabs.

By Road

You can get direct buses to reach Sydney, Nova Scotia from several cities in Canada including Toronto, Halifax, Toronto, Moncton, New Glasgow, Quebec City, Ottawa and many more.
There used to be a direct train link to the city, but it was discontinued long ago. The closest train stations for Sydney, NS travel are in Halifax, Sackville and Moncton.
If you are planning to reach Sydney, Canada by road, you should head for highway routes 4, 105, or 125. If you are traveling from mainland Canada, you will first need to cross to Breton Island via Canso Causeway. Then you should stick to highway route 4. This route will take you all the way to Sydney.

By Water

North Sydney, Nova Scotia is connected to Newfoundland ports by ferry. You can also reach Saint Pierre and Miquelon Island province by ferry from North Sydney port.

Image Reference

The Big Fiddle – Smudge 9000 / Flickr
The Sydney Museum (Cape Breton Center for Heritage & Science) – Ken Heaton / Wikimedia Commons
Cossit House Museum – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum –
Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Doug Kerr / Flickr
St. Patrick’s Church Museum – Doug Kerr / Flickr
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Cape Breton Farmer’s Market –
Cape Breton Miner’s Museum – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Jost House Museum – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Open Hearth Park – Plumzee / Wikimedia Commons
Membertou Heritage Park –
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Bras d’Or Lake – LeniG / PixaBay
Fort Petrie Military Museum – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Cape Breton Center for Craft & Design –