Sydney Nova Scotia Cruise Destination Port

Cruise Ship Port of Call information like Port News, Weather, Transportation Options, Things to Do and See, Area Events, Medical Care, Crime and Safety Review

About Canada

Canada, where English and French are the official languages, is the world's second largest country in land area with urban cities, small towns, large mountain ranges and vast coastlines. It is a highly developed, stable democracy with a vibrant economy. Tourist facilities are widely available in much of the country, but the northern and wilderness areas are less developed and facilities there can be vast distances apart.

Sydney Weather

Getting Around

Most sights within the downtown are within walking distance, however most major tourist sights are well outside of the city and require a car or pre-arranged tour bus.

Canada, where English and French are the official languages, is the world's second largest country in land area with urban cities, small towns, large mountain ranges and vast coastlines. It is a highly developed, stable democracy with a vibrant economy. Tourist facilities are widely available in much of the country, but the northern and wilderness areas are less developed and facilities there can be vast distances apart.

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Shopping

The Sydney marine terminal as well as Charlotte Street have an abundance of arts and crafts stores selling traditional Cape Breton souvenirs.

Interactive map (external link) of downtown Sydney.

ports > destinations > Sydney, NS
 

Sydney, NS, Canada

Sydney, Nova Scotia is a destination port call for some cruise ships sailing Canada/New England itineraries

sydney cruise pier nova scotia

Sydney, Nova Scotia's second-largest city, is situated on the east side of Cape Breton Island. Once a booming center for mining and steel, this colonial seaport serves as a gateway to some of the most historic sites and scenic landscapes of the North Atlantic.

map of canada

Cape Breton Island was a separate colony until 1820 when it was merged into Nova Scotia against its will. It is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still spoken, a legacy of the large immigration (about 50,000) from the highlands of Scotland in the first half of the 19th century. There are also pockets of French, remnants of the Acadian history described in the Longfellow epic poem "Evangeline", in towns such as Margaree and Chéticamp. There is a strong island identity and sense of community, which increasingly unifies the Mikmaq population of the island.

Good to Know

Port of Entry

Ships dock at the Port of Sydney, Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, where passengers are greeted by the world`s largest fiddle; a symbol of Cape Breton Island`s cultural heritage.

The newly constructed cruise pavilion is also a multi-use venue for meetings, concert performances, conventions, tradeshows, weddings and much more.  Email: info@sydneyport.ca

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Map Coordinates

46.1378°N, 60.1829°W

map of Nova Scotia wiki

Nova Scotia Map Source

 

Climate

Late spring and early fall temperatures average in the 60's during the day, and 40's overnight. High temperatures during the summer months of July and August average in the low 70's during the day and mid 50's overnight.

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Things to do and see

Although Sydney is the center of Cape Breton, it lacks major tourist sites itself.

Detailed Cape Benton Island Map PDF

Top of the Island

An excellent reference site for the incredibly beautiful northern tip of Cape Breton.

Historic North End

One of the oldest sections of Sydney. It contains half a dozen buildings from the 1700s and many others built during the 19th century. The Historic North End is located north of Dorchester Street.

St. Patrick's Church Museum

The oldest Roman Catholic sanctuary in Cape Breton. Built in 1828,  the museum displays a variety of historic artifacts including the town’s whipping post from the mid-19th century.

Cossit House

Built in 1787, it is the oldest house in Sydney.

Center for Heritage and Science

Arts and exhibits Social and natural history of eastern Cape Brenton.

Cheticamp

Acadian fishing village located at the western entrance to Cape Brenton Highlands National Park.

Cape Brenton's Highlands National Park

The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is among Canada’s most scenic areas. Home to the world-famous Cabot Trail. 

Cabot Trail highway

Cabot Trail Highway is a trail that winds through stunning landscapes, along the Margaree River, a Canadian Heritage Salmon River, and through spectacular rugged highlands of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada. The Cabot Trail connects eight major with intriguing histories, ranging from the Acadian Region, to Irish and Scottish settlements.

Alexander Graham Bell Historic Park

Complex where models, replicas, photo displays, artifacts and films describe the work of Alexander Graham Bell. The park is situated on land overlooking Baddeck Bay on the Bras d'Or Lakes.

St. Peter's Village

St. Peter's is located on a narrow isthmus which separates the southern end of Bras d'Or Lake, known as St. Peters Inlet, to the north from St. Peters Bay on the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The remains of forts which were the first line of defense and a source of supply for the Fortress Louisbourg are waiting to be explored in Battery Provincial Park, were a series of walking trails takes you through the park and around the village.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park

Located at the southeast tip of Cape Brenton Island, the one-time French colonial town of Louisbourg is best known for its reconstructed fortress. The historical reconstruction is the largest in North America.

St. Peter’s Canal

National Historic site which joins the Atlantic Ocean to the sparkling Bras D'Or Lake, winds it's way through Battery Provincial Park, creating a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, swimming and site seeing.

Nicolas Denys Museum

The museum tells the story of this famous explorer and fur trader. A full service marina on the Bras D'Or Lake side of the canal can accommodate fishing and pleasure boats of all kinds.

 

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