Sydney

Travel Guide

Sydney showing a house and a small town or village
Sydney which includes street scenes
Sydney which includes street scenes
Sydney showing street scenes and a small town or village
Sydney featuring a statue or sculpture

Tour a reconstruction of an 18th-century fortress town, drive along a scenic highway and hike through forests at this seaside town.

Sydney is a port town on the east coast of Cape Breton Island and a gateway to the rugged beauty of its highlands. Gorgeous scenery is only one of the draws. There is also a rich musical heritage and hundreds of years of history to uncover.

The Port of Sydney is the entry point for many visitors, but it’s more than a transport hub. Meander along the waterfront up to the huge fiddle and bow. The sculpture lays claim to being the largest fiddle in the world and is a tribute to the island's Celtic music tradition. Behind it is the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion where you can watch concerts. Other performance venues in Sydney include the Highland Arts Theatre, located in the former St. Andrews Church.

Sydney was founded shortly after the American Revolution and for history lovers there’s much to get excited about. Tour the 18th-century Cossit House, believed to be the oldest residence in Sydney. In Josh Heritage House, find a collection of Victorian artifacts. A 40-minute drive away is the Fortress of Louisbourg, a reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortress town.

Devote some time to discovering Sydney’s natural charms. Meet the animals at Two Rivers Wildlife Park and at Twin Lighthouse Farm. See puffins, seabirds, seals and eagles at Bird Island, then unwind on the sandy shores of Dominion Beach Provincial Park or Mira Gut Beach.

Nearby is Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Take your pick of 26 trails that encompass cliffs, forests, rivers and lakes. Kayak on the ocean and spot humpback and minke whales. Running through the park is part of the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile (297-kilometer) scenic highway.

When you are back in Sydney, relax with a round of golf at Alderdale Greens or Juniper Hollow Golf. On Saturdays, stock up on local produce at Cape Breton Farmers’ Market and picnic at Open Hearth Park.

To get to Sydney and its scenic, historic and cultural attractions, take the ferry from Newfoundland or fly into JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. You can also arrive by car and bus from Halifax on mainland Nova Scotia.

The Simon Hotel Sydney

The Simon Hotel Sydney

3.5 out of 5
380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
The price is $159 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$159 total
per night
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,033 reviews)
"It is beautiful and clean with a great restaurant"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

The Simon Hotel Sydney
Park Inn - by Choice Hotels, Sydney

Park Inn - by Choice Hotels, Sydney

2.5 out of 5
560 Kings Rd, Sydney, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $109 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$109 total
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (541 reviews)
"As many reviews state. This is an older building and it does show, but not an issue with me. Filipino restaurant with Canadian food on site was reasonably priced. Only complaint I had was that their charging ports for electronics at the desk and by the bed did not work. Date of stay Sept 16 thru ..."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Park Inn - by Choice Hotels, Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney

2 out of 5
480 Kings Road, Sydney, NS
The price is $121 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$121 total
per night
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
6.8/10 (1,729 reviews)
"Quiet, good breakfast, good staff...."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Full house

Full house

Sydney
Stay at this vacation home in Sydney. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted tubs, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Membertou Heritage Park and Sydney ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"The property was perfect for us as we traveled with 6 children, lots of room and location was perfect., but the property could use a little TLC with regards to the interior, that said, we would book it again if we needed it."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Full house
Room Available in  Comfortable Cozy Cottage on Cottage Road.

Room Available in Comfortable Cozy Cottage on Cottage Road.

Sydney
Stay at this vacation home in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Baille Ard Trail and Membertou Heritage Park are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Friendly helpful host."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Room Available in Comfortable Cozy Cottage on Cottage Road.
2 bedroom semi- duplex

2 bedroom semi- duplex

Sydney
Stay at this apartment in Sydney. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Membertou Heritage Park and Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"Nice location and a good condition"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

2 bedroom semi- duplex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sydney

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 26%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great little town to visit. Very friendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Sydney itself is a gritty city and not really an attraction on its own however the rest of Cape Breton Island both in its natural beauty and very friendly residents is exceptional

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lovely town, plenty of shopping and dining options; friendly people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Everything is within walking distance.

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