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.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
2.5 out of 5
60 Maillard Street, Sydney, NS
$128 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$150 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Clean room in quiet area."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
2 out of 5
480 Kings Road, Sydney, NS
$112 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$132 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
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 (1,472 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
3.5 out of 5
380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
$151 nightly
The price is $177 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$177 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,018 reviews)
"Wonderfully spacious room and comfortable bed. Conveniently close to good dining options and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Simon Hotel 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 Bethel ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The house was great, perfect for the whole family so we could attend a wedding on the weekend."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 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! (1 review)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Room Available in Comfortable Cozy Cottage on Cottage Road.
1 bed apartment Cozy Haven - Your Sydney Downtown Escape
1 bed apartment Cozy Haven - Your Sydney Downtown Escape
Sydney
Stay at this apartment in Sydney. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bethel Presbyterian Church and Membertou Heritage ...
"There were bed bugs and the owner of the property still hasn’t refunded or communicated with me at all"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

1 bed apartment Cozy Haven - Your Sydney Downtown Escape
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.

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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.