OVERVIEW

Travel back to the 1700s and discover what life was like at the Fortress of Louisbourg, a re-creation of a French colonial fortified town that is so impressive it has become a National Historic Site. The original settlement was founded in 1713 and thrived as a center of fishing and trade until the British destroyed it later that century. After an enlightening guided tour of the town – which archaelogists have painstakingly excavated, yielding literally millions of artifacts – you will be free to explore on your own. The reconstructed site contains period-style houses, a museum, a bakery and all sorts of defensive buildings. Feel free to converse with the costumed characters as they can provide a rare glimpse into the challenges that the residents of the 18th-century town faced. You might also learn about military life at the former home of Captain De Gannes and how the town was laid out and constructed at the Engineer’s Property.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore a reconstruction of an 18th-century fortified town that is a National Historic Site.
• See the Louisbourg from the guide’s perspective and while exploring on your own.
• Listen to costumed characters recount the challenges of the harsh conditions centuries ago.
• Visit buildings ranging from officers’ homes to storehouses to a tavern.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit three downtown pubs, all of them offering a selection of local brews and imported favorites from Ireland and England. A short walk will bring you to Island Folk Cider House, Cape Breton’s first locally owned and operated craft cidery. Whether your predilections are tilted towards the unusual, or you prefer the familiar and steadfast, they've got something you'll love! Ciders are proudly brewed with 100% Nova Scotia apples, never from concentrate, never artificial, only local, quality goodness! During your visit enjoy a guided production tour and enjoy a sample flight of fresh ciders. Then it’s on to Daniel’s Restaurant & Bar, home to cold beer, great food, and good times. Enjoy a beer from a selection of Nova Scotia brews or perhaps one that reminds you of home. Finally, visit the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, offering nearly two dozen different brews, ranging from Guinness Irish Stout to an India Pale Ale known simply as Keith’s to local brewery creations from the likes of Breton Brewing and Big Spruce. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, an ideal setting to sip another brew. Afterwards, join your guide for the walk back to the pier, or you may remain in town and return to your ship at leisure, if you prefer.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of distinctive beers at three pubs in Sydney.
• Enjoy locally made brews and others from Ireland and England.
• Revel in the pub life, which is similar that in the British Isles.
• Note the 50-foot-high Celtic fiddle at the cruise terminal that honors Nova Scotia’s roots.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a captivating tour that showcases the Sydney area and introduces you to the charming communities in and around the city center. Discover the many influences that have shaped Sydney's colorful character since its founding by Loyalists in 1785.Your journey begins with an introductory drive through the historic North End, where you’ll see beautifully preserved buildings and learn about the city’s early settlers. As you continue into bustling downtown Sydney, you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture that define this area. Next, you’ll arrive at the charming Whitney Pier, known for its multicultural churches that reflect the diverse heritage of the community. Here, you’ll gain insights into the various cultures that have contributed to Sydney’s rich tapestry. Midway through our journey, we will make a memorable stop at Fort Petrie, a key military fort from WWII. This site offers stunning views of the harbor and is a perfect opportunity for photos that capture the essence of Sydney’s history. After a short drive to the next stop, you will have free time to explore the Colliery Lands Park, which pays tribute to the area’s coal mining industrial past. Enjoy the natural beauty, walking trails, and informative displays that tell the story of Sydney’s coal mining heritage. As we continue our scenic drive back to the port, you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views while passing through Dominion beach, picturesque fishery village, mining towns and the impressive wind farms at Lingan, a testament to the region's commitment to renewable energy. This unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable experience that highlights the essence of Sydney.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the heart of Sydney and the surrounding landscape of Sydney Harbor.
• Learn about the city’s history and its significant role in the coal, steel, and fishing industries.
• Enjoy a memorable photo stop at Fort Petrie, capturing stunning views of the harbor.
• Explore Colliery Lands Park at your leisure, immersing yourself in the area's coal mining heritage and natural beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical district of Sydney with a guide dressed in a period costume and see landmarks that reflect how the city has evolved since its founding in 1785. Taking shape around the coal & steel industries, many buildings from that time remain, although they serve different purposes. See the oldest church in town, St. Patrick’s Church, which is now a museum, housing artifacts from Sydney’s earliest years. You will visit & browse Jost House – the town’s oldest wooden building – which now holds a museum with items such as a beehive bake oven, models of ships and an apothecary. Pausing outside the Cossit House, the oldest residence in Sydney, you will gain great insight into the life of Reverend Ranna Cossit and his wife, who died there at age 47 while giving birth to their 13th child. Visiting St. George’s Anglican will also be enlightening as it is Sydney’s oldest building.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Sydney’s historical downtown, which dates to the late 1700s.
• Hear stories of Sydney earliest years from a guide dressed in a period costume.
• See the oldest church, oldest residence and oldest wooden building in Sydney.
• Browse the artifacts in historical buildings that are now museums.
• Remain in Sydney after the walking tour and explore on your own if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor some of Sydney’s most flavorful delights as you walk through its streets and gain historical insight into the town, while walking between landmarks like St. George’s Anglican Church and more. At a local restaurant, enjoy an autochthonous food tasting paired with a beverage that may be either a locally brewed craft beer or cider, depending on availability. While sampling, you will learn about how they are made and how it affects the taste. The exact ones chosen for the sampling will depend on what’s freshest and seasonal, but you can be sure that they will reflect the locally sourced ingredients. This tasting experience will allow you to enjoy the essence of Sydney’s culinary heritage in a single, memorable stop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Taste a locally brewed craft drink in a restaurant.
• Sample local foods.
• Discover Sydney’s architectural gems and learn about their historical significance.
• Learn a bit about Sydney’s history while passing key landmarks downtown and North End.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a hearty lobster boil at The Flavor on the Water Beer Garden, a popular outdoor venue that looks out over Sydney’s historical waterfront. Locally caught, ethically and sustainably harvested lobsters are always available on Cape Breton Island. They are among the world’s tastiest lobsters because of the favorable environmental conditions that impact their flavor. These crustaceans are cooked in every way imaginable but as you will discover firsthand boiling them may be the most classic preparation. A chef will demonstrate how it is traditionally done on the island. Afterwards, a local musician and lobster expert will demonstrate how to properly shuck a lobster after it is boiled. He will also regale you with entertaining songs about life along the eastern coast of Canada and how lobstering has changed over the years. Your lobster lunch comes with melted butter, a side of potato salad and a beverage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dine on locally caught, freshly boiled lobster at an outdoor waterfront restaurant.
• Watch how a chef prepares the lobster for your meal.
• See how to easily and properly remove the lobster meat from the shell by shucking.
• Listen to entertaining songs by a local musician while dining.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing for an outdoor dining experience.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Alternate indoor venue is available in case of inclement weather.

OVERVIEW

Discover inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s many remarkable contributions to the world in his namesake museum in Baddeck, a lovely village on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake. You will drive there along the spectacularly scenic and circuitous Trans-Canada Highway. Upon arriving at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, you will be struck by its unusual design, which is based on the tetrahedron form that the inventor used in his flight test kites. Although Bell is renowned for inventing the telephone, that groundbreaking accomplishment only touches upon the Scotsman’s scientific achievements. Bell earned 18 patents on his own and collaborated on another 12 in areas as diverse as medicine, genetics, electricity, sound, speech, aeronautics and marine engineering. You can learn more about the principles of drag, lift and weight as you explore the exhibits at the museum. On the return to Sydney, you will enjoy extraordinary views of Boulanderie Island and Kelly’s Mountain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about inventions by Alexander Graham Bell that go far beyond the telephone.
• See models of some of his co-inventions in aeronautics and watercraft.
• Recognize how the museum’s design evokes the look of Bell’s innovative kites.
• Enjoy ever-changing views of Nova Scotia’s natural beauty during the panoramic drives.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.