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
The price is NT$3,634 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$3,634
NT$4,394 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & 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 2025/6/28

Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
2 out of 5
480 Kings Road, Sydney, NS
The price is NT$3,451 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$3,451
NT$4,052 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & 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 2025/7/1

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
3.5 out of 5
380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,967 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
NT$4,967
NT$5,832 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & 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 2025/6/28

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.
Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
3.5 out of 5
336 Main Street, Wolfville, NS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Wolfville. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (955 reviews)
"Awesome location and hotel -definately will be back"

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
Cameo Hotel and Suites
Cameo Hotel and Suites
3 out of 5
1572 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (326 reviews)
Nice room with unpleasant surprises
"The room was really clean and equipped with everything you need. The room I stayed at was a bit drak with a little window, but that was the only one available and the room rate was reasonable for that. The check in was a mess, though. Hotels.com doesn't share the reservation number (?) in the confirmation ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/23

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Ingonish Chalets
Ingonish Chalets
3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (423 reviews)
"Was such a cute little chalet. Very clean, beds and pillows very comfy!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/25

Ingonish Chalets
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

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.