Known as the largest urban area in Cape Breton, Sydney, Canada, is a beautiful mix of suburban and modern living. It’s the perfect place to live and stay if you are not a big fan of huge corporate buildings but still want to enjoy the best contemporary living has to offer. The metropolitan charm and warm hospitality are some of the reasons behind the booming tourism in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and are enough to make you feel at home. The nature and city tours are enough to fulfill your satisfying holiday that you simply won’t forget. Fortunately, Sydney also has tons of fun things to do for tourists and residents. We have got you covered. Continue reading to find out more about the best things to do in Sydney, Canada.
1. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk
Stretching along the edge of the sparkling Sydney Harbour, this 1.2-kilometer (0.75 mile) boardwalk is one of the best places to visit in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It provides an ideal backdrop for leisurely walks and strolls. The breathtaking views of the harbor, with boats gently swaying in the breeze, make it a visual delight.
But it’s not just the scenic beauty that makes the waterfront boardwalk special; it’s also steeped in history, with monuments commemorating the island’s vibrant past. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Largest Fiddle in the World.
As you walk, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, with street musicians, quaint shops, and a variety of dining options lining the path. It’s a place where you can soak in the fresh sea air, enjoy the rhythmic lull of the waves, and simply revel in the calming ambiance that only a waterfront stroll can offer.
2. Enjoy a day outdoors at Open Hearth Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Open Hearth Park on Wednesday, July 6, 2016
With its paved walkways, Open Hearth Park offers ideal conditions for leisurely strolls and cycling, allowing visitors to soak in the serene natural surroundings. The park’s biking and running trails provide an opportunity for those seeking a more active outdoor experience. If you’re here with your family, its vast open spaces make it perfect for picnics, outdoor games, or simply relaxing in the sun-dappled grass. Moreover, the addition of a natural and a synthetic turf field provides space for sports and recreational activities.
Families with children will be delighted by the well-equipped playground, complete with a padded surface play area, slides, track glide, musical instruments, and even a water play area for those hot summer days.
Open Hearth Park
Address: Harbourside Place, 45 Wabana Court, B1P 0B9
Website: Open Hearth Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Check out The Big Fiddle
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Wondering what to do first on the east coast of Cape Breton Island? Visit The Big Fiddle here! A must-visit attraction in Sydney, Canada, Big Fiddle was opened or unveiled in 2005. The community’s iconic statuary was set up to celebrate and honor the folk traditions and music in the Celtic community. Cyril Hearn designed and constructed the fiddle and the bow that’s made of solid steel with a height of about 60 feet (18.2 meters). Located right by the waterfront, this world’s largest fiddle welcomes all cruise ships to the harbor.
The Big Fiddle
Address: 74 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 1A1, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Take a tour of Cossit House Museum
Established in 1787, Cossit House Museum is said to be the oldest house to survive in Sydney, Canada. Featuring period decor, this historic home is a one-and-half story wood-framed building that comes with a masonry chimney. While here, you will be taken on a tour by guides dressed up in 18th-century attire. Aside from that, you will also participate in day-to-day activities from the 1700s, which include churning butter, stitching, and more.
Cossit House Museum
Address: 75 Charlotte St, Sydney, NS B1P 4P4, Canada
Website: Cossit House Museum
5. Take a walk around Wentworth Municipal Park
Created in 1785, Wentworth Municipal Park is an urban park in Sydney, Canada. Renowned as the oldest park in the community, Wentworth covers an area of 14.5 acres (5.9 hectares) and comprises amazing facilities such as a playground, a splash pad, fountains, gazebo, and Kiwanis Bandshell, to name a few. The well-paved paths here are either dotted with flowers or surrounded by ponds. The park features interconnected ponds as it centers around Wentworth Creek.
Wentworth Municipal Park
Address: 744 George St, Sydney, NS B1P 4Z4, Canada
Website: Wentworth Municipal Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Explore Jost Heritage House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
All’s quiet as we wait to see what Post Tropical Storm Erin brings us this evening; much like the calm before our busy,...
Posted by Jost House Museum on Thursday, August 29, 2019
Set in one of the oldest buildings in Sydney, Canada, Jost Heritage House is a museum that belonged to a prominent merchant back in 1786. Today, the museum is one of the popular spots if you want to check out the massive collection of model ships, reconstructed apothecary, medicines, and marine life. There’s also a gift shop available on site, where you can shop for collectibles and other souvenir items.
Jost Heritage House
Address: 54 Charlotte St, Sydney, NS B1P 1B7, Canada
Website: Jost Heritage House
7. Go hiking at Baille Ard Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
It’s highly unlikely that you may run out of things to do in Sydney. However, there will be times when you just want to take a break from the city and reconnect with nature—and Baille Ard Trail is a great spot to escape to. This is a 2.7 kilometer (1.7 miles) out-and-back trail featuring an incredible forest setting perfect for all skill levels. Baille Ard Trail is perfect to visit all year round, especially if you’re looking for a nice place to jog, walk around, and hike.
Baille Ard Trail
Address: 605 Cottage Rd, Sydney, NS B1P 6S5, Canada
Website: Baille Ard Trail
8. Visit Merchant Mariner Monument
Just near the waterfront of Sydney Harbor lies Merchant Mariner Monument, a figure that tells a very important story. This monument was built to commemorate the contributions, efforts, and sacrifices of Canada’s Merchant Navy. The sailors risked their lives as they headed out towards the submarine-infested Atlantic Ocean on their supply ship. The said merchant ship was sunk by German submarines in which thousands died.
Merchant Mariner Monument
Address: 246 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 6P4, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Spend some time at Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion on the Sydney waterfront
Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion is a gorgeous place to have wholesome fun for the family or have a romantic dinner date with your special someone. The versatile location can hold concerts, theater performances, and other events for locals. Situated on the Sydney waterfront, the facility is within walking distance of Sydney hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and boutiques. It’s the perfect place for roadshows, trade shows, weddings, meetings, and more. Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion is definitely the best place to be.
Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion
Address: 74 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 1A1, Canada
Website: Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion
10. Enjoy a day out at Petersfield Provincial Park
Imagine a fun Sunday morning with the whole family at the Petersfield Provincial Park. Before heading out to brunch, the whole family can go for a stroll and have a grand time at this wholesome and scenic park. The whole gang can enjoy the stunning views of water and the charming downtown Sydney. The gorgeous park and its scenic views will certainly make your whole day. Visit the Peterfield Provincial Park for some good wholesome fun.
Petersfield Provincial Park
Address: 1N2, 1126 Westmount Rd, Sydney, NS B1R 1C7, Canada
Website: Petersfield Provincial Park
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Browse through the interesting collections at Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum
Welcome!
Posted by Whitney Pier Historical Museum on Wednesday, 7 June 2017
The Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum is the perfect place for those who simply love history and antique stuff. The Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum aims to preserve the best of Sydney’s history and culture. This is where you can see a vast variety of scrapbooks and photographs. Take a walk down memory lane and see the rich history of Canada. In this place, you can learn how migrants changed Canada for the good and how history truly shaped the future. A trip to this museum is simply a must.
Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum
Address: 88 Mt Pleasant St, Sydney, NS B1N 2G1, Canada
Website: Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm Mon - Fri (closed on Sat & Sun)
12. Go on a memorable ride across the scenic Cabot Trail
Want something scenic? Cabot Trail will quench your thirst for good Instagram posts. It’s also the perfect activity for those who are suckers for thrilling adventures. The beauty of Cabot Trail is insane. A memorable ride to this place is your chance to see the wondrous hills in Sydney. The Cabot Trail also offers other exciting adventures such as kayaking, hiking, cycling, and whale watching. The scenic place offers a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family. Make sure to stop by when you visit Sydney.
Cabot Trail
Address: Nova Scotia, Canada
Website: Cabot Trail
13. Visit St. Patrick’s Church Museum to know more about religious history
Learn more about Sydney, Canada’s religious history at St Patrick’s Church Museum. This church museum has all of Sydney’s glorious religious artifacts. Anyone who loves history and culture will surely have a blast in this beauty. The oldest, still-standing Roman Catholic church in Cape Breton, built in 1828 in the Pioneer Gothic style, it is a restored building that tells its story using interpretive panels and audio plays of historic events, and now also hosts art exhibits and community events. This place certainly deserves a spot in your itinerary.
St. Patrick’s Church Museum
Address: 87 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 1A3, Canada
Website: St. Patrick’s Church Museum
14. Test your luck at Casino Nova Scotia
What to do at night in Sydney, Canada? Play a game or two at Casino Nova Scotia. This classy casino is the perfect place to be for a fun game or two with your friends or a romantic night with your partner. Casino Nova Scotia is also a place where people can see concerts and shows. They also offer exquisite dining experience. There’s a wine night where ladies can enjoy endless bottles of wine and a buffet, as well as show nights perfect for the whole family.
Casino Nova Scotia
Address: 525 George St, Sydney, NS B1P 1K5, Canada
Website: Casino Nova Scotia
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 3am; Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 24 hours; Sun: 12pm - 3am
15. Explore Cape Breton Centre for Heritage & Science Museum
Another perfect trip to add for those who want to get cultured on all things Sydney is a visit to the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage & Science Museum. This is the place to be if you want to learn more about the history of Sydney and Cape Breton. It’s an interactive museum which means the kids will love playing along with the educational exhibits that are available inside. This museum is a fun afternoon treat for the whole family. Learn more about the city through this museum.
Cape Breton Centre for Heritage & Science Museum
Address: 225 George Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia
16. Shop 'til you drop at Cape Breton Farmers’ Market
Check out our big and beautiful new sign! We would like to thank Mike of Vango Signs & Designs for his continued support...
Posted by CB Farmers' Market on Friday, 17 May 2019
Support local. Shop at Cape Breton Farmers’ Market where you can buy locally produced products. This market aims to facilitate the economic growth of various local vendors and encourage people to invest and buy locally. They do their best to make sure that their products are all sustainable and also try to cultivate a harmonious environment for the whole community.
Cape Breton Farmers’ Market
Address: 15 Falmouth St, Sydney, NS B1P 5G8, Canada
Website: Cape Breton Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8:30am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Mon)
17. Grab a Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map and go on an art crawl
Are you into arts and craft? Then better grab a Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map to locate the best studios for contemporary souvenirs. Using this map, you can find shops that held workshops for aspiring arts and craftsmen who have the hearts for all things art. You and your kids will definitely love an afternoon learning how to make handcrafted souvenirs for the whole family.
Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map
Website: Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map
Find art and thrills at Sydney, Canada
Throw in a mix of art, culture, and beauty when you visit this scenic part of Canada. This charming locale will surely add flavor to your wholesome trip to this country. Follow our handpicked list of the best things to do and walking tours in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and have an amazing time.
Should you also decide to venture out into the neighboring areas, you will find plenty of comfy Airbnb vacation rentals in Baddeck for your accommodation needs.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Sydney
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