Sydney, Nova Scotia
Our next stop on the cruise was Sydney, Nova Scotia. I desperately want to visit Scotland one day, so it was exciting to visit some cities in New Scotland (aka Nova Scotia). Sydney was our first stop in Nova Scotia.
When we arrived to the port of Sydney, we were greeted by the world’s largest fiddle. It’s a reminder of the musical heritage and Celtic music that is continuously played on Cape Brenton Island. Side note, Cape Brenton is one of the few places in North America where Gaelic is still spoken!
For our stop in Sydney, we decided to do the Fortress of Louisbourg shore excursion with our cruise line. The journey started by getting on a bus and having an introduction to Sydney as we made our way through the historic north end and back in time to 1744 at the Fortress of Louisbourg.
Louisbourg was once the capital of Cape Brenton Island and a seaport. Looking out at the ocean, I could envision giant ships sailing towards us. The history is still alive and the fortress continues to provide an entertaining experience with costumed actors reenacting the lives of specific individuals from the pre-siege era. Our guide told us we could stop and talk to the actors to ask them anything about daily life in 1744. End of June to the beginning of August is when you’ll see the most costumed interpreters walking around since it’s peak season.
Other Thing To Do Around Sydney: Village of Baddeck, Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Bras d’Or Lakes, Cabot Trail, Whitney Pier, Historical Museum, Pub Crawl
Have you been to Cape Breton Island? What was your favorite thing to see? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Any advice for planning a trip to Scotland would be nice too!
-Ayla ♥
Thank you for this lovely introduction to Sydney and Cape Breton. I hope to spend five days on the island, next summer/fall, whilst exploring Atlantic Canada.
I hope you do! It’s unlike any place I’ve traveled to before.
Looks beautiful 😍
looks amazing, clear skies, beautiful scenery!! but where’s the Opera House??? 😛
Wrong Sydney, my Aussie friend 😂 Hope you’re staying safe!
Haha from Sydney Australia, I’ve always wondered what the other Sydney is like! Thanks for sharing.
I still need to visit your Sydney haha Soon, hopefully!
I definitely need to make a trip here!
The reconstruction of Louisbourg in the 1930s to create work in times of economic depression is a great success. It was indeed the stronghold of the French and the architecture is very reminiscent of the southwest of France.
Very interesting! I don’t think I have been to the southwest yet, but I loved Paris and the south.
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Aww. Thank you so much for lovely comment <3
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