Sydney, Nova Scotia???

[vb,cruisers]

Would it be easy at this port to do an independent tour?

[jjones]

I walked all over Sydney in less than 2 hours. It's a very small town but there were two craft fairs to enjoy the day I was there with interesting people and beautiful workmanship. You might consider an excursion that goes out of town - I don't remember what's available - and then spend some time wandering on your own. There was a bagpiper playing in a grassy area close to the dock and, of course, the "Big Fiddle" on the dock. I don't know about independent tour operators.

[leoandhugh]

Although it is the biggest town and commercial center for Cape Breton Island, Sydney itself is not of great interest although you could certainly just walk around. Have never taken a ship's tour, but have been to both venues for which Cape Breton is most famous - the Cabot Trail, which I would anticipate would be a full day's tour with a stop for lunch, and the Fortress of Louisbourg. Louisbourg was the site of the French settlement and it is similar to Williamsburg with lots of restored buildings, including pubs and restaurants. The people all wear period costumes and many of the streets are unpaved. It is, however, open seasonally - usually closing in September. If it is open, the shore excursion desk on the ship will know and probably offer a shore excursion. The Cabot Trail goes around the island itself and offers some magnificent scenery. Depending on the ship you are one (size) you will dock either near a commercial dock center and abandoned steel mill or closer to town.:)

[harry3rd]

I would suggest the Cabot Trail Tour. You will not see the whole trail in a day, but you will see enough. Here is a good independent tour company:

http://bannockburntours.com/

If possible, stop for lunch at the Celtic Lodge. The views are awsome!

[MercedMike]

We found it very easy to rent a car and drive around the Bras D'Or lakes for the wonderful scenery. We did not do the entire Cabot Trail, but we stopped at the Highland Village and enjoyed that very much.

Our report and pics are at
http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/maasdam.html

Have a GREAT cruise!

[senator6]

Have to agree with Mike, we have been to Sydney twice and both times have rented a car- they will pick you up at the port and bring you back to the ship when you return the car.

[OldCodger73]

Senator and Mike, which car rental company did you use?

[senator6]

We used budget, downtown and not the airport. I booked it on line and then called them from home to arrange pickup. I called from the ship soon after we docked and they we there in about 10 minuets.

[vb,cruisers]

THANKS everyone...you have really helped us.

[OldCodger73]

Taking this one step further, has anyone rented a car in Halifax and, if so, through whom and where did you go?

[HAL92]

Sydney (the town itself) doesn't have much to see, when I went we rented a car and drove to Louisbourg, about an hour away on the Atlantic coast. There is a historic fort and lighthouse there. Also if you wanted to see the Bras d'Or lakes (I think that's how it's spelled), you should rent a car, it's pretty easy and they take you to and from the ship.


(wow I haven't even logged in for 6 months, only 1 post in the last year, nice to see everything still up and running here :))

[senator6]

Old Codger,
We used thrifty in Halifax twice and had good service both times. Budget may be closer to the dock area. I am sure either will give you good service.