Sydney help

[bonafidebeachbum]

We will be in Sydney 5/22 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Trying to decide between the ships excursion to Baddeck and the Alexander Bell museum (4 hour tour) versus renting a car and traveling to Baddeck on our own. We usually like to strike out on our own, or take a local tour but having second thoughts about either with this port call. I've read Tom's guide and the difficulties and time constraints one can encounter with car rentals, as well as foggy weather, ferry closures, and closed businesses due to out of season. What can we typically expect this time of year as far as fog or closures??? Are there any car rental agencies who deliver or pick up at the cruise terminal??? If not, which rental agency is the closest to terminal??? Thanks for any and all input!!

[Clay Clayton]

Sorry I don't have any answers...just suscribing because I am looking at our options in Sydney too.

[Traveler27]

I am booked on the Carnival Cruise that will be in Sydney, NS June 8. I decided I could see more if I rented a car. I have booked with Enterprise which is about 10 minutes away from the cruise ship terminals. They will come and pick you up and bring you back. I called the Sydney office direct and made the reservations (902-539-6700). Hope this helps. Actually on this cruise I decided to explore and just rent cars in all the ports.

[travelbig]

Here is a google map of a driving route for sightseeing:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Syd...ra=ls&t=m&z=10

[Clay Clayton]

Travelbig - Thanks for the map. Can you share why you think that is a good sightseeing route?

[Nitemare]

The little ferry ride you'll take there is great.

If you had enough time, I'd suggest a lap around Cape Breton. Most gorgeous scenery, and good chance you'll see Moose.

[travelbig]

Originally Posted by Clay Clayton

Travelbig - Thanks for the map. Can you share why you think that is a good sightseeing route?

It was posted by someone who did it. There aren't a lot of rural roads outside of Sydney and this is an easy route.

[bonafidebeachbum]

Originally Posted by Nitemare

The little ferry ride you'll take there is great.

If you had enough time, I'd suggest a lap around Cape Breton. Most gorgeous scenery, and good chance you'll see Moose.

How much time would one need to do the lap?? We will be in port 10 - 5. I would love to see moose.

[jdvmd]

Looking at a cruise that goes to Sydney as well. Subscribing.

[canuck eh?]

Originally Posted by bonafidebeachbum

How much time would one need to do the lap?? We will be in port 10 - 5. I would love to see moose.

On the map it says 3 hours 8 mins.

[canuck eh?]

OhOh - I think you meant a lap around Cape Breton. ooops

[maryann ns]

The route in the map mentioned above is one I have done and recommended many times. The scenery is great, particularly in the Iona area. http://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Syd...ra=ls&t=m&z=10

Toms Port guides are excellent, but not perfect. The ferry he mentions was closed a few years ago for repairs, but runs fine now.

It is very frustrating that ships will not stay in Sydney long enough for people to drive around the Cabot Trail. However they don't so you really have two options for a great day.

One is to go to Baddeck and Iona and renting a car is the best way to do this.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell/index.aspx
http://museum.gov.ns.ca/hv/en/home/default.aspx

The second is to go to Fortress Louisbourg. Renting a car also works for this, and depending upon the time you are in port and how long you spend at Louisbourg, you may also have time to go to the Glace Bay Miner's Museum, where you can be taken down into an old coal mine and learn about the life of a miner from a retired coal miner.
http://www.minersmuseum.com/mine_tour.htm

Louisbourg is only fully open from June 15 to October 15 so keep that in mind. When it is open, you are immersed into the life of the fortified town in the year 1744, with live animators (people playing the roles of actual people) and restaurants, pubs, etc.

[Clay Clayton]

Originally Posted by travelbig

It was posted by someone who did it. There aren't a lot of rural roads outside of Sydney and this is an easy route.

Thanks!

[Clay Clayton]

Originally Posted by jdvmd

Looking at a cruise that goes to Sydney as well. Subscribing.

Pick ours!!!

[bonafidebeachbum]

We've rented a car through Enterprise who have a shuttle from the terminal, and we're going to go with the Baddeck and Iona route that you have recommended. Hoping we will have time to do this. How much time should we allow ourselves for the return trip to Sydney?? Our ship leaves at 5:00 PM.

[maryann ns]

It is a one hour drive so leaving Iona at three should give you plenty of time.

http://g.co/maps/3z4e7

[bonafidebeachbum]

Thanks, Maryann!! Now we'll just keep our fingers crossed and hope for decent weather...

[Clay Clayton]

BFBB- please be sure to come back and give us your thoughts on your day in Sydney. Have a great cruise!

[bonafidebeachbum]

Will do!!! Thanks!

[jcfcruise]

How far away is Fortress Lousibourg from where ship docks?
Will there be taxis at dock to take you there?
How about at fort to bring you back to ship?
Any idea of the taxi fare?
We will be in Sydney Thurs Sept 13.
9:30 AM - 5:00PM
Thanks for any help.