Overview
The City & Coastal Tour invites visitors to explore the vibrant heart of Sydney, Nova Scotia — a city where centuries-old history meets modern culture along a scenic harbourfront. In this concise yet immersive 90-minute journey, guests experience military heritage, colonial architecture, artistic landmarks, and coastal views that narrate the story of Cape Breton’s growth from a garrison town to a thriving cultural centre. Every stop reveals how people, faith, and industry shaped the city’s proud identity.
Main Attractions
Victoria Park Armouries
Founded in 1871, the Victoria Park Armouries house The Cape Breton Highlanders (CBH) — one of Canada’s distinguished Primary Reserve infantry regiments. Rooted in Highland tradition, their tartan uniforms and discipline reflect a legacy of courage and service. The Armouries, Sydney’s oldest Canadian Forces base, remain a symbol of community pride and military history, connecting visitors with the island’s deep respect for those who served.
Jost House
Dating to the 1780s, Jost House is among Sydney’s oldest wooden dwellings. Originally owned by merchant Samuel Sparrow and later by Thomas Jost, it stayed in the family until 1971. Now a museum, it preserves 18th- and 19th-century life through a restored kitchen, Victorian parlour, and a Marine Room honouring Cape Breton’s World War II heritage. The collection reflects both domestic life and maritime enterprise, while recognizing benefactor Joan Harriss for sustaining the site as a living piece of history.
Cossit House
Built in 1787, Cossit House stands as a rare example of Georgian-style architecture built from New England timbers. Once home to Reverend Ranna Cossit, Sydney’s first Anglican minister, it showcases the early settlement period when religion, politics, and community life intertwined. Today it operates as a provincial heritage museum, immersing guests in authentic colonial furnishings and stories from the founding families of Cape Breton.
St. George’s Church
Between 1785 and 1791, the Anglican community built St. George’s Church, the oldest of its kind on Cape Breton. The Gothic-revival stone structure served as the British garrison chapel and later hosted royal worshippers. Its churchyard holds graves of notable figures from the colonial era, making it both a spiritual and historical anchor in downtown Sydney.
Old Bank of Montreal Building (BMO Museum)
Erected in 1901 at Charlotte and Dorchester Streets, this sandstone landmark—designed by Sir Andrew Thomas Taylor—once served as a Bank of Montreal branch. Donated to the Old Sydney Society in 2016, it now operates as a museum preserving the city’s financial and architectural legacy, illustrating the prosperity that followed industrial expansion.
The Sydney Mural
Across from the historic radio building on Charlotte Street, the vibrant Sydney Mural celebrates local industry and resilience. Painted with imagery of miners, steelworkers, musicians, and cultural icons, it acknowledges women’s contribution to the steel plant and features Scottish symbols like the Highland terrier. This piece of public art transforms downtown into an open-air tribute to the island’s working-class pride.
Casino Nova Scotia & Centre 200
Opened in 1995, Casino Nova Scotia expanded Sydney’s entertainment scene within the Centre 200 complex. It offers slot machines, poker tournaments, and live music, often aligning with events of the Cape Breton Eagles Hockey Team. With inviting bars and dining options, it highlights the city’s modern vitality along its evolving waterfront.
Cape Breton Eagles Hockey Team
A symbol of community spirit, the Cape Breton Eagles compete in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Since relocating to Sydney in 1996, they have nurtured future stars like Marc-André Fleury and Ilya Kovalchuk. Their games unite locals and visitors alike, embodying the island’s enthusiasm for sport and teamwork.
Additional Highlights / Scenic Stops
Open Hearth Park
Once a contaminated tar-pond site, this area was reborn as Open Hearth Park in 2013. Its creation involved local students and officials commemorating Sydney’s steel-making legacy. Today, the park offers trails, playgrounds, and event spaces, serving as a year-round venue for festivals and winter activities.
Ukrainian Church in Whitney Pier
Constructed in 1912, the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church represents Byzantine-Eastern architecture with its onion-shaped dome. Rebuilt after a 1933 fire, it stands as one of only two Ukrainian churches east of Montreal, celebrating Whitney Pier’s rich immigrant culture.
The Melting Pot Monument
Installed in 2010 in Whitney Pier, this steel-based sculpture—crafted by Cyril Hearn—features national flags honouring the multicultural workers of the former Sydney Steel Plant. It powerfully symbolizes unity among the many ethnic groups who helped build the city.
Fort Petrie
Established in 1914 to guard Sydney Harbour, Fort Petrie served through both World Wars. Equipped with radar, artillery, and underground bunkers, it protected shipping convoys and industries. The preserved site and museum reveal Cape Breton’s crucial wartime role.
South Bar
A tranquil coastal village, South Bar lies where the Southeast Bar extends 1.7 km into the harbour. Its natural barrier shelters a small fishing community managed by the local Harbour Authority. The scenic views across Spanish Bay make it a refreshing seaside stop.
Lingan Power Plant and Victoria Mines
Heading along the coast, travellers pass the Lingan Generating Station, a 620-MW coal-fired facility opened in 1979. Nearby, the historic Victoria Mines—one of North America’s earliest under-sea mines founded in 1865—illustrate the area’s industrial heritage and shifting economy.
Lingan Golf Club & Membertou
Established in 1895, Lingan Golf Club is among Canada’s oldest courses, redesigned in 1922 by Stanley Thompson. A short drive away lies Membertou, a thriving Mi’kmaq community recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (2019). Its Trade & Convention Centre showcases Indigenous culture and hospitality, rounding out the tour with a glimpse of modern Cape Breton success.
Tour Experience
Throughout the City & Coastal Tour, guests travel in comfort with knowledgeable local drivers sharing stories of Sydney’s soldiers, steelworkers, and settlers. Each stop provides time for short walks, photos, and local insights. The route weaves from the downtown heritage core to the peaceful harbour communities, revealing how history, culture, and landscape meet along the Cape Breton shoreline.
Duration & Availability
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Availability: Daily, year-round
- Best For: Cruise visitors, history lovers, and those seeking a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Sydney.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Directly at the Sydney Cruise Terminal or local accommodations, with comfortable vehicles ensuring a relaxing experience.
