Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada

Day 7

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada

Cape Breton is fabled as a magical travel destination and the Port of Sydney is the gateway. Known for its beauty and unique Celtic music and culture, Sydney puts some of the Island's greatest sights and attractions at your fingertips when you disembark into the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.

The dockside pavilion offers an array of Shopping Boutiques, a Craft Market and the World's Largest Fiddle. You will also find wireless Internet services, a Visitor Information Centre, and the Cape Breton Island Exhibition Centre featuring artifacts, images and an overview of the rich culture and heritage of this historic Island. Or you can simply sit and savour our local seafood cuisine at the Range Light Cafe, or enjoy a glass of wine on our second level balcony.

The city of Sydney has a deep history and was originally founded in 1785 by British Loyalists fleeing the perils of the American Revolution. The rich natural resources led these new settlers to establish prosperous coal and steel industries, which attracted immigrants from a myriad of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. To this day, Sydney remains a haven of multiculturalism.

The Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion is just a short drive from the community of Baddeck and the breathtaking Bras d'Or Lake where Alexander Graham Bell lived, worked and studied. On the east coast of Cape Breton lies the largest historic reconstruction in North America, the Fortress of Louisbourg. The Fortress is a Parks Canada National Historic Site and is described as a Williamsburg-style attraction that is not to be missed.
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We have a late start today, [Sunday, 28 September] all passengers had to go off the ship by tender boats. 



Margaret outside Cruise Pavilion

Our original excursion was sold out so we had to choose from what was left.    We thought we had booked a trip but it was local Gaelic People performing their Cape Breton Ireland Music and Dancing.



Before our excursion we went for a walk around the Board Walk and also down to the park and main street it was very pleasant but windy.

Main Street

Margaret at the Park

Bill on the Board Walk 

I have updated the blog in the Cruise Centre where many people are using IPads etc.

Bill upstairs at the Cruise Ship Pavilion



People using their IPADS and phones

Our excursion was not until 1.20 p.m. and we were piped into the building and room.    We were given a cup of tea or coffee and oat bran biscuits.    Bill's highlight for the day.   Bill was not looking forward to this and had said he if it was to boring he would go back to the ship.     I enjoyed it and Bill stopped for the whole time.

Group Performing for us

Then tried to connect to the Wifi to update todays event but internet was down.
I enjoyed looking at the stalls in the Pavilion before and after our show, beautiful jewellery, and paintings.


Stalls at the Market in the Pavilion

 Then caught tender boat back to ship and went through the security procedures again and up to our cabin for a shower and get ready for tea.

Tender Boat

There is a lot of entertainment on tonight but we are going to see a World Class magician and illusionist, Michael Barron