Sydney Nova Scotia Cruise Port Guide

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Introduction

Sydney is the main port on Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships dock at Joan Harris Cruise Pavillion and site of the big fiddle. The small downtown area is 400m (1/4 mile) to the south along Esplanada St. Cruise schedule https://www.sydneyport.ca/cruise/schedule/

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Money and Tipping

Exchange Rates Live

Canada's currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Coins are used for denomination $2 and under. Canada uses polymer plastic notes similar to the notes used in Australia. The penny was eliminated in 2013. US dollars are widely accepted though you may get a poor exchange rate and your change back in Canadian money. When dining in restaurants, tips between 15-20% are expected since restaurant workers typically make minimum wage. Taxi drivers should be tipped the same. Mastercard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted.

Local Transportation

Sydney is very small and walkable. You will need to rent a car, take a taxi or tour to visit sites further out. Uber and Lyft are currently unavailable (July 2022).

Hotels

Search hotels in Sydney here

Sights

Most sights in the area are outside of the city

Fortress of Louisbourg - a reconstruction of the 18th century fortified French fort about an hours drive away
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck - the largest collection of Bell's artifacts and inventions http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell
Cabot Trail - A scenic loop drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/ourregions/scenic_travelways/cabot_trail/map.aspx

Shopping & Restaurants

There are small shops and restaurants downtown on Charlotte St and by the terminal. There is a small mall, Sydney Shopping Centre, on the east end of Princes St with a Sobey's supermarket.

Internet

Restaurants and cafes may provide free WiFi to customers.