Cornerbrook or Sydney?

[elruth]

We're going on an NCL cruise to NE and Canada on Sept 11th. It's a 10 day cruise. I've booked some excursions but want to decide on an excursion in either Cornerbrook OR Sydney. We are 70 and 80 yrs old and I can't handle a long walking tour. Which port is better for an excursion. Any suggestions?

[maryann ns]

They are both wonderful ports with great scenery. I would hire a car and driver for either. Perhaps the best scenery accessable without walking is in Cape Breton (Sydney). You could drive to Ingonish and back which is a small part of the Cabot Trail. Or you could drive in the Bras D'Or Lakes area going to Baddeck and Iona among other places.

 

Go here to get some ideas: http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/default.aspx#

[LiftLockCouple]

Hello Elruth: I am commenting as one who has been to Sydney with a young family once for a couple of days. We traveled for 6 hours by car from New Brunswick in both directions and took a diffeent route for each trip. We had a great look at the wonderful scenery in Cape Breton. I have also been to Cornerbrook 3 times in the past 3 years, briefly in all three cases but in the process traveled the area as well. Obviously not great or extensive personal experience but similar to what most visitors would experience.

From a scenery point of view it is a toss up. The region around Cornerbrook is perhaps my favorite for most of Newfoundland but the town can perhaps be described as basic. I am very interested in history so Sydney gets my vote because of Fortess Louisburg. The fortress is why I dragged my kids to Sydney, they were bored with it but I had a great time. If you are interested in the French / British / American history, yes American history tho limited, and are able to walk and view the fortress then that would be my suggestion. The fortress is to my understanding, the largest historic reconstruction in Canada and is my personal favorite for such things.

On the other hand, if I were to avoid walking and pick one driving ( escorted ) tour of the sights, between the two, I would have a very tough choice but would lean slightly to Cornerbrook and region, it is indeed special. Hope this helps, Have a great time.