Sydney Nova Scotia - Recommendations on tours

[Delbankin]

Hi,

Trying to piece together what we are going to do on our forthcoming cruise.

 

I just wondered if anyone could advise on any tours that might be good to take when we are in town. The ship is due to be in Sydney from early morning until 6pm which should give us enough time to take a tour.

 

Unfortunately we won't be hiring a car so it would be good to hear of any organised tours that can be taken.

Del.

[travelbig]

Here are some sites for tours or general info.

http://tartantours.guided-tours.ca/index.php

http://www.downtownsydney.ca

http://www.molegatours.ca/shore-excursions.php

[luvnorway]

We went to the Miners' Museum when we were in Sydney a few weeks ago. I'd recommend it very highly and have seen other posts saying the same thing. It's very easy to reach by local public transit and not expensive at all.

The info below is copied from my previous posts about it.

Just in case the links included don't show up, these are the links to the posts on this forum

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1022230

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1004323&highlight=

 

Hope this helps.

 

One of the most interesting tours we have ever done was at the Miners’ Museum in Glace Bay, Cape Breton. http://www.minersmuseum.com/

I had read excellent recommendations for this in this forum and they were right. Our guide was a retired, 3rd generation miner. He led us down into the coal mine and his presentation both entertained and informed us. I could have listened to his stories and experiences for hours. He really made the hardships experienced by the miners come alive.

 

re Miners' Museum

- it is located in the town of Glace Bay which is about a 50min bus ride from Sydney. The bus takes the 'milk route' = longer to get there than the ship's shorex which says the trip is half an hour. We thought it was a great advantage to take the local bus - not only was it much less expensive, as mentioned previously, but we enjoyed seeing some of the small towns when the bus left the main highway and both the driver and passengers, happy to meet tourists interested in exploring independently, provided a running commentary as we drove along, explaining what we were passing and telling us about life in Cape Breton.

 

How to get to the Miners Museum:

 

1) when you get off the ship, go to the Tourist Information desk in the terminal and get a a free map of Sydney. (I tried asking the guys manning the desk about the bus, but they really didn't know much since, like many of us, they drive everywhere and seldom take public transit at home.)

 

2) you'll find the most convenient bus stop by walking up Dorchester St - the bus stops just above Charlotte St on the left side of Dorchester - it's only about a 5min walk from the cruise terminal - IIRC, there's a bus shelter, or at least a bench there, even if it isn't signed. All the buses seem to stop there, so just ask anyone waiting.

 

3) The bus you want is Route #1 to Glace Bay

- you can download the route map and schedule from the Cape Breton Public Transit website below - don't worry that the sched says 2007 or 2008 - it's current. The buses seem to arrive at the stop mentioned above at about 10min to the hour and leave on the hour - we easily caught the 9am bus

http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/portal/communi...it/default.asp

 

4) When you get to Glace Bay, the bus will stop on Commercial St

- download the map in the Visitor Information section of the Miners' Museum website and you'll see it http://www.minersmuseum.com/index.htm

- just ask the bus driver to point you in the right direction, and, although the website says it's a mile from downtown Glace Bay, it seemed a shorter walk than that to us - more like 1km

 

As soon as you get to the Miners' Museum, buy a ticket for the underground tour - it's great.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

Additional useful info re Sydney:

1) there's free WiFi in the cruise terminal (also in Quebec City and Charlottetown)

2) There are many booths inside the cruise terminal where local craftsmen are selling their works at very reasonable prices as well as the retail outlets outside on the pier

3) Cape Bretoners give a wonderful performance on the pier for better than half an hour before the ship sails - it includes a brass band from North Sydney, and an excellent singer. Don't miss it! For some reason, the ship's daily program mentioned the pipers on the pier in Halifax, but not this.

 

We went there on the local bus from Sydney for $3pp.

http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/portal/communi...it/default.asp

The admission to the museum, including the underground tour, was about $10pp. In contrast, the HAL shorex is $79pp. Unbelievably, we even met passengers who had paid much more than that for a local ‘guide’ who just drove them there and waited while they took the same tour as us.

Bottom line - if you want to go, either rent a car (and spend some time at Louisbourg as well), or just take the local bus to Glace Bay.

[CBTcruisers]

Fortress of Louisbourg, Baddeck, Walk the Boardwalk and through Wentworth Park in Sydney and then back through the downtown shops. Ghost Tours, there are 2 small museums - Cossit House and Jost House and St Patrick's church to see in the North End of Sydney. The Miners Museum is also great and if you are there on a Tuesday you can book supper at the restaurant there and then see the "Men of the Deep" play.

[Andromeda93]

Here are some sites for tours or general info.

 

http://tartantours.guided-tours.ca/index.php

http://www.downtownsydney.ca

http://www.molegatours.ca/shore-excursions.php

 

We have been researching Sydney for an upcoming trip and appreciate all of the info posted here and in other threads.

 

FYI I contacted Molega Tours recently about Sydney and were told that they are in the process of rebuilding their vehicle fleet and their tour itineraries aftera fire wiped out some of their van/bus fleet. The Molega contact mentioned that they will be offering tours in Halifax in the near terms but are staying closer to Halifax with their offerings until they get back up to 100% capacity. Just FYI in case anyone has a near-term visit to Sydney planned (I was asking about June 2013).

[maryann ns]

It would help to know when you will be in Sydney. If it is not in June or July, I would not recommend Louisbourg so highly as it will not be fully open with costumed animators and restaurants.

 

That is too bad about Molega tours. There seems to be a lack of good tour operators in Sydney. Do an Internet search for tartan tours.

 

I recommend people hire a car and driver or rent a car. Search on the Internet for toms port guides. His guide for Sydney is very comprehensive. However, I disagree with where he says to make your end point on the Cabot Trail. (See below.)

 

Here is some information from previous posts:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1687976

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1769976&page=5 I agree that if you can, you should go as far as Neil's Harbour on the Cabot Trail. The best scenery for this part of the trail is past Ingonish.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/adrian-brijbassi/louisburg-travel_b_2392748.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-travel

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1768421

 

http://www.visitbaddeck.com/adventure/bannock.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1621363

 

http://www.cabottrail.travel/

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k4847897-Tours_from_Cruise_Ships_at_Sydney_Port-Nova_Scotia.html#36180250

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=828325&page=4

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k5456035-Cabot_trail_shore_excursion-Nova_Scotia.html

[Andromeda93]

It would help to know when you will be in Sydney. If it is not in June or July, I would not recommend Louisbourg so highly as it will not be fully open with costumed animators and restaurants.

 

That is too bad about Molega tours. There seems to be a lack of good tour operators in Sydney. Do an Internet search for tartan tours.

 

I recommend people hire a car and driver or rent a car. Search on the Internet for toms port guides. His guide for Sydney is very comprehensive. However, I disagree with where he says to make your end point on the Cabot Trail. (See below.)

 

Here is some information from previous posts:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1687976

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1769976&page=5 I agree that if you can, you should go as far as Neil's Harbour on the Cabot Trail. The best scenery for this part of the trail is past Ingonish.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/adrian-brijbassi/louisburg-travel_b_2392748.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-travel

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1768421

 

http://www.visitbaddeck.com/adventure/bannock.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1621363

 

http://www.cabottrail.travel/

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k4847897-Tours_from_Cruise_Ships_at_Sydney_Port-Nova_Scotia.html#36180250

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=828325&page=4

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k5456035-Cabot_trail_shore_excursion-Nova_Scotia.html

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to post these links, Maryann NS. Our date for Sydney is May 30 so it sounds like we'll be a bit early for Louisbourg. I'll check out Tom's Port Guide for Sydney to gauge the chance of planning a day on our own of car touring using his guide and the links you so kindly provided.

 

I agree about Molega Tours; they had great reviews and the gentleman who answered my inquiry was very prompt and polite. I hope they can get back up to full capacity soon. At least they are still offering Halifax tours in the interim.

[zeen978]

We are also going to be in Sydney before the Fortress of Louisbourg is fully opened. I had emailed the fortress and asked them about whether to do it on our own or take the cruises tour. Her response was that there are special things that are done for the cruise passenger so she felt that because of the time it would be best to book with the cruise ship. Not sure that is something that you would be interested in but just thought I would throw that out. We will be there on June 4th and I believe peak season is not until June 15th or so but I really wanted to see it.

[maryann ns]

I have heard that the Fortress puts on some special things for cruise passengers, but if you think you will ever be back (and I am confident you will want to come back) you may be better to leave Louisbourg for when it is fully open, which thanks to government cutbacks, is now only July and August.

[alexandra cruiser]

I have heard that the Fortress puts on some special things for cruise passengers, but if you think you will ever be back (and I am confident you will want to come back) you may be better to leave Louisbourg for when it is fully open, which thanks to government cutbacks, is now only July and August.

 

we will be there in Sept.so guess we ll have to book with cruise tour to get so called "benefits".Ours just says "private guided tour and 1hr time to explore on own".

DH will NOT rent a car,so looks like ships tour best bet now.

Love all your advice.Have looked at many of the links you post.Its been very helpful. We ll have a few extra hours for the town and will wander around after tour and explore.:)

[npmommy]

we will be there in Sept.so guess we ll have to book with cruise tour to get so called "benefits".Ours just says "private guided tour and 1hr time to explore on own".

DH will NOT rent a car,so looks like ships tour best bet now.

Love all your advice.Have looked at many of the links you post.Its been very helpful. We ll have a few extra hours for the town and will wander around after tour and explore.:)

 

That would be frustrating ! Will he not rent a car in any port or just Sydney ?

[alexandra cruiser]

That would be frustrating ! Will he not rent a car in any port or just Sydney ?

 

but its ANY PORT,he feels like he s the chauffeur(SP?) .Guess I COULD do the driving but easier to just "go along to get along" after 40 yrs of marriage. +PS ,will have to show him this post(Thanks):rolleyes:

[npmommy]

but its ANY PORT,he feels like he s the chauffeur(SP?) .Guess I COULD do the driving but easier to just "go along to get along" after 40 yrs of marriage. +PS ,will have to show him this post(Thanks):rolleyes:

 

Lol! I've barely been married 20 years so I bow to your experience there. I can relate on a bit of a level. The driver doesn't really get to kick back and enjoy the ride and take in the scenery so I do see his point there.

 

Out of all the ports we did, Halifax was THE easiest for rental and then finding the route to take. As the main driver, it was actually enjoyable. Plus, the cars in Halifax have GPS.

[banditoo]

Does anyone have current contact info for Donnie Blackwood for tours from Sydney?

[Lulu51]

Does anyone have current contact info for Donnie Blackwood for tours from Sydney?

 

I assume you have tried the contact info on novascotia.com and Google, maybe he is away, it's still early for tours. There are reviews for him from Fall 2012 on TA in conjunction with Blue Diamond Tours????

[banditoo]

I assume you have tried the contact info on novascotia.com and Google, maybe he is away, it's still early for tours. There are reviews for him from Fall 2012 on TA in conjunction with Blue Diamond Tours????

I sent an inquiry to Blue Diamond and they replied back that I would hear from Donnie. Other cruise critic members have mentioned being in touch with him recently by email so he must be around. Hopefully I hear from him soon as we are there next month.

[surmy777]

Does anyone have current contact info for Donnie Blackwood for tours from Sydney?

I was just in touch with him. his email is (donblackwood@seascape.ns.ca)

Aren't these boards great!!

Surmy

[calpeds]

We will be in Sydney the end of July from 8am-5pm. Do you think it is possible to do both the Mine and Louisbourg during our time there? If we took a taxi rather than the bus it might cut some time off the drive??? Thanks for any help.

[groinky]

We will be in Sydney the end of July from 8am-5pm. Do you think it is possible to do both the Mine and Louisbourg during our time there? If we took a taxi rather than the bus it might cut some time off the drive??? Thanks for any help.

 

It would be very rushed at each place. In July the Fortress of Louisbourg is in full swing and very busy. It would take at least 4 hours to really enjoy it. My vote would be to pass on the museum and visit Louisbourg. You won't be disappointed.

[banditoo]

I was just in touch with him. his email is (donblackwood@seascape.ns.ca)

Aren't these boards great!!

Surmy

I did hear back from Don and we are booked with him to take in some of the Cabot Trail scenery.

[calpeds]

It would be very rushed at each place. In July the Fortress of Louisbourg is in full swing and very busy. It would take at least 4 hours to really enjoy it. My vote would be to pass on the museum and visit Louisbourg. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks. I will have to really decide as we really want to do both. I guess that just means we will have to take another trip back sometime!

[maryann ns]

I agree that it would be rushed to try and see the Miners Museum and Louisbourg in one day. Louisbourg is wonderful. You are lucky to be going there in July. Try to avoid going to the washroom while there because it spoils the immersion into 1744. Use the washroom at the visitor centre before taking the bus to the gates of the Fortress.

 

If you are driving yourself or have a driver, here are details for a bit of a scenic drive and photo opportunity: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154967-i326-k5681057-Fortress_Louisbourg-Nova_Scotia.html

[calpeds]

I am still trying to be able to do both the coal mine and the fortress of Louisbourg. I looked into renting a car which we could get for $50 for the day. From the port a 15 minute drive to the coal mine. Maybe spend 2 hours there (do the underground mine tour and a little looking around). Then to drive to the Fortress of Louisbourg it would be about a 50 minute drive. Hopefully spend a few hours there and then a 40 minute drive back to the port. I know it seems rushed but we are really wanting to see both. And with 2 young kids (8 and 10) they are not really big on staying in one place too long. We really don't care too much about making a big deal of eating at special resturants.

 

Does my timing on driving seem about right? I have tried to google map all the driving.

[maryann ns]

https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Esplanade,+Sydney,+NS&daddr=Miners%27+Museum,+Museum+Street,+Glace+Bay,+NS&hl=en&sll=46.141238,-60.196969&sspn=0.030152,0.084543&geocode=FTYPwAIdl3dp_CmH2p5VKftnSzGi1NYfQuHwCg%3BFarYwAIdeVtt_CE2FmIrhBL38SnxYVzH1-FnSzE2FmIrhBL38Q&oq=glace+bay+miner&mra=ls&t=m&z=12

 

It will take you some time to get the car and get started. It is more like half an hour to the Miners Museum. It is closer to an hour to Louisbourg and about 35 minutes back to port. Then you have to return the car and be on board half an hour before sailing.

 

As I see it the driving and the Miner's Museum will take you at least four and a half hours. How much time will that leave for Louisbourg?

 

The tours in the Miner's Museum are excellent but you have to take them at certain times so there may be waiting there too.

[calpeds]

https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Esplanade,+Sydney,+NS&daddr=Miners%27+Museum,+Museum+Street,+Glace+Bay,+NS&hl=en&sll=46.141238,-60.196969&sspn=0.030152,0.084543&geocode=FTYPwAIdl3dp_CmH2p5VKftnSzGi1NYfQuHwCg%3BFarYwAIdeVtt_CE2FmIrhBL38SnxYVzH1-FnSzE2FmIrhBL38Q&oq=glace+bay+miner&mra=ls&t=m&z=12

 

It will take you some time to get the car and get started. It is more like half an hour to the Miners Museum. It is closer to an hour to Louisbourg and about 35 minutes back to port. Then you have to return the car and be on board half an hour before sailing.

 

As I see it the driving and the Miner's Museum will take you at least four and a half hours. How much time will that leave for Louisbourg?

 

The tours in the Miner's Museum are excellent but you have to take them at certain times so there may be waiting there too.

Thanks. I guess we will just have to play it by ear that day. We will get the car and then go to the mine as that seems like it is what everyone really wants to do. Then we can just see how much time we have. I know my dad wants to go to the Alexander Gramm Bell Museum (I think it is in Sydney). If we have a lot of time even for just an hour at Fort Louisbourg I guess we could skip the museum. We are not into shopping or buying things so don't need to worrry about that. Thanks for your info.