Harbor Highlights: Sydney City Tour

Overview

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Step into the heart of Sydney, Nova Scotia on this unforgettable city tour that blends coastal beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Perfect for cruise passengers or day visitors, this tour takes you beyond the guidebooks to show you the real soul of Cape Breton’s largest town.

Begin your journey at the famous Big Fiddle — the world's largest — before winding through historic streets, heritage buildings, and hidden gems only locals know. Learn about Sydney's fascinating past as a steel-making hub and naval base, explore charming neighborhoods, visit peaceful parks like Wentworth Park, and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

Whether you're a history lover, photographer, or curious traveler, this tour offers a perfect mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and scenic stops. like Fort Petrie Military Museum, Low Point Lighthouse, etc. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city, its people, and its proud Cape Breton spirit.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Fort Petrie Military Museum

Step back in time at the Fort Petrie Military Museum, one of Cape Breton’s hidden gems preserving Canada's coastal defense history. Originally built during World War I and actively used through World War II, Fort Petrie served as a strategic lookout and gun battery guarding the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Explore authentic underground bunkers, observation towers, and displays filled with wartime memorabilia, including vintage uniforms, weapons, medals, and photographs. Knowledgeable volunteers bring history to life with stories of Cape Breton’s role in global conflict and local efforts to protect Canada's coastlines. Perfect for history buffs, families, and curious travelers, Fort Petrie offers an unforgettable and educational experience with stunning ocean views from its clifftop location. Highlights: Walk inside original WWII bunkers and lookout towers View artifacts from both World Wars Learn about Cape Breton’s coastal defense history Family-friendly and operated by volunteers

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Low Point Lighthouse

Perched on the edge of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline, Low Point Lighthouse (also known as Flat Point Light) is one of Nova Scotia’s most historic and scenic beacons. Built in 1832, it stands as the easternmost lighthouse on Cape Breton Island and has guided countless mariners through the entrance of Sydney Harbour for nearly two centuries. This striking red-and-white octagonal tower offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shorelines, and passing ships. It’s a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot perfect for photography, coastal walks, or simply soaking in the maritime atmosphere. Though currently not open for interior tours, the grounds are accessible and a popular stop on Cape Breton’s coastal driving routes. Highlights: Oldest surviving lighthouse in the Sydney area Stunning views of sea cliffs, wildlife, and ocean swells Historic significance to local maritime and coal mining history Quiet, uncrowded location ideal for sightseeing and photos

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Harbor Highlights: Sydney City Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

4.33

12 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A disappointment
420eugenes,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Very weak guide who did not communicate well or have much to add above the scenery. Sydney is a small town in Nova Scotia and guide had little to say unless we asked questions.
Charming and Educational
Janice M,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and shared his passion for Sydney. He pointed aut interesting historical events in the city and expanded my global understanding of the world.
Sydney taxi tour
John B,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Sydney is a small port trying to make it. Our tour was in a taxi with five adult seats and one more for a small child. They tried to squeeze six adults in it. Fortunately complaining put two in another cab. Drove by a few sites, stopped at two quick stops. Got a little history. Then got dumped in town. Check the other tours. Skip this one.
Great short tour
Susan D,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful way to see the sights especially if you’re short on time. Kulveer Singh TD1332 was a wonderful tour guide. He was so knowledgeable about the sights. He was extremely personable and friendly. He was a great company which made our tour even better.
Great seascapes
Patricia P,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
There isn’t much to see in Sydney. There are beautiful shorelines & seascapes. Our driver may have needed more rest, didn’t seem as enthusiastic for our tour. Lots of construction around the town/city.
Disappointing
W3182GHpaulad,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Nothing to do. Tours boring.No foliage. History and map l e syrup, too expensive. Oysters 4.00 each!¡ why...the whole thing was disappointing
Good trip
Daljeet D,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best short tour ever happened did not planned as it and want to extend which was no problem from the guide and thank you guys fir booking as we requested You guys are very goid with care taking Thanks alott
“Great Sydney city tour”
Dharm s,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our Sydney city tour was such a pleasant surprise and a highlight of our trip to Cape Breton Island. The city is full of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. We saw the famous Big Fiddle, visited historic sites, and enjoyed the waterfront views that made for some amazing photos. The tour was comfortable and well-paced, with plenty of chances to explore and ask questions. Our guide really knew the area and shared so many interesting stories about the people, industries, and local life that brought the city’s history to life. From the ocean views to the cultural stops, everything was well planned. It was a fun and informative way to experience Sydney and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Cape Breton Island.
It was an amazing tour which I really enjoyed
NorthStar61186023822,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did this tour with new company and it was really good. The guide tell lots of history about the city, like old fishing, lumber, steel work and also coal mines before they close. We see lobster traps and learn how fishing is still big part of people life here. The lighthouse and military museum was so nice, with guns and bunkers and many storys I never know before. It make me feel the hard work people did in old times. Now tourism is growing and this company show the true heart of the city. I really recomend this tour if you like history, culture and beautiful views.
Wonderful Experience
Sightseer33703466707,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a amazing Sydney city tour with Jassi and it was one of the best days of our trip. The lighthouse was beautiful with stunning ocean views all around, and the beach had water so clear you just want to jump in. We also got to see windmills along the way, which made the scenery even more special. The military museum was very interesting with guns and bunkers full of history. Very good short tour to do while you are in Sydney Nova Scotia.Never knew that this small place has too much history to look about , Quite interesting , It was the perfect mix of nature, culture and history. I highly recomend this tour! Suggestions - Do little bit longer to see more things around .... Thanks for a wonderful time Alex Taylor