The world’s largest fiddle stands on Sydney’s waterfront and was built in recognition of Cape Breton’s musical talent. In Sydney, Nova Scotia, cultural offerings range from a historic house and museums to theater, crafts and a market with international food.
History in a House, Museum and Theater
Cossit House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Sydney. During a guided tour, you can learn about the daily lives of parents and children in the time of the Cossit family. The Sydney Museum offers an interactive look at the history and culture of Sydney and its surroundings. St. Patrick’s Church serves as a museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton Island. Together, these perspectives range from family life to the city’s history and its broader cultural heritage.
The Highland Arts Theatre presents professional theater in downtown Sydney year-round, with a special focus on Cape Breton artists, stories and songs. The venue was formerly St. Andrew’s Church. Alongside historic homes and museums, visitors can also choose theater with a distinct Cape Breton focus as a cultural offering.
Crafts and the Waterfront
Located downtown, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design features works by more than 90 Cape Breton craftspeople in its Gallery Shop. The centre also hosts exhibitions and a variety of craft workshops throughout the year. On Sydney’s waterfront, Shop the Fiddle brings together 18 unique shops and vendors. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and discover crafts, antiques, local specialties, food and souvenirs.
The waterfront is considered the heart of the city. A stroll there and watching ships in the harbour offer a different perspective on Sydney than a museum visit or exhibition. This lets you combine cultural interests with time by the water without merging the different offerings into a single experience.
Market and Regional Highlights
The Sydney Public Market is located on Charlotte Street downtown. The Saturday market features produce from local farmers and food producers, as well as goods from craftspeople, immigrant entrepreneurs and independent businesses. Live music and international food are also part of the market. Market hours may change, so check the date in advance when planning your visit.
The Wider Cape Breton County Area
The wider destination of Cape Breton County offers additional options. The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. Visitors can explore the reconstructed town and several hiking and walking trails outside the fortress walls; seasonal operating hours may affect access.
Opened in 1967, Mira River Provincial Park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and hiking. Dominion Beach has a 1.5 km-long sandy beach. Supervised swimming is available there from July to August, subject to seasonal conditions. Boardwalks provide access to the beach and protect the dunes; windsurfing is also possible. Check current seasonal conditions for supervised swimming before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Membertou, Port Morien, Albert Bridge, North Sydney, Louisbourg, Big Pond, Mira Gut and Gabarus.
For the wider travel overview: Cape Breton County.
