North Sydney is located on the north side of Sydney Harbour, along the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island. The city serves as an important port in Atlantic Canada and acts as the marine link for the Trans-Canada Highway to the island of Newfoundland.
Things to do in North Sydney, Nova Scotia
Alexander Graham Bell Museum / Historic Site
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site occupies a special place in the national historic sites system. In the beginning of the 20th century, fur trade posts and military forts made up the majority of the national historic sites. Lately events and individuals representing significant aspects of social and cultural history have been honoured to present a broader view of Canadian historical development. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is one of the very few historic sites that has as its primary role the commemoration of man's inventive accomplishments. The special role of Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is acknowledged by the broad scope of the experiments conducted by Bell and his associates at Baddeck. The purpose of this site is to communicate the story of Bell's wide-ranging interests and inventive work, much of it undertaken at Baddeck. Located on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the Site consists of 10 hectares of land, overlooking Baddeck Bay, part of the Bras d'Or Lakes, and Beinn Bhreagh, Bell's summer home, where much of his scientific work was pursued. Best Western North Sydney lodging is nearby.
Cabot Trail
This is awe inspiring experience in all seasons! Enjoy one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. The trail was named for the famous explorer John Cabot, and it winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This magnificent highway is carved into the sides of mountains that rise high above the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Look out points offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton's rugged coastline, where pods of whales can often be seen just offshore and Bald Eagles soar aloft on the ocean breezes.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The Park encompasses one of Canada's most exceptional wilderness areas and features the highlands that are a colourful tapestry of woodland, tundra and bogs, where wildlife is common and moose are often seen grazing in the quiet shallows of lakes and streams. The Park has 26 trails ranging from 20-minute interpretive family walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. There is also a full range of visitor services, including excellent camping and interpretive programs.
Cape Breton Miners’ Museum
The Museum is located on a 15 acre site, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, just 1 mile from Downtown Glace Bay and is a visitor’s portal into the area’s rich and colourful coal mining history. The Museum’s focus is on the geological development of the Sydney Coal Fields, including various mining techniques, early labour history of the mining communities, as well as the future of coal as an alternate source of energy. When visiting the Museum do not miss a guided tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery, an underground coal mine located beneath the building. Retired coal miners accompany you on this 20 minute excursion into a 1932, 'room and pillar' mine, where you will experience first hand what it was like to extract coal by the sweat of your brow. Open year round Summer June 3 - August 31 daily 10am – 6pm; Tuesday 10am – 7pm; Winter the Museum only is open from September 2 Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm. Admission is charged; located in nearby Glace Bay, 43 kilometers from North Sydney.
Center 200 Arena
Home to minor midget hockey, located 24 kilometers from North Sydney Call 902-564-6668 for more information.
481 George Street, North Sydney, NS
Ferry Service Nova Scotia to Newfoundland
Enjoy this unique year round vehicle and passenger ferry service that is provided by Marine Atlantic between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. Crossing time is 6 hours and runs from mid-June - mid-September, an additional ferry operate between North Sydney and Argentia in eastern Newfoundland, which is 45 kilometres from Route 1 and 131 kilometres from the provincial capital of St. John's. Crossing time is 12-14 hours. Call 800-341-7981 for more information.
Fortress Louisbourg
Each summer the Fortress springs to life featuring dozens of costumed animators that become the town's residents of the summer of 1744. Period homes, exhibits and theme centres line the central streets of Rue Toulouse and Rue Royale, as well as along the busy waterfront (quay). You will find men, women and children enacting the full range of society from the leisurely activities of the rich to the hard physical labour of the poor. You'll see engineers, musicians, soldiers, merchants, street vendors, bakers, servants and fishermen.
Gallop's Funland
Entertainment is available for the whole family at Funland! Enjoy a round of mini-golf, go-carts, driving range, bumper boats and water slides. For your convenience we offer a canteen, ice cream stand and a convenience store. Admission is charged. Open May 15 – October 15 10am – 9pm. Call 902-794-7172 for more information.
456 Seaview Drive at Route 305, North Sydney, NS
Indian Beach
This is a popular swimming and picnic area situated in North Sydney. It offers a sandy beach with the Atlantic Ocean water and a sand bar that stretches the length of the beach, which is over 500m. Do not miss the Marine Atlantic Ships entering and leaving the harbour as the terminal is only two minutes from the beach. Rollies Wharf borders Indian Beach and features jetski races as well as other recreational events throughout the summer. Indian Beach is located in the town of North Sydney.
North Sydney Historical Society
Dedicated to the heritage of North Sydney and the northside the Society is currently working toward establishing a museum for the town. Admission is free and open to the public April 1 – October 31; by appointment during the off season. You will find the Historical Society on the waterfront; in the lower level of the library Call 902-794-2524 for more information.
299 Commercial Street, North Sydney, NS
Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre
The focus of the Museum and Center is on the history and heritage of the town of Sydney mines, steel making and coal mining. You will see 300-million-year-old plant fossils from the Sydney coal fields and our Fossil Museum opens in July 2004. Admission is charged; fossil hikes are offered. Open May 22 – September 30 daily 9:30am – 5pm; by appointment only during the off season. Located in the former train station. Call 902-544-0992 for more information.