Historic Downtown Sydney A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• The Big Fiddle (Pass by)

  Discover this towering 60-foot solid steel fiddle reflecting the island's deep musical soul. Uncover the story of the "living fossil" of Scottish music preserved here.

  Admission ticket free
• Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion (Pass by)

  Here you’ll find all the essentials: tourist information, free maps, washrooms, Wi-Fi, and places to grab a bite to eat.

  Admission ticket free
• Sydney River (Pass by)

  Stand at the water's edge and gaze into this deep inlet, where mastodons roamed 80,000 years ago. Witness the dramatic transformation carved by ancient glaciers as you stroll the boardwalk.

  Admission ticket free
• Sydney Merchant Mariners Memorial (Pass by)

  A poignant tribute to the civilians who sailed the treacherous route between Canada and England during the Battle of the Atlantic.

  Admission ticket free
• SYDNEY Sign (Pass by)

  Designed to reflect the colours of the water and sky, it’s especially striking at sunset and makes a great spot for a selfie before we head inland from the boardwalk.

  Admission ticket free
• City Hall - Cape Breton Regional Municipality (Pass by)

  You might be wondering why a city the size of Sydney needs such an impressive building, and the truth is, the current structure serves much more than just the former city. We'll tell you why....

  Admission ticket free
• Charlotte Street (Pass by)

  Walk the historic path of Charlotte Street, the enduring heartbeat of Sydney, where two centuries of fortunes have been made and lost. Discover the resilient spirit of "The Steel City" as you stroll.

  Admission ticket free
• 322 Charlotte St (Pass by)

  Explore this storied intersection and three architectural icons that whisper tales of local culture and commerce. Witness a legendary department store awaiting a new chapter and discover the roots of Maritime radio, all while browsing resilient art crafted by island artisans.

  Admission ticket free
• The Highland Arts Theatre (Pass by)

  Behold this imposing Gothic Revival structure affectionately known as "The HAT." Discover how this historic building, home to Cape Breton's largest Casavant organ, has been dramatically transformed into a vibrant center for music and drama.

  Admission ticket free
• Charlotte Street (Pass by)

  THE GREAT FIRE OF 1901 - If you were standing right here on October 19, 1901, you wouldn’t be looking at a charming street scene—you’d be looking at a street on fire.

  Admission ticket free
• 180 Charlotte St (Pass by)

  THE OLD BANK CORNER...once the financial heart of booming "Steel Town," where fortunes were traded amidst magnificent stone architecture. Search for the hidden symbols of commerce carved into a historic bank's façade.

  Admission ticket free
• 225 George St (Pass by)

  THE LYCEUM - Imagine the echoes of vaudeville performances and hear the whispers of famous song-and-dance men who once graced its magnificent stage during Sydney's booming industrial age.

  Admission ticket free
• Sacred Heart Downtown (Pass by)

  Gaze upon the striking white Gothic Revival church with sweeping spires, built to draw the eye heavenward, now brilliantly repurposed as a vibrant community venue.

  Admission ticket free
• Eltuek Arts Centre (Pass by)

  Uncover the imposing Second Empire architecture of the former Holy Angels Convent, a building with a solemn past now reborn as the vibrant Eltuek Arts Centre.

  Admission ticket free
• Island Folk Cider House (Pass by)

  If you want an authentic taste of Cape Breton, you can’t go wrong here!

  Admission ticket free
• St. George’s Anglican Church and Graveyard (Pass by)

  Before you stands St. George’s Anglican Church, Sydney’s oldest building. Its solid stone walls and graceful spire have watched over the harbour for more than two centuries.

  Admission ticket free
• 79 Charlotte St (Pass by)

  Imagine! This home was standing when Jane Austen and Mozart roamed the world.

  Admission ticket free
• Jost House Museum (Pass by)

  Step before Sydney's oldest home, the Jost House Museum, built in 1786, where one family remarkably lived for over 130 years.

  Admission ticket free
• 16 Campbell St (Pass by)

  PETERS HOUSE - Before you stands this rare 1871 Greek Revival home, perfectly preserved to reflect the life of respected schoolmaster Samuel Peters.

  Admission ticket free
• Victoria Park Armouries (Pass by)

  Gaze upon this imposing tower and secure brick building, the home of the legendary Cape Breton Highlanders regiment. Discover the rich, resilient history of this Canadian-Scottish force, whose courage in battles from Vimy Ridge to Italy forged a proud tradition of service deeply woven into Sydney's story.

  Admission ticket free
• Desbarres Street (Pass by)

  Stand at the 1785 location where Sydney was born, laid out by its ambitious and famously disliked first governor, Colonel DesBarres. Uncover the practical and cheerful maritime tradition behind the soft, brightly colored homes.

  Admission ticket free
• St Patrick's Church Museum (Pass by)

  You'll see St. Patrick’s Church, the oldest standing Roman Catholic Church in eastern Nova Scotia.

  Admission ticket free
• 89 Esplanade (Pass by)

  Check out the Kennedy House, built in 1786, has been continuously used as a rental property for almost 240 years!

  Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• **Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or circumstances beyond our control.

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