Historic Downtown Sydney A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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