Sydney Cape Breton Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Looking for things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia, now Cape Breton? Consider walking on our scavenger hunt to discover the city first! Walk from City Hall to Sydney Harbor by way of the Cossit and Jost Houses and the Highlands Arts Theater.
Discover the unavoidable tourist attractions and the peculiarities of what locals call home. Solve challenges at each stage of your journey. During this time, you will also be exposed to the neighborhood’s history.
2 versions are available, both going to the same locations but with different challenges: #1 starts at City Hall; #2 starts at the Port of Sydney cruise terminal.
The Sydney NS Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 1.8 km / 1.1 mi self-guided walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 1 to 2 hours to complete.
See the sights! 18 locations
Learn some local history
Challenge your knowledge: 12 varied challenges
Wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout
Pet-friendly throughout
Start whenever you are ready – no fixed schedule
Available options
Sydney Cape Breton Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
Alternate starting point: This tour is the same but has 2 different starting points for your convenience. Either start and end at the Cruise Terminal, <br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Sydney, N.S., 90 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 1A4, Canada
Sydney #1 tour
Alternate starting point: This is the exact same tour with the same challenges, but it starts at City Hall instead of the Cruise Terminal <br/>Starting point:<br/>City Hall - Cape Breton Regional Municipality, 320 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 7B9, Canada
What's included
Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)
18 points of interest seen
24/7 customer support
12 varied challenges
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn about the cruise pavilion and its public market.
Walk around to solve a few challenges.
Spend 10 minutes here.
2
Listen to an original song played from this giant fiddle which reflects the Celtic heritage of the people here. Your challenge is to uncover the fiddle's name.
Also, see see Sydney's public market and learn about the Tartan of Cape Breton and that of Nova Scotia
Close to :
- St.Patrick's Church Museum
- Cape Breton Highlanders Museum
3
Learn about Sir Bourinot and see the ancient carved lion while solving a challenge.
4
Learn about this historic church that's become a museum and solve a challenge.
Near :
- Cossit House Museum
- Port of Sydney
- The Big Fiddle
- Jost Heritage House
- St.George's Anglican Church
Spend 5 minutes here.
5
See this original 1786 house and learn of its inhabitants. The challenge involves yard decorations.
Near :
- St.Patrick's Church Museum
- Cossit House Museum
- St.George's Anglican Church
Spend 5 minutes here.
6
This is the oldest house in Sydney, dating from 1787. Discover its history and face another challenge here.
Near :
- St.Patrick's Church Museum
- Jost Heritage House
- St.George's Anglican Church
Spend 5 minutes here
7
Learn about this church's history and decode a cipher to figure out your next destination.
Solve a few challenges here
8
Find out what this society is and how it came to be in this 1817 Bank of Montreal building.
Solve a challenge here
Spend 5 minutes here
9
See this grand event venue in the former St.Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Solve a few challenges around the building
Near:
- Old Sydney Society
- Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk
- Cape Breton City Hall
Spend 10 minutes here.
10
See city hall and learn the history of Cape Breton and how Sydney was rolled up in it. Your challenge involves the crest of Cape Breton
Spend 10 minutes here
11
As you walk on the boardwalk, you'll learn about this city and its history as you also see several sites.
Several challenges as you see different monuments.
12
Learn about the naval history of Sydney's inhabitants.
Close to :
- Old Sydney Society
Solve a challenge here
13
Learn more about Sydney's marine history.
Solve a challenge using the naval alphabet (flags).
What's not included
This tour is strictly exterior sightseeing, you need not enter any of the locations seen on it.
You can pause the activity to visit any of the locations along the tour route.
Available languages
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
2.0
2 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Once you're standing outside the Cape Breton City Hall and have completed the transaction with our website, follow the start instructions in the "Order Complete" email.
Important notes
You must convert your voucher to our website before beginning the activity.
To do so, your TripAdvisor/Viator account Must Have your Real Email as we will email instructions to them. These will tell you how to convert your purchase on our website to complete the activity.
About Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island, known as Unama'ki in the Mi'kmaq language, is a breathtaking island in Nova Scotia, Canada, renowned for its rugged coastal scenery, rich Celtic heritage, and the famous Cabot Trail. The island offers a blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Cabot Trail
A scenic drive and hiking trail that circles the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering stunning views of the highlands, coastline, and forests.
Nature
1-3 days
Free (parking fees may apply)
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
A reconstructed 18th-century French fortress offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past with costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate
Baddeck
A charming village on Bras d'Or Lake known for its Celtic heritage, Alexander Graham Bell Museum, and scenic beauty.
Cultural
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, museum fees apply
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lobster Dinner
Freshly caught lobster served with butter, potatoes, and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains shellfish
Cape Breton Fudge
A rich, creamy fudge made with local ingredients.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Popular Activities
Hiking the Cabot Trail
Kayaking on Bras d'Or Lake
Whale watching
Beach relaxation at Ingonish
Spa day at Keltic Lodge Resort
Scenic drives
Visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg
Attending Celtic music festivals
Best Time to Visit
June to September
The peak season offers warm weather, long daylight hours, and the best conditions for outdoor activities. This is the ideal time to explore the Cabot Trail, enjoy festivals, and experience the island's vibrant culture.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Mi'kmaq
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cape Breton is generally safe with low crime rates, but travelers should take standard precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when driving on narrow, winding roads
- • Stay informed about weather conditions
Getting there
By air
- Cape Breton Regional Airport • 20 km from Sydney
By train
Sydney Station
By bus
Sydney, Port Hawkesbury
Getting around
Public transport
Public bus service is available but limited. Taxis and rental cars are more convenient for exploring the island.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber is not available, but local taxi services are reliable
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Sydney
Baddeck
Day trips
Louisbourg
15 km from Sydney • Half day to full day
Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg and the historic town with its museums and local shops.
Ingonish
50 km from Baddeck • Full day
A scenic area known for its beaches, hiking trails, and the Keltic Lodge Resort.
Festivals
Celtic Colours International Festival • Early to mid-October
Big Fiddle Festival • Late August
Pro tips
- Explore the Cabot Trail early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
- Try local seafood, especially lobster and scallops, for an authentic taste of Cape Breton.
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum to learn about the island's connection to the famous inventor.
- Attend a ceilidh (Celtic gathering) for a unique cultural experience with traditional music and dance.
- Drive the Cabot Trail in the fall for stunning foliage and fewer crowds.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
