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Historic Downtown Sydney: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour
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Mobile ticket
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Offered in: English
What to Expect
Pass by: The Big Fiddle
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.
Pass by: Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion
Here you’ll find all the essentials: tourist information, free maps, washrooms, Wi-Fi, and places to grab a bite to eat.
Pass by: Sydney River
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.
Pass by: Sydney Merchant Mariners Memorial
A poignant tribute to the civilians who sailed the treacherous route between Canada and England during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Pass by: SYDNEY Sign
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.
Pass by: City Hall - Cape Breton Regional Municipality
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....
Pass by: Charlotte Street
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.
Pass by: 322 Charlotte St
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.
Pass by: The Highland Arts Theatre
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.
Pass by: Charlotte Street
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.
Pass by: 180 Charlotte St
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.
Pass by: 225 George St
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.
Pass by: Sacred Heart Downtown
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.
Pass by: Eltuek Arts Centre
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.
Pass by: Island Folk Cider House
If you want an authentic taste of Cape Breton, you can’t go wrong here!
Pass by: St. George’s Anglican Church and Graveyard
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.
Pass by: 79 Charlotte St
Imagine! This home was standing when Jane Austen and Mozart roamed the world.
Pass by: Jost House Museum
Step before Sydney's oldest home, the Jost House Museum, built in 1786, where one family remarkably lived for over 130 years.
Pass by: 16 Campbell St
PETERS HOUSE - Before you stands this rare 1871 Greek Revival home, perfectly preserved to reflect the life of respected schoolmaster Samuel Peters.
Pass by: Victoria Park Armouries
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.
Pass by: Desbarres Street
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.
Pass by: St Patrick's Church Museum
You'll see St. Patrick’s Church, the oldest standing Roman Catholic Church in eastern Nova Scotia.
Pass by: 89 Esplanade
Check out the Kennedy House, built in 1786, has been continuously used as a rental property for almost 240 years!
What's Included
- No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
- Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour)
- Live GPS map shows route & your location
- Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime
- Tour guide commentary automatically plays at each point of interest
- Headphones (optional - audio will play from device speaker too)
- Smartphone or tablet
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting Point
Where you'll meet your guide
The start and finish of the tour is at the Big Fiddle and Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.
End Point
Where the tour ends
This experience ends at the starting point.
Additional Info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Customer Reviews
Source: Viator and Tripadvisor
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