Silversea Luxury Cruises A SYDNEY (Nova Scotia)

Explore the history and culture of the first native Canadians to meet Europeans during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, Bras d'Or Lake, Eskasoni Island, Mi'kmaq People

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Eskasoni Island (Goat Island). En route, take in some of Nova Scotia's most beautiful scenery whilst driving along the shores of Bras d'Or Lake. Canada's only inland sea, Bras d'Or Lake is nestled within the very heartland of Cape Breton Island. Upon arrival at Eskasoni, the largest Mi'kmaq-speaking community in the world, you are greeted and welcomed by the Mi'kmaq people, the first native people to meet Europeans.

Traditional Mi'kmaq Food, Dances and Customs, Basket-Making, Smudging Ceremony, Gift Shop

Next, take a guided walking tour of Eskasoni Island for an authentic living experience among the Mi'kmaq people, and learn about their history and culture. Taste traditional Mi'kmaq food, learn the craft of basket-making, observe their traditional dances and play a 5,000-year-old traditional game of chance. Afterward, bake bread on an open fire, discover how the Mi'kmaq hunted and fished, healed their illnesses, and experience a smudging ceremony. Following your tour, you can browse the gift shop for native crafts, jewellery, art and books. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Travel back in time to 1740 during this memorable, half-day excursion to the renowned Fortress of Louisbourg.

During your approximate 45 minute drive to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, you will cross over the Mira River which is the longest navigable river in Nova Scotia.

The Fortress is Canada's largest historical reconstruction, where you step back in time to the 18th century when Louisbourg was a thriving seaport - one of the busiest harbours in North America. The site has been meticulously rebuilt to one quarter of the 18th century town on the foundations of the original by following detailed blueprints from Paris archives.

Upon arrival at the Fortress, and following a brief guided tour with your guide, you are then free to explore this fascinating historic site on your own, taking in the beauty of the exterior architecture of the buildings and visiting some of the exhibit buildings that will be open for your viewing pleasure.

Stimulate your senses with workshops that offer opportunities to explore a place that time has forgotten. Rub shoulders with Louisbourg's resilient residents and time travel into their challenging lives. Talk to a Compagnies Franches soldier about life at Louisbourg and witness the smoke and noise during a musket firing demonstration. Visit one of Louisbourg's finest homes where a servant awaits your arrival to give you a glimpse into their life serving the elite. See how hot chocolate, one of the favorite treats of Louisbourg's high society, was prepared. Then savour this elegant drink made of our special Heritage™ chocolate.

The Fortress of Louisbourg offers an opportunity to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago with beautiful visuals in static displays, surrounded by the beauty of the architecture of the buildings.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Your journey takes you across some of the island's most dynamic landscapes, weaving a route through rugged countryside and along the shores of the famous Bras d'Or Lakes.

Depart the pier for the approximately one hour drive to the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, an open-air museum situated on a stunning 43-acre property overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. Established in 1959, the educational and representational Highland Village brings together historic and replica structures, carefully curated collections and artifacts, entertaining activities and tales, and costumed animators passionate about sharing local culture, to compellingly tell the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia.

Enjoy approximately two hours on this sweeping, scenic site to partake in a special storytelling tour conducted by costumed staff. You will also participate in a "milling frolic," a hands-on textile-working experience that sees you singing Gaelic songs, drinking tea and nibbling on traditional Scottish oatcakes.

At the conclusion of the tour, re-board the vehicle for the approximate one-hour return drive to the pier.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking (approximately 3 km) at the guests discretion over paved/cobblestone/gravel walkways; uneven, sometimes rocky ground; grassy farmland; inclines; standing for an extended period of time. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility however guests must be able to get in/out of the vehicle with minimal assistance or that of their travelling companion. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Total drive time is approximately 2 hours. We suggest guests wear comfortable shoes, light jacket or sweater, sunscreen, hat and umbrella from the ship (weather dependent).

Enjoy a relaxing stroll with your informative costumed tour guide along some of historic Sydney residential streets.

Discover the colonial town of Old Sydney on this informative walking tour. From the pier, your local guide dressed in period costume, leads you along the streets where stately homes have stood for almost as long as the community itself. Along the way, see St. Patrick's Museum, and an old stone church which was built in 1828. Visit Jost House, which is owned and operated by the Old Sydney Society and conveys the evolution of a colonial wooden dwelling over 200 years old. A stop is also made to Cossit House, said to be the oldest house in Sydney. Homemade refreshments and local hospitality provide a welcome break before returning back to the ship.

As your tour concludes, you may return directly to the ship, or linger in town to browse the local shops, all within easy walking distance.

Discover why Alexander Graham Bell made Baddeck his summer home during a half-day excursion to this charming village, and a tour of the museum dedicated to the inventor.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate one-hour drive to Baddeck. En route, pass over the Seal Island Bridge and make a photo stop at Kelly's Mountain (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Baddeck, proceed for a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which is located across the bay from Bell's estate.

Alexander Graham Bell Museum

The museum's three exhibition halls contain the largest collection of Bell's artefacts and inventions, including replicas of the first telephones and a full-scale model of the HD-4 hydrofoil craft. In addition to the invention of the telephone, Bell also made remarkable contributions in the fields of medicine, genetics, electricity, sound and speech, aeronautics, and marine engineering. Displays to be seen during your visit include original artefacts, photographs, and exhibits highlighting his extensive research and inventions.

Baddeck

Afterward, re-board your coach for the brief drive to the centre of Baddeck. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to discover the heart of this quaint village. Located on an inlet of the Bras d'Or Lakes, Baddeck is the region's most highly developed tourist centre and is world-renowned as a fine resort community. It was in this attractive setting that Alexander Graham Bell built his home, Beinn Bhreagh, or 'Beautiful Mountain' in Gaelic.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.