Ports and Parks in Sydney, Nova Scotia

The community of Sidney, Nova Scotia is the port city of the province and the largest city on Cape Breton Island.

There are cruise ships steaming in and out, sailboats silently sway back and forth way off in the distance and just down the coastline in North Sidney is the ferry terminal connecting travelers to the province of Newfoundland, Canada.

The cruise ships take refuge in the protected harbour located in the downtown section of the community. The port greets the newcomers with gift shops, an information centre and a giant violin. The sight of land must be music to their ears – a relief for some from the endless days and nights of Atlantic Ocean swells and sea sickness while staggering the decks of the giant ships.

Travelers visiting Sydney can enjoy the waterfront sights and sounds via the coastline boardwalk trail and streets. The boardwalk pathway hugs the shores of the harbour visiting with a marina while providing views of playful boats and jet skies. Across the harbour the waterfront homes extend out onto docks – some protected by umbrellas and many decorated in cottage country chairs.

Esplanade Street follows the coastline along the same lines as the boardwalk trail. The busy street is home to a few of the hotels – mostly chain hotels. Many buildings casting long shadows down onto the streets and the surrounding outdoor patios and restaurants.

Walk up one block  from Esplanade Street and you will find yourself on Charlotte Street. It is the pulse of old downtown. The street is lined with many retail shops, gift stores, boutiques and supply shops. Some are housed in old brick and stone shells of historic buildings. There is even a Tim Hortons for those, like me – who enjoy a good cup of coffee from a Canadian icon.

Continue exploring to the end of Charlotte Street and you are welcomed by Wentworth Park. Here, a walking path circles around the shores of a river-like pond. Fountains are erupting and throwing streams of water high up into the air creating mini rainbows in the glare of the sunlight. Nearby, a promenade cozys up to the edge of the river pond providing benches and awnings for moments of relaxation and sightseeing.

After our big dose of city life in Sydney we proceeded to the surrounding country side aiming our sights for Grove Point Park. The small picnic park is a good escape from the concrete heartbeat of the community. The park, grassy and green, brings nature to the forefront. There are singular picnic areas providing privacy and views of the river. At the end of the park is a small sandy beach for swimming and frolicking in the cool waters.

On our way back to Baddeck, Nova Scotia – where we set up our base camp for research – we traveled on Highway 105. The highway is an excellent scenic route with two look offs and a very high and long bridge crossing an ocean channel. The look offs are located near the top of Kelly’s Mountain. They both provide good views of the Bras d’Or Lakes and the surrounding coastlines.

Back in Baddeck… we make some plans to snoop around locally in the next few days before we hunker down in our writers cabin for the winter and some snow adventures. Cheers and good travels to all.