Exploring Sydney, Cape Breton
A Coastal City Worth the Drive from the Chanterelle Inn & Restaurant
A visit to Sydney offers a wonderful contrast to the Cabot Trail—more urban, yet still deeply connected to the island’s culture and history. It’s an easy and rewarding day trip when staying with us at the Chanterelle Restaurant & Inn.
How Far Is Sydney from the Chanterelle Inn?
The drive from our inn to downtown Sydney is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (about 95 km / 60 miles), depending on traffic and stops. The route is straightforward and scenic, passing along parts of the Bras d’Or Lake region. It’s a comfortable drive for a half-day or full-day outing and fits nicely into a longer Cape Breton itinerary.
What to Explore in Sydney
One of the most popular places to start is the Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk. This flat, walkable path follows the harbor and offers great views across the water. Here you’ll also find the iconic Big Fiddle, a 60-foot steel fiddle that has become one of Cape Breton’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite photo stop.
Nearby, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design showcases high-quality work by local artisans, including pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork. It’s an excellent place to find a meaningful souvenir that reflects the creativity of the island.
For those interested in history, Sydney is a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions such as the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Louisbourg, in particular, is a full immersion experience and well worth the extra time if you enjoy historical storytelling.
If you’re looking for a quieter pause during your visit, Open Hearth Park offers green space right in the city, with walking paths, river views, and places to sit and relax.
Where to Eat in Sydney – Our Personal Recommendation
Sydney has a growing food scene with plenty of cafés and casual dining options. When we are in town ourselves, our go-to place to eat is Naru Sushi. It’s where we go when we’re off, and it’s a spot we confidently recommend to our guests looking for a relaxed meal with consistently good food. It’s an easy choice for lunch or dinner while exploring the downtown area.
Making It Part of Your Stay
Visiting Sydney works well as a standalone day trip or combined with other nearby destinations. Some guests pair it with a visit to Louisbourg, while others enjoy a leisurely day focused on walking the waterfront, shopping, and dining.
After a day in the city, the drive back to the Chanterelle Restaurant & Inn offers a peaceful transition back to the quiet of the Cabot Trail region. If you’d like help planning your Sydney visit or combining it with other outings during your stay, we’re always happy to share suggestions based on what you enjoy most.
Foto By: By Mark Seymour from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada - World's largest fiddle