We enjoyed touring the facility and seeing the fiddle. Most of the shops were not open when we were there. We were told that it is fully open when the tour ships are in port, which makes sense.

It's amazing.. During spring or summer it will refresh your mind...

🎻Iconic Landmark & Photography Spot🎻 If you're visiting Sydney by port, it's impossible to miss The Big Fiddle. It celebrates the role that Scottish immigrants played in forming the cultural heritage of Cape Breton Island with their "fiddler's music." The "Big Fiddle" landmark is a towering 17 meters tall and weighs 8 tons! If you step into the cruise pavilion, there's a Cape Berton Island Tourism Exhibition where you can see how the big fiddle was made and learn more about Cape Breton's fiddle music. Be sure to get a photo by this iconic landmark!

We made a day of it. Had dinner at the restaurant, took pictures by the fiddle and walked the boardwalk. We had a great time Sydney! Thank you.

Iconic view of the Sydney skyline and definitely a must visit. The world’s largest fiddle is a tribute to the folk music and traditions of the province’s Celtic community and stands at 60 feet tall. There is also a market building right behind it with local vendors and a food hall. Large gravel parking lot nearby.

Water is beautiful, so the view is nice. However, not much to do or see here. No boardwalk, etc. Definitely pop by and see it if downtown.

Cool little spot to see a big violin/fiddle for some landmark pictures. There’s some live music from the restaurant next to it which is nice and we also walked by some people practicing bagpipes in the park from the public parking lot. Some people fishing near the water. Some shops inside with a cool little lighthouse statue. Parking right near the fiddle is for people going to the restaurant only. Worth a short visit if you’re in town otherwise not much to do here.

I think it's so peaceful n relaxing most of all the scenery

This is a beautiful area to enjoy the wharf and learn a little bit about the history of Sydney and area. It's one of my favorite places to come to.

It was a rainy day when I visited but I can imagine that on a warm sunny day this is a lovely spot to enjoy some time by the water.

Very good. The place is right beside the water. There is few free parking, restaurant and shops to buy local items.

Interesting to see. Sydney is a nice cruise port, 5 to 10 minute walk to town, all paved with sidewalks, a little up hill, a nice park along the way.

I visited the famous big fiddle on a rainy day in this fall season, it was a wonderful experience for me to visit the largest fiddle, memorable day

If you like Scottish music, visit this lovely little Canadian town. Watch a live local music and dance show, eat fresh lobster, nothing more relaxing.

Awesome place! I really enjoyed reading about the fiddle. While I was there, I got some souvenirs since it was my first time being in Cape Breton 🙂

Went on a haunted tour, Journey did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed her facts and telling spooky stories

Great place to listen to some classical music and taste some great sea food. It also has interesting story telling statues. And a great place for sight seeing.

We stayed here for 4 days with our 3 children, and was very excited about the idea that you needed to book the pool in advance in order to go swimming. It was advertised by the hotel that there would be a max of 20 people at the pool at one time. We booked the pool one evening early, and kids were excited to go swimming. When we arrived at the pool there were 17 people there. Within 10 minutes of our swim time, there was 47 people in the pool area. We took our children and left. When we voiced our frustration to the customer service desk, they told us that the 20 people limit wasn't enforced and if we didn't feel comfortable swimming when it was that busy, to book a time at a less busy time slot. No one near the pool monitoring how many people were coming or going and no one actually checking vaccination status. I'm glad we took our children out of there when we did because it was an unsafe situation and the hotel didn't seem to care. The next couple of days start, the kids stared feeling sick, and all 3 have since tested positive for Covid. Perhaps if this hotel actually cared about safety the way they pretended to, the kids would not have caught it. If you're traveling to Sydney with Children, Id recommend any other hotel but this one!

I love this hotel. The bacon at the restaurant WAS PERFECTLY DONE!! The rooms were very clean and the windows have a beautiful view as well. The paper towels tasted pretty good too.

Was greated with "do you have a credit card," not a hello, or how are you guys. Then we were double charged for our room. Beds were comfortable but the room smelt like it had been smoked in for a good while.

The Holiday inn in Sydney was clean and comfortable. The view of the harbour was stunning and we enjoyed waking up to the beautiful scenery each morning. Food was good at the crown and it was nice to be able to stroll the boardwalk. Great location, and overall enjoyable stay.

We came to Sydney for a family get away. The hotel was recommended but I’m not sure why. I had called and booked a room earlier in the day and rushed into booking as they only had 2 rooms left. I was given the “member price” and because it is advertised that it has a pool, hot tub and free breakfast we were inclined to book at this hotel. When we arrived we were told that we didn’t have breakfast included and it would be an additional $25. We declined as it should have been included in our price quoted. She never mentioned on the phone that it was more for breakfast on the website it says that it was. That is the whole point of staying at an all inclusive hotel you would get just that… everything included. We quickly get to our room and change to go to the pool as the kids have been talking about it for the past 3 hours and the hot tub is colder than the pool. I turn the jets on and the tub bursts with filthy water. Literally the only upside has been the slide. Thankful for that as it has been a terrible almost $200 stay so far. Hoping to make the best of the rest of the night and hoping nothing else “comes up”. We will never return and won’t recommend.

I stay at the Holiday in every time I go to Cape Breton. The people are inviting and so pleasant. The rooms are clean and cozy and the view is fantastic. They allow animals and treat them as guest as well and that is big for me. Thank you Holiday inn and all your workers for the fantastic work you do.

Great hotel and amazing staff. Stayed here many times. On my recent stay, after checking in, I realized my room did not have a microwave. I mentioned to the front desk, within 15 minutes a microwave was delivered to my room and set up. Excellent service. Room is clean and hotel is quiet. Nothing negative to stay about this hotel.

Location is great, most of the rooms have a water view. However in the room the bathtub was not clean and the sink was constantly leaking. It seemed like the issue had not been taken care of for a long time as the sink was very stained in the area the water was leaking. In addition to that the room had an unpleasant smell.

Totally beautiful location, we stopped off in Sydney for my birthday on our way to Cape Breton Island.. upgraded, lovely view of the harbour, lovely breakfast.. will definitely recommend

Lawrence was wonderful on the phone, taking my reservation and then again in person checking in. Thoughtful, professional, and very gracious. We felt very well taken care of. The room was very clean, bright, and welcoming. We loved dinner and breakfast at the pub. This is definitely our new favourite place to stay in Sydney.

I called another local hotel bc they also had a pool slide for a Monday night birthday stay. It seemed like I was bothering the associate with a few questions as I explained why we were booking. I hung up and called the Holiday Inn immediately. I spoke with Meghan who was so sincere and offered early check-in for the kids to get some extra pool time, as the hotel would not be busy. She was incredibly accommodating and eager to help. Thanks for helping us make another pandemic birthday a bit more exciting 👏👏👏.

Room service & cleanliness are good but however the breakfast is a different story. The bus boys was very good & prompt but we found the female waitress was very unprofessional & after sitting there for good 10 minutes before she comes over to take our order. It was like we are transparent. When we got our order, my eggs were done wrong, it took nearly another 15minutes before I got my eggs, food service needs more staff.

Cleanliness was good and staff were just ok. Came here with a hockey team and the food service was horrible and no complimentary breakfast. First hotel I’ve stayed at that didn’t have some kind of free breakfast. Pool and fitness area was shut down and they wouldn’t allow the hockey kids to have any fun. Understaffed and when someone tried to get the managers attention about it , they got really nasty about it. Will never stay here again.

Come here once a month and the service is always great every time I come. They often greet me by name now and always make my stay great! Would recommend this holiday inn! The staff here are the most friendly.

Absolutely disgusting. I checked in at 11 pm and my room was gross. Smelled of urine and carpets were absolutely filthy. I would like to receive a refund and I will be calling today now that I am home. You can’t have people pay for that kind of room while on vacation. Spending hard earned money and staying in that. Absolutely would not recommend to anyone.

I love staying at this hotel! The location is beautiful, the staff are friendly and the rooms are very clean and comfortable! The kids especially loved the pool with the water slide going directly in to the pool. Looking forward to our next stay!

Emergency stay at the holiday inn! Though unplanned, it was exceptional. Warm welcome from the receptionist, Paul. Attended to my needs in a very efficient way. Polite, professional and good sense of humour. Very clean facilities, including room. Fantastic view of the harbour, and the biggest fiddle you’ll ever see!

Came here for two nights with my boyfriend and it was a very weird experience. Went swimming at the pool the first night and a female staff member just watched us from the little room above the pool. I had waved and gave her a smile but she just looked away from me. The following morning I had left a polaroid photo him on the bed and by the time we had came back to the room it was cleaned and the photo was taken. Night two I had gone back to enjoy the hot tub while he went to workout in the gym. When I went into the Pool area there was blood on the ground and towels that weren’t cleaned up for who knows how long …. meanwhile the same female staff member from the night before went into the gym, grabbed something and talked to my boyfriend and than left. Just felt very uncomfortable here in like some twilight zone….

Had a wonderful stay this past weekend after the Hampton Inn refused to accept a Visa Debit as payment for the room. Holiday Inn Staff hooked us up quickly and efficiently, and it was the easiest check-in I've ever experienced. The room was lovely and clean, the pool was so refreshing and fun; the restaurant food was delicious. But, most importantly, the staff were so kind. Paul was lovely to chat with, and the lady who served our breakfast was a doll. Absolutely recommend anyone choosing this place over any other in Sydney. Location is great too! Close to everything. Really made our trip so great. Thank you! :)

Rooms are practically falling apart. Wallpaper coming off the walls, bathroom lights are dirty and the drain in the bath tub was clogged. Staff at front desk were nice and helpful. They also charge for parking ($7) and they charge you a “eco fee” ($3). The pet fee is also on the higher end that I’ve seen ($35). I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The hotel staff is amazing and so are the rooms, but the restaurant staff seems discriminating against first nation people. My family sat in the restaurant for over an hour each time, while waiters ignored us and served everyone around us. If your first nation, then your better off ordering takeout.

The room we booked and paid for was not the room we were assigned to. When brought to the attention of the front desk, they stated that the room is unavailable. They did not offer any remedy. The wallpaper was peeling off the walls, very dated hotel. Room and hallways had a bit of a musty smell. Very disappointed.

The hotel is super good and fancy, thier breakfast is not free anymore which kinda sucks. But if you get a room with a good window you get a view of the world's largest violin which is cool The pool has an awesome waterside tho. Pretty good hotel 👍

Guest rooms are clean and well-appointed. Location of the meeting and conference rooms is obtuse. Front desk staff often were clueless as to whether a booked meeting was even in the facility (let alone where it was located).

Whenever I'm in Cape Breton I stop here to get unique gifts. The selection is always world clas.

Beautiful work by local artists, worth a look!

Please visit this wonderful gallery! You'll be supporting amazing local artists and makers. I found adorable Christmas ornaments, ceramic mugs & plates and jewelry. Birthday and holiday shopping done!

Really nice selection of local crafts

You are greeted upon entry by a friendly person who asks if they can help. We looked around and found a some beautiful products. As were about to leave our greeter asked if we had seen the exhibit upstairs. We went up and saw a beautiful display of quilting and sewing that I can't do justice describing.

We did a beginner pottery class where we got to make mugs and drink wine, it was great. First, the instructor was amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and obviously very talented. Second, the environment was comfortable and welcoming. My only complaint, and reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is that 2 hours wasn't enough time. It should have been 2.5 to 3 hours

Handmade local product with a lot of local history.

Beautiful works by talented local artists. You have to visit, great place to find the perfect unique gift!

Lovely merchandise. The owner/manager blew a good sale when she tried to overcharge us (currency exchange). It was too bad because I really liked what I was going to purchase, but had to walk based on principle.

Love purchasing and receiving gifts from the Centre! The people who work there are so helpful and lovely -- it's definitely one of my favourite shops in Sydney.

Learn some history see it and feel it makes it come to life

Awesome and had a wonderful time. The man showing us around was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Had a delightful time.

I am a local and twice I have taken my children here. We delight in the costumes and stories and how excitedly all the staff tell them. They give you one of a kind information and beyond friendly service. You are allowed to browse upstairs for as long as you want and take pictures. The staff went above friendly and courteous. One lady even hugged my elderly mother, completely making her day!

Jost House, 54 Charlotte Street in Sydney, Nova Scotia is a two storey wood framed home located on north Charlotte Street in a residential area with many heritage properties. Built in 1786, during the founding and Loyalist settlement of Sydney, it is one of the oldest residential buildings in the city. What makes this museum such a little gem are the guides. Dressed in period clothes, they share their knowledge and love for the house. An era gone by, but documented through stories, artifacts, trinkets and folklore. The amount of historical and cultural info given is amazing but it was also very enjoyable. This house has been restored but with such fine care to attention. The lower cellar level with the kitchen may be a little challenging for some with the steep steps and low head room. The main floor has some very nice antiques...especially the bed. The upper floor contains paraphernalia collected from the town's people. The most interesting items to peruse. For $3/person, this museum is a great value. The volunteers are Cape Bretoner's and have stories to tell. Sit down and enjoy all they have to share. Oral storytelling is underrated. Enjoy!

Wonderful place to experience the history of Northend Sydney N.S. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Go on the walking tour. The Ghost walk at night is lots of fun and screams.

Docent gave a tour of the entire house in character relating many wonderful stories of the house. Lots of decorations, memorabilia and exhibits.

I visited this location but I only had a few minutes to see it

Great spot for a stroll, especially if you're walking your dog. Beautiful wilderness views and a great view of Sydney harbour. The view of Sydport at the far end is a bit industrial, but still interesting across the inlet. Lots of wildlife. Deer are around, we saw a lot of fresh tracks, but likely hiding mid afternoon. We did see a Pileated Woodpecker and a ton of other birds and squirrels. Some small birds will eat seed right out of your hands.

Not a bad little walking trail. At the time that we visited, there were a few wedding parties taking photos which was kind of nice to see. There are little bird houses along the path which some have placed peanuts for the squirrels. The walk through the woods was nice. The view across the water was looking at industrial places so not exactly picture perfect.

Great place to relax, walking around and even for a picnic

Wonderful hiking park that perfect to take stroll in Spring.

Large open easy-going walking trails with lots of benchs picnics tables and side trails. A small beach area too to walk as well. Great spot to walk dogs as well and a large parking lot. Tends to be active. Lots of apple trees and large trees in general. And a great spot to feed birds. It was an old estate ran by an admiralty and some small ruins still are around like foundations and a well. Overall a good place that takes just over an hour to walk at a leisurely pace.

Wonderful Peaceful Happy Trails 🚶‍♀️

Beautiful spot to take your dog for a walk! Snow can get deep in some areas in the winter. The trail is not maintained during the winter months. Lovely spot!

Beautiful park, for a nice walk. Stroller friendly trails and has nice family picnic spots. Be careful in the winter as the wooden trails can be very slippery!

Beautiful park Nice place to take a troll And relax in nature Kinda far from the city

Great trail to take dogs. Beautiful scenic walk.

This is a beautiful park for leisurely walks and scenic views.

Love it, it's beautiful place , looking out and seeing the cruise ships in.

It was an accurate display of life hundreds of years ago. The artifacts and house show quite explicitly the lifestyles then. It was both interesting and worthy of the visit.

A beautifully preserved eighteenth century house, one of the oldest in North America. Set out very well, and kitchen garden was very interesting.

Very informative and interesting museum. Helpful staff.

$2 per person and you get choice of guided or self guided with a sheet of paper describing each room. Two women in period costume are there to guide you if you like. Interesting little house that highlights what was considered normal back then. The poor woman of the house had 13 children and died in childbirth at the age of 46!!! It's great they could preserve some of the old tools, books, clothing, etc and you get a sense of life back then. Short walk over after visiting the giant fiddle.

Docents gave a great tour in costume and in character.

Very informative. The guides wanted to tell us a lot more but we were rushed through probably because of size of house and large crowds. Don't forget to look at back garden

The house is small dark and very authentic. The guide is great. Be sure to use low light mode for your pictures.

The narrator's were excellent. Wonderful bit of local history and close to the port if you come in by ship.