Fortress Of Louisbourg
Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Duration 3 3/4 hrs
- Adult from: $99.00 USD
- Child from: $79.00 USD
From | Message | Reservation # | Date | |
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Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Reserve your dining now | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 |
*Terms & Conditions
Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.
Duration 3 3/4 hrs
Start your journey with an introduction to the port of Sydney and a panoramic drive through the historic North End. Once acquainted with the area, step back in time to 1744 and experience the Fortress of Louisbourg—the largest fortified town outside of Europe. Louisbourg was once a thriving seaport and capital of Île Royale (Cape Breton Island). —the third busiest harbour in North America and one of France's key centers of trade and military strength in the New World. Situated along a rocky Atlantic coastline, the site now serves as an exciting and entertaining lesson in Canadian, American, French and British history. You’ll see a selection of buildings and exhibits as costumed actors reenact the lives of specific individuals residing here during the pre-siege era.
Experience the life of a military officer as you visit the home of Captain and Madame DeGannes. Discuss household duties with the servant in the Engineer’s Residence and discover some tip and tricks for open-hearth cooking (which every domestic cook needs to know); then wander up to the spectacular chapel in the King’s Bastion. If you’re interested, stop and talk to a soldier about his guard duty, living conditions, security and (most interestingly) diet.
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
“Ciad Mile Failte” - a hundred thousand welcomes await you! Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland and nowhere is this more evident than on Cape Breton Island. This picturesque excursion takes you to the very heart of the island. You’ll see some of the Island's most dynamic scenery, weaving a route through rugged countryside, touching the shores of the famous Bras d'Or Lakes. Known as the "Great Inland Sea", as the lakes are salt water, this region is a major breeding ground for bald eagles and other wildlife.
As your tour progresses, you'll stop at the center of Cape Breton Island, Hectors' Point, Iona and visit the Nova Scotia Highland Village, a 50 acre historical site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. Take a journey through 180 years of Cape Breton’s Scottish architecture, hosted by costumed staff, trained in conversational Gaelic and local history. Here, you’ll view a full size replica of a Scottish Blackhouse, a one room structure occupied by the first Scottish settlers in the region and the only one of its kind in North America. A hilltop panoramic view offers a beautiful blend of land, sky and water. Enjoy tea or coffee and oatcakes before returning to your ship.
Duration 3 hours
Sample a beer in three downtown pubs, all of them offering a selection of local brews and imported favorites from Ireland and England. After walking from the pier, you will soon reach the newly established Island Folk Cider House, Cape Breton’s first locally owned and operated craft cidery. Whether your predilections are tilted towards the unusual, or you prefer the familiar and steadfast, they've got something you'll love! Ciders are proudly brewed with 100% Nova Scotia apples, never from concentrate, never artificial, only local, quality goodness! During your visit enjoy a guided production tour and enjoy a sample flight of fresh ciders. Your second stop will be the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, offering nearly two dozen different brews, ranging from Guinness Irish Stout to an India Pale Ale known simply as Keith’s. The Old Triangle also serves several local beers such as Breton Brewing’s Sons of Hector dark brown ale and Big Spruce’s Kitchen Party Pale Ale.. Whichever beer you choose to sample, you can be sure that the atmosphere will be inviting as you mingle among the locals. It’s only natural that this pub tour begins at an Irish alehouse, as Sydney has deep Celtic roots. The city’s iconic, 50-foot-high Celtic fiddle at the cruise terminal honors that history. Then it’s on to Daniel’s Restaurant & Bar, home to cold brews, great food and good times. Enjoy a beer from a selection of Nova Scotia brews, or perhaps something that reminds you of home. Afterwards, you will walk back to the pier or you may remain in town and return to your ship at leisure, if you prefer.
lessDuration 2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Meander through the charming streets of Sydney, discovering much about its early history and residents by touring several architectural gems. A guide in period costume will accompany you through town, which was founded in 1785 around coal mining. By the early 20th century, Sydney was home to one of the world’s largest steel plants. Although neither business is operating today, you will see some of the most significant buildings from the boom years, including St. Patrick’s, a 19th-century Roman Catholic Church that is now a museum. In the North End, you will visit Sydney’s oldest wooden building and then the Cossit House, a colonial-style house built in 1787 for Reverend Ranna Cossit, whose wife died there while giving birth to their 13th child. Later, visit the historic BMO building and enjoy a snack of oatcakes and tea.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 7 hrs
Experience the rich Scottish heritage of Cape Breton Island with a visit to the Nova Scotia Highland Village and the village of Baddeck. Travel to Iona and immerse yourself in the Scottish pioneer culture at this living history museum located on a hillside overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake. Featuring a journey through 180 years of Cape Breton architecture, step back in time as the site’s costumed staff provide meaningful commentary. Each structure, from the simple one room Scottish Blackhouse to the more advanced, multistoried colonial homes, are filled with furniture and interesting artifacts.
Your next destination is the seaside community of Baddeck, home of Alexander Graham Bell. Nestled along the shoreline of the Bras d'Or Lake, this picturesque village features plenty of interesting gift shops and cozy cafes. You’ll be served a buffet lunch at a resort hotel and then enjoy leisure time strolling the main street while window shopping or perhaps relaxing for a bit while watching the pleasure boats ply the calm waters of the lake. You’ll tour the Alexander Graham Bell Museum prior to your scenic drive back to Sydney.
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
Travel to the picturesque little village of Baddeck situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes in the heart of Cape Breton Island. This is where Alexander Graham Bell spent most of the last 37 years of his life. Visit his museum which does full justice to the outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone and remarkable contributions in the fields of medicine, genetics, electricity, sound and speech, as well as aeronautics and marine engineering.
The museum itself is architecturally striking, as its design is based on the tetrahedron form Bell used for his flight test kites and houses the most extensive collection of artifacts contributed by his family. Enjoy the views of Boulanderie Island, Seal Island Bridge, Kelly's Mountain and St. Ann's Bay during the return drive to your ship.
lessDuration 1 1/2 hrs
Duration 7 hrs
Experience the Cabot Trail as you drive along a small portion of the Atlantic shore from the port of Sydney to Ingonish. You'll view some of the most dramatic and pristine scenery in North America including spruce covered mountains, tranquil rivers and ocean beaches.
This tour reveals vistas that inspired Alexander Graham Bell to observe, "I have traveled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes and the Alps and the highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." Picture stops along the way will help you remember some of the most dramatic and unspoiled scenery you experienced while on Cape Breton Island. Enjoy a buffet style lunch along the Cabot Trail before returning to your ship.
Duration 2 hrs
Board your motor coach to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue to the First Nations community of Membertou where you’ll celebrate the heritage, culture and unique history of these people through educational and interactive experiences.
Your tour guide and/or Elders of Membertou will encourage you to experience their story, learn Mi’kmaq dance and drum as they provide a hands on demonstration. Sample traditional Mi’kmaq food and, or treat as you learn about the history of their food. Enjoy a walk in their garden area and visit Petroglyphs Gift Shop featuring arts and crafts from the Mi’kmaq Nation and other First Nations across Atlantic Canada.
You’ll then proceed to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates back to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy. These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world resulting in multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. You’ll then board your coach returning to the ship along the waterfront.
Duration 1.5 hours
Board your motor coach to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue through downtown Sydney with a brief stop at Wentworth Park for a photo opportunity. You’ll then proceed to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates back to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy. These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world resulting in a multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. Continue through the First Nations community of Membertou, a modern day blueprint for all aboriginal communities in North America. Return to the pier where you can do some shopping at the cruise terminal, visit the Interpretation Center and The Big Ceilidh Fiddle.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.