cape breton tours from sydney nova scotia

THE 10 BEST Sydney Tours & Excursions

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• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail

2. Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour

3. Cabot Trail High Flyer

4. 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour

5. Private Heart Of The Island Tour in Nova Scotia

6. Explore Baddeck and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

7. Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour

8. Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion

9. City and Coastal Tour in Cape Breton Island

10. Cabot Trail Private Full Day Tour

11. Fortress of Louisbourg and Mira

12. Private Cruise Excursion in Cape Breton

13. Shore Excursion of the Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton

14. 6 Hours Cabot Trail Tour in Canada

15. Shore Excursion of The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton

16. Shore Excursion of the Highland Village Museum in Cape Breton

17. Shore Excursion of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail in Cape Breton

18. Shore Excursion of the Fortress Of Louisburg in Cape Breton

19. Shore Excursion of The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton

20. Cultural Experience and Sightseeing Tour in Nova Scotia

21. Fortress of Louisbourg Tour

22. Shore Excursion of Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Cape Breton

23. Shore Excursion of the Gaelic College in Cape Breton

24. Murder Mystery Detective Experience Sydney, NS

25. Sydney Cape Breton Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt

26. Fun Scavenger Hunt in Sydney by Zombie Scavengers

What travelers are saying.

• Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion
• 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour
• Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail
• Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour
• City and Coastal Tour in Cape Breton Island
• Sydney & Cape Breton Taxi Tours
• Cabot Discovery Tours - Sydney Cruise Tours
• Tripshepherd Sydney Nova Scotia Tours
• Blackwood Tours
• Gary LeDrew

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Best of Cape Breton Island from Sydney

This small-group tour features spectacular views and interesting pieces of history as you travel around Cape Breton Island between Sydney, Louisbourg and Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Alexander Graham Bell Museum

Experience the legacy of the world-famous inventor come to life, catching a glimpse into his extraordinary mind.

Fortress of Louisbourg

A mighty adventure is waiting for you to immerse yourself in the diverse landscape of the 1700s.

Downtown Sydney

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and see the world's largest fiddle!

What's Included

• Entrance to and tour of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
• Scenic drive into the Cape Breton Highlands
• Admission to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum with free time to explore exhibits
• Pick up and drop off from anywhere in downtown Sydney
• Intimate, guided tour experience (groups are limited to 6 people)
• Narrated driving tour of downtown Sydney

What you'll see

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Starting from $ 129.00

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O’Neils Island Tours

Your tour starts here.

Discover Why O’neils is the #1 Island Tour View Options & Pricing

Cape Breton Top Tours

Baddeck Tour

Cabot Trail Tour

EXPLORE THE MINI CABOT TRAIL & BOOK

Sydney Tour

Your adventure starts today.

Experience the beauty and magic of Cape Breton

Some Good Reasons

Take a look at some the GREAT reasons why your vacation should involve a tour from O’Neils Island Tours!

+10 Premium Tours

Satisfied customers, all expenses included.

If there happens to be a toll or admission charge to any venue, it’s included in the tour price (meals not included)!

Experience something new and Beautiful

Visit the historic fortress of louisbourg, get started with o’neils island tours.

[email protected]

Adventuring in Cape Benton Island

Oct 23, 2019 | Tours

"DON'T WAIT, BOOK A TOUR NOW" Take of advantage of some of the most experienced tour guides available on Cape Breton...

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Bannockburn

The Cabot Trail

- a new adventure around every turn.

A Discovery Tour of the World-famous Cabot Trail Duration: 6 – 8 hours Your journey around the Cabot Trail will delight and amaze you. A new discovery awaits around almost every turn – some of the most spectacular scenery you have ever witnessed, colourful artisan shops and studios, encounters with wildlife, and much more. This {…}

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Tour the Cabot Trail & Stay in Baddeck

Make beautiful Baddek your home base on the Cabot Trail. Take your spectacular Discovery Tour of the Cabot Trail and stay in the beautiful Village of Baddeck on the Bras d’Or Lakes. Baddeck is famously known as the home of Alexander Graham Bell and has a National Historis Site in his name. It’s also a {…}

Cruise Ship Excursions

Discovery Tours of the spectacular Cabot Trail or the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. When your cruise ships docks, we can take you on a Cape Breton Adventure! The Cabot Trail Experience Your experience on the Cabot Trail will delight and amaze you. A new discovery awaits around almost every turn – some of the {…}

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• Pricing & Rates
• Private and shared
• Private Only Tours
• Upto 6hr Tours
• Over 6hr Tours
• Adventure & Collaboration Tours
• Custom your own tour
• 2024 Standby list
• Platinum Class
• Covid 19 Policy
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• Book Online

#caperadventure

Sydney & Cape Breton Taxi Tours

Check out our new Adventure Tours perfect for that special day out!

We Also have a growing list of people looking to share tours. Please check this list on our Facebook Page or right here on our standby page click the button to see what is on offer.   

We offer competitively priced tours of our beautiful island. We have tours from 1.5hrs - 12hrs along. Pick from one of our pre-planned tours, that amongst others allow you to explore Baddeck, marvel at the Cabot Trail, step back in time at Louisbourg, or construct a bespoke tour of your own that could include a trip to one of our beautiful beaches or hiking trails, with the expertise of one of our guides.

Our wide range of tours means that if you are visiting for just a few hours or for a few days we can offer you a tour to suit your needs. If you are coming off a cruise ship have a look at the tours designed to meet a typical ship calling time in Sydney and Cape Breton. 

Be sure to check out our partner tours with Cape Breton sailing, Jet Ski Baddeck  TNT outdoor adventures & Bird Island Boat Tours.

There is so much to explore on Cape Breton come take a tour with us and begin your journey on or off the Breton the path.

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Welcome to Cape Breton Island on Canada’s Atlantic Coast

There’s something about this place that captivates all who visit. Cape Breton Island tells its story through rugged cliffs and the trails that crisscross its landscape, in the languages of its people, and through the music and dance celebrating centuries of culture. Here, the profound history of Unama’ki—its true name and the ancestral land of the Mi’kmaw People—comes alive.

From the warm Mi’kmaw “Pjila’si” to the Gaelic “Cíad Míle Fáilte” and the French “Bienvenue,” Cape Breton Island is a cherished home to a lucky few and a beloved destination for many. Welcome to a place where every corner invites discovery and every view tells a story. Welcome to Cape Breton Island, where there’s truly something remarkable about this place.

#1 Island in North America

Cape Breton Island has been ranked the #1 Island in North America by  Condé Nast Traveler readers and #1 Island in Canada by  Travel + Leisure readers. These awards honour the top travel destinations and companies around the globe.

Cabot Trail

Rising from the sea and clinging to mountains, the 298-kilometre-long Cabot Trail is a winding mix of roadway, paths, stairs and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas to quaint fishing villages.

Things To Do

Not just another pretty place. Here, you’ll find a lifetime of adventure packed on our 110-mile long Island.

Waterfall Season

Embrace the adventure, and let the pristine beauty of these cascading wonders awaken your spirit.

Take a picture. Leave your heart. #VisitCapeBreton

Locals Know Blogs

Cape Breton Island's Epic Winter Bucket List

Read through and see how many places, views, and experiences you can check off from this Epic Winter Bucket List!

4 Winter Days Along the Cabot Trail

Join Ashley MacDonald, one of our Adventure Ambassadors, on an outdoor adventure along the Cabot Trail. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or just the sound of nature, you'll enjoy this blog!

7 Places for great Winter Eats

It’s time to find the heartiest, homemade meal on Cape Breton Island this winter.  Our Island offers many options to chase away the chill. 

5 Ingredients for a Snowmobiling Getaway!

Are you a fan of snowmobiling? Then you'll love our 5 top ingredients for snowmobiling around the Island.

7 Unique Places to Stay This Winter

Many marvel at the breathtaking views Cape Breton has in the summertime, but have you ever truly appreciated unwinding in our gorgeous winter? These snowy escapes could become your new favourite way to recharge this season.

Easy to Find. Hard to Leave.

There are direct flights to Sydney from Toronto and Montreal and from other North American and European cities via those cities. If traveling by ground, the Trans-Canada Highway 104 leads to Cape Breton Island.

Cabot Trail, Ingonish, and Keltic Lodge Tour

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Quick Details

Per Passenger

1-5 Passengers

6-8 Passengers

9-13 Passengers

14-24 Passengers

Cabot Trail Tours Cape Breton

Upon leaving the Sydney Nova Scotia metropolitan area at the Port of Sydney NS, Cabot Trail Tours travel into the peaceful Cape Breton countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic. Along the Cabot Trail , Blackwood Tours cross the little Bras d’ Or, where we see many small pleasure boats on the glistening lake.

At Kelly’s Mountain, our Cabot Trail Tours stop at two stunning lookouts – the Bras d’ Or and Saint Ann’s Bay. From the spectacular Saint Ann’s lookout, enjoy scenic views of Saint Ann’s Bay before we proceed to cross the bay via the Englishtown Ferry and tour through the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands along the Cabot Trail .

We then pass through sparsely populated communities where the residents make a living from the sea as fishermen or in the forest as loggers and pulp-cutters. We tour through communities with names such as South Gut Saint Ann’s, North Gut Saint Ann’s, North River Bridge, Tarbotvale, Breton Cove, Skir Dhu, French River, and Wreck Cove, named for the tremendous amount of ships that ran aground in the area.

Explore the magnificent Cape Smokey (it is very, very steep, but the scenery is unsurpassed) before arriving in the Ingonish area, home to the upscale Keltic Lodge at Middlehead and Highland Links Golf Course, which has been ranked many times over as the number one golf course in Canada.

You will never forget this amazing Cabot Trail Tour by Blackwood Tours! This tour of the Cabot Trail is one of the most popular shore excursion cruise ships tours in Cape Breton. Discover the Cabot Trail like never before. One of the most iconic road trips with rugged coastlines and majestic mountains anywhere in Atlantic Canada! Fishing villages, lofty mountains and ocean shorelines are only some of the breathtaking sights on this tour of the Cabot Trail , Nova Scotia.

Additional Information

Special instructions, meeting location.

Your guide will meet you at the dock as soon as you pass through the security gate on the dock. Just go to your left, and they will be wearing a red shirt and holding a Blackwood Tours sign. 

You will have 30 minutes to find your guide. We ask that you exit the ship as soon as you can so nobody is waiting too long to start their tour.

If your ship time changes your tour time will change accordingly.

Related Tours

Fortress of Louisbourg Tour

1-24 passengers.

Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour

Gaelic Cultural Adventures on Cape Breton Island

Fàilte / Welcome!

Ceud Mìle Fàilte One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Meet Your Guide

ROBYN CARRIGAN

Robyn Carrigan, fifth-generation Maritime Gael, culture bearer and professional musician, shares song, poetry and stories of life from Gaelic Nova Scotia and the exciting Gaelic cultural revitalization currently taking place! "We have travelled all over the world and you were the best tour guide we ever had!" Steven and Jill - American cruise passengers 2022.

Day Trips and Experiences

Tour of Historic Sydney with Gaelic Milling Frolic

Discover the sights and sounds of beautiful Sydney by-the-sea, founded in 1785 by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, the 'capital' of Cape Breton Island, featuring world famous locations and fascinating stories with a Gaelic cultural focus. Enjoy a walking tour of historic Sydney north end, downtown architecture, monuments, and art, culminating with an interactive Gaelic Song Milling Frolic and refreshments at a local venue. Come join us at the song table, enjoy a few easy phrases and choruses, with your guide, a fluent local Gaelic speaker and singer.

Experience Gaelic Culture: Presentation and Milling Frolic / Gaelic Song Circle

Our Scottish immigrant ancestors arrived on these shores with their beautiful Gaelic language and culture. One of the world's oldest living languages, Gaelic still lives in community on Cape Breton Island today. Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Gaels (Gaelic people) from Scotland to Cape Breton Island - Unama'ki. Experience Gaelic stories, songs, traditional step dancing, and tunes performed. Learn some deep truths and a few tale tales about the Gaels. Gather around the table, share in the laughter, learn a few easy phrases and choruses, then join in a song circle or a communal Milling Song Frolic, (as seen in the Outlander program series). Come away with resources to continue your Gaelic journey.

Experience Gaelic

Milling Frolic

Originally a way for weavers to lighten the work of milling the cloth, here on Cape Breton Island the traditional milling frolic evolved into a happy social occasion where songs, stories, and fun are shared in community. Gather at the milling table, and learn some easy Gaelic phrases before getting down to the rhythmic milling songs, and give-a-hand with the cloth. "Seinn O Seinn" Sing O Sing

Gaelic Song & Culture

Participate in the fun of delightful, charming, warm musical and cultural experience featuring fascinating stories and songs with a Gaelic focus. “Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceòl” - Gaelic Proverb (A person's existence ends, but love and music endure)

Living Gaelic Community of Scottish Descendants

Gaelic language and culture enjoys a rich and continuous history in Cape Breton - Unama’ki, from the 1700’s to the present day. We are uniquely positioned as home to one of the last remaining living Gaelic communities in the world. Many of our Gaelic ancestors arrived from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the late 1700’s and 1800’s. Come find out what we've been up to over the years and see the exciting flourishing of Gaelic today. "Suas leis a Ghàidhlig" - Up with Gaelic

POP-UP Milling Frolic

We can bring the Milling Frolic experience to your group! We created a mobile Pop-Up Milling Frolic suitable for indoor or outdoor locations (power not required). We bring everything for the set up; including Gaelic host, sound equipment, cloth, tables and seating for twelve around the Milling table. You bring the people! Pop-up Milling Frolic is a fun activity for social occasions or team building, for parties, family gatherings, conferences and special events.

The Big Fiddle – Sydney, Nova Scotia.

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We would like to acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. We are in Unimaki. Our relationship is based on a series of “Peace and Friendship Treaties” between the unconquered Mi’kmaq nation and the Crown dating back to 1725.

In Nova Scotia we recognize that we are all treaty people.

Book with Gaelic to Go

For small group tours, we can customize an itinerary to emphasize your interests. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get back to you soon.

Thig a-staigh!

© 2023. All rights reserved.

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Puffin preparing for lift-off

Beauty of a Bald Eagle

Great Cormorant taking off

Razorbill Colony

Welcome to Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours!

Located on Cape Breton Island just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail’s only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin.

Puffins Guaranteed! (during their season)

See bald eagles pick up next to our boat! Observe many varieties of seabirds and watch grey seals basking on the rocks.

Top Tours in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape breton island tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail

2. Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour

3. Cabot Trail High Flyer

4. 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour

5. Best of Cape Breton Small Group Tour from Sydney

6. Private Heart Of The Island Tour in Nova Scotia

7. Explore Baddeck and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

8. Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

9. Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour

10. Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion

11. Cultural Experience and Sightseeing Tour in Nova Scotia

12. City and Coastal Tour in Cape Breton Island

13. Cabot Trail Private Full Day Tour

14. Cabot Trail: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

15. Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

16. Fortress of Louisbourg and Mira

17. Private Cruise Excursion in Cape Breton

18. Shore Excursion of the Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton

19. UTV/Side-by-Side Trail Tour to Cape Clear Look-off

20. Private Off Road Jeep Tour in Margaree Valley

21. Private Port of Sydney-Cape Breton Highlands ATV Excursion

22. 6 Hours Cabot Trail Tour in Canada

23. Shore Excursion of The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton

24. Shore Excursion of the Highland Village Museum in Cape Breton

25. Side-by-Side (UTV) Trail Tour - Evening Tour to Cape Clear

26. Shore Excursion of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail in Cape Breton

27. The Margaree Mountaineer - Private On or Off-road Jeep Tour

28. Shore Excursion of the Fortress Of Louisburg in Cape Breton

29. Shore Excursion of The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton

30. Cabot Trail Coastal & Sunset - Private Jeep Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion
• Best of Cape Breton Small Group Tour from Sydney
• 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour
• Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail
• Cabot Trail Discovery Tour
• Bird Island Boat Tour
• Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
• Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
• Cape Breton Sailing Charters
• Amoeba Sailing Tours day tours
• Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise
• Richmond Adventure Planning - Sailboat Tours in Cape Breton
• Cabot Discovery Tours
• Oshan Whale Watch
• North River Kayak
• Dixon's Zodiac Seafari
• Sailing CBI
• Cabot Trail Guaranteed Whales Adventures

Sailing Tours in Nova Scotia

Sail away on the adventure of a lifetime.

October 10, 2023

Simon Gregory Jerome

September 9, 2023

Lawrence Gates

Hans Karsten

Marilyn Laiken

August 8, 2023

SabrinabMoreheadCity

Diana Locke

Sail Nova Scotia's Magical Inland Sea

We offer private sailing tours on the Bras d'Or Lake and around the stunning Atlantic coastline of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our tours are designed to give you the best possible experience in the area and emphasize a hands-on approach - including the opportunity to steer the boat and handle the sails. Captain and crew are on hand to ensure that you have a great time and a safe and memorable experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventure-filled tour, we have something for you. 

Come and sail away with us on the most magical journey of a lifetime!

Full Day Private Sailing Charter

Captain Greg offers you a daysailing adventure you will never forget. With over 50 years of sailing experience and a well-found yacht, you'll sail the Bras d'Or Lake in comfort, safety, and style.

We chart a course for your day's sailing adventure based on sea conditions and your preferences. Guests are encouraged to take the helm and handle the sail - with instruction and advice from the Captain as needed. Glide on the wind through island-studded St. Peter's Inlet to the Bras d'Or Lake – where you'll find eagles, hawks, and cormorants overhead; great blue herons and deer along the shore, and plenty of fish - and a few mammals in the sea. Anchor for a swim and lunch in a private cove…. then head out on the Bras d'Or for some invigorating open water sailing!

Half Day Private Sailing Charter

Cape Breton Sailing Charters offers a memorable half-day private sailing charter experience for visitors to beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. With a fully licensed and experienced captain, guests can enjoy a personalized sailing tour of the scenic Bras d'Or Lakes. The tour can be customized according to the guests' preferences, whether it's a peaceful and leisurely sail or a more adventurous journey – including hands-on sailing and a lesson if you wish. This charter accommodates up to six guests, making it perfect for couples or small groups who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Breton Island in an intimate and exclusive setting.

During the half-day private sailing charter, guests can expect to see stunning landscapes and wildlife, including bald eagles and seals, great blue herons and deer along the shore. The captain will provide information on the history and culture of the area, adding depth and context to the sailing experience. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family excursion, or a fun outing with friends, Cape Breton Sailing Charters' half-day private sailing charter offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the natural wonders of this picturesque island.

Sunset Private Sailing Charter

Enjoy a 3 hour scenic cruise while the sun sets over island-studded St. Peter’s Inlet on the Bras d’Or Lake. Depending on winds which are often light in the evening, this may be a sailing and/or motor cruise. Guests are welcome to steer the boat, handle the sail or just kick back and relax.

Bras d’Or Lake Crossing

This is a hands-on sailing experience on Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand encounter in the pristine UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere, from sea level. Please contact us by email to check availability and schedule a phone chat if desired.

Sail the Ocean and the Inland Sea

The magical Bras d’Or Lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the historic St. Peter's Canal. This is Where the Ocean Meets the Inland Sea. Enjoy a hands-on sailing experience on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will live aboard like a sailor in port, at the very welcoming and well-equipped St. Peter’s Lions Marina.

2 days sailing, 2 nights on board the yacht at St. Peter’s Marina

Private party up to 4 people. $2,250 + HST. Add up to 2 day-sailing guests (extra $ per person).

Circumnavigate Isle Madame

Take a private sailing cruise from St. Peter's, via the St. Peter's Canal out to the Atlantic Ocean, and around Isle Madame. Two ports of call on Isle Madame. Hotels and all meals included. This is a hands-on sailing adventure departing and returning to St. Peter’s. Features: a circumnavigation of Isle Madame in the Atlantic waters of St. Peter’s Bay, Lennox Passage and Chedabucto Bay. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand sea-level experience in the pristine coastal waters of southern Cape Breton. 

The itinerary can be custom-tailored to your preferences, and considering wind and weather conditions. We have options for sailing in open-ocean, closer coastal waters and protected passages in this area.

If you're looking for a way to show someone you care, gift cards are the way to go. It's a great way to give the gift of sailing experience. Whether you're looking for something to do with your family, or want to treat yourself to a relaxing trip away from the ordinary, Cape Breton Sailing Charters in Nova Scotia are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lake and Ocean Coast.

Why choose us?

Explore Cape Breton and its incredible natural beauty

This is a hands-on sailing experience for guests who want that, or a leisurely, captained sailing tour through some of North America's most pristine salt and brackish waters. Learn to sail or renew old skills on a well-found boat with an experienced captain in one of the world's most desirable sailing destinations. Our dedicated and experienced crew will show you the highlights of the lake, the island and her coastline while you relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.

We offer a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and experience levels. Get a chance to sail the boat, steer the boat, help plan the course to sail, handle the sail. Guidance from Captain and crew to help you learn. Or just kick-back and relax for a quiet cruise through pristine waters.

Adventurous

We want our guests to get the most out of their trips, so we make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in every sailing tour we offer. You'll be sailing in waters that the Mi'kmaq have paddled for 10,000 years, and were explored by the first European settlers 500 years ago.

Everyone who comes on our sailing charters in Cape Breton should feel like they're part of the action. Each guest has the opportunity to steer the boat, handle the sails and help with navigation.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island is part of the province of Nova Scotia. Situated off the north-east coast she is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Cape Breton is crowned with majestic Highlands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and is graced by the Bras d'Or Lake, North America's largest inland sea. These are world-famous cruising waters, amidst a pristine natural environment and a rich history of indigenous Mi'kmaq people and European settlers, whose descendants are eager to share their culture and music with visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet.

Your adventure begins at our dock adjacent to the lakeside end of the historic St. Peter's Canal, where you'll meet your captain and board the yacht.

This is the site of North America's oldest operating tidal lock canal, established in 1869. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with Cape Breton's magical inland sea... the Bras d'Or Lake.

What to wear?

We get a wide variety of weather conditions in Cape Breton, and all are a bit exaggerated when you're out on the water. We recommend that sailing guests bring the following:

-short sleeve shirt and short pants in warm sunny weather -a sweater/fleece, wind/rain proof jacket, long pants for cool weather -hat and sunglasses, and sunblock -non-skid, non-marking shoes for safety (deck shoes are ideal) -pack your gear in a soft bag for easy stowage on the boat

Canadian Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) are provided for all guests... and you may bring your own PFD if you wish. We have a good set of binoculars on board, and the captain is always happy to take pictures for you with his camera or yours.

What to Bring?

Please feel free to bring any other small items that will help enhance your enjoyment and memories of the day:

-still or video camera -binoculars -a bathing suit and towel -you can expect good cell phone/data connection during parts of your daysail.

Can we modify existing itineraries?

To some extent – yes. These are private tours for your party and we can customize for you. Sometimes we will have to on your day, because the weather isn’t always ideal and we'll want to stay in protected waters to keep the trip enjoyable. We are always happy to, in advance, discuss options or specific destinations you'd like to see, or things you like to do on your half or full-day sail, or a multi-day cruise, and we'll tailor your itinerary accordingly.

Are drinks included? Is there a cooler on the boat?

Our icebox is stocked with water, sodas and juice boxes. These cold drinks are included in the price of your sailing charter. We do not provide alcoholic beverages but you may bring your own. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments if you wish. We can keep them cold in our fridge. We can also cater your take-aboard lunch, please see 'What about food?'  below, for the menu. You can order in advance for tasty local lunches aboard.

What about food?

Enjoy a catered picnic prepared by local restaurant Louie's Cosy Corner. Download a PDF of our Sailors Picnic menu here . See instructions for placing your order directly with Louie's, at least 24 hrs in advance please. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks aboard. Nearby our dock, Foodland Grocery, B&E Convenience, and several take-out shops offer a variety of food choices.

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A Fun Coastal Experience for the entire family

See Puffins, Seals & Eagles

Book Seats Here.

3 Night Spring Special

A 1-bedroom seaside cottage just $199 including taxes.

For stays until May 31.

Gaelic Puffin Package

2 Nights Cottage Stay + 2 Boat tickets + Scottish Museum tickets

Find Out More

Can you stay this close to the ocean?

Yes, Cottage 2AB or 2A.

Our Boat, the Puffin Express

Comfortably seats 35 people.

Atlantic Puffins seen from the boat

Only one of many species seen on our tours.

Full Species List

Herford island, with Cape Breton in the background

One of the two bird islands. The other being Ciboux.

Book your seats today

Captain Ian and Captain Vince in 2016

Find out more about our captains and crew.

Our Tour Guides

Grey Seal sunning

It is not just puffins, we also see bald eagles and grey seals.

Motocyclists: Check out the Motocycle Tour Guide for Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada

Other websites that list us

See us on novascotia.com cbisland.com capebretonisland.com nsonline.com visitvictoriacounty.com visitbaddeck.com frommers.com yp.ca 411directoryassistance.ca businessabc.ca inspirock.com trekraw.com taiprotimpas.cf caa.ca motorcycletourguidens.com marinewaypoints.com yelp.ca whatsonadvisor.com infobel.com muvtravel.com exploreatlanticcanada.ca allcanada.org contrarian.ca globeguide.ca listingsca.com facebook.com tripadviser.ca

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* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Shore Excursion Details

Flavors of sydney, sydney, cape breton island, nova scotia.

Added to Favourites!

• 2 1/2 hrs Estimate Duration

Savor some of Sydney’s most characteristic foods and beverages and gain historical insight into the town while walking between venues. While sampling a selection of locally brewed craft beers, you will learn about the brewing process step by step and how it affects the taste of the IPAs, porters lagers and other beers. The exact ones chosen for the sampling will depend on what’s freshest and seasonal, but you can be sure that they will reflect the locally sourced ingredients. You will also be served some of Sydney’s most popular and representative foods, including mussels. These bi-valves are native to Atlantic Canada and grow naturally in the wild, although they are also farmed. The taste will depend on the species of mussel, whether harvested from the sea or from freshwater and how they are prepared. The possibilities are almost endless, which will make this culinary experience all the more rewarding.

• Taste a selection of locally brewed craft beers in a downtown brewery. • Sample a variety of characteristic local foods, including succulent mussels. • Receive a recipe for one of the dishes so you can prepare it later at home. • Learn a bit about Sydney’s history while passing key landmarks downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Scenic & City Tours

Activity level:.

• 3 Challenging

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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

Change Region

North sydney--downtown, region stats, recent checklists.

• Illustrated Checklist
• Hotspot Map
• Rare Bird Alerts
• Printable Checklist

eBird in North Sydney--Downtown

Ebirding this year 2024, change time period.

• eBirding This Month
• eBirding This Year

New Species

Native and naturalized (5).

• Bufflehead Bucephala albeola # Count: 2 Date: 1 Feb 2024 Observer: David McCorquodale Location: North Sydney--Downtown Show details Details:
• Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus # Count: 3 Date: 1 Feb 2024 Observer: David McCorquodale Location: North Sydney--Downtown
• Greater Scaup Aythya marila # Count: 18 Date: 28 Jan 2024 Observer: David McCorquodale Location: North Sydney--Downtown
• Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis # Count: 16 Date: 28 Jan 2024 Observer: David McCorquodale Location: North Sydney--Downtown Show details Details:
• Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula # Count: 2 Date: 28 Jan 2024 Observer: David McCorquodale Location: North Sydney--Downtown

12 Mar 2024 2:02 PM

7 mar 2024 2:10 pm, 1 feb 2024 2:19 pm, 28 jan 2024 10:08 am, 23 jan 2024 2:00 pm.

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Checklist Leaders

• 1. David McCorquodale 5
• 2. john Gainer 1

Species Leaders

• 1. David McCorquodale 24
• 2. john Gainer 9