When Is the Best Time to Visit Sydney, NS?
The optimal time to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia, is May through October. Summer and fall offer pleasant weather, allowing visitors the best opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the island and attend numerous festivals. Unfortunately, these months also attract the most tourists, so be prepared for steep hotel rates and crowded events. Visit during the winter months if you're hoping to snag better hotel prices. Just make sure you're prepared for the cold coastal temperatures.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sydney, NS:
Sydney, NS: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Sydney, NS. Browse these charts to determine the most cost effective time period to book a room in Sydney during the year.
What Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Sydney, NS?
Just under a two-hour drive from Sydney lies the stunning Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa. The Keltic Lodge sits on a strip of land that juts into the water on a high bluff. The resort's character inspires guests to enjoy nature. Fortunately, its close proximity to the world-class Cabot Trail allows visitors to do just that. Luxury amenities include in-room breakfast, a fitness center, child facilities, a game room, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and much more. Choose to relax at the spa and experience true serenity, or play a round of golf on the course ranked seventh on SCORE Golf's Top Public Courses list. There is sure to be an activity for everyone to enjoy while appreciating the pristine wilderness surrounding the resort. The Keltic Lodge is widely regarded as the premier resort in the Maritimes and well worth the drive.
About 45 minutes from Sydney is the Luckenbooth Bed and Breakfast. This charming and friendly homestead offers four unique guest rooms, each with its own story and inspiring ocean views. The Luckenbooth is your perfect gateway to the many natural and cultural adventures that Cape Breton has to offer.
You will be comfortable in your guest room in a bed with down comforters and premium bedding, complimentary wireless Internet, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations that also feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Additional amenities include free breakfast, a garden, a terrace with outdoor seating, a library, and multilingual staff. Owned and operated by a fourth-generation family of Cape Bretoners, this homestead by the sea might be the perfect low-key space for you to relax during your stay.
Are There Affordable Hotel Options Near Sydney, NS?
3 Star Average Prices: $115.00
The Harbourview Inn & Suites provides old-world charm for a very affordable price. Guest rooms are newly renovated and offer beautiful views of the harbor. Rooms also feature refrigerators and microwaves, 40-inch flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy fresh Cape Breton cuisine with a twist at the Norseman, the in-house restaurant. This location is close to the many local attractions, including the World's Largest Fiddle, Wentworth Park, and Fortress Louisbourg.
Eco-conscious travelers can support green practices while staying in the heart of Sydney at the Comfort Inn. The central location of this hotel provides easy access to historic Sydney, several shops, and great restaurants. All guest rooms come complete with 32-inch LCD televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers. Adjoining rooms can be requested by contacting staff prior to your arrival. Featured amenities include free hot breakfast, complimentary weekday newspaper, valet cleaning service, first aid trained staff available 24/7, and a fitness center.
Which Hotels Offer the Best Discounts in Sydney, NS?
If you are a member of the military or a National Parks Conservation Association Member, you can receive 15% and 20% respectively at your Travelodge by Wyndham stay in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Not only do NPCA members enjoy up to 20% off the best available rate at participating hotels, but every time this rate is booked, Travelodge gives 5% back to NPCA.
This comfortable Sydney hotel features newly renovated rooms overlooking the beautiful Sydney Harbor. Guests enjoy free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. You also have the option of taking advantage of the heated indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center. This location is within walking distance to the Casino Nova Scotia and the Sydney Harbor where guests can enjoy being near many sites and attractions.
If you belong to the American Automobile Association or the Canadian Automobile Association, you can save up to 30% at Hearthstone Inn Sydney. Hearthstone Inn recently renovated their rooms by replacing the flooring and creating themed rooms that coincide with the island's top attractions. The Fortress of Louisbourg room, Alexander Graham Bell Room, Miners Museum room, Celtic Room, and Cabot Trail Room each feature decor and memorabilia from their respective attractions to immerse you in the experience.
All guest rooms are furnished with sleep-inducing mattresses, triple sheets, free Wi-Fi, microwaves and fridges, flat-screen televisions with free movie channels. If you book an executive suite, you'll experience all of those amenities plus a hot tub, fireplace, plush terry bathrobes, a separate bath and vanity area, and a separate living area complete with a sofa, television, fireplace, and desk. Enjoy free daily newspapers in the lobby while savoring your favorite items from the free hot breakfast buffet between 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.
Where Can You Find the Best Value Hotels in Sydney, NS?
Check in to comfort at the Cambridge Suites Hotel Sydney. Book this property for a unique experience, and enjoy the special added comfort and spaciousness of a suite without spending more than the price of a hotel room. Located in the heart of downtown in the waterfront district, this hotel's suites provide an extra measure of comfort during business trips, leisurely vacations, or extended stays. One- or two-bedroom suites include large windows with beautiful views, flat-screen televisions, luxurious bedding, and your choice of one king bed or two double beds. Your room also comes with an entertainment bar with microwave, coffee maker, and a bar fridge. You may request dishes, flatware, and a toaster if needed. Your stay includes free hot breakfast in Trio as well as free high-speed wireless internet, a business center, fitness studio, a rooftop patio, and a laundry room.
The Holiday Inn Sydney's waterfront location caters to families, business travelers, large groups seeking a conference center, and couples. For a fair price, you can experience fresh, modern rooms and amazing amenities. Tastefully decorated guest rooms offer a welcoming environment with free wireless Internet, cable TV with available in-room movies, blackout shades, and in-room heating and AC units. Select rooms feature additional seating areas, and executive suites include a few extras such as a spa bathtub and a separate vanity area.
What really makes this hotel special is its amenities. First and foremost, kids ages 18 and under stay for free alongside their parents. There is also a heated indoor pool featuring a whirlpool, a waterslide, and a lifeguard on duty. There are also two restaurants on-site. The newly renovated Salt Spray features sweeping views of the waterfront and a regional Canadian breakfast menu. The Crown and Moose Pub serves typical British-style pub fare for lunch and dinner. Remember that up to four children ages 11 and under eat free any time of the day in any on-site restaurant.
What Is There to Do in Sydney, NS?
Cape Breton Island is known for its outdoor adventures and natural beauty. In the port of Sydney specifically, you can spend time learning about the history of the area and how this beautiful place was shaped into what it is today. Experience Nova Scotia's Gaelic culture, heritage, and hospitality at Highland Village. This living history museum and folk-life center in scenic Iona, overlooks the magnificent Barra Strait on the Bras d'Or Lakes. Plan to spend a few hours immersed in Gaelic culture by exploring 40 acres worth of reconstructed Gaelic settlements with historic buildings, costumed actors, and demonstrations.
If you're looking to stay right in the heart of the city, take a guided historic tour of Sydney. Join a relaxed walking tour of old Sydney, a town founded by Loyalists seeking a strategic port while fleeing the American Revolution. Along your tour, you will encounter six buildings that were constructed in the late 18th century and two that were built at the turn of the 19th. Your adventure will be full of rich storytelling and friendly characters. On your tour, you will find yourself at St. Patrick's, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Cape Breton, Cossit House, which was built in 1787 and is believed to be the oldest home in Sydney, and Jost House. Each stop offers interesting exhibits sharing a bit of life in the 1700s. At your final stop at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, you can expect a touch of local hospitality and delicious homemade refreshments.
FAQs about hotels in Sydney
Verified reviews of the city of Sydney
Below are reviews of the city of Sydney, NS from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Waterfront!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Waterfront!
Dipesh U., from 08-Sep-2023
"First Class Restaurants & Waterfront Activites Nearby"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city of Sydney is small enough where shopping, first class restaurants, waterfront activities and access to museums are all within a 10 minute walk. The city was alive with Pride activities and everyone felt Sydney was extremely safe. In summary, a very positive stay at the hotel and in Sydney.
Jean M., from 09-Aug-2023
"Close to the waterfront and pavilion with little shops."
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to the waterfront and pavilion with little shops.
Terri S., from 06-Aug-2023
"ALL WAS GOOD!"
Score
5.0 / 5
ALL WAS GOOD FROM THE FRONT DESK TO THE MORNING BREAKFAST!
Maurice F., from 04-Jan-2023
"The Big Fiddle"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Big Fiddle.
Paulson J., from 24-Aug-2022
"Beautiful View!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is close and there's a beautiful water view!
Jennifer C., from 15-Aug-2022
"Available options for all ages to enjoy!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were in town for a family funeral but were happy with available options of things for all ages to enjoy. There are options
Jen A., from 12-Aug-2022
"Sydney is nice and offers lots of amenities."
Score
5.0 / 5
The City of Sydney is nice and offers lots of amenities.
Dorman F., from 06-Aug-2022
"Great Restaurants & Amazing Value"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants were great and amazing value for the money.
Terence D., from 19-Jul-2022
"Ferry"
Score
5.0 / 5
Didn't see much was taking ferry.
Gregg B., from 27-Jun-2022
"Sydney is absolutely beautiful!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sydney is absolutely beautiful! If I were inclined to move Sydney Nova Scotia would be number one on my list.
Mil S., from 20-Jun-2022
"Scenery!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Scenery!
James F., from 28-Mar-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Sydney, NS shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews