Comments on: Best Family Things to Do in Sydney, Nova Scotia

By: Sherry Laskin

Sherry Laskin — Tue, 09 May 2023 03:25:09 +0000

Hi Margaret,
Thank you for reading my article. Very good question about accessibility for shore excursions. I don’t know of any special tour operators that specialize in accessible shore tours. Almost every cruise line, especially Holland America, should offer at least one accessible tour in every port. If you call Holland America reservations (or ask your travel agent) and ask to be with someone in the Guest Accessibility Department. I would think that you’d get more information.

Also, if you have not already read this, try: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/accessibility.html There is a lot of information here.

So many shore excursions require walking but there is always a city tour on a motor coach that is do-able. I am sorry that I can’t recommend a specific tour operator but hopefully someone at Holland America will be able to help you. If you are cruising from Montreal, I’m pretty sure your ship will stop in Quebec. If you’ve never been there, parts of the Old Town are quite steep. This may be one of those places where a motor coach tour would be the best option.

I hope you can find shore excursions for your friend that is easy and enjoyable. Thank you again for writing and have a wonderful cruise!

By: Margaret Maybury

Margaret Maybury — Mon, 08 May 2023 23:56:40 +0000

We are doing a Holland cruise leaving Montreal June 17. One of our party is challenged and uses a walker. We are having a very hard time even with ship excursions to book one that can accommodate someone with accessibility issues. Do you know of any tour companies that we can contact.

Margaret

By: Sherry Laskin

Sherry Laskin — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:04:28 +0000

In reply to Michelle Wilson.

Hi Michelle,
Thank you so much for your kind note! I would LOVE to visit Sydney again…and hopefully soon. Once this pandemic is in the rear-view mirror and our borders are open again, I’ll be there! Wonderful town, really, and hopefully things go well without the summer cruise tourists. For sure I’ll send a note before I head back to NS. Thank you again for reading my article and taking the time to write.
Sherry

By: Michelle Wilson

Michelle Wilson — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:35:58 +0000

Hi there,
I just came across your lovely review of Sydney, and Cape Breton Island! I realize we’re now in the midst of a pandemic, but I would encourage you to plan a visit to come back and take in some of the changes that have taken place since your last visit. We now boast a second berth to accommodate even more cruise ships, and we are seeing the construction of our NSCC in Downtown Sydney, at the other end of the beautiful Sydney Waterfront. There is a different feeling in our downtown and would love to see you back some time. If you ever get the chance make sure to send a note so we can say hello.
Sincerely,
Michelle Wilson
Executive Director
Sydney Downtown Development Assoc.

By: Sherry Laskin

Sherry Laskin — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 18:20:54 +0000

In reply to Micky.

Hi Micky,

Unfortunately, you are correct. Here’s what the website for Fortress of Louisbourg says:
“Opportunities to experience the Fortress of Louisbourg’s quiet streets during the low season allow visitors to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago. While there are no services available, a low season visit may provide the best opportunity for visitors to experience the stillness of the streets, take in the beauty of the exterior architecture of the buildings, or simply enjoy the treasures that life’s quietest moments may bring.

For a new way to experience the site in the low season, try our Louisbourg guided tour app. Through sound, video, photos, quizzes and text, you will hold stories about Louisbourg in your hands as you walk through both the reconstructed town and the fortress’s ruins. The guided tour is available to download for free at the App Store and through Google Play.”

And here’s the link to their website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/visit/heures-hours

Thank you for your question. I hope you will have a wonderful visit to the site, despite the low season distinction.
Sherry