Beginning in the late 15th century, Europeans came here to fish and trade, and shelter from the harsh North Atlantic. In 1749, Britain chose the location to construct a strategic naval base to counter the threat that Louisbourg, the French port on Cape Breton Island, posed to New England.

Four versions of the Citadel have protected that naval base and the town of Halifax. The early forts were built of earth and logs, the first serving through the Seven Years War, the second during the American Revolution, and the third during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. After 1815, British authorities decided that the old wooden forts defending Canada’s strategic strong points, including the Citadel, should be replaced by more powerful and permanent works of stone. Construction of a fourth Citadel began in 1828 and continued until 1856.

In addition to its military role in the defence of the port, the Citadel was home for thousands of soldiers and their families, many who chose to settle here.

In 1867, British North America became the Dominion of Canada, but the continuing importance of Halifax as a port for the Royal Navy saw British troops remain here until 1906. After that the Citadel was occupied by the Canadian military and remained active through two World Wars until 1952, when it was transferred from the Department of National Defence to Parks Canada.

Built in 1787, Cossit House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Sydney and possibly, one of the oldest buildings on Cape Breton Island.  Named for its original owner, Reverend Ranna Cossit, the house depicts 18th-century life.

Following the American Revolution, Rev. Cossit was assigned to the British colony in Cape Breton that, at the time, was separate from mainland Nova Scotia.  Accompanied by his wife Thankful and their growing family, Rev. Cossit became the region’s first Anglican minister and assumed a key role in Sydney’s social and political development.

Join costumed interpreters for a tour of this remarkable house and discover firsthand what life was like for one family during the early days of settlement in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Originally built as a Roman Catholic Church in 1828. The church stands on the former site of a wooden edifice built for the pioneers in 1805. The congregation came from North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Bras d’Or, Low Point and Louisbourg. In 1850 a balcony was added to accommodate the burgeoning population of the area. Due to the increasing size of the congregation, a new church, Sacred Heart, was later built on George Street.

Lebanese immigrants worshipped at St. Patrick’s until 1950. After that period The Ancient Order of Hibernians took it over until the early 1960s. The Old Sydney Society began to restore St. Patrick’s Church in 1966, and it now serves as a museum devoted to preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of Sydney, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.

Ultimate Anne of Green Gables Experience $59/$109 (4 hrs)
View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbors along Blue Heron Drive as you get ready to meet Anne of Green Gables and actual descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery. First stop is Silver Bush and the Anne of Green Gables Museum, here you’ll tour the museum, explore the beautiful grounds with many flower beds and gardens and share some Raspberry cordial with Anne herself!

Next, it's off to Cavendish, the old farm site that inspired L. M. Montgomery's first novel, Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908. Highlighting some of the finest attractions on Prince Edward Island's breathtaking north shore, this is definitely the ultimate Anne experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore beauty of the fjord and Saguenay National Park.
• Learn about the geological, biological, and morphological development of the fjord.
• Discover charming village of L’Anse St-Jean where you’ll have some free time to explore.