Sydney

As the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island and the island’s historical capital, Sydney is the perfect mix of urban charm and down home hospitality. This small city offers a blend of rich cultural heritage and contemporary living set against the backdrop of Cape Breton Island's rugged landscapes.

Sydney is a gateway to the scenic Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community thrives on its connection to the sea, with fishing playing a role in its economy and culture. And as with many Nova Scotian communities on the ocean, the heart of Sydney is its waterfront. On a warm, summer evening it’s a great place to go for a walk, stop to watch to a busker, and to watch ships in the harbour.

Residents enjoy a range of amenities, from local markets and shops to cultural events that celebrate Cape Breton's music and traditions. Sydney is a place where the past meets the present, offering residents and visitors a warm and welcoming atmosphere enriched by its maritime legacy and the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it.

Education in Sydney

• Multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, including French language schools and institutions with French immersion
• Sydney Academy international Baccalaureate Program 
• Cape Breton University
• Nova Scotia Community College Sydney Waterfront Campus
• Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus
• Cape Breton Business College Sydney Campus
• Island Career Academy 

Amenities in Sydney

• Centre 200, a multi-purpose facility that hosts sports events and concerts
• Mayflower Mall         
• Wentworth Park, a public park with green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities
• Open Hearth Park, a large park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities
• Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, a waterfront facility that hosts events
• Sydney Museum
• Highland Arts Theatre
• Cape Breton Farmers Market

Health care facilities in and near Sydney

Cape Breton Regional Hospital

This hospital is the regional referral and trauma centre for Cape Breton Island. The Cape Breton Regional is part of a four hospital complex that also includes Glace Bay, New Waterford Consolidated and Northside General Hospitals.

Northside General Hospital

One of the community hospitals that operate as part of a four hospital complex that includes New Waterford Consolidated, Glace Bay and the Cape Breton Regional hospitals. It serves the communities of North Sydney, Sydney Mines and surrounding areas.

New Waterford Consolidated Hospital

One of the community hospitals that operate as part of a four hospital complex that includes Northside General, Glace Bay and the Cape Breton Regional hospitals. As a community hospital, it serves New Waterford and surrounding communities.

Glace Bay Hospital

One of the community hospitals that operate as part of a four hospital complex that includes New Waterford Consolidated, Northside General and the Cape Breton Regional hospitals. As a community hospital, it serves Glace Bay and the surrounding communities.

The Cape Breton Cancer Centre

One of two specialty cancer centres in Nova Scotia, it provides a full range of cancer care and support including radiation therapy. Cape Breton Cancer Centre staff work closely with cancer health providers at the QEII Cancer Centre and community cancer clinics across the province to support patients receiving cancer care as close to home as is safely possible.

Harbour View Hospital

A long-term care and rehabilitation care facility near Sydney divided into two specific areas: continuing care and rehabilitation. Within the continuing care area is a unit specifically designated for war veterans.

Heart and Lung Centre 

Sydney Hip and Knee Clinic

Taigh Na Mara 

A long-term care facility that provides care to veterans and continuing care to residents.