We are going on a cruise in September and will be stopping in Halifax for one day and Sydney for one day. Any suggestions for daytime? Don't like touristy stuff. 40 and 50 year olds. Thanks.

For Sydney, I can't think of anything particularly intereting for the whole day (hopefully that will bring out some Sydney natives to contradict me!) but you may want to take a tour of the Fortress at Louisbourg. Very interesting and not too touristy, but then I guess it depends on what you mean by touristy. For Halifax ... so many things you could do. Maybe if you let us kno some of your interests we could narrow it down. Where are you from? What do you enjoy?

If you're into kayaking (either beginner or experienced). .. there's a great place just outside Halifax (in an old fishing village) called East Coast Outfitters. They'll arrange transport from the city, and can do anything from a 2 hour kayak to an all day kayak/coastal hike/lobster fest. <BR><BR>website is: www.chebucto.ns.ca/Business/ECO or try (902)852-2567 <BR>

Can';t talk about Sydney, but we visited Halifax on a cruise and was completely enchanted. Forget Peggy's Cove..you could get there (besides being touristy) and the fog could roll in. We hired a taxi driver and he insisted upon taking us to the graves of the Titanic victims..Some people may call it tourist, but it was one of the most moving experiences we have had. He then took us to the Citadel..okay, so it's touristy, but fun.. You could go down and perhaps take a whale watch if you have enough time. We did eat along the water front...and unfortunately, missed the Maritime Museum near the port.. We have pictures of Halifax if you'd like to see them.. lovely people, college/university area and we were just charmed by the whole town.

Sydney - would recommend a day trip doing the trail if they offer it. It really is beautiful scenery. Fortress Louisbourg is interesting as well and would highly recommend it. If you like to golf, great golfing in Cape Breton.<BR><BR>For Halifax, spend the day just meandering. The waterfront is lovely. Maritime Museum has some great shipwreck exhibits as well as the Titanic. The Art Gallery of NS is a great place to visit. Spring Garden Rd has lots of shopping. stroll through the Public Gardens. Take the Harbour Hopper for a quick tour of the city which includes a view from Citadel Hill. You will learn more about our history from these guys than most Haligonians know! Have lunch along Argyle St. The Casino is located on the Waterfront. If you are here on the weekend and like music, check out my Father's Moustache around 3pm for zydeco.<BR><BR>

My daughter and I were in Halifax last year for vacation. We both highly recommend Pier 52 ( i think that's the correct number). It's the Candaian version of our Elllis Island. The presentation is magnificent - shouldn't be missed.

I think it's Pier 21

Halifax - Despite "touristy" a excursion to Peggy's Cove and on to Lunenburg .. easy drive in one day. Sydney - Louisburg is wonderful or if you are up for a drive take a trip around the Cabot Trail - incredible views !

Just returned from a 2 week driving trip through the Atlantic Provinces. Stayed in Sydney for 2 nights--nothing much there but was an excellent jumping off spot for the Fortress at Louisbourg--you could easily spend the day there (about a 20 minute ride from Sydney). We've been to Williamsburg a couple of time and liked this more--a large "cast" (including children) totally in character for the time. It will give you a good sense of the history of this part of Canada.<BR><BR>In Halifax it's Pier 21 and we, too, can highly recommend this (it's at the extreme end of the Pier). This is the site of the immigration into Canada from, I think, around 1920 on (the original Pier, I think Pier 20, got destroyed). The Maritime Museum was excellent as well (nice display of Titanic memorabilia). Enjoy your trip.