I'm loving the love for Cape Breton!
Like TimSJ said come visit me and I'll buy you a beer. Only difference being everyone seems to be saying visit where I am :P
If you're into historical stuff, the Halifax Citadel is cool, but Fortress of Louisbourg is better. If you plan on visiting both GO TO THE CITADEL FIRST!!! I can't stress that enough, Citadel is neat and interesting. But Louisbourg is about 500 times bigger and has way more to see, do. They really go all out, Citadel will be a let down if you see Louisbourg first. The Bell Museum in Baddek is also really interesting. Our buddy Alex invented more than just the telephone, and if you take the tour there's a joke in the Cape Krusty episode of the Simpsons that becomes especially hilarious. If in Baddeck take the catamaran tour of the Bras d'Or Lakes. The Bras d'Or lakes are to die for, so beautiful.
Cabot Trail is a must if you like scenery. The mountains aren't as big as the rockies, but picture the mountains surrounded by ocean and if you go in August about 30 different shades of green everywhere you look. Stop in Ingonish and go to the beach. The beach has salt water on one side with amazing waves and fresh water on the other that's warm and calm.
If you like hiking the National Parks station will give you a map with about 25 different trails on it, from short to long, beginner to expert.
In Sydney itself, the boardwalk is a great stroll in the summer, as is Wentworth Park. There's a casino, a few pubs, neat little shops all downtown. Eagles training camp should be going on (or maybe even exibition games) so you can still get some hockey fix. Not to mention I live there, so PM me and I'll buy you a beer.
There are a number of historic sites in downtown Sydney, I think the historical society has a map and self guided walking tour.
I can show you the dark places of Sydney as well, some people like that sort of thing.
In Glace Bay there's the Miner's Museum. They actually take you down in an old coal mine, and go through the history of coal mining in Cape Breton, which is one of the foundations that helped build this country we now know as Canada.
Golf Golf Golf.
If you're a golfer. You have to golf the best course in the country. I'm not being biased, depening on the magazine you read it's litterally #1. Highlands Links. It's not an easy course, it's a long course, and it's a traditional links. You'll drive it down the fair way, it'll hit a hill in the middle of the fairway and roll back 30 yards. I'll put money there aren't many more sceneic courses in the world. Bell Bay isn't an overly difficult course but is a good course and over looks the Bras d'Or Lakes.
The Lakes in Ben Eoin should be open by then, it's brand new (ie not open as of last weekend when I drove by) so you might be a really good rate on green fees. There's also a 4 star Inn that's right next to it called "The Birches" not sure what the rates are, but I know it's super nice. If you stay there request the Patterson room, 'cause, well, it's my name LOL.
Any other questions, I've lived in Halifax too. I can let you know all about there but probably not as well as HD. Who's viewing this thread as I type. And shane_c who's also viewing the thread currentlyl is from Cape Breton also, he might have other ideas too.
Feel free to PM me with any questions. I've been all over the Maritimes. I love it here.
For those that say we've got great hospitality, thanks. We are pretty fataing awesome
