From the Arctic to Antarctica

Experience the beauty surrounding Sydney from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Keep watch for the array of bird species and aquatic life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding this pastoral landscape. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Investigate the rugged beauty of Canada’s Appalachian region during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters surrounding Sydney. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the charming towns and lush greenery that surround these waters as you keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as seabirds and aquatic creatures. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the historic waterways of the Sydney River, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Step back in time to the 18th century during a fascinating visit to the historic Fortress Louisbourg. This living museum faithfully recreates life during colonial times. At the fortress, join your Parks Canada guide for a brief orientation as you set out to experience the year 1744 during a tour of the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. During its heyday, it was one of France’s linchpins of trade and military strength in the New World. Today, the surviving structure features more than 50 buildings across 12 acres. Following your orientation, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Then, travel to the iconic Louisbourg Lighthouse, a historic structure with roots dating back across three centuries. The current lighthouse sits on the site of Canada’s first lighthouse, built in 1734. After time for photos, you will return to your ship.

Explore the history of Sydney during a stroll through its charming streets and visits to several notable landmarks. Sydney prospered from coal and steel up until the mid-20th century. While neither industry operates here today, many buildings from those halcyon days remain. Join your period-attired guide, who will offer insight into the city’s colorful past. View the facade of St. Patrick’s, a Gothic-style church for early pioneers, then head to the North End. Here, step inside the Jost Heritage House, the city’s oldest original wooden building, to view its collection of artifacts—meticulously restored, it features items spanning several centuries. Pause outside the Cossit House to learn about the life of Rev. Ranna Cossit, who built this colonial-style house in 1787. Stop at St. George’s Church, after which you may choose to return to the pier or explore more on your own.

Revel in the Scottish heritage of Cape Breton during a lively folk music performance. To this day, Cape Breton retains its Scottish ancestry—the island is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still spoken and it is renowned for reviving, preserving and promoting Celtic music. At the Marine Terminal, view the monumental fiddle, complete with bow and strings; this landmark was forged out of solid steel, weighs 10 tons and measures 54 feet high. Head inside the terminal to experience a spirited ceilidh (pronounced “KAY-lee”), a traditional gathering that celebrates the Scottish culture of Cape Breton and involves dancing and Gaelic folk music. There will be fiddling, singing and step dancing, as well as refreshments. You will not be able to stop your toes from tapping or your hands from clapping while immersed in this infectiously merry atmosphere.

Uncover the diverse culture of Sydney during visits to a historical museum and Fort Petrie. As Cape Breton’s largest town, Sydney has been a “melting pot” throughout its history. It was home to the Mi’kmaq First Nation, then to the French and British settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries, before becoming an entry point for thousands of Scottish immigrants to Canada. A scenic drive will take you past the town’s landmarks en route to the Whitney Pier Historical Museum, where you will enjoy tea and oatcakes as you browse the photos, newspaper clippings and artifacts that tell the story of the area’s many cultures. Travel to Fort Petrie, used to protect Sydney Harbour during both world wars. See the two World War II-era gun emplacements, admire sweeping views of Sydney Harbour from the viewing platform and keep watch for local seabirds, before returning to your ship.

Discover Nova Scotia’s rich Scottish cultural history during a visit to a living museum, the Highland Village. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the idyllic Bras d’Or Lakes region, nestled in the heart of Cape Breton on the Iona Peninsula. The village, covering 43 acres on a hillside overlooking the lakes, features 11 historic buildings to recreate life in a Gaelic community from the late 18th to 19th centuries. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore, learning more about the island’s proud Scottish legacy while investigating the houses, mill, forge, church and more as you stroll. If you are lucky, you may see a demonstration showcasing the art of weaving, quilting or rug hooking, and maybe learn a word or two of Gaelic. At the conclusion of your excursion, you will return to your ship.

Enjoy a haunting performance that pays homage to the majesty of the seas at the Highland Arts Theatre. Meet your guide and take a short walk to Downtown Sydney. The theater, formerly St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, is a beautiful, red-brick building from the early 1900s. Before its transformation to a cultural center, the church regularly hosted concerts and classical music performances; it was a regular venue for the Halifax Symphony Orchestra due to its outstanding acoustic properties. Today, the theater produces many homegrown productions of plays and musicals, including The Sea Shanty Show—a musical extravaganza featuring the wonderful harmonies of local performers, directed by Marc Richard. Take your seat and enjoy the performance of this sold-out show, honoring traditional sailing songs and East Coast writers. After the performance, you will walk back to your ship.