Sydney—also commonly known as the Steel City—is Nova Scotia’s third largest city and acts as a major industrial hub for the rest of Atlantic Canada. Located on the shores of the vast Sydney harbour, Sydney is a popular stopover point for cruise ships on the Atlantic Shore. This historic community is a mainstay of the legendary Cape Breton region, and boasts several buildings and landmarks that date as far back as 1786. Learn about the tumultuous history that helped forge this early settlement into the city that is today at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science. Strolling along the Oceanfront Esplanade will lead visitors to numerous statues and plaques that celebrate Sydney’s rich cultural heritage, while the nearby Cossit and Jost Houses are historical museums that will take tourists back in time. Sydney River—just south of central Sydney—is a rich and vibrant shopping district.