Car Rental Sydney, NS

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Sydney is a character filled port community located at the northern tip of Nova Scotia and is the main city of the legendary Cape Breton. While visiting you can learn about the region's tumultuous history at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science and tour the fascinating Jost House built in 1786.

If you're planning your visit to Sydney, or a local looking for something different to do, here are the attractions in and around Sydney:

The Jost House
The Jost House, circa 1786, was purchased by Thomas Jost in 1836. Jost was a Halifax merchant and his family remained on the property until 1971. Today the house is filled with Victorian artifacts and each room features a different theme. The kitchen is housed in the basement with a cooking fireplace and a beehive bake-oven. Local collections can be found within the house, as well as 20th century medicinals.
Tel: 1 902 539-0366
Address: 54 Charlotte Street Sydney NS B1P 1B8

Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science
The Centre for Heritage and Science is open year-round and features a variety of permanent and changing exhibits, which delineate the history and culture of Cape Breton Island. Displays for children are offered in Discovery Corner.
Tel: 1 902 539-1572
Address: 225 George Street Sydney NS B1P 1J5

Cossit House Museum
Built in 1787, Cossit House Museum was the residence of the Rev. Ranna Cossit, who was Sydney's first permanent Anglican minister. It is believed to be Sydney's oldest surviving house and features early New England colonial architecture and period furnishings. Open June 1 - October 15, donations welcomed.
Tel: 1 902 539-7973
Address: 75 Charlotte Street, Sydney, NS B1P 4P4

Driving Regulations In Nova Scotia
As a visitor, your driver's license is valid in Nova Scotia, however, for an extended stay, you will need an International Driver's License issued by your home country. Seat belt use in Nova Scotia is mandatory for drivers and all passengers in automobiles. On motorcycles and bicycles, approved helmets are required. In Nova Scotia, we drive on the right hand side of the road. A yellow line separates lanes heading in opposite directions. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections and at crosswalks, with responsibility not to interfere with the flow of traffic.

Littering
The minimum fine for littering along Nova Scotia highways is $337.50 (CDN).

Weather
Nova Scotia is positioned between 44° and 47° latitude and has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures range from highs of 20° - 25° C (68° - 77° F) to lows of 10° - 14° C (50° - 57° F). Sea breezes near the coast are often best enjoyed with a sweater. Inland the air may be warmer by 5° C (10° F), and lakes, rivers, woods and farms are pleasantly warm. Temperatures in spring and autumn average a pleasant 10° cooler.

Speed Limits In Nova Scotia
All speed zones are posted in kilometres per hour (Be sure not confuse these figures with miles per hour). Nova Scotia's highways are patrolled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and by air patrol. Substantial fines (minimum $107.50 CDN) are imposed for violating speed limits. Also note that radar detectors are illegal in Nova Scotia and will be confiscated by the RCMP.

Drinking And Driving Laws In Nova Scotia
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08. The minimum punishment for a first offence is a fine of not less than $300.00 and a maximum fine of $2,000.00 and/or 6 months in jail. Repeat offenders may have to serve a mandatory 14 day sentence for a second conviction and a minimum 90 days for a third or subsequent offence. The maximum sentence may be as high as 5 years. When an impaired driver has caused bodily harm to another person as a result of the impairment, the person may be jailed for up to 10 years.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers that you may find useful during your trip in Nova Scotia.