Sun, Sea, and Serenity: A Week in Sidney, BC
"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul." ~ Robert Wyland
I’m just back from a delightful trip to Vancouver Island, where my husband, Gabby (our spirited yorkie), and I spent a relaxing week soaking up the sun and sea in Sidney, BC. Back home now, I can still hear the gulls and feel the fresh salty breeze.
Many years ago, my husband and I made yearly trips here for scuba diving adventures. We fell in love with the seaside charm, the small-town vibe, and the warm hospitality of this idyllic place.
Strolling Along Sidney's Waterfront
Each day, we enjoyed leisurely walks along the waterfront walkway. Sidney’s 3.6-km walkway is the perfect way to experience the town’s beautiful shoreline. As we strolled past Beacon Park, we watched sailboats dancing on the sea and felt the fresh salty breeze.
Known as the Seaside Sculpture Walk, this path winds south towards the Sidney International Ferry Terminal. Along the way, you'll find plenty of benches, sculptures, and mini gardens. We often stopped to snap photos of the oceanside views, chat with friendly locals, and admire the vibrant art and flowers.
Sidney is a dog lover’s paradise, with as many dogs as people enjoying the sights. We stayed in a dog-friendly boutique hotel, where the staff greeted Gabby with daily treats. Almost every shop had water bowls outside, and many restaurants had patios where you could dine with your dog resting beside you. Gabby loved meeting new friends and exploring this quaint coastal town for the first time.
Exploring the Sidney Pier
Further along the waterfront is Sidney’s iconic fisherman’s pier. Here, you can grab a bite to eat or visit the fish market. While we didn’t fish for crab ourselves, we loved chatting with the locals who did. Buying cooked crab from the market became our lunchtime ritual, a tradition dating back to our scuba diving days.
“Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” ~Christy Ann Martine
“The ocean is more ancient than the mountains, and freighted with the memories and the dreams of time.” ~H.P. Lovecraft
One evening, we enjoyed the pre-Canada Day fireworks, a highlight for us both. We spent the afternoon lounging seaside, relaxing in the sunshine, and listening to a concert by the Sidney Concert Society. Gabby reveled in her "meet and greets" with fellow concert-goers, dogs and humans alike.
As the evening approached, we joined the crowd gathering for the fireworks. It was a magical sight—families and their pets, all mingling happily along the waterfront, beach, and pier.
Canada Day Celebrations 🍁
Canada Day in Sidney was filled with joy and excitement. We started the day watching the parade, a lively display of community spirit.
That afternoon, we witnessed the annual boat-building challenge. Eight teams of three local community members each constructed a boat using only hand tools. The boats were then launched from the beach, and the teams set sail on a designated course in the harbor. It was such fun to watch!
Savoring Local Cuisine
We indulged in the local cuisine, savoring fresh seafood dishes at charming seaside restaurants. The combination of fresh ingredients and coastal ambiance made each meal a delight. Our favorites included calamari and crab cakes, and we couldn’t resist visiting a specialty cheese shop and a bustling bakery downtown. Browsing gift shops and galleries added to the experience.
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." — Jacques Yves Cousteau
Farewell, Sidney by the Sea
As our week in Sidney came to an end, I reflected on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories we created. Each morning, I took a solo walk along the waterfront, breathing in the fresh sea air and taking in the natural beauty around me. I returned home rested, rejuvenated, and filled with inspiration. Thank you, Sidney by the Sea! See you again next year!
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