Sidney-by-the-Sea swings in summer with musical concerts at the Centennial Bandstand, parades and festivities on Sidney Days, the Summer Market and a host of other special town events throughout the year. It's a place with big city amenities and small town hospitality and pace.
The Port Sidney Marina is as good as it gets. Clear in at the Customs dock first. Then enjoy the marina's fine facilities, wide concrete docks festive with hanging flower baskets and a staff that is friendly and accommodating. Everything shines. And the bonus is a pleasant and easy walk to the downtown business district.
Take a leisurely stroll along Beacon Street lined with a variety of gift shops, restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, grocery and liquor stores. There’s even a barber shop on this main street. Safeway is at the far end of town.
It doesn’t take long to discover why Sidney is also known as Booktown. The town abounds in bookstores with a wide range of specialties, from nautical to mystery, rare to mundane, new to used. Whether you are simply a browsing booklover or a serious collector you’ll find friendly and helpful booksellers eager to assist you.
Be sure to stop in Compass Rose Nautical Books on Fourth Street where they focus on books for sail and power boating. You’ll find a terrific selection of new and used novels, cruising guides, software and Canadian nautical charts.
Intersperse your explorations and discoveries with time-out for rest and relaxation. You may find it difficult to escape being drawn into the bakeries.
A must visit: Lunn’s Pastries, Deli and Coffee Shop. Say hello to Robert Lunn, enthusiastic third generation Baker and Confectioner who takes great pride in the family business. The moment you enter the shop your olfactory and visual senses are held hostage. Whether it be the rich chocolates, heavenly cakes or scrumptious pies, resign yourself to the simple fact that making a decision is problematic. Solution: Indulge. Try one of each dessert: a Vanilla Slice puff pastry, a Butter or Jam tart or perhaps Apricot pie, chock-full of fruit. Lunn’s serves delicious home-made soups, sandwiches and savory-meat-pie lunches.
If you’re looking for a great Greek restaurant, dine at Pier One. The servers are attentive and the food is excellent. Eat, drink and enjoy!
After wandering the length and breadth of the town you may wish to consider a taxi back to the waterfront. Allow several days for more fun.
Did you know …
Clearing Customs is easier with a CANPASS. You can call 1-888-CANPASS for an updated list of reporting stations. Check it out.
The free limit is one bottle of wine, 1.5 litres, or one bottle of liquor. 1.14 litres, or twenty-four cans of beer or ale, 8.5 litres, per person meeting age requirements. If you bring more liquor into Canada than the free allowance of alcohol you will have to pay both customs and the provincial or territorial assessments.
e. b. kowal