A Week by the Sea: Inspiration from Sidney, BC

Laura Leeder
6 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Robert Wyland

I’ve just returned from a rejuvenating summer escape to beautiful Sidney, BC — a coastal town my husband Ivor and I have long held dear. Our little yorkie, Gabby, who is also my studio assistant, joined us againt this year as we soaked in the sunshine, salty sea breeze, and soul-soothing pace of life by the ocean.

From morning walks on the boardwalk to evenings watching fireworks over the pier, Sidney offered beauty, warmth, and inspiration at every turn — not to mention some memorable meals and meaningful family moments along the way.

"Resting is not a waste of time. It is an investment in well-being." - Adam Grant

Seaside Strolls & Coastal Charm

Each day began with a peaceful walk along Sidney’s oceanfront boardwalk — a blooming, art-filled path lined with benches, bronze-finished sculptures, and colorful planters. Known as the “Bench People,” these sculptures by local artist Nathan Scott invite interaction and photos, creating charming moments all along the way, including the main downtown area lined with an ecclectic mix of shops.

Gabby happily trotted beside us, seeking out new dogs to greet and shady spots to rest in the flower-scented air. I even indulged her with a few walks along the beach where she explored the many vantage points on the beached logs and tree stumps to look out to sea. From both the north and south ends of the walk, we admired the beautifully landscaped homes, gentle waves, and — on especially clear mornings — a stunning view of Mt. Baker in the distance.

Family, Flowers & A Very Special Quilt

One afternoon, my sister from Nanaimo joined us along with her granddaughter Jesse and their friend Don. We enjoyed lunch on the seaside patio at Riva, the charming restaurant attached to our boutique hotel, (Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites). As we caught up over delicious food and ocean views, she surprised me with a gift I’ll treasure forever — a quilt she lovingly made using fabric from our late mother’s collection.

Each of my siblings received one, and while Mom passed away in 2020 before these quilts were finished, receiving mine in this beautiful setting and meeting with my sister whom I've not seen for a few years, made the moment feel even more special. I’ve included a photo of the quilt here — a true keepsake from the heart.

A Feast for the Senses (and the Sketchbook)

Although I brought my sketchbook along, I didn’t open it once — instead, I allowed myself to be completely present. I soaked in the sound of gulls circling the pier, the sparkle of sunlight on beach stones, and the gentle rhythm of ocean waves. I took mental snapshots of everything: the subtle shimmer in pigeon feathers, the whimsy of flower baskets dancing in the breeze, and the joyful interactions between visitors and their pups.

While no drawings emerged on this trip, I returned home creatively refueled, with plenty of inspiration to pour into my studio practice in the weeks ahead.

Dining By the Sea & Canada Day Celebrations

Dining at Riva was a visual and culinary delight. Its vibrant covered patio, filled with flowerpots and hanging baskets, offered a relaxing spot to take in the beach views while enjoying fresh seafood.

One of the highlights of every Sidney trip — especially for my husband — is having freshly cooked Dungeness crab! We ordered from the beloved Fish Market at the end of the pier, and enjoyed our feast not once, but twice — once at the beginning of our stay, and again on our final night, seated on our balcony overlooking the Salish Sea. It’s become a tradition that never disappoints!

We were also thrilled to be joined by my husband’s son Jon and his partner Carolyn. On June 30th, we gathered on the balcony of their penthouse suite, which directly overlooked the pier and boardwalk, for a front-row seat to Sidney’s spectacular Canada Day fireworks. The view was breathtaking — a perfect way to celebrate the night before the big day. Thank you both for joining us!

Parades, Boats & Beachfront Fun

On Canada Day we walked a short distance from our hotel for the parade — full of festive music, community floats, and cheerful energy. Gabby stayed behind in our hotel room where it was cool and quiet (she would not have enjoyed the crowd, heat, or noise).

Later that afternoon, we joined the crowd at Glass Beach to cheer on participants in the Slegg Build A Boat Challenge — a much-loved annual event where local teams build boats using only the materials provided. The boats are then launched into the sea, much to the delight of spectators. Some floated impressively. Others… not so much! Either way, it was great fun to watch and a real highlight of the day.

Returning Home with a Full Heart

As we packed up to leave Sidney, I reflected on how deeply restorative this week had been — not just for rest, but for rekindling my creative spark. My mind is buzzing with fresh ideas: a 2026 calendar, a holiday greeting card, and two new projects involving courses and print-on-demand gift products.

This year’s trip also came with a few gentle reminders about slowing down. My husband has been experiencing increased and ongoing mobility challenges due to chronic back pain, so we adjusted our pace to suit quieter moments — sitting together on our balcony, enjoying the ocean view, or resting on a bench just outside the hotel with Gabby by our side.

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.” -E.E. Cummings

Though our pace was slower this year, the joy was still abundant — in crab dinners on the balcony, peaceful boardwalk views, and time simply spent together.

These slower rhythms have become part of our days, and they’ve taught me to be even more present — not just as an artist, but as a caregiver and partner. I’m learning to lean into rest, and into small rituals of self-care that help restore balance.

In future posts, I may share little reflections or tips around self-care, aging with grace, and the creative ways we nourish ourselves through change.

Until next time, Sidney by the Sea. 💙