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Seaside marketplace a top attraction on Vancouver Island
From Thailand’s world famous night bazaars to Germany’s holiday Christkindlmarkts, food and artisan markets have become a popular attraction in communities around the world, including Sidney, BC, just 35 minutes from downtown Victoria.
Now in its 11th year, the Sidney Summer Market boasts more than 200 vendors, displaying everything from hand-crafted jewellery, clothing, pottery, and soaps, to home-made pasta, granola, and teas.
Every Thursday night from June to late August, join over 4000 locals and tourists and wander along sunny Sidney-by-the Sea’s pedestrian-friendly main street, enjoy good food, pleasing displays, and live music.
To enhance the market experience, strike up a conversation with the easy-going vendors; they love sharing their passion with interested browsers!
Reflexions Aromatherapy displays its extensive all-natural skin care line
Chat with designer and goldsmith Melissa Caron about her stunning, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewellery; talk to the team at hOMe Grown Living Foods about their line of delicious gluten-free, organic snacks like MACAroonies and Goji Almond Cacao Livies; or let Linda Fleury of Reflexions Aromatherapy inspire you to choose natural skin care products.
Get noticed with a funky purse
People of all ages will love browsing the wares, and no doubt you’ll find a gift or two for friends, family, and even man’s best friend—a few booths are dedicated solely to the pleasure of puppies and other house pets!
A view of busy Beacon Street. The street remains closed to vehicles during market hours.
If you’re going to travel up the peninsula for the market, why not make a day of it? A quaint town with a population of 11,300, Sidney’s main street offers unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and 12 bookstores within a four-block radius!
Walk the boardwalk to take in spectacular views of the Gulf Islands; visit the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre to study the underwater inhabitants of the Salish Sea; or hop on the 25-minute scenic boat ride to Sidney Spit and spend an afternoon with nature, exploring tidal pools, searching for marine life, or soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches.
With its laid-back, easy-going atmosphere, Sidney is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the summer. Turn off your cell phone, take off your watch, and treat yourself to a peaceful sojourn in a lovely seaside village.
- Photos & text by Jessica Woollard©
