Words & Photos Shelley Tice
My goal for this month’s Seaside Get Out! was simple: find somewhere new to me.
I didn’t need a big hike or a challenging trail. I just wanted a pretty place to get outside and explore the fall colour, and my first visit to Resthaven Linear Park in Sidney delivered exactly that.
On a warm fall day, I set off along the pathway towards Resthaven Island. The walk is flat, easy to follow and not particularly long, making it a great option when you want some fresh air without committing to a bigger outing.
What I really enjoyed was how quickly the surroundings changed. The park opens up to views across Tsehum Harbour and the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, with boats, shoreline and plenty of benches to pause and take it all in. The pathway continues around the edge of Resthaven Island, creating a lovely little loop for a leisurely walk.
For me, the unexpected bonus was the wildlife. We brought our cameras along and found plenty of reasons to slow down and look more carefully. The Shoal Harbour sanctuary is important habitat for seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly during migration and the winter months. Great blue herons, ducks, cormorants and other birds can all be spotted in the area, so it is worth bringing binoculars or a camera with a decent zoom.
There is also more history here than you might expect from such a peaceful little walk. Resthaven Island was once known as Sheep Island and originally named Quisisana. In the early 1900s, plans were developed to create a luxury retreat, and the Resthaven building opened in 1913. It later served as a military hospital before becoming Rest Haven Hospital. The hospital eventually closed in 1978, and the building was demolished. Today, the perimeter of the Island forms the Resthaven Linear Park.
I love finding these little pieces of local history tucked into places we might otherwise simply walk past.
Resthaven Park itself adds to the appeal, with open green space, a playground, tennis court, benches and picnic tables, along with the pathway connection to the Island.
If you are looking for an easy, scenic wander where you can slow down, watch the birds, take a few photos and learn a little more about the place you’re walking through, this is the spot to try.
