Sneak away to charming Sidney–by–the–sea on Vancouver Island for a breather from your glam city life.

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Check into the sleek ecru–and–turquoise surroundings of the new Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, put your feet up and check out the view of Haro Strait through floor–to–ceiling windows. Even on grey, misty days, it's a seascape to get lost in. Summer rates from $139.

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Fetch ripe summer fruit and veggies…or a pair of fetching handmade earrings at the Sidney Summer Market.

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Still searching for that first or finely–bound edition of Pride and Prejudice? They don't call Sidney Booktown for nothing.

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Kick back on the lawn every Sunday afternoon and enjoy some super–catchy tunes at the Summer Concert Series, running until the end of August.

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Nosh on ocean–friendly wild salmon, velvety halibut and local Albacore tuna off the seasonal menu at Haro's Waterfront Dining. Or if you're feeling especially chef–like, order the Chef's Black Box Dinner to your in–suite kitchen and a box of partly-prepped ingredients will be delivered for you to whip into a gourmet feast.

Feeling a little robbed by summer's disappearing act? With the leaves turning shades of red and gold and the fashion finds booming, there's no better time to Grab your beau-du-jour and brush up on your joie-de-vivre.

Here, installment two of our Montreal picks:

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Hotel Godin, 10 Sherbrooke St. West, 514-843-6000, www.hotelgodin.com
In Montreal's shopping and nightlife hot spot, Le Godin marries historical architecture and ultra-modern design. Enjoy state-of-the-art in-room movie and Internet services, luxurious linens, helpful staff and complimentary breakfast with piping hot croissants and espresso made-to-order-all at very reasonable prices.

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Jean-Talon Market (Jean-Talon Metro), 7070 Henri-Julien Street, 514-277-1588,
www.marchespublics-mtl.com.

Stock-up on hotel picnic treats at Montreal's largest public market such as incredibly affordable charcuterie, local cheeses, chewy baguettes, and farm fresh produce. Just steps away is Little Italy, a Montreal must-see.

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Jong Couture, 3972 St. Laurent Blvd., 514-842-1308

Score vintage Lanvin and Hermès scarves under $25 and silky Helmut Lang tanks amongst contemporary couture designed by the designer/stylist duo who own this local favourite.

Arthur Quentin, 3960 St. Denis Street, 514-843-7513,
www.arthurquentin.com .
You'll find the best in French housewares at this Montreal gem, including cheese knives, serving platters and modern "panniers" for your trips to the market.

Boutique UANDI, 3650 St. Laurent Blvd., 514-844-8788,
www.boutiqueuandi.com.
Covet UANDI's handpicked jewels from Vivienne Westwood, Montreal's own Mackage and hard-to-find pieces from Paris (think this season's capes and trenches).

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Da Emma, 777 Rue de la Commune West (end of Old Montreal), 514-392-1568
Stroll down to ultra-romantic Old Montreal to this former women's penitentiary, where the room and Italian food make for an experience like no other. Do sample the al dente porcini fettuccini and roast lamb.

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Laika, 4040 St. Laurent Blvd, 514-842-8088
Montreal's finest DJ's spin nightly in this open-air, sexy lounge.
Not to miss is resident DJ Mightykat.

For more information on Montreal, visit www.tourism-montreal.org