Nestled on 18 acres, near the edge of the Island, The Inn at Spry Point opened in 2000. It features 15 guest rooms, some with balconies that overlook the coastline and nearby hiking and walking trails. Even though The Inn is about “escaping for a while,” it also boasts many modern amenities and features, including an extensive wine cellar and wine list that is prepared and curated by Wilmer himself, a complimentary breakfast, hiking trails around and on the property, meeting and banquet facilities, and free wi-fi throughout the building. Some features have been purposely left out — such as televisions in rooms — so the focus is on the guests and what’s around them. “The point is to get people to forget about their hectic, busy lives and reconnect with nature and people, and just get a nice break,” says Wilmer.
over a decade, but then COVID-19 hit. Many guests had to cancel or postpone their visit. While Wilmer does get a lot of business from the Maritime provinces, about 25 per cent comes from Ontario and 35 per cent from the United States. Without these guests, The Inn’s future was in question. However, he received help from the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), which has enabled him to stay open. “They provided a lifeline that will allow us to survive until next year,” he says. “It’s been a huge help.” For those who do visit The Inn this year, Wilmer added extra cleaning practices and social distancing protocols, such as direction circles on the floor and staircases designated for one-way use. With fewer guests, he can space out who uses what room, so there can be days between room usage, which also helps with virus concerns. “People should be coming with a great comfort that things are going to be safe,” he says.
Due to a drop in guest numbers, The Inn will have a shorter season this year, stopping just before Labour Day. This, combined with a slower season, has a benefit though: a better Inn at Spry Point for 2021. “It’s provided me a great opportunity for repairs and renovations,” says Wilmer. “For all practical purposes, when I do open next year, The Inn will be in great shape.”
The Inn at Spry Point 902.583.2400 innkeeper@innatsprypoint.com www.innatsprypoint.com
At the beginning of March, Wilmer says The Inn was having its best year in
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