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Photo by http://www.kgoodphoto.com
Take Time Out by the Sea in Sidney
Bevan Pier, a 107-metre (350 feet) dock, popular for fishing and crabbing, is situated along Sidney’s waterfront.
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Photo by http://www.kgoodphoto.com
Take Time Out by the Sea in Sidney
Shopping is second to none on Sidney's popular Beacon Ave.
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Photo by http://www.kgoodphoto.com
Take Time Out by the Sea in Sidney
Fresh, local seafood is available anytime during your visit.
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Photo by http://www.kgoodphoto.com
Take Time Out by the Sea in Sidney
One of the two full-service marinas.
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Sidney BIA
Take Time Out by the Sea in Sidney
Dining is exceptional at any one of the established restaurants.
By Paula Kully
The charming, seaside town of Sidney is located along the shores of the Salish Sea in Haro Strait. As the gateway to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Sidney Spit Island, and the San Juan Islands, Sidney is a fantastic stop over with short- or long-term moorage at two full-service marinas. It is well worth your while to spend a night or more in Sidney as there is so much to enjoy during your visit.
The Town of Sidney has a population of approximately 11,700 and has everything you need to replenish supplies. The welcoming, pedestrian- and bike-friendly town offers kilometres of waterfront walkways, nearby wild islands and beaches to explore. Well-manicured parks, excellent accommodation options, plus funky coffee shops, book stores, restaurants are to be enjoyed as well. Shopping also abounds. There are grocery and hardware stores, plus a vibrant shopping district on Beacon Avenue. With a sub-Mediterranean climate of warm, sunny summers and moderate, rainy winters, activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, bird watching, whale watching, hiking, and diving can be experienced all year.
The community is a hotbed of exciting events taking place throughout the year such as the BC Boat Show held at The Port Sidney Marina from May 3 – 6, 2018. Hosted by the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association, this is one of the largest in-the-water boat shows on the west coast. It provides an opportunity for yacht brokers to showcase and sell boats while the show-goers can go on board and talk with knowledgeable certified brokers. The show attracts approximately 200 boats of all sizes and varieties, along with many marine related displays featuring everything from boat yard services, hardware, equipment, marine electronics and clothing.
From June to the end of August, Sidney’s largest event and Vancouver Island’s largest street market takes place every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Sidney Street Market is a long-standing affair that draws between 3,000 and 5,000 people per night, including passengers off the cruise ships that dock at Victoria’s Ogden Point.
The Market takes place on Beacon Avenue, Sidney’s main street, which is shut down to vehicle traffic and transformed into one of the most spectacular, festive street markets in British Columbia. You will find more than 120 vendors offering everything from locally grown and made produce and products, amazing food vendors, a variety of live music, fresh baked products, jewellery, artisans, and the list goes on.
Throughout July and August, the Sidney Summer Sounds Concert Series takes place every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Beacon Park on the waterfront. This popular music series draws people of all ages to take in two hours of free music. Performances cover a wide range of styles from pop, classical, jazz and everything in between.
Other annual events include the Coast Capital Auto Extravaganza Car Show in August which attracts over 10,000 car lovers and The Annual Lego Festival held on the Family Day weekend in February. Also, there’s no place like Sidney on Christmas; carriage rides, carollers, lights and the Sidney Sparkles Santa Parade top off the year.
Sidney’s Canada Day celebrations are unparalleled as they last for three days. They begin on June 30 with a big picnic in the park, followed by opening ceremonies that consists of cultural performers, music and awards and finishes with the grand finale of the Fire Works Extravaganza display with music over the waters of Beacon Park.
Canada Day begins with a traditional pancake breakfast followed by the festive Canada Day Parade and Family Fun Fair. It rounds out with the popular Slegg Build-a-Boat Race where teams are given four hours and provided with the materials to build a boat in hopes of their vessel being the winner. The race attracts thousands of spectators who all come to see who will sink and who will sail. Wrapping up the celebrations on July 2 is the Sidney Sidewalk Sale. Beacon Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic and transformed into a carnival atmosphere with a beer garden, games for the kids, and artisans.
The fan-favorite, Vancouver Island Comic Convention returns to the Mary Winspear Centre on June 10, along with a new comic exhibit at the Museum during May and June. The Comic Con attracts people of all ages and is fun for everyone. You will find more than just comic books but there will be those too. You will also have the opportunity to meet celebrity guests, comic book artists and creators, take in interesting panels and browse the exhibit and attractions halls. There is also a Cosplay Contest and Show in the Charlie White Theatre that is open to contestants of all ages and skill levels.
Besides events, Sidney has several local attractions within easy walking distance of the water such as the Tulista Park art gallery, the Sidney Museum and Archives, Star Cinema featuring current popular movies, and the Mary Winspear Centre with a captivating First Nations Art Exhibit and regular performances by popular acts. Along the waterfront is the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, a year-round aquarium and cultural centre focused on the amazing ecosystem and heritage of the Salish Sea.
Bevan Pier, a 107 meter (350 foot) dock, popular for fishing and crabbing, is situated along Sidney’s panoramic waterfront. The pier is bordered by an artificial reef that attracts marine life and offers excellent diving opportunities.
You may want to round off your time on land with a tour of the beautifully situated Victoria Distillers where you can sample their famous Victoria Gin made onsite. Or, perhaps visit a spa followed by dinner out at one of Sidney’s fine restaurants. Whatever your desire is, you will not be disappointed with this lovely seaside community and all it has to offer.