Seaside in Sidney

A true island getaway that has a small-town atmosphere with big city attractions.

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Words by Paula Kully

With the extensive attention given to Vancouver Island hot spots such as Victoria, Nanaimo or even the artisan atmosphere of Tofino, the community of Sidney shouldn’t be overlooked, either as an overnight stop over or a prime destination for a mini vacation.

After all, Sidney is located just off the shores of the Salish Sea in Haro Strait, making it the ideal home base to explore the stunning Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Sidney Spit Island, or the many more destinations to the north and south. Even though it has a population of just a little more than 12,000 – a fraction of the size of the other larger island cities – its rural atmosphere allows you to enjoy some well-deserved tranquility in a slip, and enjoy the local attractions.

Where to Dock, What to See

Sidney is home to two full-service marinas that cater to transient boaters much of the year. They provide ideal services and are in close proximity to many things to see, but at a much slower pace.

After a day or more of cruising, Bevan Pier is a great place to stretch your legs. It’s also where you can drop a line, try some crabbing, and watch the sun rise or dip below the sea. The pier is bordered by an artificial reef so you’re also bound to see active aquatic life in its natural habitat.

Like many island communities, Sidney is rich with history and of course, the arts. You can learn all about the community’s history at the Sidney Museum and Archives, which showcases more than 7,000 historical and archived artifacts. It also has rotating displays so be sure to check its website for updates. A quick 10-minutes from here leads to The ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park – that presents various works from local and regional artists – and the First Nation’s Mary Winspear Centre where you can observe traditional art exhibits as well as scheduled performances by local acts.

You can make a great day of seeing all of these attractions and you’ll want to include a visit to Beacon Park at the waterfront on Beacon Avenue. With expansive grounds and great views of the Salish Sea, it’s scattered with prominent public art pieces from talent across North America. There’s also a pavilion, interlocking brick walkways, and picnic tables.

If you continue down Beacon Avenue, you’ll reach the Sidney Pier where you can dine right over the water and enjoy even better views of the sea. If you go west on Beacon Avenue (from the park), trendy cafes and pubs with patios, restaurants, plus several stores and boutiques will keep you (and the shopper in the family) busy for hours.

The pubs and restaurants on Beacon Avenue all offer great selections of craft beers, local wines, and spirits (as well as local menu items). Perhaps plan to visit Victoria Distillers, a producer and seller of local, fine gins. It offers tours, tastings and you can purchase its renowned spirit right from its taps. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are great launching points to go kayaking and the fishing in the area will not disappoint. Resorting to the local guides is the best bet to make the most of your experience. However, there’s still a full gamut of activity on land. Robert’s Bay Bird Sanctuary, Land’s End Road, or Sidney Spit offer excellent day trips to observe the many bird species, especially during spring or fall migrations.

Most importantly, no matter what you choose to do in Sidney, it’s a destination where you can enjoy it at your own pace. It’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the larger island towns and cities, and a great area of Vancouver Island to visit pretty much anytime of the year.

Nature’s Choice in Sidney

If the kids have been spending too much time on smart devices, The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is an aquarium and learning centre providing a meaningful form of education on the eco-system of the Salish Sea. It’s located in the Sidney Pier Building where kids (and adults) can experience 160 species of marine life, a marine mammal exhibit, and a Salish art collection. There’s even special event and exhibits throughout the year.

https://www.salishseacentre.org

6 Interesting Facts You May Now Know About Sidney

  • Sidney is in close proximity to many great whale watching locations.
  • It’s just 30-minutes from downtown Victoria, and Sidney is great home base to visit the Saanich Peninsula and nearby Greater Victoria area.
  • Sidney is a “Booktown” and one of the few in Canada. Its home to more than a half-dozen independent bookstores (which is a lot considering its size), selling unique and special collections.
  • Sidney was once an essential hub and transport route during the prohibition era.
  • It’s located within the BC coast’s Douglas fir ecosystem, one of the most restricted ecosystems in the country.
  • Sidney Street Market is considered the island's largest market of its kind with more than 130 vendors, and attracts between 3,000 and 5,000 people each week.