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Island Time

Sidney British Columbia
Sidney BC

Lovely Sidney by the Sea

Just 16 miles north of Victoria Canada, Sidney British Columbia, despite its small size, offers a number of fun activities for the visitor.

Located on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island, Canada, Sidney BC is a small town of roughly 11,000 residents.

Sidney is a quick drive from Victoria (actually 16 miles north of Victoria) and is a commercial center on the water--thus the nickname, Sidney by the Sea.

Sidney BC is a stop along the Washington State, United States ferry system.

And it is very close to the Victoria International Airport, major highways and various other ferry systems, such as the Mainland to Schwartz Bay run for B.C.Ferries and the many ferry routes that go to the Gulf Islands.

The town is fittingly small for its population, not even exceeding 2 square miles, or just over 5 square kilometers. Sidney British Columbia was officially incorporated in 1952.

Sidney British Columbia fishing peer

Sidney BC fishing peer


Despite its small size and stature, there is plenty to do in Sidney BC. From the beautiful sights such as the indigenous plants and roaming animals to unique attractions, there is something for everyone.
  • Water Sports and Activities - With its prime water location, water sports and activities are popular here, and it has an extensive and relatively new boat docking area with washrooms.

    Boating, fishing and kayaking are some of the more popular things to do, while camping and other outdoor recreational sports are also common activities.

  • Whale Watching Tours - Sea Quest Adventures provides whale watching tours. If you have never been on a whale watching cruise, you definitely need to go on one. Being so close to these majestic creatures of such fantastic size, is a truly amazing experience.

    Fish market in Sidney British Columbia Canada

    Fresh fish in the Fish Market, Sidney BC


  • Marine Ecology Station - Among the unique attractions of Sidney British Columbia is the floating Marine Ecology Station located in the port. This provides a great educational and hands on experience and you can explore marine life on a walk-in basis or you can make arrangements ahead of time for a program that you design.

  • Butchart Gardens - Another way to connect to the indigenous life of the area is to visit the nearby stunningly beautiful Butchart Gardens. The Butchart Gardens have been in existence for over 100 years and provide a breathtaking experience of over 50 acres of assorted floral life and displays.

  • Mineral World and Scratch Patch - is a unique store, science center and visiting center displaying gemstones and shells, while providing the opportunity to learn about them.

  • British Columbia Aviation Museum - The Aviation Museum has a wide variety of aircraft and aviation artifacts on display. The museum focuses on Canadian aviation history, development, accomplishments and designs, with an emphasis on British Columbia.

  • The Sidney Museum and Archives - provides interesting information, photographs and detailed history of the area, the communities as they developed, and the people who first explored and settled there.

  • Sidney Summer Market - Visit the "Huge" Sidney summer market which fills Beacon street on a Thursday evening, from June to September. (Between 5 and 9 p.m.)

  • Sunday Afternoon Music - Or listen to the Sunday afternoon Bandstand concerts during July and August.

  • Old Book Stores - Are you a book collector? Sidney has 10 old book store in a row—the most comprehensive collection of old books on Vancouver Island! (The books are old—not the stores)


Sidney British Columbia is a great place to visit with your family, as you can all partake in different activities while spending time outdoors, seeing unique sights and attractions and continually learning and exploring.



Sidney British Columbia to Victoria Canada

Sidney British Columbia to Vancouver Island Canada



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