Sidney-by-the-Sea

Sidney-by-the-Sea, or plain Sidney to the locals, is the charming booktown on the northern part of the Saanich Peninsula, a gateway to Victoria and Vancouver Island in BC, Canada.

Sidney attractions and activities

Just 10km (6 miles) from Gazebo Bed and Breakfast it is well worth a visit, perhaps combined with visiting gardens and wineries on the Saanich Peninsula. Both the Butchart Gardens and Butterfly Gardens can be visited en route to Sidney.

The town is close to the BC Ferries and Washington State Ferries terminals and to Victoria International Airport and has numerous marinas. Consequently it is quite a busy town yet it has a slow relaxed atmosphere. Its population of under 12,000 includes many seniors who enjoy the mild climate, pedestrian-friendly Beacon Avenue with its shops, galleries and restaurants and an amble on its waterfront and fishing pier.

For visitors Sidney really does offer a wide range of activities:

Recreation
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the town.
Glen Meadows Golf Club or Ardmore Golf Course.
Horse-back riding.

Shopping
Sidney is Canada's first Booktown - about ten specialty stores close together.
Browse through gift shops and art galleries.
Watch the world go by from a coffeee shop.
Find a restaurant or pub for lunch or dinner.

Museums
Sidney Museum focusses on whales.
BC Aviation Museum - originals and replicas of the past century.
Saanich Historical Artifacts Society is an outdoor heritage museum over nearly 30 acres.

Attractions
Take the 15 minute ferry trip to Sidney Spit, a small uninhabited island.
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, www.oceandiscovery.ca.
Mineral World and Scratch Patch - sea shells and semi-precious gems and minerals.

Marine activities
Go on a sea cruise around the nearby islands and the harbour.
Salt-water fishing, especially for salmon.
Explore the coves by kayak.
Dive to explore wrecks.
Potter around a marina.

Air activities
Go on an air tour by plane or helicopter.
Even go parachuting!

Events
The Sidney Summer Market on Beacon Avenue each summer Thursday evening.
Music at the Centennial Bandstand on Sunday afternoons in July and August.

Victoria's Country Retreat ... serenity near the Butchart Gardens

Enjoy Sidney-by-the-Sea from our nearby Canada Select 5 Star rated B&B