If you are looking for a place to relax, kick off your shoes and enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days, Sidney, British Columbia may just be the place for you. In the middle of our fall or winter there is much to see and do (if you wish) and it seems no matter where you travel you are never far from an ocean view. For me, part of the enjoyment of the visit is the ferry trip from Vancouver (Tswassassen) to Vancouver Island (Schwartz Bay) and return and of course the much milder, almost balmy, winter temperatures make a refreshing change from snow which rarely falls in the Sidney area.
How to find Sidney, B.C.
Sidney is very conveniently located at the northern tip of Saanich Peninsula between the Swartz Bay ferry terminal (from Vancouver) and Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia. Ferries also run from Washington, USA to Sidney.
Centrally Located Sidney, B.C.
Although Sidney is relatively small (approximately 12,000 residents) it has much to offer especially if you are interested in boating or the ocean; from whale watching to kayaking and bird watching. When heading north from Victoria back to Sidney, the large marinas were obvious from Highway 17 by the many sail boat masts observed en route. Sidney is only 5 minutes from the Victoria airport and the seaplane terminal making access very easy if you decide to fly and not drive.
Any time is a good time to visit Sidney. We enjoy staying in Sidney and driving to Victoria which is a short 20 minute drive south. A visit to the Legislative Buildings and Victoria Museum are both great places to start your touring. Most of the tourist attractions, such as whale watching, leave from Victoria
We always enjoy our time in Sidney whether it is strolling along the walkway and pier or browsing through the many bookstores. The scenery, climate and friendly people always make it well worth the visit. A refreshing change of climate and pace of life.
Links & References
- Town of Sidney official website
- Here are lots more things to do in the Saanich Peninsula
- The Saanich Peninsula is a great place to grow lemons, feijoas and grapes
- Orcas are often seen in the waters around Victora and along the B.C. Coast
- Places to go and things to do around Victoria
- Victoria Museum
- The story of Emily Carr, painter
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