Sidney

Sidney: A Year-Round Boating Destination

Touring the Gulf Islands by boat? As one of Vancouver Island’s top boating destinations, Sidney is a fabulous home base for exploring the intricate inlets and bays that make the Salish Sea a natural paradise.

As a thriving marine recreation hub, Sidney has five full-service marinas to welcome boating guests with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable (see map behind profile). The town has remained a close-knit seaside community since its early history, when thriving canneries lined the waterfront and fishing boats aplenty bobbed in the harbour.

Today, the canneries have been replaced with boutique shops, chic hotels, incredible restaurants and even an award-winning gin distillery. Sidney’s entire downtown core is located within a few blocks of the waterfront, which makes it easy to hop ashore and explore on foot.

You’ll find a variety of shops brimming with gifts, clothing and home decor items as unique and varied as the shop owners; plus cafes, pubs and European-style eateries tucked side-by-side along Beacon Avenue and its side streets. If you fancy the buzz of an outdoor market, plan to visit on a Thursday night between May and the end of August for the Sidney Summer Market (pictured above) — the largest outdoor market in Western Canada.

On any given summer Sunday, head down to the seaside bandshell for the free Summer Sounds outdoor concert series, featuring live music from jazz and blues to pop, country and good old fashioned rock and roll. (Psst! This might be an excellent time to tour the Victoria Distillery’s right next door!)

While you’re in the mood for local entertainment and art, Sidney’s thriving arts and culture community celebrates the works of local artists, with galleries, sculptures along the water, a variety of shows at the Mary Winspear Centre, and a look at Sidney’s colourful past at the Sidney Museum.

Sailing into town with kids in tow? Sidney is a popular destination for families. Enjoy the many parks and attractions; including a water-spray park, the BC Aviation Museum and close encounters with sea creatures at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.

If you’d like to add a little urban excitement to your stay, downtown Victoria is only a quick cruise away by power boat. Along the way, keep your binoculars handy — the Southern Resident Orca population frequents the area, and the waters have recently been the talk of the fishing world.

You can also explore the local waters by small craft. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here; and you can also hop aboard a whale watching tour, charter a fishing vessel, join an ecotour, or take the ferry to Sidney Spit for a dreamy day of swimming and birdwatching on the sand. You can even join the locals and crab fish from the local fishing pier!

Year after year, through every season, Sidney’s vibrant community spirit draws visitors back for adventure, relaxation and welcoming charm. Island life doesn’t get any better than this!