Sidney

Take everything that you love about life on the South Island, squeeze it into a small seaside town within North Saanich, and you have Sidney. The natural beauty of Sidney draws visitors from all over the world.

Bike or stroll the walkway around the sea’s edge while admiring sculptures by local artists. Take an Eco-Tour, go diving off Sidney Pier, enjoy boating in the sunny harbour, or take a tiny ferry to Sidney Spit Marine Park’s scenic beaches, salt marshes, and tidal flats. This is an explorer’s paradise.

The Mary Winspear Centre is a state-of-the-art event, conference and theatre facility which regularly features top international performers. The refurbished Star Cinema is a little-known local gem which features the best of Hollywood and Indie.

Sidney is replete with elegant high-end art galleries, featuring world-renowned artists such as Robert Bateman. High-end art galleries include The Peninsula Gallery, The Village Gallery, Laroch Fine Art Gallery, and the New West Gallery. Charming boutiques, like the Tivoli Gallery offer traditional Native Art and unique handicrafts by local artisans.

This place is known as ‘Book Town’. Each store has its own personal style and treasures: Tanner’s Books, The Haunted Bookshop, and Galleon Books and Antiques top the list. Learn about aviation history at the BC Aviation Museum. The Sidney Museum and Archives is appreciated by history buffs and features popular LEGO exhibits. The Latch Restaurant and the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill provide high standards in fine dining.

Family-friendly Sidney offers so many fun and educational activities for all ages. The local aquarium, The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, showcases 160 species of marine life. Search for precious gemstones at Mineral World and the Scratch Patch.

Many recreation centres treat locals to exercise, life-long learning, and relaxing pools and jacuzzis. The major rec centre for Sidney is Panorama Recreation Centre which also includes Greenglade Community Centre.

Schools near Sidney include Parkland Secondary, Sidney Elementary, and Kelset Elementary.

Sidney may be small on size, but it’s big on living. You will be well rewarded when you visit this community.