Welcome to Sidney
This picturesque area offers quaint, small-town living.
Sidney is a quaint, lovely town on the shores of the Salish Sea. Home to the Shaw Centre, a marine life education centre and aquarium, the only ferry that has service to ports in Washington, and a lovely waterfront walk, Sidney is the perfect spot for sea-lovers.
Originally home to the Wsanec First Nations people, Sidney is a popular place to enjoy the natural beauty that the area has to offer. Whether kayaking, boating, sailing, or swimming, there’s waterside wonder to be found in this small community.
Sidney is also home to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and the Victoria International Airport, making it a convenient home for avid travelers.
What to Love
- Small-town living with a quick commute to Victoria.
- Convenient proximity to the airport and ferry terminals.
- Ocean-lovers will feel at home with plenty of seaside education, adventures, and scenery.
Local Lifestyle
Life in Sidney is slower-paced than in the nearby city of Victoria. This coastal town is on the smaller side, with around 11,600 residents. Despite its small size, there is still plenty to do in Sidney to pass the time, and residents are often found enjoying the waterfront or exploring the waters of the Salish Sea in a kayak or boat tour.
Sidney is ideal for those looking for a quiet, safe, seaside community just a quick trip away from a larger urban centre.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
The Farmer’s Daughter is a wine bar and fromagerie that sells a range of fine artisan cheese and wine. Along with selling items, they also put together cheese and wine tasting flights that elevate the flavors of both products and help you learn a bit more about what you’re enjoying.
Victoria Distillers is a waterfront distillery that produces handmade spirits in a scenic location. The distillery is well-known for its gins, including Empress 1908 Gin, Victoria Gin, and The Straight & Narrow, which are canned cocktails made with botanical gins.
10 Acres at The Pier is a seafood restaurant that sources local, fresh seafood catch as well as seasonal ingredients that come straight from the 10 Acres farm in North Saanich. The Pier boasts a spectacular view of the Saanich Peninsula and Mount Baker, so you can enjoy your fresh food along with scenic vistas of the coastline.
Things to Do
The 2.5-kilometre-long Waterfront Walkway is the perfect way to enjoy the seaside. With a broad, paved path making it accessible for all visitors, the Waterfront Walkway is the ideal spot for a coastal stroll. You can picnic at one of the many picnic tables or benches along the path or even stop and smell the flowers at one of the walkway’s gardens.
Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa is a bright, modern boutique hotel and spa that is the ideal destination for a staycation or a spa day. It is home to the
Haven Spa & Salon, where everyone can go to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper themselves.
Sidney Spit Ferry takes you to the beautiful Sidney Spit, a narrow stretch of sandy land on the nearby Sidney Island. Just five kilometres from Sidney, Sidney Spit is a beautiful place to enjoy the beach and the coastal scenery.
The
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is an aquarium dedicated to teaching visitors about the Salish Sea Bioregion and its ecosystems. The Shaw Centre has marine life habitats, interactive exhibits and displays, marine artifacts, and an arts and culture gallery dedicated to the Coast Salish people and culture.
Schools
Schools in the area include:
- Sidney Elementary School
- North Saanich Middle School
- Parkland High School
