Located on Vancouver Island, Sidney is a Victorian-style city overlooking the picturesque Saanich Peninsula with easy access to numerous Canadian and United States islands. Sidney’s town centre features a lively marina surrounded by waterfront restaurants and marine attractions, while the surrounding region reveals parks, golf clubs and lakes.

Things to do

Begin your Sidney holiday exploring the city’s bustling waterfront districts, where you’ll find delicious cocktails and liqueurs at Victoria Distillers. The nearby Rumrunner Pub & Restaurant pairs fresh seafood with water views, while Beacon Landing Restaurant & Lounge is perfect for late-night eats and cocktails.

Are you visiting with your family? Take the kids to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, where you’ll see native Salish Sea marine life. The kids can also get up close to marine animals in the touch pools. You can head out on a Sidney Whale Watching cruise to spot orcas and dolphins or relax with a picnic in Beacon Park.

Nature lovers can enjoy a visit to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, home to free-flying butterflies, parrots, chameleons and amphibians. Active travellers can instead head to John Dean Provincial Park for nature-infused hiking along wooded trails. Alternatively, catch the ferry across to Sidney Island, which boasts deer, sandy beaches and campsites.

Discover more about Sidney at the Sidney Museum & Archives, which showcases old-time tools, clothing and homewares in a historic building. Head slightly north of town to explore the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, a perfect spot for kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching along the Vancouver Island coastline.

Getting around

Sidney is a 10-minute drive from Victoria International Airport and has regular ferries from Vancouver. You can easily explore Sidney on foot, while the public buses, taxis and hire cars provide ample transport options for venturing further afield.