Sidney – Activities & Attractions
Sidney, BC prides itself on being Canada's only booktown. Nine bookstores line the main thoroughfares ranging from children's books to new books to perfect finds for the eclectic reader. Sidney has a growing number of unique cultural, adventure and family-oriented attractions to add interest and adventure to your holiday. Here is a sample of our top recommendations.
EcoCruising BC
250.652.3151 www.ecocruising.com
Jump onboard a luxury water limo and choose between marine ecotours, private cruises or a cruise to The Butchart Gardens. Tour around the bays and headlands of Sidney and the islands, with stopovers on request to watch wildlife. Also regularly scheduled trips to Piers Island and Portland Island (Gulf Islands National Park).
Emerald Sea Adventures - Whale Watching
888.620.6722 or 250.893.6722 www.emeraldsea.ca
Located at 9807 Seaport Place, and offers daily whale watching tours during the summer months, scuba charters and more.
Ocean Palm Spa
250.655.7070 www.oceanpalmspa.com
Voted #4 Best Spa in Canada by Canadian Geographic, Ocean Palm Spa offers a full menu of massage, aesthetics, alternative therapies, a gentleman's menu and special packages. Select on-site treatments are available at Miraloma. The spa is located in the Cannery Building on Sidney's waterfront.
Island Cruising Sailing
250.656.7070 www.islandcruising.com
This locally owned company offers skippered and bareboat charters on sailboats, operating from Port Sidney into the Canadian and US Gulf Islands. Enclosed, safe waters, lots of coves, ports and secluded beaches, diverse marine life (otter, eagle, salmon). Ten yachts to choose from.
Mineral World & Scratch Patch
250.655.4367 www.scratchpatch.com
Superb jewelry and gems, museum-like displays of fossils and crystals, and every family's favorite -- the amazing outdoor Scratch Patch where you can hunt for gems, pan for gold, excavate for real fossils, or hunt for tropical shells.
Open 364 days per year.
Port Sidney Marina
250.655.3711
One of the most modern marinas on the West Coast, Port Sidney boasts the most up-to-date facilities. Open to the public.
Salt Spring Island Farmers Market (Day trip)
250.537.4448 www.saltspringmarket.com
Take the 35 minute ferry over to Salt Spring Island on Saturdays from April through October to experience the famous Market in Centennial Park in Ganges. Open 8:00 am through 4:00 pm.
Sea Quest Adventures
105 - 2537 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
250.656.7599 www.seaquestadventures.com
Whale Watching, Wildlife tours & charters, Kayaking lessons, Rentals, Tours, Hotel & Spa packages.
Sidney Booktown
www.sidneybooktown.ca
The Sidney Booktown Booksellers invite you to visit and to discover the great variety and selection of new and old titles.
Sidney Spit Ferry
250.727.7700
Catch this little ferry (leaves on the hour) out to Sidney Spit Provincial Park. A 20-minute trip brings you to the magnificent white sand beaches & bird-filled lagoon on this peaceful island. Tall trees, BBQ pits, wonderful walks, sea life.
Sidney Summer Farmers Market
250.655.6433
Open June through the end of August, every Thursday from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm, Beacon Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic for this combination of local farmers, artisans and shops to showcase their goods. This is well worth the time to stay an extra few days!
Sunrise Fishing Charters
250.656.5570 www3.bc.sympatico.ca/sunrise_charters
Explore the Gulf Islands where the big chinook and coho salmon wait!
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
250 655 3800 www.oceandiscovery.ca
"One of Canada’s top 10 must-see attractions this season for anyone considering travel within Canada",
Where Magazine, June 2009.
The Marine Ecology Centre
250.655.1555 www.mareco.org
This attraction hosts a wide range of science and educational projects related to the sea and our shorelines. Step aboard the 2-storey centre to experience the other world of the sea beneath.
