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Sidney-by-the-Sea is a unique seaside village combining a small town atmosphere with big town amenities, proximity to the ocean, and easy access to Victoria. Sidney is located on southern Vancouver Island, north of Victoria and is considered the gateway to Vancouver Island for passengers arriving by car/bus (near BC and Washington State Ferry terminals), by air (Victoria International Airport is 5 minutes away), by boat (close to a number of marinas) and by public transit (the #70 bus from Swartz Bay to Victoria stops at the end of our street). Sidney is adjacent to the newly created Gulf Islands National Park/Marine Reserve. The town of Sidney has a number of interesting attractions including dozens of restaurants, coffee shops as well as galleries, antique shops, bookstores and a movie theater. The waterfront area on Beacon Avenue includes a pier, underwater diving park, museums, cannery building, ecology/marine centers and seaside walking paths and parks (see Attractions) as well as offering a number of related marine activities (kayaking, whale-watching, boating, fishing, diving, passenger ferry to Sidney Spit, marina.). We are also a short drive away from the world famous Butchart Gardens and Saanich Peninsula wineries and golf courses. Attractions of note
One of our most famous attractions! Butchart Gardens is a spectacular 55 acres of gardens on display to the public. "In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement at Tod Inlet, Vancouver Island, Canada. Her venture has become a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning over 100 years, and delighting visitors from all over the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions, in one of the loveliest corners in the world. The Gardens were designated in 2004 as a National Historic Site of Canada." Other gardens: |
