SUMMER FUN in Sidney
With more than 40,000 individuals welcomed in 2017, Sidney Visitor Services is preparing for another busy season. No question about it, summertime in Sidney is a true paradise and word has gotten out. Visit the Sidney Visitor Centre on Beacon Avenue, Washington State Ferry Terminal Visitor Centre, Ask a Local kiosk, or at special events, and discover personalized itinerates, wayfinding assistance, destination info and an invitation to experience Sidney as the locals do.
Sidney boasts small-town charm, picturesque scenery and endless opportunities. It doesn’t take long for visitors to realize they’ve found a piece of paradise nestled along the coastal waters of Vancouver Island. Sidney’s Visitor Services staff and volunteers suggest a few things to help you have a great experience:
For the nature lover:
• Spot harbour seals, rare shore birds, sea lions, otters and minks on Sidney’s waterfront. • Fish or crab off the Sidney pier.
Don’t forget to pick up a license. • Rent a kayak and explore the Salish Sea by guided tour or on your own. • Hunt for sea glass, shells and pieces of driftwood at Sidney’s Glass Beach. • Bird watch at Shoal Harbour
Migratory Bird Sanctuary. • Skim board at Sidney Spit and enjoy the 15-minute ferry ride that gets you there. • Walk, run or bike around the 10km “flight path” at the Victoria International Airport. • Take in the scenery and fresh air with a picnic lunch on the waterfront.
For the culinary enthusiast:
• Enjoy world-class gin tastings at the famous Victoria Distillers, home of colour-changing Empress Gin. • Indulge in Texas donuts at the
Sidney Bakery. A local favourite. • Order fresh fish and chips. • Enjoy a tasting flight and take in spectacular views at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. • Stock up on fresh local produce and house made bread at Fickle Fig Farm Market.
For the cultural explorer:
• Check out the self-guided Sculpture and Art Walk Tour. Maps are available. • Visit the vibrant Sidney Street
Market on Thursday evenings. • Visit the Victoria Lavender Farm. Goat yoga is highly recommended. • Take in the Summer Sounds concerts in Beacon Park on Sunday afternoons starting in July. Dancing is encouraged. • Enjoy the incredible collection of First Nation’s art and stunning totems at the Mary Winspear Centre entrance.
For the history buff:
• Explore the Sidney Historical
Museum. • See the historical plaques along the waterfront and enjoy the unique sculpture walk and views of the Gulf and San Juan Island at the same time. • Visit the BC Aviation Museum and experience a glimpse into the history of flight.
When you find your perfect selfie spot, tag Sidney in your photos on Facebook: (facebook.com/distinctlysidney.ca), Instagram (@Distinctly_Sidney) and Twitter (@MySidneyBC) using #thisissidney. For info about Sidney businesses and attractions, visit: distinctlysidney.ca