Plan Your Staycation
With a weak loonie and ever-growing wait times at the border, even that quick run to the US for a weekend break may not be as appealing as it once was. And yet, your brain says ‘summer’ and summer for many of us means a bit of adventure, relaxation and a definite change of scene.
This is an ideal time to look at our stunning part of the world with new eyes and do things that you never considered before. That’s right – rev yourself up for a staycation – right here on the Saanich Peninsula. With 132 square kilometres of fun, culture and relaxation, the Saanich Peninsula really does have it all. At the heart of it all is Sidney – all 5.1 square kilometres of her – bustling with unique and fun experiences.
Here, you can discover the impressive assembly of natural beauty, cultural richness, fun activities and rich textures and flavours right in the place you call home. You may also discover a whole new range of possibilities.
1. Stroll the shores of the stunning beaches, whether in Downtown Sidney, Deep Cove or at Island View Beach. 2. Bike or hike the woods around Horth Hill. Explore the Lockside Trail or enjoy the 9.5 K Flight Path around the Airport. 3. Take to the water. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Not up to that? Plan a trip on the Sidney Spit Ferry or the Mill Bay Ferry – inexpensive options for a truly relaxing day out. Or book a relaxing cruise on a sail boat right out of the Sidney Marina.
4. Be romantic. Enjoy a couple’s massage, or spend a night or two at one of Sidney’s lovely hotels or B&Bs.
5. Sip libations on the waterfront. The Rumrunner, Beacon Landing, Haro’s, The Surly Mermaid, The Pier Bistro and Victoria Distillers each have outside seating with gorgeous views of Mt. Baker, the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands, and yes – each one offers great things to eat, too.
6. Be inspired. Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula offer countless opportunities to view beautiful art. Take time to visit the art galleries on Beacon Avenue, the ArtSea Gallery at Tulista Park, the Mary Winspear Centre, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, the McTavish Academy of Art and the rich collection of public art through out Sidney. You’ll be in awe of the creativity and talent present just about everywhere you look.
7. Browse! With some of the best boutique shopping around,
Sidney offers a myriad of opportunities to browse and shop at your leisure, just like you do on an away holiday. Take a look at shops you may have missed or have not visited in a while – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all that’s new and perfect for the summer. These are just a handful of staycation options. For more ideas, check out distinctlysidney.ca or stop by the Sidney Visitor Information Centre at the top end of Beacon Avenue for ideas and inspiration.