Sidney

Sidney sits on the northern coast of Saanich Peninsula with direct waterfront access to the Salish Sea and views toward nearby islands. The town spreads along the shoreline with restaurants, shops, and bookstores arranged within walking distance of the harbor.

The Salish First Nations inhabited this area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 1800s. The settlement later grew as a harbor community with ferry connections to neighboring island communities.

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre displays marine life and ecosystems, while the British Columbia Aviation Museum showcases regional aviation history through collections and exhibits.

Washington State Ferries connect this town to the San Juan Islands and Anacortes, while additional ferries run to Swartz Bay Terminal. Exploring on foot works well here since the downtown area is compact and stays close to the waterfront.

This place is known for numerous independent bookstores scattered throughout its streets, giving it a notably literary character. This feature makes it an appealing stop for book lovers and creates an unusual cultural identity for a small coastal community.

Location: Capital Regional District

Elevation above the sea: 5 m

Shares border with: North Saanich

Website: https://sidney.ca

GPS coordinates: 48.65060,-123.39900

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:59