Travel to Sidney, British Columbia
Things to Do, Places to Go and Things to Learn on Vancouver Island
Sidney, BC, on Vancouver Island is a quaint town to have a relaxing vacation, wander through the bookshops and have some peace and quiet.
Just north of Victoria, Sidney, BC is a haven of bookshops, cafés and friendly people. Water living is common, as boats line the marinas ready to be taken out into the gorgeous waters of the surrounding area. Sidney is also considered “Canada’s only Booktown,” as nine bookstores line the short main street, inviting visitors to while away the day. Whether you decide to settle into a fully accommodating resort like Miraloma on the Cove or explore the town and area, there are a few essential things to do.
Go On an Eco Tour
The only way to really get to know those who live in and around Sidney, is to hop on one of Eco Cruising’s boat tours. The Smiley family operates year-round cruises that introduce both locals and visitors to the fascinating inhabitants of the island. Through the wonderful stories and knowledge of the guides, guests learn about the people, creatures and history that make up this area.
Boats are set up like living rooms, with sofas along the sides, room for chairs or a wheelchair, and lots of space to move around the glassed-in vessel. Popular sites include the impressive Dock Island, where a ship imprinted its stamp in 1872; Ker Island, an archaeological site and private island where the small beach is almost untouched; and many seal, eagle and bird sightings along the way.
In the winter, feel comfortable within the boat’s glassed-in confines; in the summer, open the windows and get even closer to the wildlife. Whether it’s a family get together, a romantic cruise for two or a stagette party, you’ll have a unique experience with Eco Cruising. Contact them (1-888-624-9096) to find out tour schedules, charter rates and how they can customize your special occasion. New cruises are on the horizon, so check back to see what’s new.
The Butchart Gardens
The world renowned Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto Avenue; 1-866-652-4422) are only a short half day trip from Sidney. Regardless of the season, the gardens will wow you with their variety and beauty. Summertime shows off the flowers in full bloom, but also draws the largest crowds. Fireworks are a showstopper every July and August, and picnics on the lawn with evening entertainment are the norm.
Christmastime sees the garden lit up in festive lights, spreading colour all over the grounds. Visiting in the spring showcases the first bloom and a sense of freshness as the season begins. Whenever you go, the gardens are able to showcase a different part of their beauty.
The Butterfly Gardens
A 5-minute drive from Butchart will take you to the charming Butterfly Gardens (1461 Benvenuto Avenue; 1-877-722-0272). This tropical paradise is where visitors and butterflies get firsthand contact. There are no cages or glass walls separating the butterflies, flamingos, exotic birds and other interesting creatures from guests- they fly and wander at will, sometimes swooping near your head.
Kids love coming in and being amazed by the colourful creatures they encounter. An introductory video before entering gives all visitors a quick refresher on how things work in the wild. Stepping into the carefully controlled environment, a tour guide will take a group through at 11am, 1pm and 3pm to point out some fascinating things. This is a worthwhile tour to catch, as they tell you what to look out for so you can search for that rare photo op.
The drive back up to Sidney is an easy and pleasurable trip. Contact Tourism Vancouver Island (250-754-3500) if you plan to explore more of the island.
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