# Sidney (British Columbia)

Sidney is a town of about 11,500 people (2016) north of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. It is generally considered part of the Victoria metropolitan area.

## Understand

The town west of Highway 17 (also called Patricia Bay Highway, locally abbreviated as the Pat Bay Highway) has a mixture of single-family residences and light industry. The majority of the town is east of Highway 17. Single-family units are also present east of the highway, but the eastern sector also has many condominium-type buildings, plus most of the service and retail outlets. The island-studded Haro Strait, part of the Salish Sea forms Sidney's eastern boundary.
Sidney is mainly an industrial town, with most people working in the construction, manufacturing, and warehousing fields (26%). Retail accounts for approximately 10% of the employment. Healthcare and social assistance employs 13%. There is a large boating and marine industry in the area, ranging from marinas to boatbuilders and marine suppliers.
Sidney is well known for having an abundance of senior citizens, producing a median age of 60.4 in 2016 as compared with the British Columbia median age of 43.0.

### Climate

Sidney enjoys a cool climate with year-round mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. Most years see very little snow. Daily temperatures seldom climb above 31 °C (88 °F), or dip below −7 °C (19 °F). In the mildest winters, minimum temperatures stay above −3 °C (27 °F). Damaging winds are less frequent than in most other maritime areas of Canada.

### Visitor information

* Sidney municipal website

## Get in
### By boat
#### From within British Columbia

* BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Operates ferries connecting coastal British Columbia communities. (updated Apr 2022)
** 48.68688-123.409421 Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal, 11300 Patricia Bay Hwy (6 km (4 mi) north of Sidney on Highway 17). (updated Apr 2022)
*** Destinations served by this terminal, all using ferries that carry vehicles and foot passengers
**** From Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta with 1 hour 35 minutes crossing time. Inbound and outbound ferries normally depart at the top of the hour on odd numbered hours with first departure normally at 7AM and with last departure normally at 9PM. During the summer, ferries depart hourly for most of the day.
**** From Saltspring Island (Fulford harbour) with 35 minutes crossing time. Operates every 2 hours most of the year and every 1 hour 40 minutes in the summer.
**** From other large Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Pender Island, Saturna Island) with variable crossing times depending how many stops are made on route. Operates a limited number of times per destination daily and may require transferring to connecting ferries to reach destination.
*** Reservations
**** Reservations can be completed on BC Ferries' website or by phone.
**** Reservations are a generally good idea, as ferries can fill up. If you book far enough in advance and prepay with saver fare is available, you may even pay less than showing up at the terminal. Otherwise, reservations increase the cost of the trip, between increasing cost between $2.50 extra and $17, depending on which option you choose.
**** For ferries serving the Southern Gulf Island, reservations are free and are strongly recommended, especially in the summer.
**** Drivers must redeem their reservation at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing or they lose their guarantee to be on the sailing and are given the same priority as anyone else showing up at the ferry terminal without a reservation.
*** Fare payment
**** Payment can be made by cash or credit card, and debit cards can be used at an automatic ticket terminal for foot passengers, but not on the ferry or at the vehicle toll booths.
*** Public transit
**** Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal is served by BC Transit on several routes including
***** Routes 70, 71, and 72, connecting with downtown Victoria via Sidney. Route 70 is makes limited stops and is the fastest option.
***** Route 81, a bus route connecting to Butchart Gardens (in Brentwood) via Sidney
**** TransLink's bus route 620 operates limited stop service between Bridgeport station (SkyTrain Canada Line) in Richmond and the ferry terminal via Ladner Exchange in Delta.
**** Saltspring Island (Vesuvius) ferry terminal is served by BC Transit by bus route 3, which travels to the island's hamlet of Ganges
**** No other destination ferry terminals served from Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal have public transit.
*** Parking options
**** Short-term and long-term parking are available at the ferry terminal, but parking availability may be limited at peak times. BC Ferries' website identifies the current amount of long-term parking remaining.
*** Amenities
**** Wi-Fi: Free service at the ferry terminal. Not offered on the ferries.
**** Washrooms: Available in the terminal and on board ferries.
**** Eating and shopping: A coffee shop is located within the terminal. A cafeteria style-restaurant and a gift shop are on board the ferries.

#### From Washington state in the United States of America

* Note: The Sidney-Anacortes ferry service has been suspended and will not resume until at least 2030.
* (Information last updated 01 Mar 2023)
48.64362-123.397432 Washington State Ferries, 2499 Ocean Ave, Sidney (About 1 km south of downtown Sidney). Operates ferries connecting coastal British Columbia communities. Operates seasonal service (late March to late December) to Sidney connecting with Anacortes via Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The ferry makes one round trip per day in the Spring and Fall, and two round trips in the Summer. Reservations can be made online. For security and immigration processing when travelling between the two countries, a 60 minute advance arrival at the terminal is strongly suggested. Walk on passengers need to arrive 30 minutes in advance. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Passports are required to enter either country. Service to Sidney has been suspended since the Covid-19 pandemic and the operator has announced that service to Sidney is suspended until at least 2030 due to the lack of available ferries and crew. (updated Mar 2023)

### By car

Sidney sits along Highway 17, which bisects the town from north to south. Highway 17 connects Victoria and Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal.

### By plane
#### Main airport

* 48.6472-123.4263 Victoria International Airport (YYJ ), 1640 Electra Blvd (terminal), ☏ +1 250-953-7500. The airport is located 4.5 km southwest of downtown Sidney and 27 km north of downtown Victoria. (updated Apr 2022)

#### Destinations

Direct flights to Victoria within Canada include from Calgary (1.5 hours), from Edmonton (1.5-2 hours), from Kelowna (1 hour), from Toronto (5-5.25 hours), and from Vancouver (30 minutes). Direct international flights to Victoria include from Seattle (45-50 minutes).
There are multiple flights from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, served mainly by smaller airlines and the regional subsidiaries of mainline carriers.
A number of daily flights depart from a few airline hubs the US west coast (namely Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Francisco), as well as from smaller airports within Vancouver Island.

#### Airlines

Canadian airlines operating to Victoria:
* Air Canada, ☏ +1 514-393-3333, toll-free: +1-888-247-2262. Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. (updated Apr 2022)
* Air North, toll-free: +1-800-661-0407. A regional airline operating flights within the Yukon and flights in Canada traveling to the Yukon. (updated Apr 2022)
* Flair Airlines, toll-free: +1-833-711-2333. A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada. (updated Apr 2022)
* Pacific Coastal Airlines, ☏ +1-604-273-8666, toll-free: +1-800-663-2872, reserve@pacificcoastal.com. Operates flights primarily in the south coast area of British Columbia with its hub in Vancouver. (updated Apr 2022)
* WestJet, toll-free: +1-877-952-0100. Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. (updated Apr 2022)
Other airlines operating to Victoria:
* Alaska Airlines, toll-free: +1-800-252-7522. A major airline in the United States of America with flights across the country and to other parts of North America. Has hubs in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. (updated Apr 2022)

#### Public transit

* BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System), ☏ +1 250-382-6161. Operates routes that enable travelers to reach Victoria International Airport.The following are key bus routes to enable travel to Sidney and Victoria: (updated Mar 2022)
** Route 88 operates between the airport, McTavish Exchange, and downtown Sidney on a half hourly frequency from Monday to Friday, and an hourly frequency on Saturdays and Sundays.
** Route 70 operates between Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal and downtown Victoria via downtown Sidney and McTavish Exchange. It is a limited stop service, which is faster than route 72.
** Route 72 operates between Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal and downtown Victoria via downtown Sidney and McTavish Exchange.

#### Other ground transportation

* YYJ Airport Shuttle Bus, ☏ +1 778-351-4995, toll-free: +1 855-351-4995. picks you up from the airport and takes you to many downtown hotels, 45 minutes one-way, adults $24

## Get around

Sidney is not a large place so most of its amenities can best be explored on foot. Park on one of the side streets and take to the sidewalks. It's much less frustrating than trying to battle the traffic in your car.

### By public transit

* BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System), ☏ +1 250-382-6161. Runs a bus network within Victoria, between Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula including Sidney, and between Victoria and cities to the west including Langford and Sooke. (updated Mar 2022) Some notable bus routes:
** 70 - Route between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay ferry terminal including stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with numerous trips. Travel time to downtown Sidney from downtown Victoria is 45-50 minutes and from Swartz Bay ferry terminal is 10 minutes. This is a limited stop route and the fastest option.
** 72 - Route between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay ferry terminal with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with numerous trips. Travel time to downtown Sidney from downtown Victoria is 1 hour and from Swartz Bay ferry terminal is 15 minutes.
** 81 - Route between Butchart Gardens and Swartz Bay ferry terminal with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates Monday to Friday with numerous trips, and Saturday and Sunday with a number of trips. Travel time to Butchart Gardens from downtown Sidney is 40 minutes and from Swartz Bay is 50 minutes.
** 87 - Route between Saanichton, Sidney, and Victoria International Airport with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates Monday to Friday with a number of trips. This route supplements Route 88, and makes all stops covered by Route 88.
** 88 - Route between Sidney and Victoria International Airport with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with a number of trips. Travel time between the airport and Sidney is 17 minutes. Travel time between the airport and McTavish Exchange is 4 minutes.

### By taxi

* Victoria Taxi, ☏ +1 250-383-7111, toll-free: +1-888-842-7111. (updated Jul 2022)
* Yellow Cab of Victoria, ☏ +1 250-381-2222, toll-free: +1-800-808-6881. (updated Jul 2022)

## See

* 48.641-123.4191 British Columbia Aviation Museum, 1910 Norseman Rd, ☏ +1 250-655-3300. May 1- Sep 30: daily 10AM-4PM; Oct 1 - Apr 30: daily 11AM-3PM. In Sidney on the north edge of the Victoria International Airport. Displays, artifacts, restored historical aircraft and an ongoing vintage aircraft restoration workshop. $10 adults, $8 seniors & youth, $4 children. (updated Apr 2017)
* 48.64911-123.39342 Fisherman's Wharf, End of Beacon Ave (go east on Beacon Ave to the end).
* 48.850556-123.4477783 Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, ☏ +1 250-654-4000, toll-free: +1-866-944-1744, gulf.islands@pc.gc.ca. Includes Sidney Spit; other "Gulf Islands National Park Reserve" properties on Saturna, Mayne and Pender Islands can be accessed by BC Ferries, while the smaller islands of D'Arcy, Isle-de-Lis (Rum Island), Princess Margaret (Portland Island), Prevost, Russell, Cabbage and Tumbo can be best accessed by private watercraft or marine charter. Visit the islands for whale-watching, bird-watching, kayaking and scuba-diving. (updated May 2019)
* 48.64956-123.394854 Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, 9811 Seaport Place, ☏ +1 250-665-7511, info@oceandiscovery.ca. Winter/spring daily 10AM-4PM; summer 10AM-5PM. Adult $15; child $5.
* 48.64874-123.39935 Sidney Museum and Archives, 2423 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-655-6355, info@sidneymuseum.ca. Daily 10AM-4PM. Features displays about the history of the surrounding Peninsula, the natural history of the area, the First Nations, the railways on the Saanich Peninsula, and numerous temporary exhibits. By donation. (updated May 2018)

## Do

* 48.63433-123.328831 Sidney Spit, toll-free: +1-866-944-1744. Accessed by private ferry. Sidney Spit also offers incredible opportunities for bird watching, as Sidney Island is a popular stop-over for migrating shorebirds. Visitors who wish to camp at Sidney Spit must be registered at a designated campsite before the last ferry leaves the island for the day. Please note that while there is water available on Sidney Spit, it contains high levels of sodium and may not be suitable for people with heart or kidney ailments.
* 48.61839-123.44652 John Dean Provincial Park (Access Dean Park Rd from East Saanich Rd). 174 hectares of woodland with 6 km of hiking trails on top of Mt Newton; no vehicle access in winter.
* 48.67169-123.407543 Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary. Bird watching. The adjoining Sidney Channel Important Bird Area is an internationally recognized site important to a variety of seabirds and waterfowl.

## Buy

* 48.64909-123.398391 El Dorado Treasures Sidney Store, 2448B Beacon Ave, ☏ +1-7787006804. Organic cotton and Alpaca wool handmade clothing. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649074-123.3946432 Provedence Fine Things Ltd, 2536 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250 656-5676. Jewellery and home decor shop with a large selection of Pandora bracelets and accessories. (updated Mar 2024)

## Eat

* 48.64934-123.400451 Fish on Fifth, 9812 5th Street (Beacon at Fifth), ☏ +1 250-656-4022. Specializes in fish & chips. (updated Mar 2023)
* 48.65726-123.40272 Fish O Chips, 10153 Resthaven Dr, ☏ +1 250-656-4435. Tu-Su 11:30AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2023)
* 48.64933-123.396683 Maria's Souvlaki, 9812 Second St, ☏ +1 250 656-9944. Greek cuisine.
* 48.6488-123.39694 Sabhai Thai Restaurant, 2493 Beacon Avenue, ☏ +1 250-655-4085. Asian cuisine; reservations recommended. (updated Mar 2023)
* 48.64879-123.396125 Sidney Bakery, 2507 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-1012. M-Sa 7AM-5:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. (updated Mar 2023)
* 48.64922-123.394476 10 Acres at The Pier, 2538 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-655-9763. An artisan farm-to-table restaurant serving west coast and Italian fare. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.650536-123.3946277 The Surly Mermaid, 9851 Seaport Pl, ☏ +1 778-351-1544. Elevated pub fare & seasonal draft beer offered in a warm, casual setting with a patio & buzzy vibe. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.649209-123.39288 The Pier Bistro, 2550 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-655-4995. Classic comfort food & drinks in a family-friendly setting with nautical decor & views of the water. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.648717-123.39449 Riva, 2537 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250 656-6690. Italian fare of favourite items such as flatbreads, paninis, fresh seafood and beautiful house-made desserts. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.648776-123.39593910 Quince Cafe, 2527 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-1657. Coffee shop serving baked goods made from scratch and fresh daily. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.648768-123.39643711 Beacon Café, 2505 Beacon Avenue, ☏ +1 778-426-3663. Quaint coffee house with baked goods and sandwiches. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.649088-123.39687512 Sidney Harbour Chinese Restaurant, 2500 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-426-3888. Chinese restaurant with favourites like Chow Mein, Chop Suey and Egg Foo Young. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649054-123.39766313 3rd Street Cafe, 2466 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-3035. Casual storefront diner & coffee shop offering hearty breakfast, brunch & lunch menus all day. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648157-123.39739914 Good Fortune Restaurant, 9775 Third St, ☏ +1 250-656-5112. Family-run restaurant serving up delectable dishes to Sidney residents with a fast and friendly service. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648759-123.39950815 The Red Brick Cafe, 2423 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-351-1322. Coffee and Home Made Meals from Scratch. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.647757-123.39580416 Grays Café, 2526 Bevan Ave. Quality coffee, savoury and sweet food with many plant-based options. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648695-123.40056417 Fresh Tandoori Flavour, 2395 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-655-4500. 11AM - 9:30PM. Indian food. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.64777-123.40004818 Tonollis Deli & Café, 2400 Bevan Ave, ☏ +1 778-351-1288. Italian deli with coffee, pastries and sandwiches. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648657-123.400819 Alexander's Coffee, 2385 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-3234. Coffee beverages, baked goods, paninis, soup, light lunches, bubble tea & smoothies. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648053-123.40112320 Bevan Bistro, 2376 Bevan Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-2021. Café with unique dishes like breakfast poutine, pulled pork bennies & lunch items such as chicken tenders & sandwiches. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.645435-123.42124721 Dakota Café, 1852 Canso Rd, ☏ +1 250-655-9395. Hip café next to the airport with coffee, sandwiches and a signature wonton soup made Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.640609-123.4169122 Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe, 9535 Canora Rd, ☏ +1 250-655-4450. Bar and restaurant with pub favourites like burgers, chicken strips, nachos etc. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648771-123.39713323 The Fickle Fig Express, 2489 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-426-0404. Farm-to-table café focusing on local meats and produce with a rotating daily menu. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.667391-123.40414424 Sea Glass Waterfront Grill, 2320 Harbour Rd, ☏ +1 778-351-3663. Classy upscale west coast restaurant with burgers, sockeye salmon, steaks etc. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.653722-123.41206825 Homestead Café, 10025 Galaran Rd, ☏ +1 250-655-1844. Breakfast and lunch spot with coffee, burgers, omelettes and milkshakes. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.64956-123.40014226 Sea Breeze Vietnamese Cuisine, 9819 Fifth St, ☏ +1 250-655-0280. Traditional Vietnamese dishes such as beef pho, chicken pork pho, fish noodle soup and banh mi. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649065-123.40121527 900° BiSTRO, 2360 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-426-7059. Italian restaurant with fresh made pastas and woodfire Neopalitan pizzas. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648547-123.40329328 The Five & Dime Diner, 2305 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-351-1555. Easygoing restaurant serving hearty all-day breakfast alongside burgers, salads & sandwiches. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648773-123.39971529 Serious Coffee Sidney, 2417 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-655-7255. Local coffee shop chain with baked goods and sandwiches. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648782-123.40123230 Thai Corner Restaurant, 2359 Beacon Ave W, ☏ +1 778-426-4680. Thai restaurant serving stir-fry, curry and noodles. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648774-123.40112231 Taco Shell, 2367 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-351-3003. Mexican casual dining with favourites such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648514-123.40321232 J Kitchen Korean & Japanese Restaurant, 2305 Beacon Ave W, ☏ +1 250-655-0033. Korean and Japanese cuisine. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649061-123.40065833 Scotty's Dog Shack, 2380 Beacon Ave W, ☏ +1 250-655-1013. Takeaway spot with hotdogs, milkshakes and ice cream. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.648653-123.40014134 Odyssia Salads, Pizza and Pasta, 9785 Fifth St, ☏ +1 250-656-5596. Family-owned and -operated Greek steakhouse & restaurant serving Sidney since the 1980s. Take out only. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649194-123.4004635 Atelier by Matt Jackson, 9804 Fifth St, ☏ +1 250-818-1845. Elevated French-inspired cuisine with fresh, local ingredients from the Saanich Peninsula and surrounding areas. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649051-123.40168936 C.S. Chan Wontons & Dumplings, 2350 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778-351-1188. Chinese restaurant specializing in wontons and dumplings. (updated Mar 2024)
* 48.649061-123.40102137 The Farmer's Daughter, 2360 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 778 351-3500. Sophisticated artisan cheese and wine bar/deli with international products and appetizers. (updated Mar 2024)

## Drink

* 48.649924-123.3974571 Small Gods Brewing Co., 9835 Third St. Hip craft brewery with large selection of beer and sandwiches. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.649856-123.397472 Beacon Brewing, 9829 Third St, ☏ +1 250-544-6398. Small batch craft brewery with beer and snacks. (updated Feb 2024)
* 48.650206-123.3942773 Victoria Distillers, 9891 Seaport Pl, ☏ +1 250 544-8217. Tasting room featuring gin and cocktails from award winning distillery. (updated Mar 2024)

## Sleep

* 48.64931-123.403041 Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Motor Inn Hotel, 2306 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-4441. Convenient to BC Ferries, Washington State Ferry Terminal, Victoria International Airport, and Greater Victoria Area. (updated Mar 2023)
* 48.6737-123.426292 Macdonald Campground, 10740 Macdonald Park Rd, North Saanich, toll-free: +1-877-737-3783. Minutes from the BC Ferries terminal; a good base to start exploring Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
* 48.64876-123.404843 Days Inn Victoria Airport, 2280 Beacon Ave, ☏ +1 250-656-1176. (updated Mar 2023)

## Connect

Most restaurants, bars and hotels will have free Wi-Fi. Cell service is good.
* 48.65479-123.402471 Vancouver Island Regional Library, 10091 Resthaven Dr, ☏ +1 250-656-0944. Free Wi-Fi available here. (updated Mar 2023)

## Cope

* 48.59632-123.409772 Saanich Peninsula Hospital, 2166 Mt. Newton X Rd, Saanichton, ☏ +1 250-544-7676. The nearest hospital to Sidney. It has an emergency department operating 24/7. (updated Apr 2023)

## Go next

Sidney is at one end of Vancouver Island and there is much to see as one travels north. Out on the Pacific Coast side of the Island is Pacific Rim National Park and the communities of Ucluelet and Tofino. At the northern end of Vancouver Island is Cape Scott Provincial Park, occupying a more remote and wilder part of the Island.
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a very worthwhile hiking route accessed through Sooke, not far from Victoria. The trail runs between Port Renfrew and Jordan River and can be done as a series of day trips or as a multi-day backpacking trip. This is a good choice if you want a marine hike without the logistical challenges of the West Coast Trail.