Situated on the shores of the Salish Sea lies Sidney by the Sea. Although it is perceived by many as a quiet, charming town, a fleeting sight as you journey from Swartz Bay to Victoria, the seaside town has a lot to offer. With 28 beautiful parks, 17 access points to beaches, 44 restaurants and nearly 50 annual community events, Sidney is an amazing place to spend your time.
Here are 7 Sidney experiences you can’t miss.
Sidney Aquarium (The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea)
Location: 9811 Seaport Place
The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a not-for-profit community aquarium and cultural learning centre located in Sidney. The aquarium offers an interactive and informative experience through self-guided visits, daily programs, group and school bookings, and special events and lectures.
Sidney Museum
Location: 2423 Beacon Avenue L-3
The Sidney Museum was established in 1971 and is renowned for its annual, highly anticipated Lego Exhibition. The museum boasts permanent exhibits, housing over 8,000 artifacts and an extensive collection of archival images and documents. Additionally, it offers showcase exhibits that rotate throughout the year. If you are looking to learn more about the natural history of the area, this is the perfect place to start.
Sea Glass Beach & Sidney Pier
If you love sea glass, this beach is a perfect stop for you, as its name suggests. Upon arriving in Sidney, follow the main drag of Beacon Avenue and find yourself at the beach, with an amazing view of the pier. Spend an afternoon collecting sea glass along the beach and take a leisurely stroll down the pier. From here, you will be able to see incredible local wildlife and take in a beautiful sunset.
Sidney Fish Market
Location: 2598 Beacon Avenue
The Satellite Fish Co. can be found at the end of the Sidney Pier. It is a locally owned business offering fresh seafood and has been a staple in Sidney for decades.
Aviation Museum
Location: 1910 Norseman Road
Now, for the aircraft lovers! The BC Aviation Museum, located on the grounds of the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, houses over 40 aircrafts on display, making it the ultimate spot for those who want to learn more about the world of aviation. The Museum consists of a display area spread over two hangars, a classroom, a restoration workshop and a gift shop and you can even sit in the cockpit of a warplane!
Go Thrifting!
Sidney is a hidden gem in Victoria when it comes to thrifting. With several thrifting and consignment stores within walking distance from each other, there are treasures to be found! Some of our favourites include Beacon Community Services, Green Door Thrift Store, House of Lily Koi and Connections.
Eat delicious food
A town’s culinary scene speaks volumes about its character and is consistently a major attraction for tourists. As previously mentioned, Sidney is home to over 40 restaurants, drawing people in from all over the peninsula to enjoy some waterfront dining. Some of our favourite Sidney restaurants and cafes include The Surly Mermaid, Sidney Scones, Five and Dime Diner, Small Gods Brewing Co., and 900 Degrees Bistro.
