The Town of Sidney is located on the Saanich Peninsula, on Vancouver Island, approximately 20 Kilometres north of Victoria. Sidney is a bustling seaside community offering visitors a unique shopping experience and plenty of recreational facilities. Combined with excellent dining, arts and culture and exciting year round events, Sidney offers visitors plenty to do and see during their stay.
Things to do in Sidney
Ardmore Golf Course Golf
Enjoy a round of 9 or 18 holes year round at Ardmore. Memberships, lessons and cottage accommodations are available. This is a public, 9 hole course Call 250 656-4621 for more information.
930 Ardmore Drive, Sidney, BC
BC Aviation Museum
The BC Aviation Museum holds an impressive collection of historical aircraft and artifacts relating to the history of aviation. It is a major attraction on Vancouver Island and can be found next to the Victoria International Airport. The Museum features many interesting aircraft, engines, pictures, models and artifacts. The Memorial Room contains artifacts from the wars that Canadians fought, either as members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Flying Corps, or Royal Air Force.
9552 Canora Road, Sidney, BC
Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, a fifty-five acre wonderful floral display, offers spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement at Tod Inlet on Vancouver Island. Today you will see the results of her venture that spans 100 years and delights visitors from all over the world. You will see the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world. Call 866-652-4422 for more information.
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Sidney, BC
Butterfly World
Stroll amidst hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in an indoor tropical rainforest. Witness the entire life cycle of these amazing insects. Our spectacular flowering plants and foliage, fascinating birds, waterfalls and stream all contribute to make this a photographer's paradise and a truly memorable experience for the entire family. Open March 15 - November 1, 7 days a week 10am - 5pm; April & October 10am - 4pm. Call 250-248-7026 for more information.
Chalet Estate Wines
Come and visit our winery and taste the wines after your tour. We are open Tuesday - Saturday 11am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm; by appointment. Call 250-656-2552 for more information.
11195 Chalet Road, Sidney, BC
Crystal Garden Conservation Area
This world renowned Conservation Centre is set in the historic Crystal Garden. The glass domed building features over 40,000 square feet of exotic plants and animals. As you enter our conservatory, let your senses marvel at the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Hundreds of tropical plants line the meandering paths that lead to discoveries of brightly coloured parrots, playful lemurs, koi ponds, tropical butterflies, coral flamingos, and pygmy marmosets. The Conservation Centre is part of the "Global Endangered Species Program" and is home to over 200 animals. Call 250-953-8815 for more information.
713 Douglas Street, Sidney, BC
Dominion Astrophysical Observatory / Centre of the Universe
This new interpretive centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory lets you treat yourself to spectacular views of Victoria and the Cosmos! Our interactive exhibits and talented staff will introduce you to the amazing world of astronomy. Tour the awesome 1.8 metre Plaskett Telescope or try one of our fascinating interactive exhibits. Travel the constellations in our Starlab Planetarium; experience a special theatre presentation- the Falling Asteroid Blues, the Backpacker’s Guide to the Universe, or another one of our entertaining multimedia shows. Take part in one of our family-friendly special events, like our Saturday Star Parties or Stargazer Sundays. Open year round Call 250-363-8262 for more information.
5071 West Saanich Road, Sidney, BC
Glen Meadows Golf Club
This course is easy to walk and is a relatively flat course. You will find wide expansive fairways, towering oak trees and two small lakes tempting your shot making. Sharpen up your game on the full length 300 yard practice area. Glen Meadows also offers a full tennis facility and curling during the winter months. Call 250-656-3136 for more information.
1050 McTavish Road, Sidney, BC
Laroche Gallery
An eclectic collection of fine art in all media and styles from established international artists and emerging local artists can be found here. The Gallery focus is on west coast art with figurative art by David Goatley and figurative and wildlife sculpture in stone. Affordable prices are on sale. Open Tuesday- Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm.
1B 9851 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC
Marine Ecology Station
This hands-on aquarium is dedicated to marine awareness, education and stewardship. Come and explore British Columbia’s rich marine biodiversity; discover the lifestyles of a wealth of live animals, many in natural settings under user friendly microscopes. Enjoy hands-on biology in our touch tanks, and guide our remotely operated underwater submarine. Group, school and summer programs are our specialty.
9835 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC
Marley Farms Winery Ltd
This is a family owned and operated winery in a little slice of Zion, [heaven] in the tranquil Mount Newton Valley. After much research the Pinot Grigio, Ortega and Pinot Noir grapes were planted, as it was determined these were the best grapes most suited to the micro climate, soils and exposure. The first vines were planted and a first harvest, however limited, occurred in the fall of 2002. Prior to that, our Vintner Eric von Krosigk sourced grapes with similar characteristics, so that we could commence production. Open for visitor in summer months 11am - 6pm daily; Call 250-652-8667 for more information.
1831D Mount Newton X Road, Sidney, BC
Mineral World / Scratch Patch
This is a unique experiment in retail as it has been recognized as one of the most innovative stores in Canada. Set in a large, window-filled building overlooking the sea, you will discover many experiences to admire, to learn and to buy. Jewelry, stone works of art, crystals, fossils, giftware and more can be found here. Scratch Patch – This outdoor adventure land features gemstones, shells, gold panning and fossil digging. Unique to North America, the Scratch Patch is free to visit. Buy a collector's bag and hunt through millions of gems such as amethyst, agate, jade, jasper and many others, to choose your own treasures. Later, you can identify your gemstones here. Open winter 10am - 4:30pm; spring 10am - 5pm; summer 9:30am - 9pm; fall 10am - 5pm. Call 250-655-GEMS for more information.
9891 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC
Peninsula Gallery
The Gallery offers original paintings and sculptures as well as a wide range of limited edition prints for sale. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm. Call 877-787-1896 for more information.
100 2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC
Port Sidney Marina
The Port is easily recognizable by the floating administration building with its landmark saddle-shaped roof. As you enter through the middle of the breakwater you will be greeted at the check-in dock. This is the “Ultimate Cruising Destination" and a fine resort marina. Port Sidney provides boaters with a myriad of services and recreational activities. Located one block from the main street of Sidney on Vancouver Island, and just 20 miles north of Victoria, the marina is in the heart of the San Juan and Gulf Islands cruising areas, recognized universally as a Mecca for boating enthusiasts
Sidney Historical Museum
The Historical gallery is housed in an old Ferry Customs building, and is devoted to the history of the Saanich Peninsula and the town of Sidney-by-the-Sea. Photographs explore the stories of settlers such as the Brethour brothers, and the Roberts family, while brick molds and egg crates create connections with Peninsula businesses of the past. Displays depict life at the turn of the century with exhibits such as "The Dressing Room", "Washing Day" and "The Kitchen”. Call 250-656-1322 for more information.
Sidney Whale Museum
This museum invites you to discover the world of the whales. Experience with us the drama of the lives of the most enormous creatures on earth. Trace their natural history from evolution to near extinction at the hands of humans; join us in the quest for peace with these monarchs of the sea. These great creatures evolution, biology, behaviour, and their relationship with humans are all illustrated. Open daily May - October 10am - 4pm; November - April daily 11am - 3pm; January & February weekends only 11am - 3pm. Admission by donation. Located just 50 yards from the Best Western in Sidney. Call 250-656-1322 for more information.
Victoria Estate Winery
At Victoria Estate Winery we offer our guests the unique opportunity to sample four of our wine varietals in a guided educational tour & wine tasting. Learn how to taste & appreciate wine properly then explore our winery with one of our expert wine specialists and tour our Barrel Room, our Production Area and Wine Cellar. After your tour, we invite you to browse in our fully stocked wine gift shop or enjoy light fare in Madeleine's Bistro. Victoria Estate Winery is tucked between Butterfly Gardens and The Butchart Gardens on the beautiful Saanich Peninsula Call 250-652-2671 for more information.
1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Sidney, BC