sidney

About Sidney
	Community Events Facts, Statistics and Census Information History Maps Sidney - A Complete Community Sidney's Seaside Walkway Sister Cities Town Crest & Flag Town Crier		Thank you for taking an interest in our picturesque town of Sidney-by-the-Sea. Situated amidst the Gulf Islands with Mount Baker in the distance, you will quickly discover why we are fortunate to live, work and play in this community where you can experience the relaxed atmosphere of a small seaside town and enjoy all the advantages of the big city. Sidney is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island on the Saanich Peninsula - just a 20 minute drive from downtown Victoria.  Sidney is home to the Sidney / US (Anacortes, WA) Ferry Terminal and just minutes from the Victoria International Airport as well as the Swartz Bay BC Ferry Terminal. Wide-ranged local bus service is available to all areas of the Peninsula and downtown Victoria. Our weather is the mildest in Canada with prevailing westerly ocean winds moderating both summer and winter temperatures. We are a year round tourist destination with 3.6 kilometres of waterfront and many wonderful activities to explore including: a Historical Museum; the Ocean Discovery Centre; whale watching; street statues and murals; a Mineral World; and our 420 ft. Fishing Pier with a thriving marine life Artificial Reef. Our waterfront location allows for many other water related activities such as boating, sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing.  Our pedestrian friendly downtown offers an excellent variety of stores, specialty shops and businesses providing unique products and personalized service. Sidney is Canada's only Booktown where you can enjoy many hours of browsing through new and used books in a large number of bookstores. Sidney’s restaurants offer a diverse assortment of excellent meals and cater to all tastes. Sidney is alive with culture and entertainment, boasting its own Star Cinema with first run movies and the Mary Winspear Centre at SANSCHA providing meeting rooms, convention facilities and an exciting 310 seat multi-purpose Theatre for stage productions. Enjoy special Town events, such as: Sidney Days/Canada Day Celebrations; Matinee Concert Series (Sunday Afternoons, July through August); Summer Street Markets (Thursday Nights, June to August); Sidney Fine Arts Show and ArtSea Festival; Lighted Boat Sail Past & Santa Parade; and First Night New Year's Eve Celebrations. Sidney is a wonderful place to visit and live, providing a high quality of life and a friendly, receptive atmosphere.