Your Journey Begins Here...
On the northern tip of Vancouver Island’s breathtaking Saanich Peninsula, lies the charming seaside town of Sidney-by-the-Sea. A point of arrival for many visitors to Vancouver Island, Sidney is located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport, BC Ferries and Washington State ferry terminals. And with the Gulf Island National Park Reserve, Butchart Gardens, and Saanich Peninsula farms and wineries all close at hand, Sidney offers the ideal hub to explore southern Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
Sidney-by-the-Sea
Surrounded by sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, Sidney is home to the largest concentration of marinas on Vancouver Island, a pristine waterfront walkway and a host of marine adventures to choose from – sea kayaking, whale watching, sailing, scuba diving, fishing and more. Pack a picnic lunch and ride the water taxi to Sidney Spit to spend the day beachcombing or bird watching. Or stroll through town and enjoy unique artisan galleries, bookstores, cafes and restaurants – all filled with friendly locals. Get your feet wet and learn about local marine life in the Salish Sea at the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre will allow you to explore and discover the amazing diversity of life in the Strait of Georgia.
Sidney is renowned as Canada's only Booktown, one of only a handful in the world. Sidney’s nine bookstores feature a browser's bounty of new, second-hand, vintage and specialty books with thousands of unique titles and categories to choose from – all within easy walking distance of each other.
Join us for the Summer Market every Thursday evening from mid-June to the end of August, when the foot of Beacon Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic between 5pm and 9pm. Or enjoy a musical interlude at Sidney’s Sunday afternoon bandstand concerts in our waterfront park during July and August.
Saanich Peninsula
Nestled between the Saanich Inlet and the Georgia Strait, the Saanich Peninsula is a stunning showpiece of rolling hills, tranquil forests and peaceful coves with seemingly private beaches. Yet it’s the friendly communities that create lasting impressions for visitors to this region.
Lined with quiet country roads, mountain parks and scenic ocean vistas, the Saanich Peninsula is a hiker’s haven and a cyclist's paradise with over 100 kilometres (62 miles) of trails and pathways to explore, including the famous Galloping Goose Trail.
Tour one of the local wineries to sample the new and burgeoning vintages of Vancouver Island. Enjoy a relaxing drive through a pastoral setting, stopping at a local hobby farm or roadside stand for fresh local produce or a handful of daffodils.
Your visit to the Saanich Peninsula would not be complete without a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens – a magnificent 55-acre estate of floral display, meandering paths and expansive lawns, featuring summer entertainment and an impressive fireworks show every Saturday night throughout July and August. A short 20 minute drive from The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa.
Need to work on your golf swing? Arrange your tee times at Cordova Bay Golf Club through the Reception Desk of The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa and enjoy the natural beauty, breathtaking landscape and the immaculate maintenance of the greens and fairways at Cordova Bay.
Explore the Gulf Islands
Renowned for their pristine beauty, artist communities and rustic charm, the Gulf Islands lie in the protected waters of Georgia Strait between Vancouver Island’s east coast and the mainland of British Columbia.
Each island has its own unique character but all share a relaxed island lifestyle. The idyllic countryside is dotted with organic farms, grazing sheep, and fruit orchards, while the friendly communities are home to a charming cluster of artisan studios, unique shops, and restaurants.
Kayakers, canoeists and divers flock to the Gulf Islands to get up close and personal with local wildlife, including whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, blue herons and bald eagles. Ask our Marine Concierge or visit Emerald Sea or EcoCruising to learn about the many eco-tour opportunities through the Gulf Islands and reconnect with the natural marine environment.
EcoCruising can also be booked directly through the Guest Reception Desk at The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa.
To view EcoCruises that are available for departure from Sidney Pier, click here.
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was established in 2003 to protect the delicate balance of this region’s coastal island landscape - home to a variety of sensitive plant species and diverse wildlife.
Seaside Activities
Imagine crossing the bay to Sidney Island for a fun summer barbecue on the windswept beaches of Sidney Spit. Or learning about indigenous plants and herbs on a guided walk with a local botanist.
And to help you find your inner Jacques Cousteau, our Marine Concierge is here to assist with all the eco-adventures that are at our doorstep. Take in whale watching, sea kayaking, sailing, open water diving, or interpretive First Nations canoe excursions. From wet-suits to paddles, we have all the details covered.
It's about your experience – let us know how we can help.
The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa is located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport, BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal, and Washington State Ferries terminal.
Click on the Map at right to enlarge.
Click Here to Download Driving Directions
Transportation from Vancouver:
BC Ferries - daily year-round ferry service to and from Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), the Lower Mainland (Tsawwassen) and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
Pacific Coach Lines - daily year-round motorcoach transportation to and from the downtown Vancouver Bus Depot, Vancouver International Airport, and the BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal.
Pacific Coastal Airlines - daily year-round flights to and from the Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal and the Victoria International Airport.
Orca Air - weekday flights to and from the Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal and the Victoria International Airport.
Harbour Air - daily year-round seaplane service to and from the Vancouver harbour, Vancouver International Airport, and Victoria Inner Harbour.
Saltspring Air - Saltspring Air is the islanders airline.
Transportation from Washington State:
Sidney-Anacortes Ferry - seasonal ferry service to and from Anacortes, WA, the San Juan Islands, and Sidney, BC.
Kenmore Air - daily seasonal seaplane service to and from Seattle's Lake Union (Sea-Tac shuttle service available) to Patricia Bay (near Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula).
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