TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Annabella Stoll-Dansereau | University of British Columbia | Postcard: Waiting for the ferry, Sidney, BC, c.1948; Photo: Rob, flickr, Public Domain
This museum, established in 1971, presents the heritage of the Saanich Peninsula. There are many permanent artifacts and documents/images in your typical museum. Here the natural history and culture of the area are highlighted.
Depending on when you go, there are also events and fun exhibition displays. For example, one is the ‘Little Black Dress, a travelling exhibit showing the history and evolution of this style icon.
Photo: https://sidneymuseum.ca/
This nonprofit aquarium doesn’t host the most dangerous and exciting animals like great white sharks or dolphins. Instead, you get a glimpse into what inhabits the west Coast’s waters. From starfish to jellyfish to small sharks, you are sure to find a species you never knew existed, much less lived in the same water you are looking out at.
You can explore on your own or take a tour. Depending on when you go there, you may catch a temporary exhibit or event.
Photo: ocean discovery Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The haunted bookshop, established in 1947, is Vancouver Islands’ oldest bookstore. This isn’t your typical bookstore. Just like its age and name implies, this is a rare item bookstore meaning it sells out-of-print material and collectables. This makes going into this store a miniature adventure as you never know what you are to find. If recent books are your thing, you will also find some of the most popular titles amongst the rarity.
Photo: https://sidneybooktown.ca/bookshops/the-haunted-bookshop
This center, some described as the ‘heart of the Saanich Peninsula community,’ is a nonprofit place hosting events, theatre and art shows. They try to highlight local artists and give diverse voices a chance to perform. Check their website for updates when you come so you don’t miss a great show!
Photo: http://marywinspear.ca/
If you come to Sidney during the late spring to early fall months, venture to the large-scale outdoor market by the Mary Wilson Center listed above. On Sundays, you will find a traditional farmers market with many local artistic and baked goodies. On Thursday, there is a night market in the same location where you can again get many local delicacies, so depending on if you are a night owl or an early morning riser, there is a market for everyone.
If you want to get up close and personal with the ocean without actually being on the beach, this is the place for you. This 2.5 km walkway allows you to walk oceanside with unobstructed views. This makes the beach accessible to those who either can’t walk on the sand or don’t want sand in their shoes!
The park isn’t anything special with the basic greenspace and picnic areas. However, the location is stunning. Situated on a little extended point onto the water, you get a 180-degree view of the ocean as you sit and enjoy the view.
Depending on when you come here, you might even catch outdoor live music events, which often get set up in the middle of the park.
Photo: http://www.sidney.ca/Things_To_Do/Parks__Walkways___Trails/Parks_at_a_Glance/Beacon_Park.htm
While the last park had the views, this one has all the activities and still has waterfront visuals. This park has a classic playground but, more uniquely, a skateboard park and a sand volleyball court!
Maybe you cannot skate (don’t worry, I can’t either), but if you are lucky, there will be some skilled individuals showing off their skateboarding tricks that you could watch. Or maybe a volleyball tournament is going on. Either way, this park always has something interesting for you to watch.
Photo: http://www.sidney.ca/Things_To_Do/Parks__Walkways___Trails/Parks_at_a_Glance/Tulista_Park.htm
Perhaps you still haven’t found anything interesting to do from our list so far. That’s okay. Maybe swing by the visitor center. Here you can talk to locals and tailor your adventures to your specific needs and interests. Complete with lots of brochures, you are sure to learn more about what is offered in Sidney and elsewhere on the island.
Photo: http://www.sidney.ca/Things_To_Do/Visitor_Resources.htm
Above is one of the currently showcased art pieces by Deborah Tilby called ‘The Wave.’ This art gallery showcases a variety of local artists, with many resident artists always on display and many one-off pieces from lesser-known artists. If you like to hear the story behind the art, there are often events hosted at the gallery.
Whether you are looking to appreciate local art or buy your next eye-catching piece to bring back to wherever you call home, this is a must-stop on your trip to Sidney.
Photo: Google Street View
This highly rated café is a Sidney Classic. It offers all you can want in a café, from warm and cold drinks to perfect lunchtime foods like wraps and sandwiches. If you have the time, you might want to try their high tea offered anytime in the day you wish to (not only at the usual 3 pm). While slightly expensive ($30), you get sandwiches, scones, and a couple of sweet treats.
Be sure to stop by to see what the locals are raging about.
Photo: https://beaconcafe.business.site/
