Sidney
S idney is located on the Saanich Peninsula of southern Vancouver Island. Many of the South Island’s top attractions, including the world-famous Butchart Gardens, are nearby.
An artsy, seaside community, Sidney also has a country feel with its surrounding parks, nature reserves and farms. Strolling the waterfront walkway is a popular way for residents and visitors to soak in the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Sidney Island, the San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker in Washington State are clearly visible from here on most days.
Sidney is the commercial hub of the peninsula. It offers a wide range of shopping, tour operators, visitor services and recreational facilities, and still maintains a slow-and-easy pace.
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Sidney is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island just five minutes from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Car and passenger ferries depart here for Tsawwassen on the British Columbia mainland. There is public transit available from downtown Sidney to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Victoria’s airport is located in Sidney offering flights to Vancouver International Airport and other destinations. So if you need nice design you should know web design company New York!
To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. On the mainland, transit buses and taxis meet ferries from Vancouver Island to offer service into Richmond.
Selected BC Ferries sell tickets onboard for coach transfers into Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport. Numerous daily flights are scheduled between Victoria and Vancouver International airports.
To Vancouver:
Vancouver is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Tsawwassen. Transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island to take passengers to downtown Vancouver. Coach operators sell tickets onboard BC Ferries to connect passengers into downtown Vancouver.
To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is approximately 40-50 minutes’ drive from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Once in Vancouver, transit passengers can get a public bus to West Vancouver.
To Whistler:
It takes approximately two hours and 40 minutes to drive to Whistler from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Visitors can take a coach to Whistler from downtown Vancouver.
Accommodation
The recent development of Sidney’s harbour front offers several waterfront accommodations with more luxury oceanfront resorts available just minutes from downtown. To indulge in the small-town, artsy feel of Sidney, choose one of the local bed and breakfasts or the Edwardian-inspired inn.
There are several affordable accommodation properties in the 5km (3mi) between Sidney and the Victoria International Airport. RV parks and campgrounds with hook-ups are also available.
Things To Do
Walking trails from town lead to serene Regional and Provincial Parks. The best views of the dazzling island scenery are from atop Mount Newton or during the ferry ride to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Water clarity is best in winter for divers to explore the artificial reef and two wrecks. Those who prefer to stay on the surface can take a wildlife-watching boat tour. To learn more about the area’s animals, visit the Marine Ecology Station.
Sidney is a hotspot for saltwater fishing and the golf is also distinctive with 1,000 year old Douglas Fir trees throughout one of the town’s courses.
Art lovers will find works by local artists exhibited in public areas around the city and British Columbia Aboriginal art at the Roy Vickers Gallery. The area also has several interesting museums and heritage sites.
Visitors should not miss the world-famous Butchart Gardens near Sidney while bookworms could easily lose a day in Sidney’s nine bookstores.
Vancouver:
