Sidney may look like a quaint seaside town, but make no mistake; there are plenty of opportunities here for adventure. If you’ve only got an afternoon, we suggest heading out on the water, hopping on your bike, or checking out one of the great hikes nearby!
Let’s start with the ocean. One of the best ways to explore local waters is by kayak or stand up paddleboard. If you don’t have your own watercraft, Pacifica Paddle Sports rents kayaks, canoes and SUPs seasonally from their Sidney location at Canoe Cove. A Paddle In The Park and Blue Dog Kayaking both offer two-hour rentals and short, guided tours to help you explore local waters, even if you’ve only got an afternoon.
Sidney Whale Watching offers three-hour sightseeing tours of the Gulf Islands Archipelago right from the Sidney Pier. With Orca sightings right off Sidney’s waterfront, local waters are the optimal place to see these magical creatures up close.
The company also operates the Sidney Spit Ferry, a 40-foot catamaran that takes up to 41 passengers per sailing to and from Sidney Island. Take a picnic and your swimming gear over to this gorgeous sand spit for an afternoon of beach fun, just a quick 30 minute from the Sidney waterfront. The ferry operates from late May to early September.
Did you know we have shipwrecks here, too? If you’re a diver (or brave enough to try snorkeling in our chilly waters), just follow the diver sculpture to “Diver’s Beach” at the foot of Beacon Avenue. The wrecks of GB Church and the HMCS Mackenzie lie on the seafloor nearby, and you can also take in the rich sea life just under the surface of the Salish Sea. Just bring your thirst for adventure, and enjoy your afternoon of exploration!