About Sidney

Sidney / SET,TINES

The picturesque town of Sidney by the Sea is situated within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ People on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The community is located along the shores of the Salish Sea on the Saanich Peninsula, amidst the Gulf Islands with Mount Baker standing in the distance. In SENĆOŦEN, the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ People, the land which the Town of Sidney sits on is called SET,TINES, which means "chest sticking out," in reference to the way the land juts out into the water.

The population of Sidney is 12,318. The mainly flat, walkable community is 5.10 square kilometers and the moderate climate makes it a year-round tourist destination. Sidney’s major economic drivers are manufacturing, retail and tourism.

Just a 20 minute drive from downtown Victoria, Sidney is home to the Sidney / Anacortes (Washington, USA) Ferry Terminal and just minutes from the Victoria International Airport and Swartz Bay, BC Ferry Terminal. 

Sidney boasts many attraction and amenities including a scenic 3.6 kilometre waterfront walkway, a historical museum, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea Aquarium, enchanting street statues and murals, a 420 ft. Fishing Pier with a thriving marine life Artificial Reef, a vibrant downtown boutique shopping district, and much more. Sidney's waterfront location allows for many other water-related activities such as boating, sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing.

The 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 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 providing meeting rooms, convention facilities and an exciting 315 seat multi-purpose Theatre for stage productions.

Enjoy special Town events, such as:

• Sidney Days/Canada Day Celebrations;
• Summer Sounds Concert Series in Beacon Park (Sunday Afternoons, July through August);
• Sidney Street Market (Thursday Nights, June to August);
• Sidney Fine Arts Show and ArtSea Festival; and
• Lighted Boat Sail Past & Santa Parade.

Sidney is a wonderful place to visit and live, providing a high quality of life and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.