 Sidney
The town of Sidney was developed as a farming settlement when the Hudson's Bay Company offered 100 acre parcels of land for a dollar an acre in 1858. In 1891, the Brethour family donated 202 ha (500 acres) to be registered as the official Town.
Today, Sidney offers
the charm and character of a seaside town complete with a wonderful variety
of shops, museums and interesting outdoor activities. Water activities
are particularly popular, with visitors trying crabbing, shrimping and
scuba-diving. Another popular pastime is to go "island hopping"
on the BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands or take a Washington State Ferry
to cruise the San Juan Islands in US waters. Nearby Sidney Spit Marine
Park offers hiking trails along the beach, camping, picnicking and boat
launch facilities.
Whether it is exploring Sidney's past at the Historical Artifacts Society site, browsing through the shops in town or taking advantage of the recreational opportunities the surrounding area provides, Sydney has something to appeal to every visitor.
Population: 10,082.
 Elevation:
13 metres (43 ft.)
Access: Sidney is 25 km (16 mi.) north of Victoria, on Highway 17. It is the terminus of the Washington State Anacortes and San Juan Islands Ferry. The airport is 3 km (2 mi.) east of Sidney. The area is also serviced by local and national bus lines
Recreation Facilities & Activities: golf courses, crabbing, beachcombing, camping, hiking, biking, fishing.
Local Attractions: Aviation Museum, Butchart Gardens, Mineral World, Experimental Farm and Research Station, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney Marine Mammal and Historical Museum, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Sidney Spit Marine Park, Historical Artifacts Society site in Central Saanich.
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