Skip to main content

Sidney

Quick Facts

  • Population (2006 Census)... 11,315
  • Distance from Vancouver... 85km (53mi)
  • Distance from Richmond... 77km (48mi)
  • Distance from Whistler... 216km (134mi)

Sidney 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.

Explore Sidney All Cities & Towns


Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

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.

To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 25 minutes drive from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. On the mainland, transit buses and taxis meet ferries from Vancouver Island and transport passengers into Richmond.

BC Ferries sell tickets onboard for motorcoach service to Vancouver International Airport. Numerous daily flights are scheduled between Victoria and Vancouver International airports.

The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.

To Vancouver:
Transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island to take passengers to downtown Vancouver. For those driving, the trip between Vancouver and Tsawwassen is approximately 45 minutes. Coach operators sell tickets onboard BC Ferries which take passengers into downtown Vancouver.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To West Vancouver:
Visitors wanting to go to West Vancouver should travel first to Vancouver, then take a public bus or drive to West Vancouver. 

Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network.  View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

To Whistler:
To reach Whistler, passengers using public transportation should make their way to Vancouver via BC Ferries and connecting public transit, or by motorcoach or plane.

Whistler can be accessed by car by driving north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99).  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and  North Vancouver.

Motorcoach travel offers direct coach service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

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.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

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.

Read more about what's happening in Sidney.