Sidney

Lifestyle & Recreation

Sidney may be known to some as slow-paced retirement community; however, it is also a fantastic place for families and active individuals.  For those that enjoy an active lifestyle filled with water sports, Sidney is heaven. There is a strong local sailing and boating culture that dates back to its early, rich maritime history. Boaters and sailors love the waters to the north of Sidney that make up the Gulf Islands National Park, while kayakers and paddle boarders often stay closer to shore to enjoy the rich marine wildlife. 

Owning a house in Sidney is convenient as it grants southern islanders access to both the mainland and gulf islands via the BC Ferries, the USA gulf islands via the Washington State Ferry system, and worldwide via the Victoria International Airport. The area itself is set on very flat land, providing excellent topography for seniors and families with children.

Sidney’s downtown core is vibrant and pedestrian friendly; its main street lined with bookstores, cafes, small boutiques, and restaurants all leading to the beautiful fishing pier and 3.6-kilometer waterfront walkway along the shores of the Salish sea on the Saanich peninsula.

Buyers searching for available homes in Sidney should note the many attractions accessible year-round including the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Shoal Harbor Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Sidney Museum and Archives as well as the British Columbia Aviation Museum. During the summer there is a popular street market on Thursday evenings as well as the ever popular “Sidney Days”, a fair taking place at the beginning of July and during the winter as a lighted sail past boat parade.

Amenities & Transportation

The town of Sidney itself is reasonably walkable however a vehicle is recommended. With a walk score in the mid 60’s, most errands can be accomplished by foot, however for those that require a visit to downtown Victoria, the public transit commute is over an hour.

History

Home to the Saanich people for thousands of years until the purchase of two large tracts of land in 1852 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Sidney began its modern growth due to the gold rush of 1858 culminating in its final incorporation as a town in 1967. The waterfront, once lined with cannery buildings processing oysters, clams, blackberries, and peaches in the late 1800’s is now home to a plethora of businesses and seaside attractions.

Schools

Families with children searching for homes in Sidney with good schools nearby are in luck. Sidney Elementary School, North Saanich Middle School and Parkland Secondary School. There is also a highly regarded French Immersion program close by in the community of Deep Cove, at Deep Cove Elementary School.

Location

Sidney is located on the northeastern side of the Saanich Peninsula, on the east side of Patricia Bay Highway 17. It borders the Haro Strait to the east, North Saanich to the north and west, and Central Saanich to the South.