Top Things to do in Sidney
What to do and see in Sidney, Vancouver Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Sidney, Canada including Sidney Whale Watching, BC Aviation Museum, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Lochside Regional Trail, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney Street Market, Sidney Spit Marine Park, Star Cinema, Tulista Park, Sidney Pier.
Restaurants in Sidney
1. Sidney Whale Watching
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 307 reviews
Whale watching, wildlife tours and sea kayaking tours located in the beautiful seaside town of Sidney, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Our advantages include; calm protected water and the closest departure point to the Resident Killer whale routes meaning more whale time and an average of 30 minutes less travel time then Vancouver or Victoria. We are also at the gateway to the magical Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, less then 5 minutes off our dock and your among one of the nicest cruising grounds on the planet. Family owned and operated for over 15 years, come share our passion for the beautiful region called the Salish Sea.
2. BC Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Come enjoy a trip back in time with the whole family, with over 20 aircraft on display in Sidney, at The BC Aviation Museum! Where learning and fun meet! Memorable visitor experiences include: • Sit in the cockpit of a warplane. • Discover the history of our valiant Canadian aviation pioneers with our passionate tour guides or on a self-guided visit. We’ve been collecting and preserving 8,000+ aviation books, 13,500+ photographs. Don't miss our gift shop - the perfect place to find aviation themed gifts. Come explore the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney, located near the Victoria International Airport.
Reviewed By Bob2885 - Victoria, Canada
I toured the museum in September as part of a group. The tour guide was informative, responsive to questions and entertaining. The exhibits cover the history of aviation in the 20th century with a focus on British Columbian and Canadian aircraft. There are planes, lots of them, tens ofunmounted engines in various stages of dress, helicopters, innumerable model aircraft and a good collection of memorabilia related to aviation in the First and Second Wars. This would be a fun tour with children. I climbed the stairs into a late '50s Viscount airliner, looked into the cockpit of a jet trainer, and was impressed by the huge size of the museum's latest restoration project, a Lancaster bomber. Don't miss it!
3. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Explore the underwater beauty of the Salish Sea Bioregion - one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world! The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a not-for-profit aquarium and learning centre devoted to the exploration and conservation of the Salish Sea. The Salish Sea is named after the Coast Salish indigenous peoples of the region. Explore natural aquaria habitats of over 160 live species including a giant Pacific octopus, colourful rockfish, and magnificent wolf eels. Check out the marine mammal artifact exhibit complete with a rare orca skeleton, and take in the permanent exhibit of beautiful Coast Salish art. Journey from seashore to seafloor and discover the amazing diversity of the Salish Sea in 28 aquarium habitats teeming with marine life from anemones and nudibranchs to salmon and sculpins. Then get a close look at the weird and wonderful invertebrates in our shallow "Look" Pool (pre-COVID Touch Pool) overlooking the breathtaking Sidney waterfront.
Reviewed By 19Ros69 - Vernon, Canada
What a great learning experience - went early in the day and before too many people arrived and consequently I had a personal guide who answered many of my questions. This young woman was passionate about the sea life and willingly answered my questions with great information about the sea creatures on display. When I first entered I went straight to the jelly fish, I so enjoy watching the way they move; when I left I appreciated the delightful young octopus because of what I learned from the guide. I will return.
4. Lochside Regional Trail
5. Mary Winspear Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By elainebU1629YJ - Langley, Canada
Staff at Mary Winspear are knowledgeable and friendly. The venue is accessible and the choice of offerings wide and suited to all tastes, from theatre to music to art, and including authors and celebrities.
6. Sidney Street Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Every Thursday night during June, July and August, the Town's charming main street, Beacon Avenue, is closed to traffic and transformed into one of the most spectacular, festive street markets in British Columbia.With over 150 vendors offering everything from locally grown produce, handmade jewellery by local artisans, one of a kind clothing, toys, flowers, handmade soaps, home-made breads, jams, fudge and so much more; there is something for everyone in the family! The Sidney Street Market attracts up to 5,000 people a night who all come to savour the flavours, see the sights and listen to the sounds of a myriad of musical performers. The Sidney Street Market is a must see and do event for everyone's summer activities list. Market hours are 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
7. Sidney Spit Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Dinger2481 - Paignton, United Kingdom
We had planned this trip to Sidney Split National Park as on previous visits to family in Canada and we missed the months it was open. So top tip check the summer dates before planning this usually June 30th to end of August or about September 3rd cost is $19 for adults and $16 for children and senior citizens (2018 prices) remember there are no shops so you need to take picnics snacks and water and of course take all your rubbish with you as there is no refuse service! The best way to get There apart from private yachts or perhaps a raft ????is to go by the Alpine group Sidney split ferry great ???? intro from the crew although I was a bit worried when he said that the life belts should be dry from yesterday - what wit ! Anyway the sandy beach is stunning and there is lots of space The walks around the forest are equally beautiful and the scenery all round breathtaking and well worth the visit just for that We saw a fledgling eagle and nest and we think mum or dad from the beach which made the trip - see pictures There are lots of picnic areas and benches and for those that are inclined you can book camping pitches - by the way another top tip the last boat off is 4.30 pm don’t miss it unless you are prepared to camp!!! ( later 6.30 pm sailing on a Friday and Saturday evening) Large parties can book otherwise you pay for your ticket prior to sailing and again top tip it’s best to get in the line up early even for the return if you want to get back on time!!! Private boat owners can moor up on the jetty or close to the shore there were a few around which added to the buzz I would highly recommend this trip for couples families groups or campers it’s a great adventure peaceful and beautiful and a great place to unwind by the sea - oh and by the way Sidney itself is a great place to look around and enjoy a meal and drink ( or two ) we went in the pier Bistro which was superb with great service, food and location overlooking the water ( reviewed before by me) This is definitely somewhere you will remember and want to return to almost Caribbean ????????
8. Star Cinema
9. Tulista Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Tahiti-Specialist - Sidney, Canada
This is one of my favourite parks in Sidney. There seems to be something for everyone including the skateboard park for the kids, a sand volleyball court for the teens or young adults, playground for the young ones and a walking trail along the ocean.
10. Sidney Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Iconic Pier situated along the waterfront in Sidney BC
Reviewed By LiveVanIsle
A lovely spot to walk out and see local people fishing, catch a sunset or just enjoy the view and watch the boats go by.
