Sidney

Sidney occupies a sunny stretch of the Saanich Peninsula's east coast, a compact, walkable town proud of its waterfront promenade, its marina and its unusual concentration of independent bookstores.

Beacon Avenue's shops and the Sidney Pier lead down to a waterfront promenade with views across Haro Strait to the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands, and the town's self styled Booktown identity has drawn a cluster of new and used bookshops found nowhere else on the Island.

The Swartz Bay ferry terminal and Victoria International Airport both sit just outside town, making Sidney an unusually well connected small community, and its marinas support a strong boating and sport fishing culture along the peninsula's sheltered east side.

A walkable core, mild climate and genuine small town charm have made Sidney popular with retirees and downsizers, while its proximity to the airport and ferries keeps it practical for commuters and frequent travelers alike.