Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
& Spa. It's a pleasant spot to explore on foot—enjoying the many outdoor cafés, walking
out on to the piers, and soaking up the nautical ambience.
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Beside the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, at the
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
(9811 Seaport
Place, 250/665-7511, 10am-5pm daily, adult $15, child $7.50), the underwater world of
the Strait of Georgia unravels itself through aquariums, interpretive panels, and a marine
education center. Many of the displays are designed for children, but the center gives an
insight into the marinelife of the Strait of Georgia for all ages.
Sidney Museum
Along the main street,
Sidney Museum
(2423 Beacon Ave., 250/655-6355, 10am-4pm
daily, donation) provides an interesting insight into the peninsula's earliest settlers, early
industry, and the importance of shipping to the local economy.
Sidney Spit
A wonderful escape from mainland Vancouver Island, this long sandy spit at the north end
of Sidney Island is protected as part of Gulf Islands National Park. Facilities are limited
to washrooms, but this is a good thing, as the lack of development makes the destination
even more charming. Most visitors come over for just the day to simply stroll along the
beaches, search out hidden treasures amid the driftwood, or relax and have a picnic.
The island has a small campground ($13.70 per site), but you'll need to be totally self-
sufficient by bringing your own tent, food, and drinking water.
TheislandisonlyaccessiblebyscheduledtransfersbetweenMayandSeptember,when
the
Alpine Sidney Spit Ferry
(250/474-5145or800/647-9933,adult$19,seniorandchild
$16 round-trip) operates. The departure point is Sidney Pier, at the end of Beacon Avenue
in front of the Pier Hotel & Spa. Call ahead for a schedule.
Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary
North of Sidney along Resthaven Drive is Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary. Established in
1931, it is now surrounded by marinas and land-based developments, but still provides an
important stop for a wide variety of birds. Best known are the smartly colored black and
white buffleheads, which are famous for arriving at the sanctuary with uncanny regularity
on October 15 each year (the 298 day of the solar cycle), which is where they spend the
