Strategically located as the Gateway to Vancouver Island, "Sidney-by-the-Sea" is a vibrant community of over 10,000 residents, and a destination choice for a growing number of tourists.

Some of the most popular attractions include an aviation museum housing historic aircraft; whale watching tours (about 80 killer whales live offshore); and of particular interest to divers, two artificial diving reefs.

A variety of shops offering everything from pottery to fine art, jewellery to books (Sidney is known as booktown) restaurants and a superb bakery make Sidney a place to explore.

Accommodation is plentiful (but books out quickly in the summer) and ranges from Country Inns, to hotels, motels and B&Bs.

A 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria and 10 minutes from Swartz Bay, Sidney is connected to Anacortes and the San Juan Islands by Washington State ferries.

It is connected to Vancouver by BC Ferries.