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Beacon Landing Waterfront Seafood Restaurant - Sidney, BC WOW!

September 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sidney, Dining

Made the short trip out to Sidney from Victoria, BC a couple of weeks back on a sunny summer evening. Ended up at Beacon Landing Waterfront Bar and Grill. A real gem. Very impressive views from throughout the restaurant of the waterfront, ocean and mountains in the background. Wish I had known about this place sooner. Had the Tuna Tataki for an appy and the Filet steak for dinner. All of it melt-in-your mouth fantastic and the whole time drinking in the beautiful views.

Highly recommend you make the trip out to Sidney by the Sea and stop by Beacon Landing. It's right on the beach at the end of Beacon Drive. I.e. no roads or parking lots between you and the waterfront. Seafood was amazing. They have a large patio, a fully-licenced bar and lounge side, as well as a restaurant side where you can bring the kids. Enjoy!

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Posted by Sparky009, Victoria at 11:58 AM

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

August 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sidney, Aquariums

This summer I took a trip down to Victoria.  I saw a lot of the local attractions, but one in particular was absolutely incredible.  The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is a new aquarium that just opened up in Sidney, BC.  I walked in and was greeted by so many friendly, knowledgeable volunteers.  I loved that there wasn't a voice booming over the loud speaker (I personally think this can ruin the ambiance of a place) but I was learning through the conversations I had with volunteers.  The exhibits were really interesting, especially because everything there is from the Island's local waters.  I was also very reassured to hear that a lot of the creatures there will actually return to the ocean to complete their natural life cycles.  Most aquariums I've visited are nice to look at, but that's about it.  At this one, there were so many interactive activites, I was engaged the whole time I was there. 

I would definitely recommend this attraction to anyone going through Victoria.  Sidney is just a short drive out of town towards the airport or ferries.  The whole town is really quaint, it's a great place to spend an entire day.  

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Posted by Veronica26, at 01:00 PM

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre Opens!

June 24, 2009 | Field Reports > Sidney, Aquariums

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney, BC showcases the marine life of the Salish Sea! Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler attended the opening day and journeyed from "seafloor to seashore"! You'll love the sea elevator and all the spectacular marine life in the Gallery of the Salish Sea!

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Posted by Chris Wheeler, at 07:52 AM

Victoria Cycling

May 1, 2009 | Tips from Us > Sidney, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries

Just a short detour off the Lochside Bike Trail, which runs the length of the Saanich Peninsula between Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, cyclists can find a sweet break from the pedals. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located about 12km from the Swartz Bay, on the opposite side of the #17 (Pat Bay) Highway from the cycling route.

I stopped at the Ciderhouse last week on a weekend cycle for a sampling of their hard apple ciders, ranging from dry to dessert sweet. My favourite was the Kings & Spies, a light sparkling dry cider with a touch of sweet.

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Posted by Janice , at 09:26 AM

We caught Crabs in Sidney

September 18, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Sidney, Other

 It all started with a subtle hard nudge from my son since we moved to Victoria six weeks ago. He has been catching crabs by hand (all legal size) off the shore at Willows Beach in Victoria. None by fluke but by hours of walking in chest deep waters and a net. It then sparked the idea of there must be a way to keep these delicious creatures and feast on them (legally)! My sisters boyfriend mentioned the Pier in Sidney-Sidney Fishing Pier just a block from main street you can't miss it.

We went to a quaint little shop with a pirate out front decorated with buoys and large crab traps called "The Boater's Exchange". There you will find the best crab traps and service. Then go over to "True Value Hardware" for your shellfish license. Kids are free and hey I thought this sounds like fun so I got one too. Everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and friendly as we only knew how to barbeque a steak just moving from the prairies you know.  Oh and for good luck better pick up a stock pot and a large pail so you can feast later...also garlic butter. I also thought I better stop at the Sidney Bakery on main street for their glazed doughnuts just in case...

Next was a stop at the fresh fish market at the end of main street where you can buy bait for a buck! That in itself is a smelly experience. They just slap in the large fish that they would normally discard right into your pail~unbelievable again remember we are from the prairies (I think I mentioned that already)~I maybe should have taken the camera from around my neck so that when I asked "how do we get these big fish into the little bait keeper in the crab trap?" I did not feel a bit stupid Ha! So I thought it was the right time to pull out my doughnut.

READY, SET, GO! We are ready to go crab trapping. It was the coolest experience I have had. Being out on the pier is like being out on a boat~well that is what I tell myself since we don't know anyone with a boat. My son loaded the trap with a the fish bait and with the advice of other experienced crab trappers we put a rock in to add some weight. They also said that chicken parts work really well for bait. Sometimes the seals like to steal your bait too as they were splashing around. We left the trap in for about 15 minutes and pull it up and the excitment continues. You can see the crab moving around and you can't wait to see the size. You measure them (a measure stick you buy with your trap) and then if it is legal size you then with the crab crawling around the deck you try to get a hold of it's back legs (watch out for the claw-you will only get bit once and remember the pain forever) to see if it is male or female. The females get thrown back. If it is a male you keep it and feast on it.

I really recommend this experience. The stories you hear from the other fisherman on the pier are intriguing and witty. We finished it off with lunch at the Pier Bistro and some hot chocolate.

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Posted by The Gong Show, Victoria at 10:25 PM

BC Ferries

July 13, 2006 | Tips from Us > Sidney, Cruising

While most tourist who board BC Ferries for the first time find their voyage busy with exploring the ship and gawking at the passing scenery, BCers who regularly travels on BC ferries finds they develop a system for their own journey. Here's a few tips, starting with the food options. On the bigger boats, the cafeteria is a popular place to head. In fact, most people head straight for the food lineup upon boarding. I usually wait a while, 'cause I really hate lineups, and wait for the crowds to pass by about 1/2 way through the journey. Two reliable staples from the cafeteria are the fries, and the self-serve soft-serve ice cream. The fries are pretty standard, but happily so: crispy outside, soft inside. As for the ice cream, my husband and brother-in-law can't get enough: they tend to test the boundaries of gravity with the height of ice-cream spirals. Now, my personal favourite food option is being prepared in advance. Last weekend we cruised from Vancouver over to the Gulf Islands on one of the smallest ferries, the Bowen Queen, who's cafeteria is only stocked with the basics (ie hot dogs; a classic, appropriate in the right context, works in a pinch). But we had other plans: we brought along a picnic backpack filled with cheese, pate, crackers and fresh blueberries. We set up camp on the top, outside deck (north side to take advantage of the setting sun's rays) and had one of the best, most scenic meals I've had in some time. Here's some of my other ferry tips... although keep in mind things can change from ship to ship, and route to route: *If you have kids, head for the mid-section of the boat, there's usually a play area for the kids. If you have no kids, stay away from the mid-section of the boat, it can be filled with noisy kids. Head instead upstairs towards the stern / back of the boat, there's usually a relatively quiet lounge somwhere around here. If you're feeling flush, there's a new 'first class' lounge on some of the Tsawwassen-

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Posted by Janice, Vancouver at 12:00 AM