Sidney's marvelous access to the ocean and its ecosystems, the Gulf Islands, marine life and seabirds bring layers of diversity and complexity to local sightseeing.
Sidney's most innovative and rewarding tour may well be Captain Brian Smiley's June through Sept eco tours. Passengers voyage in comfy pontoon boats often described as "floating living rooms."
Former botanist Smiley likes to call his adventures "edu-tainment." Explore the immediate environment up-close on his 90-minute tours, and leave stupefied with wonder. Eco-cruisers can expect everything from Bald Eagles and Harbour seals to eerie karst rock formations and undersea forests of bull kelp.
Bull Kelp
Bull kelp may not seem as thrilling as Killer whales, but it's the fastest-growing plant in the world. It grows the distance between a human elbow and fingertips daily and ends up as long as 36m/118ft long. It's edible, too. C'mon, take a bite. It's safe and tasty to boot, with a nice crrrrunch.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Smiley introduces visitors to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, consisting of 15 islands, islets and reefs off Sidney's coast. Little Ker Island yields tiny, perfect surprises: The shoreline crumbles to reveal an ancient midden, strata of seashells from the feasting of First Nations people thousands of years earlier.
Nori, the seaweed beloved to Japanese chefs, grows wild at the shore. Sea stars and jellyfish abound. Thumbnail-size shore crabs transform to instant pets as passengers cuddle them in their palms.
Harbour Cruises
Sidney Harbour Cruises offers 1-hour harbour and 2-hour wildlife cruises. The latter cuts a broad swath past waterfront homes and island estates with seal and seabird colonies due ahead.
Harbour Tour by Kayak
Paddle in the Park offers a gentle, 2-hour kayak tour around the protected waters of Tsehum Harbour. Sheltered beaches and Harbour saeals, Bald eagles, herons and seabirds play cheerleader. The tour is suitable for the whole family including small children. Kayaks launch direct from the dock, so no wet feet to contend with.
For more information adventure tours around Sidney, drop into the Visitor Centre at 10382 Pat Bay Hwy, just two minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
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