Sidney Spit (Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Experience the park reserve, an archipelago of sheltered islands, islets and reefs in the Salish Sea. Take in the spectacular ocean views with glimpses of seals, sea lions, porpoises and Orca whales. Be sure to visit Sidney Spit, a breath-taking oasis 20 minutes from the Town of Sidney on a seasonal foot passenger ferry. Sidney Spit, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is also accessible by kayak, canoe, and boat, for those of us seeking out a little more adventure.

With long sandy beaches, forested walking trails (Including the Sidney Spit Loop, a 2.3km loop trail), 29 campsites and a group camping area available by reservation, it’s the perfect location for a family vacation. The tidal lagoon near the campsites is a haven for birds and their watchers. The welcoming dock and mooring buoys make this an appealing stopover for any boating excursions. You can even try out the park’s fun and educational geocaching program.

Sidney Island was one of the first areas of British Columbia’s Pacific Coast to be settled, due to its important location on the 1858 gold rush route. In the early 1900s, the Sidney Tile and Brick Company ran a brickworks, leveraging the island’s clay resources. If you look closely, shards of red bricks can still be found along the shoreline today.

Reserve your site at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca.

For more information, please email Gulf Islands National Park Reserve at [email protected], or phone 250-654-4000 or toll-free 1-866-944-1744.