Love the ferries always (usually)relaxing great scenery staff ate fine. My problem is you took away smoking and vaping everywhere. Not even one smoke spot. Not very inclusive.

Its a cute little get away in surrey. If you like to go on ferry. The ferry ride makes it all interesting we had so much fun out there!! But the fare is bit expensive. Overall good experience!!

Love the day trip traveling where you can do a short get away sightseeing, the best part is seeing sunset over the clear water when you head outside. Food is actually not bad and worth the line up but get there early for a seat. Also, you can lounge for $14. Recommended not peak times to travel

Classic BC Government employees at their worst. Tried calling in to speak to someone but after 2 hours I hung up. Not one employee clearly has taken customer service training at the terminal either. If this outfit could be avoided I’d suggest it but sadly when you need to travel it’s a necessary evil. Web site booking isn’t overly intuitive or straightforward. Typical non-contact set up where they’re more than happy to take your money but provide minimal customer service 👎

Amazing crew always ensuring people on board our safe. The crew is all very friendly and the boat ride is always worth the trip. My favourite part of any trip to the island really.

Great ferry. Got to see some Orcas swimming fairly close.

This is the place where a family of 4 People had to travel because THIS pet. I agree in the need to be a litter far from everybody because of the pet, but the place it was cold, wet, dirtty, it was water (or i hope so that was) all over the floor. It has NO calefaction. I Understend not everybody likes pets, but we pay our ticket also! And this is the kind of tratement we recive...they dont let us to go to our oun car neither... It was disgusting. You should emprove this travel conditions...well i post the pinture of the pet and in the backpack where she was traveling WITHOUT make sound, or Bark, she NEVER intend to put a feet on the floor! And THIS was the place they give us.

Recently experienced my first of several voyages on the BC Ferries. It is amazing how quickly and efficiently they process passengers and vehicles on and off the ship. I downloaded the App, which made booking reservations easy. It was very helpful seeing the real time updates of ship capacity nearing our departure time. Every ship we sailed on had immaculately clean washrooms.

I can't say enough about our experiences with BC Ferries. We are from the prairies and visiting family in BC. We used many different ferries over the course of two weeks and as first time users, found what we thought would be an intimidating procedure went as smoothly as possible. Loading and unloading vehicles onto its ferries is something BC Ferries has down to a science; well-timed and efficient on every ferry we used. The restrooms onboard each vessel were the cleanest public washrooms we experienced during our trip to the west coast. There is signage indicating if restrooms are not the best they can be, to notify any crew member immediately. Staff at ticket windows and on-board were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed all of our sailings and felt comfortable and safe. Thank you BC Ferries - you move hundreds of people like ourselves every sailing and you do it extremely well.

Lovely ride. Great views. Restrooms easy to find and we're clean and equipped. We had the first trip of three morning and needed to get breakfast. Waiting for the limited hot offerings, as the cashier, cook and waiter was all the same person, took time. But he was nice. We then got donuts from the kiosk set up outside. They were fresh, sweet and greasy! Make sure you listen to the hard to hear directions about returning to your car (& remember the level and placements of your parking spot!). Driving onto and off the ferry was easy. We happened to get in the wrong customs line- very chatty customs officer, and ended up being the last car in the lot! Another officer finally called us over to his line so we could pass! Had a nice talk with several passengers.

If you havent been on a ferry this is a must, also its the only option to go to Victoria as there is no road. Your car will directly drive into a Ferry and then you can go on upper deck where there are lounges, entertainments, kids play room, washroom and balcony and even walk around the ferry and enjoy the nice view. One less star as it is the only option and I paid about 350$ for back and forth ride for one car which seems quite expensive especially considering its the only option to Victoria. Any how the trip and service itself is well worth it. Few tips plan your ride on a nice day as if its rainy you wont be able to go on the deck, also catch the second last ferry on the way back as on peak season if for any reason if the last ferry is fully booked or you are late there is no other option other than paying high hotel price in Victoria for one night untill you get another ferry next day. Check out images and Follow for more.

I recently took the BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, the same journey I took almost 30 years ago. Suffering from jetlag, with no idea how to get a ticket, where get on board, or what to do at the other end of my journey, the staff at both terminals, and the team on the ferry itself, made the whole process as simple and as enjoyable as it was all those years ago. Having rushed late out of my hotel, I had not eaten at all that day. That's wasn't a problem! The cafe on board the ferry had exactly the kinds of breakfast I was looking for: coffee and something simple to eat, all for a fairly reasonable price. Fortunately, both my outbound and return journeys had perfect weather so quickly finding a seat outside on the upper decks afforded me fabulous views of the islands, the houses, and even some of the local residents, as we slowly powered our way between the ports. Once at my destinations, retrieving my luggage, which I had checked in, was simple and fast. I don't know why everyone doesn't do it. Then, getting transport from the terminals was simple as walking out the door. If only everything in life was as easy as catching a BC Ferry!

From long lineups to cancellations to broken down elevators to those terrible sounds of car horns blaring to interrupt my ferry ride if I choose to stay in my car, BC ferries has little to offer. Yet at times one must get to an island. Or travel to the mainland. If you stand on deck at least BC views do not disappoint.

Was there on our last day in Victoria last month...was a cool experience, I was expecting something bigger...there was a couple of kid groups which made it hard to enjoy it more but neat to see different types of sea life.. the touch pool was open, which my son enjoyed! So close to the waterfront, so we went for a walk on the pier afterwards...cute things at the giftshop, which my kids each picked something...staff were friendly!

Given that this occupies part of the ground floor of a condo building, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of sea life on exhibit and the sheer size of this place. There was plenty to see for the price of admission. The staff really made the experience excellent. We had quite a few questions and it was obvious that the staff were truly interested in telling us everything they knew, with one going so far as to break out a book from storage to show us more about a particular species. I'm pretty sure the lazy sculpin is my new spirit animal.

We went there on the 1st Monday of Spring Break, 3 adults, 2 children and a baby with a stroller. We didn't buy tickets in advance and although it wasn't empty, there was no waiting time. I thought it was overpriced at first, but after our visit I thought it was worth it! My 8yo and my 4yo had never had this much fun in other aquariums or museums! The staff was friendly and engaged them throughout the tour with easy language for them to understand, plus fun games and activities and crafts! The final area has children's books, more interactive games and stations and a touch pool with another knowledgeable and kind staff/volunteer. We just loved the experience as a whole, loved how spacious it was there and I didn't feel like I was on anyone's way while pushing the stroller and I felt comfortable enough to breastfeed my baby while sitting and watching the fish swim. So thankful for a place this welcoming in our community! Will definitely be coming back!

I enjoyed this place. I found it via a Groupon so I had a bit of a discount on admission. We spent a bit of time at each station which made for a decent visit, not very long but not too short either.

Simply amazing! If you're the type to flip rocks on the beach and gaze in wonder at what lives beneath - visiting the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is the logical next step. Exhibits are world class, with diverse and healthy species, and fantastic interpretive signage. It's a great choice for marine biologists of any age at any stage of their life - from toddlers to pensioners, you'll enjoy every minute emersed in your undersea exploration.

My family has a lovely experience visiting Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. This aquarium in Sidney, BC, is able to showcase sea creatures as if they are in their own habitat. The water they use is the water from the ocean, so it's the closest to the one sea creatures are used to have. Their volunteers are great in explaining to visitors about the different sea creatures and are kind to answers all our questions. We love the giant jelly fish, the sea anemones, and the Octopus. At the end of the exhibit, visitors can try touching starfish and others. This aquarium is a great educational and informative place to visit.

Had a wonderful experience taking my son here. Very nice and clean facility. Staff was courteous and polite. Deanna is super knowledgeable and I appreciated the time she took out to explain all the small details. Will return again!

Great small aquarium with local species, informative signs, helpful guides and touch tanks. Would highly recommend to visit if you are in the area and for all ages. Cute little gift shop as well!

Absolutely wonderful experience - took my best mate here for his birthday and we had such an informative tour of the centre! Big shout out to both Bonnie and Ray for enhancing the experience as they showcased and described with great details the many fascinating marine creatures! Would definitely recommend the visit!

A very cool experience, great learning center for kids, and we enjoyed it too. Touch some live sea life in the touch tank, learn about some of the local sea life, or just sit back and watch stuff swim. Very cool place, worth a visit for sure!

This place is pretty cool. Definitely more aimed at children. The staff was very helpful and friendly. We did not see the octopus.

Not a big aquarium but very interesting. Also there is a touch pool which is great for those who like to have a touching experience with some sea creatures.

A lovely small operation with beautiful displays, knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Very close and personal experience with their Giant Pacific Octopus Ace. Truly AMAZING!!!

It's a cute little aquarium with staff that care a lot. There is great information about the sea life in the area. The enternace is the funniest I have ever seen. There is a touch tank in the back with starfish, sea cucumbers and other fun things. We stayed for two hours and still found new things to look at. It is a must if you are in the area.

So they have living 22 years of (I think it was told to me) abalone shells. I only seen live ones at Tacoma zoo. In the 90s an elder told me abalone shells are the most valuable sea shell in the world. I never ever seen the under side of a living one before. I would of stayed longer but didn't want to miss the bus. They also have fish and crabs and jelly fish. 1/4 the price of Vancouver Aquarium. But we'll worth so.

Featuring all local species, this quiet, small aquarium is an underrated gem and is absolutely the best way to learn about the marine life at its doorstep. This place is full of passionate and enthusiastic educators made up of staff and volunteers. It is evidently an extremely well run facility. It’s always clean, the aquatic plants and algae are healthy and the animals are in excellent condition and are well cared for. I also want to give a special mention to the gift shop. I appreciate it so much. It is expertly curated to feature local artists and vendors. This I will continue to visit this aquarium as long as I’m living in the general area.

The most incredible location. The views are amazing. The shops and restaurants near by are all so great! The staff are very friendly and helpful. Love the food in the little bakery in the hotel. Great atmosphere all around. Great sidewalk by the water for a morning walk to see sunrises and seals. Such an incredible place to stay.

Such a fantastic hotel! The seaside rooms are spectacular with amazing views. The staff are all very friendly and the hotel is in a great location with a lot of food and stores within walking distance.

To be fair to us both. This keeps popping up on my review radar, because I am a patron, at the local restaurant in your building. I haven't ever experienced the full services of this hotel. So I can not give it a whole full or accurate response. On its full amenities, services or accommodations. However, maybe one day. I will get to spend a handful of days, indulging on some of its total features and leave you, a striking review and palette of information to help, tourist and traveller's alike, find the place they are looking for, on short or longer stays. Bonne Voyage, good wishes!

Update... The hotel reached out and remedied the issue. They were able to get to the bottom of the problem and ensured it wouldn't happen again. In saying this, I'd love to take them up on trying it again one day. The hotel itself was very lovely. This might take the cake for the worst hotel service I’ve ever received. Had my partner surprise me before my big half-Ironman, got her all checked in, got her a key card, a parking pass, and all that stuff. I called it an early night and she hung out with some family friends. When she arrived back at the hotel, her key card didn’t work, as it was activated for the wrong room. When talking with the front desk, the woman who checked her in didn’t put it anywhere, so the night worker thought she didn’t belong there. Since she didn’t want to call or knock to wake me up because of my big race, she was told to sleep in the car!!! SLEEP IN THE CAR?!?!? What a suggestion. 100% the fault of the lady that checked her in incorrectly. A little bit of the fault for the man who didn’t believe her key card, her parking pass, knowing who was in the room, everything else to know she wasn’t a stranger. Again, probably the worst experience I’ve ever had at a hotel. Hope they see this and reach out. I’ll update if so…

Beautiful location. As good as most world class name brand 4+ * hotels. Coffee shop for a quick breakfast is eclectic & fantastic.

The hotel is within a condo building, and is attached to a small aquarium & popular café too. Hardly the The Four Seasons. The café has remained open throughout most of the pandemic. Today, I sat with my family (having purchased $40 worth of lunch) at one of the hotel’s tables, given that seating in the hotel’s front desk area, near the café was full, and it was raining outside. One of the front desk staff felt it was appropriate to ask us to leave, and that the seating is for exclusive use of hotel guests. A minute later, his colleague apologized to us for what I’m guessing they felt was a rude interaction too. This is a hotel attached to several local amenities. If it does not offer public access to seating areas and restrooms, it does a disservice to the town, and cuts access to seniors and anyone who may need a wheelchair accessible washroom. Locals do not forget lousy service by local businesses. For those out of town, looking for somewhere nice to stay, I suggest the lovely Waterfront Inn across the street. Their suites are closer to the water & prices often better.

Almost zero water pressure from a shower definitely not designed for anyone above 5'7". The low water pressure may have been related to the plumbing leak that partially flooded the bathroom floor. Also only providing 1 cup of coffee is not ideal either. The lady at the front desk during checkout was polite & did tell me to have a good day, but did not ask how my stay was at all. At the price per room I expected more.

I got a gift card to the spa but ended up having a disappointing experience with my pedicure. The aesthetician didn’t scrape one of my feet, and didn’t get all the dead skin off. It felt rushed and she gave the impression that she didn’t want to be there. Really disappointed cause I still had to pay as the gift card only cover 60% of what the total was but still, I felt like I paid a lot of money for nothing. Waste of time, do not recommend. I won’t be returning. I’m better off doing my pedicure at home or going somewhere else.

We booked the Sallas conference room for our wedding. Jodie and her staff did a great job with customer service and making it easy for us on our special day. Will gladly book again for another event! Recommend room for weddings.

Absolutely breathtaking! Loved staying here and will absolutely return! Our room was clean and spacious. Views of the ocean were incredible! The front desk staff were so helpful and kind.

The hotel was better than I expected. I recommend the 2nd floor rooms with balconies. (215 & 216). Being able to open the patio doors and enjoy fresh sea air was great. The front lawn with patio chairs was a great place to relax and unwind.

We entered the hotel after a flight cancelation greeted by the happiness hotel personnel I’ve ever met. Thanks Jenn! She helped us with all questions even felt badly for us having to stay in beautiful Victoria BC another night. Bed and pillows are super comfy. Linens spotless. Thick bathrobe with slippers. The soaps smell so good. Coffee shop right around corner also very good restaurant. Thanks

My parents were visiting from the Lower Mainland and had a horrible experience at a downtown Victoria hotel. They needed a new hotel room. And Jenny to the rescue. I called and luckily there was a room available. I explained what had happened at the previous hotel. Customer service was impeccable and she was even able to get them a room with a magnificent view. Their trip was salvaged and were able to enjoy their 50th wedding anniversary. Thanks Jenny!!

Sidney Pier hotel was fantastic. Clean comfortable hotel. Fantastic restaurant. And best of all, the staff. Karen at front desk was super friendly. She personally showed us where the steam room was any other amenities. Gave us fresh water bottles and delicious chocolates. Thank you Karen Also half price oysters in the restaurant was a bonus! I highly recommend this hotel!

This is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable journey through British Columbia's aviation history. With its impressive collection of aircraft and artifacts, this museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the development of aviation technology and the role it has played in shaping the region. In addition to the remarkable aircraft on display, the BC Aviation Museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits that immerse visitors in the world of aviation. The museum is also dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the Canadian Forces, featuring a memorial wall as a touching tribute. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the history of flight, the BC Aviation Museum is an interesting destination, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the marvels of aviation.

This museum is really well worth a visit, especially due to the amazing staff member, Larry. He is a volunteer that courteously showed me around the entire facility and you can tell that he lives and breathes aviation, which is truly so important in keeping places like this running. It has a much more extensive amount of aircraft than I’d imagined it would and is well worth the visit.

This is an amazing faculty, run by some genuinely wonderful volunteers. I'm a big fan of aviation history and the BC Aviation Museum blew me away. Firstly their collection is vast, full of some incredibly unique machines. On top of that their volunteer staff is super knowledgable and dedicated, restoring planes from the river up. We were lucky enough to have a tour of the entire facility, including the restoration shop, and it was such a treat. Definitely come check this spot out, it is chock full of history, and interesting characters.

This is a well maintained museum. There is a lot here, especially for those with an interest in aviation history. The adjacent airport has a strong historical connection with military aircraft and military training. You will find plenty of this at the Aviation Museum.

Visited last summer, you can tell it is a well-kept place from the entrance. Upon entering, was nicely greeted by the front desk lady. The volunteer there was a nice older gentleman (forgot his name) who offered my bf and I a tour and guided us around the whole place literally, from the first display to the last, as well as the planes on display outside that they were preparing for an exhibition. He was super knowledgeable and passionate, which made the visit one of a kind and really worth it, as compared to if we had just walked around on our own. (Thank you so much for the tour!) The museum itself is equipped with tons of displays, models, and more that you can interact with. Overall, was a really fun and enjoyable experience. Is a good place to visit if you are looking for a fun activity. 10/10 would recommend to go at least once, but probably won't go for the second time as your first visit is sufficient unless you are passionate about aviation as they will have different displays on rotation.

My daugther loves it! Her excitement of seeing the different types of airplanes made us happy. She identified some parts of the aircraft, such as the propeller, wing, and engine. She was even happier upon seeing the baby airplane and riding it. We also bought a toy plane for her from their store. It is cheaper than the other stores. While our child is still young, it is great to introduce these things. The museum is value for money ($10 per adult). It is worth it!

Five stars (and general admission of $15.00) are not enough to recognize the quality of this aviation museum as well as the dedication and work of the volunteer staff. Aviation history is deftly presented alongside brilliantly curated aircraft displays. Memorials to those who have served are also powerfully presented. My deepest gratitude to the staff and my highest recommendation for a visit. If you find yourself near the Victoria International Airport, do not miss the opportunity to spend an hour or more here.

The volunteers here are very hard working people and my hat goes off to them. My children and I had a wonderful experience here exploring the exhibits and learning about airplanes and aviation in general. A lot of rich aviation history here, real live airplanes and exhibits to look at, and lots of interactive exhibits for the children. I wish it was a little bit closer but it's worth the drive out there and we will be returning.

Great place for all ages! We came with the kiddos on a rainy day and were pleasantly surprised to find a lot of kid friendly features and things to play with. A nice man started giving us a tour as our guide for a few minutes and let us sit in an old fighter jet. Overall it was well worth it!

BC AVIATION MUSEUM The best-kept secret treasure on Vancouver Island: BC´s Aviation Museum - well hidden - but worth the effort to find it. The number of planes that were either build or flown in Canada, from civilian airline planes and helicopters to war planes, bush and float planes, and fire fighting bombers was astonishing. All planes are very well kept and explained, some even with videos. Beside the huge number of aircraft in two buildings there are planes displayed on the outside tarmac, some of them waiting to be restored. Aviation enthusiasts can also discover models of almost all (military) airplanes every built in the world. The museum burst on all seams and the building of a new, additional hangar is eagerly awaited. The meager support from city, province, and federal government is out-paced by all the volunteer work that is done by dozens of dedicated people who run the museum, man the library and restoration facility, or guide visitors. Small donations, and the low entrance fee make up for the rest. For example: I was fortunate enough to get a several-hour tour by a former military pilot, Mr. Mac Daffield, and I saw other visitors also being guided by former aviators. None of these tours had been charged. I certainly donated a bill in one of the boxes that visitors should use. To sum it up: The museum, the artifacts, and the friendly staff were such a wonderful experience that I will be back for sure. I visited aviation museums the world over, but I can attest: the BC Aviation Museum is one of the very best I ever saw!

Incredible stash of history, artifacts and of course airplanes! I had a guided tour from Stephen, an experienced long-haul pilot, and the knowledge he shared with me quadrupled my experience, I can't say enough great things. Extremely friendly staff, and a very special afternoon of learning more about Canadian aviation.

Not entirely sure…. But last 10 years or so ago, when I went there I thought it was by donation. But I guess they do charge for entrance now. Nothing really wrong with it. Was just a little shocked but the lady was wonderful enough to let my kid/s go in to play in the kids area (I believe I something new) together with my aunt and wife without charging them. I did pay for my dad, bro and my tickets to go in and experience the place!! Which is very lovely! I love how they arranged all the planes and have miniature on some where can’t be displayed live due to space constraint. They have a bunch of history all around! Very nice place to visit for sure! On top of it all, they kept the whole place neat! Keep it up guys! My whole family had fun there, hope to go back there soon!

Visiting this museum it is hard to believe that until this past year this organization was entirely volunteer run! It is incredible to see how productive the volunteers have been to create such an amazing display of aircraft, artifacts and hands on exhibits. Looking forward to seeing where this museum goes next with much talked about and anticipated arrival of famous Hawaiian Mars water bomber from Coulson. It is also impressive to watch their group of volunteers continue to restore the Lancaster bomber over the past several months. Most days you can drop by and get a personal tour of this restoration as it progresses.

Great museum with lots of stories about lots of planes. From war, to bush, to fire fighting and civilian airlines, planes and helicopters. We had a guided tour with a guide who is passionate about the museum and its collection. We saw the restoration area, the indoor displays and the out door one. Didn't try the flight simulators or "play" with the part for younger children.

Great aviation museum with some very impressive restorations and models! Many unique planes I've never seen before having visited many aviation museums before. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, he provided interesting information on nearly all the models and even showed us some projects in the works. It's evident that everyone volunteering/working here is truly passionate about aviation. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

Nice park and surrounding areas for a long or short walk, especially on a nice day. Free 1 and 2 hour parking fairly close to the park, which is a bonus.

Beautiful park, there are chairs scattered around and a path by the water and rocks. There is wildlife that comes over and the view to watch boats moving through the water is serene. This spot is a moment of tranquility and it’s at the end of the Main Street that have multiple shops and restaurants and bakeries. Parking is difficult but we were able to locate a pay parking lot.

Nice park on the waterfront in Sidney to check out with the family. Very close to lots of shops, restaurants and pubs. Interesting sculptures and a place to sit in the shade as well. Not much else to do here but relax.

Great waterfront area and park - lots of area to picnic, rest, and walk, while also enjoying the local stores. Highly recommended on a sunny day, many things to do around the area of Sidney.

A very well maintained park with many chairs that are available to use (first come, first served).

What an afternoon! Visiting the local stores along Beacon Ave and finishing it off at the park on the water. We're fans of the relaxed vibe in Sidney.

World Ocean Day in Beacon Park - Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea looked like a tremendous success - tonnes of interactive spots - Aneka doing whale interactive "obstacle course" was brilliant.

Sweet little park at the coast. Interesting sculptures and a cute bandshell. The water nearby is clean and smells like a healthy ocean.

The Mary Winspear Center is a great venue in the heart of the Saanich Penninsula in Sidney The buildings front entrance boasts Totem poles commissioned for the site Inside there are various lecture/seminar rooms, a large atrium, and glass display cases for Art There are a number of sculptures from a donated sculpture collector based in Sidney The staff is efficient, knowledgeable accommodating and friendly I had the pleasure of booking this venue for a show on Galiano landscape artists that opens October 20 for a month I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and affordable it is as achoice for Art events and look forward to this and many more projects to come THANKS PAT and all the staff at Mary Winspear Center, Sidney BC See you all at the free lecture Oct 20th 2023 CHRISTINA FERRERO YOU TUBE ARTIST SEE YOU THERE!

If it was warmer I could have eaten al fresco and caught some rays. It was nice and quiet outside while inside there was a large craft market going on. Inside, there was a large killer whale which was beautiful. Go for a visit during a craft fair or market or whatever else they have and I am sure you will enjoy yourself.

One of the best theatres around. Plenty of leg room between seats. Love it here.

The live Theater was very good, the place is very clean, they just need to add bottes of water to their bar menu. Yes a couple of lines got flubbed, but all in all the actors were good.

Great theatre, seats 315, big stage and good acoustics. Wonderful staff and volunteers

Amazing facility. I am participating in Last Chance Christmas fair, such a variety of vendors!

It's a cozy theatre and the staff are great .

Great venue, great for the local community. The Charlie White Theatre is a really great music venue. The sound design is superb and the chairs are very comfortable. Still not thrilled about a $4.72 fee for the "convenience" of buying tickets online... However I've decide to think of it as giving a tip to the volunteers to buy them a drink and a snack. I just hope somehow that money goes to them and not some online business. I don't get charged $4.72 per transaction by Amazon and I get a lot of value out of their subscription. On top of that it was one of the clunkiest eCommerce experiences I've had recently. Would be a better client experience to have the administration fees in the ticket price, don't try to convince me I should pay the cost of a meal for "convenience". I'd feel a lot better donating that $5 to a charity.

Attended the Sunday morning Market. The crowd was not big and made it simple to get around. Retailers are very helpful and the entertainment that morning by a single guitar playing singer was exceptional. Asked about the lack of picnic tables or seating areas, and was told it was a liability issue. That's too bad since it might add to the atmosphere. All in all, Sidney, you're living the dream.

It’s nice to see Sidney Market up and running again, however, not as many sellers as previous years. Understandable under the current climate although I miss the old Beacon set up I’m enjoying the new location.

Always fun to visit this market as there is such a wide variety of vendors and the quality of products and produce is very high. The vendors are friendly and very helpful. This is a great way to support local businesses.

Looking forward to next year's move back to Beacon Street. The vendors at this location are good, but the current venue is boring.

I really enjoyed the lively atmosphere and great selection of products There was a fantastic local music band playing for charity

Great market with a wide variety of vendors.

So close to Sidney, and easily accessible. Sandy beaches on the spit are safe for soft bottom dinghies and bare feet!

If you love sandy beaches, this is for you👨‍✈️⚓️

Great place to spend an afternoon.

Great place to for my everyone!

Pretty neat. Pay what you can donation for entry. Just wander at your only speed. Local history through decades. The geologic info was well displayed. Fun LEGO display for kids (behind glass and has a little step). Spent about an hour there.

Quaint little museum. Man at desk was very helpful and friendly. A lot of floor space on lower level used for one project. Although important there could be much more displays using some of this space.

We went for the Lego exhibit. It's pretty awesome and all, and the scavenger hunt is fun, but too hard for younger kids. If they could maybe hint at the area where to look for? Now, I had a stroller and it's way too small for stroller or wheelchair. I thought the walkways were just wide enough for us. We can go through but you're always on the way, people have to move so that you can move, and you can't stay too long on the same spot either as people are behind you waiting to go through. So not a very nice experience there. We couldn't take our time. We felt rushed. And that's when you're already inside. To get in the museum, through the back door where the elevator is, the button to open the door was installed on the wrong side, so the door opens towards you. You have to quickly push and move out of the way so the door won't hit you and you go around and then in. And that's the only door with a button to automatically open it. There are two more doors to get to the museum and you have to juggle pulling the door open while pushing the stroller in, unless there's someone else to do it for you. I only took the stroller because I read here it was accessible. Had I known these inconveniences I'd have the baby in a carrier. I don't recommend going with a stroller.

Nice place to visit. Very interesting exhibits. We completed the Lego exhibit. Rogers chocolate was located upstairs. Just another reason to visit.

Great place for all ages - the Lego exhibit is amazing!

Quite enjoyed our time, will be back to check out another exhibit!

Small place. They have a new train set with complex lego sets :-) No entrance fee but the place would appreciate donation.

Lego exhibit was very fun! Can't wait to see what replaces it.

My kids and I really loved this museum. We visited during the Lego expedition and WOW! So many incredible builds. It was also great to learn about the local area through the regular exhibits that were still available to view

A fantastic museum with great local history and intricate models. The Lego exhibits are also very fun and quite impressive. Additionally, the staff are very kind and accommodating. Excited to return and see what the next exhibits bring!

The Sidney museum is a must go for locals and their visitors. Definitely a perfect tourism attraction that offer both special features and historic artifacts from the area. Each exhibits offer exciting new discoveries. No need to buy tickets in advance, and no wait. The lego exhibit is a classic and awaited spectacle of architecture and ingenuity. Every age group and demographic would find appeal to this venue. Enjoy!

Super cute, love the lego display currently on - great for a rainy day activity for kids young and old. It’s not very big, but entry is by donation so you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like inside.

Great collection of memorabilia. Well laid out and displayed in an easy too see and to understand the theme involved. Great place to see our history and changes. Lots of young schoolchildren in attendance.

Super staff. missed the tour. but bought the Gin and some socks. Best ever. We enjoyed it with ice, ran out of ice - so bottoms up! Terrrific.

Went here on a Friday afternoon with a group of 4 and had a $7.00/person tour which takes place every hour. It was interesting, informative and fun. Lasted about 30 minutes. Dave and Jason were very friendly and engaging. The tour includes a tasting at the end of 5 items. The Empress gin is beautiful and delicious. We definitely took a bottle home. The chocolate liquer was amazing. We also enjoyed some gin and tonics. We got some great information on gin and had a great time.

Wow! What a little gem this place is! We came by with some friends, grabbed a gin & tonic and took the factory tour. Our guides were knowledgeable and super friendly! I loved learning about the gin making process. The distillery section is amazing and absolutely spotless clean. These guys obviously take a lot of pride in what they do and it shows in their final products. The tour ended with a 5 gin tasting. All of them were great! We ended up buying a few bottles of the Empress gin which is both excellent in flavour and beautiful in colour! Be sure to drop by for a visit!

Went on the tour of this place. It's a nice clean place and a new building built a few years ago right on the water front in downtown sidney. The tour took about a half hour and the tasting took about a half hour aswell. We all had a cocktail as we talked around on the tour. The guy doing the tour was very knowledgeable and spent the time to take question from anyone that had any question.

Nice little place to buy the original Empress gin, and the prequels to it. The pictures were taken from the back side of the store.

Victoria distillers is amazing! Definitely impressed by their Empress gin, would definitely rank this in a top 3 Canadian gins, and the fact that it also changes colours is a neat cocktail experience!

Great decor, fun gins and other liquors. Friendly staff and a good time on the tour. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

Recommend doing the tour as you get to do the tastings as part of a larger group making it more enjoyable. The staff are knowledgeable and the empress gin and the cocktails are great and tasty.

Disappointing. Lack of selection, and high prices. The "kids area" is underwhelming and expensive. We had more fun collecting sea glass and pretty rocks on Glass Beach, which is within walking distance. The overall experience was alright though. The woman at the till was friendly and ready to help or answer any questions! Just not sure Mineral "World" is a fitting name.

I googled family activities in the Victoria area and came across the scratch patch and mineral world website where we were promised an opportunity to pan for gold, fill reasonably priced bags with gems and shells, and browse through a large earth science interpretive center. However, this business has since moved locations, gotten rid of the gold panning center, and increased the prices of the gem and shell bags. It was quite disappointing, it would have been better had the website accurately represented the business and I not promised a child we would pan for gold.

I think anyone who enjoys learning about minerals and geology will enjoy visiting Mineral World - it is fun for the whole family. I've also found incredible gifts here for my family at Christmas time. Good prices, knowledgable staff and a beautiful space supplies plenty of entertainment for anyone who loves this stuff like I do.

Felt like I had been lied to when I walked into the store. Nothing like the website that has apparently been left up covered with misinformation for seven years. While the shows playing on TV were informative, the level of gore on display next to the kids play area was slightly inappropriate in my opinion (dinosaurs goring out the neck of fellow dinosaurs Yikes!). Would be one star but after some consoling the children still had fun without gold panning.

Fun for kids of all ages. Love browsing the beads.

Fun place to take the kids. I always end up getting something.

Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Excellent experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tulista Park is an absolute gem for picnics! The lush greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and ample picnic spots make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. The park's well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and barbecue pits, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a romantic picnic for two, Tulista Park provides the idyllic setting. Plus, the stunning views of the surrounding landscape add an extra touch of magic to any picnic outing. I highly recommend this park to anyone looking for a memorable picnic experience!

Best part about this park, are the airplanes flying overhead! This is a busy, 100% fenced, multi-ages park. It features multiple play structures, swings & benches. There is a park, walking distance, if this one is too crowded. The bathrooms are on the outside of the connected art gallery.

This is a wonderful park for kids both young and old. There is a fenced in playground for the little ones with Benches and picnic tables including some covered picnic tables. There is a skate park nearby amd a beach volleyball court.. not to mention a nice big grassy field. It also has accessible toilets behind the art center.

Cute lil park. We stopped to have a bite. It has gorgeous views.

Excellent green space to sit and hear the ocean, feel the breeze, enjoy the beams on a sunny day. Beautiful view of Mount Baker and the Cascades on a clear day. Clean and maintain washrooms, mini art gallery, picnic tables, seating and access to gravelly beach to comb and wade...water is very cold! Nice walk north along waterfront past disused Anacortes Ferry Terminal with connection to a "hidden gem" - the Sidney Waterfront Walkway a bit further along; the Walkway will take you to the #SidneyPier and #BeaconPark. #TulistaPark has a real full-size sand volleyball court, a children's play area, skate park, nearby boat launch, and plenty of parking. Take the #72 from downtown Victoria, will drop you off right at the park . Enjoy! Great spot for #planespotting as on the flightpath of #YYJ #Victoria_International_Airport.

Had a wonderful picnic at 5pm on a mid September Friday night. Large tables which were clean. Convenient facilities, terrific ocean view. Also handy to ample parking.

Wonderful playpark located in Sidney, BC. Be sure to dress appropriately though as it is located right beside the ocean.

Wow! This park was one of the most lively, active parks I've been to in awhile. Tons of kids using the playground, people playing beach volleyball, families flying kites, patrons visiting the art gallery... So nice to see the park being used so much. Weather was sunny, but that cold breeze off the ocean was brisk! 🥶. Wouldn't want to be swimming... Parking lot was full, but there's plenty of parking at the close by Iriquos Park.

Our grandson loved the space! It was especially nice to have different levels of play options. The park had lots of littles with their families and friends. Very clean and tables for picnics!

Awesome park by the ocean with 3 playground structures for toddlers to older kids. They also have a few picnic tables beside the playground and a covered sitting area which are great for parents to rest while the kids burn off some energies. Bonus: it's 10 mins away from Swartz Bay terminal so it's a nice stopover before heading to the ferry terminal.

A gated playground for kids and a skateboard and scooter park next door, in Sidney. What could be better than this when your grandchildren are visiting? Just noticed summer activities for children, adults and families. See attached picture

Gated playground very safe for all children...lots of boats to watch and a plane flies over this park often and when I flew home I could see this playground clearly. Lots of seating and picnic tables and easy walking for strollers and wheelchair...also a beautiful boardwalk along the water and a beach volleyball net with sand beside gated park....lots of playground equipment for all ages.

Beautiful archipelago close to civilisation and with many town and cities with Marinas and services. However, it cannot compare with Desolation sound which has everything the Gulf islands have but with incredible spectacular mountains...

Several marine-access camping options & vast trails. Some ferry access. I love to explore all 15 destinations. Kayak in! Front Country & back country, reasonable moorage & camping rates. Anchor for free.

My family has been camping at Sidney Spit for a quarter century. This year, our grandson (and his parents) were there. The place is magical and beautiful, and so little changes. The chief complaint would be double edged: since becoming a National Park Reserve, the list of rules just gets longer and more odious. On the other hand, the National Parks people have banned all boats from the lagoon (a terrific important move), and clearly care about keeping the place pristine. Another complaint: the Park reservation website is a nightmare to navigate and god help you if you have to change something. Still, nothing can really diminish the wonder of Sidney Spit.

Beautiful low-tide walks, forest paths, picnicking, camping... just a short ferry boat ride from Sidney. National Parks staff are doing a great job!!

Great Ocean Views But come fishing with SeaKing

Beaumont National Marine Park is a rarity and a gem. Buoys free for 2017 which could also contribute to none being free at all.

Great kayaking destination full of sea life and geological scenery.

Sadly did not get to visit. I called and the voicemail said opened 10-4 daily. So we went but the place was closed for renovations. Please update your voicemail.

Quite useless for the tourists arriving on weekends No pamflets available. There is wifi but there is nowhere to find the password. Waste of time during weekends.

Of course this was amazing. It's my name. Hahha Beautiful retreat like feel to this town. Love it here

Not very happy. Walked from the ocean area to the information center (I'm 81). Got there on Friday at 3:25 PM and it was closed!

Excellent staff - very informative

Friendly staff and great information about the area.

Not bad

Super nice local gallery with great works. I’ve heard that many of the painters do it full time and really engage life and spirit in it. Very worth visiting and finding collections!

I discovered a painting at the Peninsula Gallery that I wanted to purchase since we knew the artist’s work. I live in Ontario and expected there would be some kind of complication in doing business without actually coming to the Gallery. The transaction was flawless. Vivian answered all my questions and made sure I was happy with my selection and handled the e-transfer with no problems. It arrived well-wrapped in perfect condition and in time for my anniversary. I’m very happy with this experience and would certainly recommend the Peninsula Gallery.

We had a consultation with Mitchell for framing and it is so refreshing to deal with a professional that absolutely knows his trade and is also so personable. Can't recommend him enough. We will look no further in the future. The gallery is also wonderful.

Vivian's Gallery is absolutely beautiful and have an awesome collection of fantastic art pieces. Mitchell who masterfully brings art to life with his skill of art composition through his amazing talent of custom framing to each art piece he works on. Thank you Vivian & Mitchell I'll definitely be back!👏🤓💯%

I'm a realist painter and I've been with the Peninsula Gallery since 2015. I feel it's the best on the west coast. Vivian, Mitchell and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. A very warm and beautiful gallery with a huge diversity of original work and excellent selections.

Just a note about the wonderful framer, Mitchell Jones, who is associated with this gallery. His knowledge about framing issues, conservation methods and issues for all mediums, and framing for tricky mediums such as pastels is encyclopedic. And he has a generous spirit. He's willing to work with you, answer your questions, and find the best framing solution for your needs. Highly recommended.

Wonderful service by both Vivian and Mitchell - thank you! I highly recommend a visit to this gallery if you haven't had a chance to go. While there, check out the wildlife bronze sculptures by artist, Brent Cooke - exquisite pieces of work and a very talented artist!