
by Frank Gee
The Get Out series is aimed at reminding us how lucky we are to live on southern Vancouver Island – one of the most diverse and livable places on earth! All my adventures are from the basis of a family with pre-teen kids. Get out and enjoy!
Sidney Spit is a must-do for locals and visitors alike because it is such an easy way to enjoy a marine excursion (for those of us living on an island without a boat). Simply walk to the end of Sidney’s Beacon Avenue (the main street) and your adventure has started!
The walk-on ferry schedule is very convenient for a day trip or afternoon and it provides access to the camping facilities (group and individual).
Day trips will feel like a real get-away as you lounge on the many beautiful beaches, explore the tidal flats, stroll the spit or wander the forest trails. If you’re there for the beach but need some relief from the sun, set up your chairs in the grassy shade of the point just above the cluster of picnic tables.
Campers have access to large wheelbarrows to haul gear to their site, making it a lot easier on dads! Group campsites can be booked through the Parks Canada office in Sidney and offer a huge kitchen shelter.
Fantastic beaches exist on both sides of Sidney Island. If you’ve planned your visit around a low tide, then go to the east side and enjoy the extensive tidal flats and sunny sand. Herons and eagles are almost always present and kids can watch crabs and sculpins in the pools. The beach area near the dock is also nice and is convenient to the cluster of picnic tables. It’s also a good place to watch the boats coming and going. This beach curves gently towards the campground to the south, or extends north out on the spit. Both areas provide quiet spots to settle in and enjoy your day.
Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities abound. As mentioned, herons and bald eagles are common. Osprey frequent the shallow waters, but don’t forget the many swallows and purple martins. Walkers are almost certain to spot deer in the shaded woods; both coastal black tail and (introduced) fallow deer are common.













