From March through October, Sidney Whale Watching is possible. The coastline of the Salish Sea is the home of killer whales that come up for breathing. Different tours provide various kinds of vessels, such as a 9 m (30 ft) zodiac vessel. These vessels are equipped with hydrophones to listen to the sounds of the whales. Moreover, taking videos or photography is also possible in Sidney due to the high stability of the vessels.
The Salish Sea waterways are the home of transient and resident Orcas, Gray whales and Humpback whales. There may be possible to observe Minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, river otters, and a wide variety of sea birds. During whale watching, Bald eagles may soar high above for hunting Salmon fishes, which multiplies whale watching attractiveness.
Sidney is located on the Saanich Peninsula, east of Pat Bay. It is about 26.8 km (16.6 miles) away north of Victoria, in the Greater Victoria region, Vancouver Island. Sidney is accessible from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Victoria International Airport. Visitors coming to Victoria by air can reach Sidney by a 5-minute drive after arrival to Victoria. Moreover, BC Ferries is available between Sidney and Swartz Bay, located north of Victoria.
There are several hot spots you can find around the Sidney area for whale watching. Among them are Van Isle Marina and Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club.
From Nanaimo:
Distance from Nanaimo: 130 km (80.7 miles) / Takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
Getting to Sidney from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for the 550 m (1804.4 ft). Go on to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to Sidney and drive 129 km (80.1 miles). Continue on Beacon Ave and drive to Sidney Ave. After 850 m (2788.7 ft), you will reach Sidney.
From Victoria:
Distance from Victoria: 26.8 km (16.6 miles) / Takes about 25 minutes.
Getting to Sidney from Victoria is via Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17. Take Government St to Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Turn left onto Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17. Continue to follow Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 and drive 24.7 km (15.3 miles). Go on to Beacon Ave. Drive to Sidney Ave, and after 850 m (2788.7 ft), you will reach Sidney.