Spring in Sidney, Vancouver Island, Canada

 

Rhododendron, Camellia, and Azalea´s are the staple in Vancouver Gardens.

But there are some shrubs, not known in the rest of Canada: 
Pieris Japonica, Red Current
loved by Hummingbirds), Daphne, and Oregon Grape.

Hobby sailers are eagerly waiting for warmer temperatures

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Victoria and Sidney are plastered with early-blooming cherry trees 

and are a sea of pink.  Perhaps it is the place in Canada with the most Cherry trees...

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There is something magical about wandering around town soaking in the vibe of the city.  Especially in Spring.  The beginnings of cherry blossom buds, the green leaves of hellebores, and vibrant tulips.

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Flowering plants show lovely colors from February on:

Pink and white Heather, Hellebores, Daffodils, Crocus, and Aurikel

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Aviation Museum
Vancouver Island´s best-kept secret: For aviation enthusiasts, the British Columbia Aviation Museum is open seven days a week and features several aircraft and artifacts related to the history of aviation in Canada, with an emphasis on BC aviation history.  The museum displays restored aircraft, engines, and pictures, photos. and videos in addition to memorials of key figures of aviation history.

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Town of Bookstores

Sidney residents must share a love of the written word as evidenced by the town’s numerous bookstores, all located within a few blocks of one another.  Each bookstore offers something different, from new titles to children’s classics and rare and antique works. 

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Sidney Museum and Archives

The Sidney Museum features 8,000 artifacts and regularly updated permanent displays on local First Nations, industry, transportation, agriculture, and social history. Displays include a vintage kitchen, a vintage storefront, a rustic barn. and a schoolhouse. The entrance of the museum is not easy to find, visitors need to look out for the sign in front of Sidney Museum at the Town Centre/Old Post Office and then go down a flight of stairs. 

2423 Beacon Ave

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Wine and Ciders

In and around Sidney, there are numerous vineyards and distillers around to help quench your thirst, including Victoria Distillers’ new waterfront distillery in Sidney.  Or head out to the Sea Cider Far & Cider House in Saanichton, the Roost Vineyard Bistro in North Saanichton, or the Deep Cove Winery, also in North Saanichton.
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Sidney Whale Watching

The calm waters near Sidney make the region an excellent place for whale watching.  Watch from the privacy of your own boat, or book through Sidney Whale Watching.

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Salish Sea Museum

The outside of the building is unassuming as it is added to a hotel/condominium first floor.  However, it 

is a world-class Aquarium and learning center that shows the colorful world underneath the dark waters.

A fantastic job to bring all these diverse and fascinating sea creatures right to visitors!  Don´t miss it!

https://marvelous-canada.blogspot.com/2024/03/stunning-beauty-in-salish-sea-center-on.html

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Ferry to Sidney Spit
From downtown Sidney, visitors can enjoy a short ferry trip to Sidney Spit, an idyllic island perfect for camping, hiking, bird watching or simply hanging out on stunning beaches.  Accessible only by water from the end of May on, Sidney Spit is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.  
https://www.sidneyspitferry.com/

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Amazing: Lemons grow in Canada 

The mild climate allows even citrus fruit trees to grow 

(in glass houses from December to February).  Here is yesterday´s harvest:

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