Inhale the sea air and the panoramic views of the Salish Sea from along this seaside walkway. Water Front Walkway is an exceptional and picturesque footpath along the waterfront of Sidney that is enjoyable year round. The Water Front Walkway is in the seaside community of Sidney, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia.
The brick pathway starts along Third Street and follows the shore line on concrete and wood based walkways before passing near the gated Port Sidney Marina. The route then follows the shoreline to the southern border of Sidney and North Saanich, near Reay Creek. It connects Seaport Park, Beacon Park, Eastview Park, Tulista Park and Lochside Waterfront Park over the two thousand five hundred meter length.
The Water Front Walkway is great for a stroll when meeting up with friends and family, taking in the ocean views of Sidney Channel and the Salish Sea. There are also many delicious eateries along the route. The walkway starts on Third Street with a narrow foot path with a couple of stairs and is bordered by wood fences on both sides. It leads to a concrete pathway with metal railings that overlook the rocky shoreline inside the wharves of Port Sidney Marina on the Sidney Channel in the Salish Sea. This is good site for bird sightings as the area is near the Shoal Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Continue along the walkway to reach the boardwalk, with staircase access from Mt Baker Avenue, which has wonderful and unique views of the marina and marine organisms including river otters and seals. There is a small park near the marina entrance that was established for yachting dogs.
Near the Port of Sidney, the brick walkway follows the shoreline that overlooks the Port of Sidney Marina with yachts mooring behind the breakwater. The route continues past the Surly Mermaid, Rumrunners Restaurant, Victoria Distillery before reaching Seaport Park. The Shaw Center for the Salish Sea with the large whale rib sculpture indicates that you are passing along Beacon Park. The pathway branches to go through Beacon Park and continues along the shoreline to reach Beacon Avenue Wharf. The Fish Market and the Pier Bistro are located on the wharf. Continue back to the shoreline to see the bandstand, more restaurants and stores. Enjoy the unique outdoor art. At the end of Beacon Avenue take a look for the Beacon Pole, an original navigational marker. The brick walkway continues toward the underwater diver and onto Eastview Park. More outdoor art can be seen here. Once you pass Eastview Park, the pathway is gravel and rougher, but still wheelchair accessible, as it continues along the water front toward Tulista Park and Lochside Waterfront Park. The pathway passes in front of mostly residential homes as it leads towards the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
Geographical location N48º 39″ 8″ W123º 23′ 52″
Waterfront Walkway – Sidney can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). Exit Hwy1 onto McKenzie Avenue to reach the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17). Head north along Hwy17 as it leads past the airport to reach Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula. Turn at Beacon Avenue exit and continue to the traffic circle on the end. Turn left to reach the paid parking lot for the Port of Sidney Marina and eateries. Several buses pass by along Fifth Avenue about five blocks from the walkway.
Walks in Your Backyard 