From the Town of Sidney, a summer passenger ferry runs out to a long spit of sand and salt air. Sidney Spit, at the north end of Sidney Island, is part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Parks Canada describes sandy beaches, wooded trails and an abundance of birds and marine life, and a leisurely walk on the beaches or through shady forest and open fields.
The official trails guide lists an easy two-kilometre loop, with cross trails and 1.5-kilometre spurs, starting from the main boat dock: about 45 minutes for the loop, or about 40 minutes for a beach or field spur.
How to get there, and what to bring
Sidney Spit is accessible in the summer months by a walk-on passenger ferry from the Town of Sidney, or by private boat or kayak. Parks Canada says the ferry service is open for the 2026 season from May 15 to September 7, and that visitors must make a reservation in advance. There is no interpretive centre in the park reserve.
A frontcountry campground at Sidney Spit is open annually from May 15 to September 30, with 29 primitive campsites and one group site. Reservations are required, at reservation.pc.gc.ca or 1-877-737-3783. There is no water on Sidney Island, in either the day-use area or the campground; visitors must bring enough for the whole trip. Fires or burning are not permitted at Sidney Spit at any time, including below the high-tide mark. Wheelbarrows are available at the main dock to help move camping gear. All campers must register at a designated campsite before the last ferry leaves the island for the day.
For day visits, pack out what you bring, carry water, and give yourself time to walk the loop and sit on the beach before the return sailing. Check the Parks Canada visit page and the current ferry schedule before you go. The park operations centre is at 2220 Harbour Road, Sidney; the published phone number is 250-654-4000, and the email is gulfinfo@pc.gc.ca.
Good to know
- The spit is part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, at the north end of Sidney Island.
- A passenger ferry from Sidney is scheduled for the 2026 season from May 15 to September 7; reservations are required.
- An easy two-kilometre loop trail starts at the main dock, with 1.5-kilometre beach and field spurs.
- There is no water on the island, and fires are not permitted at any time.
Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
