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"Best
Beach Areas in British Columbia"
One of the true jewels of Sidney and of Saanich Peninsula has to
be Sidney Spit. Only a 20-25 minutes ride aboard the MV Alpine
II takes you from the foot of Beacon in Sidney over to some
of the best beach areas in British Columbia.
Gulf
Islands National Park
Designated as part of the now Gulf Islands National Park Reserve,
Sidney Spit has overnight camping available as well as moorage buoys
if you're cruising here by boat.
Beautiful
View of the San Juan Islands
If you enjoy hiking, Sidney Spit has a short (2 km!.25 mile) "loop"
trail that takes you through the campsite area, bird estuary and
beaches facing the beautiful San Juan Islands.
Sidney
and James Islands
There is a further trail that takes off for 7 km (11.7 miles) towards
the southern end of Sidney Island with views of James Island. Sidney
and James Islands are both unique in that they are gravel islands
formed when the most southern point of the glacier age started retreating.
Hike
Sidney Spit
The hike out to the end of the Spit takes around 30 minutes at a
brisk walk. Remember the tide does change if your going to stay
a the light beacon for a while. Not a big deal but you might have
to take your shoes off to cross a changing beach.
MV
Alpine II
The ferry does have a schedule that extends right up to the end
of September. If you're just staying the day, make sure you bring
a watch so you can check the time to return. The crew of the MV
Alpine II are very helpful as they blow the whistle upon arrival
at the dock and have good memories of the people they meet.
Very
Limited Facilities
There is a picnic area on Sidney Spit if you would like to eat there.
One thing to remember to bring to Sidney Spit is a supply of drinking
water. There are taps with water available but you're advised not
to drink it. There are also very limited facilities with pit-only
toilets. Also, remember to 'bring out what you bring in' keeping
with the park theme of ecology.
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