Situated in Greater Victoria within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ People, the quaint seaside town of Sidney is, quite literally, one for the books. According to Tourism Victoria, visitors can uncover a diverse selection of new and second-hand titles from multiple charming bookshops, all within walking distance of each other. Though the number has sadly dwindled in recent years with the closing of a couple of long-time shops, the spirit of Sidney’s historical “Booktown” lives on.
“Established in 1996 and one of only a few in the world, Sidney is Canada’s Only Booktown,” says Sidney’s Tanner’s Books. “Each of the bookshops has a very unique identity and focal point. The bookstore owners are experts in their fields and have put together special collections of thousands of titles and categories.”
Here are the local bookshops you’ll find in Sidney’s Booktown:
From maps and nautical charts to period antiques and collectibles, you can still find all sorts of treasures at these local shops. For one, you’ll uncover out-of-print materials at Vancouver Island’s oldest bookshop, which has been serving book lovers and scholars since 1947.
There’s also Sidney’s full-service bookstore, Tanner’s Books, which boasts the largest newsstand on Vancouver Island and books in over 50 fictional and non-fictional categories.
Scenic seaside trails
Want to explore the vibrant waterfront community beyond Booktown? In a matter of minutes, you can make your way from Sidney’s historic downtown to one of the area’s many seaside trails.
Take your new reads down Sidney’s Waterfront Walkway, which stretches 2.5 km and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker.
There’s no greater place for book lovers to explore! Enjoy the incredible views, slower pace, and array of small-town finds.
How to get there: Take a ferry to Swartz Bay, Victoria, and drive 30 minutes north to Sidney, B.C.
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