JoAnne Muegge
Carol Budnyk
Carol Budnyk
Your Gulf Islands and South Vancouver Island REALTOR

HELPING YOU IS WHAT I DO.

Cell:250-588-3378
Toll Free:800-461-5353
Office:250-477-5353

carolbudnyk@royallepage.ca
www.realestatependerisland.com

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Independently Owned And Operated
ROYAL LePAGE Coast Capital Realty

Message From Carol

Welcome! Sidney, British Columbia continues to draw seniors and retirees alike and it's easy to see why. If you have yet to visit Sidney or the Southern Gulf Islands and are curious what they have to offer please read the following article. Be sure to watch for future issues as they will be full of information that will benefit you when making some of these essential retirement decisions.

All the best,
Carol Budnyk
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January 2010 Issue
Sidney: The Gateway to the Southern Gulf Islands 
sidneyThe gorgeous town of Sidney, British Columbia is also affectionately known as Sidney-by-the-Sea. Home to approximately 11,300 people, Sidney can be found 15 minutes north of Victoria on the southern end of Vancouver Island and just 10 minutes from the Victoria and Area International Airport. It's also 10 minutes from Swartz Bay ferry terminal which is the terminus for ferries to and from Tsawwassen on the mainland, and Salt Spring Island, plus Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano Islands.

This seaside community manages to maintain the perfect balance between a busy yet relaxed atmosphere. Its mild climate and friendly locals make Sidney a favourite retirement destination but that's not all it has to offer. Read further for ways to explore your new town.


Recreation
•Partake in a guided whale watching tour and witness the beauty of the Orca whales. Migrating Humpback whales can also to be observed.

•Dive and explore the sunken vessels of G.B. Church and HMCS Mackenzie

•Discover the coves by way of sailing or kayaking to your  destination

•The Port of Sidney boasts 320 slips. This first class marina should be a destination of any avid boater.

•Stay active and indulge with a membership to the Panorama Recreation Centre

•Play a game of golf at either Glen Meadows Golf Club or  Ardmore Golf Course

•Hikers, cyclists and walking enthusiasts alike will find the Lochside Trail a perfect way to see all that Sidney has to offer as it follows along the seawall, shore and back out into rural surroundings.

•Enjoy some of the many unique restaurants, shops and art  galleries that Beacon Avenue has to offer

Attractions
•Take a short ferry trip to the small island of Sidney Spit for a day  at the beach

•Visit the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre along with the Mineral World and Scratch Patch where you can examine semi-precious gems and minerals

•Explore nature with one of Butchart Gardens Eco-friendly Electric Boat Tours.

Museums
•Let the Sidney Historical Museum teach you about the towns origins

•Brush up on your knowledge of whales at the Marine Mammal Museums

Events
•Spend your Thursday evenings browsing the unique wares that the Sidney Summer Market has to offer

•Listen to music at the Centennial Bandstand every Sunday in July and August

•Catch some outdoor concerts at the Beacon Park and Pavilion during the summer months

•Take in a theatrical performance, comedy act, art exhibit or an antique/trade/craft show year round at the Mary Winspear Centre


Did You Know?

whale
Sidney is the most optimal place to view whales because of its central location, shelter from fog permitting conditions and distance from the Haro Strait; a popular traveling route for pods of Orca.
Retire in the Southern Gulf Islands
Retirement is synonymous with relocating to a warmer climate, and it just happens to be that Canadians don't have to go very far to enjoy one. A move to British Columbia's friendly Southern Gulf Islands will let you enjoy a milder version of all four seasons. With an eight month frost-free season the Southern Gulf Islands are host to the warmest weather in Canada. The only decision lies in which island you choose to call home. Each island is unique but you will find the common thread to be the many resident artists who are inspired by the beauty and energy of this special part of the world.
 
Salt Spring Island - Often visited by travelers this island's mellow pace draws people from all pursuits. Located on Salt Spring, Ganges, the largest town on the islands offers an array of shops to please all tastes.

Saturna Island - The southern-most and least populated island, Saturna offers seclusion and privacy. If it's a rural lifestyle that you seek consider this island.


Pender Islands - A popular holiday destination, the Penders offer many beaches and coves to explore, along with a thriving community and all the comforts and attractions you need to make your visit enjoyable.

Galiano Island
- Galiano Island, closest to the mainland of British Columbia, boasts the reputation of being very welcoming to visitors. This is also where you will find the Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park. 

Gabriola Island
- A common destination for travelers being easily accessed from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island offers quiet beaches, the Malaspina Galleries, provincial parks, and much more. 
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/ti.asp?regionID=4
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- Carol Budnyk