If you are planning for some fun family vacations around Sidney, Vancouver Island, you might want to add the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre on your itinerary. I have personally checked out the place, and found it highly entertaining and educational, a perfect destination especially if you have kids in tow.

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is located right on the magnificent Sidney waterfront, easily across from the downtown area. Featuring massive underwater habitants, visitors get an unhampered view of the extraordinary marine life of the Salish Sea of Gulf Island, from the smallest plankton to the gigantic Pacific octopus. Children are sure to have a field day ogling the different colorful creatures they have not seen before.

A Great Venue for Special Events

During my visit, I found out that the centre does not only host educational excursions, which it was primarily famous for. It can also cater to corporate meetings as well as cocktail parties. It presents a unique venue that can easily turn a simple event into a highly memorable one for your guests.

I could only imagine how their galleries and exhibits can provide a stunning backdrop for a wedding. That’s a great possibility, you also want to explore or consider. The facility can easily accommodate up to 300 people comfortably.

The facility is not that large and the tour usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. This makes it an ideal side trip if you have a number of other destinations lined up. They also offer some hands-on exhibits attended by well-trained guides to provide more fascinating information about what you are looking at.

When visiting, don’t forget to check out their touch tank. It’s basically an area where attendants lift up a sea cucumber or a starfish or other marine creatures so you can personally touch it. A lot of kids and even grown ups enjoy that experience. If you are near the Sidney area, or you plan to visit often, they offer an Annual Pass, so you have a perfect excuse to return. Check out their rates below:

Admission

Regular Rates

Adults                                                                                  $14.00

Youth (7 to 17)                                                                    $8.00

Child (3 to 6)                                                                       $4.00 (comes with Free Annual Pass)

Toddlers (2 and under)                                                       Free Admission

Annual Pass

Adults                                                                                  Admission Rate + $12.00

Youth                                                                                  Admission Rate + $10.00

Contact Details

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

9811 Seaport Place

Sidney, Vancouver Island, BC

V8L 4X3

Phone: 250.665.7511

Fax: 778.426.0715

Email: info@oceandiscovery.ca

Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Closed on December 24 and 25, and January 1.

Getting to Sidney

Sidney is situated about 25 KM (15.5 miles) north of Victoria. It is easily accessible to BC Ferry Terminal and Victoria Internal Airport.

By Land

· Pacific Coach Lines

· BC Transit

By Sea

· BC Ferries

· Victoria/Port Angeles Ferry

· Victoria/Seattle Ferry

· Sidney/Anacortes Ferry

By Air

· Helijet Airways

· Victoria International Airport

· Harbour Air

· Pat Bay Air Seaplanes

Vancouver Island Accommodations

For those weekend getaways, there are a number of superior accommodations Vancouver Island you can choose from, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn

2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2

Phone: 250/656-4441 | Fax: 250/655-1351

If quality accommodation at reasonable rates is what you are looking for, Emerald Isle Motor Inn presents the ideal choice.

Emerald Isle Motor Inn is just 5 minutes away from the Victoria International Airport and other terminals and ports, such as BC Ferries, US Ferry Terminal, and Swartz Bay, making it an ideal choice if you want to be at the heart of all the action.

It is also a short ride from all other tourist attractions such as, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens, Centre of the Universe Observatory, Church & State Winery and so much more.

You will find all guest rooms well appointed and spacious, and comes with all the modern conveniences that will ensure a comfortable stay. Among the highly favored facilities and amenities include: fitness centre, bubbling hot tub, dry cedar sauna and so much more. If you are traveling for business, the hotel can easily cater to your needs as it features a conference centre and meeting room so you can transact your business with ease while away from the office.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.