This adorable seaside town in BC ranked among the most popular spots to move to in Canada
This charming spot might tempt you away from the city.
Sidney BC. Right: Sidney Vancouver Island.
A new report revealed where people are moving to most in Canada, and a small town in B.C. came out in the top 25. While mid-sized cities dominated in B.C., this little seaside escape has gained some attention.
U-Haul released its annual list of the top 25 Canadian growth cities for 2024, which measures the "growth cities" by the net gain of one-way rentals in the year. Alberta was the top growth province in the country, but B.C. was right behind in second place.
Despite the price tag that often comes with the West Coast, people are still moving to B.C., but maybe not to the places you'd think.
The big cities like Vancouver and Victoria didn't make the list of the Top 24 Canadian Growth Cities, but five other communities did — including one small town on Vancouver Island.
The beautiful town of Sidney, B.C. was 20th on the list of growth cities in 2024.
The idyllic small town is only 30 minutes from Victoria, so you get access to city life while maintaining the quaint charm of a tiny community.
Like many spots in the province, nature is at the forefront of living here. From the waterfront, you can look out onto the Gulf Islands and distant mountains. A long pier stretches out into the water, making it the ideal sunset viewing spot.
Within town, you can wander the picturesque main street which has beautiful public art and is lined with local businesses. Beacon Avenue is home to cozy coffee shops, art galleries, antique stores, and cute boutiques.
The town is also home to Sidney Booktown — which goes to show how charming the community is. There are a few bookstores within walking distance of each other, filled with hidden treasures. According to the Tanner's Books website, it's actually "Canada's Only Booktown."
While some bookstores here have closed in the last few years it's still a vibrant area where you're sure to find a good read.
Then there's the surrounding area. Weekend getaways living here could mean exploring the Gulf Islands on BC Ferries, which are famed for their coastal communities, natural beauty, and wildlife.
Living on Vancouver Island also means lots of adventures are at your doorstep. Famed destinations like Tofino are here, and hidden gems like the Sooke Potholes and Mystic Beach are just a drive away.
As people move away from big (and expensive) cities like Toronto and Vancouver, small towns like this are becoming tempting for many. Sidney's got charm and beauty while being close enough to lots of amenities. It's not hard to imagine why people are moving to this spot!