Group Camping

The Sidney Spit group campsite is a popular destination, located on Sidney Island, which is a 30-minute boat ride away from the Town of Sidney. The campsite is situated at the edge of a Douglas-fir forest, and it's just a short 200m walk from the beach, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation. It is a popular location for schools, outdoor recreation groups, and special celebrations.

Reservations | Getting there | Group camping information

Reservations

Visitors must book the Sidney Spit group campsite by making a reservation through our Front Desk.

Reservations are accepted up to twelve months in advance of your arrival date. For example, you can book June 1 one year, for an arrival date of June 1 the following year.

The campsite is open from May 15 to September 30 every year.

Getting there

From Vancouver Island to Sidney Island:

Walk-on Ferry: Sidney Island is accessible by a walk-on passenger ferry. The seasonal ferry departs from Port Sidney Marina in the Town of Sidney and runs from May through September. Visit their website for more information on ferry schedules and group reservations.

Private vessels: Sidney Island has mooring buoys for boaters and a seasonal dock available from May 15 through September 30. It is also a popular location for kayakers.

From the main dock to the group campsite:

Walking distance one way: 0.8 km

The 0.8 km path will take you from the dock to the group campsite. The dirt trail starts with a short but steep hill (5 m) and is then primarily flat, offering views of the Salish Sea. Wheelbarrows are available at the main dock to transport camping gear.

Group camping information

• Campground map
• Occupancy: minimum 15 people and maximum 30 people.
• Cost: Please consult our detailed fees list.
• Check-in time is 2:00 p.m.
• Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
• Quiet time: from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Group picnic Shelter : a covered shelter with picnic tables is available to groups with a valid reservation.
• Toilets: two pit toilets are located beside the campsite.
• Custodian groups: a Special Activity Permit is required if you are bringing a custodial group. A "custodial group" means a group affiliated with an institution, where at least one person is below the age of majority, and that minor is not in the company of their legal guardian. Institutional groups include but are not limited to school groups, Scout/Guide groups, church groups, cadet groups and community youth groups.

Water

Visitors must bring enough water for the duration of their stay. There is no water available on Sidney Island.

Campfires

Campfires on Sidney Island within Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are prohibited at all times, even on beaches and below the high tide mark.

Parking

Sidney Spit is only accessible by walk-on passenger ferry or private vessels. Cars, bikes, or other land vehicles are not allowed on the island. Parking information for the Town of Sidney is available on their website.

Activities

Parks Canada interpreters deliver weekly programs in July and August. Self-guided experiences like geocaching or completing the Xplorer booklets are fun ways to explore Sidney Island. The grassy areas and sandy beaches offer visitors a wide range of activities.