Welcoming women to our community since 1987

Around the Peninsula

Click on the heading for each entry to take you to their website.

Shoreline Medical

Are you looking for a family doctor?

Shoreline Medical has a clinic in Brentwood Bay and a clinic in Sidney. If you do not have a family doctor and live on the Saanich Peninsula, you are welcome to sign up on the website. This way you will be notified when the clinic is taking on new patients.

Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation provides information about the services offered at the hospital.  Volunteers are often needed and they have amazing community events.

Civic, Cultural and Local

Ardmore Golf Club

Golf Tuesday mornings during golf season and various social functions. Contact axle@ardmoregolfcourse.com www.Ardmoregolfcourse.com

Art Sea Community Arts Council

The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula, the center offers classes, art shows, and events throughout the year. Shows in the art gallery change every few weeks so its worth stopping by many times.

Beacon Community Services

This is a community-based, non-for-profit agency. This wide range of programs and services covers health, family, training and employment, adult recreation, housing, and volunteer opportunities. The Shoal Centre for Seniors is affiliated with this agency and provides a hub for the senior (plus 50) community.

BC Ferries

This site includes ferry schedules and reservation information. If you plan to travel to the Gulf Islands, it is worth buying a BC Ferries Experience Card. The card gives you a 30% discount on travel to the Gulf Islands. If you plan to use the Mill Bay Ferry out of Brentwood Bay, you can buy discounted tickets at Thrifty’s Foods in Sidney. Tickets with discounted senior rates are also available.

Beaches, Bakeries and Breweries

August 2022 - Sidney is getting a boost of cool with the opening of two new craft breweries, a handful of new hip bakeries, and a smattering of sophisticated farm-to-table restaurants.

Butchart Gardens

If you love flowers, trees and beautiful spaces this is the place for you. An annual membership is about the cost of2 visits and gives you unlimited access to the gardens. This price also includes the concert series in the evenings in July and August. From February 1 to March 15yh the gardens are open between 9 am and 4:30 pm. The Poppy Restaurant is transformed into the garden’s “Spring Prelude.” Also, on offer for spring is a historical display in the former Butchart family residence.

Centre for Active Living - Brentwood Bay

Click here for more information.

CFUW - Canadian Federation of University Women

Open to all women. An opportunity to develop new friendships and contribute to the local community. Monthly speaker meetings, various interest groups, and support for local and international educational initiatives for women. Contact cfuwspmembership@gmail.com www.cfuwsaanichpeninsula.org

CRD (Capital Regional District)

The CRD is a local government that delivers 200 plus local and regional services for residents of the region (13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island the Gulf Islands). Some of these services are our regional water supply, solid waste, wastewater treatment, regional parks, and recreational facilities. This is you go-to website for courses, guided hikes, cycling, walking and hiking trails, maps, and much more.

Distinctly Sidney

This website gives you a wealth of information on things to do, events, where to eat, where to shop, where to hike, and much more. For example, you can download a map for self-guided historical walking tour of Sidney’s outdoor sculpture and art. Or you can get information on the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary with links to some of the birds seen in this area.

Friends of North Saanich Parks

Anyone wishing for more information visit the website www.fnsp.ca or contact Sharon Hope at sharonhope@shaw.ca or call
250-655-1062.

Kiwanis Club of Sidney and Saanich Peninsula

Meet on the lst and 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Shoal Centre at 6:30 pm. The Kiwanis Club is committed to serving the children of Sidney and Saanich Peninsula.

Mary Winspear Center

The Mary Winspear is the hub of Sidney’s cultural and community events. Educational lectures, musical events, art shows, political town hall meetings, yoga, and much more. Check it out and buy tickets for a lecture or a show.

Peninsula Newcomers Alumnae (PALS)

PALS has been organized to maintain past connections and facilitate new ones, primarily among graduates of the Peninsula Newcomers Club. All graduates, former and current members of the Peninsula Newcomers Club are eligible to join PALS. There is no membership fee. Members receive a description of the group ( including information on joining, transferring or starting an activity), a membership list, and a current activity list with convener contact information. If you wish to be included on the PALS membership list, and/or join a PALS activity, please send a request to newcomerpals@gmail.com.

Peninsula Newcomers Club Facebook

Click here to link to the PNC Members Facebook page.

Panorama Recreation Center

For all your fitness needs, visit this center at 1885 Forest Park Drive in North Saanich. The facility houses a 25-meter salt purification swimming pool with six lanes, a multi-use leisure pool, sauna, steam room, waterslide, 2 skating arena, a weight room with cardio and strength equipment, plus indoor and outdoor tennis courts, racquetball and squash courts. Classes are also given in art, music, dance, computers, cooking, language, and sports.

Physiotherapy Services: KT Physiotherapy

Are you dealing with pain or dysfunction? Would you like to prevent injury? Kym Tribe is the owner of KT Physiotherapy and believes strongly in helping her patients remain active and live high quality lives. She has additional training in manual therapy, IMS (dry needling), soft tissue work, concussion, whiplash, vertigo, pain science, and seniors care. KT Physiotherapy has a fully equipped gym and offers direct billing to most major insurance companies (including ICBC). 

Pickleball

Come and get your pickleball on!  Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is a game that is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels. Rules for pickleball are simple, making it a great introductory sport. It can also be quite a challenging, fast-paced, and competitive game when people become more experienced at playing.  Watch this you tube video here to learn all about it.

Probus Club Sidney

A club for retired professional and business people (men and women) to enjoy fellowship. Monthly speaker meetings as well as various interest groups and planned excursions. Contact patsea45@gmail.com

Radio Sidney

Are you interested in listening to or being part of a local radio station: Radio Sidney is the voice of the Saanich Peninsula. Broadcasting out of Brentwood Bay, it brings local arts, culture, news and events to the community. Run by volunteers, the station plays the music of local musicians and world-renowned artists. Also, featured are live-chat shows, sports and First Nation programming. Check it out!

Repair Cafe

Volunteer fixers will be on hand to help you with your repairs!  Items such as clothing, furniture, costume jewelry, bicycles, small appliances, tool repair, sharpening, electrical, computers, all can be fixed at this one stop shop.  Don't miss out.  Don't buy new.  You can repair what you have.  Visit the Repair Cafe website for more information about times and dates.

Rotary Club of Sidney

Meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre.   If you are passionate about creating positive change, then attend one of their weekly meetings as a guest. Discover how you can help us create lasting change in communities around the world.

Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank

Helping those in need through those who care.

Sea Cider Farm Local Folk Fair

Sea Cider Farm is hosting a LOCAL FOLK FAIR Summer Market Series, featuring 20+ hand-picked local food + drink + farm + artisan vendors. Enjoy Live Music, a Creative Play Station, Silent Disco Yoga, EIR Mobile Acupuncture + a FREE Workshop at every Market!    

Shaw Center for the Salish Sea

Open 10 am to 4:30 pm, this public aquarium is the learning center for the Salish Sea. An annual membership gives you unlimited access to the aquarium and the lecture series. This is a good place to learn about our unique ocean environment. Think about becoming a volunteer.

Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club

“The club is a fun, action-oriented and eclectic group of people who care.”  For further information contact Steph at 204.227.2165, Stephanie@YourLifeUnlimited.ca, or Amanda 250.304.5244, madame44@telus.net for more information. Sidney by the Sea Rotary welcomes you to be their guest and Stephanie or Amanda will happily accompany you.

Sidney Museum and Archives

This small museum on Beacon Avenue collects and preserves historical artefacts from the Sidney and North Saanich communities. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum features rotating monthly displays.

Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

An active walking group, monthly speaker series, interest groups and full use of the clubhouse and dining room (excellent chef) and many social functions during the year  Contact info@snsyc.ca. www.sidneynorthsaanichyachtclub.wild apricot.org\

Sidney Sister Cities Association

The mission of Sister Cities International is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.

Our Statement of Purpose is as a committee and in association with the Town of Sidney, to promote greater understanding and respect between the citizens of the Saanich Peninsula and Anacortes, USA; Cairns, Australia and Niimi, Japan (and any future sister cities) by enriching the cultural and economic resources of each city through the planning and implementation of programs that foster mutual understanding respect and good will.

Sidney Sunrise Water Warriors

We are a group of fun people who like to dip in the ocean weekly.  We  meet on Tuesday mornings at the Lochside and Frost crossroad in Sidney at 7:30am (depending on the sun); everyone (and their dog) is welcome. You can find the most up-to-date information on our Facebook page: The Aquanuts.

Sole Sisters

Sole Sisters Advanced Foot Care offers medical foot care services by specially trained licensed practical nurses. We offer mobile foot care in the comfort of your own home, or in our weekly foot clinic in Sidney, BC. Our nurses work with a wide range of people and medical conditions that may affect the feet. We can help with conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, diabetic foot monitoring, and more!


We are now accepting new patients in Sooke, the Westshore, and from Broadmead to the Peninsula! For more information or to book an appointment, please email solesistersfootcare@outlook.com or phone (250) 858-2121 or (250) 893-3676.

Star Cinema

Sidney’s locally owned cinema.  Located at 9840 Third Street, Sidney 

Tennis

The Peninsula Tennis Club is a great resource for when a tennis player is new to the area and keen to play tennis and meet new people.  We welcome new members and require a minimum level of 3.5 to join.

Town of Sidney

www.sidney.ca.  This website give you access to information such as the history of Sidney, emergency services, things to do in the area, and town hall meetings. If you haven’t already, you can sign up for Sidney’s Emergency Services. Sidney has partnered with North Saanich and Central Saanich to bring public safety alerts to the residents of Saanich Peninsula. Alerts are sent for events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and evacuation notices. To receive these alerts, you must register with Saanich Peninsula Alert: www.ermadvantage.com

Vancouver Island Regional Library

The Sidney / North Saanich  Branch is located next to a beautiful garden at 10091 Resthaven Dr. It is a wonderful resource for making connections, accessing newspapers, books, audiobooks, music, movies and lots of amazing digital resources. They even have apps to help with language learning!  The library would like to welcome all Newcomers to the area and encourages you to stop by, get a free library card and start exploring what they have to offer. Find out more at www.virl.bc.ca or call 250.656.0944

Victoria Region Men's and Newcomers Club

For the men in your life! VRMNC’s aim is to help men in the Victoria Region integrate into the community by providing opportunities to meet with others with common interests and experiences by participating in a variety of social and recreational activities.

Victoria Women's Transition House

This organization provides women in need with the help they require, from offering a safe place to stay, counselling, support and referrals.  It also offers volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Victoria

Volunteer Victoria inspires and raises new generations of volunteers; supports volunteer led organizations, groups, and projects; provides tools and training; and creates opportunities that do not exist anywhere else in Greater Victoria. 

Women who Care

This group brings together 100 women in Saanich Peninsula who care about local community causes and who are committed to community service for just one hour every three months. At the quarterly meetings, members jointly select a local charity or not-for-profit organization and each member writes a $100 cheque to the selected organization.

Garden Centers

Elk Lake Garden Center

5450 Patricia Bay Highway. 250 658 8812.

The garden center is just south of Sayward Road. They have a large selection of annuals and perennials as well as pots and garden tools.

Garden Works

4290 Blenkinsop Road. 250 721 2140.

This nursery has a large outdoor area for trees and shrubs and a covered bedding plant greenhouse of almost 7000 square feet. It excels in its selection of ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials. Their selection of garden supplies is based on the requirements of gardening on the island. You’ll find fertilizers, soils and all the supplies you need for this climate. They offer an amazing selection of hellebores, hands-on-workshops, information seminars, displays, prizes and more Check the website for details.

Patio Gardens

6536 West Saanich Road. 250 652 8338.

Patio Gardens has been in the Saanich community for over 15 years and is known for its beautiful hanging baskets. They specialize in plants for patio gardens but also have trees, shrubs, potting soil, fertilizer and more. The staff is skilled, experienced and passionate about gardening. Sign up for their newsletter and be the first to know about their specials, workshop and events.

Peninsula Flowers Nursery

8512 West Saanich Road, North Saanich. 250 652 9602.

The Peninsula Flowers Nursery has over 50 varieties of container grown bamboo. They also specialize in conifers, hostas, Japanese maples, windmill palms, bonsai and bonsai containers.

Peninsula Landscape Supplies

2078 Henry Avenue, Sidney

For your soil, gravel, mulch and compost needs, check out Peninsula Landscape Supplies. They also stock a variety of aggregate and ornamental slate. The retail store has grass seed, fertilizer, garden tools and a large assortment of garden ornaments.

Russell Nursery

1370 Wain Road, North Saanich. 250 656 0384.

Open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Russell Nursery has been in business on the peninsula for 26 years. They have a knowledgeable staff and a large selection of well-grown plants. A $10 membership is good for one year and gives you 10% of plants and other nursery items, an email with gardening tips, information about classes and free deliver on the peninsula.

Seaberry Garden and Flowers

Mattick’s Farm, 5325 Cordova Bay Road. 250 590 3777.

Le Coteau Nursery

304 Walton Place

They specialize in fruit trees: apple, -ear, cherry, peach, plum, prune, apricot, nectarine, quince, persimmon, citrus and nut trees, and more.

Urban Oasis Bonsai

4649 West Saanich Road. 778 678 6263.

The business is geared towards learning, practicing, and excelling at bonsai. They have plants, tools, and pots and want to see you succeed with your bonsai plants. Call for hours.

Peninsula and Victoria Horticulture and Garden Clubs

Compost Education Center

Are you curious about hot composting worm composting? The Compost Education Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides the community with education about composting, organic gardening, and sustainable living. They are located at 1216 North Park Street in the Fernwood neighbourhood in Victoria. The public is invited to walk through the gardens from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Lecture and workshops in March include Spring Planting, Composting Basics, Worm Composting, Grow Your Own Food, Gardening for Garry Oak Ecosystems, and Teapot Medicine.

Hardy Plant Group (a sub-group of VHS)

In February, March, October, and November, meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP). In April, May and September, the meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, 2964 Richmond Rd. Meetings include guest speaker, business, plant auction and raffle, plant show and tell, and a door prize. The membership fee is $15 and you must be a member of the HCP. Membership includes a newsletter, summer tour/field trip, annual special speaker, and a June pot-luck dinner and plant auction. Volunteers from the Hardy Plant Group look after 3 beds at the HCP.

Fruit and Vegetable Group

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month (except December) in members’ homes. There is no membership fee but you must be a member of VHS. Membership includes a farm tour in July, a picnic in August, and a potluck dinner in November.

Master Gardeners Association of BC (MGABC)

Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Basic Master Gardener training is offered her on the Saanich Peninsula through the Horticultural Center of the Pacific (HCP). The program covers the basic aspects of botany, plant needs, and insects. Classes are tailored to specific bioregion of the peninsula including aspects of climate, topography, soils, and growing conditions. The course is offered, usually once a year, in the spring. Certification is earned with a combination of volunteer hours and education. There is a biannual conference that is open to the public and usually sells out (no need to be a Master Gardener to attend).

Native Plant Study Group

The Native Plant Study Group is dedicated to learning about BC native plants, both in the wild and in garden settings. They support the conservation of native plants and their environments. Meeting are held the 3rd Thursday of the month (September to May) at 7 pm at the University of Victoria, MacLaurin Bldg., Rm D-288 in D-Wing. Meetings include business, a presentation, refreshments, plant sales, Q and A, and a raffle. Benefits of membership include field trips, garden visits, and social events. Membership costs $25 for an Individual or $30 for a family.

Peninsula Garden Club

The Peninsula Garden Club bills themselves as the all-in-one place to discover, share and learn regardless of your own personal gardening interests. Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month (except January and August) at 7 pm at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. In the summer there are open gardens and plant sales. Members receive a monthly newsletter. Social activities include a potluck dinner in December. A twelve-month membership is $25 or $20 for seniors.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

This sanctuary, located both north and south of McKenzie Avenue, includes the marshland of Swan Lake and the rocky, oak-forested highland of Christmas Hill. There are walking trails in both areas; one will give you sightings of many birds and the other has plentiful patches of blue camas, shooting stars, and fawn lilies in the spring. The Nature House offers various courses for children, adults and seniors. Check the web site for directions and times.

Vancouver Rock and Alpine Society (VIRAGS)

This society focuses on alpine, woodland, and bog plants. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month (September to June) at 7:30 at Gordon Head United Church, 4201 Tyndall Avenue. Meetings include a parlour show, talk or workshops, raffle, and library. Members receive a newsletter and support the alpine garden in Beacon Hill Park.

Victoria Dahlia Society

Do you have a passion for dahlias? The Victoria Dahlia Society just might be for you. The society encourages the cultivation and development of dahlias through education and events. This year’s tuber and plant sale will include rare and exclusive varieties of dahlias. Meetings are held the 1st Thursday of the month (March to July and September to November) at 7:30 pm. Meeting location changes. Meetings include a flower show, learning garden, and plant sale. Cost is $15.

Victoria Floral Artist Guild

Are you interested in floral design? The Victoria Floral Artists Build works with members to develop skills in floral design. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (except December) at 7 pm at Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Ave. Meetings include business, raffle, refreshments, demonstration, parlour show, and library. The November meeting is a social gathering with a demonstration.

Victoria Horticulture Society (VHS)

The Victoria Horticultural Society was established in 1921, so it has been the voice of gardening in this area for many years. It is a non-profit society whose mandate is to stimulate the knowledge and love of horticulture. Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month (except January) at 7:30 pm at Garth Home Centre, 813 Darwin Avenue. In the summer there are open gardens, field trips, a spring plant sale, and a group for new members. Membership includes an on-line monthly newsletter and a social gathering in December. The cost is $30 per household. There are 2 sub-groups of the VHS: Hardy Plant Group and Fruit and Vegetable Group.

Victoria Lily Society

If growing Tiger lilies, Day lilies, Asiatic lilies, Martagon lilies, Aurelian lilies and Oriental lilies interests you, check out the Victoria Lily Society. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (March to November) at the Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street (off McKenzie Avenue). Meetings begin with a social segment at 7:00 pm, followed by the meeting at 7:30 pm. Meetings include a guest speaker, a short business meeting, raffle, door prizes, and refreshments. The November meeting includes the AGM and a potluck dinner. Membership includes field trips, an annual lily bulb order, a July potluck/brown bag lunch and awards, an October rare plant and bulb auction and wine and cheese at HCP, a summer flower show, and tea and sale (a must attend for plant lovers)! Volunteers maintain a bed at HCP. Cost is $15 per household and includes a news bulletin.

Victoria Natural History Society

Do you have a keen interest in natural history? Are you interested in learning more about the natural flora and fauna of this area? The Victoria Natural History Society offers an opportunity for like-minded people to come together and share their ideas and experiences. They offer field trips and presentation each month for members. Membership costs $35 for a family, $30 for an individual, and $25 for seniors.

Victoria Rhododendron Society

Southern Vancouver Island is well known for its beautiful rhododendrons. If you are interested in learning about the many cultivars available and how to grow them, you may be interested in Victoria Rhododendron Society. Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month (except January, July, and August) at 7:30 at HCP. Meetings include a guest speaker, a short business meeting, plant raffle, library, and refreshments. Membership is $25 as a local member or $35 that includes membership with the American Rhododendron Society. Membership includes a newsletter, open gardens, spring flower display, plant sale, December potluck dinner, and a summer barbeque. Members volunteer in the gardens at HCP and at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney.

View Royal Garden Club

Are you interested in growing your own fruits, flowers, and vegetables? The View Royal Garden Club encourages the love of gardening. Members assist each other in the collection and distribution of information relating to the care and culture of plants. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except July and December) at 7:30 at Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd. Meetings include a mini show, general meeting, speaker, plant sale, and refreshments. Membership costs $15 and includes a newsletter and sows in spring, summer, and fall.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Peninsula Newcomers Club are looking for volunteers to help on the Board, most especially a PR representative who can help with distributing pamphlets etc. to local businesses, and those with IT skills.  For more information please contact pncpublicity@gmail.com

On the Sidney By the Sea website there is a page dedicated to  volunteer opportunities around the Saanich Peninsula.

Other opportunities:

Friends of the Environment Foundation

Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation provides information about the services offered at the hospital.  Volunteers are often needed and they have amazing community events.

Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association.  We are a local charity started in 1990 and have been very active in assisting in the recovery of stroke survivors through the hiring of registered speech pathologists and kinesiologists but we require 2-3 dedicated volunteers to help with our weekly meetings.


Peninsula Newcomers Club, PO Box 2665 | Sidney | BC | V8L 5Y9

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