Andrew and I always love aquariums and we keep talking about wanting to get back to the one in Sidney, also known as the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. It's only a 30 minute drive away but as we settle into day-to-day life in Victoria, we just never made time for it until Andrew suggested a mini vacation.
Heading out in the morning, we arrived just in time for opening (to hopefully avoid any crowds), bought an annual membership and spent a good hour+ at this small, interesting place. The employee manning the touch pool made it really fascinating. His enthusiastic, "There's so much activity!" was refreshing. At a glance, there's absolutely nothing moving but since he'd been there that morning, a few of the creatures had moved a whole inch! We watched close and could see grains of sand being shifted by the movement.
We also did several walks along the waterfront park. Lots of birds, beautiful flowers, and interesting artwork.
We had a delicious wine flight tasting and cheese plate (and tiramisu) at The Farmer's Daughter for supper.
We stayed overnight at the small but very nice Sidney Waterfront Inn, had another nice walk after breakfast and then Andrew headed off for his run back home (~30 km) along the Lochside Trail. I did the first 1.5 km with him along the waterfront and made it back to Victoria in time for my gym workout.
