Anacortes, WA, USA became Sidney’s second sister city in June of 1996.
Anacortes is our closest Sister City. The two towns are similar in many ways with industries such as boat building and related marine industries. In the past Anacortes used to be heavily involved in fish (salmon) canning. Many of the cannery buildings still exist, having being converted for use by other industries.
Just as Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula is on the traditional lands of Coast Salish people, so too is Anacortes. In the early 18th century, the British and Spanish explored the area but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that European settlement took place. Anacortes was founded by a railroad surveyor and he named the town after his wife, Anna Curtis (say it quickly!). For a full history of Anacortes click here .
Commercial Avenue is the main street in Anacortes. Pick up a map at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and head out to enjoy a wander through some interesting antique stores, book shops, craft stores, ship chandlers, clothes and other intriguing stores. Need a coffee? Lots of good coffee stalls and shops. Lunch, or dinner? Greek, Mexican, Italian, seafood and lots of other choices.
Commercial Avenue retains many of its heritage buildings
Anacortes and Sidney both have very active arts communities. The first Friday of the month sees the Anacortes Art Walk where art galleries and restaurants on Commercial Avenue display the work of local artists.
Skagit Valley Tulip Fields burst forth in colourful displays in April.
Anacortes offers much for the visitor during the spring, summer and fall. Go here for more information. https://members.anacortes.org/events/calendar/
The ferry serv ice between Anacortes and Sidney closed when Covid hit and it appears unlikely to be reinstated any time soon. We anticipate that the SSCA will become involved in efforts to reinstate this historic ferry service in the future.