Anacortes, WA, USA became Sidney’s second sister city in June of 1996.
The entwined circle design of the Sidney Sister Cities Association logo reflects key aspects of the four cities. Green represents the State of Washington and it’s evergreen trees. Washington is informally known as The Evergreen State.
Anacortes is our closest Sister City being only a three and a half hour ferry ride from downtown Sidney. 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 Fidaglio Island. In the early 18th century, British and Spanish explorers 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. The lower portion of the street is full of interesting shops, restaurants and bars. Pick up a map at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and head out to enjoy a wander through some of interesting antique stores, book shops, craft stores, ships 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 along the Street.
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 all the art galleries on Commercial Avenue have open houses, offering refreshments and the chance to meet and greet with 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 route between Anacortes and Sidney is no longer in operation. The route closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and it appears unlikely to be reinstated soon due to lack of ferry staff and boats that meet the criteria for International sailings. We hope to see the ferry return to service sooner rather than later.