View looking down the shore

Pender Island is an area in Southern Gulf Islands.

Understand

Pender Island is a pastoral ocean paradise in the Gulf Islands of Canada, nestled between rugged Vancouver Island and British's Columbia's Sunshine Coast. You will enjoy the wide variety of activities on Pender Island, along with the offerings from local artists, artisans and businesses. Whether it be a delicious gourmet meal, the weekly Saturday Morning Farmers Market, hiking and camping in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) or some chill out time on the beach.

Pender Island has an interesting mix of merchants, sailors, artists, musicians, writers, artisans,and travellers. World-class accommodations, camping, restaurants and parks make it one of Canada's best tourist destinations. Blessed with mild weather, fair seas, breathtaking views and a fertile soil, Pender Island is also home to some of the finest wines made in the world. The climate is so mild that palm, kiwi, and olive trees can be grown. It's quite charming. Pender also has one of the best disk golf courses in the world!

If you are sailing in the area, you should check out Bedwell Harbour;It's a great place to anchor; there is a marine park there and a resort also. This is also the location of Canada Customs office if you are coming from somewhere other than Canada.

Get in

• B.C. Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Operates car ferries to Otter Bay on Pender Island, and to the larger Southern Gulf Islands. Free reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the summer and can be made online or by a toll-free phone call. 

Some of the islands are also serviced by float planes from either the Vancouver harbour or airport.

See and do

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing and picnicking.

• At Beaumont/ Mt. Norman, take the challenging upwards trek (climbing 244 metres) to the top of Mt. Norman. Accessible by trailheads at Canal and Ainslie Point roads, Mt. Norman features breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Gulf Islands.
• At Roesland wander through a historic cottage resort and learn about Pender Islands' history and lore. The original Roesland farmhouse, built in 1908, is now operated by the Pender Islands Museum Society.
• Roe Lake at Roesland-- one of the only natural freshwater lakes in the Southern Gulf Islands-- is accessible via the trailheads at either South Otter Bay or Galleon Bay Roads.
• Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of local wildlife: black-tailed deer, raccoons, bald eagles and great blue herons all call the Penders their home.

For more information about Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, please call 1-866-944-1744.

Buy

• Driftwood Centre, Bedwell Harbour Road (in the centre of Pender Island). Daily 9AM-6PM. Grocery store, bakery cafe, liquor store, pharmacy, service station, post office, bank and specialty shops. (updated May 2018)
• Hope Bay Store, 15-4301 Bedwell Harbour Rd. The Goldsmith Shop (custom jewellery, watches & batteries, +1 250-813-3321), Pender Chocolates (gourmet hand-made chocolates, +1 250-507-6199), Red Tree Gallery (artisan cooperative, +1 250-629-6800). (updated May 2018)

Eat

• Philly's Diner at Hope Bay, 7-4301 Bedwell Harbour Rd, ☏ +1 250-629-2090. call. Delicious food & spectacular views. (updated May 2018)
• Jo's Place, 4605 Bedwell Harbour Road (Driftwood Centre), ☏ +1 250-629-6033. Daily 8AM-2PM, and May-Sep: F Sa Su 5PM-8PM. Breakfasts, salads, wraps, burgers ($15), dinners from $18. (updated May 2018)
• Penderosa Pizza, 5827 Schooner Way, ☏ +1 250-629-6666. Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-11PM. Pizzas, pastas and salads. (updated May 2018)

Drink

• Port Browning Marina Pub, ☏ +1 250-629-3493. classic beers and pub fare, and local organic products, locally caught seafood, and a few new micro brews. Sandwiches and burgers $13-20, mains $14-20, pizzas $25-19. (updated May 2018)

Sleep

• Poets Cove Resort & Spa, 9801 Spalding Road, ☏ +1 250-629-2100, toll-free: +1-888-512-7638, info@poetscove.com. Apr 1-Nov 1 only. From $240. (updated May 2018)
• Salmonberry Inn, 9888 Canal Road. Three guest rooms feature wooden beams, a private entrance, ensuite bathroom with large double showers and kitchenettes luxurious king or queen beds, bamboo linens, heated floors and private terrace. A hearty gourmet breakfast in your room, or on your own patio or in the dining room. Farm-to-table ingredients. $200-225. (updated May 2018)

Camping

• At Prior Centennial Campground (GINPR). Prior Centennial is a vehicle accessible campground with 17 campsites available. Amenities offered at Prior Centennial include potable water, pit toilets and fire pits (seasonally available).To reserve a campsite at Prior Centennial, please call 1-877-737-3783.

Backcountry camping

• At Beaumont (GINPR). Beaumont offers 11 walk-in, back-country campsites. Beaumont can be accessed via a trail from the Ainslie Point Road parking lot. Follow the trail until you reach a fork: both forks will lead you to the camping area. There is no fresh water available at Beaumont, so plan accordingly.