Pender Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island

These two idyllic islands in the archipelago outside Vancouver promise relaxing walks, charming towns and a warm rural atmosphere.

Pender Island, in spite of its singular name, actually consists of two islands. The sense of community here is felt strongly through its rich connections to the past and a large presence of artistic and creative types. Enjoy the relaxed pace of Pender, a laid-back and peaceful vacation destination.

The two islands were once connected to one another, before a canal was carved through the isthmus in 1902. Today, most residents live on North Pender, where old-world farms grow organic produce. Explore Roesland, once farmland and then a coastal resort, now part of a national reserve Here, browse the Pender Island Museum to learn more about the community’s agrarian past.

Swim or engage in watersports in the ocean waters around the islands. Rent a kayak to paddle in the coastal coves and inlets at a gentle pace. Don goggles and dive into a cave at Tilly Point, where glowing anemones line the ocean bed.

Tee off on the scenic nine-hole course at Pender Island Golf & Country Club. The putting greens and driving ranges here are surrounded by thick woodland.

Explore the scenery of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, a large portion of which is on South Pender. Hike up Mount Norman or take a more leisurely walk to places such as Enchanted Forest Park, a fairy-tale glade. Tour the wilderness and look for bears, whales and other wildlife.

Come to Pender Island on the first weekend in August to witness the annual Hope Bay Boat Days, a 2-day festival with music, boat shows and communal dinners. In the same month, purchase the best produce from local farms at the lively Fall Fair.

Peak season in the Gulf Islands is in July and August, when the sun is out and the water is perfect for swimming. Travel to the island by ferry from Swartz Bay on Victoria Island or Tsawwassen in Vancouver. Fly in on a float plane to view the beauty of Pender Island from above.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
9801 Spalding Rd, Pender Island, BC
The price is AU$334 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$334
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (381 reviews)
"Loved our king room with the ocean view deck. It was warm outside so we needed to use the small fan and ceiling fan for our whole stay. The small TV was on its last legs. Dining on site was just ok. Good idea to bring snacks & drinks from home as there is a small fridge. The highlight on Pender was ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Pender Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pender ...
10/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"The view is absolutely stunning! The property is more than it states. I will add a tiny bit more information. The driveway does indeed fit 4 cars. Just keep in mind that 2 cars will always be buried at the front and it’s a slightly curved in and slightly curved out. Pauline briefly mentions the little ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home
SaliHaven: Oceanfront 4Bedrooms 5Beds 3.5Bath

SaliHaven: Oceanfront 4Bedrooms 5Beds 3.5Bath

Pender Island
Stay at this villa in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Browning Harbour Marina and Driftwood Centre are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Amazing views and a great way to relax!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

SaliHaven: Oceanfront 4Bedrooms 5Beds 3.5Bath
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Pender Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pender ...
10/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"The view is absolutely stunning! The property is more than it states. I will add a tiny bit more information. The driveway does indeed fit 4 cars. Just keep in mind that 2 cars will always be buried at the front and it’s a slightly curved in and slightly curved out. Pauline briefly mentions the little ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home
Beautiful, quiet place to stay with lovely beach access and stunning views.

Beautiful, quiet place to stay with lovely beach access and stunning views.

Pender Island
Stay at this apartment in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Brooks Point Regional Park and Sea Star Vineyard are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Beautiful property overlooking the ocean. Pender Island is amazing. This is a great place to stay and enjoy it! The host is amazing, I would absolutely stay again"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Beautiful, quiet place to stay with lovely beach access and stunning views.
West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub

West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub

Pender Island
Stay at this condo in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Browning Harbour Marina and Driftwood Centre are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Excellent venue; Excellent host; amazing views. A couple of things keep me from making this a five star review. Not having a stove for cooking is a bit of a drawback. The kitchenette (not kitchen) is actually located outside the suite itself. These things aside... it waa spectacular"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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