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$253 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$253
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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! (319 reviews)
"Friendly and welcoming staff. Interior what we thought it might be. Only two knocks - chair looked like a cat got at it - wall paper pealing in bathroom Definitely a place to visit and stay on Pender. The staff, view, hot tub and pools fantastic ! Would return"

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Pender Island
Stay at this cottage in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Brooks Point Regional Park and Thomson Park Saturna Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
Great spring getaway
"Enjoyed our time here in spring sunshine! Cabin is cute, cozy and clean. Super deck and outside green space ideal for our pup. Cabin is at the front of the owner's property but feels private. The trees have grown so water views are peek-a-boo. Recommend!"

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2025

Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring  boat moorage and kayaks
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
Capital G
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pender Island Museum and Otter Bay ...
10/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Beautiful Property
"Lovely home and stay. Perfect for my big family. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 28 Dec. 2024

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
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.
Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Pender Island
Stay at this cottage in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Brooks Point Regional Park and Thomson Park Saturna Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
Great spring getaway
"Enjoyed our time here in spring sunshine! Cabin is cute, cozy and clean. Super deck and outside green space ideal for our pup. Cabin is at the front of the owner's property but feels private. The trees have grown so water views are peek-a-boo. Recommend!"

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2025

Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring  boat moorage and kayaks
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
Capital G
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pender Island Museum and Otter Bay ...
10/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Beautiful Property
"Lovely home and stay. Perfect for my big family. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 28 Dec. 2024

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
Waterfront home with stunning views, surrounded by nature.
Waterfront home with stunning views, surrounded by nature.
Pender Island
Stay at this vacation home in Pender Island. Popular attractions Pender Island Museum and Otter Bay Marina are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
180 degree ocean views
"The house has beautiful views from the deck, living room, dining area and bedrooms. We stayed in March for a week, enjoying the large wood stove on the cold wet days and explored most of the hikes when it was warm."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Waterfront home with stunning views, surrounded by nature.
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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