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Weekend on Pender Island, B.C.

Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of B.C., Canada.  Known for rugged beauty, temperate climate and recreational activities, the two islands of North and South Pender are connected by a bridge. 

Purple Starfish on Pender Island Beach

 How to Get There

 Pender Island can easily be accessed by ferry from Vancouver or Victoria (Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay terminals). Note that ferries only run a couple of times a day so plan accordingly. You can walk on or ride a bike, but I suggest taking a car so you are able to explore the island. The ride can take anywhere from 1-2.5 hours depending on if you take a direct ferry or the one that stops at all the Gulf Islands.

 Where to Stay

 Pender Island has a variety of B&B's and Airbnb accomodations. However, I will suggest two. Woods on Pender is becoming quite famous for its imaginative take on "glamping" (glamorous camping). Campers can choose from cabins, airstream trailers or large canvas tents fully decked out and ready for a couples' romantic getaway or a family holiday. The Woods also has a bistro that serves breakfast, lunch or coffee on select days so check the website. 
Airstream trailer at Woods

A twenty-five minute drive south will take you over the bridge and into the island of South Pender, a more undeveloped area than the North, and to the upscale Poet's Cove Resort and Spa. The resort resembles a stately inn, complete with tennis courts, swimming pool, bistro and fancy restaurant. Located right on the beach makes it ideal for beach-combing or boating. There is a marina right on the property.

Poets Cove Resort and Spa

 Where to Eat

 In addition to the restaurants at the accommodations listed above, Jo's Place, located in the island's only shopping mall, Driftwood Centre, serves fresh and healthy fare like  the Pender Bowl, made with crispy tofu, beets and greens.
Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe, next door, offers freshly baked goods, ice cream and coffee.

 What to Do

While you are in Driftwood Centre, check out Talisman Books and Gallery for an eclectic selection of used and new books as well as locally made crafts and art.

 Surrounded by water, Pender Island is the perfect place to launch your kayak or paddleboard. If you didn't bring your own over on the ferry, you can rent or take a guided tour from Pender Island Kayak Adventures.

Like many of the Gulf Islands, Pender has its own lakes. Magic Lake is surrounded by private cottages with their own dock access, but if you drive the road around the lake you will come to a sign saying "Swimming Hole" with space for parking. The public dock is a favourite for locals who like to swim in the warm, clean water.
The Swimming Hole at Magic Lake



Interested in exploring other Gulf Islands? Check out the other articles below.

A Weekend On Galiano Island, BC

Kayaking on Mayne Island, B.C.

SaltSpring Island Getaway
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