Pender Island

Travel 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 ¥34,095 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥34,095
¥39,210 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (353 reviews)
Beautiful Resort
"Stay was great. Beautiful resort. Had a couple of issues. Main floor bathroom couldnt use. Not fixed while we were there. Thought supplies should have been more for 3 nights. Had to ask for more coffee, sugar, toilet paper etc."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
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! (93 reviews)
Pender weekend
"Won’t find a better location, stunning sunsets and ocean access. Perfect place"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
First trip to Pender Island
"Great views on south side of North island. No cooking capability and shared refrigeration with a separate unit. Restaurants and liquor stores are nearby."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 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.
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
First trip to Pender Island
"Great views on south side of North island. No cooking capability and shared refrigeration with a separate unit. Restaurants and liquor stores are nearby."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub
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! (93 reviews)
Pender weekend
"Won’t find a better location, stunning sunsets and ocean access. Perfect place"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
East Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub
East Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub
Pender Island
Stay at this condo in Pender Island. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Browning Harbour Marina and Driftwood Centre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"The View was stunning! If you want quiet, beauty, peace, serenity, this is the place or you. Enjoyed the orcas and the hot tub as well. I was creative when it comes to fixing any meals as all that is available in the kitchen is a microwave. We would definately stay here again."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

East 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pender Island

3
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 50%
1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pender Island is a secluded area that is quiet, quaint and relaxing. Nothing to do - but not expected.

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