Three Days on Pender Island

Here on the West Coast we’re very lucky to have an abundance of scenic places to visit.

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities and things to do. However, there’s always something special about immersing oneself in nature. You immediately experience a calming peacefulness that no city can match. It’s the ultimate stress reliever. You can feel the difference right away, then once you’re out of the woods you really notice the contrast.

Having lived in Vancouver for many years, I now call myself a Vancouverite. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting diverse places in British Columbia such as Whistler (skiing), Tofino (whale watching), the Kootenays (back country, mineral hot springs, unique small towns), the Okanagan (wining/dining) and some of the Gulf Islands (boating, hiking, nature).

This was my first time on Pender Island; one of the Southern Gulf Islands situated between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The last stop on an approx. two hour ferry ride from Tsawwassen terminal (with stops at Galiano + Mayne Island beforehand). On Fridays they have a ferry that goes directly to Pender. There’s a North and a South Pender Island, but I’ll elaborate more about that at the end of this post. We stayed on North Pender Island.

Pender Island is a hidden gem known for its perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and outdoor activities like boating, hiking, golf and swimming.

I visited an old friend on his milestone birthday (no name or photos of said person by request). My dogs and I enjoyed the gorgeous property surrounded by nature and being greeted by deer….but also a pig, a donkey, sheep ,llamas and goats. All photos were taken on Pender Island.

Outside **Poets Cove Resort and Spa** after lunch at **Syrens** Bistro.

Currents at Otter Bay Property

Woods on Pender. One of the 8 Airstream staycations. I will consider this for another time.

Overall, this was probably the nicest Gulf Island I’ve come across. They’re all special in their own way but this one boasts more lush forests, rugged coastlines, and beautiful beaches. We enjoyed hiking through trails with scenic views of the surrounding ocean and landscapes with our local guide who took time to show us around. Much appreciated – there was so much more to take in than meets the eye.

There’s also a really nice winery called SeaStar (and yes, I did), another place where cider is made, good pubs and places to eat; everything from cozy cafés to upscale restaurants. Then there’s the local art galleries, places that make yummy home baked goods and lots of other handmade items like soap, perfume, knits and chocolates. Oh; those chocolates were to die for and the birthday cake from Vanilla Leaf Café was the best by far.

Delectable Handmade Chocolates

We visited a few other stunning properties where one can stay at, or at least visit for a spa treatment or meal: namely, Poet’s Cove, Otter Bay and an airstream glamping RV resort called “Woods on Pender.”

An artistic rendering (*if I may say so)* of a photo I took.

What’s the Difference between North and South?

North Pender Island and South Pender Island are two halves of a single island, separated by a narrow canal called the Port Browning Narrows. While they share many similarities, there are some notable differences between the two. South Pender Island is slightly larger than North Pender Island.

The majority of Pender’s population resides on North Pender, where the largest amount of services and amenities are located. South Pender is more rural with the exception of Bedwell Harbour, where there is a resort & marina.

North Pender Island is characterized by rugged coastline, dense forests, and rolling hills, while South Pender Island has more flat areas and farmland.

Both North and South Pender Islands offer outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. However, South Pender is host to the renowned and luxurious Poets Cove Resort.

Overall, while North and South Pender Island share many characteristics, the differences in population density, geography, and amenities give each part its own distinct character.