Everything you ever wanted to know about Pender Island
If you’ve ever dreamed of a weekend escape to Pender Island but got stuck in the logistics, don’t worry—you don’t need to pack everything and the kitchen sink to survive here. This Southern Gulf Island is well serviced, rich in food, culture, and adventures in the great outdoors.
From ferry details and grocery runs to local transportation and creature comforts, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Where is Pender Island, BC?
Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands, an archipelago that lies between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in the Salish Sea. As one of the southernmost islands in this group, it sits just a few kilometers from the border with the United States. It’s closest to both Mayne Island and Saturna.
How big is Pender Island?
Pender Island (technically not one but two islands, North and South Pender, connected by a short bridge) is on the larger side among the Southern Gulf Islands. It spans about 34 square kilometres and is home to around 2,250 year-round residents. Like many Gulf Islands, Pender’s population swells in the warmer months as seasonal residents return and visitors come to soak up the island’s magic.
Who is Pender Island named after?
For the SENĆOŦEN peoples, Pender Island (specifically North Pender) is called SDȺY¸ES, which translates to “wind drying.” Wind drying speaks to the vital activity of drying salmon by hanging it in the wind.
The English name you’ll see on maps today, Pender Island, was given during a prolonged surveying mission between 1857 and 1870 by Captain Daniel Pender, RN. Daniel Pender named the two islands after himself.
(For more history and island lore, don’t miss the Pender Islands Museum.)
Why visit Pender Island?
The more appropriate question is, why not visit? Pender Island is an island escape that may lie less than 100 kilometres from the heart of Vancouver and Victoria, but feels like a world apart.
In the warm summer months, you’ll find yourself hunting down treasures at the farm stands, farmers’ markets, and cute boutiques dotting the island. In the winter months, it’s cozier, with lots of time for exploring mossy forested trails, quiet beaches, and long evenings spent around a fire.
Pender’s unique island charm comes from a mix of its natural landscapes and the people who call this place home.
What is there to do on Pender Island?
Pender Island is a hub of activity, no matter what time of year you visit. It’s rich in the arts, music, and outdoor adventure, with a good dash of delicious island-grown food to fuel your explorations.
If the great outdoors fills your cup, you can’t miss the George Hill Trail or Brooks Point Regional Park, offering a more leisurely stroll through grassy meadows and decidedly uncrowded beaches. You also won’t want to skip the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, including the hike up Mount Norman or the trails around Roesland and Roe Lakes.
The natural landscape of Pender has also inspired more than a few artists and musicians who call the island home. Check out the Ptarmigan Arts Gallery and event space for ongoing exhibits from local artists.
On Saturdays, find locally made goods, island-grown veggies, and more at the Pender Island Farmers Market. Then, head down to Talisman Books & Gallery to tap into an incredible selection of books and curated trinkets.
How do I get to Pender Island?
There are no land crossings to Pender, so most people arrive by way of BC Ferries, which offers daily sailings to Otter Bay (on North Pender) from both Vancouver (Tsawwassen Terminal) and Victoria (Swartz Bay Terminal).
Ferries accommodate walk-on passengers, cyclists, vehicles, and even RVs and boat trailers. Schedules vary by season, and many routes make stops at other Gulf Islands, so travel times can range from 45 minutes to over two hours. Always check the BC Ferries schedule before your trip!
If you’re short on time, you can also catch a float plane, with regular service by SeaAir to Richmond and charter services from Harbour Air.
Have more questions about getting to Pender? Check out everything you need to know to get here.
How do you get to Pender Island from Vancouver?
From Vancouver, you can catch one of the many BC Ferry sailings from Tsawwassen Terminal to Otter Bay on North Pender Island. Trips range from 70 to 140 minutes, depending on the route and whether the ferry stops at other Gulf Islands along the way. Some sailings even require a transfer at Mayne Island, so it’s essential to check the route details before booking.
This is the only reservable route. Vehicle reservations are highly recommended, particularly during busy travel periods. You can view schedules and book online or call 1-888-223-3779 for assistance.
How long is the ferry to Pender Island?
How long the ferry takes all depends on where you’re coming from and which sailing you end up on. For example, from Tsawwassen Terminal (Vancouver), direct sailings take about 1 hour 20 minutes, while routes with stops at other Gulf Islands can stretch to 2 hours 15 minutes.
If you depart from Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria) and catch a direct ferry, the crossing takes approximately 40 minutes. Again, sailings that make additional stops may take longer.
Do you need a car on Pender Island?
One of the magical things about Pender Island is its options for those who don’t bring a vehicle. Although Pender is a bit too big and hilly to be entirely walkable, there are other ways to get around.
If you’re arriving on foot, Lightning Taxi offers rides across the island (call ahead to book), and Pender also has a formalized hitchhiking system with signed roadside pickup spots. Hitching a ride is common here, but it’s always at your own discretion.
Cyclists will enjoy the scenic roads, though be prepared for narrow shoulders and steep hills. Make sure you have working lights and high-vis gear because there are no streetlights on the island.
Are there taxis on Pender Island?
Yes! You can book a taxi on Pender with Lighting Taxi by calling 250-629-2222. They have an all-electric fleet and even offer group tours and charters. Call between 8 am and 8 pm to catch their dispatch or for bookings outside those hours.
Where should I stay on Pender Island?
Pender is rich in accommodation options, from cozy forest cottages to full-service resorts and private ocean-front getaways. Need a few ideas to kick off your planning? For the full Gulf Island resort experience, check out Poet’s Cove Resort and Spa, Port Browning Resort, and family-friendly The Tides Cottages.
For a private vacation rental, perhaps perched on a cliff overlooking the Salish Sea, there is The Currents at Otter Bay, Ainslie Point Cottage, and The Salish Sunset Cabin. Or for a more one-of-a-kind stay, consider the WOODS, Nosy Point Bed and Breakfast, or Raven Rock Farm.
Where should I eat on Pender Island?
Although technically a floating island in the middle of the Salish Sea, Pender will spoil you for choice when it comes to restaurants, pubs, and foodie hubs.
Find endless fresh-baked goodies and cozy drinks at Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe, and right next door, get big hearty portions of all your favorite comfort foods at Copper Otter Bar and Grill.
For ocean views while you dine, head to Port Browning Marina Resort + Pub. Other honourable mentions include Syrens Bistro and the Stand.
For those looking to imbibe with locally made sips, grab a tasting from Sea Star Vineyards and Winery or Twin Island Cider.
Does Pender Island have a gas station?
Yes! If you need to fuel up while driving around Pender Island, head to the Driftwood Center at 4605 Bedwell Harbour Rd. Alongside groceries, cafes, and other amenities, you’ll find Driftwood Auto, a general store and gas station open seven days a week.
Keep in mind, the gas station closes earlier than what you may be used to, especially on Sundays.
Does Pender have a grocery store?
Pender Island boasts not one, but two grocery stores: Southridge Country Store and Tru Value Foods. At either one, you’ll find everything you need to feed your adventures here, including produce, dairy, baked goods, meat, and much, much more.
Looking for something local? Hit up one of the many farm stands on the island or head down to the Pender Island Farmer’s Market for fresh, locally grown, and made goodies.
Does Pender have a pharmacy or clinic?
Although Pender Island doesn’t have a walk-in clinic, it does have a pharmacy at Driftwood Center, beside the Vanilla Bean Cafe. For emergencies, dial 911.
Are there bears on Pender Island?
When settlers first arrived on Pender Island in the late 1880s, there were all sorts of apex predators living here. But the settlers wiped them all out, including the bears, within a few decades. These days, there are no bears on Pender Island.
What about cougars? Are there any cougars on Pender?
While Pender Island isn’t home to any resident cougars, it’s not unheard of for one to swim over from a nearby island. These visits are rare, and actual sightings are even rarer. Across BC, cougar encounters with humans are extremely uncommon, and even more so on the Gulf Islands. So while it’s technically possible that there is sometimes a cougar here, it’s highly unlikely to make an appearance during your stay.
