What to do on Pender Island: Trails, forests, and shorelines

Pender Island might be only 34 square kilometres, but you’d be surprised by just how many great trails exist across the North and South islands. From Roesland to Mount Menzies to the Enchanted Forest, Pender Island hikes offer a little something for every ability.

So pack your day bag, pick up a few locally made snacks from a farm stand or, better yet, the Farmer’s Market, and hit the trails on Pender Island to see spectacular views across the Salish Sea and serene coastal forest ecosystems.

What To Expect?

As you walk up, down, and around Pender Island, you’ll get 360-degree views of the Southern Gulf Islands, the San Juan Islands in the US, and the snow-crested peaks of the BC mainland.​

Even during the peak of summer, most trails feel peaceful, with plenty of space for solo meandering. In fact, you might only spot one or two other people while you absorb the sights and sounds of native flora and fauna.

The island is laced with trails leading to viewpoints, lighthouses, and reminders of its First Nations and pioneer history. Whether you’re looking for expansive vistas, oceanside picnic spots, or wildlife-watching, let Pender Island wow you.

The Best Hikes and Trails on Pender Island

Without further ado, here are all the possible places to hike on Pender Island, rated by difficulty and length. You’ll find a bit of information about what you can expect in terms of the type of trail, views, and even the best places to catch wildlife or the ever-elusive Pender fairies.

Roesland

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1km

Trailhead: Ainslie Point Rd.

This is the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and family or to explore solo. Roesland was once a pioneer homestead and is now a history-filled oasis ready for you to traverse. Locals recommend staying until sunset to be blown away by the beautiful Pender night sky.

Mount Norman Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3km

Trailhead: Ainslie Point Rd

Enjoy the highest point on Pender Island. This 3km round-trip hike is short, steep, and worth every moment. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful views of the Southern Gulf Islands as well as the San Juan Islands and Victoria. A viewing deck with binoculars, informative placards, and benches makes a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scene. ​

Roe Lake Trail Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.7km

Trailhead: Shingle Bay Road

The Roe Lake Trail loops around—you guessed it—Roe Lake in The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The trail itself is wide and level, with minimal elevation gain from the trailhead. It moves through second-generation forest, making for the perfect shady wander, even in the peak of summer heat.

Mount Menzies Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.3km

Trailhead: Hooson Road

The Mount Menzies Trail takes you up through a native coastal forest ecosystem to a spectacular view across the ocean, overlooking Saturna and the San Juan Islands in the US. Although the route does technically head up an incline, the overall elevation gain is just 70 metres. This short trail is located in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and offers hikers a great payoff for minimal uphill effort.

Greenburn Lake Lookout

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.3km

Trailhead: Gowlland Point Road

Another trail tucked inside the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Greenburn Lake Lookout Trail travels roughly 3 km up into the forest and around Greenburn Lake. While some of the hike is along a well-cleared, wide path, the back side of the lake requires a bit of careful climbing over fallen trees and more rugged terrain.

George Hill Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.8km

Trailhead: Walden Road

George Hill Trail is locally known as the “prettiest place on Pender.” As you leave the parking lot (just past the trailhead), it winds upward through a second-growth forest of tall Douglas firs, arbutus trees, and sword ferns draped in moss. Along the way, the trail crosses open ridges with sweeping views toward Mayne, Saturna, and Galiano Islands. On a clear day, you’ll even get snow-capped mainland peaks visible in the distance. When you reach the summit, 169 meters up, you’ve achieved the highest point on North Pender.

Oaks Bluff Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1 km

Trailhead: Pirates Road

At 100m above sea level, the view at the end of the Oaks Bluffs Trail is another that is sure to impress. Featuring switchbacks and stairs to get you to the top, this is the place locals go to get some outdoor exercise. With two viewpoints and benches at the top, you can rest, catch your breath, and take it all in before heading back down.

Enchanted Forest

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.3 km

Trailhead: Spalding Road

If you need to get the kids outside with the premise of a magical surprise, take them to the Enchanted Forest off Spalding Road. This very easy trail wanders through lush forest, with everything covered in soft moss and prehistoric-looking ferns poking out. But what really makes this place magical for kids is the hidden fairy doors tucked between tree roots. Often, travellers will tuck special trinkets like shells or pinecones at the doors for whoever might live there. How many fairy doors will you find?

Brooks Point Regional Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.1km

Trailhead: Gowlland Point Road

Offering grassy meadows, rocky shores, and a sheltered beach, Brooks Point has it all! Meander along the coastline, stop for a picnic, and take in the magnificent view of snow-capped Mt. Baker. Spend the day here, and you just may get lucky and see wildlife both on land and at sea.

Beaumont Marine Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.2 km

Trailhead: Ainslie Point Road

Congratulations! This is the longest trail on Pender, with an elevation gain of over 110 metres. Located in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and along one side of Bedwell Harbour, you’ll be treated to countless lookouts across the water and accessible private coves with crystal-clear water for taking a break. For those who love getting away from the crowds, you’ll often find you have this trail more or less to yourself.

Ready To Hit the Trail on Pender?

Hiking on Pender means trading crowds for quiet, and city noise for the caw of a raven, and the distant lap of the Salish Sea. With trails suited to every flavour of hiker, from peaceful forest explorations to more challenging elevation gains to magical trails perfect for kids, you won’t run out over a weekend.

So lace up, stock a picnic pantry at the Saturday Market, and explore Pender Island’s trails.