Pender Island

Laidback Pender Island is part of a group of islands known as the Gulf Islands tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Getting to Pender Island is part of the adventure. You can take a BC ferry direct from Swartz Bay near Victoria or leave from Tsawwassen on the mainland on a vessel that makes stops at several islands along the way. Once you arrive, it is easy to get around by car, bicycle, or via rides from friendly locals as part of the island’s “Car Stop” program that provides designated hitchhiking locations.

Pender Island is actually made up of two islands, North Pender Island and South Pender Island, separated by a narrow channel and connected by a single-lane bridge. Most of the island's 2200 year-round residents live on North Pender. That is also where you will find the island’s grocery store, restaurants, and other businesses.

Both islands have rolling terrain with thick forests, rocky viewpoints, small lakes, and lots of coastline. Parts of Pender Island’s wilderness are protected within regional parks and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Explore the many hiking trails, get out on the water in a rented kayak, or relax on the beach.