Pender Islands
Brooks Point, South Pender
Otter Bay Marina
POPULATION: 2,200
FERRY TERMINAL: Otter Bay
TOURIST INFO: Pick up a Pender Island Chamber of Commerce brochure
ATM MACHINES: Pender Island Pharmacy, Driftwood Auto
North and South Pender Islands are a beachcomber's paradise. Gorgeous, secluded beaches and coves - 37 in all - are tucked all along the coastlines of these islands, making the Penders popular for family vacations, romantic getaways, and lazing-on-the-beach-with-a-book holidays. Historically, the First Nations also favoured Penders' beaches and there is archeological evidence of settlements here 5,000 years ago. Much later, in 1857, the islands were named after Daniel Pender, the master of the HMS Plumper.
In the following years, the Penders became the site for various businesses, including a brick-making factory, a herring saltery, a fertilizer company, and farming. In 1902, the sand neck that naturally joined the two islands was dredged to create a canal to allow ships to pass through. Then, in 1955, the islands were rejoined with a picturesque, one-lane wooden bridge and this continues to be the way people travel between North and South Pender.
One of the most popular ways to tour the Penders is on two wheels. Kayaking is another top activity here, with plenty of coastal nooks and crannies to explore. Novice kayakers will especially like Mortimer Spit and the Bedwell Harbour area. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available. Hikers have several wonderful options, including George Hill Regional Park, Mount Elizabeth Park, Magic Lake Estates, and Oak Bluffs. Mount Norman Park (now part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve) features a steep two-kilometre trek to a 244-metre peak that grants fabulous views. Roesland, also part of the new national park reserve, features hiking trails, a freshwater lake, beaches, a headland and lush forest.
Disc golf is another great Pender activity. For the uninitiated, disc golf is played with a frisbee instead of clubs and balls and is a blast for all ages. Diving, fishing, boating, sailing, golfing, disc golfing, touring by scooter and swimming at Magic Lake or at a public pool are just a few more ways to enjoy the Penders.
Accommodation options on the Penders include camping at Prior Centennial Park, numerous bed and breakfasts, and vacation cottages, as well as inns and resorts. Boaters will find a full-service marina that includes a Canadian Customs Port of Entry (summers) at Bedwell Harbour, as well as government docks at Port Washington, Hope Bay and Razor Point. The Driftwood Centre is the islands' commercial hub and the location of a variety of shops and services that cater to visitors and the islands' 2,200 residents. Parks Canada also has an office there.
Mortimer Spit is a summertime favourite popular for kayaking, swimming, and launching small boats. The sandy shore and sheltered waters make it a great family hangout. Beaumont Marine Park is another good choice and features a gorgeous white shell beach. This 58-hectare park can only be reached by small boat or by walking a 40-minute trail that begins at the bridge that joins North and South Pender. The more difficult trek to the 244-metre peak of Mount Norman begins at the same spot; this is the highest vantage point on the island and the view is well worth the effort!
For a heavenly place to while away an afternoon picnicking and watching for marine wildlife, check out Brooks Point on South Pender. Medicine Beach is another favourite and protects one of the last wetlands on the Gulf Islands. Something not to miss during the summer is the Saturday Morning Market at the beautiful Community Hall on North Pender. This summer market features the freshest local produce and homemade goodies and is an excellent way to get a taste of the local flavour.
The biggest event of the year is the Fall Fair, presented by the Pender Island Farmers Institute and held at the Community Hall in August. Displays, 4-H competitions, an art show, floral contests, kids activities, live entertainment and a dance make this an event that's looked forward to all year. Numerous other events take place throughout the year, from poetry and book readings, to lectures, concerts and gallery tours. A first this year is a car rally set for June 5.
During the summer months, the Lions Club operates an info centre off Otter Bay Road where you can find up-to-date information on happenings around the island, as well as art tour maps and more great tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Penders.