Pender Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island

These two idyllic islands in the archipelago outside Vancouver promise relaxing walks, charming towns and a warm rural atmosphere.

Pender Island, in spite of its singular name, actually consists of two islands. The sense of community here is felt strongly through its rich connections to the past and a large presence of artistic and creative types. Enjoy the relaxed pace of Pender, a laid-back and peaceful vacation destination.

The two islands were once connected to one another, before a canal was carved through the isthmus in 1902. Today, most residents live on North Pender, where old-world farms grow organic produce. Explore Roesland, once farmland and then a coastal resort, now part of a national reserve Here, browse the Pender Island Museum to learn more about the community’s agrarian past.

Swim or engage in watersports in the ocean waters around the islands. Rent a kayak to paddle in the coastal coves and inlets at a gentle pace. Don goggles and dive into a cave at Tilly Point, where glowing anemones line the ocean bed.

Tee off on the scenic nine-hole course at Pender Island Golf & Country Club. The putting greens and driving ranges here are surrounded by thick woodland.

Explore the scenery of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, a large portion of which is on South Pender. Hike up Mount Norman or take a more leisurely walk to places such as Enchanted Forest Park, a fairy-tale glade. Tour the wilderness and look for bears, whales and other wildlife.

Come to Pender Island on the first weekend in August to witness the annual Hope Bay Boat Days, a 2-day festival with music, boat shows and communal dinners. In the same month, purchase the best produce from local farms at the lively Fall Fair.

Peak season in the Gulf Islands is in July and August, when the sun is out and the water is perfect for swimming. Travel to the island by ferry from Swartz Bay on Victoria Island or Tsawwassen in Vancouver. Fly in on a float plane to view the beauty of Pender Island from above.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
9801 Spalding Rd, Pender Island, BC
The price is CA $355 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $355
CA $408 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (373 reviews)
"Room is clean and cozy with patio and harbour view."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Pender Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pender ...
10/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Amazing place! We loved the incredible sunsets and many spots to read and hang out. Pauline was very responsive to any questions."

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring  boat moorage and kayaks

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks

Capital G
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pender Island Museum and Otter Bay ...
10/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Exceeded everyone’s expectations. We came by boat to a magical place."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Pender Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pender ...
10/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Amazing place! We loved the incredible sunsets and many spots to read and hang out. Pauline was very responsive to any questions."

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home
West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub

West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub

Pender Island
Stay at this condo in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Browning Harbour Marina and Driftwood Centre are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Excellent venue; Excellent host; amazing views. A couple of things keep me from making this a five star review. Not having a stove for cooking is a bit of a drawback. The kitchenette (not kitchen) is actually located outside the suite itself. These things aside... it waa spectacular"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

West Suite- Ocean Front Suite with private Hot tub
Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring  boat moorage and kayaks

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks

Capital G
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pender Island Museum and Otter Bay ...
10/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Exceeded everyone’s expectations. We came by boat to a magical place."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Ocean Front- 8 bedroom luxury vacation home featuring boat moorage and kayaks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Pender Island