On the Gulf Islands activity scale, Pender Island is midway between bustling Salt Spring Island and the ultimate in low-key, do-it-yourself getaways, Saturna Island.
Visitors can relax in style and enjoy the low-key creature comforts that make island life in this temperate, environmentally pristine part of the world so pleasant.
Kayaking and beachcombing are among the many water activities here. Hikers make tracks on mostly gentle parkland trails. Cyclists, golfers, arts aficionados and shoppers are also well served.
And there's no shortage of fine accommodations and first-rate, mostly casual dining establishments.
Land Activities
Relax outdoors in Pender's share of the Gulf Islands National Parks Reserve. Roesland, Medicine Beach, and other island green spaces feature easy to moderate walking trails, with only the grind up Mount Norman serving as a heart-pumping challenge. Cyclists ride past the farmlands on North Pender and effectively have the roads to themselves at the eastern end of South Pender.
A charming nine-hole course and reasonable green fees are found at the Pender Island Golf & Country Club (2305 Otter Bay Road). Or try a round of disc golf (aka "frolf" or frisbee golf) at the 27-hole Golf Island Disc Park in Magic Lake Estates. Play anytime for free or compete with other enthusiasts at the Pender Classic tournament in late May. Discs can be purchased at local retailers.
Morning Bay Vineyard and Estate Winery is open on weekends year-round but summer is the busy season for picnics on the terrace overlooking Plumper Sound. Its annual Winestock Music Festival on the Labour Day weekend (early September) features tastings, food and live performances. Concerts are occasionally booked in the Community Hall, including dates by such Penderites as singer-songwriter Mae Moore and guitarist Lester Quitzau.
Water Activities
Rent a kayak at the Port Browning Marina and explore North Pender's scalloped shoreline. Whale watching expeditions depart from Hope Bay during the summer. Or clamber aboard a fully rigged schooner on charter trips in the Salish Sea.
Swimmers typically will stick a toe in the cold ocean, then decide it is wiser and warmer to take the plunge at Magic Lake or Roe Lake. Visiting boaters can find moorage at the Otter Bay, Poet's Cove and Port Browning marinas. Scuba divers with their own gear (there is no dive shop on the island) head for the underwater caves at Tilley Point. The fishing has traditionally been good off Blunden Island at the southeastern corner of South Pender.
Farmers Market & Organic Produce
Crafts, art, organic produce, gourmet fudge, and an opportunity to mingle bring out the crowds for the Saturday Farmers' Market, held from Easter weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October) at the Community Hall. The MacDonald Farm Store (4415 Bedwell Harbour Road) and Southridge Farms Country Store (3327 Port Washington Road) are the best daily sources for fresh and local vegetables and fruit.
The Pender Island Fall Fair is held on a Saturday in late August and continues a tradition dating back to 1932. Expect sheepdog demonstrations, goat milking, musical performances and an evening barbeque.
Shopping
The Driftwood Centre in North Pender's heartland is the island's one mini plaza. Several gift shops, the House On Pender flower shop and Talisman Books and Gallery are here. The latter carries a full range of international and BC writers, among them such Penderites as maritime specialist Ron Palmer, kid-lit author Andrea Spalding, and historical fiction novelist Barry Mathias.
The collection of heritage buildings at Hope Bay include the cooperative Red Tree Gallery and the décor shop Sladen's for the Home. Bargain hunters head for the Nu To Yu Store, the island's thrift shop since the 1970s.
Getting Started
Visit the Chamber of Commerce office in the Driftwood Centre, a 10-minute drive from the Otter Bay ferry terminal on North Pender. The brochure rack here has B&B flyers, an artist studio guide and the annually updated Pender Island Visitors' Guide and Map (also available on BC Ferries).
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