Pender Island Travel Guide

Tourist 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 ₹20,159 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹20,159
₹23,183 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pender Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (367 reviews)
"Excellent location. Rooms, restaurants, pools, marina - well run. Only inconvenience - the room key cards - too easy to demagnetize."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

2 out of 5
2401 Mt Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC
The price is ₹12,436 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,436
₹14,052 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Saanichton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,640 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport
Super 8 by Wyndham Duncan

Super 8 by Wyndham Duncan

2 out of 5
5325 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC
The price is ₹8,527 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,527
₹9,806 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Duncan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.8/10 (843 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and helpful. The ice machine was broken. Busy place. Smaller rooms than what I expected."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Duncan
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.
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (319 reviews)
"Love the is cottage! Good for families and friends to share"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
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.

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