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 P10,769 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P10,769
P12,384 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (386 reviews)
"Poet Cove is a very nice resort if you want to relax and unwind . Good restaurant overlooking the marina . Excellent customer service . Thank you very much ."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 P7,761 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
P7,761
P8,770 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Saanichton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,708 reviews)
"Everything was good, basic hotel with Coffee, staff was friendly. Nice to Have the White Spot Restaurant next door."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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 P4,875 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P4,875
P5,606 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Duncan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (872 reviews)
"food for breakfast has no fruits at all."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 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 WiFi, 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 Jun 27, 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Cusheon Lake Resort

Cusheon Lake Resort

3 out of 5
171 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cusheon Lake and Salt Spring Vineyards ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
"Amazing...a 3 star that is 5 star for nature lovers! Log cabins with kitchen and comfortable beds, real fire places with ample free dry wood topped up daily, view of the lake. 2 hot tubs and sauna, free access to plenty of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards any time you want, small but good size quiet ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Cusheon Lake Resort
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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