31 Best things to do on Pender Island BC

Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands just off the coast of mainland Canada.

Easily accessible as a Vancouver weekend getaway, it’s a popular destination with Vancouver locals, especially in the summer.

On my trip to Pender Island, BC, I loved the relaxed pace of things, the beautiful nature that is all over the island, and the other things to do on Pender Island including the vineyard, farmers market, hikes on Pender Island, and more.

Located on SDȺY¸ES, North and South Pender Islands, W̱SÁNEĆ and Coast Salish territory, Pender Island should be on your list of places to visit in British Columbia!

Here’s everything to know about planning a trip to Pender Island in winter, summer, and in between.

Best things to do in Pender Island BC

Pender Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a range of outdoor activities for different interests. Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or a peaceful escape, this island has something to offer.

Below is my list of the best things to do on Pender Island British Columbia. You can also see my list of what to do on Pender Island in an interactive map.

Just click the Pender Island map below and you’ll be able to see all the activities and destinations.

1. Go glamping at WOODS on Pender

The WOODS on Pender are how I first discovered the beauty of Pender Island. This cosy and peaceful glamping area offers a truly luxurious camping experience.

The WOODS on Pender Island has a mix of beautiful airstreams with hot tubs, rustic cabins and trendy motel-style accommodations.

Besides the beautiful accommodations, you’ll also find some of the best places to eat on the island. WOODS on Pender has Coffee + Kitchen which is a farm-to-table restaurant with delicious meals using the freshest ingredients.

From your accommodation, you can watch deer come ad go, see the night sky from a hot tub, and enjoy one of the best places for camping on Pender Island with luxurious comforts thrown in.

2. Walk to Gowland Point

There are so many beautiful Pender Island hikes from super easy walks on Pender Island to more strenuous ones.

The walk to Gowland Point on South Pender Island is one of the easier options.

Gowland Point is within Brooks Regional Park where you’ll some stunning ocean views await you. I think you can make the experience even better by walking with a cup of hot coffee in hand!

From the parking lot at Brooks Regional Park, stroll to the end of Gowland Point Road then walk along the pebbled beach. Finish your walk by exploring the rocky bluffs, and grassy meadows and loop back around to the parking lot.

You can get great views of Boundary Pass, the San Juan Islands and the Strait of Georgia from here.

3. Go wine tasting at Sea Star Vineyards

Did you know there’s a great little Pender Island winery? Sea Star Vineyards on Pender Island is in one of the most stunning locations (even better than many of the Kelowna wineries!) and offers reasonably priced tastings.

Wine-tasting reservations can be made online and you can taste a mix of their wines while out on the patio (hopefully under some sunshine!). Sea Star Vineyard wines include Ortega and Siegerrebe, Blanc de Noir, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Schonburger and prosecco-style sparkling wines too.

Their tasting rooms are closed over winter, but you can still pick up a bottle to enjoy back at your Pender Island accommodation.

When the tasting room is open you can sometimes find Pender Island food trucks and live music playing while you enjoy the wines surrounded by beautiful scenery.

4. Enjoy Pender Island Cider

If cider is your drink of choice, be sure to visit Twin Island Cider. This cider farm grows all the apples on the island and produces delicious ciders and perry using only native yeasts in the fermentation process.

During spring and summer, they have a tasting room so that you can go and enjoy the delicious ciders and perry.

Check their website for details on opening hours and times.

5. Visit Mortimer Spit Park

Mortimer Spit Park on Pender Island is easy to drive to and gives you one of the best views on the island.

Mortimer Spit extends out into the ocean and so you’ll get great views on both sides. It’s one of my favourite places to watch the sunset on Pender Island because of this.

There’s also a sandy beach next to the spit and you can watch boats come and go at the Pender Island Marina.

If you’re there during summer, bring a blanket and a picnic lunch (ideally from the farmer’s market) and enjoy the views.

6. Visit Hamilton beach

Hamilton Beach is not only a great Pender Island beach worth visiting, but it’s also another of the best places to watch the sunset.

From Hamilton Beach, you get a great view of all of Browning Harbour with a backdrop of mountain peaks. As the sun goes down behind you, it lights up the harbour and the mountains and is just beautiful!

7. Kayak Pender Island

There are lots of places that are great for kayaking Pender Island. You can rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak from Pender Island Kayak Adventures in Port Browning and then head out on the water.

Or, if you already own one then you can go kayaking or paddleboarding wherever you want (just be sure to check the tide times, and weather and wear a PFD).

You can also take sea kayaking tours near Otter Bay ferry terminal on North Pender Island. Here, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions runs tours. On the tour, you’ll go through secluded coves, and have a strong chance of seeing seals bobbing about in the waters. The tours also include lunch and some include a hike or yoga session too.

Getting out on the water on Pender Island is one of my favourite things to do. You can see seals, eagles, big purple starfish and sometimes sea lions!

8. Eat at Coffee + Kitchen at WOODS on Pender

Briefly mentioned above, Coffee + Kitchen is easily one of the best restaurants on Pender Island.

This beautiful restaurant serves fresh meals using locally sourced ingredients. In fact, some of the ingredients are super local as they come from the on-site greenhouse!

On the menu, you’ll find delicious pizzas with unusual toppings, burgers packed full of flavour and hand-crafted cocktails.

You can also get breakfast at the restaurant at WOODS on Pender which you should do at least once during your trip to Pender Island.

For breakfast, you have a choice of housemade fresh pastries, poached eggs on toast, cinnamon buns and more. There is, of course, delicious coffee to wash it all down with too.

Reservations are highly recommended since it’s one of the best places to eat on Pender Island.

8. Explore Port Browning and grab a drink at Port Browning Pub

Port Browning is an area of Pender Island that you’ll probably find yourself visiting a few times.

Not only is it where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards from, but you can also explore the harbour (and pick out your dream boat – or is that just one of my favourite activities?), watch the waves roll in or sit on the beach with a good book.

There are some great places to eat here and you should definitely visit the Port Browning Pub. This Pender Island Pub is a fun place that’s usually pleasantly busy with both locals and tourists.

While you enjoy a drink, or two, you’ll also get great views of Browning Harbour from the large window in the pub.  

9. Shop at Islnd Grl Collective

Islnd Grl Collective on Pender Island has a unique selection of great clothing, jewellery, homewares and accessories from local Gulf Island and other BC brands. It’s a fun place to browse and pick up some souvenirs from your Canada trip.

10. Hike Mount Menzies

There are so many great Pender Island hikes but one of the most popular and the best is the Mount Menzies hike. It’s a little easier than the hike up to Mount Norman which is the highest peak on the island but still offers incredible views.

The hike up Mt Menzies is just under 2 km return without too much elevation making it a nice easy hike on Pender Island.

You’ll get incredible ocean views and see out to some of the other Gulf Islands too. On a clear day, you can even make out Vancouver in the distance!

The trail takes you through the beautiful forest and is pretty well signposted and easy to follow.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

11. Hike Mt Norman Pender Island

If you’re a keen hiker like me then be sure to hike up to Mt Norman, the highest point on the island.

It’s a short hike of about 2.5 km return with an elevation gain of 200 m so it’s not super steep.

From the top, you get great views of the Olympic Peninsula, the Southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island as well as the San Juans.

12. Visit the art studios on Pender Island

One of my favourite things about the Gulf Islands is how full of creative people they are. There’s just something about islands that brings artists and creative people together. Pender Island is no exception and has a strong art scene much like Hornby Island.

During your visit to Pender Island pick up an a Pender Island At Guide which you can find at many of the local businesses and stores on the island and then get planning your tour of artist studios.

Many of the studios are by appointment only, but not all. You can visit the artists’ websites and pick out the ones you most want to visit and just see if they’re open for you to come by.

The art studios on Pender include wood art using old-growth driftwood found around the beaches on Pender Island, paintings and artworks, and clay sculptures.

There’s also photography, jewelry and more. You’ll be surprised at just how many artists live on this relatively small island!

You can also go to the Red Tree Gallery in Hope Bay which houses over a dozen local artists’ works.

13. Find the island’s farm stands

Another of the reasons to visit Pender Island in summer over Pender Island in winter is that you’ll have the chance to explore the farm stands around the island.

The farm stands are all over Pender Island and work on a trust system where you deposit the money in a box or send an e-transfer once you’ve found something you want.

To find the farm stalls on Pender Island you’ll just need to drive or cycle around and explore!

You can find stands selling jams and spreads from Gulf Island Preserves, Indigenous crystals and herbal remedies and fresh loaves of bread and pastries.

Part of the fun is the surprise when you come across one; have fun.

14. Enjoy a relaxing spa on Pender Island

There are a couple of places on Pender Island where you can enjoy a relaxing massage. It’s the perfect way to unwind from a busy week or a big hike or kayak while exploring Pender Island.

The WOODS on Pender has a treatment room within one of their beautiful Airstream trailers and Poet’s Cove on Pender Island does a range of treatments. This Pender Island resort also has a eucalyptus steam cave to add to your relaxation.

It doesn’t get more relaxing than taking a Pender Island spa day.

15. Hike up George Hill

George Hill is a relatively easy trail on Pender Island which gives you incredible views of the gulf island. From the trailhead, you’ll want to keep going until you pass the second beach.

There are a few areas where you’ll think you’re there, but keep going until you come out on George Hill.

The trail is mostly uphill, but it’s never exceedingly steep and the views are well worth the effort.

16. Shop the Pender Island Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from spring to early autumn, the Pender Island Farmers Market sets up inside and outside the Pender Island Community Hall.

You’ll find a range of baked goods, fresh produce, jewellery, homewares and more.

My favourite thing to do at the farmers market on Pender Island is to buy some treats and foodie goods and then find a great spot for a picnic with a view to enjoy them!

17. Explore the enchanted forest nature park

The enchanted forest on Pender Island is like walking through a real-life fairytale.

The park is full of ferns, tall trees, and wooden boardwalks and bridges. There’s also a waterfall (though it’s usually dry in summer), and a viewpoint out onto Bedwell Harbour.

If you’re visiting Pender Island with kids, a walk through the enchanted forest nature park is a must!

18. Visit Hope Bay and the HUB

Hope Bay is a super cute and quite secluded area of Pender Island which has a restaurant (the HUB), a small chocolate shop and some great ocean views.

Be sure to save your appetite for the HUB at Hope Bay when you come to this part of Pender as it’s one of the best restaurants on Pender Island

More than just a restaurant, the HUB Pender Island is an oceanfront vegetarian restaurant and design shop. They do delicious veggie burgers, pasta dishes, and sharing platters that you won’t be able to resist.

They also have regular supper club events where you can enjoy dinner with some live music. A $25 cover charge is added to your bill and this goes directly to the musicians at the end of the night.

19. Visit Pender Island beaches

There are some beautiful Pender Island beaches with gorgeous views. Some of the best beaches on Pender Island have already been mentioned above and include, Mortimer Spit, Medicine Beach, Beaumont Marine Park and Bricky Bay.

When it comes to what to do in Pender Island, you can’t beat a beach day!

Pack some snacks, a drink and enjoy strolls along the waterfront with amazing ocean views.

20. Enjoy Pender Chocolates

Pender Chocolates is another must-visit on Pender Island. Found in Hope Bay, Pender Island Chocolate

These handmade chocolates come in a variety of interesting flavors including white chocolate Oreo and cookie dough.

There are also salted chocolate sea stars, chocolate frogs, and more fun shapes to choose from.

21. Explore Roseland Gulf Island National Park Reserve

The Gulf Island National Park extends onto Pender Islands as part of Roseland Gulf Island National Park Reserve. It’s well worth exploring but takes a little planning since this park reserve is only accessible during low tide.

The walk only takes about 10 minutes and passes through arbutus trees, Douglas Fir trees, and bright green moss. You’ll come out to an area with a bench and great views.

It’s definitely worth sitting here for a while as you can often see seals in the water below.

In addition, the park also has a few abandoned cottages as the area used to be a former holiday resort in the 1920s.

It closed down in 1990 but the buildings still exist and there’s a small Pender Island museum in the original Roe house from 1909 that’s open on weekends.

22. Go swimming at Magic Lake Pender Island

Magic Lake is a beautiful lake on North Pender that’s a super popular swimming hole with locals come the summer.

The lake gets surprisingly warm and has a swimming platform and picnic area making it the ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon while dipping in and out of the water.

23. Get brunch at Jo’s Place

*Closed permanently as of September 2023*

Jo’s Place on Pender Island is popular with the locals for its hearty portions and great value. It’s one of the best places to eat on Pender Island.

The restaurant has some eclectic decorations with Start Wars, Godzilla, and Pulp Fiction memorabilia and artworks adorning the walls.

The best time to visit Jo’s Palace is for Sunday breakfast or brunch.

At this time, you can choose from a variety of bennies and the hardest decision you’ll have to make is which one to get! If you’re someone who enjoys sweet stuff for breakfast, you can also get French toast or pancakes.

24. Shop at the Pender Island thrift store

If you’re in Pender Island on a Friday or Saturday, make time for visiting the Nu-To-Yu thrift store. You can find so many awesome items here!

Nu-To-Yu was founded in 1983 to raise money for health care services on the island. Since then they have supported many other worthy causes in the Pender Island community.

25. Visit Driftwood Centre

The Driftwood Centre is practically the downtown of Pender Island.

It’s the main shopping center and perfect for stocking up on food for your self-catering accommodation on Pender Island, or for camping on Pender.

There’s a grocery store, liquor store, and gift shops as well as a book shop and the Pender Island pharmacy.

If there’s anything you need during your stay on Pender Island, then you’ll probably find it in Driftwood Centre.

26. Go camping on Pender Island

One of the best ways to explore Pender Island is to go camping on Pender Island.

One of the best options for Pender Island campgrounds is the Shingle Bay campsite on Pender Island. Part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, this campground offers walk-in camping but it’s not far from the parking lot.

There are 10 camp spots and it’s recommended to reserve online through Parks Canada during the main camping season from May 15 – September 30.

The Pender Island campsites typically have waterfront views and there are pit toilets, food caches, and picnic tables. There’s no drinking water through so be sure to bring your own.

Other Pender Island camping options include the Prior Centennial campground and the Beaumont Campground.

Note: Beaumont campground was closed to overnight stays in 2022 for the foreseeable future.

27. Play disc golf on Pender Island

Have you ever played disc golf before? It’s a super fun sport that’s easy to take part in and great fun for all ages.

It combines frisbee with golf, where you’ll through a frisbee (disc) towards a goal which is a pole with some chains around which you’ve got to get the disc through. You can have multiple goes at each pole (hole), just like with golf, and each hole has a par to aim for.

There are three types of discs, a distance driver, mid-range, and putter but you don’t need all these to be able to play.

The Pender Island disc golf course is free, and you can sometimes borrow a set of discs from your accommodation on Pender Island.

If not, get a disc golf set before you go. There are loads of disc golf courses around BC so you’re sure to use it again.

28. Go golfing on Pender

If you prefer ‘norma’ golf, then check out the Pender Island golf course.

You can play both an 18- or 9-hole game at the Pender Island Golf & Country Club. The club is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to the island.

29. Get delicious baked goods from Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe

Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe is the place to go for baked goods or light lunches (perfect for hiking) while staying on Pender Island.

You’ll find macarons, cupcakes, and more delicious treats at this Pender Island cafe making it one of the best places to visit in Pender Island in my opinion!

30. Grab a coffee from Slow Coast Coffee

Slow Coast Coffee on Pender Island is a funky, neon-colored cafe with a mouth-watering selection of crepes and dosas (a South Indian flatbread).

They also do some great coffee which you can grab and go from the takeout window if it’s too busy inside.

If you do manage to get a seat inside, you’ll be able to nestle into a comfy armchair and flick through some good books while enjoying the atmosphere of this Pender Island cafe.

31. Explore Medicine Beach Sanctuary

The Medicine Beach Pender Island Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful and special place. Run and managed by volunteer groups on the island, it’s home to many species including endangered ones.

The beach sanctuary is a historical site of the summer villages of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations people. It’s also one of the largest undeveloped beaches of North Pender and arguably the most beautiful.

You’ll find a rare tidal marsh, bluffs with spectacular views, and beautiful forest trails.

The 20-acre sanctuary is home to many birds and mammals and the beach is an important spawning area for Surf Smelt.

How to get to Pender Island

Since Pender Island is an island, you’ll need to either fly or take the ferry to get there.

If you take the BC ferries to Pender Island, you have the option of going on as a foot passenger, with a bike, or with your car. The latter is the most expensive option but does give you more flexibility to explore the island.

How to get to Pender Island from Vancouver

Vancouver to Pender Island ferry

You can get the ferry to Pender Island from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal which is about 30-45 minutes south of Vancouver. Slightly longer if you’re leaving during rush hour. You’ll also have to factor in additional time (at least 30 minutes) to get in the ferry lineup with plenty of time.

The ferry from Tswassen to Pender Island takes just over 2 hours and stops off at Galiano Island and Mayne Island before docking at Pender Island (Otter Bay).

In the summer you should reserve your sailing in advance. The ferry goes on to Victoria and can get booked up very quickly, especially during long weekends. Avoid having to wait in line for hours and book your sailing as early as possible.

The Pender Island ferries are operated by BC Ferries. There is food, kids’ play areas and facilities on board. Plus, you get amazing views as you sail through the Gulf Islands. Keep your eyes open for whales and other wildlife sightings!

Sea plane to Pender Island

You can fly with Seair Seaplanes which leave from near YVR airport and dock at Pender Island.

How to get to Pender Island from Victoria

From Victoria on Vancouver Island, the journey is a bit quicker.

Start your journey from Victoria to Pender Island by driving from downtown Victoria to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal which takes about 30 minutes without traffic.

From here, catch the ferry to Pender Island which takes around 40 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the route it takes. The longer ferry from Swartz Bay to Pender Island makes a stop at Saturna Island and Mayne Island whereas the quicker one is direct to Pender Island.

You can see the Pender Island ferry schedule to- Victoria here.

This route cannot be reserved in advance so make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to up your chances of fitting on the ferry.

How to get to Pender Island from Nanaimo

If you’re coming from Nanaimo, you can take the ferry from the Crofton Ferry Terminal via Salt Spring Island.

This ferry takes just under 30 minutes to get to Salt Spring Island from Nanaimo and once you dock you’ll need to drive to the Long Harbour Ferry Terminal to get the 40-minute ferry from Salt Spring Island to Pender Island.

This route is not reservable and you’ll need to take care to align the times, giving yourself plenty of time for the drive and to get your ticket for the second ferry.

Alternatively, you can drive from Nanaimo to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal (Victoria) which takes about 1 hour and then follow the instructions above for the Victoria to Pender Island ferry.

Getting around Pender Island

While there is a community bus on Pender Island, it only runs a couple of times a week. If you’re visiting Pender Island without a car, I’d recommend bringing your bike onto the ferry and using that as your way to get around. Alternatively, you can also hitchhike if that’s something you feel comfortable doing.

Otherwise, the best way to get around Pender Island is by car. This gives you the most flexibility and you can explore side roads and other areas without the need to cycle uphill!

Pender Island is divided into North Pender Island and South Pender Island; connected by a narrow bridge.

On North Pender Island you’ll find shops, great Pender Island restaurants and other fun things to do on Pender Island. Whereas South Pender Island is best for its natural beauty.

Best time to visit Pender Island

The best time of year to visit Pender Island is during the summer months from May to September. This is when the weather is nicest (little rain, warmer temperatures, and long daylight hours). It’s also when most of the Pender Island activities are open. Many of the businesses on the island close down during the winter season so visiting in summer is best.

It’s also best to visit Pender Island over the weekend (Thursday to Sunday) as some of the best restaurants on Pender Island are only open on these days. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Farmer’s Market and vintage thrift store which are only open on Saturdays and Fridays respectively.

Lastly, Pender Island’s vineyard is closed for tastings on Mondays and Tuesdays but will be open during the weekend on Pender Island.

Best places to stay on Pender Island

When it comes to where to stay on Pender Island, there are a few places that really stand out. Below, I’ve listed my favourite places to stay in Pender Island.

These are a mix of Pender Island accommodations including Pender Island hotels, resorts and VRBOs.

• Architect cabin on Pender Island: One of the cutest Pender Island cabins
• Ocean view retreat with private hot tub
• WOODS on Pender
• Connected Hearts Home on Pender Island
• Ocean Panorama View Cottage
• Pender Island Poets Cove: Great resort on Pender Island with a spa
• Pender Island tides: super cute cottages with great views.

If you’re visiting Pender Island in winter, these cabins and cottages are perfect for a relaxing break. Pack your cabin essentials and enjoy!

FAQs about the best things to do on Pender Island

Final thoughts on the best Pender Island things to do

This guide to the best Pender Island places to visit has included all sorts of Pender Island activities from kayaking and paddle boarding to hiking, eating at great restaurants on Pender Island, glamping, and discovering the shops and farmer’s markets.

If you’re looking to visit more of the Gulf Islands near Vancouver, be sure to check out these guides to the best things to do on Salt Spring Island, where to stay on Salt Spring Island, the best things to do on Gabriola Island, what to do on Galiano Island, and the best things to do on Hornby Island too.

These islands are also great places to find some of the best cabins near Vancouver or are great as a romantic getaway in BC too.

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Hannah