Pender Island
Pender Islands (North and South) has the charm you are looking for and more.
Commonly referred to in the singular, Pender Island is becoming known as
the “little sister” of Salt Spring Island. Located in the heart of the Southern
Gulf Islands, British Columbia, North and South Pender islands, together
yet separate, are divided by a narrow canal between Bedwell Harbor and Port
Browning Harbor, connected by a picturesque one-lane bridge.
Pender Island offers a diverse choice of lifestyles for your retirement, from quiet seclusion on South Pender Island, to the welcoming community of Magic Lake Estates on North Pender Island.
Picture yourself driving along winding roads taking you by pastoral farms, large forests, tranquil lakes, lush fern glades, ocean bays, and abundant wildlife on Pender Island. You may be fortunate to see otters at play in the shallow bays, close-up views Orca whale pods at Thieves Bay on North Pender Island, seals, porpoises, or an amazing blue heron stalking its’ next meal. Discover tidal pools filled with minute sea creatures, hunt for multi-coloured starfish clinging to rocks at low tide, and watch the gulls circle overhead while you relax on a warm shore. Both North and South Pender Islands have an abundance of well-marked hiking trails, from energetic to relaxing. The climb up Mount Norman will surprise you with a panoramic view over the Southern Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands across the border in the United States.
The sunny Pender Islands is home to approximately 2,500 permanent residents. South Pender Island has beautiful undeveloped natural areas, many walk-on ocean beach accesses, private secluded acreages, and is home to a well-known resort, spa and marina at Bedwell Harbour. North Pender Island is home to a larger population, where you will find the majority of services in and around the Driftwood Centre, and is home to a great family resort close to the ferry terminal. Historic Port Washington area on North Pender Island is fun to explore with its’ well-preserved turn of the century buildings and farms, and re-built legendary Hope Bay Store.
The Pender Islands are popular for sailing, salmon fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, sheltered kayaking, hiking and boating. Four accessible swimming pools, playgrounds, parks, and beaches to explore will keep your grandchildren fully entertained. The popular Pender Island Farmers’ Market held on summer Saturday mornings is your chance to see a variety of hand-made treasures and goodies. The yearly Pender Island Fall Fair, Christmas Craft Fair and the Magic Lake New Year’s Eve Lantern Festival are events not to be missed. Year-round events make Pender Island an exciting choice for those seeking a vibrant arts community, offering live theatre, choral concerts, films, mixed-media art shows, galleries, and book readings, all by local artists and performers. Pender Island hosts internationally-known performers through its’ Gulf Island Concert Series. Pender Island’s historical nine-hole golf course is a golfers’ gem, and the library, museum, thrift store, and hand-crafted community hall are treasured by all. Pender Island’s well-known disc golf course hosts many well-attended tournaments each year.