ITINERARY
Fly to Vancouver > Ferry to Victoria (Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay) in Vancouver Island > Ferry to Pender Island (Swartz Bay-Otter Bay) > retrace your steps back to Vancouver.
Depending on the time of year and day of the week, there are direct ferries between Pender Island and Vancouver. The ferry rides are beautiful if the weather cooperates.
For my father’s 70th birthday we decided to take a trip to somewhere new, by the water, with few people around. What drew us to Pender Island was a house we found on airbnb (more about it below), and the more I read about the island, the more we thought it was the perfect getaway.
We did spend a ½ day in Victoria in between ferry rides and that is worth a stop. I would not spend days here though.
VICTORIA
The Victoria that’s worth seeing is very small: Old Town district, the Inner Harbour area and a walk around Beacon Hill Park, to the south. Don’t miss Chinatown – not cheesy and full of historic nooks and crannies to explore.
If you want to buy some food supplies to bring with you to Pender Island, you can check out the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson or a bit outside of the downtown area, the Red Barn Country Market. It is not necessary since Pender has a small grocery store, but the variety of options in Victoria will be greater.
PENDER ISLAND
Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in in between Vancouver, BC and Victoria, BC. It consists of two islands, North Pender and South Pender, which are separated by a narrow canal connected by a one-lane bridge, but feels like one island.
TO DO
Sunset Bliss Kayak Tour with Kayak Pender Island Adventures (http://www.kayakpenderisland.com). They offer plenty of other tours but we liked this relaxing option.
Bike around the island. It is a bit hilly so rent an electric bike from Kayak Pender Island Adventures. We did it on a Saturday and first stopped at their Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Community Center. From there we biked on Pirates Road all the way to Peter Cove/Wallace Point. You can go for a swim there or stop at Magic Lake along a way.
Hike to Mount Norman – highest peak in the island with beautiful views of the Bay.
Visit Sea & Star Vineyards. They have a tasting room open most days but check their calendar for events. We went for their Friday late afternoon/early evening tasting, with an art exhibit, food truck and live music.
If you have the time, go explore the other Gulf Islands: Saturna, Mayne, Galiano & Salt Spring. You could kayak to Mayne Island or take a bike on the ferry to explore the others.
STAY Gulf Island View Residence on airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10364764). This house was absolutely stunning…you don’t have to actually ever leave the house to enjoy the beauty of the island.
You could also stay at an airstream trailer at Woods on Pender (https://woodsonpender.com). Either way make sure to stop at their restaurant Coffee Kitchen, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink.