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| At one time both islands were one. In 1902 a canal was dredged to allow easy access between Bedwell Harbour and Port Browning creating the islands, as we now know them. It wasn't until a one-lane bridge was constructed in 1955 to span this scenic waterway that one could get from one to the other easily. |
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A cairn on the north end of the bridge marks the site of an archaeological dig that dates First Nations occupations back 6,000 years. This area was called "helisen" by the Coast Salish, which means "lying between". The Coast Salish people hunted and fished around Pender Island. In the 1700s, Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza sailed past Pender Island, which he named Sayas ("skirt").
Permanent settlement of the islands began with small sheep farms in the 1800s. By the 1900s, the island community had grown large enough to warrant a government wharf, a post office, and ferry service from Sidney, on Vancouver Island. |
| The Pender Islands are protected under the Islands Trust, the local government agency responsible for land-use planning for the islands and waters in the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound. The Islands Trust Policy Statement was developed in support of the Trust’s legislated object: “to preserve and protect the Trust Area and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of residents of the Trust Area and of the Province generally…” | ) |
| The guiding principles are voluntary stewardship of the Trust Area resources and amenities; preservation and protection of the Trust Area’s environment; management of growth; utilization of local knowledge in decision-making processes; and provision for public participation in such processes. Nestled along the ferry route from Vancouver to Victoria, these islands offer an escape from the rush of city life. This is a peaceful, slower-paced world. The southern-most of these islands, including North and South Pender, mimic a balmy sub-Mediterranean climate. With numerous parks and public beaches accessed through marked trails, these friendly rural islands have become the perfect spot for family vacations, romantic escapes, seminars and retreats. |
| These islands possess a quiet charm, a slower pace that gives the impression of a kinder, gentler world. They have more sunshine and less rain than Vancouver, with a soft, amiable climate year-round. They have mile after mile of magnificent shoreline, wonderful beaches, flowery meadows, acres of forest, sunsets that take your breath away. They have eagles and hawks, deer, otters and seals. Pods of whales swim near their shores. To the visitor on the run from the urban rat race, it feels like paradise. | ) |
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Most of the two islands’ 2000 permanent residents live on North Pender Island. From May to October residents and visitors can shop for local produce, arts and crafts at North Pender's popular Farmer's Market (Saturdays at the Driftwood Centre). In the summer on South Pender, a Canadian Customs Port for air and sea craft operates at Bedwell Harbour. Boaters can find marinas at Port Browning, Otter Bay, and Bedwell Harbour. |
| The mild climate and pristine wilderness make North and South Pender Islands perfect for family holidays, romantic retreats, golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking and nature watching. Beaumont Provincial Marine Park, nestled below the bluffs of Mount Norman, is one of the most popular marine parks in the Gulf Islands. You'll enjoy the laid-back pace of the Penders as you bask in the unspoiled countryside of woods and wildflowers or explore hidden bays and coves along the beautiful coastline. |
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One of the best beaches on the Pender Islands is at Mortimer Spit, close to the canal between the two islands. A snout of sand where you'll find plenty of room and few visitors to share the beach with juts out into Navy Channel. A more popular spot is just north at Hamilton Beach at Port Browning. |
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You'll find a more festive atmosphere here in summer with a pub, marina, cafe, and picnic tables beside the beach. On the far shore, visible from Hamilton, is a sandy strip of beach at Razor Point. Another viewpoint worth seeking out is on South Pender Island. Mount Norman dominates the southern half of the twin islands, forcing traffic to divert around its north flanks. On top you'll find an observation platform with a wooden bench on which to rest while you get out your binoculars. The views from here are directly west over Bedwell Harbour towards Salt Spring Island, Victoria, and southern Vancouver Island and south across Boundary Pass into Washington. Another viewpoint on the east side of Mount Norman exposes the sun-weathered flanks of Saturna Island, and beyond to Vancouver and the British Columbia-Washington mainland. North and South Pender Island amenities and activities include:
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