Scotland

A portage at a narrow strip of land that joined Pender Island was made into a canal in 1903 to assist marine traffic. This separated the Penders into North and South Pender Islands. The Penders were once again joined in 1956 by a one-way bridge.

Pender Island is really North Pender and South Pender, they lie between Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. They lie in the calm and picturesque waters located in the Strait of Georgia among the Southern Gulf Islands.

Pender Island has, so the residents claim, the best climate in Canada. With only 30.7 inches of rain a year and a sub-Mediterranean type climate makes it the perfect place for getting married, hiking, biking, family vacations, golf, kayaking, whale watching and even quite walks with nature.

Pender Islands offer over 20 beach accesses and Hidden coves. Mortimer Spit and Hamilton Beach have picnic sites and swimming.

Mount Norman on South Pender is a more advanced climb to get to the view point, but well worth the effort. The Parks and Recreation Commission has opened more new beach accesses and have clearly marked the well maintained hiking trails that the novice or experienced hiker will more than enjoyy.

Local produce, arts and crafts can be purchased from the roadside stands that still are in existence along the quite country side roads. It’s like stepping back in time.

BC Ferries provide scheduled service between Vancouver Island and its Swartz Bay terminal and the mainland from the Tsawwassen terminal. There is also Harbour Air seaplanes and Seair Seaplanes Ltd. Canada Customs is located at Bedwell Harbour and operates between May and September. Visitors arriving by plane and boat can clear customs at this site.

Accommodation on Pender Island include Poet’s Cove Resort, The Inn on Pender and numerous Bed & Breakfast Inns. There are also camping sites available at the Provincial camp grounds. Reservations should be confirmed during the high traffic summer months.