The
Penders are reached via Active Pass. It is approximately half
way between Vancouver and Victoria and the most southern of the
Gulf Islands. To get to the Pender Islands you must board BC
Ferries. From Swartz
Bay travel to Otter Bay on North Pender Island from Victoria or
Vancouver. The trip length varies depending on the route you chose.
The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is approximately 25 minutes north
of the Victoria downtown. Travel time from Vancouver to Swartz
bay is approximately 2 hours. The Penders have a good number of
parks, beaches, marinas and natural areas. Find out why you should visit The Penders!
You
can also go by air from services in Victoria and Vancouver. A local seaplane company also does island runs. If you are on some of the Gulf
Islands, you can reach Salt Spring Island by water
taxi.
The
Pender Islands Temperature
Temperature:
The Gulf Islands have the highest year round temperatures in
Canada. The Islands have a cool Mediterranean climate with four
distinct seasons. Due to topography, the climate varies throughout
the island. Generally poinst of land nearest to the ocean are
the mildest due to the moderating effect of the water.
Campgrounds & R.V. Parks
There
are two campgrounds on Pender Island, one at at Beaumont/Mount Norman, GINPR with 11 campsites and another at Prior Centennail Campground, GINPR with 17 campsites. Check out the Current Map/Hiking and Camping Information Brochure for additional information.
Why
go to the Pender Islands?
The
people of the Penders enjoy a leisurely way of life in the most
temperate climate in Canada. The beauty of the islands provides
an inspiration for many craftspeople - artists, writers, and
lovers of nature. The full time population numbers approximately
2800 people. The Penders off many social and cultural activities
and are renowned for their community spirit. The Penders
are one of the most populated of the Gulf Islands, with most
of the population concentrated in the Magic Lake Estates and
the Trincomali subdivisions on North Pender. On the Penders
you can rent kayaks, cars, boats and horses. You can
beach comb, picnic, hike, golf, fish, play tennis, sail or swim
in one of several outdoor heated pools. There are lots
of crafters and artists on the Penders. Beaumont/Mount Norman, GINPR
has a panoramic view of the Gulf Islands and the hike to the
peak is about 30 minutes long. Be sure to drive the Island
and view the bridge of the man made canal that separates North
and South Pender.
Two useful sites with additional information are the GINPR site and Parks Canada
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