Pender Island

Pender Island is a pastoral ocean paradise in the Gulf Islands of Canada, nestled between rugged Vancouver Island and British's Columbia's Sunshine Coast. You will enjoy the wide variety of activities on Pender Island, along with the offerings from local artists, artisans and businesses. Whether it be a delicious gourmet meal, the weekly Saturday Morning Farmers Market, hiking and camping in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve(GINPR) or some chill out time on the beach.

Pender Island has an interesting mix of merchants, sailors, artists, musicians, writers, artisans,and travellers. World-class accomodations, camping, restaurants and parks make it one of Canada's best tourist destinations. Blessed with mild weather, fair seas, breathtaking views and a fertile soil, Pender Island is also home to some of the finest wines made in the world. The climate is so mild that palm, kiwi, and olive trees can be grown. It's quite charming. Pender also has one of the best disk golf courses in the world!

If you are sailing in the area, you should check out Bedwell Harbour;It's a great place to anchor; there is a marine park there and a resort also. This is also the location of Canada Customs office if you are coming from somewhere other than Canada.

• Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR)[1] offers incredible opportunities for boating, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing and picnicking. At Beaumont/ Mt. Norman, take the challenging upwards trek (climbing 244 metres!) to the top of Mt. Norman. Accessible by trailheads at both Canal and Ainslie Point roads, Mt. Norman features breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Gulf Islands. At Roesland wander through a historic cottage resort and learn about Pender Islands' history and lore. The original Roesland farmhouse, built in 1908, is now operated by the Pender Islands Museum Society [2]. Roe Lake at Roesland-- one of the only natural freshwater lakes in the Southern Gulf Islands-- is accessible via the trailheads at either South Otter Bay or Galleon Bay Roads. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of local wildlife: black-tailed deer, raccoons, bald eagles and great blue herons all call the Penders their home. For more information about Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, please call 1-866-944-1744.

• At Prior Centennial Campground (GINPR). Prior Centennial is a vehicle accessible campground with 17 campsites available. Ammenities offered at Prior Centennial include potable water, pit toilets and fire pits (seasonally available).To reserve a campsite at Prior Centennial, please call 1-877-737-3783.

• At Beaumont (GINPR). Beaumont offers 11 walk-in, back-country campsites. Beaumont can be accessed via a trail from the Ainslie Point Road parking lot. Follow the trail until you reach a fork: both forks will lead you to the camping area. There is no fresh water available at Beaumont, so please plan accordingly[3].