Mount Norman
The highest point on Pender at 244 metres, in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on South Pender. A viewing platform at the top looks over Bedwell Harbour toward the San Juan Islands.
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Welcome to Pender Island
A neighbour's guide to Pender Island
Pender is really two islands, North and South Pender, joined by a small bridge over a narrow canal. Most people live on the north side. The south side is quieter, with forest, rocky points and Mount Norman, the highest spot on the island. In SENĆOŦEN the island is known as SDÁ,YES.
We think of Pender as a walking island. A volunteer parks commission looks after a long list of community parks, trails and beach accesses, and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve covers more. Add a Saturday market at the Community Hall and a heritage museum by the water, and you have an easy day trip or a slow weekend from Mayne.
North Pender had 2,467 residents and South Pender had 305 in the 2021 Census, according to Islands Trust community profiles.
Good for
Pender has a big network of community trails and beach accesses, national park land, a Saturday market and a heritage museum, all at an easy island pace.
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Highlights
Where to go on Pender Island
Roesland and the Pender Islands Museum
A short, easy walk out to a small islet with arbutus trees and views of passing ferries. The museum sits in the 1908 Roe farmhouse on the same site and opens on a seasonal schedule.
Learn moreSaturday market at the Community Hall
Pender's Saturday market runs at the Community Hall on Bedwell Harbour Road. It is a good place to meet island growers and makers.
Learn moreMortimer Spit
A pebble beach and mud flats on Canal Road on South Pender, with hand-launch access for kayaks and small boats. The road sits at sea level and can flood, so check the tides.
Learn moreGowlland Point
A community ocean access on South Pender with a bench facing the San Juan Islands and, on clear days, Mount Baker. Steep stairs lead down to a sand and pebble beach.
Learn moreMagic Lake
A community swimming hole with a dock and float, plus a lakeside picnic site with a small launch for canoes and kayaks. The lake supplies drinking water, so keep dogs under control.
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Ferries and getting there
Getting to Pender Island
BC Ferries lands at Otter Bay on North Pender. It is the island's only ferry terminal. Sailings connect Otter Bay with Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Swartz Bay (Victoria) and the other Southern Gulf Islands: Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and Salt Spring.
From Tsawwassen, you sail on the Southern Gulf Islands route. Reservations are available on this route and are a good idea, especially on weekends and in summer. If you book, check in between 60 and 30 minutes before departure or your booking will not be honoured. Sailings to and from Swartz Bay and between the islands are first come, first served, so arrive early.
From Mayne Island, catch a sailing from Village Bay to Otter Bay. Some sailings are direct and some stop at other islands or need a transfer, so check the schedule for your day. Walking on is easy, and the Otter Bay terminal has a bike rack and limited free parking (48-hour limit).
Island-hopping tips
- Book your Tsawwassen sailing ahead, but plan to arrive early for Swartz Bay and inter-island sailings because they are first come, first served.
- Check the schedule for the exact day you travel, because some sailings between Mayne and Pender are direct and others stop at other islands.
- Walking on or bringing a bike is often the simplest way to hop between islands, and Otter Bay has a bike rack.
- Check BC Ferries current conditions and service notices before you leave, and carry water, snacks and a backup plan in case of delays.
- Community parks on Pender do not allow fires or camping, so plan to camp at Prior Centennial or Shingle Bay in the national park reserve instead.
Ferry terminals
⛴ Otter BayConnects to Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Swartz Bay (Victoria), Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and Salt Spring
Keep exploring
The other Southern Gulf Islands
See all the islands, the ferry map and the "Which island suits you?" quiz →
Make Mayne part of your trip
Staying on Mayne? Start here
Mayne is a short hop from every Southern Gulf Island. Base yourself here and day-trip, or add a night or two on Mayne to your island-hopping plans.
Things to do on MayneOur local guides to trails, beaches, food and moreLive BC Ferries sailingsNext departures and arrivals at Village BayPlaces to stay on MayneCabins, B&Bs, resorts and rentalsWhere to eat on MayneCafés, restaurants and food trucksWhat's onMarkets, music and events on MayneThe Mayne Island directoryEvery local business and service in one place
Good to know
Pender Island FAQs
How do I get to Pender Island?
Take BC Ferries to Otter Bay on North Pender. Sailings run from Tsawwassen near Vancouver and from Swartz Bay near Victoria, and Pender also connects with Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and Salt Spring.
Do I need a ferry reservation to get to Pender Island?
Reservations are available and recommended on sailings to and from Tsawwassen. Sailings to and from Swartz Bay and between the Southern Gulf Islands are first come, first served, so arrive early, especially in summer.
Can I get from Mayne Island to Pender Island by ferry?
Yes. Sailings run between Village Bay on Mayne and Otter Bay on Pender. Some are direct and some stop at other islands, so check the schedule for your travel day.
Are North and South Pender connected?
Yes. A small bridge crosses the narrow canal between the two islands, so you can drive, cycle or walk from one to the other.
What is the best hike on Pender Island?
Mount Norman on South Pender is the best-known climb. It is the highest point on the island, and the summit platform looks out over Bedwell Harbour and the San Juan Islands.
Can you camp on Pender Island?
Yes, in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Prior Centennial is a drive-in campground and Shingle Bay is a reservable backcountry site a short walk from the parking lot. Camping and fires are not allowed in Pender's community parks.
Helpful links
Official Pender Island resources
- BC Ferries: Otter Bay terminalbcferries.com
- Pender Island Chamber of Commerce and visitor centrependerislandchamber.com
- Pender Islands Parks and Recreation (CRD)crd.ca
- Pender Island community parks guide (CRD)crd.ca
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserveparks.canada.ca
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve campingparks.canada.ca
- Pender Islands Museumpenderislandsmuseum.ca
Links go to outside websites. Always check with them for the latest details.