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Never say "Pender Island" to any of the locals. Since 1902 there have
actually been two islands, North and South Pender, with the majority of the
3000 permanent residents living on North Pender, primarily in the Magic Lake
and Trincomali subdivisions.
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In 1902 a canal was dredged through a narrow neck of land known as Indian Portage to create the two islands, in order to allow the steamship,
Iroquois, a shorter and safer route to Victoria on its regular run to and from
the Penders. A one lane bridge, built in 1955, finally joined the two islands.
After Salt Spring, the Penders are the most populated of the southern Gulf
Islands, with more amenities than you might expect for their size: a golf course and clubhouse, three public marinas, restaurants, shopping
centre, liquor store, pharmacy, bank, school, community centre and medical/dental
clinic are only some of the services Penderites enjoy.
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What can you do here? If you actually get around to leaving your Shangri-la,
kayaking, fishing and boating are a Pender way of life and local businesses
will help get you started. Beach combing or just relaxing on your own slice
of beach is another. The Penders have over thirty public beach accesses,
ensuring that even in summer you probably have a little bit of paradise all to
yourself.
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Then there's horseback riding, hiking trails, our famous disc golf course, the trek up to Mt. Norman or over to Beaumont marine park,
lounging on Mortimer Spit and watching the marine traffic surge through the
narrow isthmus, or enjoying parks like historic Roesland or Roe Lake. The
Penders also have their own vineyard, as well as a bustling Saturday morning
market at the community centre, worth a visit on its own. Or explore historic
buildings in Port Washington, check out organic farms, visit our artists' studios
or take the children swimming at one of our three public pools. |
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So kick back and enjoy a vacation away from city lights, Gulf Island style. |
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