South Pender Island

Travel Guide

Discover this rugged island in the Gulf archipelago to check out scenic wilderness areas, a luxurious harborside resort, seaside spa facilities and pretty coves.

South Pender Island is the southern half of a duo of islands split by a narrow canal. Follow South Pender Island’s coastline to find seaside cottages huddled up to the shore or check out the island’s interior to explore the wild mountain landscapes. Kayak along the pristine coastline or go on a boat trip to see pods of orcas breaching in front of an unrivalled sunset.

Spend some time exploring the hamlets stretched along the coast and visit local cafés, artists’ studios and regional produce makers. Book a retreat at the Poets Cove Resort and Spa for a deluxe Gulf Islands vacation. Enjoy the tranquility of the resort’s surroundings and indulge in spa treatments, lavish dining experiences and stunning marina views.

There are two large sections of the scattered Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on South Pender Island. Stroll along the network of trails that cover South Pender Island’s rolling hills in Mount Norman Regional Park. Beaumont Provincial Marine Park faces Bedwell Harbor, and its excellent hiking trails, sandy beaches, tidal pools, pretty picnic areas and wilderness camping sites are only accessible on foot or via the water. Discover more of South Pender Island’s pristine waters with a kayaking trip around the harbor or the coastline. Find magnificent sandy beaches, try fishing or go scuba diving offshore to take in the coastal wilderness. Visit the South Pender Island bluffs at sunset and you might see orcas feeding and playing amid the tidal waters.

The Pender Islands are located amid the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia’s Salish Sea. To reach South Pender Island, take a ferry to Otter Bay on adjoining North Pender Island. The two islands are connected by a bridge. Ferries depart from from Long Harbour, Village Bay, Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. You can also arrive by seaplane and private and commercial boats. Hike, kayak or sail to a secluded camping site in Beaumont Provincial Marine Park. Offshore moorage buoys are provided. Moorage and camping fees can be paid at Poets Cove Resort.

South Pender Island’s population swells during summer vacation. Visit during the warmer months to join the lively community of families and vacationers, or check out South Pender Island during the off-peak season for a more laid-back experience.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Poets Cove Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
9801 Spalding Rd, Pender Island, BC
The price is P7,944 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
P7,944
P9,135 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (329 reviews)
"The view from our room was beautiful. Food was delicious in the onsite restaurant, bed was comfortable too. They needed to have done some spring cleaning as there was moss & weeds growing on our patio. We were placed in the room right under the stairs to the restaurant and the backside of the elevator, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
9775 First St, Sidney, BC
The price is P7,312 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
P7,312
P8,262 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sidney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (835 reviews)
"Overall great stay. Ground floor room had view of parking lot and noisy recycling lorries passed right in front of terrace"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
The price is P11,278 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P11,278
P12,744 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brentwood Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved our stay"

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (298 reviews)
"Great location. Beautiful 2 bedroom cottage. Spacious, clean and well equipped. Gorgeous lake and stunning views. Did not like the late check in time, waiting around until dinner time to check in isn’t good value to the customer. Lake equipment was nice however there were limited oars so you couldn’t ..."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Mineral Springs Resort
Mineral Springs Resort
2.5 out of 5
1460 North Beach Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (269 reviews)
"Great stay. Beautiful ocean view."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

Mineral Springs Resort
Cusheon Lake Resort
Cusheon Lake Resort
3 out of 5
171 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cusheon Lake and Salt Spring Vineyards ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"We love love loved the wood burning fireplace!!! The deck overlooking the lake was sublime. The kitchen spacious. Didn’t like the tv being in the bedroom. Would prefer to have it over the fireplace. The couch was pretty basic and not comfy. There was no coffee table so we moved the daybed over to ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Cusheon Lake Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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