About Pender

Pender Island is accessible by BC Ferries, private boat, water taxi and seaplane. Regular ferry service connects the Penders to Vancouver Island, the Mainland, and nearby Gulf Islands, while marinas and anchorages make it a popular destination for boaters. A seasonal Canada Border Services office at Bedwell Harbour provides clearance for foreign vessels arriving by sea, and water taxis support inter-island travel and seasonal access.

Tides play an important role in daily life on Pender Island, affecting shoreline access, boating, paddling, and beach exploration. Checking tide tables before heading out helps make the most of your time on the water and along the coast.

Life on the Pender Islands is shaped by a deep connection to nature, the ocean and one another. This is a rural island community where wildlife, working farms, beloved dogs, and people all share the same limited land and resources. Living here invites a slower pace and a greater sense of care; being mindful of water, respecting wildlife and neighbours, and tending to the places we share. Volunteering is part of the rhythm of island life, as is looking out for one another when the power goes out, ferries are delayed, or plans simply change. This quiet balance of self-reliance, stewardship, and mutual respect is at the heart of what it means to visit and live on the Penders.

Volunteering is a core part of life on the Penders. It’s how people connect, how kids learn by doing, and how community events, programs and shared spaces come to life. For many islanders, pitching in, formally or informally, is simply part of belonging here.

Dogs are part of everyday life on the Pender Islands, and sharing space with them is rooted in mutual respect—for neighbours, wildlife, and the land. Some areas require dogs to be on leash, while others allow dogs off leash when they are under control, meaning they respond to verbal recall, stay close to their people, and do not chase wildlife. Picking up after your dog is part of that shared responsibility and helps keep Pender welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.