Pender History

The Pender Islands, North and South Pender, are nestled in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. The Penders are located midway between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, in the heart of the Salish Sea. Their rich history spans thousands of years, from Indigenous stewardship to early European settlement and the development of industries that shaped the community.

The islands have been home to Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial. Known traditionally as SDÁ,YES, the Pender Islands are part of the territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations. Archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, including shell middens and village remains, reflect a deep connection to the land and waters, with generations relying on fishing, hunting and gathering.

European exploration began in the late 18th century. In 1791, a Spanish expedition led by Francisco de Eliza visited the area, naming it “Ysla de San Eusevio.” Later, British Royal Navy Captain Richards named the islands after Staff Commander Daniel Pender, who surveyed the coast of British Columbia aboard H.M.S. Plumper and Hecate from 1857 to 1870.

The first non-Indigenous arrivals to acquire land on Pender Island came in the 1870s, although permanent settlers began farming in the early to mid-1880s. At that time, the island was a single landmass, and it wasn’t until 1903 that a canal was dredged to separate what are now known as North and South Pender Islands.

Farming was one of the earliest and most important settler industries on the islands, where land was cleared for crops, livestock, and orchards. Farmers supplied both local needs and nearby markets. In addition to agriculture, the islands’ economy included:

Logging and Timber – Extensive forests were harvested for building materials and fuel, with small-scale sawmills processing local timber.

Charcoal Production – Japanese settlers produced charcoal from timber and exported it for use in nearby communities, fueling industries such as salmon canning, blacksmithing, and soap-making.

Bricky Bay Brickworks – Established in 1912, it produced up to 300,000 bricks per day for construction.

Fish Reduction Plant at Shingle Bay – Rendered fish remains into oils and other by-products (1927–1959).

Saltery at Hayashi Cove (Otter Bay) – Preserved fish for export, supporting early commercial herring fisheries (1929–1956).

Post offices at Port Washington, Bedwell, and Hope Bay, along with government wharves at those same locations, facilitated trade and communication. 

Early tourism began with simple cabin and spare room rentals, later developing into guest houses, resorts, and marinas that attracted visitors to the islands’ natural beauty.

1903 – A canal was dredged between North and South Pender Islands to facilitate safer boat travel and regular marine service by the SS Iroquois.

Early 1900s – Steamships regularly docked at Port Washington, Hope Bay, and Bedwell Harbour, carrying passengers, mail, and supplies.

1955 – A single-lane bridge was built over the canal, along with related road expansions, linking the islands once again.

1965 – The Otter Bay ferry terminal opened, providing regular ferry service and supporting further growth.

Before these developments, travel between the islands was largely by canoe or small boat, with Indigenous portage routes and early settler rowboats facilitating movement, mail delivery, and trade.

Resource extraction is no longer a driving factor in the Pender Islands’ economy. While farming is still actively practiced, tourism has become the mainstay. The Penders are a popular getaway for visitors from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, attracting boaters, kayakers, disc golfers, land-based whale watchers, cycling groups, day trippers, and couples seeking an idyllic location for a destination wedding or special event.

The development of the Magic Lake Estates subdivision in the late 1960s and 70s dramatically changed the island economy, increasing the population and contributing to the creation of the Islands Trust. Today, Pender is predominantly a retirement community, with much of the local economy focused on providing services for residents. Retirees play an active role in island life, volunteering with non-profits and contributing to the social fabric of the community.

The islands also boast a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, performances, and community events celebrating local artists and craftspeople, enriching both the visitor experience and everyday life for residents.

Today, the Penders celebrate both their Indigenous and settler histories. To learn more, visit the Pender Islands Museum or explore their website.