Know Before You Go
The Pender Islands are a rural, close-knit community in the heart of the Salish Sea, where a little planning goes a long way. Services are limited, distances can take longer than expected, and things move at a different pace. This guide covers the essentials to help you prepare, settle in, and make the most of your time here.
Getting Here
Pender Island is accessible by BC Ferries, private boat, water taxi, and seaplane. Regular ferry service connects the island to Swartz Bay (Victoria), Tsawwassen (Vancouver area), and nearby Gulf Islands, while marinas and anchorages make Pender a popular destination for boaters. A seasonal Canada Border Services Agency office at Bedwell Harbour provides clearance for foreign vessels arriving by sea.
Most visitors arrive by BC Ferries via Otter Bay Terminal. Reservations are recommended for sailings between Tsawwassen and Pender Island, while the Swartz Bay-Pender route operates without reservations. Because ferry schedules shape island travel, checking sailing times in advance is strongly recommended.
Getting Around
The Pender Islands are connected by a small bridge, making it easy to explore both North and South Pender. Most visitors travel by car, bicycle, or on foot. If you don’t have a car, our island Car Stops offer a friendly alternative to hitchhiking. It often doesn’t take long before a passing driver offers you a lift.
Our rural roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and watch for cyclists, pedestrians, wildlife, the school bus and farm equipment, and pass only when it is safe to do so. Distances are short, but travel times may be slower than expected. The maximum speed on the island is 50km/h.
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Island Essentials
Pender offers many everyday services you may need during your stay, though locations and availability may vary by season.
ATM Machines: Tru Value Foods, Driftwood Auto, Medicine Beach Liquor Store, Poets Cove Resort
EV Chargers: Driftwood Centre, Historic Hope Bay
Fuel: Driftwood Auto, 4605 Bedwell Harbour Rd
Propane: Pender Island Home Hardware Building Centre, 3338 Port Washington Rd
Garbage Drop Off: Pender Island Disposal Services @Medicine Beach Retail Centre, (Key available from Liquor Store)
Recycling: 4400 Otter Bay Rd
Public Washrooms: Parks Canada sites, Brooks Point Regional Park, some community parks, Driftwood Centre, Hope Bay
Potable Water: Available to purchase at Tru Value Foods and Driftwood Centre
Stay Safe
Looking out for yourself and others helps keep Pender Island safe and welcoming for everyone. Summers on Pender can be hot and dry, and fire risk may be high. Please check current fire restrictions before lighting campfires or using open flames, and avoid smoking in parks or on trails.
Emergency services are available on the island. In an emergency, call 911.
Leave No Trace
Pender Island is a rural community with limited infrastructure and sensitive ecosystems. Visitors are asked to tread lightly and help protect this special place.
Please pack out what you bring in, stay on marked trails and beach accesses, and respect private property and shared spaces. Water is a limited resource, especially during summer months, so visitors are encouraged to be water-wise by taking shorter showers and being mindful of overall water use.
Wildlife is part of everyday life on the islands. Please observe animals from a distance and never feed wildlife. Keep dogs under control and follow leash requirements in parks and protected areas.
When viewing whales or other marine wildlife, follow all viewing guidelines and closed boating areas. Consider land-based viewing where possible.
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Island Time
Life moves at a slower pace here. Many local businesses are small, independent operations with seasonal hours. Choosing to shop, eat, and explore locally helps support the island’s year-round community of artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and service providers.
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