Pender Island – Hiking Trails, Coastline and Island History

A stay on Pender Island can be planned around the activities you have in mind. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether hiking trails, the coastline, time on the water, or culture and food and drink are important to you. The island offers challenging trails, a marine coastline, boating and kayaking tours, tastings, golf, and a museum about Pender Island’s history.

Getting There and Ferry Connections

Pender Island can be reached by BC Ferries, private boats, water taxis, and seaplanes. The Otter Bay ferry terminal is on the island’s northwest side. Ferries run from there to Galiano, Mayne, Salt Spring, and Saturna. The connection to Vancouver goes via Tsawwassen, while the route to Victoria goes via Swartz Bay. Routes and schedules can change; check both before your trip.

Hiking Trails and Views

The Mt. Norman Trail is a difficult 1.5-kilometre route. From Canal Road or Ainslie Point Road, it takes about 60 minutes either way; parking is available only at Canal Road. At Mt. Norman, the summit offers panoramic views, as well as a boardwalk and an observation platform. The Beaumont Trail is also difficult and 1.5 kilometres long. It winds through dense forest and scree fields to the campground. Both trails are the same length and difficulty, but differ mainly in their route and destination. Check trail access details before your visit.

Coastal Scenery on South Pender

Brooks Point Regional Park is on South Pender Island. Its undeveloped marine coastline includes rocky cliffs, forests, and grassland; native chocolate lilies bloom there in spring. The coastline and grassland offer a different landscape focus from the forest and scree route on the Beaumont Trail. If you’re planning when to visit, the bloom provides a specific seasonal reference point.

Activities on the Water and on Land

A boating or kayaking tour lets you explore the surrounding waters; the availability of these tours may vary by season. At Roesland, free moorage for dinghies is available for day use. Check availability and fees before your trip. Tours and moorage suit different plans: exploring the waters by boat or kayak, or docking a dinghy for the day.

On Pender Island, you can visit a winery, a cider producer, or a distillery and take part in tastings and tours. Which businesses participate and when events are held may vary by season. If you’re planning a tasting or tour, check the dates for your travel period. Golfers can also play a round at the island’s golf course.

History at the Pender Islands Museum

At the Pender Islands Museum, you can learn more about Indigenous history and the history of settlers on Pender Island. The visit thus offers two perspectives on the island’s history. Check the opening arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mayne, Sidney, Saturna, Galiano, Victoria, Shirley, Sooke, Langford.

For the broader travel overview: Capital Regional District.