Located in the Southern Gulf Islands, Pender Island was originally inhabited by Coast Salish peoples speaking the North Straits Salish language. Today there is reserve land at Hay Point on South Pender Island, which is home to members of the Tsawout and Tseycum First Nations.
Pender Island consists of two islands, North Pender and South Pender, which are separated by a narrow canal connected by a one-lane bridge. North Pender and South Pender were originally one island connected by an isthmus. A canal was dredged in the early 1900′s to allow the safer passage between the islands.
Pender Island features open farmland, rolling forested hills, several lakes and small mountains, as well as many coves and beaches. The island is a popular destination for cycling, fishing, hiking, boating, sailing, and scuba diving, and is home to unique art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Pender Island is a 2-hour ferry ride from Vancouver and a 40-minute ferry ride from Sidney, BC.
