South Pender Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Discover this rugged island in the Gulf archipelago to check out scenic wilderness areas, a luxurious harborside resort, seaside spa facilities and pretty coves.

South Pender Island is the southern half of a duo of islands split by a narrow canal. Follow South Pender Island’s coastline to find seaside cottages huddled up to the shore or check out the island’s interior to explore the wild mountain landscapes. Kayak along the pristine coastline or go on a boat trip to see pods of orcas breaching in front of an unrivalled sunset.

Spend some time exploring the hamlets stretched along the coast and visit local cafés, artists’ studios and regional produce makers. Book a retreat at the Poets Cove Resort and Spa for a deluxe Gulf Islands holiday. Enjoy the tranquility of the resort’s surroundings and indulge in spa treatments, lavish dining experiences and stunning marina views.

There are two large sections of the scattered Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on South Pender Island. Stroll along the network of trails that cover South Pender Island’s rolling hills in Mount Norman Regional Park. Beaumont Provincial Marine Park faces Bedwell Harbour, and its excellent hiking trails, sandy beaches, tidal pools, pretty picnic areas and wilderness camping sites are only accessible on foot or via the water. Discover more of South Pender Island’s pristine waters with a kayaking trip around the harbour or the coastline. Find magnificent sandy beaches, try fishing or go scuba diving offshore to take in the coastal wilderness. Visit the South Pender Island bluffs at sunset and you might see orcas feeding and playing amid the tidal waters.

The Pender Islands are located amid the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia’s Salish Sea. To reach South Pender Island, take a ferry to Otter Bay on adjoining North Pender Island. The two islands are connected by a bridge. Ferries depart from from Long Harbour, Village Bay, Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. You can also arrive by seaplane and private and commercial boats. Hike, kayak or sail to a secluded camping site in Beaumont Provincial Marine Park. Offshore moorage buoys are provided. Moorage and camping fees can be paid at Poets Cove Resort.

South Pender Island’s population swells during summer holiday. Visit during the warmer months to join the lively community of families and holiday makers, or check out South Pender Island during the off-peak season for a more laid-back experience.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
9801 Spalding Rd, Pender Island, BC
The price is AU$250 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$250
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (414 reviews)
"Warm pool overlooking the ocean. Great food overlooking the ocean and if you arrive by boat a great jumping off point to many islands in the gulf like Saturna, Tumbo, Maine etc."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

2 out of 5
2401 Mt Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC
The price is AU$144 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$144
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Saanichton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,884 reviews)
"Pet friendly"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
9775 First St, Sidney, BC
The price is AU$239 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
AU$239
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sidney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,284 reviews)
"Clean rooms, pleasant and helpful staff. Please add to your website that there is no elevator as one person in the party was battling with mobility."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook

Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook

Pender Island
Stay at this cottage in Pender Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Brooks Point Regional Park and Thomson Park Saturna Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"Clean rooms. Host very very pleasant and helpful. Kitchen great. We would have appreciated living room curtains to add to coziness!"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Delightful Country Cottage with Ocean Outlook
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (321 reviews)
"Love the is cottage! Good for families and friends to share"

Reviewed on 27 June 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Westover Bed and Breakfasts

Westover Bed and Breakfasts

Salt Spring Island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free breakfast, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Saltspring Marina and Ganges Marina are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"Very kind host."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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