Information AboutPender Island |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PENDER ISLAND | |
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Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Strait Of Georgia , British Columbia , Canada . Pender Island is approximately 34 square kilometers in area and is home to about 2,500 permanent residents, as well as a large seasonal Population . As part of the Southern Gulf Islands , Pender Island enjoys a sub-Mediterranean climate and features open farmland, rolling forested hills, several lakes and small mountains, as well as many coves and beaches. Pender Island consists of two islands, North Pender and South Pender, which are separated by a narrow canal originally dredged in 1903. In 1955 the islands were connected by a one lane bridge, as it remains today. Most of the population and services reside on North Pender Island, with the highest concentration surrounding Magic Lake. Google Map of Pender Island showing Magic Lake subdivision South Pender Island is generally more rural, but features the popular Poets Cove Resort And Spa , formerly known as Bedwell Harbour Island Resort. CULTURE Pender Island is a popular destination for fishing, boating, scuba diving and other outdoor pursuits. The island also boasts a 9-hole golf course. In 1937 several Pender residents put up money to purchase a 60 acre parcel, on which to develop the course, from George Grimmer, a son of Pender pioneer Washington Grimmer. These first individuals and many others took out memberships as well as planned and developed the layout of the golf course. Incorporated as a society in 1945, with the exception of a brief hiatus during World War II, Pender Island Golf Course has existed ever since. There is also 27-hole Disc Golf (frisbee golf) course based around Magic Lake. (on South Pender Island) - the highest peak on either of the Pender Islands.]] There are numerous art galleries, shops, restaurants and local events to frequent on the North and South Islands. Summer is generally a busy time, while the island pace slows down considerably during the winter months. Spring and fall are pleasant times of the year, with fewer tourists and mild weather. The ''Pender Post'', the monthly calendar of events for Pender, is available at most stores on the island. The Post is a guide to services, activities, and other information. The ''Island Tides'' is another locally-published independent newspaper. ACCOMMODATION Pender is served by two provincial campsites: Prior Centennial and Beaumont Marine Park. Beaumont Park is accessibly only by foot or by boat. Since 2003 many provincial and municipal park areas in the islands were subsumed into the new Gulf Islands National Park Reserve . There are camping sites and hotel units available at Port Browning Marina. Currents at Otter Bay Marina offers cottages for rent. There are numerous B&B's on Pender, and a hotel/motel called Memories at the Inn. Upscale accommodation is available at Poets Cove Resort and private rentals are booked through Gulf Island Vacation Rentals. TRANSPORT Pender Island can be accessed by regular ferry service provided by BC Ferries from Swartz Bay (near Victoria), Tsawwassen (near Vancouver), and other southern Gulf Islands. There are also scheduled seaplane and water taxi services. Pender Island also has one public grass landing strip and a helicopter pad (Pender International) located near the main shopping mall, the Driftwood Centre. Select helicopters also can land at the local R.C.M.P. Station. Bedwell Harbour is an official Canada Customs Port Of Entry for sailors from the United States ; Port Browning and Otter Bay also offer anchorages. SHOPPING The island's main shopping area is called the Driftwood Centre. The Driftwood has grown over the years, and is now home to Tru Value Foods, Pender Island Bakery, Pistou Grill, a BC Liquor Store, Pender Island Pharmacy, HSBC, a post office, Pender Island Realty, Shear Design (hair salon), Casual Pender (clothing), Talisman Bookstore and Gallery, Revolution Fitness, The Spa, and House on Pender (a flower and tile shop). The stores at Hope Bay are about a ten minute drive from the Driftwood Centre. Hope Bay is home to the Red Tree Gallery (featuring local art), Sladen's, Hope Bay Cafe, Hope Bay Hair Salon, The Silver Grizzly, Dockside Realty, a stationery store and a goldsmith shop. On Saturday mornings during the summer, the Farmer's Market at the Community Hall offers local produce and handcrafts, as well as entertainment. The Nu-To-Yu is a local second-hand store open Friday and Saturday throughout the year. ISLETS Like most of the Gulf Islands, Pender is home to several small islets just off its shore. A medium sized restoration project is being planned for Skull Island, on the northwest side of Bedwell Harbor. MAPS A high resolution PDF map of Pender Islands is in progress and can be found at http://www.mapofpender.com |
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