South Pender Island

North and South Pender island

 

were actually one island joined by an isthmus in the past.

Dredging in 1902 to made the canal large enough for the steamship, the Iroquois, to traverse from the Hope Bay dock on North Pender to Sidney, a far safer and shorter route than going around South Pender Island. In 1955, the islands were joined again by a picturesque one lane bridge.
South Pender Island is by far the sleepiest of the two with Poets Cove Resort and Marina being the main commercial area. Much of the island has small coves and impressive headlands and this makes it a great location for kayaking and boating. The island has three area’s within the Gulf Islands National Park. Spectacular Mount Norman towers over the surrounding area with a trail leading to a viewing platform at the summit. Beaumont Marine Park is connected to the Mt. Norman area and is accessible either by trail or water providing camping and moorage in a spectacular setting. Greenburn Lake is a pleasant hike above Poets Cove Resort and very much worth the effort.

Mount Norman

Located on South Pender Island, the Mount Norman area offers a sea-to-sky outdoor experience— there are plenty of trails to hike and the views are amazing.
Depending on which route you take, you may travel as far as six kilometres. Mount Norman is the highest point on the Penders – its viewpoint offers a panoramic scene of the surrounding islands. You will pass Garry oak, arbutus, tall fir trees and salal as you travel to the top.
The shoreline below the mountain is rocky with views into Bedwell Harbour. Wildlife is abundant in the area.

Beaumont Park

Located on South Pender Island, the Beaumont Marine Park area is a popular place to camp with 11 campsites for visitors and mooring buoys for boaters. Fees for camping and mooring are charged May 15 – September 30. Beaumont Marine Park also has good anchorage if that is your preference.
Other recreational activities you might like to try in this area include: picnicking, fishing, swimming and paddling. Along the shoreline, watch for mink, river otters, seals and ducks.
For kayakers or boaters that have been on the “water” for a while, the luxury of Poets Cove Resort, Spa & Marina is only a few minutes away. Good food, a small store for provisioning and a liqueur store, what else do you need?

Greenburn Lake

 

Greenburn Lake on South Pender Island is located within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The trail head starts near the South Pender Island Fire Hall and Poets Cove Resort and Marina with about a 15 minute walk taking you to this beautiful lake. Water lilies and wildlife are abundant in the area. This 119 hectare property has no visitor faculties so bring water and come prepared. Fishing is not allowed.

If you want to go sailing with us in the beautiful Gulf Islands go the the website and send us an email.