Pender Island
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Pender Island (originally named Plunder Island) is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. Pender Island is approximately 34 km² (13.1 sq mi) 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.[1] South Pender Island is generally more rural, but features the popular Poets Cove Resort and Spa, formerly known as Bedwell Harbour Island Resort.
The islands, along with Pender Harbour, were named by Captain Richards for Staff Commander, later Captain, Daniel Pender, R.N. who surveyed the coast of British Columbia aboard the Plumper, HMS Hecate and the Beaver from 1857 to 1870.[2]
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[edit] 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 (24.3 ha) 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.
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. News, views and events on Pender can also be seen on PenderBlog at http://s173955726.onlinehome.us/. The Island Tides is another locally-published independent newspaper.
[edit] 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. Poets Cove is a new Resort/Spa located on South Pender that has been open since 2004 (http://www.poetscove.com/) and there is private accommodation available for rent through Platinum Vacation Group and Gulf Island Vacation Rentals. (http://www.gulfislandvacationrentals.com/)
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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, 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Google Map of Pender Island showing Magic Lake subdivision
- ^ Akrigg, G.P.V. & Akrigg, Helen B. (1969), 1001 British Columbia Place Names (3rd, 1973 ed.), Vancouver: Discovery Press
[edit] External links
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