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Vanislander / Activities / Kayaking / pender islands kayaking

Pender Islands Kayaking

Welcome to the Pender Islands, affectionately called "the Penders" by locals. With their dry, Mediterranean-like climate and laid-back vibe, these islands, North and South Pender are a kayaker’s dream. Whether you’re paddling through calm bays or exploring nearby islands like Prevost, the Penders offer a mix of relaxation and adventure. This guide has everything you need to plan your trip, from routes and safety tips to launch sites and camping spots. Let’s get started!

From Nanaimo to Pender Island

Total Duration: 2 hours 32 minutes
Total Distance: 81.5 km
Route: Via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Crofton to Vesuvius ferry, and Long Harbour to Pender Island ferry

 1.Drive from Nanaimo to Crofton Ferry Terminal
Start: Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Directions: Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to the Crofton Ferry Terminal.
Duration: 40 minutes
Distance: 44.9 km
2.First Ferry Crossing
Ferry: Take the Crofton to Vesuvius ferry (to Saltspring Island).
Duration: 32 minutes
Distance: 5.1 km
3.Drive Across Saltspring Island to Long Harbour Ferry Terminal
Directions: Follow Vesuvius Bay Rd, Upper Ganges Rd, and Long Harbour Rd to the Long Harbour Ferry Terminal. Duration: 14 minutes
Distance: 10.8 km
4.Second Ferry Crossing
Ferry: Take the Long Harbour to Pender Island ferry.
 Duration: 54 minutes
Distance: 12.5 km
5.Drive to Your Destination on Pender Island
Directions: Take Otter Bay Rd,
 Bedwell Harbour Rd, and Razor Point Rd to Harbour Hill Dr.
Duration: 12 minutes
Distance: 8.1 km
Arrive: Pender Island, British Columbia V0N 2M1.

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From Victoria to Pender Island 

Total Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes
Total Distance: 54.2 km
Route: Via Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 and the Swartz Bay to
Pender Island ferry 
 1.Drive from Victoria to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
Start: Victoria, British Columbia.
Directions: Take Government St and Caledonia Ave to Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17.
Duration: 3 minutes
Distance: 800 m
Continue: Follow Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in North Saanich.
Duration: 31 minutes
Distance: 31.0 km
2.Ferry Crossing
Ferry: Take the Swartz Bay to Pender Island ferry.
Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes
Distance: 14.3 km
3.Drive to Your Destination on Pender Island
Directions: Take Otter Bay Rd, Bedwell Harbour Rd, and Razor Point Rd to Harbour Hill Dr.
Duration: 12 minutes
Distance: 8.1 km
Arrive: Pender Island, British Columbia V0N 2M1.

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Navigation and Weather Considerations

 To paddle safely, you’ll need to know the waters and weather. Here’s what to keep in mind:
 Chart: Use CHS 3462 – Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia. It’s your map for navigating the Penders’ waters. Tidal Reference Port: Fulford Harbour is the spot to check tide times. Marine Weather and Sea Conditions: Look up forecasts for the Strait of Georgia and East Point on Saturna Island.
Prevailing Winds: Southeasterlies are common, and South Pender’s southeast coast gets hit by southerlies. Summer afternoons often turn windy, so morning paddles might be calmer.

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Local History

The Penders’ past adds depth to your trip. Here’s a quick look:
 Naming: Named after Daniel Pender, master of the ship Plumper in 1857.
Early Industries: Herring saltery, brick factory, fertilizer plant, and logging shaped the islands’ early days. Population: 2,000 people live here, making it the second most populated Gulf Island after Saltspring.
The Canal and Bridge: North and South Pender were once joined by an isthmus. In 1902, it was dredged to create a canal for the steamship Iroquois, shortening and safening the route from Hope Bay to Sidney. A one-lane bridge, built in 1955, now connects the islands.
Archaeological Dig: From 1984-1985, the biggest dig in the Gulf Islands happened under the bridge on North Pender. Archaeologists found hundreds of artifacts, including a slate burial box, some dating back 5,000 years.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

If you are a William, it would be amazing to explore and spend time on a beach with the shape of your first name's initial. Chesterman Beach (North), as one of the most-visited beaches on Vancouver Island, offers several recreational activities on its fabulous coastline. Surfing is one of the delightful adventures provided for you, allowing one to find seasonal tides on this stunning beach.

Victoria Storm Watching

Victoria Storm Watching

If you happen to visit Victoria during fall and winter, do not hesitate to go storm-watching. It is a perfect place for brave souls seeking some exciting moments, watching the high waves making up in the distance, rolling into the coast, crashing against the rocks while rain's whipping. Protecting this natural phenomenon of nature is one of the most popular recreations at Victoria and exposed west beaches of Vancouver Island.

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Despite its name, if you favour it, you can do tent camping with a sea view right in the center of Vancouver Island. one of the most significant fishing camps, Deep Bay s full of surprises for anglers. Not to mention that if you visit, you can observe various fantastic wildlife there. So, put your hesitates aside, and plan to visit Camping in Deep Bay RV Park this weekend.

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Due to certified whale watching agencies, Fisherman's Wharf Park is a significant place to visit for whale watching enthusiasts. As one of the most prodigious and phenomenal creators worldwide, whales are ample during specific whale watching seasons.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the entire East Sooke Coastal Trail is an experience not to be missed! This beautiful trail is a mix of the fantastic coast and beautiful greenery. Hiking boots are required! The route takes you along bluffs and cliffs by the Pacific Ocean that worth it for the views. This well-marked trail can take full-day hiking in East Sooke Regional Park.

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point is a part of Uplands Park in Victoria, runs along the coastline of Oak Bay. During falls and winters, especially November through March, the Cattle Point Storm Watching is an exhilarating experience. Watch storms smashing from spectacular vantage points as dark clouds blanket the sky, rains whipping, gusts of winds making barreling high waves.

Marble River Canyon Kayaking

Marble River Canyon Kayaking

Marble River Canyon is one of Vancouver Island’s hidden treasures for kayakers—a rugged waterway defined by dramatic rock formations, secluded caves, and serene still waters. Nestled on the east side of the island near Quatsino and Coal Harbour, this canyon offers an unforgettable mix of white-water thrills, scenic tranquility, and rich natural history. In this guide, every detail—from access routes to on-water challenges—is laid out to help you plan a safe and exhilarating adventure.

Sproat Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Sproat Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Do not save money only to pay the bill. Spend it on the adventure and see how awesome it feels. The warm waters of Sproat Lake absorb many visitors from all around the world, those fans of water activities in particular. Sproat Lake wakeboarding and waterskiing facilities increase the attractiveness of the lake.

Beaver Harbour (Fort Rupert) kayaking

Beaver Harbour (Fort Rupert) kayaking

Discover the hidden gem of Beaver Harbour, a kayaking paradise just east of Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. With its calm waters, stunning islands, and rich history dating back to Fort Rupert’s founding in 1849, this destination offers an unforgettable paddling adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned kayaker, Beaver Harbour’s scenic routes, wildlife encounters, and cultural stories await. Plan your trip with this ultimate guide to kayaking in Beaver Harbour, complete with routes, safety tips, and local insights.

A Kayaker’s Adventure on Pender Islands

Our paddlers took a fun route, ferrying from Crofton to Saltspring, then to North Pender. After visiting friends, they launched from Hamilton Road Beach. Here’s how it went:
The Paddle Out: They started with a mild headwind to Aldridge Point, then slipped into the narrow channel between Aldridge and Mortimer Spit, heading into Pender Canal. They expected strong currents under the one-lane bridge but found it surprisingly calm. Along the way, they spotted the ancient midden in the canal—a site of a major archaeological dig. From Ainslie Point to Beaumont Marine Provincial Park, they fought another headwind.
 Weather Twist: The Penders are known for dry weather, but a cold rain hit just before Beaumont, catching them off guard. They pulled up on the lee side of a small peninsula to escape the wind.

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Beaumont Highlights: This 58-hectare (143-acre) park has trails, swimming, camping, and nearby supplies at Bedwell Harbour village. Even in the rain, the Garry oak, arbutus, fir, and bigleaf maples were gorgeous.
 The Return: Strong winds and rain cut their trip short. Heading back, the wind and waves sped them along. Near the bridge, heavy boat traffic, including a big RCMP cruiser forced them close to shore to dodge the wake.
Our paddlers’ trip shows the Penders’ beauty and reminds us to be ready for surprises!

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Paddling to Prevost Island

 For a bigger adventure, paddle to Prevost Island. Sue Konen from Kayak Pender Island recommends it, and here’s what you need to know:
 Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
 Travel Time: About 45 minutes one way
 Distances: Otter Bay to Point Liddell: 4.5 km (2.8 miles) one way Point Liddell to James Bay: 6.5 km (4.0 miles) one way
Launch Site: Otter Bay Marina ($5 fee). You can walk-wheel your kayak from the ferry (0.5 km/0.3 miles) or drive to launch.
Camping: Stay at James Bay in the Prevost Island Protected Area.
Start from James Point and enjoy the challenge of this scenic paddle.

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What you Can Expect to See Near Pender Islands

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

The Pender Islands have paddling options for everyone, whether you’re new to kayaking or a seasoned pro. Here are the main routes to explore:
 Port Browning to Beaumont Marine Provincial Park
Difficulty: Novice
Travel Time: Half day (or longer if you take it slow)
Distance: 7.2 km (4.6 miles) round trip from Hamilton Beach Perfect for beginners, this route takes you from Port Browning to the beautiful Beaumont Marine Provincial Park. It’s a relaxed paddle with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, camp, or hike.
Other Areas Around the Penders
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Travel Time: Half day to multiple days For paddlers looking for a challenge, the Penders offer rugged coastlines and longer trips to nearby islands. These routes need more skill due to changing tides and winds.
Circumnavigating the Islands
North Pender Island: Takes about 8 hours, 29 km (18 miles)
South Pender Island: Takes about 4 hours, 16 km (10 miles) Paddling around either island is a big adventure for experienced kayakers. You’ll need to plan for tides, currents, and have plenty of energy for these full-day trips.

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Best Time to Visit Pender Islands

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Cooler temperatures, increased rainfall

Launch sites open; some camping areas may be closed

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions and cooler water temperatures

June

Mild temperatures, moderate rainfall

All launch sites and camping areas operational

Increasing number of kayakers; moderate weather; book camping spots if needed

July

Warmer temperatures, drier conditions

All launch sites and camping areas operational

Peak season; higher demand for camping and launch sites; plan ahead

August

Warm temperatures, drier conditions

All launch sites and camping areas operational

Peak season; higher demand for camping and launch sites; plan ahead

September

Cooling temperatures, increased rainfall

Launch sites open; some camping areas may be closed

Fewer kayakers; prepare for variable weather and potentially stronger winds

Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking On Pender Islands

The Pender Islands cater to all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy a scenic 7.2 km round trip from Port Browning to Beaumont Marine Provincial Park. For intermediate to advanced kayakers, consider circumnavigating North Pender (29 km) or South Pender (16 km) to experience the islands’ stunning coastlines up close.
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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

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