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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

Jordan River Surfing

Jordan River Surfing

None of the experiences of surfing would be the same on Vancouver Island. While you are in Victoria, do not forget to check out surfing opportunities in the Jordan River. And if you're looking to come in its best surfing conditions, visit Jordan River during September-March, because The stormy weather with the intensified climate will make your surfing adventure more desirable.

Mount Washington Snowshoeing

Mount Washington Snowshoeing

Being the busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mount Washington provides you with incredible winter activities, including snowshoeing. While you are on the snow, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt. Moreover, several nearby resorts are ready to offer service to visitors annually.

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

If you want to make every moment on Vancouver Island worthwhile, remember to plan for a kayaking adventure on the waters next to Pacheedaht Beach. The San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve is the habitat for a variety of wildlife worthy of visiting. In addition to paddling, visitors can enjoy themselves doing other outdoor activities in the region.

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

While exploring the lands of Northern Vancouver Island, do not forget to visit Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins to stay a day or two. This clean and safe campground provides you with amenities and chances to have a splendid time at a sandy beach, in which you can enjoy a meal of the fish you caught. The resemblance of this campground to paradise is uncanny, providing untenable forest tours.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Come to Kye Bay and Goose Spit, and then you will figure out why you get on the road in the first place. On the east coast of Vancouver Island, extreme tides breaking into the sandy beaches of these two spectacular spots would make them both ideal destinations for surfing. While you are on these beaches, you are provided with stunning sceneries of the BC Coastal Mountains, which can double the surfing pleasure.

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Have you ever dreamt about camping in a paradise? Well, Goldstream Campground is where you can make it come true. Giant trees, a high waterfall, birds, beautiful fish, a river which meets the sea with campground facilities will make your stay unforgettable. The area is embellished by a diversity of flora and fauna, making it extraordinary, a place you never get sick of.

Cowichan Lake Windsurfing

Cowichan Lake Windsurfing

You would have the chance to re-invent your expectation of windsurfing by embracing the opportunities given to you on the second-largest lake of Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake does not only serve your desires for windsurfing and is a paradise for those in love with water activities. If you are looking for a time to make the most of it in the Cowichan Lake area, plan to come during April.

Jordan River Kayaking

Jordan River Kayaking

For those who seek sea paddling, the Jordan River might be a potential destination to satisfy their desires for kayaking. Another merit of visiting Jordan River is that it is surrounded by some recreational sites which guarantee your stay to be adventurous. Camping areas around the Jordan River facilitate a long kayaking experience.

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Wear your hiking boots! It is going to be a challenging hike that may take about 4 to 5 hours. The lovely amount of elevation with fantastic views is what you can get hiking on the Mount Benson Loop near Nanaimo. As it is located in a reach environment, take lots of breaks to enjoy the area and get enough energy. If you are not ready for wet terrains, try it on a dry and cool day. You would be satisfied as an experienced hiker.

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.

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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