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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

The Hike to Century Sam Lake

The Hike to Century Sam Lake

The Hike to Century Sam Lake is highly recommended for experienced hikers. You will have everything to make a good adventure! Hiking in a wilderness area with stunning mountain views and a unique landscape would make a perfect day. Beautiful lake, cool caves, stunning nature and wildlife viewing, and forest walk make your experience very rewarding!

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.

Hiking carmanah walbran provincial park

Hiking carmanah walbran provincial park

Hiking in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is an adventure into a 16,450-hectare wilderness of old-growth forests and giant trees. This provincial park, a top pick for hiking trails Vancouver Island, offers the best hiking and wilderness camping experiences in Canada. Whether you’re driving from Vancouver, BC, on a road trip, exploring day trips from Lake Cowichan, or seeking things to do on Vancouver Island, Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park delivers. With Carmanah Valley’s towering Sitka spruce and Walbran Valley’s rugged park trails, this hiking guide covers trail maps, safety tips, camping details on Vancouver Island and all the details for your next Canada trip.

Rivtow Lion Diving

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Adventure is a critical ingredient to keep your spirit alive. Enthusiasts can spend a splendid time camping in Cluxewe Resort campground, in which you are provided with both woodland and waterfront sites featuring all the necessary facilities. Other than fantastic camping, you may enjoy several outdoor activities, including both water and land activities. Also, the wildlife there can fascinate you and make the place unforgettable.

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.

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands is one of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's three main recreational components, which offers paddlers undeniable opportunities to spend time on the water. While you are camping in the wilderness, you may be given the pleasure of watching lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages.

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Nothing can feed your spirit like a clean, relaxing vacation. To do so, you have fantastic chances to camp in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground and let your lungs to be flourished by the fresh air you let in. These oceanside campgrounds have a lot to offer: ample amenities, various wildlife and astonishing scenery. Camping at this campsite is something that happens once in a lifetime.

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

What you see in Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park is never what you had heard about it. A beautiful park featuring two lakes has a lot to offer. Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park is a hot spot for answering your cravings for water activities, particularly windsurfing. There are also some popular land activities you can find exciting right on the shore.

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain ski resort is a suitable place for snowshoeing and a renowned destination for snowshoeing followers. Take the risk of exploring a non-patrolled wilderness area and enjoy the spectacular surroundings and natural habitat. Mount Cain has the highest base elevation of any coastal ski resort in British Columbia, Alaska, and Washington.

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.

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.

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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