48 Hours: A Cozy Coastal Getaway to Pender Island

As one of the Southern Gulf Islands tucked along the blue Salish Sea, Pender Island, now split into two islands, wasn’t always two islands. In 1903, a canal was excavated to separate Pender into its North and South islands, and in 1955, the two “Penders” were joined by a picturesque one-lane bridge that still stands today. This makes the two Penders, home to around 2,250 residents, unique as they are the only Gulf Islands connected by a bridge.

A two-day escape on this idyllic, laid-back and ruggedly scenic island will leave any traveller entranced with its beauty and lifestyle. Pender is a popular travel destination for outdoor pursuits like cycling, fishing and sailing, but travellers can really take advantage of the slow coastal life in the off-season. If you’re ready to decompress, follow along on my journey to this captivating island.

Getting to Pender Island

Pender is easily accessible. You can either take a two-hour BC Ferries trip from Tsawwassen, or a 40-minute ride from Swartz Bay, to Otter Bay on the northwest side of Pender. You can also catch a ferry from Otter Bay to other Gulf Islands, like Saturna, Galiano or Salt Spring.

Day One

Lunch at Port Browning Marina Pub

Located on the Browning Harbour, this pub is known for its unparalleled Instagram-worthy views. With a delectable fare and laid-back coastal vibe, Port Browning Marina Pub is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The menu is a delightful fusion of classic pub fare and coastal-inspired dishes. The homemade soup changes daily, and one of its highlights is the Togarashi-spiced tuna poke bowl.

Check Into Woods on Pender

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to experience the luxury of a nice hotel in the serenity of nature? Imagine waking up surrounded by towering trees and crisp, fresh air. For two nights, I relished in an ultimate glamping experience, cocooned in a stylish, comfortable and fully-equipped Airstream at Woods on Pender. Each Airstream lot includes a glamping bunkie cabin, a queen-sized bed, a hammock and a propane fire pit—with almost all lots including a hot tub, too. All that’s required of you after a day of exploring is to pour yourself a nice glass of wine, kick back by the fire pit and enjoy stargazing in the woodlands. If an Airstream isn’t your style, Woods also features a small hotel and cabins, along with a restaurant.

Dinner at Coffee + Kitchen

Coffee + Kitchen serves dinner in a way that’s akin to an impromptu kitchen party. Here, guests at the 22-seat indoor restaurant freely mingle with each other. It makes for an unexpected, wonderfully entertaining evening for so many reasons—notwithstanding the farm-to-table cuisine, which includes ingredients from local farms and its on-site greenhouse. Curtis Redel is not only the visionary behind Woods on Pender, but he is also an accomplished and affable chef. By day, the artisan coffee house serves fresh-baked pastries (that look like pieces of art). At night, the menu showcases the connection between nature and culture with dishes like handcrafted pizzas, pork belly, pad Thai and so much more. Note: Coffee + Kitchen is closed for the winter from December 15 until February 27, 2026.

Day Two

Hike the Mount Menzies Park Trail

After breakfast in your snug and comfy Airstream, lace up your hiking boots and head to Mount Menzies Park. Nestled within the Gulf Islands National Park, let the crisp, fresh air and forested trails’ transformative effects improve your mood. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular viewpoint that looks across the water to Saturna Island.

Lunch at Copper Otter Bar & Grill

Who can resist a well-made burger? At Copper Otter, its smash burger reuben delivers underrated flavours. Located in the Driftwood Centre, the busy local joint is a cut above average for what you’d expect from an eatery in a small shopping centre. Plus, executive chef Sean Roberts creates his own homemade ketchup, sourced from island tomatoes when possible.

Get a Massage

At Woods on Pender, a 1977 Airstream has been retrofitted into a massage Airstream for guests’ enjoyment. Masseuse Caroline McKay uses hot rocks, acupressure, deep tissue massage (if you wish) and cupping that left me deeply relaxed while targeting my aches and pains.

Dinner at HUB at Hope Bay

This oceanfront Italian restaurant is located on the northeast shore in the historic Hope Bay Store. This landmark houses the HUB restaurant and a number of artisan shops, including Pender Chocolates. HUB’s chef and owner, Steve Pawlett, crafts homemade, rotating pasta dishes using locally sourced and in-season ingredients.

Visit a Local Art Gallery

Step into the world of artist Kim Pollard in The Kim Pollard Studio and Gallery. Located a few doors down from the HUB at Hope Bay, the gallery is home to works created by local artists. It also features an original and diverse collection of paintings by Pollard herself. I fell in love with a few of her abstracted landscapes.

Day Three

Take One Last Hike

Before leaving this peaceful oasis, meander through Brooks Point Regional Park. Boasting trails through the woodlands and grasslands, Brooks Point offers stunning vistas of Boundary Pass, the Strait of Georgia and the San Juan Islands.