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Jul16

Introducing Mayne Island!

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Introducing Mayne Island…

Mayne Island is in the middle of five large Gulf Islands. The Gulf Islands lie in the rain-shadow of the mountains of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula resulting in dry summers and mild winters. The climate, nice parks, beautiful beach accesses and hiking trails makes Mayne Island a perfect destination to visit all year round.

Japanese Heritage

Japanese Settlers had a successful tomato business in a greenhouse on Mayne Island until World War 2 when all the Japanese were forced to leave the west cost. Now, in this current location to honour these early residents and their contributions you will find the amazing Japanese Gardens at Dinner Bay Park. The Japanese garden has been developed entirely by local residents and can be viewed year round. During the holidays in December you will find the garden lit up with thousands of lights, and is free to view, although donations are welcome. On Saturday mornings, May through October, enjoy local produce, baking, crafts and other goodies at Mayne Islands Farmers market. The Farmers market is found at the Agricultural Hall in Historic Miners Bay along with a gas station, post office, grocery stores, restaurants and an ATM.

 

Beautiful Scenery

If you are one for beautiful scenery, Mayne island is the perfect place to come. At Georgina Point you can find a scenic Lighthouse park. You will see spectacular views right across the strait of Georgia. This lighthouse marks the entrance to the Active Pass and was first established in 1885. This area is now a park perfect for a small stroll, or a picnic watching the harbour seals, seabirds or the boats travelling by. The Lighthouse park is also one of the best spots on the Island to view the pods of Orcas as they travel through the Active Pass almost daily. Just recently established in the Gulf Island National Park Reserve is Bennett Bay Beach and Campbell Point. There is a beautiful scenic trail to Campbell Point and at the end of the point you will find a spectacular view of Mt Baker. Bennett Bay is one of the best Sandy beaches on the island and one of the most popular places to launch small boats and kayaks.

Wonderful Beaches

Mayne Island has 14 beaches that you can access. Many of which are very popular to swim in and the others are great for exploring. Piggott Bay, Bennett Bay and Campbell Bay are great beaches for swimming, and you will seldom find it crowd on hot days. Oyster Bay, Reef Bay, Naylor Road and Seaview Road are great if you’re looking for sandstone beaches and places to look for sea life. All these beaches are a great place to relax and watch the waves come in.


Interested in a visit to Mayne Island?

We have the perfect vacation rental for you: Mayne Island 02

 

Written by Megan Harder

 

Jun05

Visit the local art galleries on Pender Island

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Visit the local art galleries on Pender Island…

 

Looking for more activities on Pender Island?  These art galleries can be visited no matter what the weather is doing, so be sure to check them out! 

  • Talisman Books & Gallery, 4605 Bedwell Harbour Rd

    Your 2-in-1 shop – who doesn’t love a bookstore turned gallery? Here you’ll be able to search for the latest fiction, new and used, as well as view local artists’ paintings, sculptures, glasswork!  If you’re a literary lover or an artist yourself, there’s everything to love about Talisman Books & Gallery and absolutely nothing to hate.

  • Dorset Norwich-Young Studio & Gallery, 8986 Gowlland Point Rd

    For something really local, take a trip to the Dorset Norwich-Young Studio & Gallery. Here you can see Dorset’s studio and see examples of her vibrant, colourful art work! Summer visiting hours are 11-5 (Tues – Sat) or by appointment.  Winter visiting hours are by appointment only.

  • Blood Star Gallery, 9909 Jennens Rd

    Blood Star Gallery is located right near the ocean and offers beautiful views, so is worth a visit just for that!  The Gallery features the work of two artists – Susan Taylor and Frank Ducote – and is open most days 11-4 (April to November).

There are many artists on Pender Island, so you might just stumble upon other quaint shops or galleries – these are just a few to start you off!

Looking for a vacation rental on Pender Island?  Check ours out here!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

May01

Check out Pender Island’s Farmers’ Market!

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Check out Pender Island’s Farmers’ Market!

 

On Saturdays from 9.30 am to 1.00pm.  Generally from Easter to Thanksgiving, though a smaller market with less vendors does continue throughout the fall and winter.  The Farmer’s Market takes place at the Pender Islands Recreation and Agricultural Hall.  Taste the flavours of the island when you attend.  Expect to see local craftsmen and farmers, vying for your attention with offering of fresh vegetables, flowers, cheese, eggs, baked goods, condiments, arts and everything else!

 

Buy fresh produce and support the local businesses!

 

Find the market at:

Pender Islands Recreation and Agricultural Hall,

4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd.

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Apr03

The Beaches of Pender Island

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The Beaches of Pender Island

 Getting ready for your Pender Island getaway?  Well, here’s a list of beaches – rocky and sandy – to dip your toes into! There’s nothing like a warm summer’s day spent by the water.

 

  • Mortimer Spit:

    Accessible sandy beach, north of the bridge that connects North & South Island. This is the best location for swimming and sunbathing.  Most of Pender Island shoreline is rocky, so make the most of this sandy bay.

  • Medicine Beach:

    On North Pender Island, at the far end of Bedwell Harbour, you will find Medicine Beach & Nature Sanctuary.  As well as the beach which is perfect for taking walks, there is also a salt water marsh behind (one of the few left in the area) which is a nature sanctuary.

  • Stanley Point:

    Small but sweet, the beach at Stanley Point has great rock formations and brilliant views of the Swanson Channel.

  • Gowlland Point:

    For an exceptionally good viewpoint, head over to Gowlland Point on South Pender Island. There is a pebble beach here as well as lovely walks around the grassy headlands.  Expect to see beautiful views of Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands!

  • Beaumont Marine Park:

    Beaumont Marine Park is fantastic for hiking and boating. There are many trails to choose from, and you will be rewarded with a sandy beach at the end.  Since this is a marine park, it is the ideal place to sit a while and watch for seals, otters and other animals.

 

Do you have a favourite Pender Island beach that’s not on this list?  Let us know, and we’ll be sure to check it out!

Haven’t booked your accommodation yet?  Take a look at our magical Pender Island vacation homes and reserve your dates today!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Mar06

Where to get your Coffee on Pender Island

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Where to get your Coffee on Pender Island

 

There’s nothing more rewarding than waking up to a bright, sunny morning and taking a sip of a freshly brewed coffee.  Whether you are caffeine-addicted, or just love a hot drink in the morning, we know that finding a good coffee shop can make all the difference.  Here are a couple of Pender Island favourites that will have you feeling like a local in no time.

  • Slow Coast Coffee

    There is nothing but rave reviews for this little coffee shop. With a perfect location over-looking Medicine Beach, this quaint café could easily become your regular haunt.  Featuring hand-plastered walls, homemade cookies (we hear they are to die for!) and chai tea, light lunches and an array of goodies that cater to all dietary requirements, this is hands-down a must-visit on Pender Island.

  • Vanilla Leaf Bakery Café

    Enjoy freshly baked goods included bagels, savoury pies, cinnamon buns and a range of sweet treats, when you visit the Vanilla Leaf Bakery Café. Get your coffee here, sit outside on the patio and deliberate over who chose the best dessert.

  • Coffee + Kitchen

    This farm-to-table restaurant has a marvelous brunch menu that serves up everything from freshly baked croissants to vegan smoothies as well as grilled cheese sandwiches.  There’s a full coffee bar here too that features Fernwood Coffee, Silk Road teas as well as fresh lemonade.

What do you reckon? 

Tell us your favourite place on Pender Island – we love to hear our guest’s reviews.  


If you are interested in renting one of our Pender Island properties, please check out our rentals page.  We have a great selection of oceanfront cottages with beautiful views!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Jul30

10 Things to do on Pender Island this Summer

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10 Things to do on Pender Island this Summer

Are you going to Pender Island?  We’ve rounded up the best 10 activities for you to take part in – have a look!

Hiking

Hike the short trail to the panoramic lookout from the top of Mt. Norman – the highest point of Pender Island.  Located on South Pender Island, this short ascent will offer you gorgeous views across the Southern Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island.

Walking

Take a walk around Roe Lake – a beautiful freshwater lake that sits in the middle of a forest on North Pender Island.  Why not bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings?

Disc Golf

For something a little different, try your hand at Disc Golf.  Pender Island Disc Golf Park comprises of 27 holes which take you through the trees and across to Magic Lake. Be competitive and let the games begin!

Cycling

Though you cannot cycle on any of the trails on Pender Island, it is still worthwhile to hire some bikes and take a tour of the Island. Most of the roads are not that busy but be prepared, they are steep! Burn some calories and explore this golden countryside.

Kayaking

No holiday to Pender Island would be complete without getting onto the water.  The best way to explore the local gems is by kayak.  There are many routes, starting from Hope Bay, you can take that make for interesting day trips!  Watch out for orcas – there are regular sightings all through summer!  If you’re new to kayaking, Pender Island Kayak Adventures offers a range of exciting trips – there’s sure to be one that takes your fancy.

Boating

There are numerous private marinas and public wharfs available on Pender Island – no excuse not to take your boat on holiday with you.  Because Pender Island is situated admist the Gulf Islands National Park, you’re going to want to take advantage of your location at sea.  Days on the boat will certainly get you discovering all the local islands.

Exploring

Discover Roesland park on North Pender Island.  Back in the 1920s, Roesland was a resort and so today, the park is littered with old cottages.  Look inside and make up stories about what would have happened here in the past.  This is also a lovely spot to watch for wildlife.

Scuba Diving

Anyone into diving?  We are and we’ve heard that the Pender Islands have some of the best diving in North America. While most dive companies run out of Victoria on Vancouver Island and so it may be difficult to organize a dive trip, there is always the option to charter your own boat. If you’re a seasoned diver then bring your own equipment (and your buddy!) – some locations, such as Tilly Point Caves, are shore dives so are easy access.  Bear in mind that Pender Island’s dive sites are more suited to experienced divers.

Watching Sunsets

Do you love sunsets? Well we’ve got the perfect way for you to watch one on Pender Island. Take a Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Pender Island Kayak Adventures.  We guarantee this will be a magical experience even if you’re not into SUP!

Wine Tasting

Finish off your vacation with a wine tasting at Sea Star Vineyard.  The tasting room is open Wednesdays through to Sundays so make sure you pop in and try one of their vintage wines.  This vineyard is in a picturesque location overlooking the ocean, what could be more romantic?

 

Check out our Pender Island Accomodation and make sure to contact us on 1.877.778.6466 or 604.872.5466 to book your next vacation.

Family Vacation
Dec05

Family Vacation Games: Go fish

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Family Vacation Games: Go fish

Go Fish is a fun card game that can be played by even the youngest player. Perfect for a family vacation on Pender Island.

It’s a simple game that shouldn’t take much time, but if you want something more challenging it’s easy to create some variations to the basic rules. Continue reading

Pender Island
Nov28

Chocolate Banana Smoothie for a Sweet Tooth on Pender Island

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Chocolate Banana Smoothie for a Sweet Tooth on Pender Island

The good thing about smoothies is that you can experiment several combinations and try different ingredients. But there will always be the traditional ones, banana and chocolate is a combination that can’t go wrong!

This smoothie is easy to make, and will satisfy your sweet tooth and craving for chocolate during your family vacation on Pender Island. Continue reading