The Adventurer's Retreat Guidebook
Food scene
Some of our fave places on the island to nibble and imbibe.
We are conveniently located within a short 3 minute walking distance from award winning Sea Star Winery. Not only is their wine amazing, but partial proceeds from their tasting room go to various animal charities.
34 locals recommend
Sea Star Estate Farm and Vineyards
6621 Harbour Hill DrWe are conveniently located within a short 3 minute walking distance from award winning Sea Star Winery. Not only is their wine amazing, but partial proceeds from their tasting room go to various animal charities.
We are lucky to have the fantastic Twin Island Cider, a small batch cidery, on our island. A relaxed 20 minute walk (3 minute drive) from our door to theirs with a quaint, rustic tasting room.
6 locals recommend
Twin Island Cider
5601 Lupin RoadWe are lucky to have the fantastic Twin Island Cider, a small batch cidery, on our island. A relaxed 20 minute walk (3 minute drive) from our door to theirs with a quaint, rustic tasting room.
Sitting on the patio staring off into the sunset while dining at Syrens Bistro at Poets Cove Resort is one of our favourite ways to wind down at the end of the day. The view is phenomenal and the outdoor patio is the best on the island.
Syrens Bistro
9801 Spalding RdSitting on the patio staring off into the sunset while dining at Syrens Bistro at Poets Cove Resort is one of our favourite ways to wind down at the end of the day. The view is phenomenal and the outdoor patio is the best on the island.
HUB @ Hope Bay. Mezze platters and old world wines on a patio overlooking the ocean. What more can we say?
4301 Bedwell Harbour Rd
4301 Bedwell Harbour RoadHUB @ Hope Bay. Mezze platters and old world wines on a patio overlooking the ocean. What more can we say?
First to open on the island in the morning to wake up with an espresso or lunch time grab-and-go.
11 locals recommend
Vanilla Leaf Bakery Café
4605 Bedwell Harbour RdFirst to open on the island in the morning to wake up with an espresso or lunch time grab-and-go.
Patio views over Port Browning Harbour, burgers and beer and a pool table. Exactly what you would expect from a local Pub! Also serves full breakfast menu every day of the week on the Bistro side.
42 locals recommend
Port Browning Marina Resort
4605 Oak RdPatio views over Port Browning Harbour, burgers and beer and a pool table. Exactly what you would expect from a local Pub! Also serves full breakfast menu every day of the week on the Bistro side.
City advice
Getting around
Travel to and around Pender Island
Arrive to Pender Island by BC Ferries or SeaAir Seaplanes (Reservations are recommended for both). There is a gas station and 5 public EV charging stations on island. There is also old-fashioned hitchhiking at designated "pick up" spots throughout the island!
Please note that there is no Taxi/Uber/Lyft service nor public Bus service, so it can be challenging for those without their own transportation.
Customs and culture
We say hello to strangers and friends alike
Penderites are a pretty friendly bunch. Don't be surprised if you get warm hellos or a wave from strangers, and don't be shy to offer a 'good morning' to others in return!
What to pack
It gets very dark at night
There is no light pollution on Pender Island. The only light at night is from the moon and the stars, so you may want to bring a flashlight or keep your smartphone with flashlight capabilities handy if you're venturing out after sunset.