Things to Do
There are many ways to enjoy the natural surroundings of Pender Harbour. Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the calm waters of the many lakes in the area (including Katherine Lake, Hotel Lake, and more), or along the intricate coastline of Pender Harbour’s many bays. There are various paddle sport rental companies and tours available in the area.
Fishing is also a popular activity in Pender Harbour, where anglers cast their rods to catch salmon, lingcod, and more. If you’re into scuba diving, bring your gear and check out world-class diving spots like the Agamemnon Channel, which is the piece of water between Pender Harbour and Nelson Island.
Hikers can head up Pender Hill or Mount Daniel, both of which feature amazing views of the waters below. And Francis Point Provincial Park is a great hike for almost all skills and fitness levels—just take extra care on wet days as there are smooth, rocky areas that can be quite slippery. Keep an eye out for arbutus trees, local birds, and a small lighthouse in this park.
Mountain bikers can jump onto the Suncoaster Trail which goes from Homesite Campground to the beginning of Egmont Road, or they can try the trails crisscrossing through Kleindale and Middlepoint. If you’d prefer to hit the links, golfing is available at the Pender Harbour Golf Club.
You can also explore the local arts scene and discover unique pieces to take home at places such as the Harbour Gallery or FibreWorks Studio & Gallery. Looking for some R&R? Indulge yourself in spa services at places such as the Painted Boat Resort followed by a relaxing lounge in their Spa Serenity Garden.
Where to Stay
Pender Harbour is home to resorts, hotels, motels, and B&Bs of all kinds, ranging from cabins in the forest to sprawling suites with ocean views of the harbour. Due to the idyllic scenery and all that Pender Harbour has to offer, many of these options can fill up far in advance, so it’s best to reserve accommodations in advance.
There are numerous campgrounds in the area available for both tents and vehicles/RVs, and boaters can also anchor in and around the harbour, plus many local marinas offering transient moorage.
Food + Drink
Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries can be found throughout Pender Harbour. Madeira Park is where you’ll find the most options, but several resorts in Pender Harbour offer dining opportunities.
Looking for groceries? You can pick up the essentials in Madeira Park at the IGA Grocery or the Oak Tree Market.
Events
Pender Harbour has plenty of coastline, and many community celebrations are held on or near the water. Annual events like the April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge, May Day Festival, and the Pender Harbour Days Boat Parade are long-standing community events loved by locals and visitors alike. And the Garden Bay Sailing Club holds weekly Harbour Races which are visible from the shore.
There are also great music events to check out in Pender Harbour. These include the Pender Harbour Blues Festival (June) and the Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival (August).
