Cycling the Pender Islands, British Columbia
A Scenic Cycling Escape Close to Vancouver and Victoria, Canada
Jun 24, 2009
Comprised of both the populated North Island and the rugged South Island, the Pender Islands offer visiting cyclists nearly 75 km of winding country roads to explore. Littered with more than public beaches, roadside markets, cafes and restaurants, the Penders offer limitless fun to visitors.
Public washrooms, clean drinking water and snacks are available at regular intervals along the typical cycling routes. The centrally located Driftwood Centre offers the island's only grocery store, pharmacy and liquor store.
When to Visit the Pender Islands
Situated in the mild climate of BC’s west coast, the islands offer warm temperatures for cycling from March through October. As temperatures soar to the low 30s (Celsius) from June through September, a swim in the cool waters of the Strait of Georgia becomes more welcoming.
How to get to Pender Islands
The Penders are accessed via a short ferry ride from both Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria) ferry terminals. Multiple ferries are available every day, however, the most common and direct times are listed below. Check with BC Ferries for more details. Local buses in both cities offer bike racks, which make commuting to the early morning ferries simple and affordable.
Ferries to and from Downtown Vancouver
From downtown Vancouver, two buses are required to arrive at the ferry terminal. The 98 B-line services downtown to Airport Station, while the 620 runs from Airport Station to Tsawwassen.
Ferries to Pender Islands ($9.60): Monday to Friday at 10:10 AM, Saturdays at 8:35 AM, and Sundays at 11:10 AM.
Return Ferries to Tsawwassen (Free): Monday to Thursday at 4:15 PM, Friday at 6:25 PM, Saturday at 4:25 PM, and Sundays at 7:20PM
Ferries to and from Downtown Victoria
Buses 70, 72, and 73 run from downtown Victoria to the ferry terminal.
Ferries to Pender Islands ($11.80): Monday to Friday at 8:35 AM, Saturday and Sundays at 9:35 AM
Return Ferries to Swartz Bay (Free): Monday to Thursday at 6:45 PM, Friday at 7:20 PM, Saturdays 5:40 PM, and Sundays at 6:15 PM
Bike Rentals in Vancouver and Victoria
A solid bicycle, helmet, water bottle and lock are the only necessary pieces of equipment for visiting the Penders. Rentals are available at these locations:
In Vancouver: Spokes Bicycle Rentals, 1798 W Georgia Street. Phone 1-604-688-5141. Rates: $19.05 and up.
In Victoria: Cycle BC Rentals, 707 Douglas Street. Phone 1-250-380-2453. Rates $19.00 and up.
If visiting for more than a single day, plan on bringing camping equipment or make a reservation at either a hostel or bed and breakfast in advance. More information is available on the Pender Island Guide website.
What Makes a Visit to Pender Islands Unique
Whether visiting the famous Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market or picking up a quick snack from the countless pay-on-your-honor fruit and vegetable stands, visitors can easily appreciate the local agriculture which produces more than 50 varieties of apples, pears, and plums.
A short 45-minute hike takes visitors from the beach to the summit of Mount Newton, the island’s highest peak. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views over the Strait of Georgia and around the Gulf Island National Park Reserve. The recently developed park has seven different zones on the Pender Islands, including the little-visited Medicine Beach where remains of Native Canadian settlement remain visible.
Add in 20 public beach access points, deer grazing along quite country roads and a laid-back island culture vibe, and the Pender Islands are an easy answer for anyone looking for a unique experience near Vancouver and Victoria.
 |
 |
 |
