When you need a weekend getaway in the winter, hopping on a quick 40-minute BC Ferries ride to a tiny island makes for the perfect retreat.
Pender Island is a small Gulf Island in B.C. that is easy to get to and offers plenty to do while you're there.
Winter weather can be a downer, especially when it's constantly raining on Vancouver Island, so my partner and I decided to go away for the weekend for a little relaxing trip.
We opted for Pender Island because we wanted to explore a new spot in B.C. we hadn't seen before and because of how close it was to where we lived.
We spent the weekend exploring the island, visiting cute restaurants and going on walks and hikes.
The ferry trip there
The BC Ferries ride to Otter Bay on Pender Island is only 40 minutes from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.
The ferry ride is a beautiful trip in itself because you can get out of your car and take in the stunning views of the water and the islands you pass by.
Transportation on Pender Island
We took a car to Pender Island and I would highly recommend driving if you're going there.
The island is small and there is no public transportation so you can't hail a taxi or Uber once you're there.
Restaurants and wineries on Pender Island
Although Pender Island is technically two islands (North Pender and South Pender) it's still easy from one end to the other since they are connected by a bridge. You can do it in under an hour to give you an understanding of just how small Pender is.
We left on an early ferry to Pender and since that meant we arrived on the island a few hours before our hotel check-in, we decided our first stop would be to grab some food.
We stopped at Port Browning Marina Pub which seemed to have a mix of tourists and locals when we were there.
The pub offered a nice meal and ocean views.
Once we finished up we decided to walk around the property and along the marina.
A view of Port Browning Marina Pub.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Aside from the marina, there are other dining options on Pender Island. You'll find cute little cafés and restaurants scattered on both the north and south ends.
One place we stopped at multiple times was Vanilla Leaf Bakery Café for some freshly baked pastries and great coffee.
Another cute restaurant we visited for lunch during our trip is called HUB at Hope Bay. It's an oceanfront restaurant that serves modern Mediterranean food, hot beverages and cocktails.
The restaurant sits next to a cute shop and gallery. Since it's right on the water, you can once again take in the spectacular views while you're dining and walking around.
HUB at Hope Bay restaurant on Pender Island. Right: A couple of cocktails at HUB at Hope Bay restaurant.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity, Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
If you're a wine and/or cider drinker then the good news is the island has both.
We stopped by Sea Star Vineyards and Winery for a wine tasting and it was a popular choice as it got really busy by the time we left.
The winery is located in a wooded area and sits on a beautiful property so we sat outside even though it was a bit chilly. Luckily for us, they had blankets for guests to use.
Sea Star Vineyards and Winery. Right: Asymina and her partner enjoying a wine tasting at Sea Star Vineyards and Winery.@seastarvineyards | Instagram, Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Following the wine tasting, we decided to also drop by Twin Island Cider.
The business offers natural apple and pear cider that's pressed from Gulf Islands heritage orchards.
Just make sure you check their schedule if you're planning a visit as they do close for pruning season in January and February.
There is also a cute little shopping centre on Pender Island if you decide you want to pick up some snacks or drinks for your hotel room.
Hikes on Pender Island
Pender is filled with great hiking options if you have the time.
We opted for the Mount Norman Trail on South Pender, which was a bit steep but wasn't too bad overall.
Mount Norman is the highest hill on both North and South Pender so you'll get incredible views of the turquoise water, mountains and trees from the top.
You honestly can't beat the view on a clear day!
A view of the water and mountains on top of Mount Norman on Pender Island in B.C.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Another nice (and shorter) walk on Pender is through the Enchanted Forest.
The trail takes you through a rain forest and you're rewarded with a waterfall at the end.
Where to stay on Pender Island
There are several accommodations you can choose from on Pender Island.
We chose to stay at Poets Cove Resort and Spa and it's a great option whether you're staying with friends, your partner or with family.
Poets Cove Resort and Spa on Pender Island.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Although it is one of the pricier options, the hotel has a lot of amenities and sits right by the water so you'll have ocean views.
The hotel has a pool, hot tub, spa, gym and two restaurants so there's lots to do once you're settled in.
Getting home
Getting home is just as easy as the journey to Pender Island, especially if you book tickets ahead of time.
What I loved about Pender Island is the slow island vibes you feel when you're there. It's a nice change of pace if you're used to living in the big city or simply need to decompress for a few days.
Although you could technically see everything during a day trip or spend one night on Pender, a full weekend there is highly recommended so you can have some downtime to just hang out at your hotel!
A view of Port Browning Marina Pub.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
HUB at Hope Bay restaurant on Pender Island. Right: A couple of cocktails at HUB at Hope Bay restaurant.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity, Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Sea Star Vineyards and Winery. Right: Asymina and her partner enjoying a wine tasting at Sea Star Vineyards and Winery.
A view of the water and mountains on top of Mount Norman on Pender Island in B.C.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Poets Cove Resort and Spa on Pender Island.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity