Pender Island BC is more vibrant than ever! There is always something exciting to do or see. Whether it is taking in a show, enjoying an outdoor market or festival, attending a class, or simply hanging out and enjoying the island’s unique culture, it is our community that makes Pender Island special. This is a place to work, live and call home.
If you are currently considering a move to Pender, and have been exploring my Pender Island information, real estate listings and homes for sale, please take a moment to browse through this community information. You will find that Pender has many of the amenities you would expect in a large city, but has the small town community atmosphere that you just can't find in urban centres.
Essential Services:
Pender Island Police, Ambulance and Fire services are all served by the Emergency 911 System. Emergency medical transport is available via helicopter, from the pad on North Pender.
Pender Island BC has excellent medical facilities, most of which operate out of the Health Care Centre located on North Pender:
| Family Doctors |
Home-care Services |
| Dentist |
Physiotherapy |
| Ambulance |
Massage Therapy |
| Community Nurses |
Optometrist |
In addition to the core services operated out of the Health Centre, we also enjoy a wide variety of alternative/complementary therapies, including:
| Chiropractic Clinic |
Acupuncture |
| Reiki & Shiatsu |
Music Therapy |
Headquartered on North Pender Island, the Outer Gulf Islands RCMP detachment serves North and South Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna Islands. The Pender Island BC office is staffed by 2 full-time officers.
North and South Pender each have their own hardworking volunteer fire departments. There are two fire halls on North Pender, and one on South Pender.
School & Library:
Pender Island Elementary houses Kindergarten through Grade 7. High School students go to Salt Spring Island by daily water taxi. The Pender Island Library is open 4 days a week, and offers an extensive selection of books and periodicals.
Shopping & Other Services:
The Islands’ main shopping area is the Driftwood Centre, located on North Pender. There you will find:
| Supermarket |
Liquor store |
| Cable Office |
Gift & Clothing Store |
| Pharmacy |
Insurance Office |
| Bookstore |
Gym |
| Bank |
Flower Shop |
| Hair Salon |
Post Office |
| Bakery |
|
More shopping and services are located at Hope Bay, also on the north island:
| Dockside Realty (Howard’s office) |
Hair Salon |
| Artists Gallery |
Office Supplies and Stationery |
| Home Décor |
Music Studio |
| Goldsmith |
Fish & Seafood (in season) |
Elsewhere on the Island are food/produce markets, a hardware store, nursery, and the local Thrift Shop, Nu-To-Yu, open Friday and Saturday. Pender Island's Farmers' Market at The Community Hall is open from April thru October, and is a great source of local produce and crafts.
Churches:
St. Peter’s Anglican Church
Chapel of Saint Teresa Roman Catholic Church
Pender Island United Community Church (Inter-Denominational)
Church of the Good Shepherd
Community Groups & Activities:
Wondering what there is to do besides commune with nature and soak up the peace and quiet? There are so many things to do, I couldn’t list them all here, but these should get you started!
| Art & Theatre Societies |
Martial Arts, Tai Chi & Yoga |
| Shop Guild |
Yacht & Sailing Clubs |
| Choral & Music Groups |
Field Naturalists |
| Highland Pipe Band |
Frisbee Golf, Golf, Tennis & Swimming |
| Running & Walking Groups |
Conservation Society |
| Farmers’ Institute |
Sports Teams & Leagues |
| Fitness & Dance Classes |
Craft Groups |
| Garden Club |
Unlimited volunteer opportunities | |