Pender Harbour

The roads are as windy as a rollercoaster, but possess a sense of tranquility. The sunshine glistens through the tall cedar and arbutus trees on one side of the highway. Moss covered rock make up the other. And if you thought that was beautiful, wait until the sun glistens on one of the countless coves on a summer afternoon. You will find yourself feeling as if you've gone back in time. A time when life was simpler and the air was still crisp to inhale. The type of place where a convertible should be the vehicle of choice, and the warm wind running through your hair seems only natural. Pender Harbour is a treasure, hidden away, on the Sunshine Coast, just a short ferry ride out of Vancouver.

If you prefer camping, staying in a resort, or a five-star hotel, one of Pender Harbour's accommodations will suit your needs. Just as accommodating, are the outdoor activities. Mount Daniel is a hike for more experienced hikers, and don't forget to pack your water. Its peak, towering at 1374 feet above sea level, provides a treat for those who make it to the top. Looking down on a series of coves, and to the mountains in the distance you will nearly forget the beauty that is right before you on the mountain itself, but only for a moment. Many other outdoor activities are available to explore, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, fishing and many more. Charters are a must-do. The Harbour, nicknamed “Venice of the North", is best viewed by boat. Take advantage of it if you get a chance.


If you’re not the outdoorsy, athletic type, there is still plenty to do. Pender Harbour hosts many fabulous festivals; the two biggest are the May Day Parade and the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival. May Day has been a tradition for many years. Pender Harbour is the second oldest city to celebrate May Day in BC, next to New Westminster. Local businesses shut down to watch the parade, and the town is always packed, buzzing with so many locals you would think all 3000 of them were out celebrating. Live music is in the air, children are getting their faces painted, dancing and everyone seems to be having a good time. Pender Harbour will ring in its 12th annual Jazz Festival this September, featuring many award-winning local and international artists.

Pender Harbour doesn't provide a ton of nightlife venues, but it is not completely without. Garden Bay Pub is one. The waterfront pub’s wooden walls, large windows looking out at the crystal clear water and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Go in and ask Mel for a Speedway and she will know exactly what you need.

While summer time is the most beautiful time for Pender Harbour, it is sure to be buzzing with tourists from all over the world, providing it with a large chunk of it's economy. In the beginning, Pender Harbour lived off of it's fishing and logging businesses, which, though dwindling, still exists today. Originally, the town was called Hardscratch, because of the difficulty to survive because of remote area. Later, it was renamed Whiskey Slough after the empty bottles that could often be found floating in the water from fishermen celebrating their successes.

Neverending, are the windy roads in this gem of a town, and surely you'll leave wishing your trip was as well.

How to make a Speedway:
1 ounce of Crown Royal
1 part Redbull
2 parts Cranberry

Mix together on ice and enjoy!