Public land on the Penders is plentiful and varied. The parks and recreational areas have been preserved through the Provincial Government, joint Federal and Provincial initiatives, and through regional and community parks. Here’s a sampling of what awaits you:
Park Maps from the CRD and Parks Canada
- CRD North & South Pender Island Parks Map – PDF
- Pender Islands Park Commission South Pender Community Parks, Trails and Ocean Accesses – PDF
- Gulf Islands National Park Map – PDF
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve consists of lands on 16 islands, plus numerous small islets and reef areas in British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands. With a total area of 33 km2 (including a 25-metre intertidal zone), it is Canada’s 5th smallest national park. The waters surrounding or adjacent to park lands, extending 200 metres seaward from the natural boundary of the lands, are also protected and managed by Parks Canada.
On North & South Pender Island we are fortunate to have numerous distinct areas located within the National Park.
South Pender
- Mt. Norman
- Beaumont Park – is accessible by boat or on foot from the Mt. Norman parking lot, a 20 minute hike. It offers camping, picnicking, swimming and toilets.
- Greenburn Lake
North Pender
- Roe Lake
- Roesland
- Prior Centennial Park – The only public campsite on the North Penders, with forest walks. (Heart Trail)
- Mt. Menzies
CRD and Community Parks:
- Magic Lake – picnicking, bird watching.
- Danny Martin baseball park at Magic Lake.
- Disc Park – a 27 hole, 4 hectare public Frisbee golf course.
- Playgrounds beside the tennis court on Schooner Rd., at Shingle Bay and at Thieves Bay.
- Mortimer Spit. Off Canal Road between North and South Pender, this is a popular spot for dog walking, beach picnics and small boat launching.