Otter Bay Marina

On the west side of North Pender Island visiting boaters enjoy a variety of services and activities at the Otter Bay Marina. It is open year-round, providing full service from May 15 to September 30 and reservations are recommended during the summer. Visiting mariners will discover 15-, 30- and 50-amp power, water, washrooms, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, chandlery with groceries, coffee bar, clothing, marine items, book exchange, gift items and local artist’s wares. During the summer, the chandlery is stocked with frozen meat, fish and poultry and dairy products; plus offers a breakfast and lunch menu. The facility is clean, and the staff is personable.

The grounds and facilities are set up to entertain yacht club rendezvous and boating families. There is a large, enclosed gazebo with a barbeque for private parties, yacht club rendezvous or other events. It is designed with a large double-sided rock-faced fireplace that provides heat in the cooler seasons. The ceiling and back wall are made of beautiful 6-inch tongue and groove cedar.

In the morning take a seat with a cappuccino at one of three waterfront decks that are cantilevered out over the water and overlook the marina.

The marina offers activity-oriented amenities such as two heated swimming pools (one for families and the other for adults), badminton court, tetherball poles, kid’s playground. Scooters are available for rent so you can explore the Island.

But rest assured you always have the option of just kicking back and relax with your favorite book while sitting in the well-maintained flower gardens.

If there is a desire to hit the links, you are in luck. Pender Island Golf and Country Club is a 15 min walk (.75 mile), from the marina or the marina will provide shuttle service for a nominal fee.

It is no secret that water is at a premium in the Gulf Islands, yet the grass is a lush green and there are colorful flowers blooming everywhere. One of the improvements made to the facility many years ago was a grey water recovery system for watering the landscape. It is under a raised garden area that has a path leading to the top and a private gathering place with a wood deck, seating, and bar. During the summer months no island well water is used to keep the grounds lush and green.

One of the finest Framer’s Markets in the Gulf Islands The Pender Islands Farmers’ Institute is held at the Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall from May long weekend to Labor Day weekend, Saturdays, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Local farmers, craft people and other vendors offer fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts of all varieties and delicious food.

Launched the dinghy and motor across the bay to Roseland, a portion of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the location of Parks Canada’s field office. At the head of the dinghy dock ramp is a former 1908 farmhouse that now serves as the Pender Island Museum offering a glimpse into the island’s past and a former cottage resort dating back to the early 1900s. Take the short walk to the end of Roe Islet to take in an amassing view of Swanson Channel, Saltspring and Vancouver Islands. Then head back along the islet and up Shingle Bay Road to the Roe Lake trail head and through the forest of mostly second growth to beautiful Roe Lake, for a day of hiking and exploring.

With all that Otter Bay marina has to offer, there is something for every crew member.