Travel
Travel Note
Traveling to Pender Island
No matter where you’re originating from, it’s going to be a day-long affair, or an overnight journey. There are many combinations of travel. Bottom line, the final leg of the journey will likely be on a ferry from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island (Victoria) or from Tsawwassen, near Vancouver. Float planes from Vancouver or Seattle is another option; more expensive, but by far the swiftest way to reach Pender. To start determine whether you want or need a car. We plan to have a number of vehicles to shuttle people between accommodations and wedding-related activities, but if you want flexibility between events a car is encouraged. Our property is at the southeast tip of South Pender Island, connected to North Pender by a small bridge. The road system runs about 12 miles from one end to the other. Walking and hiking trails abound, but distances between points of interest often necessitate driving. Be sure to check COVID related requirements for entry to Canada (ArrivCan) may be req'd.
Travel Note
Car-less route flying into Victoria or Vancouver
From the Victoria Airport (YYJ) rental cars are available, alternatively take a ten-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal (Swartz Bay) there are several sailings to Pender Island. The scheduled varies - be sure to check for the day you plan to travel. Approx. 45 minutes port-to-port, pick up on the Pender can be arranged. From Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The same considerations apply as #1, except the ferry to Pender is less frequent (2 or 3 sailings, depending on the day) and takes longer, 2 and a half hours is typical due to stops/transfers, depending on the day. Rental cars are plentiful, the taxi ride is longer and more expensive than in #1. There is scheduled float plane service to Pender from the South Terminal, 20 minutes to Pender flying across the Straight of Georgia. There’s limited luggage capacity and it may be more costly then the ferry, around $100 U.S. each way - unless you are driving and then the cost is similar.
Travel Note
Car-required routes
Fly to Seattle and rent a car. Drive to the Canadian border (2-3 hours depending on traffic) and another 40 min to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Ferry Reservation is a must, with a 40 minute pre-sailing cutoff. Border wait times vary, you should allow at least one hour. Alternatives - drive to Anacortes, WA or Port Angeles both offer a ferry to Vancouver Island - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Both terminals are 2 hrs +/- 20 mins from the SEA airport. Spectacular scenery while cruising and a taste of Vancouver Island on your way to the ferry to Pender. Both offer another benefit: since they each have dedicated customs and immigration for each ship, the border wait time is finite and predictable. Fly into Bellingham, WA. It’s a 20-minute drive to the border. Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air offer flights. Allegiant does not operate daily. Fly from Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Mesa, AZ, and Oakland, CA (Southwest feeds into Oakland from Nashville, Chicago-Midway and elsewhere).
Travel Note
Ferry information
For all the ferries mentioned, reservations are absolutely necessary. One route does not accept reservations; Vancouver Island to Pender Island. Reservation check-in times range from 45 mins to an hour and a half, depending on the ferry. When comparing travel costs, keep in mind that current exchange rates value the Canadian dollar at 80% of it’s U.S. counterpart. Although businesses tend to stick with utilizing the currency of their country, travel sites such as Expedia and Priceline will convert Canadian prices into a U.S. equivalent when you access their websites from a U.S. ISP. That can get confusing, especially if you have in the back of your mind that things in Canada run about 20% less than the sticker price. BC Ferries (to Pender from near Vancouver and near Victoria): attached Washington State Ferries (Anacortes, WA to Sidney, B.C.): https://wsdot.wa.gov › ferries Coho Ferry (Port Angeles, WA to Victoria B.C.): https://www.cohoferry.com
Travel Note
Seaplanes
Sea Air Seaplanes (Vancouver South Terminal to Pender): https://www.seairseaplanes.com/ Kenmore Air (floatplane service from Seattle to Victoria; normally available on a schedule, fare per passenger basis – currently suspended due to Covid, leaving aircraft charter as an option): https://www.kenmoreair.com/
Travel Note
Pender Island information and maps
Pender Island Chamber of Commerce (visitor guide and other island info): https://penderislandchamber.com/visitors-guide (coincidently, the primary photo on the main page of this visitor guide shows a bit of our property and the beach below our house). Map of the general area: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Islands#/media/File:Gulf_Islands_map_2.png Map of the Pender Islands wit points of interest: http://www.penderisland.info/pender.PDF
House Or Rental
Airbnb
This link will take you to houses available on Pender island through Airbnb. I have tentatively set the dates for May 27th through the 29th. You can adjust the dates as fit and set number of guests. Staying on South Pender would be closer to our venues, but if you have a car it is possible to stay on North Pender, just be prepared to drive a bit further.
House Or Rental
Poets Cove
Poets Cove is a full service resort and one of the only hotels on the Penders. It is located right next to the church where the ceremony will be taking place as well as 2 miles away from the reception location. I would suggest booking as quickly as possible as there are limited rooms available.
House Or Rental
Woods on Pender
Another option for places to stay, however they book up quickly! A unique glamping experience, but further away from the church and reception area.