After a 45-minute boat ride, our BC Ferry docking stations in Otter Bay on Pender Island or Penders, as the locals say. The two pendants (the northern and southern islands) were joined by a wide mouth of the land, known as the Indian port. The narrow canal was unloaded in 1903 to take boat trips through the islands of the Persian Gulf. The islands remained divided until a single-lane bridge was built in 1955.
The Penders Hotel has a mild climate, many parks and walking trails, and nearly forty beach access points. Southern Pender has about 10% of the population, has less roads and a lot of naturally intact vegetation. Northern Pender has a large population. There is no downtown, but there is a small shopping area (Driftwood Center) with a gas station, restaurants, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a liquor store, a bank and a bakery.
We drive 15 km from Hope Bay to the Poet & Cove Resort & Spa. We meet super-friendly staff at the front desk. “Why is the resort called Poet Cove?” I ask. Over the next two days, no one can give me an answer, but the amazing architecture, interior design and tranquility of the resort facilitate understanding.
When we study the resort, we find solid wood, granite and soft colors that blend perfectly with each other, which creates a feeling of warmth and comfort. The resort has three types of accommodation: villas, cottages and cottages. Each of them is tastefully decorated with views of Marina Marina and Bedwell. It is easy to understand why any poet worthy of his weight in salt will find this beautiful, romantic and comfortable resort truly inspiring.
Going the extra mile is evident in every detail: from floor to floor heating, solid wood doors, bedside fireplaces, granite countertops and private hot tubs to greet postcards, chocolate truffles, toiletries and folded towels. In our cottage there is a deck heater, a barbecue and a hot tub. Looks like someone really cares.
Our spa stay will not be a spa stay without treatment at the Susurrus Spa ("whispering sound"), so we order ourselves for a massage and pedicure. The spa is spacious with six treatments. Outside on the deck there is a sandstone steam cave with a large waterfall and a jacuzzi downstairs. Service options include facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, massages and beauty treatments. When we appear after this, we can see each other's satisfaction.
After swimming in our private hot tub, we spend a peaceful night in our cottage overlooking the marina. We wake up the next morning and head for breakfast at Aurora Restaurant, a luxurious dining room with attentive staff. The breakfast is excellent, serving some of the best "bennies" on the west coast! Later that night we return for dinner. We follow our waiter Andres. suggestions and very rewarded. When we sit in front of a warm fire, sipping red wine, Andres gives us excellent food, it's easy to say that we were in a first-class resort! Everything about Poets Cove is first class.
A visit to the activity center surprises us with what is available. Whale watching, ecotourism, tours in the vineyards, fishing, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking. The resort has two pools and a well-equipped fitness center.
To complete our visit to Penders, we will visit a number of local businesses. The first is the Blood Star Gallery. We did not notice the work of Susan Taylor in the dining room in Potskaya Bay. Her gallery is located on the southern tip of Pender Island and has incredible views of Mount Baker. Pictures, drawings and folk art by Susan Taylor and Frank Ducot are inspired by the sea and island surroundings.
We check the Sahhali Oceanfront Luxury Bed and Breakfast and meet the new owners Frank and Michel Heber. They show us their latest renovations in their impressive premises at Oak Bluff!
Carol Hoffmann at B & B Ferndale is very kind to show us her place, although she has a full house of guests. Spacious bedrooms and a comfortable guest lounge are the highlights of this B & B.
The location of your own B & B is managed by Ken and Jean Daly, very friendly hosts. They offer a private room on the lower floor with a separate entrance overlooking the naval canal. He has a deck near the water for a kayak or canoe. This is a great place for a kayak when it stands on a guarded channel where the island of Main is located.
In the Renaissance Gallery you can purchase unique home-made decorations and look for unusual antiques. Peter and Tessa Emmings. In Arcadia, by the sea, there is a heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis court and several small cabins. Great place for a family holiday. In Hope Bay Marina we find Kayak Pender Island. This is a great little guarded kayak adventure site.
After our day exploring the Penders, we have lunch at the Islander restaurant on the North Pender near the ferry docking station. This elegant restaurant is located in a renovated house on the water and offers exceptional dishes. Georgina, the owner, is a first-class chef and an excellent hostess. In the offseason, she makes a real effort to bring the community together. Some of her events include a guest chef night, a starving artist and a pajama party. Visiting tourists is always welcome. Our food is delicious, and the desert is divine.
The next day we go to the ferry pier to return to Victoria. For years I have heard of hamburgers that served on the Stende on the ferry. I'll try. Believe me, I'm not disappointed.
PS If you do not know, the west coast of Canada is often referred to (jokingly) as the “left coast”.
