Relaxing in Pender Harbor

June 4,5th, 2023

Pender Harbor is a very popular stopover for boats heading either North or South in the Strait of Georgia. It’s a good place to “tuck in” when you are waiting for a weather window to proceed on your journey. We spent 3 days here one summer on our boat waiting for the winds and waves to die down; looks like it will be two days this time. And if you need to be stuck somewhere, this is a great place to be. We are anchored in Garden Bay which is at the northeast corner of Pender. The anchorage is good (mud bottom, around 40 feet), the bay is large though I dare say this year it is probably going to be very busy if early June of this year is any indication. The bay is quite full, as I mentioned before, due to John Henry undergoing renovation, as well as the dockage at the Painted Boat Resort and Spa. Even the transient Moorage at Madeira Park is filled with what appear to be more permanent than transient boats. My advice, if at all possible try and get in before 11:00 am on the day of your arrival. You will have a better chance at getting a spot.

There is a dingy dock at Madeira Park Public Wharf with easy access to shops and several grocery stores. Our favorite grocery store is Oak Tree Market, an independent store with full time butchers cutting up fresh, first class cuts of meat. Some of the best steaks I have enjoyed in Canada came from this store. Additionally they have fresh seasonal produce. This is a not to miss.

The IGA is also well stocked and a more traditional grocery store. Finally, there is a nice, complete BC liquor store. They carry a good variety of wine and spirits.

In Garden Bay there is a public dingy dock that leads to the Garden Bay Provincial Park. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and if you desire walk to the main road where you can continue your journey and follow on to John Henry Marina. Marlene and I went there this morning to view the progress on the new docks being completed. I talked to one of the workers who told me the expected completion date was originally April, then May and they are now saying the middle of July. It will be beautiful when it’s complete but I wouldn’t count on it being open this summer. (Hope springs eternal).

The winds and waves are still too strong for us to continue our journey to Squirrel Cove. There may be a weather window for us tomorrow afternoon, otherwise we will continue on Wednesday. The cruise from Pender Harbor to Squirrel Cove will take us about 6 and a half hours.