Chapter 9 - Southeast Gulf Islands

Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland along the Strait of Georgia are the Southeast Gulf Islands – North and South Pender, Saturna, Cabbage, Tumbo, Samuel and Mayne Islands. Parts of these beautiful islands fall within North America’s largest designated marine park, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The Southernmost Island, South Pender, is the site of Bedwell Harbour, an official Port of Entry. Here boaters can opt for luxury or simplicity.  The first is possible at Poets Cove Resort, Spa & Marina, while the popular Beaumont Marine Provincial Park offers the second option with mooring buoys and spots to anchor. Connected by a bridge, South and North Pender Islands offer both an idyllic place to rest and relax as well as a playground for the outdoor enthusiast to scuba dive, hike, bike, camp, canoe, kayak, sports fish, and golf. For shoppers, most retail stores (liquor, grocery, pharmacy, gifts) and services are found in Port Browning on the east side of North Pender. Port Browning Marina is also found here along with an onsite pub and Bistro.  On the west side of the island, Otter Bay Marina has moorage for vessels of any length. Don't miss their fun theme dinners on Saturday nights. Like the rest of the Gulf Islands, a strong arts community thrives here. Art studios and galleries are found on Saturna, Mayne, and North and South Pender Islands and the Pender Island Arts Council hosts several annual art shows. 

Otter Bay Marina

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Otter Bay Marina



Now in its 46th year, Northwest Boat Travel is a unique cruising guide containing twenty geographically arranged chapters presenting descriptions and useful information about the ports-of-call, anchorages, bays, inlets, waterways, marine parks, marina and resort facilities, fuel docks, services, and things to see and do along coasts and islands of Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska.