Things to do in Pender Harbour
You and your dogs will arrive back at the cottage happily exhausted in the evenings after exploring the local hiking trails. Trails vary in their degrees of difficulty, so choose the ones that fit. Click here for some good descriptions of hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast.
A forest trail starts right at the cottage door. Guest dogs and their people can explore to their hearts' content, without having to think about leashes, traffic, or noise. In fact, it's most unlikely that you'll meet up with anyone else in this little corner of paradise.
Living in the forest means we live in a mushroomer's paradise. Plan your stay around the peak seasons for the various mushrooms; we'll even point you in the right direction! We held our first annual Sunshine Coast Mushroom Fest here in Pender Harbour in October of 2009, with David Arora as our guest speaker. The event was a resounding success, and plans are in the works for another grand festival in the fall of 2010.
We're surrounded by freshwater lakes, perfect for swimming, paddling, or just waiting for the evening loon calls.
Skookumchuck Narrows is home to world-famous tidal rapids — click here and follow the link for a calendar showing the best viewing times. The 4-km hike to the viewing area is a gorgeous rainforest experience in itself.
The Sunshine Coast is home to artists of all kinds, and their studios and galleries dot the landscape. The Purple Banner program makes it easy to find particular artists or to map out a day of leisurely stops.
The Iris Griffith Field Studies and Interpretive Centre (off Highway 101, 1 km south of Ruby Lake) offers a full schedule of events of interest to all ages. This is an exceptional new facility; we're delighted to have its presence in the area. Check the centre's website at www.lagoonsociety.com.
These are but a few suggestions; check out www.penderharbour.org, www.bigpacific.com, or www.sunshinecoast.ca for details about other things to do, including:
- hiking
- scuba diving
- golfing
- sea kayaking
- mountain biking
- fishing
- mushrooming
Art in the Harbour
FibreWorks Studio and Gallery - a rich dislay of fibre in the artist's studio, plus a gallery featuring the creations of fibre artists from all over the world, all in a cluster of attractive yurts.
12887-12889 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park
604-883-2380
Motoko's Original Art - fine art studio and gallery
4590 Sinclair Bay Road, Garden Bay
604-883-9472 , toll-free 1-888-668-6567
Copper Sky Gallery & Cafe - selected artwork from Harbour artists, along with scrumptious homemade food
Watery Things To Do
SloCat Harbour Tours
On this scenic marine tour of Pender Harbour, you'll see why we're know as "Venice of the North."
604-741-4796. Reservations accepted.
Malaspina Water Taxi
Excursions to nearby islands and marine parks, custom kayaking and camping tours.
604-740-2486
Sunshine Coast ToursBoat tours of the fabulous Princess Louisa Inlet and the Skookumchuck Narrows. (Not suitable for dogs - ask us about dogsitting services.)
TroutTales FlyFishing Adventures
Tour operators with years of experience will arrange flyfishing adventures to suit your needs. Equipment provided.
604-885-0773; fishon@trouttales.ca
Pedals and Paddles Ocean Kayaking and Canoe Centre
is a great place to rent canoes and kayaks and to pick up excellent tips about exploring this beautiful area.
Dining
You'll find good food up and down the Sunshine Coast, from great pub fare to gourmet dining. We'll be glad to direct you to whatever your appetite fancies.