A Day on Pender Island

Let me jump right into this blog posting by saying that Pender Island is one of my favourite destinations on the Southern Gulf Islands. I immediately fell in love with the island(s) during a recent visit and hope to make this little paradise a place we will visit often. The islands are very picturesque and unspoiled with views of open farmland, rolling hills, beaches, coves and forest - there are many parks on the islands to visit. I enjoyed our drive through the 'enchanted forest nature park' - it truly is 'enchanting'. Our stay on the islands was brief so we were unable to visit many of the parks. For the nature enthusiast, there are plenty of hiking trails and beaches to explore. For the artist, there are many galleries and little shops with pottery, paintings and jewellery for sale.

Richard and I had a lovely stay in a quaint cosy cottage which was tucked away in the woods of rural south Pender. Our little art studio cottage was tastefully decorated with pottery and paintings and the large picture windows framed a lovely country garden. I soaked in the fairytale ambiance of the cottage garden - so lush and green, burgeoning with life and colour; the artful garden gates with arbors and trellises supported billowing roses, grape plants and hops. I felt inspired by these surroundings. The two artists that live here, our hosts, are very kind and talented folks - we want to thank them again for our lovely stay in their cottage.

I have a few photos from our visit to Pender Island. Thank you for visiting this website, I hope you will be charmed and have a chance to visit this special place one day ! Warm wishes to you. Michelle

Cottage in the woods

Country garden

Saturday market on Pender

Community Hall on Pender

Old cottage on Pender

Port Browning marina

Port Browning marina

One of Penders many coves

Gowlland Point, south Pender Island

Hope Bay cafe and marina

Link to slideshow:

Link to Pender Island Website
(for more information about the islands):

Colourful Salt Spring Market

Breakfast at Barb's Buns Cafe in Ganges, Salt Spring

See Slide Show (Click here)

We had a lovely weekend here on the west coast. This was the first weekend of July and a time of celebration for many. Saturday was warm and sunny, for a change! My daughter and I ventured over to Salt Spring Island, one of our favourite destinations which is only forty-five minutes from our front door. We often travel there for a days visit or stay a few days for a short getaway. Saturday is busy and bustling with artisans and shoppers at the Ganges market, it is a marvelous event and is fun for folks of every age. Our first visit on Salt Spring was to Barb's Buns Cafe for a leisurely breakfast and to purchase coffee beans and few goodies from their bakery. The market was our next destination - a colourful and cheerful place to be! We enjoyed live music in the park and a stroll along the harbourside boardwalk. The lovely park looks out to Ganges harbour, a Mediterranean setting with charming view, dotted with sailboats and a gentle breeze blowing through. There are cafes, restaurants and food kiosks - a plethora of food venues to suit the hungry visitor. It was another lovely visit to the island. I always look forward to the sights, sounds and scents that tantalize the senses. I had my fill of lavender scent, ocean breeze, colourful artisan kiosks and world beat music for one day - I will be ready for it again soon!! Thanks for visiting me here, I enjoy sharing this with you. My warmest wishes to everyone. Michelle.