If you go to the Pender Islands

Where

North and South Pender Islands are about two hours by ferry from Tsawwassen and about 40 minutes from Vancouver Island's Swartz Bay. If you're leaving the islands to return to Tsawwassen via Swartz Bay, make sure to get a through pass. For information and reservations, call 888-223-3779 or see www.bcferries.ca.

Lodging

Sahhali-Serenity Oceanfront B&B Inn on North Pender has three suites and a cabin. Rates range from $110 to $240 (at the current rate of exchange). Call 877-625-2583 or see www.sahhali-serenity.com. Poets Cove Resort and Spa on South Pender has accommodations ranging from a lodge to individual villas. Rates range from $92 to $625. Call 888-512-7638 or check the Web site at www.poetscove.com. There are several other lodging options on the Penders. Here are some research options:

For vacation rentals on the Penders, see www.gulfislandvacationrentals.com or call 877-662-3414.

For a listing of some of the islands' B&Bs, see www.penderisland.worldweb.com/WheretoStay/BedBreakfasts/. For campgrounds, see www.penderisland.worldweb.com/WheretoStay/Campgrounds/.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants on the islands. Here are just a few:

Pistou Grill in the Driftwood Centre on North Pender. 250-629-3131. Lunch and dinner bistro fare, the island's most critically acclaimed restaurant, according to B.C. food critics.

Aurora Restaurant and Syren Lounge at Poets Cove Resort on South Pender. 888-512-7638 (resort number). The restaurant, which features local seafood, is the more upscale of the eateries at this upscale resort.

The Stand at the Otter Bay ferry terminal, North Pender. 250-629 3292. Some of the best burgers in the islands.

The Islander, 1325 MacKinnon Road. 250-629-3929. Views and everything from Caesar salads to Muskox.

That Little Coffee Place, 5827 Schooner Way. 250-629-3080. Food, too.

Pender Island Bakery, Driftwood Centre, 250-629-6453. Breads, pastries and sandwiches.

Memories at the Inn on Pender, 4709 Canal Road. 250-629-3353. Local foods.

Traveler's tip

When you're driving, watch out for deer. Seriously. They are everywhere.

More information

If you need more, see www.penderisland.info, www.penderislandchamber.com or www.vancouverisland.com/Regions/towns/index.asp?townID=202

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