While most people simply refer to Pender Island in the singular, in fact it is two islands (North Pender and South Pender). They are joined by a one-lane bridge that crosses the narrow canal dug in 1903 to benefit steamship travel through the Gulf Islands. The area of the two islands combined is about 34 square kilometres. Pender Island is the second most populous of the southern Gulf Islands (which lie in the Strait of Georgia between British Columbia's lower mainland and Vancouver Island). Its permanent residents number about 2,000, made up of young families, young and old retirees, and a large number of business professionals who work in Victoria, Vancouver and farther afield - many telecommuting. In the summer, the island population doubles when seasonal residents and visitors arrive to cycle, hike, cruise, golf, fish or enjoy a peaceful retreat at one of the resorts or B&Bs.
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