The Penders, as they are called by locals, were actually one island joined by an isthmus. Dredging in 1902 to made the canal large enough for the steamship, the Iroquois, to traverse from the Hope Bay dock on North Pender to Sidney, a far safer and shorter route than going around South Pender Island. In 1955, the islands were joined again by a picturesque one lane bridge.

South Pender Island is by far the sleepiest of the two with Poets Cove Resort and Marina being the main commercial area. Much of the island has small coves and impressive headlands and this makes it a great location for kayaking and boating. The island has three area within the Gulf Islands National Park. Spectacular Mount Norman towers over the surrounding area with a trail leading to a viewing platform at the summit. Beaumont Marine Park is connected to the Mt. Norman area and is accessible either by trail or water providing camping and moorage in a spectacular setting. Greenburn Lake is a pleasant hike above Poets Cove Resort and very much worth the effort.