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The Basics
Nothing is open 24/7 in Pender Harbour, so plan your dining, fuel-ups and shopping accordingly. Most dining establishments, including pub kitchens, shut down by 10 p.m.
Wherever you are in Pender Harbour, remember that we don’t have a sewage system— do not flush anything but biodegradable material (yes, that’s what we mean) and toilet paper.
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Public Transportation
There is no public transportation in Pender Harbour; no cabs, no busses, no SkyTrains, subways or railroads. Chances are, wherever you want to go, it will be a walk on a narrow, gravel shoulder.
Your public transportation options are limited to hiring a water taxi or hitchhiking.
A Malaspina Coach Line bus makes a daily run between Vancouver and Powell River, stopping briefly in Madeira Park and Kleindale. Schedule changes are not uncommon, so be sure you’ve got the updated version. Call them at 1-800-386-4456.
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Special-needs Travelers
We have few sidewalks and not all businesses have wheelchair access. On the other hand, most have, and there is at least one wheelchair-accessible trail in the area.
Be sure to discuss your needs, in advance, with businesses you intend to visit, especially for accommodations and dining.
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Motorists
Give yourself lots of time to reach the BC Ferries terminal, and be aware that getting to the terminal on time doesn’t guarantee boarding— lineups are common in peak season.
Our only gas station is at Hwy. 101 and Garden Bay Rd. so make sure you've topped up your tank before heading off for a drive. Several automotive repair businesses are listed on Pender Harbour Dot Com.
The good news is, Pender Harbour has no traffic lights or parking meters. Bet you won't miss either.
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Dining and Accommodations
Always make reservations for accommodations, which we have a shortage of at the moment. You can always find good pub food if you’ve not made a restaurant reservation, but without a room you might end up sleeping in your car. You’ll find a complete list of accommodations on our sister site, Pender Harbour Dot Com.
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Nightlife
If you're coming from a city, you'll surprised at how dark our night is (at last count there were only about a dozen streetlights in the entire area). This makes for great stargazing, but navigating back to your room or dock without a flashlight can be tricky.
Oh, you meant THAT kind of nightlife! Check out our Calendar. If you’re coming from outside British Columbia, you may not be familiar with our drinking (alcohol) and smoking laws:
Alcohol
If you’re driving, forget that special coffee after dinner if you’ve had two glasses of wine. You can be given a 24-hour suspension, have your vehicle impounded and spend the night in jail, lose your license for another three months, lose your license for an additional year, then be informed that your license is suspended indefinitely and, before you can re-apply, you must take a none-month Remedial Driving Program ($900+) and equip your vehicle with a anti-alcohol locking system. If you ever do get your license back, your insurance rates will be at the maximum and you have become a Criminal.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in public buildings, including restaurants and pubs. If you’re a smoker, be sure to check with your accommodations host to see if you’re allowed to smoke in your room.
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Man’s Best Friend
There is no dog-control bylaw in Pender Harbour, so technically you don’t have to have your dog leashed or licensed. However, we hope that you keep your best friend under your control at all times, and that you clean up any business that your dog may do— what looks to you like wilderness could be someone’s back yard.
Domestic livestock, pets and deer are common in the area, and their safety is our priority. A dog can be legally shot to protect livestock on private property.
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Offsite Tourism & Map Links
Maps
Pender Harbour (Atlas of Canada)
Pender Harbour on the West Coast of North America (Yahoo)
Expedia - Type [Garden Bay] or [Irvine's Landing] in the North America search box.
MapQuest - Type [Madeira Park], [BC] and [V0N 2H0] in the search box.
Google Earth - Software required, but it’s a free download
Sunshine Coast Tourism Websites
Big Pacific.com - Sunshine Coast, Eh - British Columbia.com
Vancouver Island.com - Sunshine Coast Central - Going Coastal magazine
Texada Island - Powell River - Vancouver - Sunshine Coast, Australia
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