Luxe Glamping at Woods on Pender

British Columbia is graced with many incredible glamping spots, from rustic cabins to Airstreams to canvas tents with outdoor showers. Your camping girl has enjoyed quite a few over the years, but I’m going to share a favorite, not-so-secret spot. The folks at WOODS on Pender have managed to create a rather fabulous slice of heaven on what is already a bucolic spot in BC, idyllic Pender Island. Pender (and there are actually two islands referred to in the singular) is one of the 200 Gulf Islands between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Read and see why WOODS is tops on my list, and why you might want to get glamping in the woods when conditions permit.

Woods on Pender Airstream Glamping

With their renovated and refitted Airstreams, rustic cabins, bunkie cabins, and WOODS Motel, WOODS on Pender offers a wide variety of accommodation options for couples, families and larger groups. Situated just 10 minutes from the ferry dock in Otter Bay, WOODS is a unique luxury camp is set in a beautifully wooded setting on North Pender Island.

Owner Curtis Redel is a bit of a renaissance man, and you’ll find him either welcoming you to WOODS at check in time, or in the kitchen of the property’s Coffee Kitchen Farm to Table Restaurant. Curtis is a talented chef, and his decadent breakfast pastries, handmade pizzas and savory dinner options like mushroom gnocchi (a personal favorite), burgers and salads can add to whatever you can prepare in your own Airstream or cabin kitchen.

WOODS’ modern camping experience is complete with fully kitted-out Airstream and cabin kitchens, with French press coffee makers, dishware, cutlery, microwaves and fridges. The Airstreams can accommodate up to four people, though families of 4+ may prefer to book an Airstream plus bunkie cabin for some extra space.

Each campsite has propane gas-fueled fire pits, and many have intimate wooden hot tubs that are perfect for sitting under the stars. There’s also WOODS wifi, TVs and a music system, if you want to augment the sounds of nature surrounding the property.

In addition to the restaurant and outdoor patio, WOODS has a Camp Truck food truck that provides quick to go lunch items, ideal to take for a beach picnic or hike while exploring Pender Island.

What was it like to stay at WOODS?

In a word, fabulous.

I love camping in British Columbia to begin with, so glamping is just extra lovely, especially at such a beautiful spot as WOODS. The variety of accommodation options here meet my and many people’s budget and needs, and the excellent takeout food options (hello breakfast croissants!) add to what I bring on our camping outings.

The camp vibes are laid-back outdoor holiday style, perfect for a relaxation in nature. Our time at WOODS was quiet and private, which was exactly what we needed during our stay.

If you need to work off those tasty pastries or pasta, WOODS is next door to part of the Gulf Islands National Park Preserve. You can walk through the Prior Centennial Campground and follow the Heart Trail, an easy walk through the forest.

How to get to WOODS on Pender

Pender Island is accessible by the Southern Gulf Islands BC Ferries route from Tsawwassen. There are regularly scheduled runs 2-3 times daily, with stops at Galiano and Mayne Islands. The ferry takes about 2 ½ hours from the Lower Mainland, and it’s a very scenic route as you sail between the islands.

You can get to Pender Island from Victoria via the BC Ferries route departing from Swartz Bay. There are hourly ferries to Otter Bay on Pender, some are non-stop while others also stop at Galiano, Saturna or Mayne Islands. The non-stop ferry takes about 40 minutes.

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