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AWE views from Pender Hill hike on Sunshine Coast, BC family road trip

Pender Hill Hike: fall in love with most breathtaking views on Sunshine Coast BC, a must-do trail for families staying in Madeira Park

Sunshine Coast, BC is definitely one of the most kept hidden gems on Canada's West coast: it takes less than three hours to drive to Madeira Park and Pender Harbour from Vancouver. Yet, as we have found out based on personal experience: Pender Harbour is one of the most family-friendly travel destinations available as a road trip from Vancouver. It also has some of the most amazing kids-accessible hikes such as the Pender Hill trail! In this post, we are excited to share our notes and jaw-dropping travel photos from our visit to Sunshine Coast, to Madeira Park, to Pender Harbour and from atop Pender Hill.

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Pender Hill at Madeira Park – Sunshine Coast’s Hidden Treasure Hike

Pender Hill is located across from Madeira Park village on Sunshine Coast. From atop, you have approx. 270 degree view of the entire Pender Harbour! On a beautiful sunny day, the view is truly magnificent. There are no restrictions on flying drones in the area, so you can get some cool shots from even higher.

The Pender Hill hike is kid-friendly and surprisingly easy. We have been taken aback by how few people we met along the trail – based on the experience, the Pender Hill trail should have been much more popular.

Note that Pender Hill at Pender Harbour has nothing to do with the Pender Island and the Gulf Islands. While Pender Hill and Pender Harbour are located on Sunshine Coast, Pender Islands are is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Gulf of Georgia, BC just off the coast of Vancouver Island.

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How to Get To Pender Hill Trailhead 

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The Pender Hill trailhead is located at Lee Rd and Coastview Dr – at 4331 Coastview Dr you will find a directions sign for Pender Hill Park.

GPS / Google Maps anchor point: for hike trailhead click here.

Pender Hill trail from Vancouver: If you are heading to Pender Harbour, and the Pender Hill trail from Vancouver from Coquitlam Centre, it will take you about 3 hours to get there. There is a ferry that will take you from Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver to Gibsons, and it is only about an hour's drive to the Pender Hill trailhead. To book a ferry from Vancouver, check out the BC Ferries website.

Pender Hill trail from Gibsons, Sunshine Coast: it takes about 1 hour to drive to Pender Hill trailhead from Gibsons.

Pender Hill trail from Sechelt, Sunshine Coast: it takes about 45 min hour to drive to Pender Hill trailhead from Sechelt.

Pender Hill trail from Madeira Park, Pender Harbour: it takes just 15 min to get here if you are staying anywhere around Madeira Park.

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Parking at Pender Hill

There is not much parking for Pender Hill hike. You will find a small parking lot for less than a handful vehicles right next to the Pender Hill trailhead at Coastview Dr. If the parking lot is full however, you are out of luck, as there is no side-of-the-road parking along Lee Dr. and the road itself is quite narrow.

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Hiking Pender Hill in the Summer

Our family hiked Pender Hill in the summer – July 5, 2020. The weather was beautiful, the day was sunny and warm. There was not much summer haze in the air still, so we got lucky for absolutely amazing totally instagrammable photos, and awesome drone video footage.

Pender Hill @ Madeira Park, BC – Quick Facts

Pender Hill hike is super-easy and very child-friendly. Our 4yo Cosmos was able to easily climb up, and loved the view.

There is no stroller access, hence baby infants and toddlers should be placed in a carrier. I

f using a baby backpack carrier, don't forget to place some shade over your child, as once you pass the trees and get “on top the World”, the sun becomes quite hot.

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Trail Map and Notes

The complete Pender Hill Hike took us about 2.5 hours. Actual moving time with the 4yo toddler – 1.5 hours, and extra hour for the picnic, photos, flying our drone, and embracing the astonishing views of Madeira Park and Pender Harbour. Truly, the Sunshine Coast is incredible, especially in the summer!

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Once you reach the top of Pender Hill, you can enjoy almost 270 views: the Hotel Lake, Pender Harbour, Lee Bay, Malaspina Strait and the Strait of Georgia.

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On our way to the top of Pender Hill, we met quite a bit of wildlife: deer, squirrels, birds… Once at the top, we also met a black bear. I was flying my drone, and he was watching me from a distance for a while, then walked away. Super friendly bear 🙂

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Here are a few more awesome photos we have taken while at Pender Hill. Officially: Pender Harbour at Sunshine Coast is one of my most favourite places now.

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Frequently Asked Questions, Hiking Safety & Practical Tips visiting

Are there bugs, black flies, mosquitoes at Pender Hill?

We have not encountered a significant issue with bugs, mosquitoes, or black flies when hiking Pender Hill in early July.

Are there bears at Pender Hill?

Yes. Black bears are common in the area, despite the presence of people. When we were chilling at the top, we saw a large black bear not too far. It wasn’t aggressive, it was just doing his thing scavenging through the grass and cautiously watching us flying our drone. We, of cause, were watching it too and had the bear spray ready in case it decided to approach. Eventually, the bear went away. 

Are dogs allowed at Pender Hill hiking trail?

Yes, the Pender Hill hike is dog-friendly. Yet, it is best to have your dog on a leash, as there are bears around, as well as we have noticed many families with little kids hiking Pender Hill.

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Is Pender Hill hike accessible? 

No, the Pender Hill hike is not wheelchair accessible, and can’t be done with a stroller. It is, however, short and easy enough to be taken with young kids. If you have an infant baby with you, bring along a baby carrier. 

Are there toilets at Pender Hill hiking trail? 

There are no toilets around Pender Hill trailhead. The nearest public bathroom is at Lakeside Campground. 

If you “really have to go”… happens all the time when hiking with kids.. …well, make sure to check out this guide to environmentally-friendly bathroom experience in advance “How To Shit In The Woods” by Kathleen Meyer.

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Is there food or a concession stand available near Pender Hill?

There are no food concession stands near the Pender Hill trailhead. The nearest place you can get food is at the Pender Harbour Resort and Marina. Bring your own snacks. On a hot summer day, you will also need plenty of water – the sun is quite strong at the top of Pender Hill. 

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TIPS on Hiking Pender Hill trail with Kids

Hiking Safety

Yet, safety must come first, especially when hiking with kids. Check out our Safety Tips: Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow.

The Sun

Here are some tips on how to manage sun exposure safely for little children: 9 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

Get Kids Engaged

Some parents, while active eager hikers themselves, may find it challenging to engage and interest their kids in outdoor activities. Not to worry, let us help you: Five Tried-And-True Outdoor Activities To Get Kids to Absolutely Love Hiking

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Covid-Related

The years 2020-2021 presented a true challenge to all travelers, including outdoor-loving families. We even had some Canada National Parks and some BC Provincial Parks closed for some time. Now that the parks have reopened, we need to ensure they stay open. 

When hiking Pender Hill please keep the distance from other hikers. Here are more covid-related hiking safety tips: Social Distancing Outdoors Rules: Responsible Hiking During The Pandemic.

Leave No Trace

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Leave No Trace” at least once. What does it mean? Simply put, Leave No Trace Principles is a set of Outdoor Ethics and best practices outdoor adventurers should follow to enjoy natural spaces with the zero-impact goal in mind and to protect Mother Nature for future generations. 

Here is our introduction to Leave No Trace principles: your easy and actionable guide to exploring the Great Outdoors with your kids and pets with minimal to no impact. Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures.

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Concluding Notes

We absolutely loved the Pender Hill hike! The views from Pender Hill are astonishingly breathtaking. 

Have you travelled to Sunshine Coast yet? If yes, share your most favourite places with us in comments, we will be happy to check those out! If not – you absolutely have to come and visit. Pender Hill hike is one of the easiest ones, and anyone can do it, even toddlers.

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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Share your pictures on social media! tag #PerfectDayToPlayHike to be featured on our Instagram! 

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