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.

The island has no village or town center although the Driftwood Center, with its many stores and offices, serves as the island's business center. The Post Office, Liquor Store, Capital Regional District office, pharmacy, laundromat, insurance office, gas station, bank, bakery, Tru-Valu groceries, Windermere Realty, hair salon and a gift shop are all located at "The Drift". There are businesses also at Port Washington, Hope Bay, at the three marinas (Otter Bay Marina, Port Browning Marina and Bedwell Harbour Marina) and a few others, including farmstands, along our country roads.

The Penders are primarily a rural community. You'll find open farmland, rolling forested hills and several lakes. Prior Provincial Park provides camping facilities; Beaumont Marine Park does likewise for boaters. Recently aquired parklands include the 532 acre Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy Park and the protected Medicine Beach wetlands. Trails cross Mt. Norman Regional Park and Mt. Elizabeth Park. Trails can also be found in Magic Lake Estates, at Mt. George, Mt. Menzies and Oak Bluffs. Signs mark the many accesses to beaches and scenic viewpoints around the islands.