For those who own the first edition (2006) and prefer not to obtain the 2009 edition, download the following pdf file which contains major updates through May 2009. Missing from that file are all the restaurant changes that occurred afterward, the dozen new parks and ocean accesses that came on line, hundreds of items that were updated during the processing of the second edition, plus additional features not present in the 2006 edition.
UPDATES TO FIRST EDITION AS OF MAY 2009
UPDATES TO THE SECOND EDITION (PUBLISHED AUGUST 2009)
Last updated: June, 2010
Chapter 3/Travel Guide
p 27. (Getting to Tsawwassen) The new Canada Line train runs between YVR and downtown Vancouver, and public transport to and from Tsawwassen is now more convenient as a result.
p 44. Float Planes. Saltspring Air now has regularly scheduled flights between Port Washington and both YVR and downtown Vancouver. Stopover or transfer in Ganges. Free shuttle from seaplane terminal to main YVR terminal (but not reverse). Ask about standby service between Port Washington and Ganges for $30 (Regular fare applies if reserved). 1.877.537.9880.
Chapter 4/Accommodations and Camping:p 57. Camping at Prior Centennial: The Parks Canada reservation service has taken over from the BC system as predicted. The PC contact info was included in the 1st edition (2006), but unfortunately Parks Canada had me remove the info from the 2nd edition (2009) because it was not in effect yet. If you have the 2nd edition, here it is: www.pccamping.com, 1.877.737.3783.
Chapter 5 Dining
p 63. At the Golf Course, Chippers (in 2008), then Fairways (in 2009) Restaurant is now BIRDIE'S BISTRO. The space has been remodeled and the menu upgraded. They will be open for breakfast and lunch to start. Same contact info.
p 70. Wine/Liquor: Pender Island Cellars, a "U-Vin" wine making business is open at the site of the former Island View Paper Works next to Canada Post at Driftwood Centre. Besides the do-it- yourself wine making service, they sell wine making kits and supplies, and gift items.
Ph: 250.629.6511, IslandCellars@shaw.ca. Michael Symons, proprietor. Map Page 73, Loc: 18
Chapter 6 Shopping and Services
p 76. Home Electronics & Media off Island: a new Best Buy is in Langford near the Superstore.
p 86. Other services. Island View Paper Works (Copies, photo finishing) has closed.
Time To Play now offers printing/copying/faxing. The store (Map Page 73 Loc: 11) is operated by the Pharmacy and contains a lot of the non-pharmacy items previously sold at the main store.
p 89. New radio station 107.9 on Salt Spring Island serves the Gulf Islands.
Chapter 7 Wedding & Event Planner
p 94. Although not mentioned specifically in the book, Marriage Commissioner Wendy Wacking reports new contact info: E-mail: wendyhacking@orcasonline.com, Phone/Fax: 250.629.6761
A new vendor for wedding cakes: Shelley Richards, shelskitchen@yahoo.ca, 250.629.6180
A new hairdresser, Hair to Go, offers house calls, Tannis 250.629.6030
Chapter 8 Attractions Off-Island
p 101. Konpira/Udon Master left. Now a Thai restaurant.
Chapter 12 Hiking North Pender
p 169. J.M. Abbott Park The rough trail to the park now features a staircase up one side and down the other. At the top of the hill are 3 benches and a picnic table (no garbage can, pack in, pack out policy). There are limited views to the ocean and an excellent view of Buck Lake. Parking is available for a car at each end of the trail. PIPRC hope to link this trail with the present Buck Lake to Privateers Trail.
Chapter 13 Hiking South Pender
References to Mt. Norman Viewpoint: The elevated boardwalk at the summit was taken away and is now a dirt trail. The viewpoint was rebuilt in a similar configuration out of fresh smelling cedar.
Chapter 15/Boating/Orca Watching:
A kayak launch ramp (for higher tides only) was installed at Shingle Bay Park.
The Whale Wise orca-watching info brochure has changed slightly. Check it out for details.
p 250 A new dive shop opened in Sidney, Island Diving, 778.426.3483. islanddiving.ca
Chapter 16/Pender Writers:
Hans Tammemagi, Ph.D. Books on environment, science & travel, www.hanstammemagi.com
Chapter 18/Living on Pender
The Pender Islands Museum is only open Easter through early October each year but available for groups in the off season with arrangement.
In addition, the following changes were made for the second printing (September 2009).
If you have the first 100 printed these changes apply:
p 103. In Victoria, the Blackfish Cafe changed names to Flying Otter Grill and is similar in character.
p 113. The contact info for Bracket Cove Farm horseback riding business was removed since they do not want to be contacted for riding lessons or rentals at present.
p 157. Another new Pender Parks ocean access: Pecos Road: From Driftwood Centre, go 350 m down Razor Point Road. Turn right on Pecos Road. At the end of the unpaved road, 46 stairs descend to Browning Harbour across from Port Browning Marina.
p 216. The arrow in the ocean on the Tour de Pender bike map was in error and was removed. Do not ride into the ocean!
Those businesses mentioned in this book are urged to submit changes to comments@penderhandbook.com.