Cottage Weekend Ideas: Escape to The Tides on Pender Island
Today I have a BIG list of cottage weekend ideas to share with you, along with some major cozy cabin inspo from my recent stay at the cutest little oceanfront forest cabin on Pender Island!
If the idea of a serene weekend escape filled with cozy cabin vibes and oceanfront views has you dreaming of unplugging, The Tides on Pender Island is your perfect match.
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, this unique Pender Island hotel experience is one to treasure! Interestingly enough, I grew up on Pender Island and lived there as a kid. So getting to stay at this lovely resort in my hometown recently was a fun opportunity.
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1. Discovering The Tides
History of The Tides
The Tides isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a slice of Pender Island history. Originally known as ‘Mille Fleurs’ back in 1928, this gorgeous oceanfront property has evolved into a peaceful retreat while maintaining its vintage charm.
Situated on 3 acres of pristine waterfront, The Tides offers everything you need for a peaceful escape. Spend your days lounging by the seasonal pool, soaking in the year-round hot tub, or sipping your morning coffee on the communal lawn.
Love the water? There’s a private dock for ocean adventures. Whether you’re unwinding or exploring, The Tides checks all the boxes for a cozy cabin aesthetic paired with a coastal vibe.
But – it’s important to know that there is no restaurant on the property. And although there are a couple of restaurants on Pender Island, none of them are within walking distance from the Tides. So it’s important that you bring your own food!
2. Accommodation Options
The Tides offers five unique cottages, each designed to capture the essence of a cozy cabin in the woods while giving you all the modern amenities you could want.
From romantic hideaways to family-friendly homes, there’s something for everyone here.
On my stay, I stayed at the Lavender Cottage.
- Lavender Cottage– The Lavender Cottage blends charm with comfort, offering a freestanding wood-burning stove and an oversized balcony where you can soak up those ocean vibes.
- Arbutus House – Perfect for families or larger groups, this 3-bedroom heritage home is all about warmth and comfort. Picture evenings by the wood-burning fireplace, a private deck for stargazing, and even a rec room for a little fun after dark.
- Rose Cottage– Looking for a romantic retreat? Rose Cottage is the dream. This 1-bedroom gem is as cozy as it gets, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and a balcony that screams “Instagram-worthy mornings.”
- Oak Cottage– If you’re bringing a few friends along, Oak Cottage has you covered. Its 2-bedroom setup includes a spacious private deck, perfect for sunset views or your morning tea ritual.
- Elm Cottage – Solo travelers or couples on the hunt for a serene Pender Island hotel experience will love Elm Cottage. This studio suite offers a private deck and all the solitude you could dream of.
3. Amenities and Activities
Wifi
Yes – there is wifi at the Tides!
Relaxation and Wellness
On-site, you won’t find your typical hotel amenities. There is no spa, but there is a masseuse who lives on the Island who can will come to your cottage!
The on-site wellness amenities include an ocean-view hot tub and seasonal pool.
Outdoor Recreation
The Tides is all about outdoor fun too. Try your hand at shuffleboard or cornhole, and then hit the private dock for some kayaking or paddleboarding. For nature lovers, this is the kind of cabin weekend idea that keeps the adventure alive.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The Tides doesn’t forget about your furry friends. Each cottage comes with thoughtful pet amenities, including dog bowls, towels, and biodegradable bags, so you can enjoy your getaway with your pup by your side.
Cottages Amenities
The cottages are stocked with purified water, coffee, towels, and kitchen utensils. And the wood burning stove is stocked with firewood (baseboard heating is also an option).
Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or an activity-packed weekend, this oceanfront gem offers everything you need to make your escape unforgettable.
4. Exploring Pender Island
Your stay at The Tides is just the beginning. Pender Island itself is packed with charm and adventure, making it the perfect destination for a getaway that combines relaxation and exploration.
Local Attractions
Start your island exploration with a visit to Sea Star Vineyards for a tasting of local wines or Twin Island Cider for something crisp and refreshing.
Golf lovers can tee off at the Pender Island Golf & Country Club, while history buffs will enjoy the Pender Island Museum. These spots round out your cabin weekend ideas with a dash of local flavor.
Personally, I love visiting the Island’s one and only Thrift Store, called “New-To-You” which is open Fridays and Saturdays.
Outdoor Activities
For the adventurers, Pender Island’s Gulf Islands National Park Reserve offers incredible hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along stunning coastlines. Water enthusiasts can take advantage of the island’s kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. With views like these, you won’t want to return to the city.
Community Events
If you time your visit right, you might catch the island’s farmers markets, or end-of-Summer Fall Fair. This is where you can shop for handmade goods, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. It’s the perfect way to connect with the island’s warm, welcoming community.
5. Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Accessing Pender Island is part of the adventure. Most visitors take BC Ferries, which provides regular service from Vancouver and Vancouver Island. If you prefer a faster option, seaplane flights are also available. The journey itself is a scenic treat and sets the tone for a magical weekend.
Booking Details
The Tides makes planning your stay easy with straightforward booking on their website. Be sure to check their reservation policies, including check-in/check-out times. Planning ahead is key, especially during peak seasons when cottages tend to book up quickly.
At The Tides, there’s no traditional front desk, which adds to the charm of the experience. Before your arrival, you’ll receive an access code via text, allowing you to head straight to your cabin and settle in at your own pace.
During my stay, I didn’t see a single staff member, and honestly, that was part of what made it feel so special. It was like having my own private retreat, tucked away from the world. Without the usual hustle and formality of a typical hotel, the atmosphere felt incredibly peaceful and personal—more like being welcomed into a secret sanctuary than staying at a business.
Seasonal Considerations
While The Tides is a year-round retreat, the experience varies with the seasons. Summer offers access to the seasonal pool and endless sunshine, while fall and winter bring cozy cabin vibes with roaring fireplaces and misty ocean views. Whatever season you choose, the cozy cabin aesthetic and relaxing atmosphere remain constant.
Cottage Weekend Ideas: Peaceful Things To Do
Here are some fun, relaxing, and creative ideas for things to do during a weekend at a cottage:
- Morning Coffee on the Deck
Start your day with a hot cup of coffee or tea, enjoying the view and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. - Nature Walks
Explore the trails nearby or simply wander the property to connect with nature. - Reading by the Fireplace
Bring along your favorite book or a new one and curl up by the fire for some uninterrupted reading time. - Board Games and Puzzles
Pack a few board games or puzzles for some cozy indoor entertainment. - Outdoor Picnic
Prepare a simple picnic and enjoy it on the lawn or by the water for a change of pace. - Stargazing
Lay out a blanket after dark and take in the stars without the interference of city lights. - Cooking or Baking Challenge
Use the kitchen to whip up a new recipe or bake something comforting like cookies or bread. - Kayaking or Paddleboarding
If there’s a body of water nearby, take advantage of it with some water-based adventures. - Photography Walk
Capture the beauty of the surroundings—whether it’s wildlife, landscapes, or cottage decor. - Yoga or Meditation
Set up a peaceful spot to practice yoga or meditate to fully unwind - Campfire and S’mores
End the day with a campfire, complete with gooey s’mores and storytelling. - DIY Craft Session
Bring along art supplies for painting, journaling, or crafting as a fun, creative way to pass the time. - Scavenger Hunt
Plan a scavenger hunt for friends or family using natural and quirky items around the cottage. - Outdoor Games
Bring along lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or frisbee for a bit of friendly competition. - Visit Local Markets
If the area has a farmers market or artisan fair, spend some time exploring and shopping local. - Take a Nap
There’s no better time for a guilt-free nap than during a quiet weekend at a cottage. - Journal or Write
Use the peaceful surroundings to write in your journal, brainstorm creative ideas, or reflect on life. - Movie Night
Set up a movie marathon indoors or outdoors with cozy blankets and snacks. - Canoeing at Sunset
If water activities are available, take a canoe out during golden hour for a magical end to the day.
Things to Do at Your Cottage, To Involve Your Audience:
Content Creation Ideas
- Nature-Inspired Photoshoots
Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings for aesthetic photos. Think cozy cabin vibes, morning coffee shots, or golden hour portraits by the water. - “Day in the Life” Vlog
Film a relaxing “Day in the Life at a Cottage” vlog to share a slower, peaceful pace with your audience. - Workstation Glow-Up
Set up a picturesque workstation by a window or on the deck. Take shots or short videos for a “remote working goals” reel or TikTok. - Cozy Cottage Aesthetic TikToks
Create TikToks showcasing the cozy cabin aesthetic with trending sounds. Highlight the fireplace, rustic decor, and serene outdoor views. - Livestream the View
Go live on Instagram or TikTok to share the breathtaking scenery while chatting with your audience about unplugging or relaxing. - Recipe Content
Whip up a comforting recipe in the kitchen (e.g., baked goods or a warm drink) and film the process. Bonus points if it ties into the cozy cottage theme. - Content Planning or Brainstorming Session
Use the tranquil setting to brainstorm new ideas or map out your content calendar. Share a BTS reel or time-lapse of your planning process. - Photo Editing by the Fire
Film yourself editing photos in the cozy setting, showing before-and-after shots. It’s relatable and aesthetically pleasing for followers. - Tutorials or How-Tos
Film tutorials like “How to Create Content Anywhere” or “Packing Essentials for a Creator’s Cottage Getaway.” - Meditation or Morning Routine Reel
Capture a serene morning routine video—journal, yoga, coffee, or meditating with nature as the backdrop.
Interactive or Engaging Content
- Q&A with Followers
Host a Q&A session and answer questions about your trip, creative process, or lifestyle. - Mini Cottage Tour
Give a fun, behind-the-scenes tour of the cottage. Highlight unique features like the fireplace, cozy corners, or scenic views. - Polls or Quizzes
Use Instagram Stories to post polls or quizzes asking followers if they’d choose this kind of escape or what their ideal getaway looks like. - Outdoor Fitness or Yoga Content
Record an outdoor yoga flow or simple fitness routine to inspire your audience. - Aesthetic WiFi-Work Setup
Show off how you balance relaxing and staying productive. Highlight your cozy WiFi setup with a laptop, blankets, and the view.
Cozy Cabin Getaway at The Tides: Pender Island’s Hidden Gem – Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a solo retreat, a couple’s getaway, or a family adventure, The Tides pairs its cozy cabin aesthetic with waterfront charm, making it a top pick for cabin lovers.
The Tides on Pender Island isn’t just a getaway—it’s a transformative experience. Whether you’re curled up by the fire in a cozy cabin in the woods or sipping wine on a private deck with ocean views, every detail here is designed to help you unwind, recharge, and create lasting memories.
Combine the charm of The Tides with the natural beauty and activities of Pender Island, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for a rejuvenating escape.
So, if you’re looking for cabin weekend ideas and a unique Pender Island hotel that truly delivers on comfort, style, and adventure, The Tides is waiting for you.
