My Pender Island summer trip began on a sunny morning as I packed my backpack for the Mosaic Festival. The journey from Sidney was a delight — the bus ride offered beautiful views, full air conditioning, and comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. Arriving at the ferry terminal, I found it peaceful and quiet, with a few minutes to enjoy the sun before boarding.
Ferry Terminal and Onboard Experience
While waiting for the ferry at Swartz Bay, I browsed the market stalls and picked up caramel popcorn and a cute leather keychain. Soon, the Salish Raven ferry arrived. There were many walk-on passengers, likely heading to the Mosaic Festival or to Salt Spring for another event.
Onboard, I enjoyed a chipotle chicken club wrap while taking in sweeping ocean views. The ferry’s gift shop offered books by local Vancouver Island authors and clothing featuring Indigenous designs. As we approached Otter Bay, I could see Currents at Otter bay, where Cottage 12 is located, right on the shoreline — welcoming and peaceful.
Relaxing Arrival at Cottage 12
After stepping off the ferry, we were picked up and taken straight to the cottage. We spent an hour by the water, simply watching the waves and relaxing — the perfect way to ease into island time. Later, we made our way to the Mosaic Festival, the highlight of my trip. The festival showcased local music, handmade pottery, paintings, beaded jewellery, a paint-making station, and a craft table for kids.
Mosaic Festival Highlights
I bought a beautiful bird painting and enjoyed a local craft beer from Driftwood Brewery. A Mosaic Festival t-shirt in my size was a lucky find. The music was lively and memorable — we listened to “The Dip,” a group of talented kids known as the “Tweenies,” followed by Infinite Adam, whose energy had everyone dancing.
As evening settled in, a DJ took the stage, but we chose to head back to the cottage to watch a movie. The cozy, relaxed atmosphere was exactly what we wanted after a day of music and activity.
A Peaceful Evening and a Sunny Morning
The next morning, we started our day with coffee on the deck, lounging in chairs and enjoying the stunning ocean view. It was a hot day, so sunscreen was a must before heading to the Otter Bay pool for a refreshing swim.
Sweet Ending to the Trip
Afterwards, we wandered to the otter bay marina store for ice cream — I chose pistachio almond, which was delicious. All too soon, it was time to leave. I packed up my things, walked onto the ferry, and said goodbye to the island.
From a guest’s perspective, this trip was the perfect mix of relaxation, local culture, and island charm. Whether it’s enjoying the festivals, supporting local artisans, or simply unwinding by the ocean, Cottage 12 offers a Pender Island experience you’ll want to return to again and again.
For more island activities, see our Explore Pender Island guide.