About Magic Lake

 

The Pender Islands' "neighbourhood," had its notorious beginnings in the 1960's, when "Gulf Island Estates" planned a high-density vacation home development on the west shore of North Pender Island.  Eventually, about 600 acres of mostly half-acre properties spread out along the waterfront and into the forested hillsides beyond.

 

The subdivision, the largest in Canada at the time, helped inspire creation of the Islands Trust regulatory agency whose mission was to promote more responsible and sustainable development in the Gulf Islands.

 

Taking its name from the first lake/reservoir to be created, Magic Lake Estates, usually shortened to "Magic Lake" boasts many amenities that make it a desirable place to live. 

 

There are two oceanfront parks at Thieves Bay and Shingle Bay, several ocean access points, and two lakes.  Magic Lake is open to the public for swimming and rowing, whereas Buck Lake is the main public water supply and is off limits to all except those who reside along its shores. 

 

The world-class Golf Island disc golf park is located in the midst of the subdivision, off Galleon Way.  Several trails lead to the disc park and connect to Prior Centennial Campground.

 

A myriad of short hiking trails traverse the Magic Lake area, creating convenient shortcuts and pleasant walks for local residents.

 

The south trailhead to the Roe Lake portion of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve begins from the northwest edge of Magic Lake at the end of Galleon Way.

 

Best of all, much of the shoreline of the Magic Lake area is frequented by pods of orcas during the summer months.