Port Washington, or "Port Wash" as it was affectionately called by all the old timers on the Island is one of two historic settlement sites on Pender. Residents, visitors, livestock, mail and supplies sailed on the elegant CPR Princess Line ships from downtown Vancouver to the government dock at Port Washington. Pender’s population at that time was less than 200 people. The arrival and departure of the ships brought people to the dock. The boats often did not arrive as scheduled and the waiting created an excellent opportunity for the locals to visit and catch up on all the latest news. My mom remembers and was always intrigued when the men would pound on the empty oil drums to guide the ships in the fog.

It is a very short walk from the Cottage to the dock. You will see the original old grain shed which has been converted into a rather quaint residence. Sunsets on the dock are spectacular and make an evening stroll a special experience. The General Store is now a gallery and a cappuccino bar.

For your convenience, float planes provide regular service from Vancouver to Port Washington. Or if you arrive on Pender by boat, there is moorage available at the dock.

The cottage was Emily’s second home. The land on which it sits was sub-divided from the old Percival Farm (now called Old Orchard Farm). In days gone by, the apples and pears from the orchard were picked, individually wrapped, packed in wooden boxes, and then taken by horse and cart to the dock to be shipped into Vancouver. Mom said, "Nothing but the best was shipped. If there was even a hint of a blemish on the fruit, it didn’t leave the Orchard."

Today, Old Orchard Farm, has one of several road side stands you will find scattered throughout the Island where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. The stands operate on an "honor" system. You pick what you want, calculate the amount you owe, put your money in a little box and make your own change! For me, there is something very heart-warming about this experience.