Roesland

 park, national park

Part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This former cottage resort harkens back to a time when families came back year after year to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Islands and to take part in the many things that island life had to offer. Once a farm, it was further developed in the 1920s with the addition of a general store and marine fuel station. Eventually resort cabins were added. The resort ceased operation in 1994. A small footbridge leads out to a short trail and viewpoint on Roe Islet. The Pender Islands Museum Society offers a glimpse into the islands' past at their museum located in the original 1908 farmhouse. Roesland's previous owners were granted a life tenancy when these lands were purchased for the park, and still live on a portion of the property. Please respect their privacy and the posted boundaries.

Covered in mostly second-growth Douglas fir forest, the uplands above Shingle Bay adjacent to Roesland protect a rarity in the Gulf Islands—a natural freshwater lake. A short trail system leads up to the lake. Fishing is not permitted in Roe Lake.

In 2013, two properties were added to Roesland via purchase of private land. A 4 hectare seaside property at Shingle Bay includes a beach, small waterfall, wetland, creek and man-made pond. A larger property closer to Roesland (7 hectares) added 455 metres of waterfront including sandy and pebble beaches, rocky coastal bluffs and protected coves.