What’s the most common sight along Brooks Point Regional Park’s stunning shoreline? Orcas? Bald eagles? Wildflowers? Nope. It’s people dozing, slumbering against enormous driftwood logs.

“The Pacific Northwest coast is one of the world’s richest, most diverse habitats for intertidal marine life.”

On separate trips around South Pender, my “Best of Our Nature” encounters have put me alone in Plumper Sound with Bigg’s orcas, alongside a juvenile Humpback when it surfaced near Blunden Islet, and in the company of Southern Residents in Boundary Pass.

The often-benign conditions in Bedwell Harbour make this route accessible to all paddlers. Beaumont Marine Park’s driftwood beaches, the Peter Cove seal haulout, and Syrens Bistro & Lounge are highlights. So are commonly seen River otters, Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, and colourful intertidal life and wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for Buddha, a totem, and a “busty” mermaid.