SGI OUTSIDE

The 4.6 km Beaumont Marine Park Trail is my nostalgic favourite Pender Island hike.

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.

Orcas, seals, sea lions, and two types of porpoises are seen swimming around the Southern Gulf Islands.

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.