The 6 km Brown Ridge trail atop Saturna Island’s Mount Warburton Pike is one of the best high-peak viewpoints in the Southern Gulf Islands.

Portland's popularity is largely due to its spectacularly diverse nature—eight kilometres of ocean shoreline, shell beaches piled high with sun-bleached driftwood and bordered by honeycomb-patterned sandstone rock, great picnic spots, oceanfront accommodation, quaint secluded anchorage, wildly fresh edible plants and seafood, an abundance of bird and marine life, pleasing views in all directions . . . and privacy.

An abundance of wildflowers and a panoramic vista distinguish the Greenburn Lake hike from the trek around Roe Lake, the other freshwater lake on the Penders.

The George Hill Park-Port Washington Loop is an undiscovered North Pender Island gem.

Since 2017, Mayne Island visitors have had access to this special wedge of Southern Gulf Islands real estate. The energizing hike includes two beaches, spectacular panoramas from shoreline bluffs, the finest stand of Arbutus in the Southern Gulf Islands, inviting intertidal zones, an assortment of wildflowers along the trail’s edge, and marine life swimming below and birdlife soaring overhead. It’s a dynamic yet tranquil SGI environment worthy of exploration.

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

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