SGI OUTSIDE

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.

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.