Spending time in nature
is good for our health.
Southern Gulf Islands
OUTSIDE
The best of our nature.
Roe Islet, Roesland, North Pender Island (052221).
Photographs, videos, audio, and text Copyright © 2026 Richard Philpot/SGIOUTSIDE.ca.
There’s lots more to come
More Walks & Hikes, Paddling, Nature, and In-Depth Stories, plus Biking and Camping.
SGI OUTSIDE
The best of our nature.
The Southern Gulf Islands (SGI) comprise hundreds of islands and islets, surrounded by Southern Vancouver Island, the British Columbia Lower Mainland, and the U.S. San Juan Islands. We have a mild climate (Spring begins in February!) and a mere 80 cm (31.5”) of rain annually. There is so much to see and do in the SGI: awesome walks and hikes, panoramic lookouts, fascinating marine and bird life, spectacular forests and wildflowers, peaceful paddling, and much, much more! These are just some of the reasons why exploring the Southern Gulf Islands should be on everyone’s bucket list.
SGI OUTSIDE includes my picks for the best places to explore and to learn about the “best of our nature,” plus maps and memorable stories from my 20+ years living in the islands. And many of the tales are one-of-a-kind.
SGI OUTSIDE is filled with useful and intriguing information. I gathered every detail personally. I update the guidance each time I experience it again. There’s something for everyone: all ages, all physical abilities, all skill levels.
Please go slow, be kind, look around, and have fun!
Spending time in nature is good for our health.
SGI OUTSIDE is self-edited. However, I use Grammarly to improve my mechanics (grammar, punctuation, and spelling). Please notify me by email if you discover errors. Thank you. No Generative AI was used to create content on SGI OUTSIDE.
WALKS & HIKES Trails, lookouts, and picnic spots worthy of every step.
MARINE MAMMALS Unbelievable sights, sounds, and tales.
INTERTIDAL LIFE Fascinating species diversity.
PLANTS Forests, wildflowers, wild berries, and heritage fruit orchards.
PADDLING Spectacular shorelines and other island destinations.
Male Steller sea lions hauled out and growling in the Belle Chain Islets.
