Beaumont Marine Park

Beaumont Marine Park is located on south Pender Island along Bedwell Harbour and has beautiful sandy beaches and coastal views. The area is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve managed by Parks Canada and access is either by boat or hiking into the areal. Camping is available near the beaches and reservations can be made with Parks Canada.

The hike to Beaumont Marine Park is a popular day hike and can be done from Ainslie Point Road starting on the same route as the Mount Norman trail. The trail climbs steadily at the beginning, then descends steeply, before following a route just above the shoreline to the campsites and beaches.

Begin your hike at the metal gate and the wooden sign with a map of the park. Follow the gravel trail as it climbs steeply as you quickly gain elevation. The trail will reach a sign where you go right to Beaumont Marine Park (left goes to Mount Norman). After the junction, continue uphill as the trail passes through forest before veering right. The route then goes around some rocks and suddenly drops past some large boulders before beginning a long descent.

Continue to follow the trail downhill through a few steep sections before it eases, while continuing to descend through the forest. The trail will eventually reach the bottom but you will be above the shoreline as it veers to the left and heads towards the beach areas. There is a steep path down to the water for a quick viewpoint of Bedwell Harbour.

Follow the trail above the shoreline as you make fairly quick time. At a junction, go right and use the trail that is closer to the water. You will hike through a forested grove before reaching the first campsite. Go right at the campsite and walk out on the beach for some scenic views of the harbour.

Return to the campsite and take the trail to the right as it goes to an outhouse next to a junction. Go right at the junction and continue hiking along the route, occasionally seeing views of the water. The trail reaches a second campsite above the shoreline and continues through it to an end point where there are stairs down to the beach. Walk down to the beach an enjoy the views of Bedwell Harbour.

After exploring the marine park, return via the same route that you arrived, passing through the campsite and following the trail. When you reach the junction near the outhouse, this time, go right and following the forest trail further from the water as it's slightly quicker to return this route. After passing the second junction where the trails join, continue to follow the path above the shoreline.

Then the trail veers right and the steep climb uphill begins as you hike through the forest and eventually up past the boulders. The trail rounds the corner, then gradually descends down to the junction. If time permits, it's well worth the hike to Mount Norman to see the viewpoint. Otherwise, go left and hike back down the gravel trail to where you began.