I owned a Powershot G9 for a few years, it was a great little travel camera. I also picked up an SX700 HS mainly to use whilst hiking and it served its purpose. My 5 year old son now uses this I have no idea about the current line-up but I expect they are extremely capable if you just want a simple point and shoot that offers a bit more than most phone cameras.
As a birder I used mine mainly for record shots The main issue I had with these cameras (I have a Powershot SX50) is the size of the EVF. As a specs wearer it is hard to get a good view and it is VERY small. The lack of IBIS makes it hard to hold steady at higher magnifications. It is also quite ISO limited from a noise consideration.
However, for daily shooter and for vacation pix I found it very useful.
For some of my posts I scroll and search and try to find the appropriate category and discover there isn't one, however in your case there is a place for Non-RF stuff:
Here you can post images or discuss non R series cameras including non Canon cameras or mobile photography. Old or new shots are welcome. Please don't post non R series or mobile images in any of our other forums. This forums main focus is still the R Series.
For some of my posts I scroll and search and try to find the appropriate category and discover there isn't one, however in your case there is a place for Non-RF stuff:
Here you can post images or discuss non R series cameras including non Canon cameras or mobile photography. Old or new shots are welcome. Please don't post non R series or mobile images in any of our other forums. This forums main focus is still the R Series.