For the experienced and novice alike, this comprehensive guide leads paddlers through some of the best kayaking waters on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Twenty trips are outlined, covering prime paddling destinations within Barkley and Clayoquot sounds, including the Deer Group, the Broken Group Islands, and Vargas, Flores and Meares islands. Each trip is headed with important information on tides, currents, safety considerations and launching. Included in each route description is practical information on the different land jurisdictions, campsites, suitable landings and paddling conditions. Sidebars embellish the history of shipwrecks, examine the Nuu-chah-nulth people and introduce interesting characters like Salal Joe and Fred Tibbs. Others detail some of the natural history of the west coast with topics ranging from grey whales to barnacles. This edition also provides well-researched information on the parks in the area, including Pacific Rim National Park and several parks within the BC Parks system.

Written for paddlers of all skill levels, Sea Kayak Strokes is a concise and fully illustrated instructional manual detailing tips and suggestions for improving and maintaining overall paddling technique. This highly effective guide will help you paddle your kayak farther, more safely and with less effort. When you do 1,500 strokes per hour, small improvements in your technique make a big difference in your comfort, success and overall progress.

Nootka and Kyuquot Sounds are the next step for sea kayakers who have enjoyed the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound and the Broken Islands. Its wetter weather and more rugged coastline offer greater challenges as well as the rewards of pristine sandy beaches, remote islands, sea caves, rare sea otters, and historic sites. Although not quite the wilderness it was in the days of the explorers and fur traders, for those with the necessary skills, it comes close to the age old Canadian dream of wilderness and freedom. The book breaks the area down into 49 trips. These are just suggestions for planning purposes. Once out there, wind and weather will dictate where you go depending on your skill level. You'll have a more comfortable trip if you read the weather and trip planning sections before you finalize too much.

Experience inner-city paddling with a guide that tells the story of Vancouver and Victoria from water level. Explore history with the tales behind the people, bridges, lighthouses, museums and watercraft you will see as you explore these waterways. Paddling Through History explains place names, geology and other highlights, and is illustrated with maps and photos.

This comprehensive guide is designed for the traveller who wants to experience the metropolitan neighbourhoods, as well as the magnificent wilderness, of British Columbia. The tour starts with Vancouver's top spots, then travels by ferry to Victoria where British colonial elegance and architectural masterpieces are the draw. Next, the countless treasures of coastal B.C. are featured through tours of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. The book then moves on to the seemingly endless mountains where outdoor recreation is the focus. Tourists and armchair visitors alike will not want to miss this journey through the stunning province of British Columbia.

Until now, surprisingly little information has been available to those who want to paddle Vancouver Island's many waterways. Enter Gary Backlund and Paul Grey. Building on the success of their first book, Easykayaker: A Guide to Laid Back Vancouver Island Paddling, the authors have compiled a comprehensive reference book for paddlers of all skill levels. In Kayaking Vancouver Island, the paddling duo guide their readers through trips ranging from a lazy day excursion in Victoria's historic Gorge waterway to an exciting multi-day voyage around Meares Island in Clayoquot Sound. To research the book, the authors traveled from Sooke on the southern tip of the island to Port Hardy in the north, and from Zeballos on the west coast to Gabriola Island off the east coast. Along the way they interviewed local guides, outfitters and historians to get the most accurate information about their destinations. Combining a guidebook format with journal-like entries from their own travels, the authors cover everything from launch sites to lunch sites, which currents to avoid and which tides to ride. The book is also rich in local mythology, folklore and history. Writing with safety and (mostly) easy paddling in mind, Backlund and Grey rate paddling skills required for each area along with trip lengths and distances. They provide an insider's guide to local conditions and brief readers on tides, currents, charts, marine weather and coastal regulations.

Newly updated Must Sees Vancouver highlights the best of the city for a 24-hour visit, a weekend or longer. Savor dim sum in Chinatown, stroll through stately Stanley Park and Vancouver’s botanical gardens, or shop on fashionable Robson Street. Take afternoon tea in nearby colonial Victoria, and explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s hiking trails and rugged beaches. Stay in upscale boutique hotels or opt for a budget room; and sample fine international cuisine. Engage your senses, accompanied by Must Sees detailed maps.