This is your guide to dozens of spectacular and often hidden beaches on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island between Qualicum and the Malahat. While some of them are well used by people living nearby, many are virtually impossible to find without combing through official maps and back-road guides. From tiny rocky coves to broad sandy beaches, these public-access spots are enormously diverse. Just as important as finding these spots is knowing what to expect. Thus each location is accompanied by detailed information that any beach explorer should know before setting out. Is the beach a few level steps from a vehicle or down a high, steep bank? Is the beach suitable for children? Large groups? Kayakers? All of these questions and many more are answered in this book, which includes Theo’s hand-drawn maps, photographs and artwork. Watch sea lions in the winter (Higginson Road) Paint one of the few great views of Mt. Arrowsmith—go before noon for dramatic light (Rowland Road) Head to the most child-friendly beach between Crofton and the Malahat (Cherry Point Nature Park) Splash and swim in warm water over sand (Benwalden Road) Refresh your pleasure in the shore and head out to picnic, play, launch kayaks, watch winter storms or just enjoy the waves.

This third volume in Theo's Secret Beaches series is a comprehensive guide to dozens of beaches on the east coast of Vancouver Island between Campbell River and Qualicum. While some of them are well used by people who live nearby, some are tucked just off the highway and others are hidden at the end of a labyrinth of roads. Just as important as finding a particular spot is knowing what to expect. Theo provides detailed information for each location so that you can find the right place for the activity you seek. The book includes Theo's hand-drawn maps, photographs and paintings. Want a place where the kids can scamper barefoot across acres of fine white sand? Try Seaman Road near Saratoga Beach. Eager to explore forested ravine trails leading to protected sandy beaches? Try Seal Bay north of Comox. How about a picnic in the car while watching the spring brant geese migration? Check out Seacroft Road near Qualicum. Looking for an easy place to launch a kayak for a paddle to Sandy Island Marine Park? Head for Argyll Road north of Union Bay. Refresh your pleasure in the shore and head out to picnic, play, swim, watch winter storms or just enjoy the waves.

In the fifth volume in the Secret Beaches series, one of two on the Salish Sea, you'll discover noteworthy beaches in the northern Gulf Islands, including Denman, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby and Texada. As in his previous volumes, Theo gives full descriptions of each beach so that you'll be able to find the right location for your activity, from group picnics to romantic cuddles, leisurely strolls to wild woodsy walks, family explorations to soul-searching solitary afternoons watching the clouds race across an island-dotted horizon. Discover where to launch a kayak, where to catch some rays or where to spot surf scoters, harlequin ducks and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Theo's hand-drawn maps are indispensable, as each island marks its public beach access points differently, if they mark them at all. His detailed entries are accompanied by an illustrative photo or painting for each beach. As usual, the charming paintings and photos are done by Theo himself.

Secret Beaches of Greater Victoria is a comprehensive review of nearly 100 beaches on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Greater Victoria area. While some of these are well used by people living nearby, many are virtually impossible to find without combing through official maps and back-road guides. Even the seemingly well-known shoreline from Oak Bay to Beacon Hill hides its own tiny pocket beaches and obscure coves. Just as important as finding these spots is knowing what to expect. Thus each location is accompanied by detailed information that any beach explorer should know before setting out. Is the beach a few level steps from a vehicle or down a high, steep bank? Is the beach suitable for children? Large groups? Kayakers? All of these questions and many more are answered in this book, which includes Theo's hand-drawn maps, photographs and artwork. Take a few steps off a grassy area and enter a world of miniature reefs and islets (Lansdowne Road) Watch boats navigating Enterprise Channel from a hidden headland (Radcliffe Lane) Relax on an expanse of beautiful white sand (Gonzales Beach) Explore a beach where you can see low-tide critters like anemones, starfish and crabs (Beaufort Road, Sidney) Refresh your pleasure in the shore and head out to picnic, play, launch kayaks, watch winter storms or just enjoy the waves.

Secret Beaches of Greater Victoria is a comprehensive review of nearly 100 beaches on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Greater Victoria area. While some of these are well used by people living nearby, many are virtually impossible to find without combing through official maps and back-road guides. Even the seemingly well-known shoreline from Oak Bay to Beacon Hill hides its own tiny pocket beaches and obscure coves. Just as important as finding these spots is knowing what to expect. Thus each location is accompanied by detailed information that any beach explorer should know before setting out. Is the beach a few level steps from a vehicle or down a high, steep bank? Is the beach suitable for children? Large groups? Kayakers? All of these questions and many more are answered in this book, which includes Theo’s hand-drawn maps, photographs and artwork. Take a few steps off a grassy area and enter a world of miniature reefs and islets (Lansdowne Road) Watch boats navigating Enterprise Channel from a hidden headland (Radcliffe Lane) Relax on an expanse of beautiful white sand (Gonzales Beach) Explore a beach where you can see low-tide critters like anemones, starfish and crabs (Beaufort Road, Sidney) Refresh your pleasure in the shore and head out to picnic, play, launch kayaks, watch winter storms or just enjoy the waves.

In this revised follow-up to Victoria: Secrets of the City, former Monday Magazine editor Ross Crockford (co-author of Victoria: Secrets) delves further into the hidden intrigues of Canada's westernmost provincial capital, whose polite, "just-like-England" exterior conceals a surprisingly quirky and rough-edged heart. Victoria has long been a city of contradictions; the home of the unfortunately phrased "newly wed and nearly dead" is also where you will find one of North America's oldest Chinatowns; where tales of secret satanic cults abound; and where the flowers bloom so early in the year, it's no surprise that Victoria is regularly named one of the world's (yes, the world's) top tourist destinations. Ross Crockford takes readers on a tour of the city's best-kept culinary, shopping, and bar-hopping secrets, along with little-known facts that will beguile tourists and residents alike. There are directions to find remnants of the original Fort Victoria, 150 years after it was demolished; details on a nearby island purchased for Marilyn Monroe by her secret lover; a list of infamous criminals who got caught in Victoria, from Brother XII to Ahmed Ressam; and even advice on how to avoid long waits and bad seats on the BC Ferries. So raise your teacup and make a toast to the outrageous, shocking, and glorious gems to be found in Victoria: The Unknown City. Now in 2nd printing.

Known for its beautiful scenery and abundant forests, beaches, and wildlife, Vancouver Island is just a short ferry ride away from the bustling Lower Mainland. Get away from it all on a multi-day hike along the West Coast Trail, view some of the world’s largest trees in Strathcona Provincial Park, reel in the catch of a lifetime in Campbell River (the “Salmon Capital of the World”), or explore the charming Gulf Islands by kayak – there are endless outdoor adventure opportunities! The Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbooks 9th edition includes many map updates and cartographic style changes including enhanced private land, expanded fish species and countless multi-use trail and ATV trail additions. The Adventure listings have also been expanded and updated to ensure you get the most up-to-date and accurate information possible for your adventure of choice. Features - Map Key & Legend - Topographic Maps - Detailed Adventure Section >> Backroad Attractions, Fishing Locations, Hunting Areas, Paddling Routes, Parks & Campsites, Trail Systems, ATV Routes,Snowmobile Areas, Wildlife Viewing, Winter Recreation, Service Directory, Accommodations, Sales & Services, Tours & Guides, Index, Adventure Index, Map Index, Trip Planning Tools,