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.

Secret Lakes of Southern Vancouver Island is the first, most comprehensive guide to the beautiful lakes that make southern Vancouver Island such a wonderful place to live and visit. Find the best place to soak up sunshine, where to launch your boat, and how to avoid the crowds. You'll find plenty of practical information on: Swimming and Beaches Walking and Hiking Trails Fishing, Boating, and Paddling Cycling and Mountain Biking Parking, Picnic Tables, Washrooms Top Ten Lists are included to help find the best lakes to walk your dog, learn about nature, catch rainbow trout, or enjoy a family picnic. Maps and directions are provided for each lake, along with information on natural features and historical events. The casual visitor, avid naturalist and armchair historian will all find this to be an indispensible guide to exploring the Secret Lakes of Southern Vancouver Island!

Wild Coast Publishing is proud to introduce our second book in a colourful and comprehensive guide for the south coast of Vancouver Island. Volume 2 covers some of the world’s best coastal exploration, from wild and untamed West Coast Trail, rarely examined from the marine perspective, down through Juan de Fuca Strait, Greater Victoria, the Saanich Islands, the entire Gulf Islands in unrivalled detail, the Ballenas-Winchelsea Archipelago, Denman and Hornby Islands and finally Comox Harbour – all documented in the detail you need to plan a trip. Including all the latest BC Marine Trail information, it adds to that with dozens of new never-before documented camping locations as well as features to see and practical information on how to best transit this varied coastline. It is required reading for anyone visiting the BC coastline – or just dreaming of it. If you have heard of or are looking for The Wild Coast series of guide books, the BC Coast Explorer guide books are the updated and improved replacements, featuring the latest in the marine trail guide information and improved cartography. Volume 2 of the BC Coast Explorer series bridges the geographic region covered in The Wild Coast Vol. 1.

Vancouver Island's peaceful, bucolic nature betrays little of its violent natural history, but in Geology of Southern Vancouver Island fascinating events in the turbulent geological history and architecture of the Island are revealed.