BC Coast Explorer and Marine Trail Guide, Vol. 1

Volume One of this new series of guide books is brought to you by the same folks that bring you Coast & Kayak magazine. Written by John Kimantas, it focuses on the west coast of Vancouver Island from the northern tip of Port Hardy down to Ucluelet and Barkley Sound. It's a gorgeous book, with bright colourful maps and hundreds of terrific pictures. What sort of information does the book offer? Next month, Louise and I are heading to Tofino near Clayquot Sound, but with no time to kayak, alas. But if we were planning to kayak there, the Clayquot Sound section of the book clocks in at 14 pages, featuring with a large two-page map of the area showing campsites, put-ins, and kayaking routes. There's a short general overview of kayaking conditions in the area, plus some route suggestions for both relaxed and adventurous paddlers, as well suggestions for other recreational activities in the area like surfing or hiking, as well as a history of the local First Nations. Five route descriptions are given, many with waypoint coordinates for camp sites or other points of interest. Sidebars offer a few other paddling ideas or information. And there's dozens of great pictures. Definitely worth checking out if you're planning a paddle in our neck of the woods.