The rugged west coast of Vancouver Island offers some of the most spectacular and storied hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Home to the world-famous West Coast Trail, once a lifeline for marooned sailors and still among the most breath-taking yet demanding hikes on the continent, the island's western shores also feature lesser-known coastal trails for all abilities. From the tidal pools and pocket beaches of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail to the craggy surf-swept shores of Shushartie Bay and the North Coast Trail, the ten areas covered in this volume will give you a taste of the region's best hiking terrain. This third, fully updated and expanded edition, delivers the detailed trail descriptions, insider tips and clear two-colour maps that hikers have come to rely on plus two entirely new sections on the wild and challenging North Coast Trail extension from Cape Scott and the remote and rarely visited Tatchu coastal hike on the Rugged Peninsula. Less-experienced hikers may enjoy the Juan de Fuca Trail, a southern extension of the West Coast Trail from Port Renfrew to Jordan River, or the trails through the stunning old-growth forest of Carmanah-Walbran Provincial Park. For day trippers, there's the Wild Pacific Trail, a northern extension of the West Coast Trail that begins in Ucluelet and heads north over headlands and white sand beaches toward Long Beach and Tofino. And for those who prefer more remote hiking, the northern part of the island offers the rugged Nootka Trail, described by Backpacker magazine as a wild, historic and beautiful trail, or the boardwalk at Cape Scott, where black bears share the windswept beaches with kayakers and the ghosts of shipwrecked crews. From planning the trip, to getting to and from the trailheads, to choosing the most scenic campsites, this is an indispensable guide for the thousands of hikers who use the West Coast Trail each year and for those who will want to use its alternatives.

A pocket guide to hiking the West Coast Trail that provides detailed descriptions of the trail, comprehensive trail maps, and tips for hikers of all skill levels.

A one-stop resource for hiking backpackers in beautiful British Columbia. Planning your next backpacking adventure? This book covers all the essentials including: 40 overnight hiking trails: discover the many different routes that BC has to offer Packing tips: take only the most essential items with you (plus a few comforts) Permitting: find out what permits you’ll need, and where to get them Camp set-up: tips for where to pitch your tent and how to find water Environmental impact: learn how to Leave No Trace behind in the wilderness This book features backpacking routes from the North Shore up to Pemberton and Lytton and from the Sunshine Coast out to the Similkameen Valley. Beautiful photographs showcase what you’ll see along the way: mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, old-growth forests, and more. Every backpacking route in the book includes bonus features: Trail maps and route descriptions Elevation, distance and time information Points of cultural and natural history Pre-planning hints about fees, permits, and reservations Suggested side trips and points of particular interest Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia also shares options for extending an overnight excursion to several nights or a week, and for selecting hikes that match your timeline/fitness level.

The all-new, expanded follow-up to southwestern British Columbia’s best-selling hiking guidebook—now featuring trails on the islands and northern Washington. For nearly fifty years, David and Mary Macaree’s iconic 103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia has been the province’s most popular and most trusted hiking guide, with more than 100,000 copies sold to date. Author Stephen Hui carries on the Macarees’ legacy in 105 Hikes in and around Southwestern British Columbia—an all-new, expanded follow-up inspired by their beloved classic. With an additional selection of trails on the Gulf Islands and in Washington’s North Cascades, options for hiking with children, and rainy day recommendations, 105 Hikes covers a wider area and wider range of abilities than its predecessor. Like the Macarees, Hui provides detailed information about how to get to each trailhead (including transit options, where available), distance and elevation gains, estimated hiking times, and points of natural or historical interest. But he also includes all-new features such as an at-a-glance summary of all the hikes in the book; tips for hiking safely and ethically; clear, topographical color maps; a rating system for hike quality and difficulty; Indigenous place names where appropriate; and shorter or longer options for every outing.

Discover 55 of the most beautiful hikes near Vancouver, each with an exciting destination to reward your efforts. Planning your next hiking journey in beautiful British Columbia? This new book from the bestselling author of 105 Hikes will show you how to reach the most breathtaking hiking destinations in the province. 55 new day trips: celebrate nature big and small with astonishing hikes you can do in one day. Large geographical area: the book covers Duffey Lake and the Stein Valley in the north, Washington’s Cascade Mountains in the south, Nanaimo and the Gulf Islands in the west, and Manning Park and the Coquihalla in the east. Diverse destinations: including astonishing views, swimming holes, beautiful rivers and lakes, and even a 600-year-old tree. History and ecology: the author acknowledges the Indigenous territory each trail crosses, and points out nearby museums, wetlands, temples, and memorials. Giving back: A portion of the author’s royalties will go to the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning to support trail building and maintenance. With each hike, bestselling author and seasoned BC hiker Stephen Hui shares everything you need to know to make your day a success. Bonus features include: A photograph of every hike Topographic maps Difficulty ratings At-a-glance summaries of special features Recommendations for kids and families, and shoulder season.

For every woman who has ever been called outdoorsy comes a collection of stories that inspires unforgettable adventure. Beautiful, empowering, and exhilarating, She Explores is a spirited celebration of female bravery and courage, and an inspirational companion for any woman who wants to travel the world on her own terms. Combining breathtaking travel photography with compelling personal narratives, She Explores shares the stories of 40 diverse women on unforgettable journeys in nature: women who live out of vans, trucks, and vintage trailers, hiking the wild, cooking meals over campfires, and sleeping under the stars. Women biking through the countryside, embarking on an unknown road trip, or backpacking through the outdoors with their young children in tow. Complementing the narratives are practical tips and advice for women planning their own trips, including: • Preparing for a solo hike • Must-haves for a road-trip kitchen • Planning ahead for unknown territory • Telling your own story A visually stunning and emotionally satisfying collection for any woman craving new landscapes and adventure.

A well-illustrated guide to BC's South Coast and the east coast of Vancouver Island, including history and geography. 10 distinct areas are identified with attractions, ecology, amenities, place names, landing and camp sites.

A comprehensive guide to the hiking trails in South Central Vancouver Island British Columbia

Island Alpine is the first comprehensive guidebook to the mountains of Vancouver Island and Strathcona Park. Featuring over 275 Island peaks, clearly illustrated by more than 550 photographs showing hiking, scrambling and climbing routes - Island Alpine is the long awaited Island hiker’s and mountaineer’s bible.

The West Coast Trail: One Step at a Time is not a travel guide but is a true outdoor travel adventure story lived by two friends enjoying their own mid life crisis. The West Coast Trail can usually be found on most lists of the best hiking trails in the world. This 47 mile backpacking trip is one of the most challenging multi-night hikes requiring the physical ability to carry almost fifty pounds of gear. The hiker will be knee deep in mud one minute and walking on white sand beaches the next. Most people spend about seven days completing the trail and all agree that it is an experience of a lifetime. Surrounded by old growth Douglas Fir trees, rivers and creeks of all sizes, tree roots the size of a person's leg, multitudes of ladders as high as a five storey building and a natural beauty that takes your breath away, the traveler is in awe at every turn. Add to this incredible scene two middle aged men in search of some meaning and purpose who stumble (literally) on a life changing, life challenging, life affirming adventure. The West Coast Trail challenged them physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually in ways they could never have conceived. Written in a conversational tone with light hearted humor and insight, the phrase "one step at a time," became a daily mantra literally and figuratively. Hiking the West Coast Trail became a touchstone event for the author and his friend that provided guidance and inspiration for the rest of their lives. A must read for anyone who has already hiked, or is contemplating hiking the West Coast Trail, it also provides a great read for the armchair adventurer, as well.