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.

Rugged yet serene, the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island are unlike anywhere else. Wave-sculpted rocks, sea caves and fjords, old-growth forests, incredible wildlife, and white sandy beaches make this an unbeatable destination. The Wild Coast, the first of Kimantas's three guides to all the coasts of British Columbia, is now available in a completely revised and updated edition.This book is for those who want to explore the coast from Cape Scott in the north all the way to Esquimalt in the south, whether by kayak or boat, on foot, or even in an RV. An introduction to the local geography, history, and ecology lures you into each region, and information about attractions in the area allows you to plan side excursions. Hiking trails, wilderness campsites, and locations to view wildlife are all marked on the more than 90 maps that are scattered throughout the chapters. And kayakers especially will appreciate the insider information on good beach locations, launch points, reefs, and hazards.

The largest by far of the fifty states, Alaska is also the state of greatest mystery and diversity. And, as Claus-M. Naske and Herman E. Slotnick show in this comprehensive survey, the history of Alaska’s peoples and the development of its economy have matched the diversity of its land- and seascapes. Alaska: A History begins by examining the region’s geography and the Native peoples who inhabited it for thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived. The Russians claimed northern North America by right of discovery in 1741. During their occupation of “Russian America” the region was little more than an outpost for fur hunters and traders. When the czar sold the territory to the United States in 1867, nobody knew what to do with “Seward’s Folly.” Mainland America paid little attention to the new acquisition until a rush of gold seekers flooded into the Yukon Territory. In 1906 Congress granted Alaska Territory a voteless delegate and in 1912 gave it a territorial legislature. Not until 1959, however, was Alaska’s long-sought goal of statehood realized. During World War II, Alaska’s place along the great circle route from the United States to Asia firmly established its military importance, which was underscored during the Cold War. The developing military garrison brought federal money and many new residents. Then the discovery of huge oil and natural-gas deposits gave a measure of economic security to the state. Alaska: A History provides a full chronological survey of the region’s and state’s history, including the precedent-setting Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, which compensated Native Americans for their losses; the effect of the oil industry and the trans-Alaska pipeline on the economy; the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and Alaska politics through the early 2000s.

One of the most spectacular places on earth, Vancouver Island is a wonderland of dense rainforests, rugged mountain trails, breathtaking coastlines, and natural beauty unlike anywhere else. In Wild Places: Vancouver Island, experienced outdoorsman and bestselling author John Kimantas invites you to experience this scenic paradise for yourself, providing up--to--date information on how to access and navigate some of the island's most stunning regions. Wild Places: Vancouver Island anticipates the needs of hikers, fishers, climbers, mountain bikers, campers, kayakers, and explorers of many backgrounds and interests. With detailed maps and full--colour photographs, this is a book that will lead you wherever you want to go, even if you don't yet know where that is yourself. Whether you're going for an afternoon walk or journeying off the beaten path, John will enrich your experience with historic and practical information, including internet resources and GPS waypoints that will ensure you have the most dependable data for your trip. From hidden lakes to hilltop vistas, with every captivating twist and turn in--between, Vancouver Island truly is an explorer's paradise. Discover its pristine beauty for yourself with this essential guide.

John R. Jewitt's story of being captured and enslaved by Maquinna, the great chief of the Mowachaht people, is both an adventure tale of survival and an unusual perspective on the First Nations of the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. On March 22, 1803, while anchored in Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Boston was attacked by a group of Mowachaht warriors. Twenty-five of her 27 crewmen were massacred, their heads "arranged in a line" for survivor John R. Jewitt to identify. Jewitt and another survivor, John Thompson, became 2 of some 50 slaves owned by the chief known as Maquinna. Among other duties, they were forced to carry wood for three miles and fight for Maquinna when he slaughtered a neighbouring tribe. But their worst fear came from knowing that slaves could be killed whenever their master chose. Since most of the Mowachaht wanted the two whites dead, they never knew what would come first—freedom or death. After Jewitt was rescued, following 28 months in captivity, he wrote a book of his experiences. It appeared in 1815 and became known as Jewitt's Narrative. It proved so popular that it is still being reprinted today.

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 is one of the world’s premiere tourist destinations. Millions of people visit the island every year to glimpse the stunning scenery and partake in the numerous activities offered by the natural playground. In the Essential Vancouver Island Outdoor Recreation Guide, avid outdoorsman and best-selling author John Kimantas has compiled a stunning resource to help you get the most out of the island’s rugged coastlines, quaint villages and unbeatable recreational terrain. In an easy-to-follow, region-by-region format, discover the secrets of Vancouver Island through: Detailed maps Photos Geography Ecology Campsite information Recreation information on hiking, climbing, cycling, camping, whitewater rafting, spelunking and fishing Trivia. This book unlocks the beauty of Vancouver Island’s numerous assets—from its most famous spots to the little-known havens only visited by locals.