Gulf Islands

The most accurate and comprehensive guide for British Columbia's coastal waters, from southeast Vancouver Island (Victoria to Naniamo) and all of the Gulf Islands

The very first guidebook written just for snorkellers exploring these unique ecosystems. The chilly waters surrounding Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are rich in colourful and diverse marine life. Scuba divers have long been aware of this submarine cornucopia, and Jacques Cousteau himself recognized the Pacific Northwest as one of the world’s premier temperate diving destinations. But scuba diving is an elite hobby, requiring training and costly equipment, and consequently is accessible only to a relatively small number of people. Snorkelling is an affordable alternative to scuba diving, and you don’t have to go deep to see the wonders of the Pacific. Within the top few metres of our local waters you can find spectacular nudibranchs, rainbow-hued anemones, dozens of sea star species and myriad nautical wonders. But unlike tropical snorkelling, where you simply have to strap on a mask and fins and dive in, snorkelling on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands poses a number of logistical conundrums to the beginner. How to stay warm in the frigid North Pacific? When to snorkel, given the tides, currents and weather patterns of our island habitat? And just what exactly is that strange-looking critter? Whether for a family outing, a beginner’s trip or an expedition for the seasoned marine adventurer, this innovative guidebook has detailed descriptions of more than fifty destinations, including how to get there, which species one is likely to encounter, and how to stay warm and safe while making the most of every experience.

An extensively detailed reconstruction of the war between the Northwest Coast Natives and Vancouver Island's colonial government.

Arthur Beauchamp, a heralded criminal lawyer, has moved to a quiet island off the British Columbia coast. While trying to recover from a marriage gone sour, his retirement is interrupted by his former law partners—they want Arthur to take charge of the defense trial of Jonathan O'Donnell, the acting dean of a law school. O'Donnell has been accused of rape by one of the students, Kimberley Martin, a smart but arrogant woman who is engaged to a rich businessman. After much pleading, Beauchamp agrees to handle the case. He is drawn into complex legal situations dealing with gender and sex, while his personal life takes a provocative turn as well. A courtroom drama ensues, with unpredictable twists and bizarre events. This replaces 0771026730.

Nestled in the Strait of Georgia between British Columbia's mainland and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands are a hiker's paradise, each boasting an eclectic character and an array of flora and fauna unique to the temperate climate of the southern West Coast of Canada. Discover the panoramic views, inviting beaches and friendly hospitality of the Gulf Islands--all within a short distance of Vancouver and Victoria. This edition of Hiking the Gulf Islands includes something for everyone eager to explore the diverse and stunning archipelago often referred to as BC's Enchanted Isles. A chapter, which includes historical and practical information, is dedicated to each island--from the much-visited Bowen Island at the entrance to Howe Sound to the often-overlooked islands of Texada and Lasqueti. Along with helpful illustrations and maps, at-a-glance information is provided for each hike, including a starred rating for the trail, a short description of the hike, its length, the time required to hike it, the degree of difficulty, access points, as well as any cautions for exploring the area responsibly to ensure the protection of these ecological oases. This guide also contains up-to-date information on the islands' marine parks, including the spectacular Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (36 square kilometres of land and marine area scattered over fifteen islands) as well as paddling suggestions and launch sites for kayakers.