Islands Paddling: A Paddler's Guide to the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound

B.J. Busch is Associate Librarian (Access and Information Services) at
the University of Alberta.

This is an essential travel guide for canoeists and sea kayakers wishing
to explore the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound. It assumes a basic
knowledge of paddling and marine safety, and focuses on the
extraordinary settings in this beautiful part of British Columbia.

Replete with local maps and black-and-white photos, this guidebook
takes the reader along routes that ensure a spectacular view. The book
is divided into eight areas for the Gulf Islands, and two island groups
for Barkley Sound, with each section providing important information on
marine life, currents, safety considerations, hazardous conditions, and
the routes, which carry recommendations on whether novice or experienced
paddlers should attempt them. Directions for finding the launches are
given, as well as helpful data on marine charges, parking facilities,
and so on. Things to see and watch out for along the routes are
suggested. Local history and lore, types of wildflowers, beaches
suitable for landing, nesting patterns of birds, and information on
animal habitats are related in an easy-to-read fashion. Highlighted
within borders are short essays such as “The Sea Urchin,” “A Leper
Colony,” and “Who Was One-Arm Sutton?” The appendix provides a
listing of kayak speciality shops and rental outlets, an equipment list,
and a metric conversion chart. There is a good bibliography and an
index.