Okanagan Trips and Trails

Fritz Pannekoek is an associate professor of heritage studies and
director of information resources at the University of Calgary. He is
also the author of A Snug Little Flock: The Social Origins of the Riel
Resistance of 1869–70.

A major drawback of this guidebook is the lack of detail provided by the
maps. The authors seem to concede this limitation when they conclude
their description of Map 11 with the statement, “If you are now
totally confused, before heading for the hills, stop for a city map at
the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.” In some instances, a hiker would be
well advised to use federal quadrangle maps in conjunction with the
book; far too often, geographic features are mentioned in the text but
not shown on the accompanying map. Just as disappointing as the maps are
the photographs. Poor-quality black-and-white shots of such subjects as
flowers, Murphy Shewchuk hiking on a generic trail, and a porcupine do
little to enhance the book. Most disappointing of all is the authors’
failure to provide a context for the trips. Although they provide
serviceable descriptions of how to get to a location, the authors
ignored for the most part the historical background of the individual
trails. Those planning an Okanagan vacation will have to make do with
this guidebook until an alternative presents itself.