The Wild Side Guide to Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim: Long Beach, Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Nitinat, and Bamfield

Ann Turner, formerly the financial and budget manager of the University
of British Columbia Library, is a freelance writer.

Photojournalist Jacqueline Windh first invited visitors to the west
coast of Vancouver Island with her stunningly beautiful coffee-table
book The Wild Edge (2004). This new backpack-size guidebook is for
travellers planning to visit the “wild side” who want to get the
most out of their stay.

Chapters for each of the five areas have street maps and list stores
and services, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat. Many land-
and water-based outdoor activities are available, such as walking,
biking, hiking, diving, fishing, kayaking, whale-watching, and surfing,
plus galleries, museums and educational centres, specialty shops, and
annual festivals and events from March to December. Listings include
brief descriptions, street addresses, phone numbers, websites, and often
price ranges. The locals’ favourite eateries are starred.

As with any popular travel guide, readers are cautioned that the
information may change over time and is not intended to be
comprehensive. This is particularly true with respect to the local
bed-and-breakfast accommodations and small food outlets that come and
go. It is always a good idea to phone ahead and contact the local
visitors’ centres listed in the guide for current information.