Island Paddling: A Paddler's Guide to the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound. 2nd ed.

Janet Money, a former sports editor of the Woodstock Daily
Sentinel-Review, is a London-based freelance writer.

Island Paddling provides detailed descriptions of 36 different kayak and
canoe paddling trips in the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound regions of
British Columbia. Dividing the Gulf Islands into eight areas and Barkley
Sound into two, the author profiles a range of trips from weekend
excursions to short day trips. For each of the two main areas there is
an introduction, a description of general weather and sea conditions,
information about what is and is not public land, and notes on camping
facilities and paddling etiquette. The Barkley Sound section includes a
brief account of Native history.

Each trip is broken down into helpful categories: “Highlights”
describes the not-to-be-missed features of the trip;
“Considerations” discusses features or weather possibilities unique
to the area and rates the trip as suitable or not for novice paddlers;
and “The Route” is a detailed outline of where to go and what to
look for. Combined with area maps, these trip descriptions are an
invaluable aid in planning excursions. They are not, however,
substitutes for actual maps and charts; for each area, there is a list
of charts that are needed and notes on reference points to use in
checking tide and current tables.

A large-scale map of the entire area would have been helpful for the
out-of-province reader. The general map included shows part of Vancouver
Island flanked on one side by the Gulf Island and flanked on the other
by Barkley Sound. A view of the southern half of British Columbia would
have helped put this region into perspective.

Interspersed throughout are historical and geographical notes that add
local flavor. We learn, for example, about cult leader Brother XII and
his whip-wielding consort, Madame Zee. Other notes provide information
on petroglyphs, flora, whales, otters, and other fauna.

This guide, which has been updated and expanded from an earlier
edition, is an invaluable resource.