Nature Walks Around Vancouver

Lori A. Dunn is a teacher, instructional designer, and freelance writer
in New Westminster, British Columbia.

British Columbia’s Lower Mainland is a natural wonderland, with its
access to the mountains, the ocean, and the forests. Nature Walks Around
Vancouver provides a guide to the lesser-known walks in the area. The
book is intended for the whole family, with each walk rated for
suitability to children and the elderly. Twelve of the 35 walks have
facilities for the nature enthusiast who is wheelchair-bound.

Readers are informed of the wildlife and geographic features that can
be pointed out to their children. Potential hazards are also noted. For
example, at Minnekhada Park, the author cautions, “[I]f there are
children in your party, don’t let them run ahead—the drop-off at the
lookout is considerable and abruptly come upon.”

The walks are accompanied by sketch maps, directions, and information
about terrain, duration, seasonal variations, and location of comfort
stops and picnic tables. Cousins is obviously a birder, for the
description of each walk incorporates information about the type of bird
that can be seen in each season. Her lyrical descriptions make every
destination sound appealing, and I can attest to the accuracy of a
number of these entries. Black-and-white photos add to the book’s
appeal.