The B.C. Parks Explorer

Frank McGee was a Toronto-based freelance writer.

The B.C. Parks Explorer is the first comprehensive guide to British Columbia’s federal and provincial parks and historic sites. Intended as a reference book, it consists of 340 listings, which are grouped geographically according to current regional and district divisions as defined by the province’s Parks and Outdoor Divison. Each listing includes the date of establishment, a national topographic series map number, details on location and access, park activities, fees, and opening and closing dates. A special feature is a list of parks that are wheelchair accessible. Some listings describe a textbook history of the areas. There is also an abundance of maps. Each park is classified according to guidelines established in the Government of British Columbia’s Park Act.

The book, however, is unnecessarily academic. The prose is dry and dull. Although equipped with a glossary, there is no need to use words like biogeoclimatic zones. It seems that the author has spent more time in government offices than in the parks this book is about. The descriptions don’t inspire the reader to pack a picnic basket or lace up a pair of hiking boots.