Adventuring Around Vancouver Island

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian studies at
Concordia University, and the author of Kurlek, Margaret Laurence: The
Long Journey Home, and As Though Life Mattered: Leo Kennedy’s Story.

This attractive handbook by two veteran travel writers covers a lot of
ground. In five well-organized chapters (“Land,” “Water,”
“Sky,” “Snow,” and “Nature”), the authors cover activities
for nearly all ages and for a wide range of interests and abilities
(mature travelers should not be put off by the mention of bungee
jumping).

In “Land,” activities include backpacking, beachcombing, caving,
cycling, mountain biking, and rock climbing. “Water” deals with
cruising, canoeing, rowing, sailing, sea and whitewater kayaking,
waterfalls, and windsurfing; the six-page section on waterfalls or
“liquid sculptures” provides detailed descriptions of provincial
parks on the Island, a map, and all data needed for finding waterfalls.
“Sky” offers bungee jumping, flying, and hang gliding. “Snow”
lists opportunities for skiing at all skill levels. “Nature” covers
activities ranging from birding to finding mushrooms, salmon, seals, sea
lions, whales, and tide pools (which are also called natural aquariums
or “ocean gardens on display”).

The authors’ prose has a lyrical streak. Notes to most sections
detail safety precautions, equipment, and etiquette or rules.
Appendices, with addresses, telephone and fax numbers for parks, travel
services, and weather bureaus, along with tide schedules, followed by an
index complete this excellent guide.