It is autumn, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing colour and my garden is officially dead. But my dead garden is not the focus here (however now is the time of year to plant garlic). The fact is it is the perfect time of year for hiking, the cool weather, the colours and that distinct fall smell.
Due to the sheer size of the country there is no one size fits all hiking book. The Indigo Non-Fiction blog went and approached our Regional Buying Team, and asked them for the best hiking and trail guides. Not every province is represented but that is only because we wanted to present you with the best guides possible.
***
British Columbia
103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia 6th Edition by Jack Bryceland and Mary & David Macaree
Readable, reliable maps and trail information are key for all of the best-selling hiking guides. 103 Hikes was published for the first time in 1973 and with the current edition, the information has been expanded to include new hikes, while remaining meticulously researched. Each hike contains everything you need to know to get the most out of the trail: how to get there, best time to go, required ability and how long it will take. It is an essential guide for exploring this part of beautiful British Columbia.
Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay 3rd Edition by Kathy & Craig Copeland
Kathy and Craig Copeland are known as the “opinionated hikers.” Their beautifully-designed and extremely accurate guides are perennially sought after and are the go-to guides for experts and noobies alike. In an effort to maximize your time in the wilderness, Kathy and Craig offer only the best trails and the right information to get you to some amazing scenery. In this newly-updated edition, the best of the Kootenay region of southeastern BC is presented in an easy to follow layout documented with excellent photography.
The Rockies
Canadian Rockies Trail Guide 9th Edition by Brian Patton & Bart Robinson
A long-standing best-seller guide to hiking in the Rockies, the current edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide is still under $25. There are over 200 hikes from all around the Rockies, including all five of the area’s national parks, as well as many of the provincial parks. The Trail Guide is also full of photographs and all the necessary information on all the trails, as well as related things to do while you’re out there.
Alberta
Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 4 by Gillean Daffern
This hugely popular series is in the process of being expanded from the two original volumes into a new five-volume set. The latest, Volume 4, covers the Sheep, Gorge Creek and North Fork areas of the spectacular Kananaskis Country. The series contains new trails, completely updated maps and full-colour photographs – a must for anyone visiting Kananaskis.
Ontario
Hiking Trails of Ottawa, the National Capital Region and Beyond by Michael Haynes
Collected here for the first time are the best hiking routes in the National Capital Region. All 50 routes are located within 100 kilometres of Ottawa. Degree of difficulty is indicated for each trail to enable the hiker to select the appropriate trail. Included are GPS coordinates to the trailheads and cellphone coverage gaps for each trail. The “Trails at a Glance” section highlights each trail’s length, suggested completion time, entry fee, and degree of difficulty.
Hikes and Outings of South-Central Ontario by N. Glenn Perrett
Hikies and Outings of South-Central Ontario features 30 of the region’s best nature getaways. There are full-colour photographs and illustrations throughout and tips on where to find especially scenic views. Also included are interesting facts about the history, eco-system, geology, and geography around each trail. Tips are included on what to bring on a family day trip, and how to minimize your impact on delicate nature areas. All trails are within approximately 90 minutes of the heart of Toronto.
The Bruce Trail Reference 27th Edition by The Bruce Trail Conservancy
This updated edition of the Bruce Trail Reference features 42 topographic maps of the Bruce Trail from Queenston to Tobermory. Also included are descriptions of the trails as well as the history, geology, flora, and fauna around each trail.
Quebec
Hiking in Quebec by Yves Seguin
Hiking in Quebec is the only hiking guide available that covers all of the regions of Quebec. The guide features over 100 trails classified according to their level of difficulty. Included are tips for bird watching and hiking etiquette. Part of the Ulysses Green Escapes series, this guide features the author’s favourite trails, to help you pick the perfect destination for your hiking excursion.
Nova Scotia
Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia 8th Edition by Michael Haynes
This trustworthy guide by the leading authority on hiking trails in the region includes directions and descriptions for 50 different trails. This guide is the perfect size for your backpack and full of facts, tips, and other helpful information. Trails both long and short, as well as easy and challenging are included, as well as maps and synoptic information on length, time difficulty, facilities, and the correct topographical map to use. Also featured are maps and plenty of other helpful details on historic sites, plants, animals, and other interesting aspects of the trails. The new and revised 9th Edition will be available at the end of October 2012.
Hiking Trails of Cape Breton 2nd Edition by Michael Haynes
The second Edition of Hiking Trails of Cape Breton has been updated with new and detailed information on 40 hiking trails. The trails begin as soon as you cross the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. Included are plenty of tips on a full range of trails long and short, easy and difficult. Detailed maps for each trail are provided, making this guide both useful to read and valuable to carry along the trail. All of the trails were personally mapped, explored, and conquered by the author. Accurate tips and pointers are provided on how to enjoy each hike.
Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality 2nd Edition by Michael Haynes
Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality details a full range of hiking trails 10 kilometres or less within the boundaries of Halifax, within 30 minutes of the heart of the city. Each trail is graded to ensure that the route you select best suits your level of hiking experience. Some routes traverse the region’s protected areas, while others cross inner-city parks and venture on the islands in Halifax Harbour.
***
The Indigo Non-Fiction Blog would like to thank Pam Estabrook and Dave Reynolds for providing us with the selections and reviews for this post.
