Hiking Trails III
Northern Vancouver Island, including Strathcona Park

Review by Gil Parker

My copy of Hiking Trails III (the first edition, Jane Waddell editor) 
and the two companion books for Victoria and Vicinity and South-
Central Vancouver Island, were my constant companions in the 
backcountry in the 1970s and beyond. Now that the 9thedition is has 
been out for a couple of years, it is time to compliment editor 
Richard Blier and the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society 
(VITIS) that produces the books. It is a vastly changed document from 
the first, and a markedly improved version over the 8th edition (1996.)

One doesn’t read a guidebook from cover to cover, leaving those 
details until the time of actual trip planning. However, in perusing 
the book, I’m impressed by the clearer definition of hiking regions, 
and the improved shading of the maps and photographs, making them 
easier to read. Previously, the critical part of the map was in the 
fold of the book; the 9th edition separates the maps and avoids that 
problem. And, each edition of the book builds on the previous one, 
including corrections and additions from a number of individuals and 
clubs on the Island. VITIS is continually on the look-out for errors 
or changes to the access to trails and destinations. In that sense it 
is truly a cooperative and a current effort.

The new edition includes hiking data for Malcolm and Nootka Islands 
and for the Beaufort Range west of Horne Lake. And there is more data 
available for previously reported areas. As a result, the new edition 
contains 224 pages long compared to 160 pages in the 8th edition.

Since I started hiking there have been many added facilities, 
campgrounds and trails. Unfortunately, now one must pay a fee for 
camping in certain areas, and these are noted on the maps.  The book 
cautions users to read the text, not just look at the maps—valuable 
advice. Experienced hikers research their trips thoroughly before 
setting out; this book is essential reading for such planning.

Gil Parker is a veteran hiker and climber on Vancouver Island, a 
volunteer warden for the CRD Parks, and a life member of the Alpine 
Club of Canada. As an author of books about sister cities, and the 
climbing-yoga connection, and as a freelance writer he has published 
many stories of Vancouver Island hikes and climbs.   www3.telus.net/
ascent

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Book Review from:
Royal BC Museum .2002. Book review: For exploring the Islands on foot. Discovery 30(1):6.
With Permission of Book-Review Editor: Gerry Truscott

For Exploring the Islands on Foot
Review by Shelley Reid

    When asked to review Hiking Trails II: South-Central Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands (.95), I had already been using and enjoying the book for several months. This 8th edition, compiled and edited by Richard K. Blier, is a worthy companion to Hiking Trails I: Victoria and Vicinity and Hiking Trails III: Central and Northern Vancouver Island and Quadra Island. All three are published by the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society (VITIS) and distributed by Orca Book Publishers.

Maps are very important in any trail guide, and Hiking Trails II features four types. A large-scale map locates all the hikes described in the book; six regional maps provide a closer perspective on the trail sites. Each trail also has its own map showing magnetic north, trail heads, routes, important landmarks and parking lots. (Most maps have both imperial and metric scales, but some are just sketches and not to scale.) Finally, at the back of the book, there are relevant topographical maps. All provide the context you'll need to plan an enjoyable hike, and the trail maps photocopy well -- I've always found it easier to carry a piece of paper on a hike, instead of a book.

The information on the trails was compiled from VITIS members and other active hikers. The beginning of the book features a thorough discussion of safety precautions. Trails are grouped into six regions, with a brief explanation of the origin of the names of different jurisdictions, European or First Nations. The trails are well described, and notes tell you, for example, if a road has recently been blocked or changed or if access is restricted in any way.

Hiking Trails II is about as current as it can be -- this is the eighth revision since 1973. I have only one small quibble with this book: it is sometimes not obvious if the estimated length of a hike is for a one-way or a return trip. Maybe this will be corrected in the next edition.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the wonderful array of hikes and walks on mid-Vancouver Island (i.e., north of the Malahat) and the Gulf Islands. Although many of the hikes are geared to skilled hikers, families could undertake some with children. I have already used the book for several hikes and have found it to be as essential a reference as the other books in the series.

Shelley Reid is Senior Collections Manager in Anthropology at the RBCM. She is also an avid hiker and volunteer leader of the Victoria West YM/YWCA Hiking Club.

        Available in the Royal Museum Shop.

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