• Age: 9
• Grade: 4

Nestled in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands bask in the mildest climate in Canada, a mini-Mediterranean that fosters an abundance of plant and animal species seen nowhere else. Throw in panoramic views, inviting beaches and friendly hospitality - all just a short ferry ride from Vancouver or Victoria - and you have a hiker's paradise.

Whether your visit lasts a day or a week, Hiking the Gulf Islands is the best guide to exploring the islands on foot. It is the only comprehensive guide with up-to-date information on the recently created Gulf Islands National Park - 33 square kilometres scattered over 16 islands and more than 30 islets and reefs. Separate chapters cover each island - including the often-overlooked Texada, Lasqueti and Thetis islands plus Bowen Island at the entrance to Howe Sound - and even hiking trails in the area's marine parks.

Hiking the Gulf Islands includes:
* Maps showing trail locations.
* Distance and time of each hike.
* Accessibility and degree of difficulty of each route.
* Lists of shore and road walks.
* Paddling suggestions for kayak or canoe.
* What to bring and what to look for.

Charles Kahn was born in Montreal in 1945. He has worked as a freelance editor and writer for over thirty years and has had numerous travel articles published in the Globe & Mail, the Montreal Gazette and Touring and Travel. He has edited and co-authored several educational textbooks and is also the author of Hiking the Gulf Islands. In 1992 Kahn moved to Salt Spring Island where he is an active member of the Salt Spring Island Historical Society and the island's Trail and Nature Club.

Charles Kahn's profile page

Hiking the Gulf Islands of British Columbia

Charles Kahn is an active hiker and kayaker living on Salt Spring Island. His latest book, and expanded 3rd edition, covers all the islands of the Georgia Strait from Quadra in the north to Sidney Island in the south. A chapter on each island in alphabetical order follows a brief but comprehensive introduction to safe hiking. These chapters provide a short history, information on how to get there, services and accommodation, a map and suggestions for walkers. This is followed by detailed information on each hike including a star rating for interest, level of difficulty, length and time required, where to start, a more specific map and any cautions. Shore and road walks and suggestions for paddlers complete each chapter. The book concludes with similar information on marine parks with boat access only.