Books to help you explore Canada
For many people, summer is still the prime time to travel and this year, for Canada’s 150th, there is not only the special offer of free admission to national parks to inspire us, but also the incentive to celebrate this milestone by spending some time discovering the fabulous beauty right here in our very own country.
Here are some books that may have you planning your next road trip or flight across this land we call home:
“Wow, Canada” by Vivien Bowers — a celebratory look at all things Canadian. Join 12-year-old Guy, his younger sister Rachel, and their parents as they dip their toes in the Pacific Ocean, hop in their car, and set off to see the country from west to east. The family's surprise-filled travels take them from one end to the other, even up to Nunavut.
“Abroad at Home, the 600 Best International Travel Experiences in North America,” by National Geographic Books — this book presents a mix of international experiences in Canada and the United States.
“National Geographic Guide to the National Historic Sites of Canada” — A companion to the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada, celebrating the historic sites that are key in building the story of Canada. This guide showcases 236 national historic sites of Parks Canada and gives explorers text that features history, natural history, and must-see elements and events at each place. Photographs and poetic insight into the lands and events reveal how Canada grew into the creative, thriving, and proudly independent nation it is today.
“National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada” — this completely updated guidebook shows you how to make the most out of your visit to Canada's 47 gorgeous national parks, just in time for Canada's 150th birthday. Written by national park experts who know the parks inside out, chock-full of handy, practical information, and beautifully illustrated with stunning photography and one-of-a-kind maps.
“Earth and Sky - photographs and stories from Montana and Alberta” by Stephen Legault — The foothills are a unique destination and have helped define both Alberta and Montana, serving as the backdrop for much of both regions' history, and forming a rich cultural and natural landscape. Earth and Sky reveals, in text and image, the grandeur and beauty of this unique international frontier.
“The Great Canadian Prairies Bucket List,” “The Great Northern Canada Bucket List” and “The Great Central Canada Bucket List” by Robin Esrock are worth exploring.
You may also want to read: “Sport Climbs in the Canadian Rockies” by John Martin; “Canada, Images of the Land” by J.A. Kraulis; “Canadian Rail Travel Guides” by Daryl T. Adair; “Discover Canada, 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures” by Leigh McAdam; “This High, Wild Country, A celebration of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park” by Paul Schullery; “Historic Hikes In Eastern Banff National Park” by Emerson Sanford and just for the fun of it — “Weird Monuments of Canada, Quirky and Ridiculously Oversized Roadside Attractions” by Nicholle Carriere.