About the Books

Volume 1: Mountain Treks in Alberta

This first volume in The Aspiring Hiker’s Guide series is meant to encourage beginner and intermediate hikers, backpackers and scramblers to step into and explore the backcountry in Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Kananaskis Country and the Icefields Parkway with both confidence and excitement. Many aspects of venturing into these areas are investigated, including expert advice on gear, clothing, food and equipment; procedures related to safety and etiquette; and considerations as to physical fitness and first aid.

Routes and trails are detailed with colour photographs and maps, GPS coordinates, elevation gain charts, distances, natural landmarks and tips on arriving at the destination safely. Best routes to summits are described in detail to prevent confusion and injury.

As well, the general histories of the trails, routes and naming conventions for some mountains are presented so as to add an element of understanding and intrigue as to what was experienced by the First Peoples and early European explorers who set foot in these beautifully wild areas of western Canada.

Volume 2: Mountain Treks in British Columbia

The British Columbia version of The Aspiring Hiker’s Guide 2: Mountain Treks in British Columbia takes trips into the most stunning regions of British Columbia’s parks. Like its Alberta counterpart, the heart of the book is intended to encourage budding backpackers and scramblers to pursue their ambition of trekking the Rockies. It is filled with advice on how to select, and fit all of the equipment necessary to enter the wilderness. Thorough information on gear, such as clothing, tents, backpacks, stoves, and boots are examined in the opening chapters. The book ensures that readers will know what to expect when entering the backcountry.

Readers will enjoy wondrous journeys into Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Revelstoke National Parks, and Mount Robson Provincial Park. The selected trails are the least demanding of the thousands of kilometers explored by the author over the past twenty-five years, making initiation to these sports enjoyable. This informative beginner and intermediate guide will remove any hesitation that potential hikers may have about pursuing backpacking and scrambling activities.

Historical references on the chosen trails and peaks are presented as well. Who was the first person to the top of a mountain, and why did a particular party explore a region are just a couple of questions that are answered throughout the book.

Volume 2 is scheduled to be released in May 2011.