Collection Development "Travel to Canada": True North

By Jo-Anne Mary Benson -- Library Journal, 3/1/2007

For Americans wanting to explore beyond their frontiers, our neighbor to the north is an ideal destination. Much of Canada's population is concentrated near the shared border, mostly in Ontario and Québec. While nature is an obvious draw, Canada's dynamic urban centers present their own sophisticated enticements, and the country's ten provinces and three territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, and Nunavut) each has unique features (polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba; scarlet-uniformed Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and cultural characteristics that are distinctly Canadian.

Although French is one of Canada's official languages, English is spoken most everywhere. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar, furthermore, makes Canada an affordable travel pick, and the selection of Vancouver in British Columbia as the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics will draw even more visitors.

That Canada has much to offer is reflected well in the rich range of guidebooks available, from the basic general guides that cover the entire country to the regional titles that lead travelers to such spectacular destinations as Canada's national parks, Vancouver Island's demanding West Coast Trail, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands. Tourists venturing farther east will seek guides to Prince Edward Island, known for its sandy tinted beaches, golfing, and the home of Anne of Green Gables. Or they may wish to learn more about UNESCO's World Heritage site, L'Anse aux Meadow, site of the remains of a thousand-year-old Viking colony, in Newfoundland.

City guides will acquaint potential visitors with Canada's inviting and clean urban centers that boast numerous and singular festivals, attractions, and sights. While Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver are star attractions, there are also guidebooks to smaller metropolitan areas, from Ottawa, the nation's capital, and Québec City in the east, to Winnipeg, Calgary, and Victoria in western Canada. Readers will learn of smaller historic centers, e.g., Ontario's Niagara-on-the-Lake, also known for its wineries, and Kingston, which draws visitors with its Victorian architecture and “old world” charm.

All the major series publishers (Fodor's, Frommer's, Moon Handbooks, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, DK, etc.) feature a wide range of national, regional, and city guides. [For an excellent overview of these series' pros and cons, see Mirela Roncevic's “Staying Current with Travel” (LJ 8/03, p. 114–116.—Ed.] But don't forget to get travel tips from the natives. A number of Canadian houses like Firefly, Graystone Books, and Whitecap publish excellent regional and pictorial guides.

After researching the practical logistics of trip planning, many would-be travelers enjoy learning about a country's history, culture, and people through travelogs, memoirs, histories, and fiction. Such books provide a greater intimacy and sense of place through a particular writer's perspective. Among the noted nonfiction Canadian authors to consider are Farley Mowat, whose classic Never Cry Wolfoffers a wonderful introduction to the Canadian wilderness, and the prolific Pierre Berton, whose histories of the Klondike Gold Rush are first rate and entertaining. In the area of fiction, Willa Cather is not Canadian but her novel Shadows on the Rockis a moving portrait of 17th-century Québec. [For other fiction suggestions, see Neal Wyatt's Reader's Shelf column “O Canada! Literary Journeys in Canadian Fiction,” p. 127.—Ed.]

Photography books and DVDs make up for lack of text with their eloquent and persuasive images of Canada's longstanding allures. And the magazines highlighted below allow a glimpse into Canada from a variety of useful perspectives; web sites are crucial resources for fundamental and advanced travel research.

Travel information constantly changes, so use the three-year replacement rule to ensure currency. The most recently published titles will have the greatest circulation rate, but libraries should retain the comparable previous edition to allow for accessibility to similar information and should have several copies of the latest volume, if budgets allow. Those titles that focus on such specifics as nature or outdoor activities will appeal to a more limited audience, but their information remains current longer, allowing them to be retained without losing their value. Please remind patrons checking out these guidebooks that the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html) is now requiring that U.S. air travelers to Canada have a valid passport.

Starred [] titles in the following bibliography should be in all public library collections.

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Guidebooks: National

Davidson, Hilary & others. Frommer's Canada: With the Best Hiking and Outdoor Adventures. 14th ed. Frommer's: Wiley. 2006. 850p. maps. index. ISBN 0-471-77817-6 [ISBN 978-0-471-77817-2]. pap. $22.99.
Starting with an overview of the best Canada has to offer, from the best travel experiences to the best camping and travel lodges, this biennially updated guide identifies the distinctive features of Canada's provinces and territories and presents planning tips and detailed regional information using a star-rating system and special feature icons. An appendix, Canada in Depth, discusses the country's history and future.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Canada. 2d ed. DK. 2003. 432p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-7894-9561-9 [ISBN 978-0-7894-9561-7]. pap. $25.
Although somewhat dated, DK's inviting guide still excels with concise sight descriptions and outstanding photographs. Color maps clarify sights at a glance, as do floor plans of key buildings.
Fodor's Canada. 28th ed. Fodor's Travel. (Gold Guides). 2006. 850p. index. ISBN 1-4000-1650-9 [ISBN 978-1-4000-1650-1]. pap. $22.95.
Contributions by local writers, a chatty prose style, coupled with such features as “great itineraries” and “pleasures and pastimes,” and timely updates on Fodors.com make this an accessible trip-planning tool. An alternative series is the highly illustrated Fodor's See It Canada. 2d ed. (ISBN 1-4000-1701-7), visually accessible but with less content.
Ivory, Michael. National Geographic Traveler Canada. 2d ed. National Geographic, dist. by Random. 2006. 400p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-7922-6201-8 [ISBN 978-0-7922-6201-5]. pap. $27.95.
The region-by-region coverage is wide ranging and strongly supported with quality photographs. At-a-glance sidebars, maps of recommended walks and driving tours, destination highlights, and good feature articles combine for an all-round excellent presentation.
Jepson, Tim & others. The Rough Guide to Canada. 5th ed. Rough Guides, dist. by Penguin. 2004. 1136p. illus. index. ISBN 1-84353-266-2 [ISBN 978-1-84353-266-8]. pap. $24.99.
Geared to low- and mid-budget travelers, this enjoyable introduction highlights key provincial and regional sites and offers 32 “not to miss” suggestions. The sixth edition (ISBN 1-84353-787-7 [ISBN 978-1-84353-787-8]) will be published in July 2007.
Schulte-Peevers, Andrea & others. Lonely Planet Canada. 9th ed. Lonely Planet. 2005. 912p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-74059-773-7 [ISBN 978-1-74059-773-9]. pap. $26.99.
With over 120 maps, the original backpacker's guide offers a comprehensive province-to-province overview of what to see and do, as well as cultural information, walks, itineraries, sights, and activities. There is also a chapter on speaking French. Concise, enjoyable, and informative. For more up-to-date information, travelers can check the online destination guides at www.lonelyplanet.com.

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Guidebooks: Regional

Christie, Jack. The Whistler Book: An All-Season Outdoor Guide. Greystone Bks: Douglas & McIntyre, dist. by Publishers Group West. 2005. 256p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-55365-090-5 [ISBN 978-1-55365-090-4]. pap. $17.95.
From the seaside town of Squamish to the mountain resorts of Whistler and Pemberton two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia is Canada's outdoor recreation capital. Award-winning travel writer Christie details the region's outdoor activities, including hiking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and nature watching.
Corbett, Bill.Best of Alberta: Day Trips from Calgary. rev. ed. Whitecap, dist. by Firefly. 2006. 285p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-55285-766-2 [ISBN 978-1-55285-766-3]. pap. $19.95.
A local author highlights 70 destinations within a two-hour drive of Calgary: driving tours, walks and hikes, wildlife watching, museums, historic sites, and more.
Dearden, Louise with Melanie Chambers. Frommer's Niagara Region. Frommer's: Wiley. 2006. 226p. maps. index. ISBN 0-470-83811-6 [ISBN 978-0-470-83811-2]. pap. $16.99.
The Niagara region is one of Canada's most popular destinations, attracting 12 million tourists annually. In addition to the practicalities and major attractions like the Falls and Shaw Festival, this useful guide offers extensive coverage of the region's wineries and nightlife.
Fodor's Vancouver & British Columbia. 5th ed. Fodor's Travel. (Gold Guides). 2006. 257p. index. ISBN 1-4000-1601-0 [ISBN 978-1-4000-1601-3]. pap. $16.95.
Distinctive features include “off-the-beaten path” suggestions, itineraries, and insightful “close-up” articles. Timely updates can be found on fodors.com.
Hempstead, Andrew.Moon Nova Scotia.Avalon Travel. (Moon Handbooks). 2006. 264p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-56691-901-0 [ISBN 978-1-56691-901-2]. pap. $16.95.
Practical travel advice to this beautiful province of eastern Canada is supported with additional interesting tidbits, themed itineraries, and brief articles. Also recommended are the other Moon series guides to Canada's provinces and territories.
Kimantas, John. The Wild Coast. Vol. 1: A Kayaking and Recreation Guide for the North and West Vancouver Island. 2005. ISBN 1-55285-648-8 [ISBN 978-1-55285-648-2]. pap. $24.95.
Kimantas, John. The Wild Coast. Vol. 2: Kayaking and Recreation Guide for the North and Central B.C. Coast. 2006. 344p. ISBN 1-55285-786-7 [ISBN 978-1-55285-786-1]. pap. $29.95. ea. vol: Whitecap, dist. by Firefly.illus. maps. index.
Vancouver Island journalist and outdoors enthusiast Kimantas offers a detailed trip planner with maps and photos to British Columbia's spectacular coast. Not just for kayakers.
Kives, Bartley. A Daytripper's Guide to Manitoba: Exploring Canada's Undiscovered Province. Great Plains, dist. by Univ. of Toronto. 2006. 234p. illus. index. ISBN 1-89428-364-3 [ISBN 978-1-89428-364-9]. pap. $24.95.
Winnipeg journalist Kives highlights this province's undiscovered treasures, including urban offerings, outdoor recreation suggestions, and regional attractions.
Leadem, Tim.Hiking the West Coast Trail: A Pocket Guide.Greystone Bks: Douglas & McIntyre, dist. by Publishers Group West. 2006. 86p. maps. ISBN 1-55365-155-3 [ISBN 978-1-55365-155-0]. pap. $8.95.
Leadem, who has frequently hiked this demanding 50-mile trail on Vancouver Island, provides concise route descriptions for both the north and south approaches to one of Canada's most famous hikes.

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Guides: Urban Centers

Edwards, Jennifer. Moon Montréal & Québec City. Avalon Travel. (Moon Handbooks). 2006. 325p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-56691-779-4 [ISBN 978-1-56691-779-7]. pap. $17.95.
Travelers to Montréal and Québec City will find here detailed sight descriptions, interesting sidebars, and themed itineraries.
Fodor's Toronto's 25 Best. 5th ed. Fodor's Travel. 2006. 96p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-4000-1637-1 [ISBN 978-1-4000-1637-2]. pap. $11.95.
The handy full-size foldout map and at-a-glance sidebars are the key features in this concise guide to the best of Toronto, including the best art and architecture, bistros, sports, and activities for kids. Another excellent series title is Fodor's Citypack Montreal's 25 Best. 4th ed. (ISBN 1-4000-1525-1 [ISBN 978-1-4000-1525-2]).
Insight City Guide Toronto. Insight Guides, dist. by Langenscheidt Pub. 2006. 256p. ed. by Lesley Gordon. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9-81258-403-X [ISBN 978-9-81258-403-8]. pap. $16.95.
This portable guide emphasizes Toronto's key areas, from its downtown waterfront to its colorful neighborhoods and top attractions (CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame). Enlightening articles discuss the city's history, food scene, art and culture, and shopping opportunities. Along with candid evaluations and lavish full-color photos, there is a street atlas and a pull-out restaurant map.
Livesey, Herbert Bailey & Leslie Brokaw. Frommer's Montréal & Québec City 2007. Frommer's: Wiley. 2006. 306p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-470-04727-5 [ISBN 978-0-470-04727-9]. pap. $16.99.
Updated annually, this comprehensive resource to Canada's French cities has suggestions for exploring, strolling, and side trips. Includes a fold-out map.
Moon Metro Vancouver.Avalon Travel. (Moon Handbooks). 2004. 71p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-56691-655-0 [ISBN 978-1-56691-655-4]. pap. $16.95.
A compact gem with laminated maps, multitopic legends, and concise introductions to Vancouver's varied neighborhoods, from bustling Chinatown to trendy Yaletown. Also recommended are Moon Metro Toronto (ISBN 1-56691-627-5 [ISBN 978-1-56691-627-1]) and Moon Metro Montréal (ISBN 1-56691-746-8 [ISBN 978-1-56691-746-9]).
Time Out Vancouver.Time Out. 2006. 255p. illus. index. ISBN 1-904978-72-X [ISBN 978-1-904978-72-5]. pap. $19.95.
Resident experts recommend the best of sightseeing, what to see and do, and how to do it, through candid commentaries and firsthand observations. See also Time Out Toronto. 2d ed. (ISBN 1-904978-32-0 [ISBN 978-1-904978-32-9]).
Top 10 Vancouver & Victoria. DK. (Eyewitness Travel Guides). 2006. 129p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7566-1556-9 [ISBN 978-0-7566-1556-7]. pap. $12.
A user-friendly guide that identifies the most appealing attractions of Vancouver and Victoria, from the top ten liveliest festivals to the great spots to ski, climb, and bicycle. Other series titles: Top Ten Toronto (ISBN 0-7566-0903-8 [ISBN 978-0-7566-0903-0]) and Top Ten Montreal & Quebec City (ISBN 0-7566-0033-2 [ISBN 978-0-7566-0033-4)].
Zimmerman, Karla. Lonely Planet Vancouver. 3d ed. Lonely Planet. (City Guides) 2005. 242p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-74104-194-5 [ISBN 978-1-74104-194-1]. pap. $17.99.
Although not as lavishly illustrated as other series, Lonely Planet's travel information is comprehensive, with theme-related chapters that range from “City Life” to “Excursions” and “Eating.” Highlighted text allows quick glances for suggestions ranging from bookstores to cheap eats. Other City Guide titles: Toronto. 2d ed. (ISBN 1-74104-179-1 [ISBN 978-1-74104-179-8]) and Montréal. 2d ed. (ISBN 1-74104-109-0 [ISBN 978-1-74104-109-5).

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Travelogs & Memoirs

Gordon, Charles. The Canada Trip. McClelland & Stewart, dist. by Random. 1998. 352p. ISBN 0-7710-3395-8 [ISBN 978-0-7710-3395-7]. pap. $16.99.
A popular Canadian journalist recounts his travels across Canada with his wife.
Kingscote, Barbara. Ride the Rising Wind: One Woman's Journey Across Canada. NeWest Press, dist. by LitDistCo. 2006. 275p. ISBN 1-897126-05-0 [ISBN 978-1-897126-05-9]. pap. $19.95.
Kingscote's moving memoir recalls a 20-year-old's 4000-mile journey by horse from Québec to Canada's Pacific Coast in l949.

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Pictorals

Duthie, Elizabeth & Peter Duthie.Canada: The Far Northern Frontier.White Star, dist. by Rizzoli International. (Exploring Countries of the World) 2006. 128p. illus. ISBN 88-544-0113-7 [ISBN 978-88-544-0113-6]. $9.95.
The 128 well-captioned photographs, along with a concise text authored by two Canadian travel journalists, reveal Canada's impressive landscapes, distinctive cities, and unique way of life.
Kraulis, J.A.Grand Landscapes of Canada—Les Grands Paysages du Canada. Firefly. 2005. 224p. illus. index. ISBN 1-55407-036-8 [ISBN 978-1-55407-036-7]. $49.95.
Noted Canadian landscape photographer Kraulis's stunning imagery takes readers on an impressive visual journey in this bilingual (English and French) coffee-table book.
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd. Canada: A Visual Journey. rev. ed. Whitecap, dist. by Firefly. 2006. 256p. illus. ISBN 1-55285-759-X [ISBN 978-1-55285-759-5]. $34.95.
The vibrant imagery and appealing composition of the 200 photos shot by the country's best landscape and wildlife photographers vividly capture Canada's regional diversity from its southern border north to the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
McCloskey, Erin.Canada Flying High.White Star, dist. by Rizzoli International. 2006. 640p. illus. ISBN 88-544-0175-7 [ISBN 978-88-544-0175-4]. $24.95.
The exemplary aerial photography arranged in a unique album-style format offers a bird's-eye perspective of many of Canada's urban, rural, and wilderness delights.

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Magazines

Canadian Geographic. bi-m. $37.95 (US). 39 McArthur Ave., Ottawa, ON KlL 8L7; www.canadiangeographic.ca. ISSN 0706-2168.
This visually delightful and intellectually appealing periodical focuses on Canadian exploration history, culture, and the environment.
Explore: Canada's Outdoor Magazine. bi-m. $26 (US). 54 St. Patrick St., Toronto, ON M5T 1V1; www.explore-mag.ca. ISSN 0714-816X.
Entertaining for armchair travelers and informative for outdoor enthusiasts, the award-winning Explore covers a range of topics from 50 cool things to do in the winter to Québec's back-country lodges.
Our Canada. bi-m. $29.94 (CAN). 1125 Stanley St., Montreal, QC H3B 5H5; www.ourcanada.ca. ISSN 1708-749X.
Drawing entirely on contributions from Canadian readers, this unique magazine allows a very personal glimpse of Canada and its people through varying perspectives.
Up Here: Explore Canada's Far North. bi-m. $29.97 (CAN). Suite 800, 4920 – 52nd St., Yellowknife, NT X1A 3T1; www.uphere.ca. ISSN 0828-4253.
This bimonthly celebrates northern Canada with stories on travel, personality profiles, history, and lifestyles.

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DVDS

Canada: On Top of the World. 3 vols. color. 270 min. Morningstar Entertainment. 2003. DVD ISBN 1-55259-204-9. 2003. $34.98.
The beautiful cinematography is enhanced by historical flashbacks and an engaging narrative for an appealing glimpse of the country.
Destination Canada. color. 55 min. Daval Prods., dist. by Visual Education Centre; www.davalproductions.com or www.visualed.com. 1999. DVD ISBN 7-20350-015-8. $24.98.
Eleven titles in this series (most also available in VHS) offer a rewarding journey to a particular city (Toronto, Ottawa) or province or region (Canadian Rockies), with wonderful cinematography and an informative and leisurely paced narrative.
Wings over Canada: 600 Miles of BC Coastline. color. 30 min. ATV Prods. Ltd., dist. by Visual Education Centre; www.visualed.com. 2006. DVD $34.99.
This 600-mile flight over British Columbia is one of 150 episodes from a Canadian television series hosted by bush pilot John Lovelace. The personable commentary, clever photography, and casual interviews acquaint viewers with remote places and interesting people.

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Web Sites

Canada International
canadainternational.gc.ca/gtc/Choosing_What_To_Do_in_Canada-en.aspx
From the Canadian government comes excellent travel information on historic sites, national parks, museums, and special events, as well as links to provincial and territorial web sites.
Canadian Tourism Commission
www.canada.travel/index.html?sa_campaign=domains/un/www.canada.travel/homepage
This multilingual site includes information for skiers and gay/lesbian travelers.
Cross Canada Trail
www.tctrail.ca
Information on the l8,078 km coast-to-coast trail; guidebooks and trail maps are available for sale on the site.