West Coast Flora & Fauna Guidebooks

A compact, user-friendly field guide to 50 of the most prominent and ecologically significant plant species of the west coast, from British Columbia to Northern California.

“A good starter book for readers new to plants of the Pacific Northwest. Descriptions are simple to read, while photos of distinctive characteristics assist with identification. Sections on the ecological role of each species lead the reader beyond mere identification.”
—Edward C. Jensen, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University and author of Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington

A compact, user-friendly field guide to 50 of the most prominent and ecologically significant animal species of the west coast, from British Columbia to Northern California.

“High quality images, succinct species descriptions, and natural history facts make Collin Varner’s 50 Keystone Fauna Species of Coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest: A Pocket Guide the perfect portable reference for wildlife watchers. It is sure to enhance the experience and awareness of both visitors and residents of the region.”
—Barbara J. Moritsch, ecologist and author of Wolf Time and The Soul of Yosemite: Finding, Defending, and Saving the Valley’s Sacred Wild Nature

A newly expanded and revised edition of the bestselling field guide to more than 150 edible and medicinal plants and fungi that grow wild throughout the west coast of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest states.

“Edible and Medicinal Flora of the West Coast is well-written and thoughtful while also leaving room for the individual to build a relationship with nature, and to also further their research by combining it with other resources that they may use to ID wild native plants.”
—Sen’ákw, Senaqwila Wyss, Squamish Nation ethnobotanist

A compact, full-colour field guide to the growing number of invasive plant species spreading across coastal BC and the Pacific Northwest, highlighting their hazards and uses.

“Varner’s latest contribution reveals the astonishing diversity of plants, vines, shrubs, and trees that crossed continents and oceans to take root in our backyard. Like the teeming collection of uninvited guests it describes, this guide would be appalling if it weren’t so wondrous. A concise and vivid gem.”
—Arno Kopecky, author of The Environmentalist’s Dilemma

A concise, full-colour guide to more than 200 native and introduced plant and animal species found in Vancouver’s famed city park.

“Leafing through The Flora and Fauna of Stanley Park is like going for a walk with someone who loves the park. From the wildflowers at your feet to the towering trees and everything in between: Collin Varner knows them . . . and he’s happy to make introductions!”
—Ariel Gordon, author of Treed: Walking in Canada’s Urban Forests

A newly updated, expanded edition of the spectacular bestselling field guide to the plants and animals of North America’s Northwest Coast.

“A must-have for any naturalist in the region.”
—Douglas Justice, Associate Director, Horticulture & Collections, UBC Botanical Garden

A comprehensive, visually stunning, and scientifically accurate guide to the vast variety of fish species in the Salish Sea.

“Art and science collide magnificently in this monumental three-volume celebration of the 260 species of fishes that infuse the inland marine waters of Washington State and British Columbia with hidden beauty, remarkable diversity and intriguing ways of living.”
—Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer in Residence; founder, Mission Blue

The Secret Beaches series by Theo Dombrowski shares all the best public-access spots—from tiny rocky coves to broad sandy beaches. With full descriptions of each beach, you’ll be able to find the right location for your activity, from group picnics to romantic cuddles, leisurely strolls to wild woodsy walks, family explorations to soul-searching solitary afternoons watching the clouds race across an island-dotted horizon. Discover where to launch a kayak, where to catch some rays, or where to spot elusive wildlife.

• Secret Beaches of Central Vancouver Island: Campbell River to Qualicum
• Secret Beaches of Southern Vancouver Island: Qualicum to the Malahat
• Secret Beaches of Greater Victoria: View Royal to Sidney
• Secret Beaches of the Salish Sea: The Southern Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Mayne, Thetis, Pender)
• Secret Beaches of the Salish Sea: The Northern Gulf Islands (Denman, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, Texada)

Roadside Geology of Southern British Columbia explains the province’s tumultuous geologic history in simple terms. Thirty-one descriptive road guides, complete with maps, photographs and diagrams, help you locate and interpret the rocks and landforms visible from the province’s highways and ferry routes.

“You are not going to want to drive anywhere in southern BC
without it! Fabulous content-rich in roadside detail along with Jim Monger’s big-picture context.”
—Jim Ryan, Geological Association of Canada newsletter (Cordilleran Section)

Fishing guru Charlie White explains the equipment and techniques for harvesting seafood. Get the best yields of shrimp, crabs, oysters and many species of fish, including sea perch, greenling, red snapper, cod and sole. Learn how to harvest exotic seafoods such as abalone, limpets, moon snail and seaweed. Also included is information on current fishing regulations. Charlie White’s guidance almost ensures a successful catch for kids, novices, and experts alike!

• Living off the Sea
• How to Catch Crabs
• How to Catch Bottomfish 

Discover more than four hundred bird species in Birds of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, the ultimate bestselling field guide to birds of the Pacific Northwest bioregion—now fully revised in its Second Edition!

“An essential reference for birders west of the continental divide, particularly for intermediate and advanced observers.”
—Western Birds: The Quarterly Journal of Western Field Ornithologists

Discover more than 200 birds species in Birds of Southwestern BC. Aimed at beginning and intermediate birders who wish to identify the birds they regularly spot in their area, the book will also appeal to more experienced local and visiting birders who want to learn more about the behaviour, habitat and seasonal occurrence of local birds. 

“Bird Watching 101. . . The information is useful and user-friendly. . . Among the plethora of birding guides, this excellent little book is the one to start your collection.”
—Trysh Ashby-Rolls, Island Tides

Birds of Interior BC and the Rockies is aimed at beginner and intermediate birders who wish to identify the birds they regularly spot in this area. Packed with useful information, this handy, portable guide tells you how to identify local birds, find out where they live and what they eat, how to attract birds to your yard and how to select a pair of binoculars. 

“This little power pack guide of well thought out and very clear birding material is a must have. . .”
—Jim Peacock, British Columbia Birds

It doesn’t matter if you’re a gung-ho, out-in-the-field birdwatcher or if you enjoy winged friends from the serenity of your back porch, Birds of British Columbia is an easy way to get the best views of more than 100 of the different birds in this province.

“Glenn Bartley’s Birds of British Columbia is full of vivid, wonderful images. As I looked through them I exclaimed under my breath: Wow! What a shot! Oh my gosh! Lovely! That sums up the quality of this book.”
—Robert Bateman

For generations, Tom Hunter’s Canadian Wildlife Activity Book series has introduced children of all ages to the amazing variety of animals that live from coast to coast to coast.

The Canadian Wildlife Activity Book combines the best of Hunter’s outstanding illustrations and activities in one volume full of facts, puzzles, and brain teasers related to more than 200 mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians that call Canada home.

AGES 8+

A colourful, engaging, and educational profile of a well-established wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, highlighting the heartwarming stories of animals and the people who care for them. 

“The strength in Read’s immersive narrative, research, and observation-driven story will certainly lead young animal lovers, with some guidance, to think deeply about the ethical ways we can co-exist with our wild neighbours.”
—Quill & Quire

AGES 12+

This beautifully illustrated, fact-filled book teaches children about the hundreds of wildlife species that live across Western Canada. 

“… an illustrated scrapbook of over 200 amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, and reptiles. […] a welcome travel companion on road trips to help children identify wildlife and distinguish various species, such as spotted skunks from striped skunks or bighorn sheep from mountain goats.”
—BC Books for BC Schools

AGES 9–12

With beautiful, scientifically accurate illustrations, the Explore with Sam & Crystal series tells fascinating stories which teach children about the many fish, crustaceans, marine mammals, and micro-organisms that live in the coastal environment of BC and the Pacific Northwest. Although fictional stories, the Explore with Sam & Crystal series contains a wealth of accessible marine ecology facts and has been informed by Indigenous educators and elders. 

1. Explore the Rocky Shore with Sam and Crystal 
2. Explore the Wild Coast with Sam and Crystal
3. Explore the Eelgrass Meadow with Sam and Crystal

AGES 8–11

A children’s colouring and activity book that teaches basic marine ecology concepts—including tidal cycles, predator-and-prey relationships, food chains, habitat, and conservation—through detailed illustrations and informative text.

AGES 4–8

Tom Hunter’s outstanding artwork and clever brainteasers provide entertainment and instruction for children, parents and teachers. Canada is home to hundreds of species of amphibians, reptiles and insects, as well as over 1,200 different kinds of larger animals: birds, fish and mammals. Hunter provides an introduction to many of these species. The detailed illustrations help children identify and appreciate their magnificent wildlife heritage.

• Canadian Wildlife Activity Book: Volume One
• Canadian Wildlife Activity Book: Volume Two
• Canadian Wildlife Activity Book: Volume Three
• Critters for Kids: A North American Wildlife Activity Book

AGES 8–11

The Baby Animals collection of books are colourful photographic introductions to animals and birds designed for young children. Delightful, enchanting, and educational each book features vivid photography and simple text and encourages a lifelong love of nature and wildlife. 

• Baby Wild Animals
• More Baby Wild Animals
• Baby Birds in the Wild
• More Baby Birds in the Wild
• Baby Barnyard Animals

AGES 3–6