Introduction
The best reason I can think of for creating an atlas such as this is knowing how much easier my life might have been had one been available for my own kayak trips. After three summers of paddling almost all the British Columbia coast, this is one of the end results. The other is the series of coastal guides published by Whitecap Books under the title The Wild Coast. For those who are looking for additional information about the coast, you'll find this atlas and The Wild Coast series work well together. For instance, while this atlas offers campsite locations along with some very basic information in green text, The Wild Coast has detailed information as well as the history, ecology and attractions of the surrounding countryside. The geographic area covered in the first volume of this atlas series (British Columbia's inner south coast) matches Volume 3 of The Wild Coast series. The second volume of the atlas series mirrors information in Volume 1 of The Wild Coast series (the outer coast of Vancouver Island). The third atlas covers the north and central B.C. coast, and cover the subject area offered in The Wild Coast, Volume 2.
This atlas has been designed primarily with paddlers in mind, hopefully, mariners will find the format and information useful as well. The simplest way to navigate the atlas is to find the region you want to explore from the index map on the back cover, then use the regional maps to find pages showing more detail. The atlas is split into four regions: the Gulf Islands; the North Georgia Basin; Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands; and the North Island Straits. To help distinguish each region, the maps are colour-coded, though naturally there is a bit of overlap between each area. I've kept these overlaps quite large because I know what it's like to have to navigate along the margins between different charts. It's never much fun.
I should warn users of the atlas that there is a certain amount of subjectivity in many of the reference items, particularly those like rest areas (the picnic icons). They are my choice for the best beaches in the region, and may be poor rock beaches in areas where sand and gravel are rare, while better beaches in regions with more choices aren't shown. Naturally, the list will be imperfect, as my experiences are dependent on my own outlook and shaped by winds, tides and possibly foul weather (or worst of all, by fog). What for me was a peaceful location might be a maelstrom of waves on rock when you arrive, so be prepared for differing experiences.
I also realize (after being the recipient of some questionable material), that accurate information about campsites is paramount for trip planning, especially in the more remote regions. Unfortunately, many of these remote regions fall outside recognized kayaking routes and consequently have few or no established campsites. This has meant having to recommend places that aren't yet developed as campsites but are ideal as the best kayaking beaches with the best potential upland for site development. Early visitors to these areas should expect to have to camp on the beach or clear and develop sites in the forest or scrub. Over time, expect them to evolve.
Most kayakers will be familiar with recognized routes in the Gulf Islands, Sechelt Inlet, Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park. Areas visited far less often, but with as much potential, include places like Cordero Channel, Tribune Channel, Grappler Sound and Malcolm Island. Problematic for both boaters and paddlers are the south coast's long inlets which are prone to funneling diurnal winds, cloud cover and poor anchorages and campsites. Due to the length and lack of features, not all are shown in maps beyond the regional overviews. Exceptions are Jervis Inlet, which is an exceptional place to visit, Kingcome Inlet with its unique history and attractions and both Bute and Toba inlets, which have exceptional mountain scenery.
Enjoy the coast, and travel safely.
