A beautiful collection of images and short travel essays highlighting the fun, eclectic, and unique nature of Vancouver Island and the attraction it has for travellers and tourists from across Canada and around the world.

Join intrepid travel writer Bill Arnott as he escapes the confines of life in Vancouver for an epic and quirky road trip around Vancouver Island and to some of the surrounding smaller islands. Hitting all of the high points and chatting with locals along the way, Bill discovers why Vancouver Island has become one of western North America’s top tourist destinations. From great food to wonderful wine, stunning natural habitats and memorable encounters with wildlife, Bill paints a charming picture of life on Canada’s West Coast.

Featuring original colour artwork throughout, A Season on Vancouver Island is a unique gift for anyone who has ever spent time on Vancouver Island.

Bill Arnott is a songwriter, poet, and author of the bestselling travelogue Gone Viking: A Travel Saga (Whistler Independent Book Awards Finalist and American Book Fest International Book Awards Finalist), Gone Viking II: Beyond Boundaries,Dromomania, and Wonderful Magical Words. His work has been published in literary journals in Canada, the US and UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and his column “Bill Arnott’s Beat” is a feature in several magazines. Bill has received awards for prose, poetry, and songwriting and is the creator of “Bill’s Artist Showcase.” For his eight-year Gone Viking expedition he was awarded a fellowship in London’s Royal Geographical Society. When not trekking the globe with a small pack and his journal, or showing off cooking skills as a culinary-school dropout, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, making friends and misbehaving. Visit billarnottaps.wordpress.com.

Bill Arnott's profile page

“Arnott weaves an eloquent and delightful tapestry of sights, sounds and scents arising from the Island earth. Indigenous histories and places are woven intricately throughout, creating a sense of timelessness.” —Cheryl Alexander, award winning author of Takaya: Lone Wolf “From spruce trees standing like wizards and ‘the language of ravens’ to tongue-in-cheek wisdom – ‘one milkshake is never enough’ – Arnott weaves an evocative dream of memory and place.”

“From spruce trees standing like wizards and ‘the language of ravens’ to tongue-in-cheek wisdom – ‘one milkshake is never enough’ – Arnott weaves an evocative dream of memory and place.” —D. L. Stephen, author of Edward Feuz Jr: A Story of Enchantment

“Bill Arnott’s A Season on Vancouver Island is a lyrical journey that immerses us in the richness and diversity of West Coast island life. A joyful, enchanting, insightful read for Island explorers and residents alike.” —Michael Schauch, award-winning author of A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya

“A book-lover’s dream story, A Season on Vancouver Island is a must-have, both for newcomers and for readers already familiar with this regal region.” —Cristy Watson, award-winning author of eight novels, including Locked Up and On Cue

“Delightful observations, captivating imagery and brilliant wit.” —Angela deJong, author of Be Free: Mountains, Mishaps and Miracles in Africa “Arnott’s book sparkles with playful, pointillist prose. It feels like a road trip with your witty and erudite best friend.”

“Arnott’s book sparkles with playful, pointillist prose. It feels like a road trip with your witty and erudite best friend.” —Graydon Hazenberg, author of Pedalling To Kailash: Cycling Adventures and Misadventures Across the Roof of the World

“This book is witty and clever, useful and informative.” —P.W. Bridgman, Pushcart Prize-nominee author of The Four-Faced Liar and Idiolect

“Through the expressive pen of Bill Arnott, Vancouver Island transmutes to poetry, and travel becomes song.” —Emily Taylor Smith, award-winning author of No Thanks, I Want to Walk: Two Months on Foot Around New Brunswick and the Gaspé

“With wit, charm and a lyrical lilt, Bill Arnott takes readers on a new quest, exploring the nooks and valleys of Vancouver Island.” —Ian Cognitō, author of Animusings and, with Anne Marie Carson, Interchange

“From ferry rides to ocean swims, and from present-day insights to childhood memories, this book captures the uniqueness of Island life and one man’s joyful attempt to experience it all.”—Christina Myers, bestselling author of The List of Last Chances

“Bill Arnott enlivens yet another part of the world that I love, riding ferries with poetic prose and striking visual art in A Season on Vancouver Island.” —Grant Lawrence, bestselling author of Adventures in Solitude and Return to Solitude