"During his years as captain of the Canadian government steapship Quadra, John T. Walbran became fascinated with the BC coast and set to work on his classic British Columbia Coast Names, which was published in 1909. Reprinted here in facsimile edition, this book is an essential item in any library of Northwest history."

John T. Walbran was born in Yorkshire in 1848. After attending grammar school, he went to the famous training ship Conway. Thereafter as a ship's officer he sailed the seas of the world until 1888, when he entered the coastal service of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company. In 1891 Walbran took command of the Canadian Government Steamship Quadra. For the next twelve years he and his sturdy, handsome little ship sailed up and down the BC coast. Afterwards, he left the Quadra to pursue the writing of this book. He died in 1909.

John Walbran's profile page

"The reprinting of Captain J. T. Walbran's distinguished hisotry of British Columbia coast names is an event to be hailed with enthusiasm. His book has never been displaced."

Margaret A. Ormsby

"One of the great books of British Columbia historical research."

Vancouver Sun

"Recommended enthusiastically to those interested in the discovery and exploration of the Pacific Northwest Coast (in this respect it is almost encyclopedic) and particularly to those who cruise BC waters. For those fortunate individuals, Walbran will open an entirely new world of adventure."

Pacific Search