With its island-studded Inside Passage, towering fiords, open-ocean beaches, quaint villages and sparkling cities, the BC coast is known as one of the world's great maritime cruising destinations. What many travellers may not realize is that you don't need to own a yacht or go on a cruise ship to explore it. This indispensable book shows how you can use BC's world-class ferry and coastal road system to reach the coast's most spectacular places in the comfort of your family car. And for those who want to go farther, lace on your hiking boots, grab a paddle, hop aboard a floatplane, or switch into four-wheel-drive and head off into the back of beyond - there's a lot more than just road travel in this book.

Each chapter has simple, straightforward "getting there" directions, full information on recreation opportunities and local must-sees and points of interest. To inspire you along the way and help you dream up new trips, the book includes anecdotes and facts on local plants, trees, wildlife and sea life - all infused with the enthusiasm of two writers whose love of the coast spills over onto every page.

Cruise the coast for a weekend or a year, for business or pleasure, from your car or your favourite comfy armchair - just make sure to take this terrific little guidebook with you.

Diane Eaton is a long-time resident of BC and an inveterate coastal explorer. She holds a PhD in English literature for the University of British Columbia and is author of Paul Kane's Great Nor`west and Exploring the BC Coast by Car (with Allison Eaton).

Diane Eaton's profile page

Allison M. Eaton was born in the Netherlands but spent most of her life in Canada, earning a degree in communications from Simon Fraser University. When not kayaking coastal nooks and crannies, she works as an international investment banking executive.

Allison Eaton's profile page