Lose yourself in the magic of Haida Gwaii, BC’s hidden gem of island beauty and remote adventure. Renowned around the world for their majesty and splendor, these islands (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the coast of Northern BC showcase the best of Canada’s wilderness. Old growth Sitka forests, abundant wildlife and a vibrant indigenous culture contribute to making Haida Gwaii one of the most rewarding destinations in the world for outdoor adventurers. From the countless paddling routes around the hundreds of island that make up Haida Gwaii to remote oceanside campsites and bountiful fishing hotspots, there is no limit to excitement on this island paradise. Sparsely populated and naturally stunning, Haida Gwaii has to be seen to be believed.

To get the most out of your Haida Gwaii or Queen Charlotte adventure, the Backroad Mapbooks team has put their hearts and souls into creating the most comprehensive, detailed and easy-to-use map of Haida Gwaii available anywhere on the market. This dual-sided 28” x 45” map is printed on durable, waterproof paper to withstand the elements and keep you on track. With industry-leading cartographic detail and hundreds of Points of Interest, our Haida Gwaii Waterproof Map will keep you oriented and on track while you explore the islands’ fabled landscapes. With detailed information on parks and recreation sites, trails, Haida Gwaii culture, safety tips, useful contact information and more, our Haida Gwaii Waterproof Map is more than just a map – it’s a key to discovering one of the world’s most remarkable archipelagos.

Russell Mussio was born in Trail, BC where he spent his childhood years playing sports and exploring the Great Outdoors. At a time when parents simply called their kids back for dinner, Russell and friends could be found fishing local streams, hiking and biking nearby trails and even chasing grouse and deer around the hills.

His family, in particular his father Sergio and brother Wesley, were instrumental in introducing him to the trials and tribulations of outdoor adventure. From camping throughout the parks and recreation sites of BC to hunting and fishing in the Kootenays it seemed every vacation had an outdoor theme. From these early beginnings, Russell grew a strong appreciation of the outdoors.

Russell attended the University of British Columbia where he explored a few different career options before settling in on a degree in Leisure and Sport Administration. Before graduating he took a year off to travel the world. From this experience Russell developed a passion for outdoor travel, which he was able to develop through his final year at university. Backed by a sponsor professor, he was able to explore two different outdoor recreation business concepts. The guidebook business that he and his brother stumbled across when exploring the wilderness around Vancouver seemed to be the most logical concept. That is where the idea for the Backroad Mapbook series was born.

After graduation Russell, along with Wesley, went about self-publishing their first guidebook called the Backroad and Outdoor Recreation Mapbook: Southwestern BC for a tradeshow in January 1994. By March 1994, the first printing of the book was sold out. But rather than simply reprinting it, they listened to the feedback of the readers and retailers and improved it. This constant desire to create the best book in the most convenient and economical package possible has helped the brothers and their publishing company, Mussio Ventures Ltd., produce over 40 National Bestseller titles. Today, Mussio Ventures, through their signature series Backroad Mapbooks, is Canada's leading outdoor recreation publisher.

Russell now lives in Lake Country, BC with his wife and two children. In addition to helping run the publishing company and family commitments, he is involved with the local park department and outdoors club. Although he spends as much time as he can exploring the backroads of Canada, he always seems to return to the pen to write. He has been published in several different magazines, newspapers and websites across the country including regular contributions to Adventure West magazine, and several articles published in The Province newspaper out of Vancouver, BC.

Russell Mussio's profile page

The seed for Backroad Mapbooks was planted in 1993. Brothers Wesley and Russell Mussio were out exploring the maze of logging roads around Harrison Lake in southern BC on a cold, wet day. They had several books and a few maps to try to find their way, yet all of their sources showed no more than the area’s main road system. Even worse, most of the maps were outdated. The Trail, BC-born brothers quickly found themselves lost.

Frustrated, Wesley asked Russell, “Why doesn’t someone make one guide that shows all the roads?” With that, a lightbulb went off, and the pair got down to work. By January of 1994, the Mussio brothers had published their first map book, and it quickly sold out. Rather than simply reprinting it, the entrepreneurial duo decided to take stock of customer feedback and make a number of improvements to the book.

The constant improvements to the product carried on for the next two decades, helping to establish Backroad Mapbooks as the top-selling outdoor recreation guidebook series in Canada. Today, Backroad Mapbooks has expanded to chart all ten provinces and the Yukon Territory, with industry-leading GPS maps, a smartphone app, waterproof maps and more. From its humble beginnings in a tiny Vancouver apartment with maps strewn all over the walls, to one of the most sought-after outdoor products in the country, the Backroad Mapbooks series has come a long way.

In true pioneer spirit, Backroad Mapbooks will only continue to break new ground and seek out the ever-expanding horizon.

Backroad Mapbooks' profile page