A kayak may seem an unlikely place for adventure, but that's exactly what you'll find in Paddling in Paradise. Author Alison Hughes has created the definitive guide to sea kayaking in Atlantic Canada. Whether she is describing the exhilaration of experiencing the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, or the pure beauty of the coast of Cape Breton, Hughes shares her deep and genuine conviction that life is only truly lived with paddle in hand.

In Paddling in Paradise, Alison Hughes describes eight multi-day trips off the coasts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, ranging from beautiful nature paddles that neophytes will dream about for the rest of their lives to adventures that will test the mettle of experienced sea kayakers and their guides. Photos and a map enhance each description, and each ends with a Fact File that includes contact information for outfitters, a list of special preparations or equipment, advice for travelling to nearby cities, detailed directions to put-in points, and suggestions for whale watching, cycling, and other activities that visiting kayakers would enjoy. Paddling in Paradise also includes an introduction to the region and the unique appeal of sea kayaking as well as a chapter on trip planning, safety, and all aspects of camping along the shore.

Alison Hughes is a veteran photojournalist specializing in outdoor adventures, from rappelling and dog sledding to canoeing and kayaking. In recent years, she has become enchanted with sea kayaking, a sport she practices frequently from her home at Chamcook, New Brunswick, on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay, an arm of the Bay of Fundy. A teacher and public relations professional, Hughes has taught writing in Canada and the United States, and she offers writing workshops and slide presentations for a widely varied audience. She spent four years as a photojournalist for several Canadian newspapers; in particular, her numerous articles in the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal showcase the wide range of outdoor activities available in Atlantic Canada. She has also contributed to many other newspapers and magazines including the Ottawa Citizen, Canoe & Kayak and Adventure Kayak.

Alison Hughes' profile page

"I find myself smiling with joy as Hughes transports me back to the water... These are descriptions that etch into memory... In spite of her obvious love of adventure, Hughes doesn't romanticize... Reading Paddling in Paradise has left me with the urge to touch a kayak's lines, step inside and push off."

<i>Atlantic Books Today</i>