Any recommendations for guidebooks for Canada that offer a Rick Steves-type experience as far as getting into the culture/history of a place? I'm heading to BC soon, and while I have the basic places I'd like to go fairly well-planned, I haven't found a guidebook that can match Rick in its deeper exploration of a place beyond the basic landmarks. Just curious what others have used!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
110 posts
Canada is a very large country - it's not one history, there are regional histories.
I looked at a Fodor's Vancouver and Victoria for planning my spring trip - it has chapters on the BC interior also. The 2020 edition listed quite a few restaurants that no longer existed, likely pandemic related. I don't know if there is a more recent edition.
If you want to read books about Canadian history look up Pierre Berton. His autobiography of growing up in Dawson City, Yukon is interesting and fascinating. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/2215/pierre-berton
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4695 posts
As a Canadian, I don't tend to purchase guide books, but used to find CAA/AAA guidebook helpful for provinces,
There are also hidden gems on the internet. I was recently in BC exploring some areas I had not been to for years...or ever and found some help for out of the way places on line.
Hellobc (dot)com is the BC provincial tourism site. It gives drive routes based on interests, location or time. Atlasobscura website has obscure things to visit anywhere in the world. If you have a special interest, like birdwatching, there may be sites or FB groups specifically in BC to gain more details from. As a birder, there is an entire website cust for birding specific areas in BC, for example.
Posted by
Alberta
710 posts
I think that there is both a Moon and a Lonely planet for British Columbia. I would try searching for guide books either by province, or maybe by " Western canada". I don't always find them as easy to craft an itinerary from as Rick's books though.
You might want to check out the BC ferries website if you plan to drive, they have some itineraries. They also sometimes have some good hotel deals.
https://www.bcferries.com/trip-planning/sail-and-drive
I've done a version of the coastal circle tour and enjoyed it. However if you are going at this time of year it might be a bit late to enjoy the Sunshine coast.
Posted by
Canada: True North Strong and Free
400 posts
Moon Guide and Fodor's are my go to guidebooks. They both have good ones for BC but Fodor's is specific to Vancouver and Victoria.