travel books on canada

10 Must Read Canadian Travel Books

Travel tales and stories of exploration and adventure, canadian travel books.

10 Must Read Canadian Travel Books - Looking for that travel related gift for someone this holiday season? Curious about exploring Canada? Walking across the nation? Planning your own family hike? Ever wonder what it would be like to drop everything and be an explorer? If so then these are the book choices for you when exploring Canada !

This is not the usual collection of travel books. These publications are stories about venturing across entire regions, provinces and Canada itself. Some are based on historical accounts, others are based on newspaper articles, some explore the heritage of Canada and its waterways, while a few are the personal tales of Royal Canadian Geographic Society explorers !  As a list they cross Canada from hiking in Newfoundland to paddling the country's waterways or living in the Prairies to venturing across the Arctic !  

Together, they are also some of the most exciting and diverse books on travel in Canada that I have come across over the years. Any or all of them would make great books to snuggle down with over the winter or amazing gifts for that family member who loves travel !

(PS – Our favourite travel book for the past year is also the newest on the list and published by an amazing member of the Canadian Explorer's Club and Fellow at the Royal Canadian Geographic Society ! To learn more you'll have to read through the whole list first though!)

"Fill your life with Adventures, not things.Have stories to tell not stuff to show."

Top 10 must read canadian travel books.

10. Every Trail has a Story: Heritage Travel in Canada

Every Trail has a Story: Heritage Travel in Canada

Bob Henderson

The first choice on this list, Every Trail has a Story : Heritage Travel in Canada is a wonderful collection of travel narratives. Its premise, that every community and every trail in the nation has a heritage and tales that are worth knowing is wonderful. For author, Bob Henderson, this publication is the means through which he shares his love of truly Canadian adventures and tales. In his accounts, pathways, landscapes, heritage, and community interact to foster experiences and stories that everyone will enjoy. The stories included range from the Yukon to Labrador, and cover camping and dogsledding, as well as exploring walking trails used by Indigenous peoples, colonial fur trade routes, historical waterways, and nature paths transforming history into lived experiences. An intriguing and fascinating book to enjoy that will increase your sense of curiosity, adventure and desire to travel across the nation.

9. Ocean to Ocean : Sanford Fleming's Expedition through Canada in 1872

Ocean to Ocean : Sanford Fleming's Expedition through Canada in 1872

George M Grant

The second selection this year is a historical narrative of Sir Sanford Fleming's survey of the fledgling nation of Canada for the Trans Continental Railway. Fleming, is one of Canada's first 'jack of all trades' as he is considered the 'Father of Standard Time', he designed the country's first postage stamp, was an author, artist, and town planner as well being the Engineer in Chief for the Trans Continental railway. These experiences and insight make him the perfect guide as he survey's the country. Throughout, his commentary is keen and fascinating with the narrative being, in the author's own words, unvarnished, honest and simply the observations of the land, its geography, geology, and the fledgling nation. In addition his descriptions of the wildlife encountered and birds sighted stand not only as an invaluable scientific record but are amazing to experience. While admittedly Eurocentric in its perspective and Victorian in its attitudes Fleming's account is nonetheless a wonderful tale of a venture that would take this dynamic individual across the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In an age where so many Canadians have had the privilege to travel, drive, and take the train across the country hearing the account of one of the key individuals involved in surveying these routes is amazing to experience! For those who have trekked across Canada or are planning a trip in the future this is the book for you!

8. The People's Road : on the Trail of the Newfoundland Railway

The People's Road : on the Trail of the Newfoundland Railway

Wade Kearley

One of the first accounts I read of trekking across Newfoundland when planning my 27,000km hike across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail .  This publication is a wonderfully detailed exploration of the province of Newfoundland along the T'Railway Trail, a province long provincial park established on the former rail bed of the former Canadian National Railway and route of the famed 'Newfie Bullet'. Today it is the longest single pathway on the Trans Canada Trail, one of the first you trek on if you are venturing east to west, as well as being one of the most enjoyable and memorable places to venture!

The author, Wade Kearley, a journalist, hiker, and former president of the T'Railway Trail itself has woven an iconic account of the pathway's development and railway heritage of the T'Railway Trail – a route that takes travelers 547 miles or more than 800 km from St. John's across the province to Port aux Basques Newfoundland. Throughout his telling, Kearley not only brings readers along the pathway and ATV trail as he hikes on foot, but highlights the natural beauty of the province, details various historical forces which have shaped the trail, and shares conversations with individuals who he meets along the way. All in all Kearley provides and engaging exploration of the province, it's rail history and unique identity resulting in a wonderful tour of a region that too few get the opportunity to visit! If you have ever been curious about what it would be like to walk across an entire province, to venture more than 800 km in the wilderness of Newfoundland, or are curious about the rail history of this wonderful province then this will be one of your "10 Must Read Canadian Travel Books"!

7. The Amazing Foot Race of 1921

The Amazing Foot Race of 1921

Shirley Jean Roll Tucker

Are you a sucker for historical adventures that few people today know about? If so this is a tale for you! Long before the Trans Canada Trail and the Great Trail there was the Amazing Foot Race. In 1921 as a result of a regional challenge and promotion from the Halifax Herald three groups of individuals would set out from Halifax Nova Scotia on the Atlantic coast with the goal of trekking more than 3600 miles before July to reach Vancouver British Columbia and the Pacific Ocean. In the wake of World War one and tough economic times it would be a series of avidly followed stories and publications about a diverse group of hikers – including an intrepid women – that would capture the nation's attention. Tales of optimism, drama, and daring from each of the contestants whose daily updates, as the participants walked the railway routes of the country, became the focus of Canadians lives are at the centre of this brief and fascinating story.

6. Winter Studies and Summer Rambles in Canada

Winter Studies and Summer Rambles in Canada

Anna Brownell Jameson

While I am not typically a huge reader of historic accounts, this one caught me from the first page. Anna Jameson, an Irish-British author and later colonist came in 1836 to Upper Canada. Shortly after rejoining her husband in colonial Canada however she struck out on her own on a trip across Ontario. Considered an inspirational female author in her own time and one of the finest early Canadian travel accounts. Jameson's detailed descriptions, observations about colonial society in Toronto, women's roles in the society at the time, her expeditions by canoe, and her ramblings in the wilderness across Northern Ontario make this a unique consideration of the province. Framed as a series of incomplete journal entries to a friend, Jameson's goal was to describe a region that was only just being more fully settled by European colonists and to provide reflections on her own impressions. While parts of this book and the British Imperial opinions it reflects - as much as it critiques them – do not age well, Jameson's publication is nonetheless a wonderful account of pre-Confederation Canada that is unique as it is composed by a strong willed and opinionated Victorian woman who has wandered across huge tracts of Canada. For anyone interested in a fascinating historical account or the perspective of a Victoria woman in the wilderness of Ontario this book is for you!

5. Hiking the Dream

Hiking the Dream

Kathy Didkowsky

In the early 1990s, with the closure of many of the railway routes across Canada arose the dream of the Trans Canada Trail which sought to utilize these abandoned rail lines as the basis for a new national pathway system. In the wake of its formation it was only a matter of time before people sought to cross the nation on foot. In 2000, Kathy Didkowsky, a Nova Scotia trail supporter sought to take her family across Canada with the goal of spending 10 days in each province while hiking 2000 km from Newfoundland to British Columbia. While not a complete venture across the present day 28,000km Trans Canada Trail, it is nonetheless inspiration and at present is the only published account of anyone's attempt at crossing nation on foot along the TCT. Didkowsky's ambitious undertaking and interesting book includes accounts of following the nation's emerging rail trails, wildlife sightings, and natural wonders while also highlighting historical and cultural points of interest along the way. For anyone who has been fascinated by the Trans Canada Trail and the possibility of trekking across the nation to rediscover the country and themselves then this is the tale for you!

4. Original Highways : Travelling the Great Rivers of Canada

Original Highways : Travelling the Great Rivers of Canada

Roy MacGregor

One of the many amazing books on Canada, its wild places, and exploration that the exceptional Roy MacGregor has published over the years. MacGregor a former journalist for The Globe and Mail has transformed a series of his articles into one of his most recent publications, Original Highways : Travelling the Great Rivers of Canada . In it MacGregor details the essential role that the nation's waterways played in the exploration of Canada noting that while many credit the role of the Trans Continental Railway, few give full consideration to Canada's rivers. Given that the nation has 20% of the world's fresh water supply and is struggling to deal with issues of water pollution and climate change it is surprising that this natural resource has received so little attention. Thankfully MacGregor's narrative, which highlights his travels along 16 of Canada's waterways from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic adeptly explores how the nation's development, identity, economy, and conservation movements have been shaped by its rivers. In this fascinating exploration of our relationship with water resources, MacGregor a lifelong canoeist who has paddled this nation from coast to coast to coast utilizes his own experiences and observations to bring life to one of our most precious resources. For anyone who is a dedicated paddler, is interested in unique historical accounts, and seeing Canada from the coastline then this is the book for you!

3. River in a Dry Land

River in a Dry Land

Trevor Herriot

Admittedly in picking this book I am biased because of the amount of time I spent trekking across Canada's prairies along the Trans Canada Trail. While I can't adequately describe their pull or the sheer natural beauty of the prairies I can definitively tell you that they are worth experiencing in person! Thankfully author Trevor Herriot's account, a River in a Dry Land , is an amazing portrayal of the Canadian prairies and the Qu'Appelle Valley. Herriot's book is a magnificent memoir of growing up in Saskatchewan detailing the sights, sounds, and the feel of being out in the Land of the Living Skies. This nostalgic narrative romanticizes and documents Herriot's love of the landscape and concerns about widening development and ignorance about the region's importance. In the process he explores the province, details regional history and weaves a tale which brings the prairies to life. While at times Herriot's idealization of the past and the role of the region can be a little too wistful, his book is nonetheless a striking and wonderful portrayal of a region of Canada that too few spend enough time in to explore and enjoy. A refreshing and loving account of Saskatchewan that engages the past to inform the present including narratives from Indigenous Cree, early European colonists, and present day residents. Through it all Herriot encourages readers to learn, explore and to reconnect to nature. A wonderful book for those interested in the prairies and a detailed sense of what it would be like to grow up and live in Saskatchewan!

2. Beyond the Trees : A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic

Beyond the Trees : A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic

Adam Shoalts

A member of the Canadian Explorer's Club, Fellow at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, leader of a number of RCGS Expeditions, and an individual who is also currently an Explorer in Residence with RCGS. Adam Shoalts is one of the coolest and wide ranging Canadian explorers in the field at the moment. His passion for the outdoors, discovery, and navigating the geography and history of regions is amazing to experience. I have been fortunate to meet him for a few minutes at meetings and been captivated listening to him present on Canada's north. His fascinating book, Beyond the Trees : A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic , is my favorite of his numerous well written publications. In 2018 he set off on a 4000 km solo trek through the awe-inspiring arctic wilderness across the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Shoalts is a wonderful storyteller whose narrative not only brings the reader along on the adventure of a life time but it reveals a region of Canada that few are ever fortunate to travel. His writings provide immersive descriptions of the wilderness, educate the reader along the route, and give a sense of the natural beauty that can be found across northern Canada. If you have ever wanted to explore the Arctic or walk into the wilderness on your own then this is an adventure you'll love.

1. Park Bagger

Park Bagger

Marlis Butcher

In this countdown I am saving the best for last. Marlis Butcher's Park Bagger is the newest book on this list and perhaps the most exciting publication on Canadian exploration I have read in the past year! Butcher, a Montreal native and longtime Toronto area resident, is also a fellow member of Canadian Explorer's Club and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society as well as a widely adventurous and cool individual. Marlis' exploration of the second largest nation in the world has led her to visit, know, and share all of the National Parks in Canada! In the process she seems to have experienced the full range of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical details that the country has to offer. Park Bagger not only lets readers also visit every park from Point Pelee to Aulavik enabling you to explore Canada from home but Marlis' account makes you want to get out there and see everything these sites have to offer and teach us in person!

Full disclosure here, to my lasting regret, Marlis Butcher actually once asked me to visit and explore one of the northern Arctic parks in Canada with her and I turned her down! After reading her amazing book I can only imagine the opportunities I missed in with this quick decision. Make sure you don't miss out on the chance to explore Canada's National Parks with this amazing book!

"Travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us!"

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Great list! Heading to city this week and will definitely be picking up a copy of "Park Bagger" - thx!

Park Bagger is great - though it will make you want to visit all the parks in Canada as well! Which is a great undertaking to consider!

We are leaning towards a copy of Beyond The Trees.

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10 Best Canadian Travel Guide Books to Read in 2021

May 28, 2021

By Helen Earley | May 28, 2021

Travel experts predict that 2022 is going to be the year of “comeback travel,” which means that 2021 is the year to stay local, and plan your next Canadian vacation! From West to East, we’ve collected 10 of the best new and updated Canadian travel guide books to help you explore your home and native land.

1. 150 Nature Hotspots in Canada (2020) edited by Debbie Olsen

150 Nature Hotspots in Canada edited by Debbie Olsen has Canada’s greatest hits, with useful sidebars containing essential  information

Edited by outdoor travel expert, Debbie Olsen, 150 Nature Hotspots in Canada is packed full of information about some of Canada’s best nature spots. The photos are stunning, and the information is complete and well-organized. Sidebars help to plan a possible vacation, noting seasonal opening times, camping areas, beaches facilities etc. One of the best features for families is the historical/cultural information in each chapter – kids will learn a lot about Canada, just by leafing through it. This book is perfect for anyone thinking of doing a cross-country road-trip. It would be a great inspirational gift for family or friends who are thinking of visiting Canada from overseas, and would also make a perfect “coffee table” book for your Air BnB.

2. 25 Places in Canada that Every Family Should Visit (2017) by Jody Robbins

25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit by Jody Robbins is an inspiration cross-Canada travel guide for families

In 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit , family travel expert Jody Robbins highlights 25 key regions of Canada that offer something for all members of the family. Each colour-illustrated section includes several places to visit within that region, with recommendations for places to sleep and eat, and a couple of fun or quirky facts about each destination. The difference between this and your average guide book is that Robbins has actually been to each of these places with her family, which means that you feel like you’re reading an informative travel magazine, rather than consulting a list of must-see attractions. The book also includes helpful bonus chapters, such as “Surviving the Family Road Trip” and “How to Pack Like a Pro”. There’s even advice on how to work in couple-time during your family vacation.

3. Moon Vancouver, with Victoria, Vancouver Island, & Whistler (2020) by Carolyn Heller

Moon Guides like this one are easy to fit in your pocket

The new Moon guide: Vancouver, with Victoria, Vancouver Island, & Whistler , by travel writer Carolyn Heller is perfect for families visiting the region for the first time, or for locals who want to reach into new corners of their home. Explore Vancouver by neighborhood or by activity with color-coded maps, or follow one of our self-guided neighborhood walks. This guide has Full-Color Photos and Detailed Maps, so you can explore on your own, plus an easy-to-read foldout map to use on the go. It also includes handy tools such as information on the landscape, history, and culture. The book has a small, easy-carry format.

4. 111 Places in Calgary that You Must Not Miss (2020) by Jennifer Bain

Bring on the quirk! Jennifer Bain helps locals rediscover their own city with 111 Places in Calgary That You Must Not Miss .

In 111 Places in Calgary That You Must Not Miss , award-winning travel writer Jennifer Bain has unearthed over 100 unusual attractions, adventures and festivals in Calgary, including many fascinating and quirky spots across the city that many locals may have never known existed. How about a bookstore full of historical secrets, a vintage carousel ride, or even Terry Fox’s blue Adidas shoe? Grown-ups in the family can trace the origins of Canada’s beloved Caesar cocktail, or attend Bottlescrew Bills Testicle Festival. Each place is accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph, and there is a comprehensive map in the back section. 111 Places In Calgary That You Must Not Miss is the third guidebook for Canada after Toronto and Vancouver. Rumour has it an Ottawa edition is on the way!

5. 110 Nature Hotspots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan: The Best Parks Conservation Areas and Wild Places (2019) by Jenn-Smith Nelson and Doug O’Neill

110 Nature Hotspots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan includes a section on Northern Ontario

Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs, 110 Nature Hot Spots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is a guidebook that explores the natural splendour and remarkable recreation of both provinces. Each province –  Maintoba and Saskatchewan – is divided into three chapters – south, central and north – and feature Special Interest sections to help readers craft their adventures based on their interests and discover even more hot spots. The Manitoba chapter includes a few natural hot spots in Northwestern Ontario. This book is perfect for any family thinking of visiting the prairies on their next family vacation, or for anyone who is interested in the natural parks, conservation areas and “wild places” in the prairies.

6. The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List (Revised in 2021) by Robin and Arlene Karpan

The award-winning Great Saskatchewan Bucket List has been updated for 2021

Revised and updated in March 2021, The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List is a perfect guide for families since it not only shows you 50 top natural wonders, but rates each place as to how difficult it is to visit. With over 170 colour photographs this book will guide you through many of the provinces best natural adventures, getting up close and personal with wildlife that you find nowhere else in Canada, standing on the brink of Saskatchewan’s largest waterfall, or enjoying the view from the top of Canada’s largest sand dunes. The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List was named the Number 1 Bestselling Saskatchewan book for 7 consecutive years (2012 to 2018) by SaskBooks (Saskatchewan Publishers Group).

7. Toronto’s Lost Villages (2020) by Ron Brown

Toronto’s Lost Villages  unearths the past in Ontario’s capital city.

By the same author of 160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario, Toronto’s Lost Villages is a travel and historical guide that unearths the vestiges of settlements, hamlets and villages now swallowed up by Toronto’s urban growth. In this fascinating book, stories from pre-contact, right through to the present day, are brought back to life, helping families to explore Ontario’s capital city through a new lens. Published in 2020, Toronto’s Lost Villages was heralded by the Literary Review of Canada as “a compendious buffet of civic history,”

8. Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-Km Getaway Guide (2021) by Laura Pyrne Paquet

Ottawa Road Trips will keep you busy in our nation’s capital.

Author Laura Byrne Paquet has written the popular Ottawa Road Trips blog since 2014 and is an Ottawa expert. Published in 2021, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-Km Getaway Guide is the most comprehensive guide ever published to help families plan their day trips around Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. From the Bell tower in Almonte to the log-palace splendor of Chateau Montebello to a quiet picnic spot along the Rideau Trail, this book is your go-to resource for travelling around the national capital region. Laid out in 10-kilometre grids expanding from the base of the Peace Tower, it is easy to plan any trip, from a one-hour cycling excursion to a full-day road trip. Note: you can save money by ordering this directly from the publisher!

9. A Rising Tide: A Cookbook Of Recipes And Stories From Canada’s Atlantic Coast (2021) by DL Acken and Emily Lycopolus

Don’t underestimate this stunning tribute to Atlantic Canada’s culinary landscape

From the oyster beds of Prince Edward Island to the wilds of Newfoundland – and every delicious Atlantic nook and cranny in between,  A Rising Tide: A Cookbook Of Recipes And Stories From Canada’s Atlantic Coast  is a beautiful tribute to the culinary landscape of Canada’s east coast. Travel to meet the fishers, producers, foragers, chefs and restaurateurs who are working to define, and re-define Atlantic Canadian cuisine. Then, when you are ready – come visit them for yourself!   A Rising Tide is more than just a cookbook – it’s a delicious roadmap to Atlantic Canada, with beautiful photographs that will make you hungry for the salt air. Buy it, and devour it – before your next trip to the East Coast.

10. 25 Family Adventures in Nova Scotia: Making the Most of Your Travels with Kids (2021) by Helen Earley

Packed with helpful information, 25 Family Adventures in Nova Scotia is the first Nova Scotia travel guide just for families

Last but not least, Nova Scotia’s first family guide book, 25 Family Adventures in Nova Scotia features exciting full-day adventures and weekends away in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. From a family hike through history on McNabs Island to a backcountry canoeing adventure or exploring the Shearwater Aviation Museum, this full colour travel guide highlights the best family adventures for every budget and season. Important tips include seasonal opening times, how to save money – and even where to find the bathrooms –  while each chapter offers important historical and cultural information. (Disclosure: I wrote this one…and I hope you love it)

Categories: Alberta , British Columbia , Canada , Featured , Manitoba , Nova Scotia , Ontario , Saskatchewan , Travel Tips , Uncategorized Tags: Adventure Travel , Travel Books , Travel Tips

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Six Travel Guidebooks to Explore Less-Travelled Places and Travel at Home in Canada

by Carolyn Ray | Dec 22, 2023

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Last updated on April 21st, 2024

Featured image: Discover off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles with these g uidebooks for Canada | Photo by Debbie Olsen

Make travel planning even better with local guidebooks 

by Carolyn Ray

We’ve come to rely on our smartphones for travel information, but when it comes to smaller destinations, nothing beats an accurate, well-written guidebook for hidden gems and inside information. Our latest reader survey shows that when it comes to planning travel, more than one guidebook is preferred, with Lonely Planet being the go-to for many women. Other popular guidebooks mentioned include Frommer’s , Fodor’s and Rick Steves, alongside Moon Travel Guides , Rough Guides , The Collected Travel Series and DK (Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guides.)

In Canada, local guidebooks are flourishing, particularly in less-travelled places, so we invited travel writing colleagues from the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) to share their best work. These six books cover places in Eastern Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, written by local travel writers who actually live there. Not only have these talented authors been writing about their own backyards for years, all of these guidebooks about Canada are produced by small, independent publishers. 

Read More: Lonely Planet’s New Guide for Garden Lovers 

Six guidebooks for canada to help you get off the beaten track.

Whether you’re driving, walking or road-tripping, these six travel guidebooks will help you discover natural spaces, historic places and little-known backroads, from the Big Muddy Badlands, Whitehorse Wildland, Columbia Icefield or Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. 

1. Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide by Laura Byrne Paquet

This guide to day trips from Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, focuses on communities, natural areas, restaurants, shops, historic sites and more within a 100-km drive of Parliament Hill. It covers Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, areas author Laura Paquet has been covering since 2014 on her OttawaRoadTrips.com website and for years before that for magazines and newspapers. 

“During the pandemic, a local publisher approached me to write the book because interest in local travel skyrocketed,” says Paquet. “I love writing about this region, as there are so many undiscovered things to see and do.” 

Where to get it: Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide is available from Ottawa Press and Publishing at a cost of $19.95

A sculpture of basketball inventor James Naismith holds pride of place in his birthplace of Almonte, Ontario, a charming community about a 40-minute drive southwest of Parliament Hill  / Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet

2. Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide by Laura Byrne Paquet

Like its predecessor, this guidebook by local Ottawa resident Laura Byrne Paquet starts in Ottawa but takes travellers further afield to popular destinations such as Kingston, the Tremblant resort in Quebec and the Adirondacks in northern New York state. Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide includes areas Paquet has been covering for almost 10 years on her OttawaRoadTrips.com website, as well as in magazines and newspapers.

“My previous book with a similar format, on places closer to Ottawa, was such a success that the publisher approached me to write a sequel,” says Paquet. “I was happy to—I love sparking people’s interest in these places!”

This guide to weekend getaways from Ottawa focuses on communities, natural areas, restaurants, shops, historic sites and more within a drive of 100 to 450 kilometres of Parliament Hill—basically, the outer limits of the distance most people are willing to drive for a weekend or long weekend trip. 

Where to get it: Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide is available from Ottawa Press and Publishing for $19.95

Boat cruises through the 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River are popular outings from Gananoque, Ontario, and other communities on both the Canadian and American sides of the river / Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet

Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide by Laura Byrne Paquet. Get it here !

Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide by Laura Byrne Paquet Get it here!

3. Saskatchewan’s Best Scenic Drives, Revised and Updated Edition, 2023 by Robin and Arlene Karpan

Saskatchewan is tailor-made for backroad exploring, with more roads than any province in Canada—enough to circle the equator four times. Possibilities are mind-boggling, from drives through spectacular river valleys to sweeping natural grasslands, lake-studded boreal forest, wild badlands, breathtaking viewpoints, little-known hideaways, historic treasures, and some of Canada’s largest sand dunes.

“We’ve been exploring Saskatchewan’s backroads for many years and wrote and published Saskatchewan’s Best Scenic Drives for those who enjoy the journey rather than travelling somewhere by the fastest route,” say the Karpans. “We offer suggestions for taking the road less travelled – secondary highways, gravel roads, and lonely backroads. These routes take visitors into some of the most gorgeous countrysides that Saskatchewan has to offer.” 

Drive a third of the way across Saskatchewan entirely in the Qu’Appelle Valley. Take a little-known backroad through the Big Muddy Badlands. Wander through the Thickwood Hills to the other-worldly “Crooked Trees”. Combine your drive with awesome hikes and nature walks. Precise directions, GPS coordinates, and maps make it easy to visit many of Saskatchewan’s scenic wonders. Where to get it: Saskatchewan’s Best Scenic Drives is available is available on Amazon here , at bookstores for $29.95 , or direct from Parkland Publishing.  Email: [email protected]

Read More: Travel Experts Share Hidden Gems in Canada

The Qu’Appelle River winds across southern Saskatchewan in a broad valley rich in agricultural land / Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan

4. The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List by Robin and Arlene Karpan

Saskatchewan abounds with natural wonders, but The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List takes you to the best of the best. Follow award-winning writers and photographers, Robin and Arlene Karpan, to almost every corner of Saskatchewan, from the deep south to the far north, to experience the cream of the crop. Discover 50 unforgettable Saskatchewan natural places before you “kick the bucket”. In every case, it’s something special that leaves you with a sense of wonder. 

“After several years of travelling to almost every corner of Saskatchewan, we identified 50 unforgettable places as among the best of the best,” say Robin and Arlene Kaplan. “We hope that this book will be used to not only see the specific places mentioned, but will also serve as a starting point to visit other fascinating sights in the same area. Now is the perfect time to start checking things off your bucket list.” 

Where to get it: The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List is available on Amazon here , or direct from Parkland Publishing . Email: [email protected]

Hunt Falls on the Grease River in northern Saskatchewan plunges 15 metres in a single drop across a 60-metre-wide fault line / Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan

Saskatchewan’s Best Scenic Drives by Robin and Arlene Karpan. Get it here !

Great Saskatchewan Bucket List Guide Book by Robin and Arlene Karpan. Get it here !

5. Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta by Debbie Olsen

Have you ever wanted to dine in a water tower, explore the site of a former beaver ranch or take a scenic potty break in a mountain-top outhouse?  Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta is the ultimate guide for travellers looking for the quirky, unique and inspiring side of Alberta. Travel writer and author Debbie Olsen, a proud Albertan who’s visited nearly every corner of the province, has assembled a list of over 150 unusual places, things to see and events that make Alberta one-of-a-kind; from its dozens of roadside attractions and surprising landforms to its fascinating historical sites and off-beat museums.

Organized into four regions – South of Calgary, Edmonton to Calgary, the Alberta Rockies and North of Edmonton – this guidebook takes you on a journey across the province, with lively text that sheds light on each location’s interesting history, as well as maps, contact information, fact boxes and colour photographs that bring the spots to life.  

The book also features themed entries, such as museums that celebrate Alberta’s energy production, unusual roadside attractions, unusual bathrooms (for regular people), unusual festivals and events, and unusual foods invented in Alberta.  Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta is a fun and entertaining jaunt for armchair travellers and road-trippers alike.  

Where to get it: Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta is available at bookstores for $29.95 , or on Amazon here .

The Burmis tree in the Crowsnest Pass is quite possibly the world’s most photographed dead tree. Protecting the dead tree was a consideration when the highway was built. When vandals cut off a limb of the tree, locals glued it back on and built a support for the limb / Photo by Greg Olsen

6. 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta (Second edition) by Debbie Olsen and Leigh McAdam

The first edition of “ 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta” was a Globe and Mail bestseller. The new edition is organized by region for easy reading and navigation. Each hot spot entry includes a detailed destination profile, colour photographs and a sidebar of at-a-glance information, featuring all the activities one can expect to enjoy.

Some of the hot spots include: Whitehorse Wildland, one of the few places in Alberta where you can drive to an alpine meadow; Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains; and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta is the perfect companion for all visitors travelling to Alberta, from those preparing to witness the province’s natural wonder for the first time to those who are looking forward to experiencing it all over again.

Where to get it: 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta is available at bookstores for $29.95 , or on Amazon here

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the highest concentration of Cretaceous fossils in the world as well as fascinating geological formations / Photo by Greg Olsen

Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta by Debbie Olsen. Get it here!

200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta b y Debbie Olsen and Leigh McAdam . Get it here !

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Carolyn Ray

As the CEO and Editor of JourneyWoman, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for women's travel and living the life of your dreams. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council and Women's Speaker's Bureau. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Zoomer as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse and was the recipient of a SATW travel writing award in September 2023. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a member Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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The World As I See It

One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

• Canada / Travel Books

25 Amazing Books Based in Canada

by Stephanie · Published November 3, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2024

I love books and I love to read books that transport you around the world , whether it’s Paris or the Amazon. When a place becomes a character in a book it brings that place to life. I’ve even travelled to places because of the books I’ve read .

But one place always holds a special spot in my heart. The place I call home – Canada. And books based in Canada pique my curiosity like no others can. It doesn’t matter if they’re fiction, mystery novels, or memoirs.

So, if you’re in search of your next book here is a list of books set in Canada that include something for everyone’s interest.

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing through these links I may make a small commission to help run this blog.

Classic Books Based in Canada

There are countless Canadian classic books but I’ve chosen a few that I have read and some that even inspired me to better my writing. Many of the classics are written by famous Canadian authors like Margaret Atwood, Carol Shields, Robertson Davies, and many others. While others, like Tin Flute, you may not have heard of before. But all are worth the read.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

You’ll find the story of Anne of Green Gables at the top of any list of top books based in Canada. We all read it in school. And for many, it epitomizes Prince Edward Island and stirs up a longing to visit the quaint East Coast Island. It’s a classic coming of age story about a young orphan girl growing up in Prince Edward Island. Even Mark Twain described Anne as “the dearest, most lovable child in fiction since the immortal Alice.”

Get your copy here

Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat

As someone who grew up passionate about animals, some of my favourite books about wildlife are by Canadian writer and environmentalist Farley Mowat, like Gorillas in the Mist (sometimes known as Virunga: The Passion of Dian Fossey) about her life and time spent studying mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Never Cry Wolf is about his study of wolves in Canada’s subarctic. It’s been said that this books was instrumental in changing the popular belief that wolves were nothing but savage creatures. And Mowat was quoted as saying, “We have doomed the wolf not for what it is but for what we deliberately and mistakenly perceive it to be: the mythologized epitome of a savage, ruthless killer—which is, in reality, not more than the reflected image of ourselves.”

Call of the Wild by Jack London

For the adventurer, Jack London’s Call of the Wild will transport you to Canada’s Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. The main character is Buck, a family dog turned sled dog who learns to fight for his survival in the wild. It’s like a raw Canadian version of The Jungle Book, where animals come to life.

The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy

For many, their favourite female Canadian author is Margaret Atwood, and for good reason. But for me, it’s Gabrielle Roy. She’s considered one of the most important Francophone writers in Canadian history and The Tin Flute is her first novel. The original French title was Bonheur d’occasion , meaning second-hand happiness. The story is about a family living in the Montreal neighbourhood of Saint-Henri and their struggles with poverty, war, and love.

The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence

Another incredible Canadian female writer is Margaret Laurence. And if you’re looking for a classic Canadian novel set in Manitoba this is a good one to pick up. The Stone Angel is about a 90-year-old woman who is stubborn and grouchy and tells the story of her life. She is anything but ordinary and is one of the best characters in Canadian literature.

The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood

If there is one person who the world over identifies as one of the most popular and talented Canadian authors it’s Margaret Atwood. And while you can pick any one of her books up and be transported to another time and place, I recommend her first novel, The Edible Woman . The book takes place in Toronto in the 1960s and is about a woman who leads a structured life but begins to unravel.

Other Canadian classics include ; The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields, Fifth Business by Robertson Davies, and Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Leacock.

Looking for more destination specific books? Here’s a list of amazing books set in Paris !

Non-Fiction Books Set in Canada

The day the world came to town: 9/11 in gander, newfoundland by jim defede.

Newfoundland is one of Canada’s incredible places, for its nature, its history, and its beloved people. And for those who love the Broadway musical Come From Away, you’ll love this non-fiction book about Canada’s connection with September 11. The Day the World Came to Town is about the nearly 40 planes that had to be diverted from the US and landed in Gander, Newfoundland. It’s the true story of how a small town came together to welcome these nearly 7,000 strangers in and showed them the kindness of the Canadian spirit.

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott

Speaking of spirt, in A Mind Spread Out on the Ground Alicia Elliott speaks about her personal experiences as a Tuscarora writer from Six National of the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, and examines the systemic oppression of Indigenous people in Canada. This is a must-read, especially for those wanting to learn more about the past and present affairs of the Canadian Indigenous community and hopefully find a desire to listen and become an ally.

The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

In Desmond Cole’s The Skin We’re In he examines the struggle of racism in Canada and specifically in 2017, the year ironically celebrating Canada’s 150 th birthday. He digs deep in to not only the struggle in his own life caused by his determination to fight for justice but other injustices faced by Indigenous people, black refugees, and more. This book is a real wake up call to the fact that racism is found everywhere, including Canada.

Canadian Mystery Novels

Who doesn’t love a good mystery novel? Well, if you’re looking for a mystery book set in Canada you’re in luck! There is a ton! So, grab your sleuths cap and your Watson and pick up one of these Canadian mystery novels.

Old City Hall by Robert Rotenburgh

I had the fine pleasure of first learning about former lawyer turned writer, Robert Rotenburgh, when he came to do a reading in my small town library. I was sucked in by his wit and charm which I later found littered throughout his books. His novels are based in Ontario, primarily in Toronto, and are your typical who dunnits. My favourite is Old City Hall which casts Toronto as one of the characters herself. You can even check out the city’s landmarks that show up in the book through a cool feature on his website .

Bones to Ashes (Temperance Brennan #10) by Kathy Reichs 

You may know about Kathy Reichs and not even realize it. She’s the author who inspired the TV series Bones. Her Temperance Brennan book series is about the lead character, Brennan, and her quest to solve crimes through forensic anthropology. And Bones to Ashes , number ten in the series, takes place in New Brunswick, where after a young girl’s skeleton is discovered Brennan is on the hunt to find a killer.

Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1) by Louise Penny

Another great Canadian mystery series is Chief Inspector Armand Gamache . This New York Times bestselling mystery series is set in Quebec. And Still Life is the first in the series following the distinguished Chief Inspector. The story takes place in a small village in Quebec where someone’s been killed. But was it an accident or murder.

Human Remains (Hope Sze Medical Mysteries #5) by Melissa Yi

The Hope Sze Medical Mysteries is another series of books set in Canada, specifically Ottawa and Montreal. Melissa Yi is a doctor herself and pulls inspiration from her days in the ER. Human Remains is the fifth book in the series that follows Dr. Hope Sze, a doctor in residence, who always seems to be helping to solve crimes.

Novels Based in Canada

The shipping news by annie proulx.

Another successful Canadian novel is The Shipping News . It won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. The bulk of the story takes place in Newfoundland and follows the troubling life of a man who moves there with his daughters after a failed marriage. Annie Proulx really brings each character to life including Newfoundland.

A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews

Miriam Toews is another incredible Canadian author. And A Complicated Kindness has been praised as her best. The book’s set in rural Canada, in a Manitoba Mennonite community. The story focuses on a young teenage girl who is grappling to find her way in the world after her family is torn apart. It is both tragic and comic, which Toews always executes so well.

Some Great Thing by Lawrence Hill

You’ll know him best for his acclaimed novel T he Book of Negroes . But his debut novel, Some Great Thing is another great book from Lawrence Hill. This book is also set in Manitoba and revolves around a newspaper reporter and is full of a quirky cast of characters. But it also touches on some heavy topics like racism, Francophobia, and media corruption.

Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay

Are you looking to be transported to Canada’s north? Then consider picking up a copy of Late Nights on Air . The story follows Harry Boyd as he returns Yellowknife to manage a small radio station. Harry, along with a collection of other interesting characters, sets off on an adventure into Canada’s wilderness that will change their lives.

Other great novels set in Canada include ; The Cashier by Gabrielle Roy, Song of Batoche by Maia Caron, and Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden.

Memoirs of Canadians

Lands of lost borders: out of bounds on the silk road by kate harris.

One of my recent additions to my favourite travel books is Kate Harris’s Lands of Lost Borders . Kate’s memoir follows her through her childhood growing up in rural Ontario and onto her whirlwind adventures around the world. Her infectious spirit, curiosity, and brilliant prose will tug at your own wonder for adventure.

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You by David Chariandy

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You is a powerful book where Chariandy writes a letter to his 13-year-old daughter expressing his own story as a child of Black and South Asian migrants, growing up in Canada, but also reflects on how she can further develop her sense of identity and responsibility.  His memoir pulls on all the hard issues a person of colour has to deal with but is also full of the hope only a father can have for a daughter.

Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot

For those looking for a poetic-like Canadian memoir then grab a copy of Heart Berries . In Terese Marie Mailhot’s memoir, she shares of her tough childhood growing up on the Seabird Island Reserve in British Columbia and how writing helped her work through her trauma. This short but powerful memoir proves that we can all be in control of our own story.

More Books Set in Canada

If you’re like me and browsing Goodreads in search of more books set in Canada then you’re in luck! There are so many the range from memoirs to mysteries.

Birding with Yeats by Lynn Thomson

One of the best books set in Ontario I’ve read lately is Birding with Yeats . Rating it, I give it five stars! At first glance I was drawn to the story profile about a mother and son’s adventures in birdwatching across southern Ontario and beyond.

Birding with Yeats by Lynn Thomson is a memoir about a mother who has a very tight bond with her son. He’s a quiet child and solitary by nature who has a passion for birding. To connect more with her son, she takes him on various birding watching trips.

Based in Toronto, they wander the ravines and parks in Toronto in search of birds. She takes him birding in British Columbia and even the Galapagos Islands. They also take road trips across Ontario to destinations like Pelee Island and Amherst Island.

Reading it after the loss of my mother though helped me see the bigger picture in this charming book. It’s ultimately a story about a mother who learns she has to let her son grow up. But at the same time, she needs to find herself.

I loved the quiet joy of the wonderous world of bird watching that is sprinkled throughout the book. And how shared hobbies bring people together.

Cape Breton Road by D.R. MacDonald

If you’re looking for fiction books set in Nova Scotia, and specifically Cape Breton, then pick up a copy of Cape Breton Road by D.R. MacDonald.

Cape Breton Road is a novel about a nineteen-year-old boy who has to pay for his bad deeds. However, his fate, for him, is worse than prison. He is relocated back to the community where he was born, Cape Breton.

From the city streets near Boston to the remote landscape of Cape Breton, this is a twisting coming of age story. It’s mixed with angst, love, and hope.

The characters of the book are as striking as the wild and vivid landscape of Cape Breton.

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

An awarding winning book, The Blind Assassin is one of the many iconic Canadian novels by Margaret Atwood.

Even after 20 plus years, this is still one of the best books set in Canada. It specifically takes place both in a fictional town in Ontario as well as in Toronto.

The Blind Assassin is a multi-layered story with a book within a book about two sisters. It’s narrated by one sister looking back on her life. She references various events of Canadian history that span the twentieth century.

With dark humour and expert drama, the story blends a mix of love, betrayal and sacrifice. You’ll be hooked from beginning to end with Atwood’s classic engaging prose that’s full of twists and turns.

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

For those looking for fiction books set in Canada by Indigenous authors then I highly recommend Moon of Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice.

After hearing him give a reading, I knew I had to pick up a copy. I was blown away by the depth and despair yet strong thread of hope that bled through Moon of the Crusted Snow.

Moon of the Crusted Snow is an engaging page turner. It takes place in an Anishinaabe First Nations community in northern Ontario.

This dystopian novel revolves around the fragile community living on the reservation. All contact is with the outside world is mysteriously cut off.

Returning to their roots and traditions to survive is not easy. But the strength, integrity and resilience that comes is powerful.

The way Rice writes is both beautiful and thought-provoking. And this is so much more than a novel about an apocalyptic scenario.

It masterfully shares the sadness of the loss of culture that whites took from Indigenous people. But also shows the rising up over this with love, renewed community, openness, and hope.

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

It’s always remarkable when a debut novel achieves award-winning status. And Crow Lake by Canadian author Mary Lawson did just that just after she published it!

Fun Fact: Mary Lawson is a distant relative of L. M. Montgomery.

Crow Lake is a story about four orphaned children living in a remote area of northern Ontario. One of the children narrates the story decades after while living in Toronto.

Themes of the book include family bonds, education and ties to the land. And like many books set in Canada, the land plays a vital role in the story.

The land mirrors the feelings and thoughts of its main character. Like when she describes northern Ontario while flying over, “miles and miles of nothing, of rocks and trees and lakes, beautiful and desolate and remote as the moon.”

Lawson has a masterful ability to craft characters we know and recognize. And her storytelling makes for an effortless read.

This is one of the must-read literary fiction books set in Canada!

Whatever your preferred genre is, this list of the best books set in Canada has a book to delight you!

What are your favourite books set in Canada?

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Tags: books Canada

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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11 Responses

• Comments 11
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What a great idea for a blog post Stephanie. I’m looking forward to picking up some of these books and even passing on the list to some friends.

I’m so glad you liked it Jacquie! I’ve got a list of similar posts coming out of the next couple of months. Hope you enjoy your reading!

This is a great idea to get excited for a trip! I should definitely read some books before I go to my next location

There is a ton of inspiration in these books to help you decide where in Canada you should explore next! Happy reading!

Thank you for sharing these! As a Canadian it makes me really proud to see so many incredible titles on this list. I’ve added some more to my TBR and can’t wait to dive in. I’m especially interested in indigenous stories!

I’m so glad you were able to find some to add to your reading list! I agree, Canada has some incredible authors. I also tried to make sure the list was diverse and included a few Indigenous books. It’s so hard to choose when there are so many great ones!

I am thrilled to see new books by Canadian authors that I must read. It may be hard to check out for free through by DC Public Library but I will research. The Anne of Green Gables books were beloved part of my children’s life in elementary school. I still want to visit PEI and see the author’s museum.

I’m so glad to hear you found a few new books set in Canada and hope you can find them at your library! I agree, I’d love to visit PEI and visit Montgomery’s museum.

I’m glad you included Anne of Green Gables. That was my first thought when I saw the title. Love the books and the original made for tv movie.

It’s such a classic, it should totally be in every list of books set in Canada!

Thank you for all the amazing tips!

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Canada’s best travel guides and travel books

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: May 15, 2021
• Post category: Travel Guides / Featured
• Post comments: 0 Comments

When traveling to another country it is best to prepare. There is no better way to do that than buying old school travel guides. Not only will they help you visit the best highlights, it also helps you in staying safe and prepared.

There are lots of fellow tourists, things work differently than what we are used to and there is an immense number of different activities to choose from. With  too many options availabe, you will have to make choices. We highly recommend properly planning your visit to Canada. The travel books and travel guides in this post are here to help you on your way. We have hand picked all of these books! Updated March 3, 2024.

• All books have been handpicked by us!
• Books with bad reviews are left out.
• This post includes affiliate marketing links on which we can earn a commission.

Lonely Planet Best of Canada

Dive into the heart of Canada with “Lonely Planet’s Best of Canada,” your essential guide to exploring the most stunning and unforgettable attractions this vast country has to offer. 🍁🏞️

Key Highlights:

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• 🗺️ Tailored Itineraries : Craft your perfect Canadian adventure with highlight-filled itineraries that cater to your interests and time frame.
• 🕵️ Insider Tips : Navigate Canada like a local with invaluable tips that save you time and money while steering you clear of the crowds.
• 📚 Comprehensive Coverage : From Toronto’s urban buzz to the tranquil beauty of Haida Gwaii and the rugged Yukon, get up-to-date information on a vast array of destinations.
• 🎨 Cultural Insights : Immerse yourself in Canada’s rich tapestry through insights into its history, music, landscapes, wildlife, and cuisine.

Whether you’re yearning for urban exploration, outdoor adventure, or cultural enrichment, “Lonely Planet’s Best of Canada” is your gateway to a memorable Canadian journey, showcasing the very best that Canada has to offer. With vibrant photography and detailed maps, this guide ensures you won’t miss out on anything on your Canadian escapade. Get ready to explore Canada’s most beloved treasures and hidden gems. 🇨🇦✈️

Lonely Planet Canada (full edition)

Embark on a grand exploration of Canada with “Lonely Planet’s Canada,” your comprehensive guide to discovering the vast beauty, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes from coast to coast. 🍁🏞️

Highlights Include:

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• 🆕 New Top Experiences : Dive into an inspiring collection of must-see experiences, perfectly blending Canada’s natural wonders and urban delights.
• 📌 Insider Tips : Navigate the country like a pro with expert advice to avoid the crowds, save money, and enrich your journey.
• 🗺️ Comprehensive Coverage : From the urban energy of Ontario to the serene beauty of Prince Edward Island and the wild frontiers of Yukon Territory, get up-to-date info on a wide array of destinations.
• 🎭 Cultural Insights : Delve into Canada’s heart through rich explorations of its history, music, landscapes, and diverse culinary scenes.

“Lonely Planet’s Canada” is your all-encompassing passport to a journey filled with adventure, discovery, and the sheer joy of uncovering the best that Canada has to offer. With detailed maps and vivid photography guiding your way, you’re set for an unforgettable exploration of this magnificent country. Stay tuned for the upcoming release of “Lonely Planet Canada 16” for the latest and greatest travel inspirations! 🇨🇦✨

Moon Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Explore Atlantic Canada’s Hidden Gems with Moon Travel Guide: Dive into the heart of Atlantic Canada, where the rarest whales breach the ocean’s surface and historic towns echo the past. 🐋🌲

• 🚗 Scenic Drives & Ocean Excursions : Journey through breathtaking landscapes on the Cabot Trail or the Irish Loop, embracing the natural beauty and rich history of Atlantic Canada.
• 🍽️ Culinary Delights : From waterfront oyster bars to the oldest brewery in North America, taste the region’s freshest flavors and seasonal brews.
• 🌊 Outdoor Adventures : Whether it’s biking, cruising past icebergs, or hiking through lush valleys, Atlantic Canada offers unparalleled experiences for nature lovers.
• 🏞️ Expert Tips : Local author Andrew Hempstead shares insider advice on the best times to visit, where to stay, and how to navigate this majestic region.
• 📸 Vibrant Photos & Maps : With full-color images and detailed guides, plan your journey with ease and immerse yourself in the stunning visuals of your destinations.

Moon’s comprehensive guide to Atlantic Canada unlocks the door to extraordinary experiences, from Nova Scotia’s rugged coasts to Newfoundland’s remote landscapes. Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or the warmth of quaint coastal towns, this guide ensures your adventure is as rich and varied as the lands you’ll explore. Pack your bags and set sail for an unforgettable journey through Atlantic Canada’s most treasured locales. 🚢🍁

DK Eyewitness Canada

Discover Canada’s Magnificence with DK Eyewitness: Unveil the vast beauty and vibrant cultures of Canada, from the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in the Arctic to the dynamic cities that pulse with life. 🍁🏔️

• 🏞️ Breathtaking Landscapes : From snow-capped mountains to fiery maple forests, experience Canada’s natural splendor.
• 🖼️ Cultural Richness : Explore Indigenous art in galleries and immerse yourself in urban vibes from Vancouver to Toronto.
• 🗺️ Expert Guidance : Navigate with ease using detailed maps and itineraries tailored to reveal both celebrated attractions and hidden treasures.
• 🍴 Local Flavors : Savor the best of Canadian cuisine and discover where to dine, drink, and dance the night away.
• 🏨 Stay in Style : From cozy inns to luxury hotels, find the perfect stay to match your adventure.

Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of nature or the excitement of city life, DK Eyewitness’s updated guide to Canada is your key to unlocking an unforgettable travel experience. Packed with expert insights, beautiful photographs, and hand-drawn illustrations, this guide ensures you won’t miss a beat of Canada’s heart. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure that spans from the cultural streets of Montreal to the rugged coastline of British Columbia. 🌲🏙️

Fodor's Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada: With New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland

Discover the Charm of Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada with Fodor’s Travel Guide: Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. 🌊🍁

• 🗺️ Ultimate Experiences Guide : Dive into the heart of the region with top recommendations, from Cape Breton’s scenic drives to the freshest seafood feasts.
• 🏞️ Tailored Itineraries : Maximize your visit with expertly crafted plans, ensuring you don’t miss a thing from New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast to Prince Edward Island’s sandy shores.
• 📸 Vibrant Photography : Be inspired by stunning images that capture the essence of Atlantic Canada’s natural beauty and vibrant cultures.
• 🍽️ Local Delights : Savour the best of local cuisine, from succulent lobsters to Acadian specialties, guided by honest and detailed recommendations.
• 🏰 Cultural Insights : Explore the region’s history, from historic sites to traditional music and beyond, enriching your journey with deeper understanding and appreciation.
• 🚶 Outdoor Adventures : Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or exploring offshore islands, discover the best activities for an unforgettable adventure.
• 🛏️ Accommodation Tips : Find the perfect stay, from cozy B&Bs to luxury lodges, with Fodor’s trusted advice.

Fodor’s Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada is your comprehensive companion, inviting you to explore this region’s spectacular natural settings, vibrant history, and warm hospitality. From family trips to solo adventures, this guide ensures every traveler finds their perfect Atlantic Canada experience. Let Fodor’s be your key to unlocking the treasures of Nova Scotia and beyond. 🚗💼

Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present

Dive into the epic saga of a nation with “Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present” by Conrad Black. This ambitious work is not just a history book; it’s a comprehensive journey through the pivotal moments and influential figures that have sculpted Canada into the country it is today. 🍁📚

• 🌎 Vast Timeline : Explore Canada’s evolution from its first inhabitants and early explorers, starting in 874, through to the present day.
• 🏛️ National Architects : Meet the architects of Canada’s foundation, from Champlain to MacDonald, Laurier, and King, and understand their roles in shaping the nation.
• 🕊️ Canada on the World Stage : Delve into Canada’s contributions to peace and war, highlighting its unexpected yet significant impact on global affairs.
• 🤝 Quest for Autonomy : Unravel Quebec’s pursuit of autonomy and its implications for national unity and identity.
• 📖 Masterful Storytelling : Conrad Black’s authoritative narrative challenges perceptions and celebrates Canada’s journey from colony to dominion to country.

“Rise to Greatness” stands as a monumental work, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on Canada’s history. Black’s narrative presents the country’s path to greatness not as an inevitability but as a testament to the resilience and ambition of its people. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a proud Canadian, or simply curious about the nation’s past, this book promises a deep and enriching exploration of Canada’s heritage and its place in the world. 🌟🇨🇦

Carson Crosses Canada

Embark on a heartwarming adventure across Canada with “Carson Crosses Canada,” a delightful tale of companionship, discovery, and the vast beauty of the Canadian landscape. 🐕🍁

• 🚗 Epic Journey : Follow Annie Magruder and her loyal dog, Carson, as they journey from British Columbia to Newfoundland in their little rattlebang car.
• 🌄 Breathtaking Scenery : Experience the diverse beauty of Canada’s provinces through their eyes, from the open skies of Saskatchewan to the red earth of PEI.
• 🍽️ Cultural Delights : Savor the local flavors and special experiences unique to each region, including delicious lobster rolls and more.
• 🎁 Heartfelt Reunion : Join Annie and Carson as they reach their destination for a touching reunion with Annie’s sister, Elsie, and a surprise that awaits Carson.

Beautifully illustrated by Kass Reich and penned by Linda Bailey, this story captures the essence of Canadian spirit and the unbreakable bond between a woman and her dog. “Carson Crosses Canada” is a celebration of adventure, the joy of discovery, and the love of family, making it a perfect read for anyone who cherishes heartwarming stories and the allure of the open road. Pack your bags (and baloney sandwiches) and get ready for a memorable trip across the heart of Canada. 📚🇨🇦

Lonely Planet Best Road Trips Canada

Hit the road with “Lonely Planet’s Canada’s Best Road Trips,” your essential guide to exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, from the misty Niagara Falls to the wildlife-rich Newfoundland and the vineyards of Okanagan Valley. 🚗🍁

• 🛣️ 32 Amazing Drives : Tailor your adventure with itineraries ranging from quick getaways to extensive two-week journeys across Canada’s vast landscapes.
• 🗺️ Detailed Maps : Navigate with ease using full-color, easy-to-read maps guiding you through each iconic route.
• 🏞️ Detours & Highlights : Discover Canada’s natural wonders and cultural highlights with tips on the best spots to visit along the way.
• 📚 Local Insights : Learn insider tips to travel like a local, including advice on driving rules, parking, and avoiding toll roads.
• 🌲 Outdoor Adventures : Find the best activities outside the car, from hiking trails to scenic lookouts, ensuring you stretch your legs and soak in the beauty.
• 🌟 Lavish Photography : Get inspired by stunning images that capture the essence of Canada’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time visitor, “Lonely Planet’s Canada’s Best Road Trips” offers a wealth of information to help you explore the country’s most scenic drives. From British Columbia’s rugged mountains to Nova Scotia’s historic coastlines, this guidebook ensures you won’t miss a thing on your Canadian adventure. Pack your bags, grab this guide, and embark on a journey through Canada’s majestic roads. 🍁📖

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15 Must-Read Books Set in Canada

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There’s a lot to love about Canada. From its pristine wilderness and stunning landscapes to its friendly, down-to-earth people, Canada is a place that’s hard not to fall for. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to relax in a picturesque town, Canada has it all!

From the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver to the stunning natural beauty of Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains, there’s something for everyone in Canada.

Canada’s beautiful landscape and years of history have inspired novels and nonfiction by authors from around the world.

So if you want to know what Canada feels like, we invite you to choose a book from this list to read.

Grab your favorite Canadian books here:

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Novels and Fiction set in Canada

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

With this story, Atwood takes you back in time to the 1930s and 1940s.

At the center of the story is her fascinating narrator, Iris, whose memoirs are mixed with press clippings about her family and a book also called “The Blind Assassin,” the masterpiece for which her sister Laura is remembered.

Iris, who is now an old woman, decides to tell her life story and in it, the war, the secrets, the conspiracies, the loves, and the revenge marked the destiny of the Chase Family.

To find out what is hidden behind “The Blind Assassin” enjoy reading this wonderful book by Margaret Atwood.

Buy on Amazon | View in Goodreads

A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale

Inspired by a real-life family mystery of a family member who emigrated to Canada, this book tells a story of self-discovery and hope, but it is also a story of loss and endurance.

Harry Crane is a family man, living quietly and unassumingly with his wife Winnie Wells and their young son in 1900s London. But when life gets tough, Harry is forced to leave everything behind and emigrate to Winter, Canada, a place of prairies, to work as a farmer.

The author has taken a personal family story and has turned this into something poetic and haunting.

Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro

The book chronicles the growth of Del Jordan, a girl in rural Ontario in the 1940s, but when she begins to spend more time in the city, she surrounds herself with women: her mother, her mother’s houseguest, and her best friend.

Through these unwitting mentors and in her own encounters with sex, birth, and death, Del explores the bright and dark sides of womanhood.

Although it is classified as a novel, this book is a collection of short stories about the same character, Del.

Girls Fall Down by Maggie Helwig

People collapse all over the city in subways, trams, and shopping malls, always provoked, they say, by some unidentifiable smell.

Panic quickly spreads throughout Toronto and words like poisoning and terrorism are broadcast through the air.

“Girls Fall Down” will make you think; it will make you feel and make you question your own purpose.

It is a novel steeped in romance and politics, utterly compelling in its portrayal of our social and individual instability, and steadfast in its belief in redemption.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The protagonist, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry survives 227 days after a shipwreck while stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

“Life of Pi” is divided into three sections. The story tells from Pi’s childhood to his adult life. He goes through moments of his life in his father’s zoo, the trip to Canada with his family, his effort to survive in the lifeboat, among the animals, and delusions due to thirst and hunger.

It’s a transformational novel about faith and inner strength that will surprise you if you can grasp the depth of his story.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

This is one of Jack London’s most famous books, “The Call of the Wild”. It is a short novel written in 1903.

The book is set in Yukon, Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, a time when sled dogs were in high demand. The novel revolves around a dog named Buck and his literal and metaphorical journey.

From being stolen and sold as a sled dog to surviving in the harsh frozen environment, Buck eventually sheds the veneer of civilization and emerges as a leader in the wild.

Non-fiction books about Canada

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede

This book is the true story of what happened in a small town in Canada during 9/11.

On 9/11, 38 passenger planes bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. This is the inspiring story of how the people of Gander treated nearly 7,000 passengers with gestures of friendship and acts of goodwill.

If you’re looking for an inspiring non-fiction story to read I’m sure this is the one for you, it’s a candid account of humanity at its best during its darkest hours.

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

The book tells the story of the life of Grace Marks, one of Canada’s more infamous killers.

Grace Marks was barely 16 when she and James McDermott were arrested in 1843 for the brutal murder of their employer Thomas Kinnear and his pregnant housekeeper Nancy Montgomery.

McDermott was hanged, and Grace was given the dubious mercy of life imprisonment.

Some people are of the opinion Grace was insane, others hold her completely responsible for the crime, while others believed she may have been manipulated to commit the crime.

But Grace does not remember the murders, she has lost her memory and Atwood builds a narrative with Dr. Simon Jordan, who investigates the case to determine if she is a true murderer or if she is a good-hearted woman, a victim of circumstances.

Atwood not only crafts an eerie, unsettling tale of murder and obsession, but also a stunning portrait of the lives of women in another time.

Saga Boy by Antonio Michael Downing

Antonio Michael Downing wrote a memoir that will get under your skin and stay there.

Raised by his grandmother in the lush rainforest of southern Trinidad, Downing, at age 11, is uprooted to Canada when she dies. He and his older brother are sent to live with his stern, evangelical Aunt Joan, in Wabigoon, a tiny northern Ontario community where they are the only black children in the town.

In this wilderness, he begins his journey as an immigrant minority, using music and performance to transform himself.

Saga Boy is a heart-wrenching but moving story of an immigrant boy who overcomes adversity and abandonment to reclaim his black identity and embrace a rich heritage.

Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of Our Nation by Peter Mansbridge

This book encompasses a collection of first-person stories about notable Canadians who embody great values of this nation – kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom – to inspire us to take the same actions.

Without a doubt, these people are making Canada a better place. From the young woman living with Crohn’s disease and proudly modeling her ostomy bag to the rabbi whose family fled Nazi Germany, and who now gives the benediction on Parliament Hill each Remembrance Day.

Extraordinary Canadians celebrate the people who have overcome adversity and broken down barriers to champion the rights and freedoms of everyone who calls Canada home.

Children’s books set in Canada

The Secret Life of Owen Skye by Alan Cumyn

Middle child Owen and his two brothers live in a small town in Ontario with their parents and uncle and have a knack for getting themselves into ridiculous spots of trouble.

Owen’s days are magical and full of adventures with his brothers as they observe the curious world of adults and ponder the secret mysteries of life, death, and love.

ABC of Canada by Kim Bellefontaine

From the Arctic to Zamboni, kids can follow the alphabet on a colorful tour across Canada. On their journey, they’ll visit Canadian landmarks, including Jasper National Park and Peggy’s Cove. They’ll also meet friendly characters enjoying Canadian pastimes.

Vivid illustrations and simple language guarantee that even the youngest traveler will enjoy this trip!

Canada Year by Year by Elizabeth MacLeod

The year-by-year journey through Canada’s fascinating history highlights a milestone for each year, from the country’s founding in 1867 to its 150th anniversary in 2017.

Coverage ranges from politics, sports, business, arts, and culture, and includes significant events in both the country and world affairs.

The topics chosen offer an inclusive historical perspective, incorporating women, Aboriginal peoples, and people with disabilities into Canada’s rich and diverse narrative.

Young adult books set in Canada

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Since the death of her parents, Anne Shirley has never known family life, only living in foster homes and orphanages.

At age 11, she is mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert in a country house called Green Gables. But Anne was not the child they hoped to adopt to help them with the farm.

This classic is set in Prince Edward Island and while it’s now considered a read for kids and teens, it’s great for adults too. It is a story of love, friendship, and mischief in which Anne wins the hearts of the Cuthberts and the readers as well.

Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely until her beloved father died. Now, Emily is an orphan and will have to live with Elizabeth and Laura, her spinster aunts. Laura is sweet and easy-going, but Elizabeth is stubborn and demanding, which makes her one of Emily’s biggest challenges.

She’s sure she won’t be happy, but soon, she will find that New Moon is a lovely place and her life will change together with her new friends from school.

More Books Set in Canada on my tBR List

What Are Your Favorite Books Set In Canada?

Have you read any of these books set in Canada? Do you have any favorite books set in Canada that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Where Next?

Start with this list of the very best  travel adventure books . It includes great reads that will fuel your wanderlust and have you staying up late to finish them. You should also check out the following series of book lists set in other North American destinations:

New York |  Florida |  Ontario

Know someone else who wants to read books set in Canada? Then please pin this post.

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10 best books about Canada to read before your visit

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 8, 2021

In this particular best books from around the world post I have selected the best non-fiction books about Canada. This includes a selection of guide books but also humorous books about Canada too.

If you want to BE Canadian this list will certainly help you – though the constant marrying together of the words “weird” and “Canada” does make me wonder exactly what is going on in the land of maple syrup, mounties and ice hockey!

If after reading all that you still want to visit you will find a selection of great travel guides to assist you with planning your trip to Canada at the end of the post.

This post may contain compensated links. Please read our  disclosure  for additional information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

BEST BOOKS ABOUT CANADA

So, You Want to Be Canadian: All About the Most Fascinating People in the World and the Magical Place They Call Home

A celebration of all things Canadian this essential guide is filled with all sorts of trivia useful to anyone considering a visit. A highly recommended read for those with a sense of humour and a desire to understand Canadian culture!

So You Want to Move to Canada, Eh?: Stuff to Know Before You Go

Fancy relocating to Canada? This guide is a must-read with essential information for anyone thinking of making the move (or even those who aren’t!) Find out if Canada would have you (don’t just assume!) and other quite important considerations before you turn up at the airport.

How to Move to Canada: A Discontented American's Guide to Canadian Relocation

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Weird Canada

Weird. Bizarre. Wacky. Just some of the words used to describe Canada. Find out why in this book!

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Canada, Eh!

For 25 years,  Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader  has been wildly popular in Canada, so we decided to dedicate an entire edition to our friends in the Great White North—even though much of the continental U.S. is north of Canada’s southernmost point.

That misconception—and a whole lot more—is revealed in this loving ode to a friendly nation with a colorful history and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. 

Weird But True Canada: 300 Outrageous Facts About the True North

Ok this is aimed at kids but who doesn’t want to find out 300 outrageous facts about Canada? I was amazed to discover that Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world – who knew??

How to Be a Canadian

The  ultimate guide to the country’s cultural quirks, from diet and sex to sports and politics. The result is a nonstop comic ride through such topics as “Canadian Cuisine—and How to Avoid It,” “Regional Harmony (Who to Hate and Why),” and “How to Make Love Like a Canadian.”

Canadian History for Dummies

Learn all about Canadian history in this newly updated guide. This update features all the latest, up-to-the-minute findings in historical and archeological research too!

In this instant national bestseller, Mike Myers writes from his heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada.

The Great Canadian Bucket List: One-of-a-Kind Travel Experiences

Need some help planning your Canadian travel itinerary? This book will inspire you will must have experiences, places to visit and things to do during your Canadian adventure.

Lonely Planet Canada (Travel Guide)

If you need a guide book Lonely Planet is always my guide book of choice. Packed full of up-to-date information to help you plan your trip.

DK Eyewitness Canada (Travel Guide)

Discover Canada with this essential travel guide, designed to help you create your own unique trip and transport you to this incredible country before you've even packed your suitcase.

Marvel at the magnificent thundering waterfalls of Niagara Falls, hike through spectacular scenery in Banff National Park, or wander among the skyscrapers of Toronto. The  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Canada  covers the must-see attractions and hidden sights, so you won't miss a thing.

CANADA: AN ADULT COLORING BOOK: A Canada Coloring Book For Adults

*An awesome collection of Canada coloring patterns

*Perfect for relaxation and stress relief

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13 Canadian books to read for Earth Day 2024

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Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22. Here's a reading list of 13 Canadian books — fiction, poetry, nonfiction and books for kids — about the flora and fauna, climate change and how to care for the environment.

Apocalypse Child by Carly Butler

In  Apocalypse Child ,  Carly Butler recounts growing up in 1990s Montana and moving to the Canadian wilderness at a young age due to her mother's belief in the Evangelical Christian end of the world. Isolated in the woods, her life shifts to learning survival techniques based on religious doctrine and conspiracy theories.

The book explores Butler's resilient journey dealing with the end of the world that never came, motherhood and the development of her queer, Mexican-Indigenous identity. 

• 26 works of Canadian nonfiction coming out in spring 2024

Butler is a B.C.-based author who has written for Loose Lips Magazine. She has been a babysitter, birth doula, barista and house cleaner and identifies as a bisexual Indigenous woman with roots in Mexico.

It Stops Here by Rueben George, with Michael Simpson

It Stops Here: Standing Up for Our Lands, Our Waters, and Our People  is part memoir, part call-to-action. It recounts the stance taken against the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion from the perspective of Rueben George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation who has devoted years to fighting this project. 

• 'We'll continue to win': How Indigenous leaders reached new heights in 2018

George is Sundance Chief and a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN). He is the manager of TWN's Sacred Trust initiative to protect the unceded Tsleil-Waututh lands and waters from the proposed Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. 

Michael Simpson is a writer whose work focuses on settler colonialism and conflicts over oil and gas pipelines in Canada.

Medicine Wheel for the Planet by Dr. Jennifer Grenz

In  Medicine Wheel for the Planet ,  restoration ecologist Jennifer Grenz meditates on the disconnect between her training in Western colonial science and her Indigenous worldview to explore the preservation of flora and fauna. Her decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest expose ecology's failure to reach its goal of creating a pre-human, untouched natural world. Based on the knowledge of elders, field observations and sacred stories, Grenz explores land reconciliation and advocates for a diversity of world views to fight against climate change and protect the planet. 

An Indigenous ecologist on why we need to stop and listen to save the planet

Grenz is a Nlaka'pamux ecologist based in British Columbia. She is the founder and leader of Greener This Side, a consulting company that conducts invasive species management and environmental restoration activities for the provincial government and Indigenous communities. She is also an assistant professor in the department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia. 

Followed by the Lark by Helen Humphreys

Followed by the Lark   was inspired by poet and abolitionist Henry David Thoreau's own journals and writing. Crafted as a series of short vignettes, the novel examines Thoreau's connections to nature and its intimate ties with grief and loss throughout his life. 

• Helen Humphreys delves into the history of the apple in North America

Helen Humphreys is an author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry from Kingston, Ont. Her 2015 novel,  The Evening Chorus , was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award. Her memoir,  Nocturne , was a finalist for the Trillium Book Award. Previous novels include  Coventry , a finalist for the Trillium Book Award;  Afterimage , which won the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize;  Leaving Earth , which won the Toronto Book Award; and  The Lost Garden , which was a  Canada Reads  selection in 2003, when it was defended by Mag Ruffman.

Prairie Edge by Conor Kerr

Isidore "Ezzy" Desjarlais and Grey Ginther live together in Grey's uncle's trailer, passing their time with cribbage and cheap beer. The former is cynical of what she feels is a lazy and performative activist culture, while the latter is simply devoted to her distant cousin. So when Ezzy concocts a scheme to set a herd of bison loose in downtown Edmonton, Grey is along for the ride — a ride in  Prairie Edge   that has devastating, fatal consequences. 

How an escaped Albertan bison herd inspired Conor Kerr's latest novel about resisting colonial structures

Kerr is a Métis/Ukrainian writer who hails from many prairie towns and cities, including Saskatoon. He now lives in Edmonton. A  2022 CBC Books writer to watch , his previous works include the novels  Old Gods  and  Avenue of Champions , which was  longlisted for the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize , and  won the ReLit award the same year . Kerr currently teaches creative writing at the University of Alberta.

Dispersals by Jessica J. Lee

Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging  is a collection of 14 essays that use the global world of flora to examine how the lives of plants and human beings intersect and connect with each other. Blending memoir, scientific research and history, Jessica J. Lee interrogates displacement, identity and belonging to explore the movement and evolution of individuals and plant species across borders.

Jessica J. Lee wrote a memoir about her search for her family roots

Lee  is a British Canadian Taiwanese author and environmental historian. She won the  2020 Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction , the  2021 Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature  and the  2019 RBC Taylor Prize Emerging Writer Award . She is the author of  Turning   and  Two Trees Make a Forest . 

Hazard, Home by Christine Lowther

Hazard, Home  is a collection of nature poetry with a decolonial lens. The work examines the world with wonder at the animals and plants — and grief due to urbanization, climate change and loss of biodiversity. 

• 37 poetry collections to watch for in spring 2024

Christine Lowther resides in ƛaʔuukwiiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) territory on the west coast. She is the editor of  Worth More Standing: Poets and Activists Pay Homage to Trees  and its youth companion volume. She is also the author of four poetry collections. She served as Tofino's Poet Laureate during the COVID years and was shortlisted for the  2023 CBC Nonfiction Prize . 

Nutshimit: In the Woods by Melissa Mollen Dupuis, illustrated by Elise Gravel

In the non-fiction book  Nutshimit: In the Woods , Innu writer Melissa Mollen Dupuis takes children on a guided walk through the forest to learn about Innu culture. Illustrator Elise Gravel brings the words to life with her comic style illustrations. 

Nutshimit: In the Woods  is for ages 6 to 8. 

The best Canadian books for kids & teens in 2023

Melissa Mollen Dupuis is a writer, director and radio show host and a member of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit on Quebec's Côte-Nord. Dupuis is the co-founder of the Quebec branch of the Idle No More movement. She lives in Granby, Que.  Nutshimit: In the Woods  is her first children's book. 

Elise Gravel is a Quebec author and illustrator who has written and illustrated over 50 books for children. Her books include  The Bat ,  The Worst Book Ever ,  The Mushroom Fan Club ,  I Want a Monster!  and  What Is a Refugee . Gravel won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People in 2022 for her body of work. She lives in Montreal. 

I Am a Rock by Ashley Qilavaq-Savard, illustrated by Pelin Turgut

At bedtime, Pauloosie asks his Anaana, or mother, what rocks would say to us if they could. In  I Am A Rock , Pauloosie's pet rock, Miki Rock describes all that it can see, feel and hear as part of the land in the Arctic from the winds to the animals, the Northern lights and more. 

I Am A Rock  is for ages 3 to 5.

• 32 Canadian books for children to check out in spring 2024

Ashley Qilavaq-Savard is an Inuk writer and artist from Iqaluit. She is the author of  Where the Sea Kuniks the Land  and  I Am A Rock   is her first picture book. Qilavaq-Savard also makes sealskin and beaded jewellery and studies Inuktitut.

Pelin Turgut is a children's book illustrator from Turkey. 

River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta

River Mumma   is a magical realist story inspired by Jamaican folklore. The main character is a young Black woman having a quarter-life crisis while adventuring through the streets of Toronto. The story follows Alicia, a young woman who still lives at home with her mom and has no career prospects. One evening, River Mumma, the Jamaican water deity, appears to inform Alicia that she has 24 hours to find her missing comb in the city.

Why River Mumma chose her is a mystery. Alicia barely remembers the legends she was told about the deity as a child. Still, Alicia embarks on her quest through the city which turns into a journey through time — to find herself, but also what the river carries.

• Zalika Reid-Benta's new novel  River Mumma  is a magical realism take on the quarter-life crisis

Zalika Reid-Benta is a Toronto-based author who explores race, identity and culture through the lens of second-generation Caribbean Canadians in her work. The Columbia MFA graduate's debut novel  Frying Plantain  was on the  2019 Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist .  CBC Books  named Reid-Benta  a writer to watch in 2019  and she served as jury chair for the  2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize .

Fire Weather by John Vaillant

Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast  delves into the events surrounding  the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire , the multi-billion-dollar disaster that melted vehicles, turned entire neighbourhoods into firebombs and drove 88,000 people from their homes in a single afternoon.

Fire Weather  was shortlisted for the  2023 Writers' Trust Hilary Weston nonfiction award  and  won the Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction . 

• Canadian John Vaillant wins $85K U.K. nonfiction prize for book about Fort McMurray wildfires

John Vaillant is a Vancouver-based freelance writer, novelist and nonfiction author. His first book,  The Golden Spruce ,  which told the story of a rare tree and the man who cut it down, won the 2005 Governor General's Literary Award for nonfiction. Vaillant's second title  The Tiger  was a contender on  Canada Reads   2012.

All That Grows by Jack Wong

All That Grows  follows a young boy and his older sister as they take notice of all the plants they come across on their walks in the neighbourhood. His sister shares all the fun facts she knows about plants, from what could be edible, to why some might smell and how to care for them. As he learns more he is amazed at all that there is out there to learn and lets his love for learning flourish alongside nature. 

All That Grows  is for ages 3 to 6.

Halifax-based author Jack Wong publishes a new children's book

Jack Wong is a Halifax-based author and illustrator who was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Vancouver. His debut picture book is  When You Can Swim . CBC Books named Jack Wong a writer to watch in 2023 . 

Bompa's Insect Expedition  by David Suzuki, with Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Qin Leng

Bompa's Insect Expedition   follows a pair of twins as they go on an insect expedition with their grandfather. Inspired by David Suzuki's adventures with his grandchildren, the picture book showcases a part of nature that can sometimes be overlooked — the world of bugs. 

Bompa's Insect Expedition  is for ages 4 to 8. 

David Suzuki has a new picture book inspired by adventures with his grandkids

David Suzuki is an environmentalist, scientist and science broadcaster. He was the host of CBC's  The Nature of Things  from 1979, until  retiring from the show in spring 2023 . The Vancouver-based environmentalist is a father of five and grandfather of 10, including twins Nakina and Kaoru. He is also an author of over 50 books, including  Letters to my Grandchildren  and  The Sacred Balance . 

Tanya Lloyd Kyi has written more than 30 books for children and teenagers, including  The Best Way to Get Your Way ,  This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes ,   Under Pressure  and  Mya's Strategy to Save the World . Kyi lives in Vancouver.

Qin Leng is a Toronto illustrator, writer and visual development artist. Her recent books include  I Am Small ,  which Leng wrote and illustrated, and she has illustrated numerous books including  A Kid is a Kid is a Kid  and  A Family is a Family is a Family  by Sara O'Leary. 

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• Spring Preview 37 poetry collections to watch for in spring 2024
• Spring Preview 32 Canadian books for children to check out in spring 2024

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Where to Find AAA TourBook Guides and Maps

Updated : April 23, 2024

Michelle Palmer

Table of contents, what information is in a tourbook, what else will i find, travel information from experts you can trust, where can i find aaa maps.

Get TourBook ® guides for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean at TourBook.AAA.com , and find paper maps at your local AAA offices as well as printable maps at AAA’s online map gallery.

Since 1926, AAA’s free TourBook guides have been providing trustworthy travel information to AAA members. The digital guide is the same great TourBook you know and love, but now you can get that information and more in an eco-friendly, easy-to-use format on your smartphone, tablet or desktop. It is also downloadable, so you can access the guide wherever you are at any time of day.

Go from dreaming about your next vacation — whether that’s a family adventure to Yosemite, a romantic getaway in Asheville or a fun trip with friends in Austin — to planning with this interactive guide. You can find a hotel with ease and book your room with just a click of the Book Now button. Save money with access to special deals and benefits available only to AAA members, and you can rest assured that wherever you choose to stay, it will be clean and comfortable. Or follow the link to contact a travel agent at your local AAA office. They can assist you with a complete vacation package from finding the best deals and booking your hotel to helping you plan an entire itinerary.

All hotels in the guide have earned a AAA Diamond designation by going through rigorous evaluations conducted by AAA’s team of professional inspectors. Not only are they clean; you can know what level of amenities are offered making it easy to choose a hotel that best suits your budget and your preferences.

Save time planning your trip by using our helpful articles. AAA’s team of travel editors has created one-day itineraries that you can follow exactly to get the most out of a short excursion. Alternatively, use them as a guide to get an idea of where things are in a city to assist in planning your trip, so you don’t waste valuable vacation time.

Our travel editors also have identified must-see attractions including AAA GEMs (Great Experience for Members ® ) that shouldn’t be missed. These include stops ranging from the Montréal Botanical Garden and The Field Museum in Chicago to the Painted Desert in the Petrified Forest National Park. They have also noted top places to take children, so everyone of all ages has a good time during your family vacation.

Unlike the printed guides, the digital TourBook includes road trips. You can use these to plan out an entire itinerary like a classic trip down Route 66 or a drive up the Northern California coast. Our suggested routes include stops such as tasty local restaurants to refuel, museums to learn about the area, and parks to recharge and stretch your legs in an idyllic setting. Or use them to take a detour down a scenic byway through forests, around lakes and even for leaf-peeping in the fall.

• Diamond-designated restaurants with information on cuisine
• Sports and recreation, including where to catch games as well as places to hike, bike, golf and other activities
• Recreation charts to quickly identify national, state, provincial and local parks, as well as available activities and amenities
• High-quality maps to see nearby cities, national parks and scenic natural features
• Interactive table of contents that navigates where you want in just a click
• Shopping information on malls and specialty districts
• Nightlife articles to find the best bars and late-night eats

For more than 80 years, AAA’s expert inspectors have been evaluating hotels and restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. They conduct surprise evaluations based on a rigorous set of guidelines to provide members with detailed comments on what to expect at AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants.

Unlike other rating systems that are based solely on travelers’ experiences, AAA inspectors determine Diamond designations on-site and according to established guidelines and requirements. The AAA Diamond Program reflects the latest in industry trends and travelers’ expectations. The designations not only indicate the level of amenities that you can expect at a property; they also assure that hotels offer a clean, comfortable experience no matter the budget.

Our team of AAA travel editors has been providing travel advice and information for members since the release of the first TourBook in 1926. They are experienced travelers who provide in-depth information on cities and attractions as well as sample travel plans. With the AAA TourBook guides, AAA’s travel information is more convenient than ever.

There are a few ways to get AAA maps. Firstly, you can stop by your local AAA office to pick up paper maps of U.S., Canada and Mexico — for free for AAA members. Plus, select offices carry an atlas of North America.

The second way you can get maps is via the AAA Map Gallery , an online gallery where you can access printable maps of destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as maps of cruise terminals and national parks.

The other way to access maps is with TripTik Travel Planner . The TripTik tool allows you to plan and save routes, find important points of interest like hotels (including pet-friendly hotels), campgrounds, restaurants and attractions as well as identify locations that offer discounts and savings to AAA members.

Michelle Palmer is a development editor who has over 10 years of experience in the travel publishing industry. She loves telling the stories, histories and culture of places that inspire others to go and experience new destinations. When not traveling, she participates in circus arts, goes to live shows and is a “Murder, She Wrote” aficionado.

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Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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lululemon Paris 2024 Team Canada athlete kit: Top picks

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Get ready to sport your red and whites. lululemon is Team Canada’s official clothing partner for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The B.C.-based retailer just released the Team Canada collection that will be sported by the Olympians but is also available for everyone to get a little piece of Paris pride. Read more about the launch here .

We attended the Team Canada collection reveal to get our hands on the new pieces. We were treated to a fashion show filled with Team Canada athletes including Phil Kim, Zak Madel and Leylah Fernandez and a surprise run-in with Wayne Gretzky, who we’ve learned has involvement in this Olympic collaboration.

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We looked through the collection and have our favourites, but if you’re looking for Gretzky’s opinion, he “likes them all.” Here are our top picks from the Team Canada collection that subtly scream Canadian pride.

Team Canada Future Legacy Mini Belt Bag ($38) 

Team canada steady state crew ($98), team canada classic-fit cotton t-shirt ($58), team canada relaxed-fit wovenair short ($98), team canada surge jogger ($128), team canada align high-rise pant ($98), team canada beyondfeel women’s running shoe   ($198).

Shop the full collection, here .

Shopping Essentials  is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems —  learn more here  or  sign up for our newsletter .

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