Home > Travel Guides & Books > Reference, Historical and Non-fiction
Sort By:
Page of 1
Flags of the World - A Visual Guide Okanagan Odyssey Wilderness Survival Guide Book - Stay Alive Until Help Arrives. Learn how to avoid common wilderness mishaps and handle them confidently if an emergency arises. In Wilderness Survival, author Suzanne Swedo describes all the skills you need to survive shor
Okanagan Odyssey
Our Price: $12.95
This book organizes books primarily by graphic element allowing users to identify unfamiliar flags quickly and easily. The comprehensive guide contains over four hundred flags and is up-to-date as of the start of 2005. Includes an alphabetical index, colour political map and vezillogical puzzles designed to help test and strengthen flag identification skills. Author: V.S. de Kleer. Okanagan Odyssey is a quirky and lyrical examination of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Sticking to the backroads and byways, Gayton gently pokes and prods local ecosystems, histories, vineyards and people. From Osoyoos in the south to Armstrong at the head of the Valley, the author revels in the biological and social diversity while sampling local wines and fruit along the way. In his unique version of wine pairing, Gayton matches up local books and landscapes with local vintages, giving terroir a whole new meaning. An ecologist by profession, Gayton deftly negotiates the tension between the Okanagan that is home to many endangered species and ecosystems, and the same Okanagan that is a mecca for developers and urban refugees. Okanagan Odyssey is not a travel guide, but represents travel writing at its idiosyncratic best. Wilderness Survival Guide Book - Stay Alive Until Help Arrives. Learn how to avoid common wilderness mishaps and handle them confidently if an emergency arises. In Wilderness Survival, author Suzanne Swedo describes all the skills you need to survive short-term wilderness emergencies, whether you become stranded by bad weather, are forced to abandon your pack, or fall ill. Packed with essential advice, this easy to use guide includes new research on backcountry water quality and the uses and limitations of cell phones and global positioning systems
The Palliser Expedition Map 1857-60 - Reproduction. This reproduction map is one of the most important maps of Western Canada with respect to early pre-Canadian history. Measures 14 inches tall by 54 inches wide. John Palliser, who submitted to the Royal Backpack Gourmet The Map that Changed the World - Novel by Simon Winchester. The Map that Changed the World is a very human tale of endurance and achievement, of one man's dedication in the face of ruin. With a keen eye and thoughtful detail, Simon Winchester unfolds the
Backpack Gourmet
Our Price: $21.95
The Palliser Expedition Map 1857-60 - Reproduction. This reproduction map is one of the most important maps of Western Canada with respect to early pre-Canadian history. Measures 14 inches tall by 54 inches wide.

BACKGROUND
The Palliser Expedition (British North American Exploring Expedition), 1857-60, was initiated by John Palliser, who submitted to the Royal Geographical Society a plan to travel from Red River Colony to and through the Rocky Mountains along the unsurveyed American boundary. The society expanded the project into a scientific expedition and applied for a grant of L5000 from the imperial government, which was then facing the problem of the future of the Hudson's Bay Company's territories and badly needed information about them. To exploration of the plains south of the north Saskatchewan River and southern passes through the Rockies, the Colonial Office added an examination of the old North West Company canoe route west from Lake Superior. Under Palliser's command, Dr James Hector was appointed geologist and naturalist, Eugène Bourgeau botanical collector and John W. Sullivan secretary and astronomical observer. Magnetical observer Lt Thomas W. Blakiston brought his delicate instruments via Hudson Bay to join them on the prairies.

The explorers amassed astronomical, meteorological, geological and magnetic data, and described the country, its fauna and flora, its inhabitants and its "capabilities" for settlement and transportation. They concluded that to establish a "communication" entirely within British territory from Canada to Red River would be difficult and costly; access through American territory was much easier. Although some semiarid country (which is now known as "Palliser's Triangle") stretched across the American border into the prairies of modern Canada, it was surrounded by a "fertile belt" well suited for stock raising and agriculture. There were deposits of coal and other minerals.

The party traversed 6 passes in the southern Rockies, some of them feasible for a railway (the CPR was later built through one of them. Kicking Horse Pass, named by Hector), but found the mountains farther west a formidable obstacle. The expedition's reports (published in 1859, 1860 and 1863) and its comprehensive map (1865) were for some time the major source of information about the sweep of country from Lake Superior to BC's Okanagan Valley, and are still of value today.

Meals on the trail can be as delicious and varied as meals prepared at home. You can create meals to suit your tastes or diet--vegetarian, low fat, Asian, Italian. Meals prepared and dehydrated at home are compact and lightweight, perfect for the backpacker, and safer than packing perishable foods. The author shows how to prepare the meals so that they will travel well and will be easy to reconstitute in camp. The easy step-by-step instructions detail how to cook and dry lightweight, satisfying meals at home and then prepare them easily in camp--truly complete, instant meals. The Map that Changed the World - Novel by Simon Winchester. The Map that Changed the World is a very human tale of endurance and achievement, of one man's dedication in the face of ruin.  With a keen eye and thoughtful detail, Simon Winchester unforlds the poignant sacrifice behind this world changing discovery.
Map & Compass Illustrated Book. Learn how to navigate in the wilderness. This richly illustrated and information packed book provides the tools for the novice or as a handy reference for the veteran. These illustrated books offer years of knowledge and po Carving the Western Path by River, Rail & Road Through Central & Northern BC. The history of British Columbia's transportation systems north of the Canadian National Railway's mainline may not be well known, but it certainly is colorful. Continuing the st Ancient Mariner book by Ken McGoogan. In 1757, a twelve-year old sailor names Samuel Hearne set out on a journey to conquer the Far North. At 24, travelling more than 3500 miles - mostly on foot - he became the first European to reach the Arctic coast of
Map & Compass Illustrated Book. Learn how to navigate in the wilderness. This richly illustrated and information packed book provides the tools for the novice or as a handy reference for the veteran. These illustrated books offer years of knowledge and portray the information visually. Whether you are planning a trip or thumbing for facts in fields, the Basic Illustrated series shows you what you everything you need to know using a map and compass. The history of British Columbia's transportation systems north of the Canadian National Railway's mainline may not be well known—but it certainly is colourful. Continuing the story he began in the first volume of Carving the Western Path, R.G. Harvey describes the development of river, road and rail routes that crossed the northern two-thirds of BC. Ancient Mariner book by Ken McGoogan. In 1757, a twelve-year old sailor names Samuel Hearne set out on a journey to conquer the Far North. At 24, travelling more than 3500 miles - mostly on foot - he became the first European to reach the Arctic coast of North America. Samuel Hearne remains a focus of hot dispute. In this book, Ken McGoogan skillfully blends literary detective work and finely imagined narrative to restore this extraordinary figure to his rightful eminence. Painting a vivid portrait of life in the eighteenth century, McGoogan takes readers on and off wooden sailing ships, through Dr. Johnson's London and into the farthest reaches of native North America. Above all, this is the fascinating story of an irrepressible young man who, with only talent and fortitude as his companions, created a singular and enduring legacy.
Longitude - A Novel by Dava Sobel. This is the true story of the race to find a way to determine precise longitude. The story is about John Harrison who created a clock that kept precise time at sea. Blackfoot First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. Discover beautiful artwork by leading artists. Learn about Blackfoot traditional wisdom shared by Blackfoot elder Camille Pablo Russell while you add vibrant colour to the beautiful pieces of Blackfoo Cree First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. Cree Nation Art & Wisdom coloring book features the beautiful art created by Cree artist Delree Dumont as well as teachings and stories from John Sinclair, a Cree elder born in Alberta. Part of the proceed
Longitude - A Novel by Dava Sobel. This is the true story of the race to find a way to determine precise longitude.  The story is about  John Harrison who created a clock that kept precise time at sea. Blackfoot First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. Discover beautiful artwork by leading artists. Learn about Blackfoot traditional wisdom shared by Blackfoot elder Camille Pablo Russell while you add vibrant colour to the beautiful pieces of Blackfoot First Nation art by Kalum Teke Dan and Ryan Jason Allen Willert. Published by Diana Frost.

As you colour one of Coloring It Forward’s books or read the calendar, you will get a chance to discover Canada’s Indigenous Artists through their authentic Native Canadian Art. As you read stories and legends passed down for millennia you will learn more about our wonderful Indigenous peoples’ spirituality and values. You will also be supporting artists and elders who receive royalties from sales as well as donating to Indigenous projects led by Indigenous people. We invite you to join our community and share your experience. Together we can continue learning about each other and appreciating and supporting each other. This is an important step towards reconciliation.
Cree First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. Cree Nation Art & Wisdom coloring book features the beautiful art created by Cree artist Delree Dumont as well as teachings and stories from John Sinclair, a Cree elder born in Alberta. Part of the proceeds from your purchase will go to the artist, to Mr. Sinclair and to Ka Ni Kanichihk for their Cree cultural revitalization programs.

As you color one of Coloring It Forward’s books or read the calendar, you will get a chance to discover Canada’s Indigenous Artists through their authentic Native Canadian Art. As you read stories and legends passed down for millennia you will learn more about our wonderful Indigenous peoples’ spirituality and values. You will also be supporting artists and elders who receive royalties from sales as well as donating to Indigenous projects led by Indigenous people. We invite you to join our community and share your experience. Together we can continue learning about each other and appreciating and supporting each other. This is an important step towards reconciliation.
Northern Dene First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. We hope that you will enjoy learning a bit about Northern Dene ancestral knowledge shared by the late Dene elder George Blondin while you colour in gorgeous Chipewyan Dene artwork by Michael Fatt Epic Wanderer David Thompson and the Mapping of the Canadian West. This is the first full-length biography of David Thompson. Drawing extensively on Thompson's own journals, detailed sketches and the map itself, popular historian D'Arcy jenish recreates t EDWARD FEUX  JR - A STORY OF ENCHANTMENT.  This book paints a 3D picture of what the Swiss guides and their guests sought, equipped with the most basic of climbing aids, decades before bear spray and the lottery system were required to visit these now cro
Northern Dene First Nation - Indigenous Art Coloring Book. We hope that you will enjoy learning a bit about Northern Dene ancestral knowledge shared by the late Dene elder George Blondin while you colour in gorgeous Chipewyan Dene artwork by Michael Fatt and beautiful Gwich'in Dene art by Christiana Latham. Part of the proceeds from your purchase will be going to these two artists and the elder and to furthering economic development for indigenous artists. Published by Diana Frost.

As you colour one of Coloring It Forward’s books or read the calendar, you will get a chance to discover Canada’s Indigenous Artists through their authentic Native Canadian Art. As you read stories and legends passed down for millennia you will learn more about our wonderful Indigenous peoples’ spirituality and values. You will also be supporting artists and elders who receive royalties from sales as well as donating to Indigenous projects led by Indigenous people. We invite you to join our community and share your experience. Together we can continue learning about each other and appreciating and supporting each other. This is an important step towards reconciliation.

Epic Wanderer David Thompson and the Mapping of the Canadian West. This is the first full-length biography of David Thompson. Drawing extensively on Thompson's own journals, detailed sketches and the map itself, popular historian D'Arcy jenish recreates this exceptional life, setting it against the sweeping drama of the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries, and alongside the more celebrated stories of Lewis and Clark. EDWARD FEUX  JR - A STORY OF ENCHANTMENT.  This book paints a 3D picture of what the Swiss guides and their guests sought, equipped with the most basic of climbing aids, decades before bear spray and the lottery system were required to visit these now crowded destinations.
Abandoned Alberta Hardcover Book. Map Town is pleased to be carrying this #1 top seller in Canada. The stunning photos in this beautifully illustrated coffee table book were captured by Joe Chowaniec. Learn about some amazing historic sites that are predo In Her Footsteps - Where Trailblazing Women Changes the World discovers the lives and locations of trailblazing women who changed the course of history as you journey to the heart of women's activism, history and creativity through the ages. Many incredib ABANDONED ALBERTA II PICTURE BOOK. This book by Joe Chowaniec continues his travels in Wild Rose country, uncovering even more hidden gems along the way. From barns located in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains to homesteads in the badlands
Abandoned Alberta Hardcover Book. Map Town is pleased to be carrying this #1 top seller in Canada. The stunning photos in this beautifully illustrated coffee table book were captured by Joe Chowaniec. Learn about some amazing Alberta historic sites that are predominantly on private land, which few eyes will ever get to see. A great gift for the photographer, for the coffee table or at reception. Printed in Canada. In Her Footsteps - Where Trailblazing Women Changes the World discovers the lives and locations of trailblazing women who changed the course of history as you journey to the heart of women's activism, history and creativity through the ages.  Many incredible woman such as Sylvia Pankhurst and Virginia Woolf are featured with a travel guide to the places they explored.  Hardcover. ABANDONED ALBERTA II PICTURE BOOK. This hardcover book by Joe Chowaniec continues his travels in Wild Rose country, uncovering even more hidden gems along the way. From barns located in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains to homesteads in the badlands around Drumheller, discover the rich history and untold stories of abandoned places. Visit the stone hall near Shandro, the ghost towns of southern Alberta, Ogilive Flour Mill in Medicine Hat and the Sunnyslope Sandstone Shelter near Three Hills, it is all here.
The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Civilizations explores the worlds earliest cultures, form the farming settlements of Mesopotamia to the Americas and Polynesia, via the birth of Greek city states and the foundation of Rome. It examines the develop Albertas Cornerstone - Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. This park starts in Cochrane and extends to NW Calgary on the north bank of the Bow River west of Calgary. The story is a fascinating exploration of a vanished settlement i Mountaineering The Freedom of the Hills book. Since the publication of the first edition in 1960, Freedom, as the book is known, has endured as a classic mountaineering text. From choosing equipment to tying a climbing knot, and from basic rappelling tech
The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Civilizations explores the world's earliest cultures, form the farming settlements of Mesopotamia to the Americas and Polynesia, via the birth of Greek city states and the foundation of Rome. It examines the development of civilizations in the Near East - Babylonian, Assyrian, Persian - as well as those in Europe - the Minoans, Etruscans and Celts. Across the continents of Africa, Asia and America it covers subjects including Egypt from its pre-dynastic roots to the age of the Pharaohs, China during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and the great cities of the Incas and Aztecs. Vivid descriptions of individual civilizations are complimented by discussion of such key topics as colonization, agriculture and technology, and the rise of empires. Richly illustrated with photographs, artwork re-creations and full-colour maps, this is an illuminating and mulit-faceted one-volume introduction to early peoples and the worlds they created. Alberta's Cornerstone - Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. This park starts in Cochrane and extends to NW Calgary on the north bank of the Bow River west of Calgary. The story is a fascinating exploration of a vanished settlement in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, told within the framework of an archaeologist's memoir. Written by Shari Peyerl. One of the most unique  and picturesque gems in Alberta. Mountaineering The Freedom of the Hills Book. Since the publication of the first edition in 1960, Freedom, as the book is known, has endured as a classic mountaineering text. From choosing equipment to tying a climbing knot, and from basic rappelling techniques to planning an expedition - it's all here in this essential mountaineering reference. A team of more than 40 experts -- all active climbers and climbing educators - reviewed, revised, and updated this compendium to reflect the latest evolutions in mountaineering equipment and techniques. Major updates include a significant new chapter on conditioning, plus detailed and extensive revisions to rescue and first-response, aid climbing, and waterfall and ice climbing.
Rockies West - Climbers Guide to the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Rockies West is the essential guide to the peaks north of the Trans-Canada Highway, west of the Icefields Parkway and south to the Yellowhead Highway. 461 Photographs document 920 routes on 5
Rockies West - Climbers Guide Book to the Rocky Mountains of Canada. This Rockies West guide by David P. Jones covers the peaks north of the Trans-Canada Highway, west of the Icefields Parkway and south to the Yellowhead Highway. 461 Photographs document 920 routes on 567 peaks.