Backroad Mapbooks. Vancouver: Mussio Ventures. This atlas series (www.backroadmapbooks.com) is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with detailed maps and highlights such as campgrounds, fishing spots, and swimming holes. Titles include Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains and Vancouver Island.

Crockford, Ross. Victoria: The Unknown City. Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press, 2006. Filled with little-known facts and interesting tales, this book describes how to get the best seats on BC Ferries, where to shop for the funkiest used clothing, the history of local churches, and more.

Mackie, John. Vancouver: The Unknown City. Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press, 2003. Compiled from the author’s many years of uncovering city secrets revealed in his magazine writing, this book delves into the darkest corners of the city.

MapArt. Driving maps for all of Canada, including provinces and cities. Maps are published as old-fashioned fold-out versions, as well as laminated and in atlas form (www.mapart.com).

Neering, Rosemary. Eating Up Vancouver Island. Vancouver: Whitecap Books, 2003. A guide to everything culinary on Vancouver Island, from the brewpubs of Victoria to the farms of the Cowichan Valley.

Moyer, Marybeth. The Canadian Bed and Breakfast Guide. Toronto: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2008. Lists all bed-and-breakfasts that pay a fee, so the reviews aren’t very objective. Also lists prices.

Wilson, Kasey. Best Places Vancouver. Seattle: Sasquatch Books, 2005. A review of Vancouver’s best recreation pursuits, entertainment, shopping, accommodations, and restaurants. The star-rated restaurant section is particularly good.