10 books that will enhance your experience
We put together a list of 10 books that capture the beauty and wild nature of this area.If you’ve ever been captivated by the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the books on this list will take you deeper into its heart before travelling to Farewell Harbour Lodge. From the mist-covered rainforests to the rugged coasts, these books offer intimate glimpses into the land, the animals, and the people who call this place home. Whether it’s the fascinating stories of grizzly bears, the awe-inspiring orca whales, or the passionate voices of Indigenous and local communities, these works transport you to a world where nature’s raw power and delicate balance are ever-present. So, settle in, and join us as we explore some of the most captivating stories of the Pacific Northwest, from its lush rainforests to its turbulent seas and beyond.
1. Nowhere else on earth - Standing tall for the Great Bear Rainforest
Caitlin Vernon
You don't have to live in the Great Bear Rainforest to appreciate just how special it is, but after reading Nowhere Else on Earth, you might be itching to visit. Environmental activist Caitlyn Vernon takes readers deep into this incredible wilderness, blending personal stories, fascinating facts, and a heartfelt call to protect it. Packed with stunning photography and practical ways to help preserve this unique ecosystem, this book is an inspiring reminder of why wild places like this matter and why we must fight for them before it's too late.
2. The curve of time
M.Wylie Blanchet
This is a timeless memoir of adventure, resilience, and the untamed beauty of Canada’s West Coast. After her husband's passing, Blanchet packed up her five children and set off on a series of summer voyages along British Columbia’s rugged coastline in a small wooden boat. First published in 1961, this beloved classic captures the magic and mystery of life at sea - navigating hidden coves, encountering wildlife, and exploring abandoned homesteads. With poetic descriptions and a fearless spirit, Blanchet’s storytelling immerses readers in the wonders of the Pacific Northwest, making The Curve of Time an essential read for anyone drawn to the call of the wild.
3. The Golden Spruce: A true story of myth, madness and greed
John Vaillant
The Golden Spruce is a gripping true story that weaves together history, ecology, and mystery along the wild coast of British Columbia. At its heart is a stunning, one-of-a-kind golden Sitka spruce which was sacred to the Haida people and a symbol of nature’s resilience. Until it was mysteriously felled in 1997 by a logger-turned-activist, Grant Hadwin. As Vaillant unravels the events leading up to this shocking act, he takes readers into the world of BC’s coastal forests, the logging industry, Indigenous history, and the mind of a man consumed by obsession.
4. The Great Bear Rainforest: Canada's forgotten coast
Ian McAllister & Karen McAllister
If you’re visiting the Great Bear Rainforest or Broughton Archipelago, this book provides an eye-opening introduction to the land, wildlife, and people. It’s visually stunning, with incredible photography that captures the essence of this wild and remote place, and it is a powerful environmental read that reminds us why conservation matters and how we can help protect one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.
5. A story as sharp as a knife: the haida mythtellers and their world
Robert Bringhurst
Robert Bringhurst explores the profound tradition of Haida storytelling, a cultural practice that has shaped the lives and beliefs of this Indigenous people for centuries. Through a deep examination of Haida myths, language, and art, Bringhurst reveals the sharp clarity and precision with which mythtellers convey the Haida world's wisdom, history, and values. Intertwining oral history, philosophy, and cultural preservation, this book offers a powerful tribute to the mythtellers themselves, whose stories cut through time, connecting past, present and future.
6. Spirits of the coast : Orcas in science, art and history
Martha Black, Lorne Hammond, Gavin Hanke, Nikki Sanchez, Jack Lohman
This book honours the orca by combining Indigenous knowledge, scientific research, and artistic interpretations, shedding light on its profound cultural and ecological significance. Ideal for anyone eager to witness these magnificent animals in the wild, it offers a deeper understanding of the orca’s role in nature and the region's rich traditions. Through its thoughtful blend of history, science, and art, Spirits of the Coast invites readers to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of orcas and their place in the world.
7. The Heart of the raincoast : A life story
Alexandra Morton & Billy Proctor
The Heart of the Raincoast tells the story of Billy Proctor, a lifelong Echo Bay, BC resident who has spent his life working in the coastal traditions of fishing, hand-logging, and beachcombing. Born in 1934, Billy witnessed the decline of salmon runs, oolichans, and herring, leading him to advocate for preserving his beloved coastal environment. Originally published in 1998, this updated edition features a new cover, design, and a foreword by marine biologist Alexandra Morton. With humour and honesty, Billy shares his deep connection to the land and offers a compelling call to protect the Pacific Northwest’s delicate ecosystem.
8: Converging Waters
Daniel Hillart & Gwen Curry
Converging Waters takes readers to the northern coast of Vancouver Island, where the Queen Charlotte Strait, Broughton Strait, Cormorant Channel, and Blackfish Sound meet in the heart of the Namgis First Nation territory. This wild and remote region, with its foggy mornings, tree-covered islands, pebble beaches, orcas, and eagles, is where the sea and sky dominate, and marine life overshadows the human residents. Through Daniel Hillert’s stunning photography and Gwen Curry’s evocative prose, Converging Waters offers a captivating exploration of the area's natural beauty, rich history, and the challenges its people face today. This powerful combination of imagery and storytelling captures the spirit of a land where nature still reigns supreme.
9. Grizzlies in their backyard
Beth Day
This book is about grizzly bears and Jim and Laurette Stanton, who spent over 30 years living alongside these majestic creatures. With deep love and respect for the bears, they left their city life behind to embrace the wilderness. Why did they make such a big change, and what did they discover? Their story offers a heartfelt, firsthand account of their life in the wild, filled with their passion for animals and insights into the habits and personalities of grizzlies. It’s a beautiful reflection on nature, love, and finding one's true place in the world.
10. Listening to whales: What the orcas have taught us
Alexandra Morton
In Listening to Whales, Alexandra Morton shares her remarkable journey into the world of whales and dolphins, offering captivating stories from her groundbreaking research. In the late 1970s at Marineland in California, Alexandra pioneered the recording of orca sounds, capturing the complex language of mating, childbirth, and even grief. She also observed the orcas' incredible synchronized movements, which would become a defining trait of their society. In 1984, she relocated to a remote bay in British Columbia to study wild orcas, deepening her understanding of their vocal communication and echolocation. Through her insightful and heartfelt account, Listening to Whales reveals the profound connection between humans and these magnificent creatures, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world's mysteries.
Reading even a couple of these books will undoubtedly deepen your connection to the Pacific Northwest and enrich your upcoming stay at Farewell Harbour Lodge. Whether it's the forests, the seas, or the wildlife that captivate you, these stories will enhance your experience, helping you fully appreciate the wonders of this remarkable wild landscape.
By: Rebecca Crilly
