As published in Wildlife Magazine, August, 2001

Canmore & Kananaskis SuperGuide

Altitude Publishing is known for its top-quality souvenir and guide books, and their latest publication more than lives up to their usual high standards. As well as comprehensive descriptions of hikes in the Canmore and Kananaskis regions, the newest in the SuperGuide series covers sights, activities and quite a bit of natural history as well.

Author Ward Cameron, who has previously written several hiking guides to the Rockies, takes the reader on a tour of this well-traveled region, covering all the popular spots and several out of the way places. Sixty-nine trails are covered in detail, with maps, descriptions and photographs to help the hiker along. A handy chart at the front of the book makes selecting a suitable hike especially easy, with all the trails rated for their ease and scenic qualities.

In fact, accessibility is the key to this guidebook. Though the meat of the book lies in the trails it outlines, there is an amazing amount of background covered in just a few pages. The flora, fauna, geology and history of these areas area all briefly covered - illuminating without being overwhelming. With its glossy photos, informative sidebars and easy to follow text, the book manages to be chock full of facts and fun to read as well.

In all, this is an excellent tool for locals and an essential guide for tourists.