A guide to family adventures

Family Walks and Hikes of Vancouver Island, Volume 2: Nanaimo North to Strathcona Park (Revised Edition)
by Theo Dombrowski

Victoria: Rocky Mountain Books, 2025
$22 / 9781771607438

Reviewed by Amy Tucker

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For families eager to explore Vancouver Island’s natural beauty without the demands of backcountry trekking, Family Walks and Hikes of Vancouver Island, Volume 2 by Theo Dombrowski, is an indispensable guide. This revised edition continues its mission of making outdoor adventure accessible, offering well-researched, thoughtfully curated trails for parents, children, and casual hikers alike.

This book is more than just a hiking guide—it is a roadmap to memorable family outings, balancing fun, safety, and a deep appreciation for the island’s diverse landscapes. As Dombrowski puts it, “[u]nsurprisingly, the family outings in this book are as hugely varied as families themselves.” Whether chasing waterfalls, strolling through towering old growth forests, or searching for the perfect picnic spot, this guide ensures that families of all abilities will find a trail suited to their needs.

With shifting land-use policies and changing accessibility, some once-beloved trails are no more. Dombrowski acknowledges this with a sense of loss. “The bad news is that two of the most uplifting walks in the previous edition have been removed because of access issues,” Dombrowski writes. “The biggest heartbreaker for many families in the Courtenay area is the loss of the Stotan (Stokum) Falls swimming hole.” The removal of Stotan Falls and Bonnell Falls, both treasured by locals, serves as a reminder that access to natural spaces is never guaranteed.

However, this edition also brings fresh opportunities for exploration. “To balance the loss of two of the walks, this edition includes two new ones. Ruth Masters Greenway and the adjoining Puntledge River Rotary trail, just downstream from Stotan Falls, together with the nearby Morrison Creek Nature Park, are sure to become family favourites.” These additions ensure that families continue to have rewarding outdoor options, demonstrating Dombrowski’s dedication to keeping the guide relevant and practical.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its clarity and usability. The descriptions are thorough yet concise, with each entry detailing distance, elevation gain, seasonal considerations, and features that will captivate young hikers. Dombrowski understands that children experience trails differently than adults, ensuring each hike offers something engaging. “Every trip in this book includes something special for children… Thus, each of the entries in this book comes accompanied by notes on what children might find interesting.” Whether it is a tumbling waterfall, a winding boardwalk, or a hidden beach, these thoughtful highlights help parents choose trails to keep younger adventurers engaged.

His approach to difficulty ratings is equally insightful. Rather than relying on subjective labels like “easy” or “moderate,” he acknowledges that a hike’s difficulty depends on the hiker. “This book describes exactly what kind of difficulty you might encounter… A child who has decent endurance but is not sure-footed will be better suited to one kind of trail than another.” This practical approach ensures that families can make informed choices based on their children’s abilities and experience levels.

Dombrowski also emphasizes the importance of preparation. “Once the trail has been chosen, next on the agenda is a little preparation… Safety, of course, is the single most important consideration.” His advice on packing essentials, assessing weather conditions, and staying aware of their surroundings ensures families are equipped for safe and enjoyable outings.

Unlike guidebooks focusing on technical or remote trails, this book prioritizes accessibility and enjoyment. “All the trails here have a ‘natural’ setting… They are sufficiently large and full of ungroomed forest to create that sense of Ahh that comes with release from concrete and cars and the Ooh that comes with encountering huge old trees and gurgling streams.” Whether it is a shaded forest path, a scenic riverbank, or a tranquil coastal trail, the book captures the magic of stepping into nature without the need for extensive preparation or gear.

Beyond accessibility, it introduces lesser-known trails, steering readers toward hidden gems that might go unnoticed. “Many of the best nature walks and hikes are mostly known only to locals… these have largely escaped your attention and your planning for a family outing.” This attention to detail makes the guide valuable for tourists and island residents looking to explore beyond the well-trodden routes.

Dombrowski also understands that a perfect hike is not just about the trail—it is about the experience. “Above all, and, indeed, in addition to all is that all-time highlight of any family expedition into the woods: the picnic! Although sandwiches and cookies can be devoured anywhere, knowing in advance about specific spots, and even picnic tables, can make planning a family outing huge fun.” His thoughtful recommendations for picnic spots add more enjoyment to each adventure.

While the book excels in many areas, some aspects could be improved. The uneven development of provincial park trails is one issue mentioned by Dombrowski. “While regional and municipal parks have increasingly shown impressive flurries of energy – new parks, new trails and new facilities popping up everywhere – sadly, the same is not true of provincial parks. Some are well served, particularly if there is a popular cash-generating campsite associated with them. Many, however, are strikingly undeveloped or neglected.” A more explicit assessment of which parks offer better-maintained trails would help families plan more effectively.

The book provides general safety guidance but could delve deeper into handling unexpected challenges. A disclaimer illustrates the effort Dombrowski makes to point out the information he provides within the title is not to be an overall gauge for personal safety. While the advice is sound, additional tips on recognizing trail hazards or responding to changing weather conditions would be helpful.

Another area where the book could expand is in Indigenous perspectives. While it acknowledges the traditional territories where these hikes occur, it does not deeply explore their cultural significance. Including Indigenous place names, history, and perspectives on land stewardship would enrich the guide.

This book is highly recommended for families, beginner hikers, and visitors who want an accessible, well-researched guide to Vancouver Island’s trails. That said, for those who plan accordingly and follow Dombrowski’s thoughtful guidance, it is an excellent foundation for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences. Dombrowski’s passion for nature is evident throughout, making it clear that this book is as much about inspiring families to explore as it is about providing practical information. For those eager to discover Vancouver Island’s best trails with children in tow, this book is an essential addition to any hiking collection.

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Amy Tucker is an educator and researcher with more than two decades of experience in post-secondary education. Since 2001, she has worked as a University Instructor and Open Learning Faculty Member at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Her primary areas of focus include education, training, recruitment, career development, and management. Her research emphasizes decolonizing education, promoting reconciliation, and advancing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in both academic and community settings. In addition to her academic work, Amy enjoys outdoor activities such as running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Her adventurous spirit shines through in her participation in various athletic events and her passion for exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia. Amy shares her experiences as an athlete in her newspaper column, “The Accidental Athlete,” which appears in the Kamloops Chronicle. Kukwstsétsemc. [Editor’s Note: Amy Tucker has reviewed books by Margaret V. Ostrowski, Sara Ellison, Jody Wilson-Raybould, Peter Edwards and Kevin Loring, Russ Grabb, and Meaghan Marie Hackinen for The British Columbia Review.]

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The British Columbia Review

Interim Editors, 2023-26: Trevor Marc Hughes (non-fiction), Brett Josef Grubisic (fiction)
Publisher: Richard Mackie

Formerly The Ormsby Review, The British Columbia Review is an on-line book review and journal service for BC writers and readers. The Advisory Board now consists of Jean Barman, Wade Davis, Robin Fisher, Barry Gough, Hugh Johnston, Kathy Mezei, Patricia Roy, and Graeme Wynn. Provincial Government Patron (since September 2018): Creative BC. Honorary Patron: Yosef Wosk. Scholarly Patron: SFU Graduate Liberal Studies. The British Columbia Review was founded in 2016 by Richard Mackie and Alan Twigg.

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