‘Stand atop a high summit’
Mountain Footsteps: Hikes in the East Kootenay of Southeastern British Columbia (4th ed.)
by Janice Strong
Victoria: Rocky Mountain Books, 2025
$35 / 9781771607414
Reviewed by Amy Tucker
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There is a moment on every great hike when the world opens up around you. The air is crisp, the wind carries the scent of pine and damp earth, and for just a second, you feel weightless—completely free. At that moment, nature reminds us of our place within it, and it is that very sensation that Mountain Footsteps: Hikes in the East Kootenay of Southeastern British Columbia (4th edition) captures so beautifully.
Janice Strong is more than just a writer—she is a guide, a storyteller, and a fierce advocate for the land. Now in its fourth edition, Mountain Footsteps is a refined and expanded collection of trails, maps, and photographs that serve as both a practical resource and a heartfelt tribute to the East Kootenay’s breathtaking wilderness. What makes this guidebook truly special, however, is not just its detail but its soul—Strong does not just tell you where to hike; she reminds you why hiking is a profoundly enriching experience.
When you wander through the majestic wild places, take time to explore the little things of nature’s rewards…Hike through a mossy old-growth forest and feel the timeless energy of the powerful trees. Feel the freedom and peace as you stand atop a high summit or watch a mountain sunset.
Hiking, in her eyes, is not just about covering distance—it is about immersion, presence, and connection. It is about stepping outside daily life and into a world that moves at a different rhythm shaped by glaciers, rivers, and the slow unfurling of alpine blooms.
The book is structured into six geographic regions—the Northern and Southern Purcells, Kootenay Valley, Columbia Valley, Southern Rockies, and Northern Rockies—offering a diverse range of trails for every skill level. The careful curation of hikes ensures that whether looking for a gentle waterfall stroll, like Fairy Creek Falls near Fernie, or a multi-day challenge, like the Five Passes Trail, there is an adventure suited to every ability and aspiration.
Strong does more than list trails; she brings them to life. The deep blue waters of Tanglefoot Lake, the golden autumn glow of the larch forests, and the jagged ridgelines of Spillimacheen Glacier are not just destinations but characters in her narrative. She encourages hikers to pay attention, to move beyond the checklists and peak-bagging mentality, and instead experience the landscape as a living, breathing entity.
This sense of reverence is woven into every page. Strong understands the privilege of walking through these lands and reminds readers that with privilege comes responsibility. “Good things happen when outdoor people, working independently or in groups, care about a special place. Their diverse efforts benefit all.” Her words call for stewardship, a reminder that these trails are not just there to explore but also to protect.
One of the book’s most striking features is its photography. The images are more than just visually appealing; they invite you to the wild. Something is captivating about seeing a golden alpine meadow just before snowfall or the first light of morning casting shadows across a valley floor. These photos act as a bridge, transporting readers into landscapes waiting to be explored. For aspiring outdoor photographers, Mountain Footsteps is an unspoken lesson in patience and perspective. Strong’s images are carefully composed and deeply evocative, telling stories of solitude, discovery, and those fleeting moments when the mountains seem to hum with life.
One of the book’s recurring themes is the wild, untamed nature of the East Kootenay. Unlike Banff or Yoho, where trails are heavily trafficked and viewpoints come with designated railings, the East Kootenay is a place of quietude. “Our region does not have the number of visitors. It also does not have signs at every junction.” Moreover, therein lies its beauty.
For those who yearn for authentic wilderness experiences, this book is a gateway to the less-travelled corners of British Columbia. The absence of crowds allows for a different kind of connection—one where the only sounds are the wind through the trees and the rush of a distant waterfall, where the only footprints on the trail might be one’s own.
Even an excellent guidebook has areas for growth. While Strong does an excellent job of acknowledging Indigenous history, there is room for a deeper dive into Indigenous ecological knowledge and land stewardship practices. These lands were cared for long before recreational hikers arrived, and incorporating more perspectives from the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and other Indigenous groups would only enrich the book, which already has a strong foundation.
Accessibility also remains a challenge. Some of the best hikes require high-clearance vehicles, and while Strong warns readers of rough forestry roads, not everyone has access to a 4×4. More suggestions for alternative routes or accessible options would help make this book even more inclusive for those without rugged vehicles.
Finally, while GPS coordinates are helpful, not all hikers are comfortable relying on digital navigation. More detailed step-by-step written directions could provide additional security for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
Strong’s journey to becoming a guidebook author is, in itself, an inspiration. Her passion for the land shines through in how she writes about and compiles the trails. “Then, like a bolt of lightning across my brain, out of nowhere, came the thought that I should write a hiking guidebook to the East Kootenay,” she recalls. That spark of an idea has carried her through four editions, each a testament to her dedication to these landscapes.
Her work is not just about sharing information—it is about creating connections. Through her words and images, she builds a bridge between the reader and the wilderness, between those who have walked these trails for generations and those setting foot on them for the first time.
This book is for anyone who feels the pull of the mountains. Whether one is a casual day hiker, an aspiring backcountry adventurer, or a seasoned mountaineer, Mountain Footsteps will serve as both a guide and an inspiration. It is also a valuable resource for photographers, those interested in regional history, and outdoor educators who want to instill a deeper appreciation for British Columbia’s landscapes.
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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 Carol Anne Hilton, Melissa Hafting, Theo Dombrowski, Margaret V. Ostrowski, Sara Ellison, and Jody Wilson-Raybould 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.
“Only connect.” – E.M. Forster