Originally published in TEACH Magazine, July/August 2023 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
School’s out for the summer and for many of us that means it’s time to start making travel plans. Not sure where to go or what to do? These fun and unique guides can provide you with some inspiration! Each one is jam-packed with plenty of tips, recommendations, and insider advice to help you make the most of your vacation. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or are planning to head abroad, there are plenty of fascinating destinations to choose from for your next great adventure.
All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide
By Jim Loomis
Chicago Review Press (May 2023)
Considering travelling by train this summer? You won’t want to miss this comprehensive guide. All Aboard offers nearly 400 pages of tips and tricks for how to journey by rail in America. From insights into trip bookings, to packing suggestions, to itinerary recommendations, you’re sure to find all the information you need to plan your upcoming locomotive excursion.
Camping British Columbia, the Rockies, and the Yukon: The Complete Guide to Government Campgrounds
By Jayne Seagrave
Heritage House (February 2023)
This quintessential camping guide has something for everyone. Whether you’re parking an RV or pitching a tent, Jayne Seagrave’s bestselling book tells you everything you need to know about provincial, territorial, and national campgrounds in Western Canada. Camping also includes maps and directions, 100+ photos, and an updated list of health and safety regulations.
The Forest Guide: Scotland
By Gabriel Hemery
Bloomsbury Publishing (June 2023)
Gabriel Hemery’s practical guide is a must-have for anyone planning to explore Scotland’s extraordinary forests. The book offers a summary of 365 woodland sites across the country, along with how to access them, and a description of their notable features. It also contains a number of maps and over 200 photographs that showcase the stunning Scottish woodlands.
Hidden Nova Scotia
By Scott Osmond
Boulder Books (August 2023)
For anyone wanting to discover some of Nova Scotia’s lesser-known destinations, this book is the one for you. Follow along with adventurer Scott Osmond as he leads you to secret coves, hidden shipwrecks, abandoned industrial sites, and more. For each location, Osmond provides historical details, information about the area, and of course, directions for how to get there.
It Happened Right Here: America’s Pop Culture Landmarks
By Chris Epting
Santa Monica Press (August 2023)
Looking for a different kind of road trip? It Happened Right Here will take you on a journey of pop culture across America. This guide showcases locations where some of America’s most popular events took place. From spots featured in the Stranger Things TV series to the famous Bigfoot site of 1967, you’re sure to make plenty of weird and wonderful stops on this iconic road trip.
Paris Like a Local
By Yuki Higashinakano and Bryan Pirolli
DK Eyewitness Travel (April 2023)
Get a more intimate look at Paris through the eyes of its local residents. Within the pages of this insider’s guide to the city of love, you’ll find hidden markets, cozy diners, secret picnic spots, and more. The book also includes six themed walking tours, an outline of the city’s different neighbourhoods, and special suggestions for how to make the most of all Paris has to offer.
Rail-Trails: California
By Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Wilderness Press (June 2023)
Walk your way across California with the help of this detailed guide. Inside you’ll find a list of 72 railroads that have been converted into public multi-use trails. Whether you’re looking for paved trails or rugged paths, a beachside view or a walk through an old-growth forest, Rail-Trails has it all!
Tokyo, 29 Walks in the World’s Most Exciting City
By John H. Martin and Phyllis G. Martin
Tuttle Publishing (August 2023)
Exploring the modern metropolis of Tokyo has never been easier, thanks to this pedestrian-exclusive travel guide. As it says in the title, Tokyo presents 29 different walks across the city, taking you past famous historical sites, unique attractions, and more. It also includes over 100 photos, 50 maps, and a handy pull-out map for while you’re on the go.
Top 70 Canoe Routes of Ontario
By Kevin Callan
Firefly Books (March 2023)
In the latest edition of this best-selling guide, readers will find 70 of the most scenic canoe routes across Ontario’s lakes and rivers. From quick day trips to week-long excursions, along well-known pathways or on secret journeys, Kelvin Callan’s book offers something for every kind of paddler.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, and is forever in search of good books and beautiful sunsets.
