Secret Beaches of the Salish Sea: The Southern Gul

The fourth volume in the Secret Beaches series, one of two on the Salish Sea, covers 93 beaches in the southern Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Mayne, Thetis and Pender. At some locations, the selling point is a view of sandstone eroded into astounding curves and honeycombed lattices. At others, it's the chance of seeing the resident orcas of J1, K1 and L1 pods, whose summer home is the Gulf Islands.

Theo's hand-drawn maps are indispensable, as each island marks its public beach access points differently, if they mark them at all. His detailed entries give comprehensive descriptions and an illustrative photo or painting for each beach. As usual, the charming paintings and photos are done by Theo himself. Whether seconds from the ferry or farther along a twisting, unsigned back road, the beach best suited to your adventure waits to be found in Secret Beaches of the Salish Sea.