Is A River Alive? - Robert MacFarlane
For those with a love of flowing water, Robert MacFarlane’s latest book is a must read. Known for his beautiful writing and ability to knit the arcane history of a topic with sensorial experience, this book will take you from the cloud forests of Ecuador to the forests of Northern Canada with a grounding in the universal cultural significance of rivers great and small.
The Living Mountain - Nan Shepherd
A powerful, female leader in the early 20th century in wilderness travel and nature conservation, Nan Shepherd’s life was dedicated to exploring all aspects of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains. She published her experiences, reflections and learnings in The Living Mountain. Her rich, poetic prose transports the reader on a literary reverie into the heart of Scotland’s tundra, providing both intellectual and spiritual insight into a little known northern wilderness.
Shadow of the Bear - Brain Peyton
Grizzly bears are one of our most enigmatic species here in the North, but seven other species of bear roam the globe. In the Shadow of the Bear takes a closer look at the diverse evolution of this fascinating family, current threats to their conservation and their roles in human cultures. More than just a portrait of a captivating creature, it is a meditation on the timeless, unequivocal value of wilderness.
Aboriginal Plant Use in Canada's Northwest Boreal Forest
Nothing beats a good reference book! This gem fills in the gap between taxonomic tomb and bush craft manuals that drew heavily on Indigenous knowledge. Filled with stories, harvesting tips and uses, it is an excellent book for anyone interested in what the forest can provide and is a window into the rich culture and technology of the Indigenous people.
Being Caribou - Karsten Heuer
Being Caribou first appeared in our 2019 reading list. Founder of the Yellowstone to Yukon conservation organization, Karsten Huer spent 5 months following the Porcupine Caribou herd across the tundra. In 2024 we saw the passing of Karsten; his legacy and dedication to protect the caribou and northern wilderness continue to shine. Being Caribou is an ever-timely and captivating account of his time in the tundra and reflections on the Arctic wilderness we stand to lose. For those more cinematographically inclined, it is also a fantastic documentary film.
Ice Rivers - Jemma Wadham
Ideal for Tatshenshini and Alsek River travellers!
Join glaciologist Jemma Wadham from the highest peaks to the wide, open expanses of the poles as she recounts stories and findings from a life dedicated to studying glaciers. A digestible blend of science and travel writing, this book will leave you with a new found appreciation for glaciers and the ecosystems they support.
50 Words for Snow - Nancy Campbell
The unique architecture of each and every snowflake is a renowned natural phenomenon which has captured our collective imagination for centuries. Inspired by her time spent living in Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), Campbell takes us on a circumpolar journey through the linguistic world of snow, explaining the meaning and history behind the words from 50 different languages across the world. A wonderfully thought provoking and meditative read, 50 Words for Snow reflects on the ancient cultures, histories and modern day life which the humble snowflake continues to shape to this day.
Rock, Paper, Fire - the Best of Mountain & Wilderness Writing
This collection of short stories, essays and poems from writers across the world is sure to inspire some adventures – of at least the armchair variety! Editors Marni Jackson and Tony Whittome have collected these writings through a shared love of nature, wilderness and outdoor sports. The absence of maps has the profound effect of drawing the reader deeper into the words, the perfect literary escape for the winter to get you thinking about what adventures may await in the New Year.
We hope that these reads have got you excited to explore the incredible wilderness we are privileged to have here in the North!
Ready to start planning your northern adventure of a lifetime?
