"A comprehensive guide to Alberta"

Recently, as I was searching the Internet for travel guidebooks that uniquely deal with Alberta, Canada, I was surprised to discover that my choices were very limited. However, I did notice a travel-guide book now in its fifth edition, published by Avalon Travel, authored by Andrew Hempstead, entitled Moon Handbooks Alberta: Including Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies.

Hempstead is very well versed in the subject matter, having traveled, photographed and written about Alberta for many years. In fact, the first book he ever authored was on Alberta.

Turning to the opening pages of the guide, I knew I was in for a wealth of invaluable information, and without doubt I realized that the author really did his homework in providing his readers with countless tips.

The potential for exploring Alberta is unlimited, and unless information is carefully organized, it would be very easy to fall into the trap that many guidebooks slide into- confusion. However, such is not the case with this book.

What immediately caught my eye was that preceding the table of contents is a map page that clearly pin points the various geographical areas of Alberta with boxes telling the reader exactly where in the guidebook he or she can find out more about a particular destination. No doubt, this will save the reader a great deal of time and effort, if, for example, you are only interested in a particular areas of the province.

These areas are divided into nine sections: Northern Alberta, Jasper National Park, Edmonton, Central Alberta, Banff National Park, West of Calgary, Calgary, Dinosaur Valley, and Southern Alberta. Following the map section is the usual table of contents, which mirrors these same locations and includes a very brief description of each.

Within the first fifty pages, the author incorporates an overview of early settlers, flora and fauna, history, economy and government, the people, outdoor recreation, and getting to Alberta and what to expect once you arrive.

The remainder of the guide- book effectively evokes the beauty of Alberta with its striking Rocky Mountain ranges, pristine glaciers, rushing rivers, magnificent lakes, and National Parks as Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes. As the author states in his introduction: "for most visitors to Alberta, the great out-doors, not the big cities or the fast bucks, is the main draw."

Each chapter contains detailed information about the history of the area, sights, attractions, parks, scenic drives, recreation, accommodations and camping, food, information and services, and transportation. Interspersed are a selection of black and white maps and photos providing a good sense of the places described.

Throughout are also interesting tidbits replete with invaluable information contained in side- bars or boxes. For example, Jasper has 100 residential homes offering accommodations, or there are dinosaur digs that you can participate in at the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology. Moreover, wherever practical, phone numbers, hours of operation, price ranges, and addresses are mentioned.

The concluding chapters of this hefty book provide the reader with suggested readings and Internet resources.

For the serious traveler to Alberta, this well researched and well-organized guide will prove to be an invaluable aid, particularly for those individuals who want to learn more about the history, geography and culture of this beautiful province. It certainly goes beyond the usual boring guides that devote a great deal of ink to tourism, hotels, restaurants and shopping, and entertainment, although the guidebook does nevertheless provide ample information pertaining to these topics.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Courtesy Bookpleasures
Posted May 7, 2004

Summary

Moon Handbooks Alberta is the perfect source for enticing coverage of Alberta's massive glaciers, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. Highlighting Alberta, Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies, the fifth edition offers a detailed look at this stunning region for travelers with all types of interests. Author Andrew Hempstead, a veteran traveler and Alberta resident, gives in-depth insights into the region's history and indigenous culture as well as essential advice on practicalities, with photographs, precise maps, tips on activities, and information on accommodations for all budgets. Moon Handbooks Alberta provides details on cycling the Icefields Parkway, hiking around Lake Louise, and staying in a wide array of lodgings, from backcountry huts to fine hotels.