Most Vancouverites know that the North Shore mountains are a hiker’s paradise, but chances are not many are familiar with the names, history, and legend behind so many rugged peaks.

A new book covers all that and more, giving readers a vividly detailed look at the beauty and adventure that lies within the nearby outdoor playground.

The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver's North Shore: A Peak Bagger's Guide features detailed descriptions of 67 hikeable North Shore peaks, from Capilano in the north to the Howe Sound Islands in the west and the Seymour-Fannin peaks in the east with.

Written by David Crerar, Harry Crerar (David’s son), and Bill Maurer, the guide is loaded with facts and stats, words of caution for climbers, historic and cultural backgrounds of each peak, GPS-based maps, and more. It has over 160 colour photographs, 20 background stories, and more than two dozen “best of” lists showing where to find superior views, old growth trees, waterfalls, blueberries, and wildlife.

The authors share secrets and little-known tales, too, about old logging camps, mines, plane crashes, geocaches, and even cached whisky.

They also profile the traditional territories that the North Shore mountains exist in of the Skwxwú7mesh/Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm/Musqueam, and Stó:lō First Nations.

In 2009, David Crerar, who grew up and still lives in North Van, created the Bagger Challenge, a contest to see who could climb the most North Shore peaks in a season. (Since then more than 400 people have taken on the challenge, which led to the book.)

Harry Crerar has won the prize for baggers younger than 16 in the Bagger Challenge every year since its start.

Maurer, who​ grew up in East Van and now calls the North Shore home, began climbing in his late teens. He quickly established a reputation as a peak bagger, earning the nickname “do it in a day Maurer,” making day trips of what used to be weekend club excursions.

More information about the book is available here.