Born on Vancouver Island, Theo Dombrowski of Nanoose Bay grew up in Port Alberni and studied at the University of Victoria and later in Nova Scotia and London, England. With a doctorate in English literature, he returned to teach at Royal Roads, the University of Victoria, and finally at Lester Pearson College of the Pacific at Metchosin. He has also studied painting and drawing at the Banff School of Fine Arts and the UVic. He is the author and illustrator of popular guide, travel, and hiking books including Secret Beaches of the Salish Sea (Heritage House, 2012), Seaside Walks of Vancouver Island (Rocky Mountain Books, 2016), and Family Walks and Hikes of Vancouver Island: Streams, Lakes, and Hills from Victoria to Nanaimo (Heritage House, 2018).

Filled with pictures and maps Secret Beaches of Central Vancouver Island (Heritage, 2011) is a handy guide, complete with detailed information on location, suitability for children and groups, views, seclusion, and a handy categorical index. The proceeds from this book will be given to Georgia Strait Alliance and Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Theo Dombrowski's Popular Day Hikes 4: Vancouver Island (Rocky Mountain Books $15 pb | $9.99 ebook) provides a guide to the best day hikes on Vancouver Island, ranging from 6 km. to 25 km., from easy to challenging. Each hike is accompanied by a colourful map and directions. Seaside Walks on Vancouver Island also provides colour photos and easy-to-follow maps. (Rocky Mountain Books 2014 $15 pb | $9.99 ebook)

BOOKS:

Secret Beaches of Central Vancouver Island: Campbell River to Qualicum (Heritage, 2011)
Quests for Fire: Tales From Many Lands, illustrator. (Heritage, 2012) With Jon C. Stott. $12.95 978-1-927052-59-7

Popular Day Hikes 4: Vancouver Island (Rocky Mountain Books 2014) $15.00 9781771600071

Seaside Walks on Vancouver Island (Rocky Mountain Books 2014) $15.00 9781771600132

[BCBW 2017]