Wild Coast Publishing

06/12/2026

History #11 from the new 'Wolves of Nootka' trilogy: George Vancouver became one of the most accomplished explorers in world history, but his legacy was largely dismissed and forgotten after his journeys. Why? In large part it was due to a cartoon and a midshipman called Thomas Pitt. Vancouver had the insolent young man flogged, even though he was related to Prime Minister William Pitt, destined to become Baron Camelford and a future member of the House of Lords. When the two met again in later life, Pitt struck Vancouver with his cane, a confrontation satired by a cartoonist who used it to confront the Royal Navy's overuse of the lash. The cartoon discredited Vancouver, who died not long after. Never underestimate the power of a cartoon! You can read about the voyages of Vancouver, the confrontation with Thomas Pitt and other naval adventures in the era 1774-1792 in The Wolves of Nootka trilogy, available on Kindle, Amazon, from bookstores and from the publisher. Rated 4.7 stars on Goodreads. https://www.wildcoast.ca/collections/the-wolves-of-nootka

06/08/2026

A new camping opportunity on Saltspring Island! This is a beautiful location, so it will be a wonderful addition to the Gulf Islands.

The nation says the Fulford Harbour-area campground will be accessible by bike, foot and boat once it is completed.

06/04/2026

The first U.S. citizens to have a role in the Pacific Northwest were John Kendrick and Robert Gray, captains of the Lady Washington and Columbia Rediviva. Kendrick was one of the 'Sons of Liberty' who took part on the Boston Tea Party, and served as a privateer in the American Revolutionary War. The pair were the only trade ships to over-winter in Nootka (and Clayoquot) during the fur trade there in 1780s and early 1790s, and took to Macau, China, the crew from the 'North West America,' the English ship the Spanish had seized at Nootka, allowing news of the seizure of English ships by the Spanish to reach Europe. That news fueled the 'Nootka Controversy' that eventually pushed England and Spain to the brink of war over Nootka Sound. The two captains had to fight off several raids by local clans during their years trading for furs, but Gray took his revenge by burning down Opitsat, the winter home of Wickaninnish in Clayoquot Sound. The village was described as "a work of ages" in a journal fragment by the fifth mate on that voyage. You can read about Kendrick and Gray as well as the early Spanish and English explorers to Nootka in the late 18th century in the new 'Wolves of Nootka' trilogy, available on Kindle, Amazon, bookstores and from the publisher: https://www.wildcoast.ca/collections/the-wolves-of-nootka

05/27/2026

History #9 from the new 'Wolves of Nootka' trilogy: If you visit the historic First Nations village site Yuquot on Nootka Island on west Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, you will find a historic old church. It is unique for the beautiful Nuu-chah-nulth carvings inside, but also for the stained glass window set in the entrance donated by the Spanish government in 1957. It depicts Spanish envoy Juan Francisco Bodega y Quadra signing the Nootka Convention with British envoy George Vancouver at Yuquot in an event hosted by tyee Maquinna and others in 1792. If this snippet of history is intriguing, and makes you want to know more, the entire history of this conflict between Spain, England and the Indigenous locals from 1774 to this historic occasion in 1792 is covered in 'The Wolves of Nootka.' Written in narrative style, it brings this compelling moment in history to life. Currently 4.7 stars on Goodreads, it is available on Kindle, Amazon, bookstores in Canada and from the publisher: https://www.wildcoast.ca/collections/the-wolves-of-nootka

05/25/2026

A Kayakfest in Victoria, BC!

05/25/2026

Support your locally owned and operated bookstores!

🌊 New Release Trilogy! 🌊

The Wolves of Nootka by John Kimantas is here—and despite the name… it’s not about wolves 🐺😉

Think more Wolf of Wall Street vibes… but set in the late 18th century on the wild Pacific Northwest coast.

This story follows real historical figures like George Vancouver and Juan Francisco Bodega y Quadra, as powerful, ambitious (and often unpredictable!) men converge on Nootka Sound—shaping the future of this coast.

Drawn from real journals and records, it’s a gripping look at exploration, conflict, and the fight to claim a place in history.

⚓ Adventure
⚓ History brought to life
⚓ Big personalities & even bigger stakes

📚 All three books available now in store!

https://www.mulberrybushbooks.com/item/o_qOYZ4my7gbmEpA_YUKNw

05/15/2026

Discover a new genre: narrative history! As an example, 'The Wolves of Nootka' trilogy follows the historic voyages, explorations, battles and events in the era 1774 to 1792 surrounding Europe's first forays into the Pacific Northwest, but with a focus on storytelling without the invention that defines historical fiction. Travel with James Cook, George Vancouver and other major figures in history, and join Maquinna, Wickaninnish and other historic tyees as Europe's incursion brings drastic changes to the lives of the residents of Nootka and the surrounding coast. 'The Wolves of Nootka' is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon and from the publisher at wildcoast.ca. Rated 4.7 stars on Goodreads. https://www.wildcoast.ca/collections/the-wolves-of-nootka

05/15/2026

Our favorite Wild Coast destinations #4: Saysutshun Island and the legend of the white raccoon. Saysutsun Island (previously Newcastle Island), located adjacent to Nanaimo, is one of the most accessible and varied trips anywhere, offering beaches, convoluted sandstone shoreline and interesting rock formations. By paddle it is a simple two-hour circumnavigation. By foot it is an 8.5km hike with shorter options if you choose. Lengthen your stay by camping or plan a short stay to enjoy the beaches by taking the foot ferry from downtown Nanaimo. The additional challenge is to keep your eyes open for the white raccoon. A regressive gene means these oddballs pop up every few generations. The latest white raccoon has been foraging on the northern end of Saltery Beach near Tyne Point. Will he return in 2026? Let us know, and send us a pic if you see him. Discover these and other Gulf Islands adventures in the BC Coast Explorer Volume 2, and use mapsheet #219 for exploring Saysutshun, Gabriola and the other nearby Gulf Islands at wildcoast.ca. Happy white raccoon hunting!

05/06/2026

The Wolves of Nootka Book 3 is now available in softcover in the U.S. and England. Meanwhile n Canada, the number of bookstores stocking the trilogy is growing, including Chapters (pictured), Munro's and Bolen Books in Victoria, and even locations such as Talisman Books on Pender Island (a big shout-out to the independent bookstores, which we love so much. Seek them out, and order a copy if not in stock!). The trilogy is also available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and direct from wildcoast.ca. The Wolves of Nootka is a narrative history documenting the European explorers to the Pacific Northwest and particularly Nootka Sound 1774-1792 and the impact on world politics, trade and the people of Nootka. Written as a narrative, it takes historic events and depicts them as they unfolded, blending historic accuracy with the immersive style of historical fiction. History buffs and those curious about early Pacific Northwest history and geography will love this series!