Backroad Mapbooks

I really like to use backroad level maps when I go bicycle touring. In Canada these types of maps can be very difficult to find. Luckily one company has begun making their maps much more available. In addition to finding their mapbooks at stores like Chapters and Coles you can also order their map books directly from their web site.

This company is called Mussio Ventures and they produce a series of map books that cover areas all across Canada. I have used their map books with great success during a number of tours.

On the plus side their maps tend to be correct so painful rerouting due to unexpected dead-end roads is greatly reduced when using their maps. Their books also have additional information about campgrounds, canoe roads, offroad bike trails, hiking paths etc.

Still is there anything that would make their products even better?

I would love to see a good backroad level map that also has some high level topographical type information so that you could see at a glance if a shortcut is going to turn into a brutal uphill climb. There are tricks that you can use to help you guess about this. An example would be that a river crossing a road almost always results in at least a slight dip in the road. Many rivers close together usually means hilly terrain but not always.

A map that gives me high level topographical info while also providing me with good backroad information so that I can route my course away from heavy traffic areas would be well worth it's weight in gold! Another nice feature is that the map covers a large enough area that it takes a while to entirely clear one but the area is small enough that you can easily watch your progress change as the day progresses.

Mussio has also made some electronic maps available as an option for people looking for computer planning resources.

You can find them at their web site. I have used similar maps in the United States.

"I read your piece about the Backroads maps. I agree they're great. I used them to map out my route for my cottage country tour this summer. My only quibble with them is that they don't distinguish between paved and unpaved roads."

Submitted by Paul Stockton

Tell A Friend about this page!