Backroad Mapbooks FAQ's
Fishing Mapbooks FAQ's
Digital Editions FAQ's
Backroad GPS Maps
Returns/Exchanges FAQ's

Backroad Mapbooks

back to top
1) What is a Backroad Mapbook?

The Backroad Mapbook series has been designed to provide you all the information you need to travel safely and confidently into the outdoors. In addition to the most up to date maps available, we spend countless hours researching the various recreational activities in the area.

2) Why would I buy a Backroad Mapbook as opposed to another mapbook or map product?

We are Canada’s leading outdoor guidebook and mapping company because we provide the most up to date and accurate source available. Our maps cover the entire region, emphasizing the various logging/bush road networks as well as the recreational activities available in the area. Further, our writing provides further insight into an area than no map can provide.

3) How up to date are the Backroad Mapbooks?

Our mapbooks are updated every three or so years to ensure the information is as current as possible. This may sound like a standard answer of any mapping company, but you can be assured that when we do update the books everything is reviewed. We pride ourselves on being the most up to date source available for Canadians.

4) What sort of outdoor activities are covered in the Backroad Mapbooks?

Our books are designed to be used by anyone interested in getting outdoors. Whether you are looking to visit the local park or find that hidden wilderness retreat, you will find a destination that suits your needs in our books. Our writing focuses on fishing, parks and camping, paddling or canoeing, multi-use trails (hiking, biking, ATVing), wildlife viewing and winter recreation (cross-country & downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling).

5) Are the Backroad Mapbooks government produced?

We are a private company that receives no grants or funding from outside sources. The information gathered does include government sources as well as forestry/mining companies, clubs and organizations and tourism.

6) Where can I buy the books in stores?

Our books are found in a wide range of locations that range from fishing and outdoor stores to bookstores and big box locations. Although we encourage you to visit your local outdoor store to pick up the books, they can also be found at Canadian Tire, Chapters/Indigo Bookstores, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Wal Mart, Wholesale Sports and other big national chain stores.

7) What sort of trail information do you include?

We try to show all trails in the area. If there is room on the maps, we will symbol the various trail users that can access the trail. Otherwise, you will need to look in the writing to see what users are allowed on the trails.

New in 2007 are special classifications to denote Long Distance Trails, the Trans Canada Trail, ATV or Off Highway Vehicle Trails and Snowmobile Routes. These classifications make it much easier to follow these ever growing trail options in Canada.

8) Are there coordinates for GPS users and navigation on the maps?

Our latest editions (starting in 2006) have started adding topographical lines and relief shading. These exciting features are unique to our mapbooks and should ultimately assist the reader in figuring out the lay of the land. If you haven’t upgraded your book recently, then you are really missing out.

9) Do the maps have topographical information?

Our latest editions (starting in 2006) have started adding topographical lines and relief shading. These exciting features are unique to our mapbooks and should ultimately assist the reader in figuring out the lay of the land. If you haven’t upgraded your book recently, then you are really missing out.

10) What are the scales of your maps?

The unique geography of our country means we do have to vary the scales between books. Generally speaking, we range from a scale of 1:150,000 in southern BC and Ontario to 1:250,000 and even 1:500,000 or 1:1,000,000 in the north. The scale bar on the maps is designed to help you determine distances on the maps.

New in 2007, the scale bar has been adjusted to match our grid lines. This means that you can now figure out the distance and/or coordinates of points on the maps much more easily and accurately.

11) Can RV owners use your books?

Yes. We classify paved roads and grade the logging/bush roads to help you choose the route of choice. In the writing, we even note the wilderness campsites that are open to bigger trailers and RV’s.

12) Are the books and maps copyrighted?

The writing and maps are protected by copyright. No reproduction in whole or in part is allowed without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Yes, that even includes scanning or photocopying the pages and/or posting the maps on the internet. If you ask, we are generally supportive of non commercial reproduction.

Hopefully this helps. We also welcome any other questions or comments.

Fishing Mapbooks

back to top
1) What is a Fishing Mapbook?

The Fishing Mapbook series has been designed to provide you all the information you need to fish that lake or waterbody confidently. In addition to the depth charts that help you determine where to fish on the lake, we provide pertinent information such as fish species, stocking information, access and facilities and even fishing tips.

2) Why should I buy the Fishing Mapbook?

The books are designed to show you where on the lake to fish. If you are new to the area or are simply looking for alternative lakes to explore, this is a great way to start.

3) How do you decide which lakes to include in the Fishing books?

We try to provide a good mix of lakes to sample in each book. In addition to the most popular lakes, we try to mix in a few remote destinations as well as those that are stocked. We also make sure we have some larger lakes that are ideal for trolling as well as smaller lakes that are better suited for fly-fishing or casting from shore.

4) Why can’t I find my lake?

It is not possible to cover every lake in a given area in the Fishing Mapbook series. In addition to the selection criteria described above, we might not have access to the depth chart data. This is both good and bad. Some people are offended that we missed their lake, others are happy their lake may not become more crowded. Drop us a line and we will see if we can add it next time.

5) How do we get our information?

The depth charts are a combination of the raw data provided by the appropriate governing body in each province and our own map sources used in the Backroad Mapbook series. The writing also comes from the mapbooks, but we have expanded on it to provide a lot more details on the given waterbody. Finally, we try to contact local tackle shops and anglers to ensure our information is accurate and up to date.

6) Can the lake charts be used for navigation?

Our depth charts are not designed for navigational use. Uncharted rocks and shallows, stumps and other debris are just some of the things that cannot be accurately mapped on freshwater waterbodies.

7) Do the Fishing books tell you how to access the lakes?

In addition to access maps and/or descriptions on how to get to the lake, the lake depth charts show where boat launches and other amenities are located. This feature alone could save you hours when getting to a lake for the first time.

8) If I am new to the sport of fishing, how will the Fishing books help me get started?

In addition to detailed information on the lakes we cover, we provide basic information on fishing gear and fish species to help get started in the sport. Of course, we also recommend you visit the local tackle shop to find out more on recommended gear. Most provide starter kits and will be more than happy to point you to some of the better lakes in the area to visit.

9) If I have been fishing for years, why would I need a Fishing Mapbook?

The sport of fishing is a challenging sport to master. The depth charts might be all you need to find those hidden hot spots. Alternatively, we provide you with over a hundred options in each book to give you some variety to sample. Rather than jumping into a lake blind, the information we provide will get you started in the right place.

10) How does your fishing rating work?

In regards to our fishing descriptions, you must understand that the descriptions are relative. For example we regard a good lake as somewhere where you will be able to catch fish on a regular basis with little effort. So in an hour of fishing you can expect 6-10 fish or in that range. Fair would mean you would have to try a little harder to get those numbers (or the fish may be smaller on average). Slow, would be just that, 'slow'.

Also, it would be irresponsible for us to rate any lake as "very good" as it would draw additional attention to that particular lake, which would eventually deplete the resource. We have actually seen this type of thing happen several times in our province and country, when a magazine or book focuses on a small water body and writes about how fantastic it is, the next season the lake is full of anglers and eventually the lake is overwhelmed, depleting the fishing quality.

11) Why is the fishing not consistent with what your book says?

Due to weather patterns, time of day, time of year, etc. a lake that is rated as good can be fair or slow (or vice versa). In addition, every angler has a different skill set. An angler fishing a brook trout lake may have no idea of brook trout tendencies and feeding patterns and even on the best lake they could get skunked by using the wrong lures or methods.

12) Is there still good fishing to be found?

Canada, in particular British Columbia and Ontario are still home to some of the best fishing in the world. In fact, we would venture as far to say that there is no better fishing in the world. With over 100,000 lakes in Ontario alone, it's safe to say that it will always be one of the top fishing destinations in the world.

13) Are the books and maps copyrighted?

The writing and maps are protected by copyright. No reproduction in whole or in part is allowed without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Yes, that even includes scanning or photocopying the pages and/or posting the maps on the internet. If you ask, we are generally supportive of non commercial reproduction.

Hopefully this helps. We also welcome any other questions or comments.

Digital Editions

back to top
1) Is the Backroad Mapbooks Digital Edition GPS software?

No. They are GPS calibrated images that can be used in the most popular GPS compatible software. This means our map images work in secondary software that can be viewed on the computer. New in 2010, we have Backroad GPS Maps that load directly into Garmin GPS units as well as working on your computer through MapSource or Basecamp.

2)Will I be able to load the Backroad Mapbooks Digital Edition Maps onto my GPS device?

No. The maps can NOT be loaded onto a GPS device as provided. As stated above we now have Backroad GPS Maps that load directly onto Garmin GPS units.

3)Memory-Map Navigator isn't listing my maps. What's wrong?

Make sure that, you have read 3.3 “Instructions for Memory-Map Navigator Users” and check to see if you have refreshed the map directory correctly.

4)Can I use GPS functions with the Google Earth Program?

Yes, but you need to upgrade the Google Earth Free version to at least the Google Earth Plus version. There is an annual fee payable to Google Inc. for this service. For more information please visit Google Earth.

5)Do you have the Mapkey / Legend file on the CD?

Yes, they are located on both CD's in the "Mapkey" folder.

6)The CD won't work on my computer with Windows VISTA installed. How come?

Our New CD's Do not come with an installer any longer, This means you can use it on both Mac and PC and all you do is drag and drop the folders from the CD's into your computer.

7)Will it be possible that the maps will be able to load onto GPS device in the future?

Yes. Similar to our new Backroad GPS Maps, there is a good demand for getting our maps on these tools. It is hoped to have either an iPhone or Blackberry app out sometime in 2010.

8)Are the Digital Edition maps and writing copyrighted?

The writing and maps are protected by copyright. No reproduction in whole or in part is allowed without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Yes, that even includes using the PDF version of the maps on the internet. If you ask, we are generally supportive of non commercial reproduction.

Backroad GPS Maps

back to top
1)Do your maps load directly into my GPS Unit?

Yes. Our product comes in a micro SD format with a SD adaptor that loads directly into any Garmin GPS that has an SD/micro SD card slot (the only exception here is marine fixed-mount chartplotters). We provide both the maps and the Backroad Mapbook Points of Interest/activity write up information. The SD/micro SD card slot is found on all current and most Garmin products released in the last 3 years.

2)If I have more than one Garmin unit, can I use your maps on all of them?

Yes. As long as you have bought our SD/micro SD card version and all your GPS units hold SD cards. You can then port our SD card from one Garmin GPS unit to next.

3)Can I use the product on my computer in MapSource or Basecamp?

Yes. But you will have to register your product with us first. Once your product is registered we will provide a free "MapSource Download". Alternatively, we can mail the MapSource Readable Version on a DVD to you but this does not include a license key and there is a charge for this service. Our MapSource Version is only Windows compatible at this time.

4) If I have my own SD Card can I transfer the maps to this?

Yes. But you will need to buy the DVD version to transfer the maps via computer to your GPS unit. If you have more than one GPS unit, then you will need to buy separate unlock codes since you cannot port your own SD card from unit to unit with our maps on them. Please note our DVD's are only Windows compatible at this time.

5) What if I do not have a Garmin GPS, can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps?

Yes. You will need the DVD version and Mobile PC so you can enable the GPS feature of these programs to have a working GPS on a laptop.

6)Are Backroad GPS Maps Routable?

Yes. In fact we offer more routable roads than any other Garmin GPS product. In addition to the standard city streets, rural roads and highways we have also made many of the main logging and industrial roads routable. This extra level of routability helps people navigate to the many recreational points we offer. Now you can use your Go feature to find those hidden backcountry campsites, trailheads and even fishing locations.

7)What is the difference between Backroad GPS Maps and the other TOPO products out there?

Quite simply there is no comparison in the amount of information you get with Backroad GPS Maps. We have countless more roads, trails and recreational points. We also include write ups on thousands of places to fish, hike, ski, camp, ATV, and so on… This is information you will not find with any other GPS map product in Canada. We even provide more topographic detail including contours and better water detail.

8) Will you be updating the Backroad GPS Maps?

Yes. In addition to the countless city, rural and industrial road changes, we will continue to grow our trail and recreational information. We will be providing these updates to all users free of charge in 2010 (as long as you register with us). We also have update programs for purchase and have even created great incentives for active users to submit their own tracks and waypoints to qualify for more free updates. It is our ultimate goal to have a user based track and waypoint exchange program to ensure we have the most up to date recreational GPS map source available in Canada.

9) Are the Backroad GPS Maps and writing copyrighted?

The writing and maps are protected by copyright. No reproduction in whole or in part is allowed without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Yes, that even includes using screen version of the maps on the internet. If you ask, we are generally supportive of non commercial reproduction.

A more detailed Frequently Asked Questions page is found on our Backroad GPS Maps website Gpsmaps.ca

General Information

back to top
1)What is your return policy?

We want you to be happy with your purchase and shop with confidence at Backroad Mapbooks. Returns of all mapbooks and Recreation Maps are only accepted within 20 days of the ship date.

With any return request please email us at info@backroadmapbooks.com or call us to let us know what the nature of the return before returning any items.

Please understand that we will not accept returns on digital products (Digital Edition or Backroad GPS Maps) if the packaging is opened. TOPO Maps and Fishing Maps are also not returnable since each is custom made for the order. We will offer an exchange for the identical product if the one you receive is defective. Proof of purchase is required.

The customer is responsible for all return shipping charges of the product. A refund for the original purchase price of the products will be issued once we receive the returned merchandise. We do not refund the original billed shipping charges.

2) What is your policy on Backroad GPS Maps?

Similar to above, we will not accept returns on any digital products if the packaging is opened. This includes both the SD and Backroad GPS Maps-DVD. However, we will offer an exchange for the identical product if the one you receive is defective (or you want to replace your SD card with the DVD version). Proof of purchase is required.

Note there is a $20 charge to switch your SD card to a DVD version. You will need to send the product back to us in its original packaging to be eligible for the exchange.

3)What if my SD card no longer works?

Damaged SD cards can be exchanged under the following guidelines:

1. If the damage to the SD card happens within 90 days from the date of purchase (proof of purchase is required), we will replace your SD Card for free. You will need to return the defective SD card back to us in its original packaging.
2. If the damage to the SD card happens after 90 days, but within one year of purchase (proof of purchase is required), a charge of $25 applies for the new SD card. You will need to return the defective SD card back to us in its original packaging.

The customer is responsible for all return shipping charges of the product. A replacement item will be issued once we receive the returned merchandise. We do not refund the original billed shipping charges.

4)What if I buy a new GPS and have the DVD version?

The DVD version of the Backroad GPS Map series is locked to the units. We will provide you with a new unlock key under the following guidelines:

1. If you replace your GPS unit within 90 days from the date of purchase (proof of purchase is required), we will provide a new unlock key free of charge.
2. 2. If you replace your GPS unit after 90 days, but within one year of purchase (proof of purchase is required), a charge of $25 applies for the new unlock key.

Please be advised that the old key will be deactivated upon receipt of the new key.

back to top