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Heart of the Raincoast: A Life Story
Originally published in 2004, this updated edition has a brand-new cover and interior design, with a new foreword by Alexandra Morton.
Billy Proctor was born in 1934 and has spent his entire life in a remote coastal community called Echo Bay, BC on an island off northern Vancouver Island. Proctor has always done the time-honoured work of generations of upcoast men—hand-logging, fishing, clam digging, repairing boats, beachcombing.
But Billy eventually began to notice that the thriving runs of Pacific salmon, oolichans, and herring that he remembers from his early years were vanishing—some to near extinction—and he understood that it was time to take action.
Heart of the Raincoast is the fascinating story of Billy Proctor’s life, and the wealth of knowledge and understanding that can only be gained from living in such close proximity to nature. The writing is funny, touching and honest—and offers an engaging insider’s view not only of the salmon, whales, eagles and independent people who populate Canada’s wild and lovely coastal rainforest, but on what we need to do to keep it as nature intended.
Billy Proctor was born in 1934 and has spent his entire life in a remote coastal community called Echo Bay, BC on an island off northern Vancouver Island. Proctor has always done the time-honoured work of generations of upcoast men—hand-logging, fishing, clam digging, repairing boats, beachcombing.
But Billy eventually began to notice that the thriving runs of Pacific salmon, oolichans, and herring that he remembers from his early years were vanishing—some to near extinction—and he understood that it was time to take action.
Heart of the Raincoast is the fascinating story of Billy Proctor’s life, and the wealth of knowledge and understanding that can only be gained from living in such close proximity to nature. The writing is funny, touching and honest—and offers an engaging insider’s view not only of the salmon, whales, eagles and independent people who populate Canada’s wild and lovely coastal rainforest, but on what we need to do to keep it as nature intended.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1998
26 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 31, 2009
Although the book does a wonderful job of portraying what it was like to grow up and live in a remote archipelago of islands near Queen Charlotte Strait in B.C., it's ultimate message is to show how over-logging and over-fishing have destroyed the natural resources of the area. In one particular sound, chinook runs have gone from 300,000 in the 1930's to exactly 68 fish at last count. It's the lamentable story of the buffalo all over again.
December 10, 2020
Heart of the Raincoast really has heart. I really enjoyed this book on so many different levels. I finished the book with such a sense of place and such a sense of knowing the people that live in this remote area of the PNW. I learned so much about the salmon industry and the fight for making a living while protecting the environments sustainability for generations to come. Billy Proctor is a true hero and his story is beautifully written.
September 12, 2017
There is such beauty and power in the landscapes, mighty waters, and cultures of Vancouver Island and the coast of western British Columbia. This book is Morton's story of life on the coast, learned from her own life and the stories of friend and old-time logger, fisherman, community builder, lifelong resident, and finally conservation advocate, Billy Proctor. It is a fine contribution to understanding the unique environment of a region that has captivated me for over 20 years. A great book for anyone who enjoys and appreciate the unique places on our globe.
June 5, 2016
This is an amazing book. Very informative and insightful on the ecosystem of the BC west coast. I would recommend this book to people who would like to learn more on the topic.
I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this great book.
I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this great book.
July 7, 2019
This book was especially meaningful because we are touring British Columbia and visiting and seeing many of the places in this biography. Absolute best part is that we got to visit Billy’s Museum and to meet and talk to Billy.
October 2, 2021
4.5 if Goodreads let us use half stars
July 11, 2023
I grew up on the B.C. coast, south of where most of the action takes place in this book. Morton and Proctor made a formidable writing team covering both human folly and inspiring ingenuity. Now that human influenced, global warming is a reality books like this are crucial if we are ever going get out of the jackpot we've created as a species.
August 11, 2019
I had the honour of meeting Billy and Alex just once. The impact the Broughton had on me was lasting, and this book paints such a vivid picture of the wildlife, economics, and some of the distinct culture of that area. It was a pleasure to read. I would love to read an updated version, with more on the events of recent years and the role of indigenous communities in the fight to preserve our wild salmon. Recommendations welcomed if such a book exists.
May 14, 2014
Protecting our Natural Resources
A true life story of Billy Proctor a British Columbia native. If you enjoy outdoor nonfiction read this book. I selected this book myself because I'm kayaking this area where Billy Proctor still lives. A book for all ages.
A true life story of Billy Proctor a British Columbia native. If you enjoy outdoor nonfiction read this book. I selected this book myself because I'm kayaking this area where Billy Proctor still lives. A book for all ages.
December 25, 2013
This was tough to read because of the gradual demise of a way of life, all in the name of progress
September 19, 2017
A great read for those interested in life in the Pacific Northwest Coast. Interesting about how life was and the impacts on today. Billy is a real character and great fun!
September 19, 2024
Heart of the Raincoast a offers a vivid and compelling narrative about the life in the remote Broughton Archipelago, located off eastern shores of Vancouver Island. This intricate maze of over 200 islands, inlets, and cul-de-sacs is home to a thriving ecosystem, where ravens, eagles, orcas, salmon, and bears coexist in the heart of the rainforest. This book captures the rugged beauty and ecological significance of this sparsely populated area, which is also the ancient homeland of the Kwakwaka’waka, a people deeply connected to the water.
In this remote paradise, the lives of few residents embody the spirit of independence, resilience, and resourcefulness needed to survive. Billy Proctor, a fisherman, hand logger, beachcomber, storyteller, and activist, stands out as a significant figure. Alongside him is his neighbour, Alexandra Morton, a biologist and researcher who shares his dedication to preserving this fragile environment. Together, they recount the pioneering life on the coast and the gradual degradation of natural resources due to the encroachment of outside companies. Their story reveals the heartbreaking yet inspiring battle to protect this magnificent corner of the world from human interference.
More than just a memoir, Heart of the Raincoast it is a call to action, a tribute to a vanishing way of life, and a celebration of the resilience of both people and nature. This book is deeply moving and beautifully written making it a must-read for anyone interested in environmental conservation, the Pacific Northwest, or the indomitable human spirit. For those intrigued by Billy Proctor’s stories, his book Full Moon Flood Tide: Bill Proctor’s Raincoast, co-authored with Yvonne Maximchuk offers further insights into his life and the challenges of living in a remote area of the British Columbia coastline.
In this remote paradise, the lives of few residents embody the spirit of independence, resilience, and resourcefulness needed to survive. Billy Proctor, a fisherman, hand logger, beachcomber, storyteller, and activist, stands out as a significant figure. Alongside him is his neighbour, Alexandra Morton, a biologist and researcher who shares his dedication to preserving this fragile environment. Together, they recount the pioneering life on the coast and the gradual degradation of natural resources due to the encroachment of outside companies. Their story reveals the heartbreaking yet inspiring battle to protect this magnificent corner of the world from human interference.
More than just a memoir, Heart of the Raincoast it is a call to action, a tribute to a vanishing way of life, and a celebration of the resilience of both people and nature. This book is deeply moving and beautifully written making it a must-read for anyone interested in environmental conservation, the Pacific Northwest, or the indomitable human spirit. For those intrigued by Billy Proctor’s stories, his book Full Moon Flood Tide: Bill Proctor’s Raincoast, co-authored with Yvonne Maximchuk offers further insights into his life and the challenges of living in a remote area of the British Columbia coastline.
February 12, 2025
I first heard of this book while on a kayak expedition on the Johnstone Straight off Northern Vancouver Island. I heard about this book a second time when I wanted to know more about the communities on the northern half of Vancouver Island. Reading this book let me relive my kayak trip and gave me new perspective on the people who have forged their lives in the remote islands off Port McNeill. What an amazing story. Billy Proctor was born and raised as a fisherman and logger, then morphed into an advocate for preserving the salmon stocks. He is able to draw on all his practical experience and observations to see clearly how logging, pesticides and overfishing work to weaken the salmon population. This book is equal parts a story about growing up in nature with a real dose of concern with the state of our planet.
From the AI:
“Heart of the Rainforest” is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the life of Billy Proctor, a man deeply connected to the land and waters of British Columbia’s remote coast. His story is one of resilience, self-sufficiency, and a lifelong dedication to the natural world.
What makes this book stand out is its authentic voice and deep respect for the environment. Proctor’s firsthand experiences as a fisherman, homesteader, and conservationist paint a vivid picture of coastal life, balancing the harsh realities of survival with a love for the beauty and history of the region. His efforts to preserve the traditions and ecosystems of the area are inspiring, making this more than just a memoir—it’s also a call to appreciate and protect the natural world.
For anyone who enjoys stories of self-reliance, remote living, and the deep bond between people and place, this is a must-read.
From the AI:
“Heart of the Rainforest” is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the life of Billy Proctor, a man deeply connected to the land and waters of British Columbia’s remote coast. His story is one of resilience, self-sufficiency, and a lifelong dedication to the natural world.
What makes this book stand out is its authentic voice and deep respect for the environment. Proctor’s firsthand experiences as a fisherman, homesteader, and conservationist paint a vivid picture of coastal life, balancing the harsh realities of survival with a love for the beauty and history of the region. His efforts to preserve the traditions and ecosystems of the area are inspiring, making this more than just a memoir—it’s also a call to appreciate and protect the natural world.
For anyone who enjoys stories of self-reliance, remote living, and the deep bond between people and place, this is a must-read.
February 3, 2023
A must-read for all! I loved every page of it. Thought-provoking, fascinating, heart wrenching, and full of coastal adventure - This book has it all and is written in a way that made me feel like I was sitting around a campfire hearing it straight from Billy and Alex.
If you’ve benefitted in anyway from the resources we gain from the environment this book is for you. Which is to say this book is an important read for everyone!
Thanks to Alex's masterful storytelling, it has been a book I had a hard time putting down. I look forward to reading her other books. I hope to find myself in Echo Bay one day to visit Billy's museum and shake his hand. Reading this has further inspired me to find my place in mitigating the negative impact us humans have had on the environment and redirecting the trajectory of our future.
If you’ve benefitted in anyway from the resources we gain from the environment this book is for you. Which is to say this book is an important read for everyone!
Thanks to Alex's masterful storytelling, it has been a book I had a hard time putting down. I look forward to reading her other books. I hope to find myself in Echo Bay one day to visit Billy's museum and shake his hand. Reading this has further inspired me to find my place in mitigating the negative impact us humans have had on the environment and redirecting the trajectory of our future.
May 30, 2021
As someone who lives on Vancouver Island and has travelled through the Broughton Archipelago this is an essential read. Not only is it a life story of a person, but also of the impact of settlers on the coast of BC. There is a lot of information about the fishing and logging industries and at some point I was saying to myself "why is this here?" but altogether it was very interesting. The only main complaint I have is that I found it was really weirdly organized, particularly for the first half of the book, as it was only very loosely chronological. It also switches topics in some places for seemingly no rhyme-or-reason. Apart from that, super cool, and definitely makes you want to scream at the government (always a good thing to do).
July 9, 2024
This is a must read for anyone spending time in BC’s Broughton Archipelago and especially staff & politicians of BC’s DFO. Billy Proctor’s life is Westcoast legendary (he’s currently 90 years old & still living in Echo Bay) and I felt incredibly honoured to meet & speak with him while visiting his museum there.
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December 27, 2023Lovely
December 2, 2025
A wonderful insight into life in the rainforest. Sad statement about bureaucratic mishandling ignorance and abuse of the resource by DFO among others.
June 8, 2024
A soulful portrait of a disappearing Mainland. Alexandra Morton tells the story of Billy Proctor’s life, weaving together recounts of his life with her own stories of her time with Billy in Echo Bay, Proctor’s own writings, his mothers poetry, photographs, and Morton’s artwork.
The form is really cool, I like that the narrator (Morton) is so visible in her recounting. Having multiple storytellers is enriching and draws the reader deeper into the wet forests and dark waters of the Raincoast. Especially later in the book, an impassioned ecological narrative develops against the frustrating mismanagement and disappearance of forests and fish. I love how the book is part-historical, part-environmental, part-biographical, while remaining forward-looking.
In storying the Mainland, the book has an obvious blind spot, in that it bears little mention of Kwakwaka’wakw sovereignty. The stories of Mainlanders–ruggedly self-sufficient people who found home through fishing, hand logging, community-building, and perseverance–could be read behaviour as the behaviour of colonizers.
Morton excels in highlighting a changing (though sluggish) trajectory in how settler society looks at this precious coast and our place in it, interwoven with a call to arms to do what’s right by this landscape and especially, by the salmon. Five stars for a unique and engaging form, sincere prose, and a fantastic narrative.
The form is really cool, I like that the narrator (Morton) is so visible in her recounting. Having multiple storytellers is enriching and draws the reader deeper into the wet forests and dark waters of the Raincoast. Especially later in the book, an impassioned ecological narrative develops against the frustrating mismanagement and disappearance of forests and fish. I love how the book is part-historical, part-environmental, part-biographical, while remaining forward-looking.
In storying the Mainland, the book has an obvious blind spot, in that it bears little mention of Kwakwaka’wakw sovereignty. The stories of Mainlanders–ruggedly self-sufficient people who found home through fishing, hand logging, community-building, and perseverance–could be read behaviour as the behaviour of colonizers.
Morton excels in highlighting a changing (though sluggish) trajectory in how settler society looks at this precious coast and our place in it, interwoven with a call to arms to do what’s right by this landscape and especially, by the salmon. Five stars for a unique and engaging form, sincere prose, and a fantastic narrative.
October 3, 2016
This book reminded me of growing up in a small town. A nice place to visit, but not much happens.
A nice story about a nice man.
A nice story about a nice man.
May 28, 2021
For me, it started slow, but maybe that was necessary to understand the place and people.
November 23, 2023
Billy and Alexandra tell a beautiful tale of people pioneering life on the coast. The compelling tales cultivate love for our wild spaces and inspire us to take action to protect what little true wilderness we have left.
July 15, 2016
Looking forward to meeting Billy Proctor soon! Maybe Ms. Morton will be there too? I'll have to look for her whale books now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews