Ken McGoogan, author and former books editor, Calgary Herald.

“Heading Out’s a winner. The contents of Heading Out could hardly be more relevant and timely: urban getaways, day-trip destinations, weekend destinations, the Rockies, Kananaskis Country – you name it, Masterman’s got it covered.”

Andy Russell, author of Memoirs of a Mountain Man and The Life of a River.

“Many of us live surrounded by beauty and never see it. We think we are too busy to have a look. Calgary has two rivers. Within what other city can you land a five-pound trout? Bruce Masterman has taken the time to explore the beauty in and around the city where he makes his living. This book is a celebration of nature. Bruce writes from his heart.”

Kevin Van Tighem, author of Wild Animals of Western Canada and Coming West: A Natural History of Home.

“This is the best book on Alberta’s outdoors written to date. Conservation writing at its best, it celebrates the diverse beauty of the natural world and encourages us to explore and appreciate it. No other writer can speak with such quiet authority about Calgary and region’s diversity of outdoor recreation possibilities and natural environments.”

Sandra Foss, former president, Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society, and former executive director of Calgary Area Outdoor Council.

“This book is a must for everyone who has ever wondered where best to take a walk, look at the birds, smell the flowers or cast a line in Calgary and area. Use this book as your tour guide. It’s easy to read, has mountains of information and super suggestions.”

Bob Shiels, former Calgary Herald columnist, book reviewer for several southern Alberta weekly newspapers, including High River Times.

“Heading Out is a book for all seasons for anyone who embraces the outdoor life. Masterman’s outdoor destinations aren’t places he’s heard about. He’s been there. Heading out is something he does every chance he gets. He’s writing about what he personally knows absolutely.”

Joyce Moore, Outdoor Journal columnist for several weekly newspapers in southern Alberta.

“Bruce is eminently qualified to write this book. He has hiked, skied and fished with his family in the areas he describes. Heading Out presents the practical point of view of the experienced outdoorsman whose livelihood has come from a familiarity with the out-of-doors. But more than that, the joy of it all shines through, the sense of wonder he gains from his experiences, the pleasure he derives from sharing it with others, especially children. A must-read for anyone who ventures into our outdoors.”

Susan Scott, former feature writer, Calgary Herald.

“What he does is introduce readers to the area, tell you what to watch for, and then perhaps he will relate one of his heart-felt encounters fishing, or skiing, on the trail. The encounters may be with nature or with other humans, for Masterman doesn’t discount the value of human exchange in the wilds. He writes as if he were leaving you the space for your own experience, to make the expedition uniquely yours.”