Driving BC: the best day and weekend trips for Overlanding

I don’t like to admit in public that I am a Overlander, because I think of the very cheesy YouTube Overlanders and the Instagram “influencers” that all drive the same vehicles and have $150,000 worth of gear to go camping. Those people wouldn’t consider me an overlander I assume, because I haven’t bought a rooftop tent or spent my life savings on Max Traxx and Magpul gloves. I overland in a stock GMC pickup with a (ground) tent, a case of bottled water, a Tupperware box full of pans and spatulas (don’t ask) and a cooler full of food. Let me clear this up even more. I hate tents, so I have started sleeping in my pickup while out in the bush because tents suck. I love exploring new roads and driving so that overrides my desire for comfortable sleep, but let me tell you: if every day out in the bush ended in a nice hotel room or my own bed I would go out every weekend.

I need to say when it comes to traveling the back country we are spoiled in BC because almost every area you travel to has an abundance of off road exploration available to you. Just like the last post of some of the best day trips for sports cars, this post will highlight only some of my favourite off highway routes for 4x4 capable or higher clearance 2wd vehicles. I know there will be some roads and routes that readers will say should have been on the list, but these suggested routes are for the majority of the readers to enjoy not only the most equipped and built 4x4’s .

1. Pemberton - Braelorn - Bradian - Seton Portage - Highline Road (425km Minimum)

The above map circles an area of not only great beauty but interesting British Columbian mining history. My suggestion is that you make this a minimum 2 night/3 day adventure. Starting in Pemberton I suggest climbing the over the Hurley and heading to the town of Bralorne. Take your time to explore the area around Bralorne including the Old mine site and old Bradian town site. Be careful about going into some of the houses that look unoccupied because some of them actually have people living there. (Trust me.) There are a lot of side roads in the area to explore and you probably will come across old homes and properties of people who left once the old mine shut down. Do your research before going there are lots of things to find and see. After leaving that area explore around Carpenter Lake and the Terzaghi Dam site before climbing over the mountains to Seton Portage. Explore Seaton Portage and then take the Highline Road from Seaton Portage to D’Arcy. All the roads suggested are easily passible with 4x4 or high clearance 2wd vehicles just make sure you have good tires because the roads are rocky and can damage worn tires easily. I can’t stress enough to take your time in these ares, there are lots of interesting side roads to explore while your roaming the area. Also this region is a protected Grizzly Bear Sanctuary to make sure your prepared for encounters with wildlife.

2. Douglas Lake to Traders Cove ( 142km )

This wonderful stretch of off highway roads is so worth the day to explore. This is a section of a larger trip I have done in the past that saw myself and a friend cover almost 800km in three days with more than half of it off-highway. It is still my favourite exploration trip to date. Google maps says it should take two and a half hours but it will be more likely 6 hours if you actually come out in traders cove. I have to admit although I have it mapped to come out at traders cove I have never been able to find that route while in my truck. The last attempt had me come out to the highway in the Killiney/Fintry area on Westside Road. You will need a good GPS and also my favourite backroad map books to help you find your way through. Due to all the Logging in the area, there are new roads popping up all over the place and older roads have been changed or added to which can confuse even the best map readers. You will not be disappointed with your day out there or make it a multi day exploration trip and bring your plotter to map the area for future fun.

3. Ashcroft - Spences Bridge via Kirkland Ranch Road

This is most definitely a day trip and one that can be done in basically any vehicle. There are some rough patches and some very narrow sections of road but it offers some rich history from a stop at an old Church to a selection of abandoned cars from the fifties. You get a 33km road that you wish was 330 kms long. If you live out in the Fraser valley plan on 5 - 6 hours round trip to explore this area.

Comment below on your favourite off-road weekend trips, and if you do any of these routes do your research before going, there is so much to see in these areas that I can’t list them all.