Some of the best overland routes in British Columbia don’t end at a summit — they end at the water. These routes combine accessible backcountry driving with lakeside camping, where the goal isn’t just the drive, but where you park at the end of it. From quiet alpine settings to larger, well-known lakes, each of these delivers a place to slow down. Ranked by overall experience — access, setting, and camp quality. 1️⃣ Cabin Lake Why it stands out: Remote feel, quiet setting, an

A practical guide to crown land camping in BC—where you can camp for free, the rules to follow, and how to find good spots near Vancouver and beyond.

Most backcountry routes in BC start on a Forest Service Road. This breaks down what they’re like, where they go, and what you need to know before driving one.

Discover the best multi-day overland routes in Western Canada, from the Dempster Highway to remote BC backcountry traverses built for true expedition travel.

Discover 5 beginner overland routes in British Columbia — scenic forest service roads and easy 4x4 trails perfect for building confidence off pavement.

Explore the top 5 challenging overland routes in British Columbia — steep climbs, alpine passes, and demanding 4x4 terrain for experienced drivers only.

Whether you’re new to overlanding or planning a long weekend escape, this guide highlights five standout routes that begin within easy reach of Vancouver. Each delivers something different: oceanfront camping, mountain views, remote rec sites, or quiet gravel corridors deep in the backcountry.

A fantastic overland route presenting varied scenery, 4x4 challenges, a stunning lakeside campsite, and nearby summit opportunities.

The Shovelnose Mountain - South Shovelnose FSR is an easy day-trip that is suitable for any 4x4, and likely some AWD vehicles. This is an excellent route for those looking for a basic 4x4 route with views and nearby camping.

The Mission Pass - Mission Mountain and Seaton Highline Road is an easy overland route with big views.

The Green Mountain Fire Lookout route is a challenging overland route that presents the opportunity to drive tremendous terrain and gain alpine views.

A moderately challenging overland route that presents the opportunity to drive beside alpine meadows and gain sweeping views of the surrounding area.

An easy overland route that culminates with beautiful camping options on the shore of Chehalis Lake. Very busy on weekends.

An easy overland route with wonderful beach camping and multiple points of interest throughout.

Illal Lake is a moderately difficult backcountry route that offers plentiful alpine lakeside camping following an overgrown, buggy hike in.

An easy early season route featuring caves and lakeside camping.

A moderately challenging route that presents big views and sub-alpine lake camping opportunities. Highly recommended!

An easy route with lakeside camping that is far enough from the lower mainland to avoid crowds yet still within easy access.

A relaxing, scenic route that provides camping opportunities at west Murphy Lake and adequate views from Grasshopper Ridge.

A relatively short, easy through route providing access to the retired Greenstone Mountain fire lookout.