If you are an overland camper in British Columbia and you don’t know the best camping spot to opt for, then this piece is for you. In this blog article, we will look at some of the best overland camping sites in British Columbia.
Overlanding in British Columbia
British Columbia, located in western Canada, is an ideal location for overland camping because of so many key factors. One of them is the breathtaking landscapes campers witness while traveling.
British Columbia is also home to diverse terrains and ecosystems, such as coastal rainforests, towering mountain ranges, vast deserts, and serene lakes. The abundance of these diverse terrains makes it possible for campers to engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Another factor that makes British Columbia a perfect destination for overland camping is its perfect weather conditions. British Columbia enjoys relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. This makes overlanding and camping possible even during the shoulder seasons, with fewer extreme weather fluctuations than in other parts of Canada.
Some of The Best Overland Camping Spots in British Columbia
Aside from the factors we have explained earlier, one other key factor that makes British Columbia a wonderful place to go overland camping is the number of camping spots the province currently has.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
The Joffre Lakes Trail is a top-rated overland camping spot in British Columbia with stunning glacier-fed lakes. The spot has three lakes called Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre, all connected to the main trail. As an overland camper, if you pick this spot, you will get to hike and get treated to the beautiful view of the lakes below the mountain.
Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park
The Garibaldi Lake Trail is another great spot for overland camping. This trail is home to a fabulous lake with amazing colour and is very clean. Overland campers at Garibaldi Lake Trail also experience breathtaking views and beautiful landscapes.
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
The Stawamus Chief Trail is another popular overlanding spot in British Columbia. This trail is locally known as “The Chief,” it is home to some of the best mountains and terrain in British Columbia. If you are an avid hiker, you may opt for this spot because it gives hikers the most substantial views in the shortest distance.
Whipsaw Trail
This is one of the most popular and iconic overland camping spots in British Columbia. This trail is near Princeton, a 70-kilometer loop that takes you through dense forests, rocky hills, alpine meadows, and historic mining sites. The trail is rated moderate to difficult and requires high-clearance 4×4 vehicles with low range and good tires. The good thing about this location is that it is not that big, so if you decide to camp there, you will not have trouble finding your way out.
Harrison Lake
This large lake is located north of Chilliwack, surrounded by mountains and forests. There are several overlanding routes that you can take around the lake, depending on your skill level and vehicle capability. Some of the routes include the Harrison West Forest Service Road, which follows the west shore of the lake and offers scenic views and camping spots; the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road, which leads to the Nahatlatch Provincial Park and Recreation Area, where you can enjoy whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing; and the Sloquet Hot Springs Forest Service Road, which takes you to a natural hot spring that is open year-round.
Vancouver Island
This island is one of the largest in British Columbia. It is mostly known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The island has many overlanding opportunities, from coastal beaches and rainforests to mountains and lakes. Some of the highlights include the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which features sandy beaches, rocky shores, and temperate rainforests; Strathcona Provincial Park, which is the oldest provincial park in BC and home to the highest peaks on the island; and the North Coast Trail, which is a challenging wilderness trail that follows the rugged coastline of the island.
Fraser Canyon
This scenic region in British Columbia follows the Fraser River from Hope to Lytton. The canyon is known for its cliffs, rapids, bridges, tunnels, and historic sites. There are several overland routes that you can take along the canyon, such as the Trans Canada Highway 1, which offers spectacular views of the river and the mountains; the Gold Rush Trail, which traces the route of the 1858 gold rush and passes through several historic towns and landmarks; and the Nahatlatch-Hurley Forest Service Road Loop, which is a challenging route that crosses two mountain passes and offers access to lakes, rivers, hot springs, and wildlife areas.
Kootenay Rockies
This location is another great place for overlanders in British Columbia to camp. This region is in southeastern BC and encompasses four mountain ranges: the Purcells, the Selkirks, the Monashees, and the Rockies. This area is known for many great things, such as its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and hot springs. There are many overland routes that you can take in this region; they include the Kootenay Lake Circle Route, the Hot Springs Circle Route, and the Powder Highway Loop.
Conclusion
A lot of factors contribute massively to an enjoyable and memorable overland camping experience, and one of them is the overland camping spot. As an overland camper, your camping spot, coupled with your camping gear, will either make or ruin your camping experience.
That said, if you have successfully picked a location to camp and need quality rooftop tents for your comfort and other camping accessories, don’t hesitate to visit Rooftoptents.ca today.
