BRMB Maps vs Gaia GPS: Which app is best for you?

Have you ever had one of those days where you know you want to go on an adventure, but you’ve already explored all the local areas that you know about? 

Or, have you ever been on a road trip where you know you want to cram as many outdoor adventures as possible into a few days, but you don’t know where to start?

When you are looking for adventure, having the right navigation tool is the difference between an epic day and a frustrating one. 

With roughly 60% of North Americans heading into the wild to find their reset, the trails are busier than ever, making precise, localized data more than just a convenience, it's a necessity for finding those uncrowded gems.

With the latest Backroad Maps App and the specialized layers available on Gaia GPS, you have plenty of options. But choosing between them depends entirely on where you plan to put your boots on the ground.

 

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Endless Adventure Opportunities

Much like the Backroad Mapbooks that have lived in Canadian gloveboxes for three decades, the BRMB Maps App is built on a massive network of logging roads, deactivated trails, and hidden spots that generic maps often overlook.

Recent outdoor data shows that nearly 60% of North Americans are now heading into the wild to find their reset (Outdoor Industry Association, 2024). With more people on the move, having precise, localized data isn't just about finding a trail, it’s about finding a trail that isn't overcrowded.

The Backroad Maps app offers even more advanced trip planning options allowing you to find the distance or elevation gain of a trail, save a GPX/KML file for use on your GPS, print a custom map and much more, creating the perfect tool to virtually plan adventures, track your routes and view our highly acclaimed maps on a bigger screen.

If your travels take you beyond the border, you can still bring a piece of home with you. The Gaia GPS Premium subscription allows you to layer Backroad Mapbooks’ specialized data; including Multi-Use Trails, Motorized Trails (ATV & Snowmobile), and Paddling Routes, directly onto any Gaia GPS map. This gives you the flexibility to mix our localized Canadian expertise with the massive library of global map providers included in their premium service.

There are so many tools packed into these apps that it would take an entire booklet to explain them all. However, we have chosen a few to highlight a few key differences here.

 

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It all starts with the Basemap

Both BRMB Maps and Gaia GPS include the Backroad Maps Basemap, which features the same industry-leading cartographic detail with topographic relief and unparalleled road & trail coverage found in the mapbooks.

Additionally, the apps are packed with bonus features that don’t fit into a printed book! 

Here are some of the features included in the BRMB Basemap:

• topographic relief, shading and elevation contour lines
• clearly defined national, provincial and regional parks, First Nations Reserves, ecological reserves, restricted areas and more
• thousands of clearly marked roads
• natural features such as creeks, streams, waterbodies, wetlands, mountain ranges and cliffs

 

Local Grit vs. Global Reach

The BRMB Maps App is built for those of us roaming Canada’s backcountry. It features a massive network of logging roads and deactivated trails that generic apps often miss. For 2026, BRMB has expanded even further with version 3.7, adding 45,000 km of new roads and over 8,000 new Adventure Points of Interest (POIs) across Canada. See PRO Subscription pricing here.

Gaia GPS is a powerhouse for global topographic data, perfect if your travels take you across the border or overseas. A major update for 2026 is Gaia's T-Mobile Satellite Connectivity, which supports off-grid safety even when you are miles from a cell tower.

With a Gaia GPS Premium Subscription (US$59.90/year*), you will find many other basemap options covering the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and more. Limited Time Only: Get 10% off Gaia GPS Premium or Outside+. Get access to weather and terrain features, 300+ maps, and offline navigation. Download now.

Subscription & Pricing (As of April 2026)

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Why Adventure Layers Matter

The real magic of BRMB Maps is how the data is organized by adventure type. While Gaia provides excellent global layers, BRMB offers eleven specialized layers specifically for Canadian terrain, including Fishing, Hunting, Camping, and Snowmobiling.

These include:

• Backroad attractions (natural and man-made roadside attractions)
• Fishing areas (lakes, rivers, ocean & stocked lakes) 
• Hunting areas
• Paddling routes (lakes, rivers, ocean & whitewater)
• Parks and campsites (including backcountry huts & cabins)
• Recreation sites in BC
• Multi-Use Trails (hiking, mountain biking, TCT, etc.) 
• ATV Trails
• Snowmobile Routes
• Wildlife viewing locations
• Winter recreation opportunities (skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry)
• Bonus layers of Crown Land, Private Land and Industry and Recreation Roads

 

 

Each POI in the BRMB Maps app is backed by detailed descriptions from local researchers, giving you the lowdown on trail distances, fish species, and even campground sizes.

Not only does BRMB Maps include more Adventure types, but the big advantage is that each Adventure POI shown on the maps is supplemented with detailed written descriptions written by our team of outdoor writers and researchers, filling you in on trail distance, fish species, hunting regulations, campground size, number of portages and much more. Plus, you can review and add photos for each adventure to help other BRMB Maps users explore!

Gaia GPS Premium Subscription also includes the BRMB overlays for Trails, ATVing, Paddling, and Snowmobiling, along with a host of other map overlays from other map sources such as wildlife management areas for many provinces.

Similarly to the BRMB Maps, you can turn these layers on and off to add value-added information to the basemap of your choice. Gaia GPS also provides a bonus layer for current and historic wildfires. 

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Redundancy is Reality

Even with the latest tech, the smartest move is redundancy. Recent reports from Search and Rescue (SAR) highlight that Canada's vast landscapes make rescue operations increasingly difficult, emphasizing the need for proper preparation. 

Many explorers use a physical Backroad Mapbook or Waterproof Map as a backup. BRMB Maps also offers a unique custom printed map service, allowing you to get a high-quality topographic map of any specific Canadian location delivered to your door.

Search, Trip-Planning and Map Printing Options

With BRMB Maps, you can search for and plan new adventures anytime and anywhere using one of the several enhanced Search options on BRMBmaps.com. The smartphone App version has a general features search with plans to enhance this search with all the Adventure POI found on the maps. Users can also create custom waypoints and tracks, save maps for offline use and access trips on multiple devices.

The Gaia GPS main map also includes general features search and options to find hikes, trails, trailheads and places. When using the BRMB overlays, anyone with a premium Gaia membership will have access to these enhanced features along with the overlays.

 

Another exciting feature of BRMB Maps is the ability to order a custom printed map of any location within Canada and add your features or BRMB Adventure points. This allows you to zoom in on a specific location, region, or park and receive a highly detailed topographic map right to your doorstep. 

Gaia GPS Premium subscribers also have the option to zoom into specific areas, add layers or grid lines, show tracks, routes or waypoints and more on a printed PDF Map to take hiking or on a road trip. However, the added Adventure layers and POI and the quality material and water-resistant options give BRMB Maps the edge when it comes to custom maps. 

 

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FAQ

Is BRMB Maps free to use? The basemap is free to use while you have a connection. For offline maps, satellite layers, and advanced tracking, you’ll want to look at the PRO options.

Can I use the app without cell service? Yes. PRO users can download specific areas to their devices. Your phone’s internal GPS will still show your location on the map even when you are miles away from the nearest tower.

How often is the data updated? We are constantly refreshing our data. Our 3.7 update alone added over 45,000 km of new roads and thousands of new points of interest across Canada.

Can I print maps from the app? You can print custom maps through our web platform at BRMBmaps.com. For those who want professional quality, we also offer Custom TOPO Maps that can be printed on water-resistant material and shipped to your door.

Does it work with my truck's dashboard? Yes, the app is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to see your route on a larger screen while you are driving the backroads.

The Outdoor Adventures Await!

Both the BRMB Maps App and Gaia GPS Premium are great options for outdoor adventures. Both apps give users the ability to drop custom waypoints, record tracks, access and save trips, download maps for offline use, and navigate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Gaia has the upper hand with international travel and contains unique value-added map layers, while BRMB Maps is better for Outdoor Adventurers across Canada. 

BRMB Maps includes thousands of Outdoor Adventure POI which we have accumulated across the country through almost 30 years of mapbook research, as well as an advanced Web Map platform for serious map and trip planning enthusiasts… try the BRMB Maps Free Trial and see what works best for you!