If there is any outdoor activity that has grown exponentially since the COVID pandemic, it is Overlanding. Overlanding is a fusion of camping, off-roading and exploring that delivers a totally unique adventure. While hardy souls have been traveling around the world for decades, many are now outfitting vehicles and getting off the beaten track, exploring backroads and crown land, finding a small lake and setting up camp for a week-end, a few days or even a few weeks.
Equipment manufacturers have recognized this growing demand, and the sheer variety and abundance of products on the market is truly astounding. From rooftop tents, awnings, off-road trailers, self-recovery equipment, auxiliary lighting and more, the sky is now the limit when outfitting a vehicle for extended travel. That’s not to say you need to spend a fortune, folding your seats down and throwing a sleeping bag in the back of your vehicle works well too. But the more time you spend off the beaten track, the more comforts you may decide to indulge in.
That said, not all overlanding is spent off-road. A good description of overlanding is “vehicle-based, on-road and off-road adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience and the enjoyment of the journey”. So, a trip on remote backroads into Northern Quebec or exploring the Rocky Mountains on the Icefields Parkway both qualify as overlanding. All that is required is a love of the great outdoors, camping culture and the desire to discover new destinations!
With the explosion of this new form of travel, groups, events and more have sprung up across the country. One new Canadian organization, OverlandNth, (overlandnth.ca), has been hosting events bringing together vehicle owners and suppliers for week-end gatherings with a variety of activities; from off-road driving to clinics covering overlanding topics to evening dinners with all participants, allowing folks to build a sense of comradery. A recent gathering at Albion Hills to the northwest of Toronto drew over four hundred attendees on one day alone.
Backroad Maps has added Overland routes, both backcountry and highway based or a combination of the two to our Adventures listings right across the country in our BRMBmaps app. While some routes are suited to four-wheel drive vehicles, others, such as the T-Railway in Newfoundland, are open to dual sport motorbikes only.
The OVERLAND adventure layer in our popular BRMBmaps app, is available for both IOS and Android. Our desktop application, brmbmaps.com, also offers this layer to aid explorers as they plan their trips.
To discover these routes, open the “layers” pop-up, found either at the bottom of the screen on the app or in the top right corner of the map on the desktop BRMB Maps (brmbmaps.com) version. Turning on this layer will give you full access to all the new Overland routes spread right across the country. Look for the “
” on the maps and click it for details and a description of the route. As new print mapbooks are released, look for Overland route descriptions in the ATV Adventure section as well.
Highlights of these new trails include the Gorge-Pettipiece Pass Route east of Revelstoke, leading over the pass and down to the western shores of Revelstoke Lake. Another overland route option follows a backroad route running from Baie Comeau north to Labrador and over to Newfoundland. The 300 km (186 mi) Algonquin/Halliburton Overland Route, while pavement based, offers plenty of opportunities to explore Crown Land.
And how can you find Crown Land? Yes, you guessed it, it can easily be found on the BRMBmaps app or our desktop application by turning on the Crown Land layer! Also, quite handy for overlanders are the Private Land, Industrial/Rec Roads, Service Providers and Gas Stations/EV Charging layers. The BRMBmaps app has you covered for any and every eventuality!
There are even more options for those looking for something other than Crown Land. The Parks layer contains information on National Parks, Provincial Parks, Regional Parks, Conservation Areas and more with full park details, activities and contact information. Looking for park and private campgrounds, turn on the Camping layer while those in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have the option of the Rec Site layer, where overlanders will find hundreds of backcountry campsites, many on secluded lakes.
Canada is home to spectacular landscapes and overlanders know it is the journey, not the destination. The BRMBmaps app Attractions layer provides information on waterfalls, museums and plenty of natural attractions. Hikers and mountain bikers will appreciate the Trail and Mountain Bike layers while anglers can discover full details about lakes including hotspots, species and regulations by turning on the fishing layer. And the Wildlife layer serves as a guide of where to look for moose, bear, wolf and more!
And don’t forget our print Backroad Mapbooks which still serve as a solid and dependable resource. The batteries do not die on paper maps and they allow for an easy overview of the routes as you plan. In this digital age, there is just something reassuring about holding a physical item in your hands.
With our new Overland layer and all the BRMBmaps smartphone app and web map has to offer, there is no excuse to avoid going out and discovering all this great country has to offer! Download the BRMBmaps app today and start exploring!