Why is overlanding so much fun?

overlanding 4x4 rental British Columbia Maple Overland

Overlanding is a unique and exciting way to explore the natural beauty of British Columbia. B.C. is a province located in the western part of Canada and is known for its diverse landscapes. From alpine mountains, to vast rainforests, pristine lakes, and untouched beaches, B.C. offers an incredible range of natural wonders for exploration and adventure. 

Here are 5 facts about overlanding in British Columbia

  1. The province is home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, grizzly bears, moose, deer, and wolves. It’s not uncommon to spot these animals while overlanding. Observing them in their natural habitat can be a truly unforgettable experience.
  2. British Columbia is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a perfect destination for overlanding enthusiasts. The province has thousands of kilometers of hiking trails, lakes for fishing and kayaking, natural hot springs, mountains for climbing. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. 
  3.  The self-sufficiency aspect of overlanding is also a major part of why it is so much fun. Maple Overland vehicles are equipped with everything you need to be self-sufficient, including large roof top tent, all kitchen utensils and other camping gear to enjoy your 4×4 adventure as comfortable as possible. We will help you to be completely independent and truly immerse yourself in our backcountry and to spend quality time with your loved ones, away from daily life distractions. You can travel to remote areas and camp in complete peace and solitude, which is a truly unique and fulfilling experience.
  4. Cultural experiences: British Columbia is home to a rich cultural heritage, including First Nations communities with a long and proud history. Overlanding allows you to visit communities or a cultural centre, their traditions and culture are an eye opener and inspiring.
  5. Another aspect of overlanding in British Columbia that makes so enjoyable is the community that comes with it. You will meet other overlanders and share experiences, knowledge, and stories with each other. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends and bond with like-minded individuals.

Finally, overlanding in B.C. is a truly unique way to experience the province. You can get off the beaten path and explore areas that most tourists never see. You can discover hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, and remote mountain lakes that are only accessible by 4×4 vehicles. Connect with our backcountry and experience its beauty in a way that is not possible with traditional motorhomes or camper vans.

boondocking with 4x4 rental BC, only with Maple Overland

Overlanding is a truly unforgettable experience that combines adventure and relaxation. At Maple Overland we rent out Jeep Wrangler 4-doors, packed with iKamper rooftop tents and all the camping gear you need to explore the wild backcountry of our Province as comfortably as possible. Experience sleeping in a rooftop tent under the stars, build your own campfire and prepare your delicious camping meal while enjoying a gorgeous sunset. Our fully equipped expedition 4×4’s come with everything you need to enjoy your B.C. adventure. Click here for some overlanding pics and remote camp spots you can visit with our Jeeps.

What to pack for your overland adventure?

Check the weather and pack accordingly

Like with most outdoor activities in life, you should start by checking the weather forecast for the regions you’re about to visit and think of what kinds of activities you’ll be doing. If you’re staying near the coast or in the mountains, it can get cooler than you’d expect so be ready to layer up. Keep in mind that British Columbia’s weather can change instantly during the off-season. It can be clear and sunny at one point, and snowing or raining the next moment. 

Bring duffel bags 

Duffel bags are amazing to carry when you’re ‘Jeeping’. They stack easily and are flexible when you throw them on top of one another. That means they’re pretty good at fitting into the space left in the Jeep next to the fridge and our 2 expedition boxes. Having said this, hard case suitcases are definitely a no go. 

Clothes to bring 

We suggest you should at least bring the garments below:

    • Socks 

    • Underwear 

    • Base layers (synthetic or wool) 

    • Sports bra 

    • Comfortable short or long t-shirts (cotton is okay) (mid layer)

    • Sweater 

    • (Quick drying) Shorts and swim shorts 

    • (Quick drying) Pants  

    • Sleepwear 

    • Fleece jacket 

    • Puffy jacket (insulated or down for spring and fall) 

    • Rain jacket 

    • Sun hat or cap 

    • Toque/Beanie and gloves (spring and fall)

    • Comfortable (waterproof) shoes 

    • Sandals/Flip Flops 

      Also don’t forget… 

    • Toothbrush and toothpaste  

    • Quick drying towel 

    • Biodegradable toilet paper (outdoor friendly) 

    • Biodegradable shower gel 

    • Toiletry bag with your outdoor friendly essentials 

    • Sunscreen (ocean friendly)

    • Sunglasses 

    • (e)books and magazines 

    • Camera  

    • Chargers for all your electronics

    • Binoculars 

    • Sleeping bag:

      We recommend in summer a ratio between 0°C to 5°C and for fall -9°C to 0°C (if needed, we rent out 5°C sleeping bags)  

    • Headlamps (if needed, we rent out headlamps) 

    • Head net (against nasty mosquitos)  

    • Reusable water bottle 

    • Reusable mug

    • Bear safety gear like Bear Spray and Air Horn. Essential outdoor gear is available at local outdoor stores in Squamish. 

Of course, what you pack is mostly a matter of personal choice, but with this list we hope we gave you a leg up while packing. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We love the pre-holiday fun just as much as you do, and don’t mind helping you pack for the adventure of your lifetime.

At Maple Overland we rent out overland 4×4 Jeeps, packed with rooftop tent and all the camping gear you need to explore the wild backcountry of British Columbia as comfortably as possible. Experience sleeping in a rooftop tent under the stars, build a campfire and create your own delicious camping food while enjoying a gorgeous sunset. Our fully equipped expedition Jeeps come with everything you need to enjoy your B.C. adventure. See here which gear you get with our Jeeps and read along for tips on what to bring yourself. 

Media coverage featuring Maple Overland

Endless backroads in British Columbia for car camping

Explore Magazine

Explore is Canada’s leading source for inspiring travel stories, destination guides, gear reviews, and practical adventure tips. Beyond the pages of its print magazine, Explore connects with its audience through a dynamic YouTube channel featuring gear unboxings, outdoor skills tutorials, and highlights of top adventure destinations.

The Article is published online

Youtube

Columbus Travel

Columbus Travel is one of the top Dutch travel magazines for people who love adventure and discovering places away from the crowds. Every issue is packed with inspiring stories, beautiful photos, and useful tips for finding authentic, lesser-known spots around the world.

The article is available in print only.

OFF ROAD

OFF ROAD is Germany’s top monthly magazine for 4×4 enthusiasts, SUV drivers, and off-road adventure fans. Each issue offers in-depth vehicle tests, gear reviews, and travel inspiration—making it the go-to resource for anyone who loves exploring beyond the beaten path.

The article is available in print only.

Squamish Chief

The Squamish Chief is the primary source of local news and community coverage for Squamish, British Columbia.

The article is published online

We support the Squamish Lil’wat Culture Centre

Not only we acknowledge that we are privileged to operate and travel on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, but we also support the Squamish Lil’wat Culture Centre in Whistler by donating 10 CAD from each booking.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a First Nations’ gallery and museum showcasing West Coast Indigenous art, traditions, culture and historical artifacts in Whistler. Their more than interesting traditions are an eye opener and inspiring on how, even today, we should respect our nature and resources. Definitely a must see for anyone passing by Whistler! 

By the donating to The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, this non-profit organization can continue in preserving their artifacts, share their knowledge and traditions, provide educations and support Indigenous communities.

We encourage everyone to respect the unceded territories of Indigenous peoples and to treat it with respect.

10 TREES PER BOOKING

10 trees per booking, sustainability travel 4x4 rental

At Maple Overland, we care about our community, and our planet. That’s why we’ve partnered with One Tree Planted. This way, we take our environmental outreach efforts even further and help protect the nature of B.C. In this blog post, we’ll give you a short introduction to One Tree Planted and our partnership, so you can learn how you’re helping us to plant trees when you book your adventure with Maple Overland.

What is ‘One Tree Planted’?

One Tree Planted is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help improve the environment. Founded in 2014 by Matt Hill, One Tree Planted has made a large impact around the world through its reforestation efforts.

One Tree Planted partners with reforestation organizations to plant trees in North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. Each year, One Tree Planted has increased the number of trees they planted. So far, the organization has planted over 11 million trees.

One of their goals is to make it easier for individuals and businesses to help improve the environment. When you or a company donates to One Tree Planted, the money is used to plant trees. You can select the project you want to support, making your donation even more personal.

Maple Overland & One Tree Planted

We know how important it is to take steps now in order to leave a healthier planet for following generations. And we are also aware of the CO2 emissions we cause with our own business. That’s why we decided to partner with One Tree Planted. When you book a trip with Maple Overland, we make a donation to One Tree Planted, so they can plant trees and help us offset our carbon footprints. Specifically that means that for every booking we receive, 10 trees will be planted through One Tree Planted. 

Sustainability roadmap of Maple Overland

We created our own sustainability roadmap for our future. In 5 years, we want to have at least 1 electric 4×4 in our fleet to reduce our carbon emissions. By 2030, at least 50% of the fleet will consist of electric vehicles. By 2035, all our 4×4 vehicles will be electric and all our suppliers and partners will be chosen based on their own sustainability program.