How to Plan the Perfect Overland Road Trip
There’s something beautifully unpredictable 
about planning an overland trip through British Columbia. On the map, it all looks manageable, a few mountain passes here, a lake or two there. But on the road, BC quickly reminds you that wild still means wild. Planning your route isn’t about control; it’s about giving yourself the freedom to explore without running out of daylight, gas, or snacks halfway up a gravel road.
Here’s how to build a plan that balances adventure with common sense and leaves enough room for the unexpected moments that make an overland trip unforgettable.
Go Easy on the Daily Distance
British Columbia doesn’t play by “highway” rules. A 250 km day on the map might
sound short, but between winding mountain roads, ferry crossings, photo stops, and the occasional elk traffic jam, it can easily take six hours.
If you’re mixing tarmac and gravel, aim for 200 to 300 km per day. That keeps your days open for detours, hikes, and the inevitable “wow, we need to stop here” moments. It also means you’ll reach camp before dark, something you’ll appreciate when you’re still trying to find that perfect spot by the river or lake.
Stock Up Before You Disappear
The further north or inland you go, the fewer shops you’ll see.
And when you do find one, there’s no guarantee it sells what you actually want. (If you’ve ever faced down a dinner of tinned beans and ketchup crisps, you’ll understand.)
Fill up on supplies in bigger towns. Once you’re off the main grid, such as the Chilcotin Plateau, the Northern Rockies or Telegraph Creek, assume there’s no proper supermarket for at least a few hundred kilometres.
Make sure that your Jeep is fuelled up as soon as the pointer hits the half full tank mark. Carry extra water, food and coffee. Always coffee! 😉
Support Remote Communities Along the Way
BC’s remote towns are full of character and local wisdom. Stop for fuel, grab a bite, and chat with the people who call these wild places home.
A stop in Bella Coola, Lillooet or Clinton isn’t just a chance to stretch your legs. It’s an opportunity to get the latest on road conditions, wildlife sightings, and hidden spots you won’t find on Google Maps.
Go Offline (On Purpose)
Sooner or later, you’ll lose mobile signal. You can count on it the moment you leave any town behind. And when it happens, it’s oddly refreshing. 
No messages, no emails, no scrolling, just the sound of the wind, the road, and maybe the occasional raven judging your parking skills.
Every Maple Overland Jeep is equipped with a Garmin Messenger as standard, ensuring that you can always be reached via satellite in an emergency. It gives peace of mind when you’re far from phone service and deep into the wilderness.
So download your maps before you go, let people know your rough route, and then enjoy the rare luxury of being completely unreachable. Your notifications can wait, the Northern Lights won’t.
Famous scenic routes: Paved and Perfect
Not every adventure requires an off-road vehicle. Some of BC’s most jaw-dropping routes are completely paved and ready for anyone with a sense of curiosity.
Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond to Pemberton, every turn delivers postcard views.
The Icefields Parkway running between Lake Louise and Jasper, one of the most spectacular drives on earth.
The Okanagan Valley where overlanding meets vineyard-hopping. Adventure can absolutely include wine tastings.
Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) a scenic northern route lined with glaciers, rivers, and endless wilderness.
Interlakes Highway (Highway 24) a relaxed, lake-dotted drive through BC’s interior, perfect for fishing and slow travel.
Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) a fast, dramatic climb through mountain passes that showcases BC’s raw power and scale.
Even on the smoothest roads, you’re still travelling through wild country, so keep your eyes open for black bears, eagles, and the occasional car-stopping viewpoint.
Mix It Up: Wild Camping and Parks
The best overland trips blend the wild with the comfortable. Spend one night camping off-grid beside a lake under a billion stars, then the next at a BC Parks or Parks Canada campsite with showers, picnic tables, and maybe a camp neighbour who’ll share their marshmallows.
Wild camping is allowed on most Crown land, just check for local restrictions and fire bans. Leave no trace, and take only photos (and maybe a few mosquito bites). For more tips, explore our blog A Complete Guide to Campgrounds in BC
Leave Room for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, BC has its own ideas. Rockslides happen, ferries fill up, and sometimes you’ll meet a traveller who insists you “have to see that waterfall or lake just down the track.” The best plans have a little slack, a spare day here and there for unplanned magic.
Your Route Forward
A great overland plan in British Columbia balances freedom with preparation. It’s not about racing from one highlight to the next, it’s about taking your time, meeting the locals, and finding your own version of “remote and perfect.”
And if you’d rather spend your evenings by the campfire than staring at maps, remember that Maple Overland’s personal route plan has done the groundwork for you. All you need to do is turn the key, and the adventure begins.
Don’t miss our companion guide What to Pack for Your Overland Adventure
Ready to plan your own route? Explore more at MapleOverland.ca and start your next BC adventure today.
