Resources
Planning your own route or want to attempt a route from Untrammelled Travels? Below are key resources to help provide you with all the information you need for a successful trip.
GAIA GPS
GAIA GPS provides an unparalleled selection of maps covering British Columbia's FSR's and alpine areas. While we utilize the premium version, we understand that a free version allows access to their basic map package. For extended trips the premium version is highly recommended as maps can be downloaded for offline use. Add waypoints, track your progress on various FSR's, and identify off trail hiking options. If you're going to utilize one resource from this page, this is the one.
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Backroad Mapbooks
While the premium version of GAIA GPS provides access to the Backroad Mapbooks overlays and allows your mobile device's GPS to integrate with your selection of topographic maps, these hardcopy backroad mapbooks are a suitable alternative to a GAIA GPS premium account. If you are exploring the FSR's of British Columbia, either these hardcopy books or a GAIA account are essential.
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FSR status
While not the most up to date resource, the British Columbia Government publishes updates on regional resource roads (aka FSR's) and seasonal closures. Popular FSR's, such as Squamish River FSR, receive more detailed and frequent updates. That being said, we have been on the Squamish River FSR when flooding was present and unrecorded on this website.
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River Volume
The Government of Canada provides up to date hydrometric data on a significant number of rivers throughout British Columbia. This is a useful tool if you intend to be travelling on FSR's bordering major rivers. To utilize this site, search the name of the river in question. If there is a hydrometer station on said river, change the chart parameters to see the last several months of readings. If current readings are significantly higher than average, flooding may be a risk.
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iOverlander
iOverlander is an excellent resource for finding free vehicle accessible campsites worldwide. Unfortunately, most of the listed sites are near major paved routes and we find this resource to be of more assistance in extended front country trips as opposed to backroad adventures.
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Various Facebook groups exist where members provide up to date information on local FSR's. Highly trafficked roads are most likely to be discussed; however, these groups often have more up to date information than the Government of British Columbia's FSR status page. Of particular use to us in the past has been the Facebook group for Harrison Valley FSR's (east/west/chehalis and others).
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Free Campsites
Free Campsites is an excellent resource for finding free vehicle accessible campsites worldwide. Unfortunately, most of the listed sites are near major paved routes and we find this resource to be of more assistance in extended front country trips as opposed to backroad adventures.
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BC Rec Sites
The Government of British Columbia provides an interactive map of all British Columbia Recreational Sites. These sites will generally have some amenities (outhouse, designated camp sites, fire pits). Some sites are paid while others are free. Expect to encounter other campers if you are accessing sites near major centres.
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Google Maps
While Google Maps is not a useful tool for navigating the backroads and backcountry of British Columbia, Google Maps does provide up to date satellite imagery that can be useful in determining snow coverage for early season overland or backcountry travels. To access Google Maps satellite imagery, simply open Google Maps on your computer or mobile device as normal. On a computer, select the "layers" icon in the bottom left corner of your screen and select "satellite". On mobile, this "layers" icon can be found in the top right of your screen.