BC Off Road 4x4 Adventures on
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For those who really want to test their skills, there’s a wide variety of challenging, technical trails which often require an extensively modified vehicle. Basically, expect tight trails that twist through the forest, lots of rock-crawling opportunities and, of course, m-u-d!
If your goal is just to access some of the remote lakes, trails and peaks on the Island, there's lots of opportunities available for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles and drivers with limited experience. Finding the primary access roads is as easy as picking up a good map. The Vancouver Island map published by International Travel Maps provides a decent high-level overview of the major routes on the Island.
For really detailed information, I highly recommend the Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook published by Mussio Ventures. This book shows detailed topographical maps with logging roads, ATV trails, hiking trails, rivers and lakes recorded. Road names and branch numbers are identified.
The Backroad Mapbook can also tell you where to find some of the remote areas to camp, hike, fish, mountain climb and view wildlife – extremely useful if you’ll be on an off road adventure overnight. Click Here to Order the Backroad Mapbook for the Island.
For serious trails, best to get in touch with some locals for assistance. WHY? There’s a general consensus that directions to these trails should not be published on the web to prevent them from becoming over used.
To meet up with some local Islanders for a 4x4 off roading trip to the backcountry, I highly recommend you register at this web site: www.island4x4.com . Introduce yourself and try meeting up with some local enthusiasts for a trip!
NEW INFO! JULY 2008:
Just talked to a local guy about some off roading he did. He told me a bit about Island Rock Crawlers - a Vancouver Island 4-Wheel Drive Society that has a good on-line forum for finding out info on more hidden away trails. Checked it out and looks like a good forum! Thanks for the tip!
If you’re driving a rented four wheel drive, keep in mind that you may be held responsible for any off-pavement damage, regardless of whether or not you have purchased the liability waiver from the rental car company. Always a good idea to check with your rental company for details before you head out on any BC off road driving!
Some Of My Favourite Choices For Off Road Adventures
Vancouver Island really does have some of the best off roading adventures I’ve experienced (here's me with my Tracker on a trip to Gold River, located on central Vancouver Island).So if you’re planning your first BC off road adventure here on the Island, Click Here to find out my favourite 4x4 trails that I'd highly recommend you try out!
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