Best Off Roading Trails Near Vancouver
The areas surrounding Vancouver and beyond are a dream come true for people who want to explore the wilderness. While hiking and biking are great ways to explore the outdoors, there’s a certain thrill you get when you take your vehicle on your adventures with you. BC has excellent forest service roads that will get you away from the crowds to some of the most stunning vistas in the world.
Read on for some of our favourite off-roading trails around Vancouver for you to explore.
Sts’ailes Forest Service Road
It’s awesome to have a stunning trail just an hour away from the city. Formerly known as Harrison West Forest Service Road, Sts’ailes Forest Service Road is close to Harrison Hot Springs, making it a great thing to add to your itinerary if you’re heading there for a vacation.
Heading north along the Harrison Lake, you have stunning views of the lake along with waterfalls throughout. You can follow the lake all the way to the beautiful Sloquet Hot Springs. You can also continue north to Pemberton via the In-Shuck-Ch Forest Service Road. This trail is prone to landslides and washouts so be sure to check trail information before you set off. It’s a good idea to have a buddy along with you on this one instead of attempting it solo.
Whipsaw Trail
The Whipsaw Trail gives you an off-roading adventure and a history lesson rolled into one. The trail lets you follow the footsteps of gold miners, passing by cabins and mine sites with some stunning mountain views to boot. The trail itself isn’t ridiculously tough overall but does have more challenging side trails for experienced drivers – the toughest one called Falcon Hill.
The first Canadian trail to be added to the BF Goodrich Outstanding Trails program, it’s not one to be missed.
Cheakamus Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a family-friendly trail, then Cheakamus Lake Trail is the one for you. 14 kilometres long, it winds through the Whistler Interpretive Forest with its majestic old growth trees and along the Cheakamus Lake.
There are several campsites along the trail, so you can make a weekend of exploring the trail and its surrounds with the family with plenty of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. The trail is open for multiple uses, so you do have to be extra cautious while off-roading here.
North Copper Logging Road
If you’re an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge, the North Copper Logging Road is the one for you. Located near Thornhill, BC this 43-kilometre road has two kilometres of elevation changes. Another old mining trail, it features everything you’d want from the BC wilderness including stream crossings, mountain views, rough terrain, and of course – stunning forest views. Leading to an old mine, the trail has steep ascents and descents, boulders to navigate, and washed out sections.
Our advice? Start early, and don’t attempt it if you’re a novice.
Get Your Vehicle Trail Ready
Off-roading can be a whole lot of fun provided your vehicle is prepared to handle the great outdoors.
Trademaster’s sells and installs lift kits to get your your truck, jeep, or SUV trail-ready:
- Lift kits (for adding larger tires)
- Levelling kits (to raise the front of your vehicle to adjust for the manufacturer’s rear elevation/rake)
- Suspension kits (to enhance ground clearance for off-roading)
Ready to hit the trails? Get in touch with our team of experts at Trademasters Vehicle Solutions. We’re always happy to help!