Few places in the world match the untamed beauty and adventure that British Columbia has to offer. From soaring mountain peaks to serene coastal escapes, BC is where outdoor enthusiasts find their true calling. Whether you’re an overlander, camper, or off-road explorer, these top 8 events are your gateway to adventure, offering everything from expert-led workshops and community gatherings to the latest in rooftop tents, hunting gear, and outdoor cooking stations to fuel your next journey.
1. Vancouver Island Outdoor Show
📍 Location: Arbutus Meadows Event Centre, Nanoose Bay, BC
📅 Dates: April 4–6, 2025
⏰ Hours:
- Friday, April 4: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, April 5: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, April 6: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview:
Vancouver Island’s largest annual outdoor-themed event, featuring a diverse range of outdoor adventure activities, including camping, overlanding, off-roading, fishing, hunting, watersports, powersports, and RVs. The event includes exhibitor booths showcasing gear and services, hands-on demos, and networking opportunities.
2. BC Overland Rally (BCOR)
📍 Location: Heartland Ranch, near Kelowna, BC
📅 Dates: July 10–13, 2025
⏰ Hours:
- Thursday, July 10: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, July 11 – Saturday, July 12: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, July 13: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview:
One of BC’s premier overland and off-road events, featuring hands-on 4WD training, survival skills workshops, off-grid camping setups, and gear showcases. This family-friendly event is designed for both beginners and experienced overlanders looking to enhance their skills and network with the community.
3. HU Travellers Meeting Canwest 2025
📍 Location: Nakusp, BC
📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025
⏰ Hours:
- Thursday, August 14: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday, August 15 – Saturday, August 16: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✅ Overview:
A unique gathering of overlanders, motorcyclists, and adventure travelers, featuring presentations, technical workshops, and travel planning sessions. Perfect for those considering long-term overlanding, international travel, or self-sufficient adventure touring.
4. Crankworx Whistler
📍 Location: Whistler, BC
📅 Dates: August 8–17, 2025
⏰ Hours: (Varies by event – Full schedule to be announced)
✅ Overview:
The world’s biggest mountain biking festival, Crankworx Whistler brings together the best riders, industry leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts for 10 days of high-energy competitions, trail riding, and gear showcases. Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker or just love the outdoors, this event offers an unmatched blend of adventure, community, and outdoor culture.
5. Vancouver Island Outdoor Festival
📍 Location: Victoria, BC
📅 Dates: August 21–24, 2025
⏰ Hours: (To Be Announced)
✅ Overview:
This immersive festival focuses on overlanding, backcountry travel, and sustainability, offering guided expeditions, workshops on eco-conscious travel, and overland camping setups.
6. Kamloops Adventure & Camping Weekend
📍 Location: Merritt, BC (Near Kamloops)
📅 Dates: June 20–22, 2025
⏰ Hours:
- Friday, June 20: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, June 21: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, June 22: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✅ Overview:
A family-friendly camping and adventure event, featuring off-road vehicle showcases, overland camping setups, and live outdoor demos. Expect workshops on wilderness survival, navigation, and adventure travel planning.
7. Northwest Overland Rally
📍 Location: Leavenworth, Washington (Near BC Border)
📅 Dates: June 20–23, 2025
⏰ Hours:
- Thursday, June 20: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday, June 21 – Saturday, June 22: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, June 23: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✅ Overview:
One of the largest overlanding events in the Pacific Northwest, just south of BC. Features off-road driving training, recovery skills workshops, and a vendor expo showcasing top overland brands.
8. Squamish Off-Road Triathlon
📍 Location: Alice Lake Provincial Park, Squamish, BC
📅 Date: June 7, 2025
⏰ Hours: Starting at 7:00 AM
✅ Overview: This annual event features a lake swim, mountain biking, and trail running in a stunning natural setting.Participants can choose from Sport (750m swim, 12.5km bike, 5.5km run) or Championship (1.5km swim, 25km bike, 10km run) categories. While not exclusively an overlanding event, it offers camping opportunities within the provincial park, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the outdoor experience.
Overlanding and camping are more than just activities, they’re a way to experience true freedom and adventure. The best way to do it? Attend these events, where you’ll find everything from expert preparation to fully immersing yourself in the outdoor lifestyle across British Columbia.
