If you’re exploring the backcountry, knowing how to use a topographic map and compass is essential. GPS devices can fail or lose battery, and you don’t want that happening when it matters the most.
Here in British Columbia, there is much more wilderness than occupied land. Getting lost isn’t a difficult thing to do, and unfortunately it happens to many people every year. Being proactive about trip planning and route finding without digital technology is one of the core skills we emphasize in Alpine Islands. Technology is great; but ultimately it’s unreliable. So we always emphasize reading the natural clues, as well as using a topographic map and compass.
Luckily we have many tools at our disposal, including the free use of topographic maps anywhere in BC. However, in true government fashion, they don’t exactly make things easy for finding out the best maps. So we thought we’d help you out a bit with some links to save you the trouble.
Toporama
All of Canada’s topography is searchable using the Toporama software. It’s a detailed look at the entire country where you can print out your own maps. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a way to print the grid lines, but I suppose you can add those after the fact, somehow, albeit another step.
Links to Topographic Maps in British Columbia
Root Directory – This link will take you to the root where you can choose a PDF, TIFF, or even a ECW file that shows satellite imagery. It’s by no means easy to navigate, but with a bit of patience you’ll start to figure it out. if you don’t know where to look, then you’re best using the map tool to search.
Map Sheet: Here’s where you can zoom in and figure out the code for each specific region, whether in 1:20,000 scale or 1:50,000. Zoom in to where you want, and find the type of download on the left side.
Maps by Region
Here are a few of the most popular backcountry skiing and snowboarding regions, listed by zone:
92J – Sea to Sky North
This zone is a personal favourite, and the big map here is a classic to have on the wall. You will find a lifetime of fun just in this one zone, but when you break it down even further, it gets even more fun. You could really go nuts with so many here but I’ll stick to some favourites:
- 92J16 – Whistler and the Spearhead Range
- 92J27 – Mount Currie and Pemberton
- 92J14 – Callaghan and Brandywine
92G – Sea to Sky South and North Shore
This is the classic “South Coast” zone you might have heard about and is probably one of the most well-traveled backcountry zones on the planet. You’ll find a ton of traffic here, which has its ups and downs. On the plus side, there’s likely someone who has put in a skin track ahead of you, and another group if things go wrong. On the downside, you will find slopes that actually get tracked out, and you find a lot of people who don’t know what they are doing that could endanger your crew though ignorance. But there is incredible terrain that is worth the circus… just be respectful and share any snacks and you’ll do fine.
92H – Fraser Valley and Coquihalla
The Fraser Valley is where the Coast Mountains meet the Cascades, so there is plenty to explore here. In fact, there are an overwhelming amount of peaks to work with here. Happy hunting!
92H44 – Start of Coquihalla
103I – Terrace
I should preface that I have actually never been here. But I’ve spent a lot of time on Google Earth and on the maps here studying and dreaming about it. The heart of the Coast Range is here, and reasonably accessable with a highway running through from Smithers to Prince Rupert. Plus, there’s a local ski hill here that is run by the community: Shames Mountain. It seems like heaven on earth. If you ever head there, the maps here would be a great place to start.
The List Goes on…
We could keep talking about cool spots to visit in British Columbia for a lifetime and hardly scratch the surface. The key is to just set a destination, and go. Make sure you are prepared, get a good crew together, and if your experience is lacking, find a qualified guide. We’re here to help if you need finding the right spot! Just get in touch and we’ll be sure to get you off on the right foot.
