Start with a relaxed departure from Vancouver and head up the scenic Sea-to-Sky; pull over for family photos at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park viewpoint then stretch legs on the easy, kid-friendly Shannon Falls boardwalk. Pause in downtown Squamish for a picnic at Alice Lake Provincial Park where kids can paddle, explore gentle trails, and you can scout nearby rooftop-tent-friendly campgrounds to set up for the night.
After your picnic at Alice Lake Provincial Park, take a short scenic drive to Brohm Lake Regional Park for easy shoreline exploration and a shallow swim that's perfect for kids, followed by a stroll along the boardwalk to spot dragonflies and small wildlife. In the late afternoon, visit Britannia Mine Museum for an interactive family tour and underground experience (kid-friendly exhibits and gold panning), then settle into a nearby rooftop-tent-friendly campground like Murrin Provincial Park to watch the sunset and enjoy simple camp cooking.
As evening settles, head to Howe Sound Lookout for golden-hour views and easy photo stops, then drive down to Garibaldi Provincial Park (Diamond Head area) for a short, kid-friendly meadow stroll before dusk. Finish with a family dinner and marshmallow roast at a rooftop-tent-friendly site near Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, where you can listen for evening birdcalls and enjoy a calm, nature-filled night under the stars.
Start your morning with a fun-filled visit to Valley Trail for an easy family bike ride or scooter along paved paths, pausing at the playful splash pad at Whistler Olympic Plaza so the kids can cool off. Afterward, wander through the charming village to the interactive Whistler Museum for a short, kid-friendly history of the area, then catch the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for unbeatable mountain views and a gentle alpine stroll near the summit before heading to a nearby rooftop-tent-friendly campground to relax and set up for the afternoon.
Head to Lost Lake Park for an easy lakeside hike and a swim at the family-friendly sandy beach where kids can build sandcastles and you can rent paddleboards or a canoe. Later, drive a short distance to Rainbow Park for playground time and a picnic, then check in and set up your rooftop tent at a nearby campground like Nairn Falls Provincial Park or a rooftop-tent-friendly site along the valley to enjoy a relaxed evening around the fire and a sunset stroll.
As dusk falls, wander over to Nita Lake for a gentle shoreline stroll and let the kids skip stones while you enjoy mountain-reflected views; follow the path to the lakeside Nita Lake Lodge patio for hot chocolate or an early family-friendly dinner. Afterward, head to Whistler Sliding Centre for an evening walk (watching training runs or enjoying the Olympic atmosphere from outside) before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite at a family-friendly spot like Riverside Resort to roast marshmallows, share stories, and stargaze.
Leave Whistler after breakfast and follow Highway 99/20 toward the coast with a relaxed stop at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park for a short, kid-friendly stroll to the lower lake-perfect for photos and a snack on the shore. Continue west and pull over at Pemberton's Nairn Falls viewpoint for an easy riverside walk, then let the kids burn energy at the gravel beaches of Lillooet River access points before resuming the scenic drive toward the Chilcotin turnoff.
Stop for a picnic and tide-pooling session at Tweedsmuir Provincial Park - Southgate River estuary where kids can hunt for shells and watch salmon pools, then take the short, easy boardwalk at Hagensborg Heritage Site to stretch legs and learn about the valley's Norwegian settler history. Later, roll on to Bella Coola River Provincial Park for a gentle riverside walk and a chance to spot eagles and otters from family-friendly vantage points before scouting a rooftop-tent-friendly campsite along the river to set up and enjoy an early campfire.
After setting up your rooftop tent, take a relaxed riverside stroll to Tweedsmuir Park viewpoint for warm golden-hour light and easy photo ops, then let the kids explore the shallow gravel bars while you scan for eagles. Finish with a short drive to Stuie River Flats for a peaceful sunset picnic and a mellow campfire-toast marshmallows while listening for frogs and planning a gentle morning outing to nearby waterfalls.
Begin with a calm sunrise paddle and rock-hunting at Dean Channel shoreline where shallow tidal flats make for easy exploring and kids can spot small crabs and shorebirds; follow this with a short, family-friendly walk along the boardwalk at Niut Bay Estuary to see salmon pools and possible eagles from a safe viewpoint. Finish the morning with a picnic and playground time at Bella Coola Commons Park, letting the kids run while you scan the valley for black bear or deer along quiet backroads before an easy afternoon drive deeper into the valley.
After your riverside morning, head up valley for a gentle family hike through old-growth at Monkman Provincial Park's nearby interpretive trails (choose the short loop for little legs) to spot songbirds and maybe grouse, then drive to Atnarko River for easy shore access where kids can skip stones and you can watch for otters and bald eagles from the trail edge. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed visit to Talchako River viewpoint for scenic photos and a picnic while scanning the tree line for black bears and deer, returning to your rooftop-tent campsite in time for an early lakeside swim or quieter wildlife-spotting at dusk.
As dusk approaches, take a gentle family stroll along the boardwalk at Nuxalk Sxwexwtn Viewpoint Trail to watch the valley glow and listen for river wildlife, then head to Kendrick Bay for a calm shoreline search for intertidal life and drifting logs perfect for kids to clamber on. Finish the night at a rooftop-tent-friendly spot near Seymour Narrows Overlook where you can roast marshmallows, scan the tree line for silhouettes of elk and deer, and share stories under a wide coastal sky.
Wake to salty air and head for a morning wildlife cruise through Klemtu Inlet (local outfitters often run short family-friendly tours) where kids can spot porpoises and sea lions while guides point out shoreline eagle nests; follow with a beachcombing stop at Lax Kw'alaams tidal flats to hunt for shells and learn about local intertidal life. Before midday, pull into Kitimat's Kitimat River Estuary for an easy interpretive trail and picnic - little ones can watch salmon pools and the occasional heron while you stretch legs and prep for the longer coastal drive or ferry boarding later in the day.
After your Kitimat estuary stop, board a short local ferry or scenic water taxi to explore the sheltered inlets around Douglas Channel with opportunities for calm shoreline beachcombing and easy tide-pooling that kids love; keep an eye out for bald eagles perched on rocky outcrops. Later, drive toward the coast and pause at Gardner Canal viewpoint for a picnic with fjord panoramas, then stretch legs on the family-friendly loop at Kitlope Heritage Conservancy access trailhead (pick a short section) to sniff old-growth forest air and introduce children to temperate rainforest ecosystems before finding a rooftop-tent-friendly campsite nearby for the night.
After a day on the water, pull into the sheltered cove at Shearwater Village for a relaxed shoreline stroll and let the kids explore the small marine mammal-watching platforms while local guides dry gear and share tide tales. Finish with a calm sunset paddle in the protected arms of Klemtu's Benswick Inlet (short, kid-friendly routes) before bedding down at a rooftop-tent-friendly site near McDonald Island Provincial Park, where the family can roast marshmallows, listen for owl calls, and scan the inlet for porpoises at dusk.
Fuel up with breakfast in town then take a gentle stroll along the waterfront boardwalk to Cow Bay Seawall, where kids can spot harbor seals and watch fishing boats while interpretive signs explain local marine life. Afterward, head to Casual Bay Trail for a short, stroller-friendly loop through coastal forest to pebble beaches perfect for rock-skipping and tidepooling, finishing at Museum of Northern British Columbia for hands-on exhibits about local First Nations culture that engage children and tie into the coastal days you've just enjoyed.
Spend the afternoon exploring the tidal flats and easy boardwalks at Naikoon Provincial Park's accessible sections for beachcombing and clam-digging demos that fascinate kids, then head to the interactive outdoor exhibits and kid-friendly trails at Cow Bay Park where little ones can climb driftwood and watch seabirds. Finish with a scenic drive up to Seal Cove Lookout for whale- and seal-watching opportunities from shore and a short picnic while the family soaks in wide coastal views before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite.
As evening falls, wander the shoreline boardwalk at Lumberman's Memorial Park where kids can clamber on driftwood and watch the tide come in while keeping an eye for sea lions and shorebirds. Afterward, drive a short way to Bastion Point for golden-hour views and a gentle interpretive stroll that introduces local history, then finish with a family picnic and marshmallow roast at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground near Cow Bay while listening for owl calls and scanning the distant water for passing porpoises.
Leave your Prince Rupert-area campsite and take a calm morning crossing to explore the sheltered inlets around Hartley Bay, where short guided boat trips often show whales and sea birds and kids can learn about local navigation and marine life from community guides. After disembarking, stretch legs on the easy, family-friendly shoreline walk at Tlell River Estuary, hunt for tidepool critters, then stop at Skidegate Landing visitor centre to pick up Haida cultural maps and a kid-friendly scavenger sheet before continuing to the ferry terminal for afternoon boarding.
After morning boat time, ease into the afternoon with a picnic at Cumshewa Head lookout - kids can explore safe tide pools while you scan for seabirds and prowling sea stacks - then drive to Masset Harbour to visit the small local marina and seasonal artisan stalls where children can see traditional canoe crafts. Finish by checking into a rooftop-tent-friendly site near Skidegate Inlet, spending late afternoon on the sheltered Tlell Beach boardwalk for sand play and simple beachcombing before an early dinner and ferry check-in preparations.
After ferry check-in, settle into a calm shoreline evening at Tlell River Trailhead for a short, kid-friendly loop where little ones can chase sandpipers and parents can watch salmon pools glow in the low light; follow this with a peaceful picnic at Tow Hill Provincial Park where the family can clamber on basalt sea stacks and admire the dramatic viewpoint at sunset. Finish the night at a rooftop-tent-friendly spot near Skidegate Inlet-toast marshmallows, listen for surf and loon calls, and let the kids trace the constellations above the inlet before turning in.
Wake to a peaceful shoreline and head to Skunngay (Early Morning Beach) for easy tidepooling where kids can hunt for limpets and sea stars, then take a short interpretive stroll through the cedar groves at Gaw Tlagee (Tlell River) Trail to spot songbirds and learn about local plant uses. Finish the morning with a hands-on visit to SG̲ang Gwaay (local carving studio or community arts centre in Skidegate) for a child-friendly carving demonstration and a chance to make a small painted shell or button keepsake, keeping the day gently paced after your ferry arrival and setting up for an afternoon of beaches and cultural sites.
After your morning at Skunngay (Early Morning Beach) and the cedar groves, spend the afternoon exploring the striking coastline at Tow Hill Provincial Park-climb the short lookout trail for dramatic sea-stack views and let the kids scramble on basalt formations. Then drive to Tlell Beach and the nearby community-run Tlell River Art Studio for a hands-on weaving or button-making session, followed by relaxed beachcombing at Old Masset Village where children can learn local stories and spot playful shorebirds before returning to camp.
As the light softens, take a calm shoreline walk at Windy Bay where kids can scramble on sheltered rocks and search for tidepool life while you watch for seals offshore; follow this with a short guided storytelling session at Haida Heritage Centre's outdoor plaza (check evening program schedules) to hear local legends under the trees. Finish with a peaceful sunset snack at Bowie Bay viewpoint, letting the family spot migrating sea birds and trace the coastline silhouettes as you return to your rooftop-tent campsite for a warm campfire and stargazing.
After disembarking, head inland for a leisurely morning stop at Kitimat's Copper Canyon Trailhead for a short, kid-friendly loop through muskeg and spruce where children can scramble over roots and spot songbirds; follow with a picnic by the peaceful water at Shames River day-use area where shallow pools are perfect for rock-skipping and little explorers. Continue the crossing with a scenic drive to Terrace's Heritage Park for a riverside stroll and playground break, and if time allows pop into the interpretive panels at Ksi Lisims (formerly Skeena) River viewpoint to introduce the kids to local salmon runs and river ecology before resuming the route toward Smithers.
Drive inland and stop for an easy, kid-friendly stretch at Kitselas Canyon-walk the short interpretive trail and watch the fast river from safe viewpoints while kids learn about local First Nations history from roadside panels. Later, detour to Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site (Gitwangak Battle Hill) for a gentle loop and picnicking among ancient totems, then continue toward Smithers with a late-afternoon break at Nadleh Whut'en Riverfront Park for playground time and river rock-skipping before setting up at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground further east.
Settle into a rooftop-tent-friendly site beside Bulkley River Provincial Park and let the kids play on the shale beaches while you scan for kingfishers and watch the river light fade; nearby, take a short dusk stroll on the family-friendly Manson Creek Trail for easy boardwalk views and mosquito-free birdwatching. Afterward, enjoy a campfire dinner and an evening storytelling walk to the interpretive panels at Hudson Bay Mountain viewpoints (clear, gentle slopes perfect for little legs), then toast marshmallows under wide northern skies before an early night to prep for the longer drive toward Smithers tomorrow.
Drive east from Smithers-area campsites toward Wells Gray with a first stop at Bowron Lake Provincial Park interpretive pullout to introduce the kids to canoe-country history and spot dragonflies along quiet lakeshores before the longer leg; continue to Moul Falls where a short, family-friendly trail leads to a dramatic waterfall you can walk behind (bring splash gear for adventurous kids). Finish the morning with a picnic at Spahats Creek Gorge viewpoint and a gentle riverside stroll on the accessible trail to stretch legs and look for trout and dippers before heading into Prince George for afternoon resupplies.
After lunch in Prince George, drive into Wells Gray and spend the afternoon exploring Helmcken Falls lookout and the short, kid-friendly trails toward the canyon rim for dramatic views and safe photo ops; older kids will enjoy watching the spray and river rapids below. Continue with a gentle paddle or shoreline play at Clearwater Lake-rent a canoe or bring swim gear for supervised wading-and finish with a relaxed stroll along the interpretive boardwalk at Spawning Channel to spot trout and learn about local river ecology before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite for dinner.
For a relaxed family evening, drive to the peaceful shores of Mahood Lake for a short shoreline stroll and gentle paddle in rented kayaks or a canoe while kids hunt for skip-stones and watch for mink along the reeds. After dusk, take a twilight walk on the easy loop at Green Mountain Trailhead to spot songbirds and listen to the forest come alive, then return to camp for a lakeside picnic and marshmallow roast beneath clear mountain stars.
Leave Wells Gray behind with a scenic drive east and stop for a stretch at Mount Robson Provincial Park's visitor centre, then take the short, family-friendly Canoe Meadows Trail for a gentle boardwalk stroll where kids can spot songbirds and wildflowers while views of the massif dominate the skyline. Continue to the historic railway town of Valemount for a picnic at Robson Park and a quick wander to the Riverside Trail-perfect for little legs to hunt for smooth river stones-before resuming the mountain route toward Jasper with plenty of time to set up your rooftop tent near a parkway campground.
After a morning near Mount Robson Provincial Park, cruise east and stop at the charming railway hamlet of McBride for a picnic and a stroll along the kid-friendly Robson River Trail, where shallow pools are perfect for rock-skipping and quick wading. Continue through scenic valleys to Valemount's Centennial Park for playground time and a short interpretive loop, then push on to the dramatic views at Yellowhead Lake-an ideal late-afternoon spot for a gentle shoreline walk, wildlife spotting, and setting up your rooftop tent at a nearby campground before arriving in Jasper the next morning.
After a day of mountain driving, unwind with a riverside dinner and gentle stroll at Pine River Regional Park, where kids can play on grassy banks and you can watch the sunset light the peaks. Later, pull into Tete Jaune Cache for a short, kid-friendly walk along the Fraser River Trail to spot trout and listen for evening birdcalls before setting up your rooftop tent at a nearby family-friendly campground like Yellowhead Campground, roasting marshmallows and planning a relaxed start toward Jasper in the morning.
Start with an early, gentle outing to Valley of the Five Lakes where short boardwalks and vibrant turquoise pools make for easy exploring and endless photo ops the kids will love; bring nets for pond-dipping at the shallow edges. Afterward, drive the scenic loop to Pyramid Lake for a relaxed lakeside breakfast picnic and a family paddle in rented canoes or SUPs, followed by a leisurely stroll on the flat Pyramid Island Trail where children can hunt for pinecones and you can scan the tree line for elk and playful chipmunks.
Drive to Maligne Canyon for the family-friendly rim walks and dramatic bridge viewpoints-kids will love peering down into rushing gorges and spotting carved rock pools, and you can take the short, stroller-accessible paths to the lower falls. Later, cruise along Maligne Lake Road to the lakeside picnic area at Medicine Lake for canoe watching and shore exploration, then finish with a gentle boardwalk stroll at Patricia and Pyramid Lakes where little ones can paddle at safe shallow edges while you scan for moose and osprey from the shore.
As the light softens, take a relaxed stroll around Pyramid Bench for easy wildlife-watching where families often spot elk grazing at dusk, then head to Miette Hot Springs (soak times permitting) for a warm, kid-friendly dip and sunset mountain views. Finish with a picnic dinner and short, torch-lit night walk along the boardwalk at Jasper's Old Fort Point to listen for owl calls and watch stars emerge over the peaks before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite for a quiet night under the mountains.
Head south from Jasper with an early stop at Sunwapta Falls for the thunderous cascades and a short, kid-friendly scramble to the lower viewpoint, then continue a little farther to the glass-fronted Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre area for a glacier-themed interpretive stroll and family photos with the icefield backdrop. Before leaving the parkway, let the kids stretch at the gentle boardwalk around Athabasca Falls Viewpoint-spray and rainbows often delight children-and enjoy a picnic with panoramic mountain views as you press on toward Banff.
Continue down the Icefields Parkway with a stretch at Sunwapta Lookout for panoramic glacier-fed river views, then stop at the family-friendly Weeping Wall area to let kids clamber safely on lower rock shelves and watch seasonal cascades. Later, pause at Peyto Lake Viewpoint for the iconic turquoise panorama and a short, easy boardwalk where children can snack while you point out downstream glaciers before rolling on toward Banff and scouting a rooftop-tent-friendly campground outside town.
After the afternoon's glacier viewpoints, slow the pace with a gentle evening stop at Bow Lake for a lakeside stroll and quiet skimming stones while the peaks glow pink; kids will love exploring the moraine edges and spotting marmots along the shore. Finish the day with a short sunset visit to Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint for dramatic ice-and-mountain silhouettes, then roll into a rooftop-tent-friendly site near Lake Minnewanka to cook dinner, toast marshmallows and listen for loons as stars appear over the Bow Valley.
Wake early and drive a short distance to Moraine Lake for a brisk but easy stroll along the lakeshore and the Consolation Lakes trail entrance-kids will love scrambling on the moraine rocks and spotting pikas while you enjoy the valley light before crowds arrive. Afterwards head to Lake Agnes Tea House (take the moderate lakeside path from the Chateau Lake Louise area) for a family-friendly hike to the tea house where children can earn a treat, explore the spruce forest, and enjoy panoramic views back over the turquoise water.
Ease into the afternoon with a lakeside picnic at Two Jack Lake, where kids can paddle in shallow water or rent a canoe and you can relax with mountain reflections and easy shoreline walks. Later, drive a short distance to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls for a stroller-friendly walk along catwalks to the waterfalls and a gentle climb to the Ink Pots trailhead for wildflower meadows and colourful mineral springs-perfect short hikes for curious children before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite for dinner.
As daylight softens, drive to Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive for a gentle lakeside stroll and short boat-watch from the picnic areas where kids can hunt for smooth stones and spot playful waterfowl. Later, head up to Cascade Ponds for an easy loop along grassy shores and a playground-style paddle in shallow water, finishing the night with a calm family dinner at a picnic shelter and stargazing from the quiet viewpoint near Two Jack Lookout as the valley cools.
Leave your Jasper/Banff corridor campsite and drive a relaxed morning toward the East Kootenays, stopping first for a short, family-friendly walk on the boardwalk at Stanley Glacier Trail (lower viewpoint) where kids can peek into alpine meadows and hunt for wildflowers without a long hike. Continue with a picnic and easy shoreline play at Vermilion Lakes-perfect for skipping stones and a gentle canoe paddle-then swing by Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon for a quick, stroller-friendly loop of dramatic limestone gorges and bridges before an afternoon of hot-spring relaxation near Cranbrook.
After your Marble Canyon stop, head south for a soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs where the kids can paddle in the warm cave pool while you relax on the terrace with lake and mountain views, then enjoy a lakeside picnic at Kootenay Lake (Balfour shore) with shallow wading and pebble-hunting for little explorers. Later, take an easy family stroll along the interpretive loop at Pilot Bay Provincial Park to climb the historic lighthouse, watch for ospreys over the water, and finish the afternoon scouting a rooftop-tent-friendly campsite near St. Mary Lake for dinner and a calm evening under the stars.
Wind down with a sunset stroll along the shoreline at Windermere Lake Provincial Park, letting the kids paddle in the warm shallow edges while you scan for osprey and enjoy golden reflections on the water; follow this with a short family-friendly boardwalk at Radium Hot Springs' nearby Sinclair Canyon to stretch legs and watch the river light fade. Finish the night at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground near St. Eugene Mission where children can explore the historic grounds and you can relax with a soak at a local public hot pool or a simple campfire under wide Kootenay skies.
Cross the border and head for a slow, family-friendly morning at Whitefish Lake State Park, where kids can splash in the sandy beach, rent a paddleboat, and explore short shoreline trails while you enjoy mountain views; follow this with a scenic drive to Kintla Lake Overlook for a picnic with glacial-fed vistas and an easy boardwalk stroll to stretch legs. Finish the morning with a short visit to the hands-on Glacier National Park-West Entrance Visitor Center (aproned exhibits and junior ranger info) to pick up trail maps and a kid-friendly activity booklet before rolling on toward Flathead Lake for the afternoon.
Drive down to Flathead Lake State Park (Big Arm) for a relaxed afternoon of paddling in a rented canoe or family kayak, letting the kids hunt for smooth stones on the sandy shore before a picnic with mountain views. Later, visit the nearby Wild Horse Island boat landing for a short guided wildlife shuttle and easy loop walk where children can spot deer and osprey in a safe, open landscape, then set up your rooftop tent at a family-friendly campsite near Sommers Bay to enjoy lakeside dinner and a calm sunset.
Wind down the day with a calm sunset paddle on Echo Lake (south shore access) where shallow, sheltered waters make it easy for kids to try a tandem canoe or sit-on-top kayak while you watch loons and herons glide past; follow this with a lakeside picnic at Kerr Dam Recreation Area where children can scramble on safe rock shelves and you can enjoy views upstream toward the mountains. After dinner, drive a short way to Heron Park for a gentle shoreline stroll and easy stargazing from the grassy bluff before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite to roast marshmallows and listen for evening frog and owl calls.
Drive into the West Yellowstone gateway and spend the morning exploring the bubbling, kid-fascinating pools at Lower Geyser Basin with short boardwalk walks to see colourful hot springs and steaming fumaroles; pause at the family-friendly West Thumb Geyser Basin for lakeside thermal features where kids can learn how geothermal activity meets the lake. Finish with a picnic and gentle shoreline scavenger hunt at Shoshone Lake Overlook (easy viewpoint access) before easing into the park's deeper geyser country in the afternoon.
After a geothermal-packed morning, take a relaxed drive to Gibbon Falls for an easy roadside stop where kids can safely clamber on viewing rocks and watch the powerful cataract, then continue to the family-friendly boardwalk loops at Fountain Paint Pot in the Lower Geyser Basin to see bubbling mud pots and colorful mineral deposits up close. Finish the afternoon with a picnic and short nature walk around Firehole River Picnic Area, where gentle swimming holes and shallow banks let kids paddle while you scan for waterfowl and prepare for an early-evening ranger talk or sunset drive back toward West Yellowstone.
As evening settles, drive to Island Park Reservoir for a calm shoreline picnic and easy wading where kids can hunt for smooth river rocks while you watch for sandhill cranes and geese. Afterwards, head into town for an early family-friendly dinner at Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center's nearby picnic meadow area (check feeding times) and finish with a short twilight stroll through the illuminated paths at Harrison's Cutoff Trailhead, listening for coyotes and enjoying cooler mountain air before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite to roast marshmallows under wide western skies.
Begin with a gentle, family-friendly walk around Norris Geyser Basin to watch steaming vents and colorful mineral pools while kids marvel at bubbling features and pick up a junior-ranger booklet at the visitor centre; follow with a short picnic and pond-dipping activity at the nearby, calm Clear Lake shoreline where little ones can spot frogs and dragonflies. Finish the morning with a relaxed, paved stroll along the boardwalk at Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces to see tiered travertine formations and let children hunt for safe photo angles before returning to your rooftop-tent campsite for a restful midday break.
In the afternoon, take a relaxed drive to West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk for lakeside thermal features and easy interpretive panels that fascinate kids, then picnic on the shore of Yellowstone Lake while watching waterfowl and small boats. After lunch, wander the gentle loop at Brink of the Lower Falls overlook in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for dramatic views from safe viewing points, then return to your rooftop-tent campsite for a calm swim or creek play at Lewis Lake picnic area before an early family dinner and stargazing.
As dusk falls, take a gentle sunset stroll along the boardwalk at Mud Volcano Trail to watch glowing steam vents and bubbling acidic pools in softer light, then head to Fountain Flats Picnic Area for a relaxed lakeside snack while kids hunt for smooth stones. Finish the night with a calm family campfire at your rooftop-tent-friendly site near Grant Village Campground, where you can toast marshmallows, listen for distant wolf or elk calls, and scan the dark sky for brilliant Yellowstone stars.
After leaving Yellowstone, ease into a gentle morning at Schwabacher Landing for calm river paddling or shoreline rock-hopping while the Tetons reflect in the water-great for kid-friendly photos and spotting river otters. Follow with a short, interpretive stroll at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve where children can explore boardwalks, touch native plants at the nature center, and learn about local wildlife on easy, stroller-friendly loops before heading south through Jackson Hole.
Drive south for a relaxed afternoon picnic at Gros Ventre Campground Meadow, where kids can run among wildflower fields and watch for pronghorn while parents enjoy mountain views; follow with a gentle family stroll on the boardwalk at Jen's Cabin Nature Trail near Kelly (short, stroller-friendly with interpretive signs). Finish the afternoon with a scenic pull-over at Oxbow Bend Overlook for iconic Teton reflections-perfect for a family photo stop-before settling into a rooftop-tent-friendly campsite en route toward the Salt Lake City corridor.
As evening falls, drive a short way to Schwabacher Road Overlook for golden light on the river and easy shoreline exploring where kids can hunt for smooth stones while parents watch for beavers and moose. Afterwards, head to Phelps Lake Trailhead (Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve outskirts) for a gentle, stroller-friendly twilight loop through sage and aspen-stop at the lakeside picnic shelter for a simple family dinner and end the night at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground near Gros Ventre River to roast marshmallows and listen for distant elk calls.
Leave the Tetons behind with a relaxed drive and stretch legs at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Day-use Overlook & Visitor Contact Point) for a short, kid-friendly lookout and picnic while the children spot raptors and shoreline wildlife; afterwards, detour to Buffalo Bill State Park (Pawnee Rapids area) for a gentle riverside walk and shallow wading spots where kids can hunt for smooth stones and you can enjoy river views. Finish the morning with a hands-on stop at The Cody Dug Up Gun Museum (outdoor exhibits and kid-friendly displays) or a short visit to Powell Observatory pullout for easy stargazing talk prep if you plan a quieter evening further along-keeping the pace easy for the family as you head southeast toward the South Dakota corridor.
After your Cody-area morning, roll southeast toward the Badlands corridor with a scenic stop at Wind River Canyon Overlook for dramatic river-cut cliffs and a short, kid-friendly picnic while the children hunt for fossils and smooth stones. Continue with an easy, interpretive stroll through Terry Bison Ranch where kids can feed bison from the safety of guided wagons and enjoy a short horseback or wagon ride, then head toward Devils Tower National Monument for a late-afternoon viewpoint pullout and a gentle boardwalk loop that introduces the family to towering igneous columns and local legends before camping for the night.
After a day on the road, unwind with a sunset stop at Sinks Canyon State Park (Fremont Canyon overlook)-take the short, family-friendly trail to watch the river carve the gorge while kids scramble on safe rock benches. Later, pull into Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park for a warm soak in family pools and a twilight walk along the Hot Springs State Park boardwalk, followed by a rooftop-tent dinner at a nearby campground where you can toast marshmallows under wide Wyoming skies.
Start with a sunrise stroll through the eroded spires of Badlands National Park - Pinnacles Overlook, where kids can scamper across short rock formations and you can point out prairie dog towns from the nearby Notch Trail pullout; follow with a hands-on stop at Minuteman Missile NHS Visitor Center for a quick, kid-friendly look at Cold War history and an interactive junior-ranger activity. Finish the morning with a picnic and fossil hunt along the gentle trails at Sage Creek Rim Road (wildlife viewing for bison and bighorn sheep likely) before driving toward the sculpted faces at Mount Rushmore for an afternoon visit.
Drive to the sculpted buttes around Big Thunder Trailhead for an easy, kid-friendly loop where children can scramble on soft clay formations and hunt for tiny fossils while you enjoy wide prairie vistas; follow with a hands-on stop at Black Hills Playhouse Picnic Area for a shaded lunch and playground time. In the late afternoon, visit the interactive exhibits and short boardwalk at Petrified Forest Overlook to show kids fossilized wood and ancient layers, then roll into the Mount Rushmore approach road to catch the evening lighting ceremony from Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.
Wind down with a golden-hour drive to Sylvan Lake for easy shoreline play and short rock-scramble trails where kids can hunt for smooth stones while parents enjoy reflections of the peaks; follow with a twilight picnic at Needles Highway Scenic Overlook to watch the spires change color. Finish the night with a calm, family-friendly stargazing stop at Buffalo Gap National Grassland-spread a blanket, point out constellations, and let the kids toast marshmallows over a small fire at a designated campsite nearby.
Start the day with a relaxed lakeside stop at Itasca State Park where kids can walk the short Headwaters of the Mississippi trail to dip toes in the river's birthplace and explore easy boardwalks through pine forests; pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy shores. Mid-morning, stretch legs at Paul Bunyan State Trail for a family bike or scooter ride along a flat, traffic-free rail trail, then visit Bemidji's Lake Bemidji Regional Park playground and shore for paddle time and photo ops with the famous Paul Bunyan statue before continuing east toward the Twin Cities corridor.
Drive into the lake-rich region with a relaxed lunch stop at Pelican Lake Recreation Area, where kids can splash at the sandy swim beach and try a short, supervised paddle in a rented canoe while parents enjoy shoreline views. Continue to Crow Wing State Park for an easy riverside loop along the Mississippi cut-perfect for junior explorers to hunt for fossils and for the family to rent bikes on flat trails-then finish the afternoon with a scenic picnic and playground time at Gull Lake Beach & Park before scouting a nearby rooftop-tent-friendly campsite for the night.
Settle into a calm lakeside evening at Leech Lake's Walker Bay where kids can paddle in shallow water, hunt for smooth stones along the sandy shore, and enjoy a family BBQ at a picnic shelter while watching loons glide by. After dinner, take a short sunset stroll on the accessible boardwalk at Chippewa National Forest - Heartland Trail to spot songbirds and fireflies, then park at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground near Paul Bunyan State Forest (Forest Lake Campground) to roast marshmallows and share stories under wide northern skies.
Ease into the day with a relaxed visit to Minnehaha Park where kids can run along the trails, splash near Minnehaha Falls, and enjoy a picnic on the grassy bluff overlooking the Mississippi; follow this with a gentle, hands-on stop at the nearby Minnesota Children's Museum (St. Paul satellite exhibits or mobile programs) for interactive play that wears out little legs. Finish the morning with a short paddle or paddleboat rental at Lake Nokomis-shallow shores and playgrounds make it an easy, rooftop-tent-friendly break before you resume the eastward drive toward Ontario.
After a relaxed morning, head to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for a playful stroll among oversized artworks and a family photo with the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, then rent bikes or a surrey to ride the scenic Cedar Lake Trail loop where kids can enjoy short detours to playgrounds and lakeside beaches. Later, slow the pace with a hands-on visit to Mill City Museum on the riverfront for interactive milling exhibits and a rooftop overlook of the Mississippi, finishing with an early lakeside picnic at Bde Maka Ska as you prepare to resume your eastward rooftop-tent journey.
Slow the pace with a family-friendly stroll and dinner at Stone Arch Bridge / St. Anthony Main - kids can watch riverboats glide under the bridge while you enjoy patio dining and skyline views. After dinner, head to The Bakken Museum for an early-evening, hands-on science stop (short exhibits perfect for curious 5-11 year olds) or unwind with a sunset playground session and kite-flying on the wide lawns of Boom Island Park before returning to your rooftop-tent-friendly site for a mellow campfire and bedtime stories.
Ease into the day with a relaxed border-to-Ontario stretch, stopping for a family-friendly walk and picnic at Quetico Provincial Park's Wasi Falls Trailhead (short boardwalks and calm river views perfect for little explorers), then continue east to the charming lakeside village of Fort Frances for a playground break at Kakabeka Falls Riverfront Park where kids can paddle in shallow pools and hunt for smooth stones. Finish the morning with a gentle, interpretive stop at Rainy Lake Visitor Centre to learn about local waterways and pick up kid-friendly maps before a short rooftop-tent-friendly drive toward the Kenora corridor for an easy afternoon.
After lunch, pull off for a relaxed riverside stop at Rainy River Provincial Lookout for easy shoreline exploration and a short interpretive walk where kids can hunt for driftwood and learn about local river ecology; follow with a hands-on visit to Keewatin's Curling Club Park playground and splashpad to let little legs burn off energy while you enjoy a coffee. Finish the afternoon with a scenic drive-through stop at Lake of the Woods Provincial Day-Use Area for pebble-hunting, a gentle beach paddle (bring lifejackets), and a quiet rooftop-tent setup nearby so the family can unwind before an easy evening push toward Kenora.
Settle into a relaxed evening at Fort William Historical Park for a hands-on living-history visit where kids can watch costumed interpreters, try simple trades demonstrations, and run safely on open lawns while you enjoy a riverside picnic. Afterward, take a gentle twilight paddle or shoreline walk at McVean Wetland Conservation Area to spot frog choruses and migrating shorebirds, then finish the night at a rooftop-tent-friendly campground near Lakehead University Shores for an easy campfire, stargazing, and bedtime stories.
Start your morning in Ottawa with interactive fun at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, where kids can meet farm animals and try hands-on demonstrations, then stroll over to the nearby Bytown Museum for a short, kid-friendly look at canal history and lock operations. Alternatively in Quebec City, begin with a playful visit to the Musée de la civilisation for family exhibits and activity stations, followed by a gentle walk along the historic Dufferin Terrace with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence and space for kids to run before a riverside picnic.
In Ottawa, stroll through ByWard Market for a family-friendly food crawl (beavertails, local cheese, and seasonal fruit), then let the kids burn off energy at the interactive outdoor science zone at Ottawa River Pathway with short bike rentals and riverside playgrounds before a gentle canoe rental on the Rideau Canal. In Quebec City, wander the colourful streets of Petit-Champlain for artisan shops and street performers, then take a hands-on family workshop at La Maison de la Découverte (children's craft sessions) followed by a relaxed ride on the historic Terrace funicular down to the waterfront for riverside play and snacks.
In Ottawa, wind down with a calm riverside stroll and dinner at Dows Lake Pavilion, then let the kids play and watch paddle boats glide as the sunset paints the Rideau Canal; finish with a family-friendly light-and-sound walk through Commissioners Park to see seasonal floral displays and catch early-evening concerts or street performers. In Quebec City, enjoy a relaxed dinner in Place Royale followed by a twilight treasure hunt along the cobbles toward Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, where children can splash at the interactive fountains and you can end the night with an easy lookout over the St. Lawrence as lights come on across the river.
Begin your final morning with a gentle stretch at Parc national d'Oka-let the kids scamper on the beach at Pointe-Calumet, explore the easy woodland trails, and hunt for driftwood while you enjoy a lakeside coffee. Continue toward Terrebonne with a scenic pit stop at Île-des-Moulins Historic Site, where children can run among restored mills and interpretive panels before a relaxed arrival in Terrebonne to set up camp and reconnect with family routines.
After a relaxed morning, pull off for a lakeside picnic and paddle at Parc régional de la Chute-à-Bull where kids can explore gentle rapids and short boardwalk loops, then visit the nearby butterfly garden and playground for a low-key energy burn. Later, take a scenic detour through Vieux-Terrebonne to wander the cobbled streets, pop into a family-friendly bakery for treats, and finish by pitching your rooftop tent at a nearby campground like Camping du Parc de l'Île-Lebel so the family can settle in, BBQ, and enjoy a final evening of stories under the Quebec sky.
After settling your rooftop tent at Camping du Parc de l'Île-Lebel, take a short family drive to Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles for a calm evening canoe or electric-boat glide where kids can spot herons and turtles while guides point out local river ecology. Finish the night with a stroll and crepe stop in historic Place Bourget-let the children play in the nearby fountain plaza as you unwind-and return to your campsite for a final marshmallow roast beneath the Laurentian stars.
Keep this easy and local: start with a slow breakfast picnic and playground time at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles (Île Des Moulins sector) where kids can watch canoeists, spot turtles from the boardwalk, and burn off energy on shaded trails. Follow with a gentle cultural stop at Musée d'Autrefois de la Seigneurie de Terrebonne for hands-on historic exhibits and a short riverside stroll, then relax with coffee while the children explore the historic grounds and farm animals.
Take a relaxed, family-friendly outing to Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques for a picnic on the sandy beach, a gentle boardwalk stroll through wetlands to spot turtles and herons, and safe shallow wading for the kids. Later, drive to Centre de la Nature de Laval (short drive) where children can enjoy the outdoor playground, pedal boats on the lake, and seasonal farm-animal encounters-finish with an easy cafe stop at the park's terrace before returning to camp to unpack and enjoy a slow evening.
For a gentle, local evening, drive to Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles (Île-des-Moulins sector) - Île Saint-Jean loop for a short sunset paddle in rented canoes or electric boats where kids can spot herons and snapping turtles from the water, then enjoy a picnic on the island's grassy shore. Afterwards, wander the lit paths of Vieux-Terrebonne's Place de la Vieille-Île for an easy gelato and crepe stop, let the children play in the fountain plaza, and finish with a quiet marshmallow roast back at Camping du Parc de l'Île-Lebel under the Laurentian stars.