Epic Canada Road Trip: Driving from Ontario to BC in 15 Days
Are you considering driving from Ontario to BC through Canada? It’s a big trip, but it’s absolutely doable. And more than that, it’s unforgettable.
We drove across the country for the first time in August 2020. At that time, the kids were still toddlers (my youngest was less than 2 years old). But we didn’t stop there. I packed the car again in 2023 for a solo road trip across Canada this time (just me and my two boys)… A bit crazy right? But we had so much fun and discovered so many new places.
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This itinerary includes our full drive from Ontario to BC from our first trip. We stayed in small towns, visited major cities, played in parks, hiked to waterfalls, and stopped at every giant roadside attraction. The pace was steady but flexible, with plenty of breaks built in for the kids (and us).
Keep reading to see exactly where we went, how far we drove, and what we did at each stop—plus some helpful tips if you’re thinking of doing a similar trip with your family.
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🗺️ Itinerary Summary: Road trip from Ontario to BC with Kids
Driving across Canada with kids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We broke the trip into manageable chunks, with lots of kid-friendly stops, rest days, and short hikes to help break up the drive. Of course, we packed snacks and road trip activities for the kids and were ready to hit the road.
This route follows the Trans-Canada Highway and the Coquihalla Highway, with detours to national parks, beaches, playgrounds, and a few must-see roadside attractions. It’s a great mix of city sights and nature stops, especially if you travel with curious little ones.
🚗 Route Overview
Ottawa → North Bay → Sault Ste. Marie → Wawa → Terrace Bay → Thunder Bay → Kenora → Winnipeg → Regina → Maple Creek → Brooks → Banff → Revelstoke → Kelowna → Vancouver → Victoria
🛣️ Total Driving Distance
Approx. 4,369 km (one way)
👉 Planning your own drive across Canada? Grab the Canada Road Trip Guide—it includes 20+ family-tested itineraries and an interactive map with over 500 kid-friendly stops from Montreal to Victoria.
Day 1 – Ottawa to North Bay (354 km)
⭐ Main highlight: Lee Park and Shabogesic Beach
We kicked off our road trip in Ottawa, loaded up the car with snacks and toys, and hit the road heading north toward North Bay. It was a long driving day, but we made a few breaks along the way to keep everyone happy.
About halfway, we pulled into Mattawa River Provincial Park. It’s a nice spot for a short picnic and a chance to dip your toes in the water. The river access is easy, and there are picnic tables close to the parking lot, so it didn’t take long to settle in.
By late afternoon, we arrived in North Bay, known as the “Gateway to the North.” It’s a great first stop because everything is close and low-key. We headed straight to Lee Park, right by Lake Nipissing. There’s a big “Gateway to the North” sign (perfect for photos), a large playground, and space to stretch your legs after a long drive. From there, we walked over to Shabogesic Beach (formerly Marathon Beach), which has a sandy shoreline and calm water—great for toddlers.
We grabbed dinner nearby and called it an early night. It was a simple day, but a good one to ease into road trip mode.
🛏️Where we stayed near North Bay
Since we were camping on this trip, and the kids were doing so well on the car, we decided to keep driving a bit and camped at the Sturgeon Falls KOA.
Day 2 – North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie (436 km)
⭐ Main highlights: The Big Nickel in Sudbury and Bellevue Park
We had a quick breakfast and we’re ready to hit the road early. We planned a few fun stops along the way to keep things interesting for the kids.
Our first stop was in Sudbury, just under two hours from North Bay. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth a detour to see the Big Nickel. It’s one of Canada’s classic roadside attractions and makes for a quick and easy photo op. The Science North museum is also nearby and looked great for families, but we skipped it this time to stay on schedule
Before arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, we made a quick stop at Bruce Mines. The mine museum was closed when we visited, but we walked around the small marina and grabbed a coffee at the café next door.
We reached Sault Ste. Marie by late afternoon. It’s a bigger city than the others we’d visited so far, right on the border with Michigan. After checking in at the campground, we spent the rest of the day at Bellevue Park, which has a large playground, walking trails, and views over the river. The kids loved it.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Sault Ste. Marie
We camped again in Sault Ste. Marie at the Sault Ste. Marie KOA Holiday. For a hotel, I recommend staying at The Water Tower Inn. There are restaurants on-site and a cool indoor pool for the kids
Day 3 – Sault Ste. Marie to Terrace Bay (487 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Chippewa Falls, Old Woman Bay, the Wawa Goose, Winnie-the-Pooh statue, Pebble Beach, and Terrace Bay Lighthouse
We took our time leaving Sault Ste. Marie in the morning, knowing we had a full day ahead. The drive to Terrace Bay is just under 500 km, but there are plenty of easy and memorable stops along the way to break it up.
Our first stop was at Chippewa Falls, about an hour into the drive. This is a quick, family-friendly stop just off the highway, where a short path leads to a viewing bridge over the falls. It’s also the official midpoint of the Trans-Canada Highway, marked with a big sign. We stretched our legs, took a few photos, and let the kids explore before continuing north.
Next up was Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park. The sandy beach and dramatic cliffs made it one of our favourite scenic stops of the day. It’s a great place for the kids to run around while the adults take in the view. We brought out some snacks here and sat by the water for a little break.
In Wawa, we stopped to see the town’s famous Wawa Goose. It’s a massive statue right by the highway. There’s also a small visitor centre nearby where you can grab a map or take a quick bathroom break. This was a fun, quirky stop and the kids got a kick out of the size of the goose.
From Wawa, we continued along the highway to White River, best known as the birthplace of Winnie-the-Pooh. There’s a small statue and a few signs telling the story of how a real bear cub from this town inspired the beloved character. It only took a few minutes, but it was a cute stop and a nice chance for the kids to run around.
We kept moving toward Marathon, where we took a short detour to visit Pebble Beach. This beach is covered in smooth stones, perfect for skipping rocks and letting little feet explore. The views of Lake Superior here are wide open and peaceful, and there’s easy access from the road with room to park.
We rolled into Terrace Bay by late afternoon and headed straight to the Terrace Bay Lighthouse. It’s a small replica you can climb for a lookout over the lake and the Slate Islands. There’s also a boardwalk nearby, and the area around the lighthouse is great for letting kids move around while you take in the view.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Terrace Bay
Drifters Motel & Restaurant – simple, clean, and right on the highway with a handy on-site restaurant. After a long but beautiful day of driving, it was exactly what we needed. You could also camp in Marathon Beach instead.
Day 4 – Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay (224 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Aguasabon Falls, Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Paddle-to-the-Sea Park in Nipigon, and the Terry Fox Memorial
After a good night’s sleep in Terrace Bay, we started the day with a quick walk to Aguasabon Falls, just a couple minutes from the motel. There’s a short, flat path to a viewing platform overlooking the falls and canyon. It’s an easy and impressive start to the day, and we were back on the road within half an hour.
Next up was Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, just a short drive down the highway. We stopped at the main entrance, where you can ask for a free Discovery booklet for the kids. The trail to the falls is an out-and-back 1.8 km hike. It’s short but has some stairs and uneven sections, so it’s best for school-aged kids or little ones in carriers. The bridge overlooking the falls was our turnaround point—it offered the best views and felt like a mini adventure without taking up too much of the morning.
As we continued west, we made a must-stop in Nipigon at Paddle-to-the-Sea Park. It’s inspired by the children’s book and features a creative playground, splash pad, and walking trail. The playground was a hit, and the story-themed features made it even more fun. We stayed longer than planned, definitely one of the kids’ favourite stops of the day.
We arrived in Thunder Bay by late afternoon. Before checking into our hotel, we stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout, just off the highway as you enter the city. The statue stands on a hill with wide views over Lake Superior. It’s a quiet and powerful place to pause and reflect.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Thunder Bay
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay: right by the waterfront with spacious rooms, great views, and easy access to local restaurants. A good base for exploring the city over the next couple of days.
💡 You might want to add an extra day in Thunder Bay
After a few days of steady driving, Thunder Bay is a great place to slow down and recharge. There is a lot to do. You can visit Prince Arthur’s Landing for a relaxed walk by the marina, check out Fort William Historical Park, or take the kids to the Hillcrest Park playground for sweeping views of the bay. If you’re up for a short drive, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers easy family hikes and picnic spots.
Day 5 – Thunder Bay to Kenora (488 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Kakabeka Falls, Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge in Dryden, and Norman Park in Kenora
We got an early start out of Thunder Bay since this was another long driving day, just under 500 km total. But with a few well-timed stops, it didn’t feel too long.
Our first stop was just 30 minutes outside of town at Kakabeka Falls, often called the “Niagara of the North.” The falls are big and dramatic, and there are wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms that make it easy to explore with kids. We walked a short loop around the top and grabbed a quick snack before hitting the road again.
A couple of hours later, we made another stop in Dryden to stretch our legs at the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge. It’s a fun little detour with a short, easy trail leading to the bridge over the Wabigoon River. The walk is safe and scenic, and the swaying bridge was a fun surprise for the kids.
We arrived in Kenora by late afternoon. Located right on Lake of the Woods, it’s a lively town with a strong summer vibe. We headed straight to Norman Park, which has a beach, a great playground, and lots of green space. It was the perfect spot for the kids to play while we relaxed by the lake.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Kenora:
Super 8 by Wyndham Kenora: affordable, clean, and close to everything we needed for a quick overnight stop.
Day 6 – Kenora to Winnipeg (210 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Centre of Canada Park
After a relaxed breakfast in Kenora, we hit the road toward Winnipeg. This drive is just over two hours, so we planned a couple of nature stops to make the most of the day.
About halfway to Winnipeg, we entered Whiteshell Provincial Park, one of Manitoba’s prettiest natural areas. There are several lakes, picnic areas, and short trails right off the highway. We stopped at Falcon Lake for a quick walk and some fresh air. There’s a beach and picnic tables, so it’s a great spot for a mid-morning break if you’re travelling with little ones.
Before reaching Winnipeg, we made a fun stop at the Centre of Canada Park, one roadside attractions you can’t miss. It’s exactly what it sounds like: the geographic centre of the country. There’s a big red and white sign (great for photos), picnic tables, and space to stretch your legs. It’s a quick and easy stop, but the kids loved standing “in the middle of Canada.”
We arrived in Winnipeg by early afternoon. If you get in early, there’s still time to explore The Forks Market or visit one of the city’s many family-friendly museums.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Winnipeg
Residence Inn Winnipeg: close to major roads, family-friendly, and a good base for exploring the city over the next two days. Plus, there is a fun pool with a slide and the room has a full kitchen.
💡 You might want to add an extra day in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is full of family-friendly things to do, and it’s worth staying an extra day if you can. Visit The Forks Market for local food and shops, explore the interactive exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, or let the kids run wild at Assiniboine Park and Zoo, which has a great playground and a Polar Bear exhibit.
Day 7 – Winnipeg to Regina (573 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Swinging Bridge in Wolseley, and Bell Barn in Indian Head
This was one of our longest driving days, so we left Winnipeg early and planned a few strategic stops to keep the kids comfortable and the drive interesting.
Our first break came a couple of hours in, as we continued west into Saskatchewan. We stopped for a little family picture at the Welcome to Sakatchewan sign.
Then, just before Wolseley, we stopped to walk across the town’s Swinging Bridge. It’s a fun little adventure and doesn’t take long, just enough movement to keep the kids from getting stir-crazy. You’ll find a small park nearby where they can burn off even more energy.
Closer to Regina, we made one last stop at the Bell Barn in Indian Head. It’s a round barn with some interesting signage and exhibits about early prairie farming. We didn’t go inside the small museum, but we walked the grounds and admired the architecture.
We arrived in Regina in the late afternoon, ready for dinner and some downtime.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Regina
We spend a few nights in Regina, so we rented a Airbnb.
Day 8 – Regina to Maple Creek (380 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Chaplin Lake, and Doc’s Town in Swift Current
After a good night’s rest in Regina, we packed up and hit the road west toward Maple Creek. The drive was about four hours total, but we broke it up with a few fun and educational stops.
First up was a short detour to Moose Jaw, just under an hour from Regina. We tried to book a tour of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, but the schedule didn’t fit for us. It’s where costumed guides lead you through underground passages with stories from the Prohibition era and early Chinese immigration. We’ll have to do it another time.
Back on the road, we stopped near Chaplin Lake, known for its salt flats and migratory birds. You can pull over for a quick look or stretch your legs on a short walking path with interpretive signs. It’s a unique stop that doesn’t take long but adds something a little different to the day.
Our final stop before Maple Creek was in Swift Current at Doc’s Town Heritage Village. It’s a small collection of old-timey buildings set up like a pioneer town. The kids enjoyed walking through the general store and seeing the old tools and wagons. It’s free to visit (donations accepted), and a nice place for a short wander before finishing the drive.
We arrived in Maple Creek by late afternoon. It’s a small, friendly town close to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, with just enough to explore and plenty of space to relax.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Maple Creek:
Willowbend Campground & Cabins: nice and clean campground. It’s conveniently located. A great place to recharge before heading into Alberta the next day.
Day 9 – Maple Creek to Brooks (380 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the World’s Tallest Teepee in Medicine Hat, and Brooks Aqueduct
We left Maple Creek after breakfast and started the day with a quick side trip to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. It’s right on the Saskatchewan–Alberta border and offers a nice change of scenery with forests, lakes, and high viewpoints. We did a short walk near the visitor centre and let the kids explore the playground before continuing west.
Our next stop was in Medicine Hat, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. We visited the World’s Tallest Teepee, a massive white-and-red steel structure built for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. It’s right next to the visitor centre with plenty of parking, washrooms, and open space to roam. Under the teepee, there are panels with Indigenous history and art, which gave us a chance to talk with the kids about the land we were travelling through.
After a quick lunch, we finished the drive to Brooks, arriving by mid-afternoon. Just outside of town, we visited the Brooks Aqueduct, an impressive and unusual structure from the early 1900s. It was once used to transport irrigation water and now stretches across the prairie like a giant bridge. You can walk along the base and read about its history from the signs posted nearby.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Brooks
Heritage Inn & Suites: comfortable, clean, and located close to restaurants and stores. A good spot to rest up before a day of dinosaurs.
Day 10 – Dinosaur Provincial Park
⭐ Main highlights: Badlands hikes, fossil finds, and a guided interpretive tour
We dedicated this entire day to exploring Dinosaur Provincial Park, and it was one of the most memorable stops of the trip. Located about 45 minutes northeast of Brooks, the park sits in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape feels like another planet—dry canyons, hoodoos, and strange rock formations everywhere you look.
We started at the visitor centre, where we checked out the small indoor exhibit with real fossil displays. There’s also a short video that gives a great overview of what makes the park so unique.
From there, we explored a couple of the short interpretive trails, like the Badlands Trail (1.3 km loop) and the Cottonwood Flats Trail, which follows the Red Deer River through a cooler, shady area. Most of the trails are short and easy to follow, with kid-friendly signage and lots of chances to spot wildflowers, deer, and even small fossils embedded in the rock.
In the afternoon, we joined a guided tour through a restricted area of the park. These tours are the only way to see some of the real dig sites and exposed dinosaur bones. The guide kept things simple and fun for kids, and we even saw a partially uncovered fossil in the rock. It’s absolutely worth booking ahead.
We brought a picnic lunch and ate at one of the shaded tables near the river. There are washrooms and a small playground nearby, making it easy to spend the full day without having to drive in and out.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Dinosaur Provincial Park
We camped right in the provincial park, but you could drive back to Brook (and not have to pack up again after such a full day).
Day 11 – Brooks to Banff (314 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Calgary Tower, downtown Calgary, and Policeman’s Creek in Canmore
We left Brooks after breakfast and pointed the car west toward the mountains. This drive took just over three hours, but we made the most of the day by stopping in Calgary and Canmore before reaching Banff.
In Calgary, we spent a couple of hours downtown. We parked near Stephen Avenue and walked over to the Calgary Tower. If your kids don’t mind heights, the glass floor at the top is a fun challenge! From the tower, you get a full view of the city and even a glimpse of the Rockies on a clear day.
After a quick lunch downtown, we continued toward the mountains. Just before Banff, we stopped in Canmore for a short walk on the Policeman’s Creek boardwalk. It’s an easy, stroller-friendly path through town and along the creek, with mountain views all around. The kids liked watching ducks and checking out the little wooden bridges. Canmore also has great coffee shops and a small playground near the main street—perfect for a break before the final stretch.
We arrived in Banff by late afternoon and checked in at our hotel. After days of prairie driving, the mountains felt like a reward. We grabbed dinner in town and took a short evening walk to Central Park, which has a big playground and beautiful views over the Bow River.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Banff
Banff Ptarmigan Inn: close to downtown with comfortable rooms and underground parking. A great base for exploring Banff over the next few days.
💡 You might want to add a few extra days in Banff
Banff National Park is one of the most family-friendly places in the Rockies, and it’s worth slowing down here if you have the time. You can hike Johnston Canyon, visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and ride the Banff Gondola for incredible views. Don’t miss a day trip to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake—the scenery is iconic, and the short lakeside walks are doable even with little legs. There’s also Bow Falls, Cave and Basin, and plenty of picnic spots to enjoy. Three days gives you a nice balance of activity and downtime.
Day 12 – Banff to Revelstoke (283 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, and Giant Cedars Boardwalk
We left Banff mid-morning and took our time on this incredibly scenic drive through four national parks: Banff, Yoho, Glacier, and Mount Revelstoke. It’s a day where the drive itself is the main attraction—just be sure to keep your camera and snacks handy!
Our first stop was in Yoho National Park at Emerald Lake, just a short drive off the highway near Field, BC. The lake really does live up to its name, with bright turquoise water and a wide flat path around the shoreline. We didn’t walk the full loop, but even a short stroll was enough to enjoy the view and let the kids explore.
Just down the road, we made another quick stop at the Natural Bridge, where the river has carved a tunnel right through solid rock. There’s a fenced viewing area, and it only takes a few minutes to see. It’s well worth it.
Back on the Trans-Canada Highway, we continued west through Glacier National Park, where the scenery turns even more rugged. We didn’t stop long here (the kids were getting antsy), but we made time for a bathroom and snack break at one of the pullouts with a picnic table.
Before reaching Revelstoke, we pulled over one last time at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Mount Revelstoke National Park. This short loop is stroller-friendly and weaves through an old-growth forest filled with towering cedar trees and moss-covered logs. It’s a peaceful, shady walk—perfect for winding down the day.
We arrived in Revelstoke by early evening and checked into our hotel, ready for dinner and some quiet time.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Revelstoke
Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke: great for families, with a pool, breakfast included, and easy access to the highway and town.
💡 You might want to add a day in Revelstoke
Revelstoke is a small mountain town with big outdoor appeal, especially for families. Spend a day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, where you can ride the Pipe Mountain Coaster or explore the Aerial Adventure Park. For something more relaxed, head to Williamson Lake for a swim and a picnic, or visit the Enchanted Forest just outside of town—an imaginative stop full of fairy-tale displays and kid-sized treehouses.
Day 13 – Revelstoke to Kelowna (198 km)
⭐ Main highlights: The Enchanted Forest, Malakwa Suspension Bridge, and lakeside views in Kelowna
We left Revelstoke after breakfast and headed toward Kelowna. It’s an easy drive—just under 200 km—but we added a couple of fun stops along the way to break it up.
Our first stop was just outside Revelstoke at The Enchanted Forest. It’s a charming, slightly quirky park filled with fairy-tale characters, treehouses, and little forest paths. The kids loved exploring the mini castles, walking through the crooked house, and climbing the lookout towers. It’s a great spot for younger kids and doesn’t take too long to enjoy.
From there, we continued on to Kelowna, arriving in the early afternoon. We checked in, then headed to Okanagan Lake for a walk along the waterfront. The kids splashed in the shallow water near City Park, and we found a nearby café for a casual dinner.
P.S. You could also decide to continue driving on the Trans-Canada highway for the entire drive.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Kelowna
We stayed for a few days in Kelowna, on a HomeExchange stay.
💡 You might want to add a day in Kelowna
Kelowna is sunny, relaxed, and packed with family-friendly options. Spend the day swimming or paddleboarding at Okanagan Lake, visit the Kangaroo Creek Farm to see wallabies up close, or stroll the Downtown Marina for ice cream and lake views. You can even stop by a family-friendly winery—many have wide lawns, juice tastings for kids, and space to roam.
Day 14 – Kelowna to Vancouver (390 km)
⭐ Main highlights: Coquihalla Highway views, Othello Tunnels, and Fort Langley
We left Kelowna in the morning, ready for our final big drive before hitting the coast. The route from Kelowna to Vancouver is about 390 km and takes around five hours, but we added a few stops to make the day more fun and less rushed.
The drive along the Coquihalla Highway is scenic and dramatic, with winding mountain roads and lots of sweeping views. About halfway through the drive, we made a stop near Hope at the Othello Tunnels. This short and easy trail follows an old railway line through a series of tunnels and over dramatic canyon bridges. The tunnels are dark and fun to walk through (bring a flashlight or use your phone), and the views of the river below are impressive. It’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes on this stretch of the trip.
Closer to Vancouver, we stopped at Fort Langley National Historic Site, a great place to break up the last hour of the drive. The fort is a recreated 1800s trading post with costumed interpreters, blacksmith demos, and hands-on exhibits. The kids loved running along the wooden walkways and learning how people lived in early colonial BC.
We arrived in Vancouver in the late afternoon and checked into our hotel near downtown. After dinner, we walked to a nearby park to stretch our legs and wind down.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Vancouver
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. It’s located right in downtown Vancouver by the waterfront. It’s a short walk to the seawall and BC Place.
💡 You might want to add a day in Vancouver
Vancouver is packed with things to do for families. You can rent bikes and ride the Stanley Park Seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or spend the afternoon at Granville Island browsing markets and watching street performers. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge or the free alternative at Lynn Canyon—both are fun, scenic, and easy to reach by car or public transit.
Day 15 – Vancouver to Victoria (via ferry)
⭐ Main highlights: BC Ferry ride, Sidney-by-the-Sea, and downtown Victoria
We packed up in Vancouver and drove to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. The sailing takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes, but with loading and driving time, you’ll want to plan for 3 to 4 hours door to door. We booked our ferry in advance, which made things much easier—especially during busier months.
Onboard, we grabbed a snack from the cafeteria and spent most of the ride on the outdoor decks. The kids loved watching the smaller boats and scanning the water for seals. There’s no Wi-Fi, so bring a few games or books to keep little ones entertained.
After disembarking at Swartz Bay, we made a quick stop in Sidney-by-the-Sea. It’s a small seaside town just 30 minutes from Victoria, with an easy waterfront walk and a playground near the marina. A nice place to stretch your legs before continuing south.
We arrived in Victoria by late afternoon. Depending on your energy level, you can either head straight to your hotel or explore a bit of downtown Victoria. We did a short walk around the Inner Harbour, checked out the floating homes at Fisherman’s Wharf, and grabbed dinner nearby.
🛏️ Where we stayed in Victoria
We rented an Airbnb in Victoria outside the city center. It was a basement suite. I would recommend looking for something else, honestly 😉
💡 You might want to add a day in Victoria
Victoria is a great place to slow down and enjoy the coast. Start your day with a short hike at Mount Douglas for panoramic views, then head to Cadboro-Gyro Park, where there’s a sandy beach and a giant sea monster playground the kids will love. In the afternoon, visit Fisgard Lighthouse or explore the colourful floating homes and food stalls at Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a walkable, easygoing city with a lot to see in a small area—perfect for families.
🛣️ If you have more time, consider driving from Victoria to Tofino
If your cross-country road trip doesn’t end in a rush, add a few more days and drive from Victoria to Tofino. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches on Vancouver Island, with ocean views, old-growth forests, and plenty of family-friendly stops along the way. We did this trip in a campervan and loved every minute of it.
Final Thoughts – Driving from Ontario to BC with Kids
This cross-Canada road trip gave us everything we hoped for: big landscapes, small-town charm, and lots of time together as a family. From the quiet lakes of Northern Ontario to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the coastal views in BC, every day brought something new.
We kept the pace flexible, mixed in plenty of breaks, and chose stops that worked well with young kids. Some days were long, but the stops in between made all the difference—waterfalls, playgrounds, beaches, and roadside oddities helped keep everyone smiling (most of the time!).
If you’re thinking about a similar trip, our advice is simple: plan a loose route, book a few key stays ahead, and leave room for surprises. The Trans-Canada Highway has more to offer than you might expect, and the journey really is part of the fun.
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