6 must-visit Canadian road trip destinations
Two simple words spark immediate joy in the hearts of adventure-loving Canadian families: road trip! Packing up the car and heading out to explore the great outdoors is a fantastically fun way to spend time together as a family while celebrating the natural beauty Canada has to offer. And doing so at a national park means you and the kids have tons of exciting outdoor activities to choose from. Here are six awe-inspiring destinations to consider.
Nine hours northeast of Vancouver, and less than two hours west of Calgary, Kootenay boasts grasslands, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls and backcountry trails. Go cycling, fishing, mountain climbing or even hang gliding and paragliding. Kids will love the guided hikes to the 500-million-year old Burgess Shale fossils or picking up an Xplorers program booklet filled with park activities. At the end of the day? Slip into Radium Hot Springs or settle into one of Parks Canada’s iconic red Adirondack chairs to unwind.
< Back
Embark on a family adventure at one of Canada’s national parks.
From Vancouver
Kootenay National Park >
Tip: Book a Parks Canada oTENTik, which sleeps up to six people.
Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim is where nature and history converge. Surf, boat or paddleboard on open water, or kayak through the Broken Group Islands. Go cycling, mountain biking or e-biking, or hike the legendary West Coast Trail. Geocaching routes offer treasure-hunting adventures for kids, and the 300+ avian species that call the park home make for excellent birding. Pacific Rim also hosts First Nations cultural experiences, and the new ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced “ups-cheek ta-shee”) is perfect for a relaxing family walk.
Tip: Download the park’s list of 150 "bucket list" adventures before you go!
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve >
This swimmers’ paradise is just three-and-a-half hours from Toronto. Families with kids can enjoy the warm, shallow water of Singing Sands Beach, while the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay—and the hugely popular Grotto—rewards more experienced swimmers with crystal-clear (but pretty cold!) water. Try canoeing, kayaking and sailboarding on Cypress Lake, or go bouldering at Halfway Log Dump. Kids can also take part in the Xplorers program, or hike along the park’s trails, which include a portion of the Bruce Trail.
Tip: Parking reservations are required for Halfway Log Dum and the Grotto and Cyprus Lake areas.
From Toronto
Bruce Peninsula National Park >
Head about 11.5 super-scenic hours northwest from Toronto to truly embrace the outdoors at Pukaskwa. Nestled along Lake Superior, its spectacular backcountry-hiking options include the challenging Coastal Hiking Trail, featuring the White River Suspension Bridge above Chigamiwinigum Falls, or the comparatively easier Mdaabii Miikna loop trail. Go day paddling in Hattie Cove or Pulpwood Harbour, or relax on idyllic Horseshoe Beach. Kids can learn about First Nations history and culture at the park’s Anishinaabe camp, or pick up an outdoor-adventure activities booklet from Club Parka.
Tip: Experienced paddlers should grab a trip planner to explore the Coastal Paddling Route.
Pukaskwa National Park >
Mountains meet fjords at this 1,805-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experienced backcountry hikers can go wilderness hiking in the Long Range Mountains, while families with younger children can cycle, kayak, walk to the Lobster Cove Head lighthouse or behold the otherworldly terrain of the Tablelands. Spotting harbour seals and minke whales in Bonne Bay, Western Brook Beach and St. Paul’s Inlet, or exploring the tide pools along the rocky shores, are also great kid-friendly activities.
Tip: Take in the wonders of the night sky at Gros Morne’s dark-sky area.
From St. John’s
Gros Morne National Park >
Comedian Shaun Majumder calls Terra Nova one of Canada's best hidden gems—and he’s not wrong. This easternmost national park offers premier camping at two main campgrounds and 29 backcountry-camping sites. Swim at Sandy Pond, head out on more than 80km of hiking trails or go canoeing and kayaking along Terra Nova’s 200km of shoreline. At the end of the day, gather the kids for a family-friendly performance at the Outdoor Theatre or join a sing-along at the Campfire Circle.
Tip: No camping gear? No problem. Try the park’s
Terra Nova National Park >
“equipped camping.”
Hit the road (trip) in a Subaru Forester Wilderness
One of the keys to an amazing road trip is taking it in the perfect vehicle: meet the bold new Subaru Forester Wilderness! It’s as tough on the outside as it is spacious and comfortable on the inside—a rugged, versatile compact-SUV engineered for your family’s next outdoor adventure. Its road-trip-ready features include:
Ready to head out in a new Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Visit Subaru
All-terrain tires and increased suspension height.
Agile and responsive steering for control and confidence in challenging environments.
High-capacity roof rails (up to 800 pounds of static load!) and ample interior cargo space for all your adventure gear.
Ultra-resilient soft-touch upholstery and all-weather rubber floor mats.
A high-tech infotainment system to keep the kids entertained on the road.
And so much more!
Created for
Photo: Kamal H
Photo: gmariusica
Photo: Shawna Druif
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner
Photo: Natalie Lucier
Photo: Ryan Hodnett