Welcome to phase 4 of our blog series on our 2-Year North America Road Trip, 2015-2016. This journey was the grand finale of our five-year nomadic adventure, and it came at a time of massive growth for my blog, the end of my marriage, and the start of a whole new chapter for Mia, Caius, and me.
We’ve taken plenty of road trips before and after this adventure, but this series focuses on our biggest and most unforgettable journey across North America in 2015–2016. During this time, we explored 48 US states and 7 Canadian provinces, creating what we consider some of the best USA road trips for families. To make it easy to follow, we’ve broken the journey into 12 phases, each covering a different region and experience.
- Eastern Canada Road Trip
- Midwest USA Road Trip
- Pacific Northwest USA Road Trip
- Western Canada Road Trip
- North Coast-To-Coast USA Road Trip
- Northeast to Southeast USA Road Trip
- Southeast to South USA Road Trip
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part I)
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part II – RV Adventure)
- California Road Trip – Sacramento to San Francisco (6 Days)
- Nova Scotia Road Trip (2 Weeks)
- Florida Road Trip Finale (2 weeks)
We hope you’ll join us for every phase, sharing in the adventures, the chaos, the fun, and all the memories that make this family road trip truly unforgettable.
Phase 4 – Western Canada – British Columbia & Alberta
Dates: 16th September – 28th November
Total approximate kilometres: 2,428 (1,509 miles)
Total fuel: Approx. CA$450
Phase 4 of our 2-Year North America road trip took us deep into Western Canada, with a spontaneous and unforgettable detour to Alaska. After our Eastern Canada road trip, Midwest USA adventures, and the magic of the Pacific Northwest, this leg felt like the perfect mix of wild nature, downtime, and big bucket list moments on our family roadtrip.
This country road trip slowed things down in the best possible way. Think glaciers, wildlife, cosy housesits, and the kind of scenery that makes you pull over every five minutes on a road trip across Canada.
Check Canada Hotel Prices Here
Best Things To Do In British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia – City Meets Nature
Dates: 16th – 19th September
Accommodation: Azure Guest Suite – CA$193
Best Attraction / Tour: Whale watching tour and seaplane to Victoria
A reader tipped us off about a guest suite in her apartment building, and it turned out to be the perfect base for exploring Vancouver.
We packed a lot in quickly, whale watching, jumping on a seaplane to Victoria, and finally meeting blogging friends we had known online for years. It was one of those moments where this family gap year blog life really came full circle.
Then, just like that, plans changed. A last-minute invite to Alaska came through, and we didn’t hesitate. Bags packed, we were off again.
Alaska Cruise – Glaciers and Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments
Dates: 19th – 27th September
Accommodation: Noordam, Holland America
Best Attraction / Tour: Glacier Bay cruising experience
Seven nights cruising through Alaska was hands down one of the most scenic drives of our North America road trip.
We stayed in a verandah suite, and even though it was freezing outside, I loved waking up, opening the curtains, and watching glaciers drift past.
Highlights included a day in Juneau, a helicopter ride onto a glacier in Skagway, and wandering through Ketchikan. But nothing compared to Glacier Bay. We stood there for an hour watching glaciers crack and crash into the ocean. It was surreal.
Kelowna, British Columbia – Housesit and Reset
Dates: 27th September – 15th October
Accommodation: Housesit
Best Attraction / Tour: Okanagan Lake and local wineries
After Alaska, we picked up our car and headed straight to Kelowna to commence our Western Canada family road trips. Part of that summer road trip included a month here in Kelowna. This stop was exactly what we needed. A housesit, two shy but beautiful cats, and time to breathe.
We had so many stories to write after the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, so this slower pace worked perfectly. Being close to friends we met years earlier made it even more special.
Jasper, Alberta – Mountains and Glaciers
Dates: 15th – 18th October
Accommodation: The Crimson
Best Attraction / Tour: Icefields Parkway drive
Our Western Canada road trip truly came alive in Jasper.
We walked across a glass bridge suspended high above a gorge, stepped onto a glacier, rode the skytram up Whistler’s Mountain, and drove the breathtaking Icefields Parkway.
This is one of those places where every turn feels like a postcard.
Edmonton, Alberta – Shopping and Fun
Dates: 18th – 22nd October
Accommodation: Delta Edmonton South
Best Attraction / Tour: West Edmonton Mall
After all that nature, Edmonton gave us a change of pace. West Edmonton Mall is massive, and the kids absolutely loved it. A perfect indoor stop on a road trip with kids.
Drumheller, Alberta – Dinosaurs and Discovery
Dates: 22nd – 23rd October
Accommodation: Canalta Jurassic Hotel
Best Attraction / Tour: Royal Tyrrell Museum
Three hours south of Edmonton, we found ourselves in dinosaur country. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is incredible and completely dedicated to palaeontology.
For Mia and Caius, this was like stepping into another world and formed part of the best family road trips and outdoor activities.
Calgary, Alberta – City Stopover
Dates: 23rd – 25th October
Accommodation: Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel
Best Attraction / Tour: Family-friendly hotel with waterslides
Calgary brought us back into city life. The hotel’s waterslides were an instant hit with the kids, and it was a great base to recharge before heading into the mountains again.
Banff, Alberta – Bucket List Destination
Dates: 25th – 27th October
Accommodation: Hidden Ridge Resort
Best Attraction / Tour: Banff National Park exploration
Banff was everything I had imagined and more.
Hot tubs in freezing air, stunning lakes, mountain views, and that constant sense of “is this real life?” We explored caves, lakes, and scenic lookouts, always keeping an eye out for bears.
Lake Louise, Alberta – Iconic Beauty
Dates: 27th – 28th October
Accommodation: Baker Creek Chalets
Best Attraction / Tour: Lake Louise viewpoint and Icefields Parkway
Lake Louise is stunning, no question. But for me, it’s best as a day trip, not roadside attractions. Stay in Banff and visit for the day, then take in the incredible southern end of the Icefields Parkway.
Kelowna, British Columbia – Slow Travel and Ski Days
Dates: 28th October – 28th November
Accommodation: Airbnb
Best Attraction / Tour: Big White Ski Resort
Back to Kelowna, and honestly, it felt like coming home.
We slowed right down, spent time writing, and soaked up the relaxed pace. We even managed a couple of trips up to Big White for some early ski adventures.
Western Canada Road Trip Itinerary – Phase 4 Overview
Route Overview:
Vancouver → Alaska Cruise → Kelowna → Jasper → Edmonton → Drumheller → Calgary → Banff → Lake Louise → Kelowna
Duration: 10 weeks
Highlights:
- Whale watching and seaplane flights in Vancouver
- Glacier Bay and Alaska cruise experiences
- Icefields Parkway scenic drive
- Banff and Lake Louise landscapes
- Royal Tyrrell Museum dinosaurs
- Big White ski resort
This is one of the most scenic sections of any road trip across Canada, and perfect for a family roadtrip with a mix of adventure and downtime.
Top Tips for Families on a Western Canada Road Trip
- Mix Adventure with Rest
Long stays like Kelowna balance out busy travel days. - Book National Park Stays Early
Banff and Jasper fill up quickly, especially for family-friendly accommodation. - Prepare for Weather Changes
Snow, sun, and cold can all happen in one day. Pack layers. - Make It Fun for Kids
Museums, wildlife spotting, and hotel pools keep kids engaged. Think or Google some travel games before you leave. - Allow Extra Driving Time
You will stop constantly for photos. Trust me. - Bring Power Banks
Making sure you have enough power is crucial, not only because you need that map, but you’ll be taking so many photos at all the viewpoints. And don’t forget to share them once you reach that wifi hotspot.
Packing List for a Cold-Weather Road Trip in Western Canada
If you’re planning a Western Canada road trip, especially through places like Banff, Jasper, and Alaska, packing smart is everything. We quickly learned that layering is key on a road trip across Canada, especially with kids.
Here’s what I recommend packing for a road trip with kids in cold weather:
Clothing Essentials:
- Thermal base layers for everyone
- Warm jackets, preferably waterproof
- Beanies, gloves, and scarves
- Thick socks and waterproof shoes or boots
- Comfortable layers for the car, think leggings, hoodies, and track pants
For the Kids (and sanity):
- Spare clothes, always more than you think you need
- Blankets for the car, perfect for long drives
- Easy slip-on shoes for quick stops
Road trip Essentials:
- Ice scraper and basic winter car kit
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks, lots of snacks
- Phone chargers and offline maps
Extras Worth Bringing:
- Lip balm and moisturiser, the cold air is brutal
- Sunglasses, snow glare is real
- Camera or phone storage, you will take a LOT of photos
This kind of preparation makes your family roadtrip through Canada so much smoother and way more enjoyable.
Western Canada Travel Costs – Phase 4 Breakdown
If you’re budgeting for a Canada road trip, here’s a realistic look at what we spent in 2015/2016 during this phase of our North America road trip:
Fuel:
Approx. CA$450, this is lower than expected because we stayed in Kelowna for an extended period and weren’t driving daily
Accommodation:
- Vancouver guest suite: CA$193 total
- Alaska cruise: varies depending on cabin, ours was a verandah suite
- Housesit in Kelowna: free, a huge saver for long-term travel
- Alberta hotels: ranged from mid-range to family-friendly hotels
- Kelowna Airbnb rentals (1 month): mid-range monthly rental
Experiences:
- Whale watching tour in Vancouver
- Seaplane flight to Victoria
- Alaska cruise excursions, including helicopter glacier tour
- National park activities in Banff and Jasper
- Royal Tyrrell Museum entry
Food:
Mix of eating out and self-catering, housesitting helped reduce costs significantly
Money-Saving Tips:
- Housesitting saved thousands on accommodation
- Slowing down in one place, like Kelowna, reduced fuel and food costs
- Mixing free nature activities with paid experiences balanced the budget
Overall, this phase of our Western Canada road trip can be done on a range of budgets, but planning ahead and mixing in slower travel really helps.
Wrapping Up Phase 4 of Our North America Road Trip
Phase 4 was the perfect blend of adventure and slow travel. From glaciers in Alaska to cosy nights in Kelowna, this leg of our family roadtrip across North America gave us space to breathe while still delivering unforgettable moments.
Next up, we take on one of the biggest stretches yet.
👉 Read Phase 5 – North Coast-To-Coast USA – cross-country road trip
👉 Or head back to Phase 3 – Pacific Northwest USA Road Trip and our road trip to Canada
