LAX to Los Angeles, California

• Distance: 14 miles
• Travel Time: 1 Hour

If you’re starting your travels from LAX Airport, it’s best to kick off your adventure in Los Angeles and visit some of its most iconic sights and attractions. While spending time in the city, you’ll get to experience its vibrant energy and check out popular landmarks and must-see spots.

How Long Should I Stay in Los Angeles?

LA is a great place to have a good time, and there is no shortage of fun activities and sights for your family to enjoy, but with so much travel ahead of you, we recommend spending no more than a couple of days in the city before continuing on your trip. 

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is an extremely busy city, and hundreds of hotels are available to you, ranging from value options to more luxury choices. If you are traveling by RV or motorhome, there are a couple of great RV Parks nearby, including Hollywood RV Park. 

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of the most famous aspects of the city of Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is such a fun experience walking along Hollywood Boulevard and seeing the stars of some of the most famous celebrities, and snagging a picture with some of your personal favorites. 

The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is probably one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in the United States, so you do not want to miss the chance to see it in person. While you are not able to travel up to the actual sign, there are a number of spots that will allow you to get a great view of this famous sign. 

Pro tip: Griffith Observatory is one of the best spots to catch a good view of the sign. Not only will you have a great view, but parking at Griffith Observatory is free, making it an affordable option for a great experience. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

If your family is a fan of theme parks, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.

A visit to the park gives your family a chance for a fun day of theme park rides, good eats, and references to some of the most famous blockbuster hits in history. While we love to spend a few days at Universal Studios to fully enjoy the experience, you can certainly enjoy the park and see a lot of it in just a single day. 

Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park, California 

• Distance: 313 Miles
• Travel Time: 6 hours 

Yosemite National Park is one of the most recognizable national parks in the United States and truly is a can’t-miss experience when traveling through California. 

• See our Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip itinerary for interesting stops you can make along the way – heading inland or taking the Pacific Coast Highway route.

How Long Should I Stay in Yosemite National Park? 

Yosemite is a pretty large park, and to get a full experience, we recommend spending at least two days in the park. If you have extra time, you could easily spread your time across four days. 

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has several great lodging options, including tents and cabins at the High Sierra Camps or White Wolf Lodge. If you prefer a hotel-style stay, consider a stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee for a luxury-style room. 

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is a guided tour offered to Yosemite visitors. This 8-hour tour will take you through some of the most notable sights in Yosemite, including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. 

Birdwatching

The Yosemite area hosts over 165 species of birds, offering a unique and interesting experience if you choose to view and observe them. 

Hiking

With over 750 miles of trails throughout Yosemite National Park, hitting the hiking trails is a must. No matter your level of expertise, there are a variety of trails that will fit all levels of difficulty and makes for a fun activity that the whole family will enjoy. 

• Bonus stops: Because you have only two weeks to travel between three states, making as many stops as you may like is difficult. If you have extra time, consider adding Death Valley National Park and Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park to your itinerary on your way to Yosemite. We cover these stops in more detail in our Yosemite to Death Valley itinerary.

Yosemite National Park to Bend, Oregon

• Distance: 577 Miles
• Travel Time: 10 Hours

Our next destination is a long stretch, but it brings us into our next state as we travel to Bend, Oregon. Bend offers its visitors a number of activities to enjoy, including natural sights, art, and history. 

How Long Should I Stay in Bend?

After a 10-hour drive, you will likely want to take the rest of the day to relax and recuperate before getting into any activities. After your travel day, we recommend spending an additional 1.5 days, with the second half of your second day being used to head to our next destination. 

• With more time, we’d recommend adding stops at two of the best national parks on the West Coast, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA, and Crater Lake National Park, OR. Although you’d be rushed, you could fit in both with an extra 24 hours, stopping overnight at Redding or Klamath Falls to break up the drive.

Where to Stay in Bend

The city of Bend offers several lodging options for the family. Some of the best kid-friendly hotels offer swimming pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and more. If you are looking for a hotel to book, try the Best Western Premier or the Doubletree by Hilton. If you prefer to stay in an RV park or campground, a few great options in the area include Little Fawn Campground and the Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort. 

Things to Do in Bend 

High Desert Museum 

The High Desert Museum shows the history and culture of the West High Desert. During your visit to the museum, you will get the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including otters, raptors, reptiles, and more, as well as beautiful art exhibits and pieces of High Desert history. 

The Ultimate Scavenger Bend 

What better way to see a city than to participate in a scavenger hunt that will have you traveling through the city and stopping at some of the most important landmarks and stops throughout the city of Bend? The Ultimate Scavenger Bend does just that; you will see notable sites throughout your hunt, including murals, statues, and more. 

Deschutes National Forest

The Deschutes National Forest is nearly 1.6 million acres and makes for a perfect day outdoors with the family. There are a number of beautiful sights to see and outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding.

During this visit, you can also see the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, a natural sight featuring lakes, lava flows, and beautiful rock formations. 

Bend to Yakima, Washington

• Distance: 218 miles
• Travel Time: 4 hours

Yakima is a city in Central Washington that offers beautiful scenery, quiet and peaceful surroundings, and a plentiful bounty of quality agricultural products. The city is known for the many beautiful apple orchards and wineries featuring fresh barrelled wine in the area. It is also rich in Native American history and is named after the Yakima Indians who resided nearby. 

How Long Should I Stay in Yakima?

While Yakima is absolutely beautiful, it is not a city you need to spend a lot of time in. We recommend spending the day there and moving on to your next destination. 

Where to Stay in Yakima

The Yakima area offers a number of sleeping accommodations to fit any style/budget that you may be looking for. Some options include the Oxford Suites Yakima, the Cozy Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast, and Yakima Sportsman State Park, where you will find camping and RV accommodations. 

Things to Do in Yakima

Yakima Valley Museum

This museum offers a look into the history and culture of Yakima Valley. With everything from wooden wagons, Indiana arts & artifacts, natural history exhibits, and even a fully operational soda fountain from the 1930s!

Yakima Valley U-Pick Farms

As we mentioned above, Yakima is known for its plentiful and quality produce so it is only right that you see what we’re talking about and even have the chance to try some fruits and vegetables to taste the quality. At Yakima Valley U-Pick Farms, you will be able to pick a variety of produce, including berries, apricots, and eggplant, plus get the chance to see and pet the farm animals. 

Outdoor Activities

There are a number of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails, water sports such as fishing and paddle boating, and horseback riding adventures. 

Yakima to Seattle, Washington

• Distance: 142 miles
• Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

As we continue to travel through Washington state, our next stop is one of the most recognizable cities in both the state and the United States, Seattle, and is the largest city in the state of Washington. Seattle is a beautiful city, surrounded by water, mountains, and forests. 

How Long Should I Stay in Seattle? 

Seattle is a beautiful city, and there is so much to see and do. If time allows it, we recommend spending at least two full days in the city to get a full experience during your stay. 

Where to Stay in Seattle

Seattle offers a variety of lodging options, including family-friendly hotels, luxury resorts, and private cabins and campgrounds. Some popular choices include Courtyard by Marriott Seattle/Northgate, Crystal Mountain Hotels, and Lake Pleasant RV Park. 

Things to Do in Seattle

Space Needle

The Seattle Space Needle is the most recognizable landmark in Seattle. The Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall and is definitely a sight you don’t want to miss when visiting Seattle. Hop on the elevator and ride up to the observation level, where you will experience the sights of Seattle from up above; the views are breathtaking!

Pike Place Market 

Pike Place Market is another can’t-miss attraction in Seattle. As you walk through the market, you will enjoy live music, street performers, art, and of course, a variety of fresh market foods. If you can stand the ick factor, seek out the nearby ‘gum wall’. Fun fact: Did you know that the original Starbucks cafe is located at Pike Place Market? If you are a coffee drinker, this is a can’t-miss experience for you!

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

If you or your kids are a fan of pop culture, this is an attraction you will want to have on your agenda. As you walk through the museum, you will have the chance to see exhibits on some of the most famous concepts, people, and movies throughout pop culture history. Outside you’ll also find one of the best playgrounds in Seattle!

Pro tip: Seattle is known for its rainy weather conditions. If you are visiting the area, you can expect rain at least part of the time you are there, be sure to pack your rain gear essentials!

Seattle to Portland, Oregon

• Distance: 174 miles
• Travel Time: 2 hours and 43 minutes

As we head back down the coast, our next destination is Portland, Oregon. Portland is the largest city in Oregon and a stop you don’t want to miss when traveling through the state. Portland is known as an eco-friendly city due to the number of parks, bridges, and bicycle paths in the city that encourage gas-less travel. 

How Long Should I Stay in Portland?

The good news is that Portland is just a short drive from Seattle, giving you plenty of time to explore the city. We recommend spending at least a day and a half in the city to ensure you see the can’t-miss stops; however, there is plenty to see if you choose to dedicate more time to your stay. 

Where to Stay in Portland

The area that you choose to stay in Portland will determine the types of lodging available. For example, if you stay in Downtown Portland, you may consider Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Riverplace. Other popular areas in the city include the Pearl District and Rose City Park.

If you are traveling by RV, you may want to check out Jantzen Beach RV Park for accommodations. 

Things to Do in Portland

Powell’s City of Books

If you are a fan of books and reading, you cannot miss a chance to see Powell’s, the largest new and used bookstore in the world. There are over a million books in the store, and simply traveling through the 10 rooms is a great way to spend a few hours. The store has quickly become a popular Portland landmark and tourist stop for visitors, covering an entire city block. 

Oregon Zoo

Local zoos are always a family favorite attraction for us. It seems to be an activity that every member of the family equally enjoys. The Oregon Zoo ranks in the top 20 in the US, featuring nearly 1,800 animals spanning over 200 unique species. 

International Rose Test Garden

As soon as you walk up toward the International Rose Garden, the smell of fresh roses will hit you. Walking through the garden creates a sense of relaxation and freshness that your family will love, particularly with the stress of travel! It is free to enter the garden, making it a great affordable activity for the family to enjoy. 

Bonus tip (Adults Only!): Portland is known for having some of the greatest wineries, coffee shops, and microbreweries in the US. If you are looking for an adult beverage you may consider checking out some local options. 

• Catch our complete family guide to Portland with kids

Portland to Sacramento, California

• Distance: 579 miles
• Travel Time: 9 hours and 22 minutes

Traveling from Portland to Sacramento will be another long stretch of travel time that may be tiring and long, but this will bring us full circle back into the state of California and heading back to our origin point of LA.

Being the capital of California, we thought Sacramento would be a great final stop on our road trip. There is plenty to see and do in Sacramento that will make for your family vacation’s perfect ending. 

• For the alternate route along Highway 101 and the beautiful Oregon Coast, follow along with this Portland to San Francisco itinerary – you need at least an extra day to capture even the highlights, including the coastal Redwoods National & State Parks

How Long Should I Stay in Sacramento?

Because of your long travel time, you will likely want to spend your arrival day resting and recharging to hit the city the following day. You can wrap up your trip heading back to LA in just a few hours, so we would recommend spending whatever days you have left to spare in Sacramento exploring the area, at least one full day, but there is room for additional days if you have them. 

Where to Stay in Sacramento

There are a couple of areas we recommend staying in Sacramento, depending on the type of stay you are looking for. If you would prefer to be in the heart of the city, we recommend finding lodging in Downtown Sacramento.

Comparatively, if you prefer a more low-key, family-friendly environment, you will want to look for something on the west side of the city near Davis, about 20 miles away from downtown. 

Things to Do in Sacramento

California State Capitol Museum

The California State Capitol Museum showcases the state’s history in a variety of exhibits. As you make your way through the museum, you will learn so much about California and how it has evolved over the years.

Exhibits do rotate regularly, so you never know what you may learn during your visit. Popular exhibits in the past have included Iconic California: The State Symbols that Represent California and The Road Ahead: The Automobiles Impact on California. 

Fairytale Town

If you’re looking for a day of fun, a visit to Fairytale Town is highly recommended. Fairytale Town is a non-profit amusement park dedicated to bringing kids joy.

The park hosts attractions that feature some of the most famous storybook characters through time. Plus, kiddos will get the chance to learn during their visit and pet real-life animals. 

Old Sacramento Waterfront

If you want to enjoy all that Sacramento has to offer in one spot, spending the day at Old Sacramento Waterfront is the perfect way to do so. This historic district features attractions, entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences that embody the culture and vibe of Sacramento. There is something for everyone at the waterfront, and your family will be sure to have a great time!

Sacramento to Los Angeles, California

• Distance: 386 miles
• Travel Time: 6 hours

As our trip comes to a close, we will travel from Sacramento back to Los Angeles, and it is safe to say that you will be worn out and tired of traveling! Your route back to LA opens a great opportunity to make quick stops and travel through popular cities in California, including San Francisco and San Jose if you have any additional time to spare.

You will add an additional hour and a half, taking the more scenic Highway 101 back to LA. Or, if you’re prepared for the dramatic winds and bends of Highway 1, your journey will take closer to 10 hours (but will encompass Big Sur and some of the most epic coastal scenery in North America!).

• If you’d like to experience more of the stunning California coast that we’ve skipped on this itinerary, head next to our San Francisco to San Diego road trip – you can cut this short at LAX if you need to fly out from your start point.

Suggested Alternate 3 Week US West Coast Itinerary

We have summarised for you here our highlights tour of the US West Coast in 2 weeks.

However, if you can extend your West Coast vacation to 3 weeks, there are so many more highlights you can fit in. Remembering just how long driving distances can be with kids in the car, these additional stops will break up your daily drives and encompass more of the natural beauty the West Coast has to offer:

Destinations	Stay	How Long
Los Angeles	LA	2 nights
Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP	Kings Canyon	1 night
Yosemite NP	Yosemite	2 nights
Lassen Volcanic NP	Redding	1 night
Bend – Via Crater Lake NP	Bend	2 nights
Yakima	Yakima	1 night
Seattle	Seattle	2 nights
Olympic Peninsula	Forks	1 night
Portland	Portland	2 nights
Highway 101 Oregon Coast	Newport	1 night
Redwoods NP	Eureka	1 night
Northern California	Sacramento	2 nights
San Fran & Bay Area	Monterey	1 night
PCH incl. Big Sur	Santa Monica	1 night

To truly enjoy the drive between these two major cities in Western Canada, give yourself a few days to explore and take in the views from Calgary to Vancouver.

This is one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada, as the landscape is ever-changing from bright blue lakes, mountain ranges, forests, wildlife, and glaciers. There is so much natural beauty to see!

Along the way, you will pass through Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Kamloops, Hope, and Chilliwack, which are all great locations to stop and visit. There are so many fun activities to do along the way, including hiking, exploring small towns, swimming, shopping, hot springs, kayaking, and much more!

Keep reading to find out more about the best stops on our Calgary and Vancouver road trip itinerary; we have covered what to see and where to stop! Our guide will provide helpful tips for this road trip, whether you are driving in a car or an RV.

Distance from Calgary to Vancouver – How Long Do I Need to Drive?

How Far Is Calgary From Vancouver?

The distance from Calgary to Vancouver is 1,057 kilometers (660 miles), taking the fastest route.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver without stops takes 12 hours and 15 minutes. Most of the way, you will take Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Kamploops, then Highway 99. You will want to take 2-3 days to really enjoy the stops along the way, although we’d recommend longer to explore the incredible national and provincial parks more thoroughly.

An alternate route would be to head from Calgary towards Vancouver on Highway 22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) until you reach Lundbreck. From there, take Highway 3 through Fernie and Cranbrook, continuing on Highway 3 until you reach Hope, British Columbia.

From Hope, you will take Trans Canada Highway 1 towards Vancouver. This route takes 14 hours and is 1,226 kilometers (760 miles). It passes through Abbotsford, Surrey, Cranbrook, and Fernie, which are also fabulous stops in the Rocckies.  

For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on stops to make on the shorter northern route. 

Best Time Of Year To Drive From Vancouver To Calgary

In the summer, the highways are well-maintained. However, the drive can be slow as you hit congestion and maintenance work on the main roads that can only take place during the warmer months of summer.

If you have a choice in timing, early September, once the schools have returned, can be a much quieter time of year to enjoy this journey.

Although the mountains can look beautiful in winter, the weather between Calgary and Vancouver can be unpredictable and treacherous. If you are attempting this drive in the winter, snow tires are recommended (and often a legal requirement). 

It is best to check Alberta and British Columbia road conditions for up-to-date changes.

What Sort of Vehicle Do I Need To Cross the Rockies?

All of the places we have recommended on this Calgary to Vancouver itinerary are accessible in a normal 2WD sedan vehicle or SUV. If you are heading further off-the-beaten path, you’ll want to consider a 4WD.

We’d recommend booking your rental car early if you are flying in to commence your journey from Calgary in the summer as options for family-sized vehicles especially do book out. We have used and recommend Discover Cars to explore your rental options in Canada.

It’s possible to make this journey as a one-way hire in either direction; hire cars can be taken across provinces without issue (you’ll be crossing from Alberta to British Columbia).

From our experience, we’d expect you to pay approximately a $100 CAD fee for the one-way drop-off (if your car hire quote is coming back in the $000s, choose another company!).

13 Best Stops On A Calgary To Vancouver Road Trip

Depending on the length of the journey, you can include every major town/point of interest or pick out some highlights or overnight stopping points only.

So many places between Calgary and Vancouver are worth visiting and enjoying. We’ve included 13 different locations so you and your family can pick and choose stops based on your interests.

Most people choose to road trip in the Summer, so we will focus on summer activities. However, most locations offer a sensational range of winter activities as well, making it one of the most magical places to visit in Canada in winter.

Kananaskis

Explore “Alberta’s Mountain Playground” in Kananaskis Country, located between Banff National Park and Calgary. Kananaskis Country is home to some of the most beautiful areas in Alberta and outdoor activities, and the bonus is that it is not as busy with tourists as the other national parks we’ll mention in this guide. 

In Kananaskis, you will find four wildland provincial parks and five provincial parks just waiting to be explored. If you are looking to explore the rugged terrain, we highly recommend the Grassi Lakes trail, which is located in the wildlife corridor and where you will see the aquamarine lakes similar to the popular Lake Moraine.

Grassi Lakes has two trails: an easier path that showcases a dense forest and rock faces with hidden pictographs, while the more difficult route will take you to a steep section to view a waterfall and the town of Canmore in the distance. The easier route is about 5 km and is definitely family-friendly for most fitness levels.

The next choice is to visit Peter Lougheed Park, which is known for having two beautiful, clean lakes: Upper and Lower Kananaskis. These lakes were natural lakes but have been expanded for hydroelectric projects. This is the perfect location to stop for a picnic lunch and take in the scenery. The lakes also offer the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.

If you are interested in seeing wildlife, then you should consider the day-use trails, where you may spot wildlife such as bears, coyotes, elk, and mountain goats. If you like adventure, then you may want to check out the High Rockies Trail from the Black Prince.

Pro Tip: You will need to purchase a day pass to explore the parks. However, they can be purchased online for only $15. If you prefer buying in person, they are available at multiple visitor centers in Kananaskis Country.

Canmore

Stop in for a quick visit or check in for the evening and take a stroll down 8th Street, a pedestrian-only area with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a gorgeous area for a stroll, as you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Every Thursday in the summer, the Farmer’s Market is located on 8th Street.

Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is the perfect area to stop with kids as it is an accessible walkway from the downtown area. At the entrance of the trail, you will find the Big Head Sculpture, which is a unique sculpture to see.  The 4km walk will take you through the forest and along the water for an easy scenic walk.

Pro Tip: Accommodation is much more affordable in Canmore than Banff; we recommend making this your first overnight stop before heading into the national park.

Banff

Visiting Banff is about taking in beautiful landscapes and exploring nature. Banff National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream as there are so many beautiful landscapes to look at, but don’t worry, the kids will entertain themselves with nature along the trails. 

Lake Louise

Enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Louise as you canoe and take great family photos with a mountain backdrop. Canoeing is a fun activity you can do as a family and make memories in this beautiful setting. You can rent the canoe from the Lake Louise boathouse. 

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway takes about an hour to drive and connects Lake Louise and Banff. As you drive through this section, lookout for the following; you may choose to stop at some of the lookout points.

Yoho National Park

High in the mountains of Yoho, you will find Burgess Shale fossils which are some of the oldest pieces of evidence of life on earth. Join a guided hike where you can choose to visit one of three different locations: Mount Stephen, Walcott Quarry, and Stanley Glacier (all have varying hiking distances).

The fossils are located high in the mountains pressed into the rock bed showing evidence of marine ecosystems from over 5 million years ago. This is a must-do Canadian Rockies Experience.

Parks Canada has placed over 200 red Adirondack chairs across Canada in unique treasured natural locations, and 2 sets of these chairs can be found while strolling through Yoho National Park. The chairs in Yoho National Park are located at Takakkaw Falls, and Yoho Lake, so sit and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of the view.

Golden

Golden, British Columbia, is a great center point from some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery found in the following national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Kootenay, Jasper, Banff, and Mount Revelstoke. This is a great place to stop overnight, and then plan to visit one of these spectacular parks to enjoy hiking, waterfalls, lake views, and rich historical landmarks.

Golden, BC is a wilderness lover’s paradise as there is lots of hiking, water sports, fishing, white water rafting, and so much more to explore. Families will want to visit the Golden Golf Club Mini Golf Course, and the Golden Sky Bridge, located feet above the canyon with amazing views. 

Glacier National Park

This is a beautiful National Park to simply enjoy the 360-degree view of alpine scenery and is open year-round.

If you are looking for a quick stretch break, then we suggest the Rockgarden Trail, which takes about 20 minutes to complete and will give you a quick view of the natural beauty of this park as you view the Selkirk Mountains.

Make sure you stop at the Memory Garden and Summit Monument to learn more about the rich history of the park and its involvement in Canada’s first trans-continental railway and highway.

Glacier National Park also offers a full day of exploring. If you have time, you will want to check out Roger’s Pass Discovery Centre, Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, Meadows in the Sky Parkway, and Glacier House to learn about the area’s true history and natural changes due to climate change.

Salmon Arm

Harold’s Provincial Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, including Margaret’s Falls, which is a stunning waterfall accessible by a few of the trails. The lower trails are accessible, so they are great for young kids and will take you along Shuswap Lake, through old-growth forest areas until you reach the magical waterfall.

Kamloops

Whenever we visit Kamloops, we make sure that we visit Riverside Park in the heart of the city as it is a great spot for families. Riverside park has two amazing playgrounds, a walking trail with a lookout to the Thompson River, and a splash pad.

In the summertime, there is a small concession stand that you can buy lunch from and eat at a nearby picnic table. Make sure you save room as Scoopz Ice Cream shop is located just across the street and has many ice cream treats to choose from.

Another family-friendly stop is at BC Wildlife Park, which is home to over 65 species of animals and 200 animals, including grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, and birds of prey. These animals are all animals that have been saved from the wild as they could no longer survive in the wild on their own.

The park runs a fun train around the park on weekends that the kids will enjoy. This wildlife park is the perfect excursion as it is not very big, so the whole park can be visited in 2-3 hours making it a great spot to stop and stretch your legs.

We’d suggest making this another overnight stop as there are several activities in the area and a decent range of accommodation options for different budgets. Sandman Signature Kamloops puts you in a good location on the waterfront and offers family rooms.

Bridal Veil Falls

This is one of the quicker stops you can make along the route, however, you don’t want to miss viewing this beautiful cascading waterfall that is over 60 meters tall. The water flows over the smooth rock face and creates a veil effect, thus giving the park the name Bridal Veil Falls. 

You will want to complete both walking trails to create a loop from the parking lot to the waterfall. Follow the path and then cross over the wooden bridge to get the best viewpoint of the falls.

The trail is uphill but not too steep. It takes you through the forest along the riverbank until you reach the falls. You can take the Woodland trail back to the parking lot or take the junction to the left to stop at a great picnic spot for lunch.

Crazy Creek Hot Pools

Experience the benefits of geothermal hot pools that are nestled in the woods among the mountain views. Relax in one of four pools at Crazy Creek Hot Pools, all ranging at varying temperatures from 40°C to 12°C (104°F to 54°F).

This family-friendly activity is available for children three years old and up, and a family pass costs $50 for two adults and two children.

Crazy Creek Resort also offers accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping, and cabins. The resort has so much for kids to do, including playgrounds, a bike track, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge accessible by walking trails, and is near many fun attractions like the Enchanted Forest, which is an old-growth forest with over 350 fairy sculptures along the mystic trail.

Cultus Lake

While Cultus Lake is a little bit of a detour, it is only 11 km south of Chilliwack which you will pass through on your way to Vancouver. Cultus Lake is the ultimate outdoor family playground and is the gem of the Fraser Valley. This recreation hub offers Cultus Lake, which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. 

Destination Cultus is a kid’s dream destination as it is home to a water park as well as an amusement park so that the whole family will be entertained. When you’re worn out from the park, you can check out the variety of amazing local restaurants, such as Lakeside Beach Club, which makes amazing wraps.

If you are looking for a resting spot, Sunnyside Campground has over 65 acres of campgrounds and lots of activities for the kids, such as playgrounds, boat rentals, and basketball and volleyball courts.