Ontario to BC: Our Epic 5-Week Family RV Adventure

In the summer of 2021, we loaded up our RV and set out on the adventure of a lifetime - a 5-week road trip from Toronto, Ontario all the way to Invermere, British Columbia and back. Four of us, one RV, and thousands of kilometres of open Canadian highway stretching out ahead. It was the kind of trip we’d been dreaming about for years, and it did not disappoint.

The Long Road Out of Ontario

Anyone who’s driven across Ontario knows - this province is massive. The first couple of days were all about putting kilometres behind us, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to see. Leaving Toronto, we headed north and west, watching the landscape slowly transform from the familiar suburbs and farmland of southern Ontario into the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield.

The stretch along the northern shore of Lake Superior is one of the most underrated drives in Canada. Towering rock cuts, endless boreal forest, and pull-offs with views that make you forget you’ve been driving for hours. We stopped at provincial parks along the way, letting the kids stretch their legs and explore rocky shorelines. Ontario alone took us a solid two days of driving, but every hour brought something new to look at through the windshield.

Manitoba - The Prairies Begin

Crossing into Manitoba felt like entering a completely different world. The trees thinned out, the sky opened up, and suddenly you could see for what felt like forever in every direction. We stopped near Winnipeg to restock and explore a bit - the kids were fascinated by how flat everything was compared to home.

The prairie sunsets were something else entirely. Without mountains or tall trees to block the view, the sky turned into this incredible canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples that stretched from horizon to horizon. We’d sit outside the RV in the evenings, campfire going, just watching the show.

Saskatchewan - Moose Jaw and Beyond

Saskatchewan continued the wide-open prairie theme, but with its own character. We stopped near Moose Jaw, which turned out to be a quirky little city with more personality than we expected. The kids loved the moose statues scattered around town.

The long drives through Saskatchewan gave us some of our best family moments. Hours of road games, audiobooks, and conversations that you just don’t have time for in regular life. There’s something about being in an RV together, watching the landscape slowly change, that strips away all the distractions and brings you closer as a family.

Alberta - Medicine Hat to Calgary

Crossing into Alberta, the landscape started to shift again. Medicine Hat was our first Alberta stop - a surprisingly charming city sitting in the South Saskatchewan River valley. We spent a few days here exploring, and the kids discovered the joy of finding free camping spots and hidden swimming holes.

The drive from Medicine Hat to Calgary was when things really started to get exciting. You could see the Rocky Mountains appearing on the horizon, first as a faint blue line, then growing larger and more detailed with every passing kilometre. By the time we reached Calgary, the mountains were right there, and we knew the best part of the trip was just beginning.

Into the Rockies - Calgary to Jasper

From Calgary, we headed into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and this is where the trip went from great to absolutely unforgettable. The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is regularly called one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and honestly, that reputation is well earned.

Every turn revealed another jaw-dropping vista - turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, waterfalls cascading down cliff faces, and wildlife around every corner. We spotted mountain goats, elk, and even a black bear with cubs from a safe distance. The kids were glued to the windows.

Jasper itself became one of our favourite stops on the entire trip. We spent several days here, hiking trails, visiting Maligne Lake, and soaking in the hot springs. The town has this perfect balance of mountain village charm and enough amenities to keep a family comfortable.

British Columbia - Fernie, Cranbrook, and Invermere

Heading west from the Rockies into British Columbia felt like crossing into yet another world. The mountains here are different - the Purcells and Selkirks have their own rugged beauty, with dense forests and crystal-clear rivers cutting through deep valleys.

Fernie was an instant favourite - a ski town in winter that transforms into a mountain biking and hiking paradise in summer. We explored the trails around town and the kids couldn’t get enough of the creek that runs right through the centre of town.

Cranbrook gave us a chance to slow down and catch our breath. We spent time at nearby lakes, did some easy family hikes, and enjoyed the slower pace of small-town BC life.

Invermere was our turnaround point - the furthest west we’d go on this trip. Sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere with the Rockies as a backdrop, it’s one of those places that makes you understand why people move to BC. We spent our days swimming in the lake, exploring the town, and soaking up every last bit of mountain air.

Mount Robson Provincial Park

On our way back east, we made a detour to Valemount and Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and seeing it emerge from the clouds was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the entire trip.

The hiking here was incredible - even the shorter trails offered views that would be the highlight of any other trip. The kids were troopers on the trails, and we rewarded ourselves with hot chocolate back at the RV each evening.

The Journey Home

The drive back east took us through Jasper again (we weren’t complaining), then through Edmonton, back across the prairies through Moose Jaw, and into Manitoba. On the way home through Ontario, we stopped at Horseshoe Canyon Campground, which turned out to be a perfect final stop before the last push back to Toronto.

What We Learned

Five weeks on the road with two kids in an RV teaches you a lot. You learn that the best moments aren’t always the planned ones - sometimes it’s the random roadside stop, the unexpected wildlife sighting, or the campground neighbour who becomes a friend. You learn that kids are more resilient and adaptable than you give them credit for. And you learn that Canada is breathtakingly, impossibly beautiful from coast to coast.

This trip changed our family. It showed us what’s possible when you step outside your comfort zone and say yes to adventure. And it planted the seed for every trip we’ve taken since. If you’re thinking about doing a cross-Canada RV trip with your family - do it. You won’t regret it.

Total distance: approximately 9,000 km round trip | Duration: 5 weeks | Provinces crossed: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia