u/FiveGoWest

Hi! We’re a family of five (kids 11, 13 and 15) travelling from Vancouver to Golden on Aug 16–18.

Our original plan was:

Aug 16: Vancouver – Manning Park – Osoyoos – Oliver
Aug 17: Oliver – Summerland/Penticton – Kelowna – Sicamous – Three Valley Lake
Aug 18: Three Valley Lake – Revelstoke – Golden

With the current Bald Range wildfire situation around Summerland, we’re considering alternatives.

One option would be to keep Oliver but drive east on Hwy 3 the next day, via New Denver – Slocan Lake – Nakusp – Galena Bay/Shelter Bay ferry – Three Valley Lake.

The other would be to completely reroute via Rossland/Trail on Aug 16 and Radium/Invermere on Aug 17, then drive through Kootenay National Park to Golden on Aug 18. We could add rafting or another activity along the way.

For people who know BC well: Which route would you choose, not just because of the current wildfire situation, but as a genuinely great family road trip? We don’t want a “backup route” that feels like a compromise.

Any suggestions for better overnight stops or fun things to do along either route would be very welcome. Thanks!

Hi everyone! We’re a family of five from Germany, travelling through Western Canada in August for 21 days. Our route will take us from Vancouver (5 nights) via the Okanagan Valley and Revelstoke to Golden (5 nights), where we’ll explore Yoho, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff and parts of the Icefields Parkway. Afterwards, we’ll travel via Kamloops and Whistler to Vancouver Island, staying near Bowser (6 nights) and visiting Campbell River, Ucluelet (1 night) and Tofino.

We’d love to hear your personal recommendations along the way – especially scenic stops, easy walks, beautiful picnic spots, family-friendly activities and good casual restaurants. Hidden gems and places that are often overlooked would be particularly welcome!

Thank you so much – we’re really looking forward to our trip!

Hi everyone! We’re a family of five from Germany, travelling through Western Canada in August for 21 days. Our route will take us from Vancouver (5 nights) via the Okanagan Valley and Revelstoke to Golden (5 nights), where we’ll explore Yoho, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff and parts of the Icefields Parkway. Afterwards, we’ll travel via Kamloops and Whistler to Vancouver Island, staying near Bowser (6 nights) and visiting Campbell River, Ucluelet (1 night) and Tofino.

We’d love to hear your personal recommendations along the way – especially scenic stops, easy walks, beautiful picnic spots, family-friendly activities and good casual restaurants. Hidden gems and places that are often overlooked would be particularly welcome!

Thank you so much – we’re really looking forward to our trip!

Hi everyone! We’re a family of five from Germany, travelling through Western Canada in August for 21 days. Our route will take us from Vancouver (5 nights) via the Okanagan Valley and Revelstoke to Golden (5 nights), where we’ll explore Yoho, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff and parts of the Icefields Parkway. Afterwards, we’ll travel via Kamloops and Whistler to Vancouver Island, staying near Bowser (6 nights) and visiting Campbell River, Ucluelet (1 night) and Tofino.

We’d love to hear your personal recommendations along the way – especially scenic stops, easy walks, beautiful picnic spots, family-friendly activities and good casual restaurants. Hidden gems and places that are often overlooked would be particularly welcome!

Thank you so much – we’re really looking forward to our trip!