Canada with kids: family itinerary

The west plan below is the one most families with 9–10 days should copy. It keeps driving legs under 4 hours, puts the biggest scenery early, and leaves the last day near an airport. The east plan is the alternative for a 7-night window or for kids who would rather ride a train than sit in a car.

West, 8 nights (9–10 days including arrival and departure): fly into Vancouver, out of Calgary (or reverse). Days 1–3 Vancouver. Day 4 fly to Calgary and drive to Banff, about 1 h 30. Days 4–6 Banff. Day 7 Icefields Parkway to Jasper with a Lake Louise stop, about 3 h 30 with stops. Days 7–8 Jasper. Day 9 drive Jasper to Calgary, about 5 h, or fly out of Edmonton.

East, 7 nights (8 days): fly into Toronto, out of Québec City. Days 1–3 Toronto with a Niagara day trip. Day 4 VIA Rail to Montréal, about 5 h. Days 4–5 Montréal. Day 6 VIA Rail to Québec City, about 3 h 30. Days 6–7 Québec City, then fly home.

In Vancouver, downtown near Robson or Yaletown puts you within walking distance of the seawall, the Aquarium and SkyTrain, which matters more than a pool when you are moving every day. In Banff, the town is small enough that anywhere central works; book 3–6 months ahead for July and August, when family rooms sell out first.

In Jasper, supply is limited and prices peak in summer. A cabin or motel on the edge of town is often better value than a hotel for four people. On the east route, stay in downtown Toronto near Union Station so the VIA Rail transfer is a short walk with luggage and kids, and in Old Montréal and Old Québec for the same reason.

Three things sell out and change the trip if you miss them: the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle, Jasper accommodation in July and August, and a rental car in the Rockies in peak season. Parks Canada runs the shuttles and releases seats in advance; without a reservation you may not reach the lakeshore by road in summer.

On the east route, book VIA Rail seats early for the family fare and for a table of four together. Niagara can be done as a GO Train day trip from Toronto without a tour, which is cheaper and lets you leave when the kids are done. If you are crossing into the US at any point, check passport and child-consent rules before booking.

Figures below are 2026 estimates for a family of four, in Canadian dollars, and exclude international flights. Treat them as a planning band, not a quote: the Rockies in July and August are the expensive part, with accommodation and car rental roughly double May or September rates, when the weather is still good and the crowds are smaller.

A mid-range west trip runs about CAD 6,000–9,000 for 9 days for four people, including car, park pass, hotels and food. The east train trip is usually cheaper on transport and more expensive on city hotels; budget about CAD 5,000–7,500 for 8 days. Both bands are 2026 estimates — check current rates before you commit.

If you have 14 days, combine both halves: Vancouver 3, Banff and Lake Louise 3, Jasper 2, then fly Calgary or Edmonton to Toronto, about 4 h, and finish with Toronto 3 and Montréal 3. That is the only sensible way to see both halves on one trip; driving between them is not.

With younger children, cut Jasper and add a night in Vancouver or on Vancouver Island, where Victoria and Tofino are easier days. With teenagers, swap a city day for whitewater rafting near Jasper or a via ferrata in the Rockies. If you want a slower trip, pick the east: three cities, no car, and short train rides between them.