This post is courtesy of our contributor Krista…We did it – we finally went on a road trip! Yes, an actual eight hour road trip with two little boys under 5 years old. We tried a quick two hour trip last year that wasn’t too bad on the way there (the boys tricked us), but the way home was a historic disaster! Part of the problem with our little guys is that they are able to reach each other in their car seats leading to poking, teasing and grabbing. I knew this trip would be different – very different – because we were able to take a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe as our mode of transportation. Oh boy, were we ever spoiled!
First of all, there was enough room for all of our “stuff” with the flat fold third-row seating. The spacious interior ensured the children couldn’t reach each other – no more poking! The convenient features like Tri-zone automatic climate control was fabulous plus Mama’s air-conditioned leather seats (highly recommended). High-tech features that I didn’t even know existed were so appreciated driving through British Columbia’s curvy highways like rear vision cameras, forward collision alert, side blind zone alert and lane change alert. We felt really safe in this vehicle.
Our road trip took us from Calgary, Alberta to Kelowna, British Columbia with an overnight in Revelstoke, BC to break up the nine hour journey. Our little guy is a train fanatic! It’s amazing how much information about trains his little head can retain and when we told him about the Revelstoke Railway Museum. The museum is a must for train enthusiasts! Learning about the railway in BC, seeing artifacts, boarding massive steam engines and talking with volunteer retired train engineers was definitely a treat. The museum is designed to resemble a railway back shop so people are able to board a number of different trains and cars. The museum also has a great simulator where guests can conduct a train complete with all the bells & whistles.
The great thing about road trips is it gives you the ability to stop anywhere you want. Since we were in the Okanagan, we stopped at every random fruit tree we could find and ate fresh fruit off the trees…with permission of course!
Okanagan Lake in Kelowna never disappoints! There is so much to do & our favourite stop is Gyro Beach because of all the family-friendly amenities. Gyro Beach has playgrounds, concessions, beach volleyball courts, an inflatable water park and clean washrooms. We spent hours at the beach ziplining into the water at sunset.
Our next stop was Summerland, BC – home to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Aboard a restored 1912 steam engine, guests travel along a preserved ten mile track that was built during 1910-1915 winding through vineyards, breathtaking scenery and across the Trout Creek Bridge. We travelled in the open air car on a cold day but the kids didn’t even seem to notice. It was a dream come true complete with steam billowing out of the engine, road crossing bells and a photo opportunity with the engine!
Our return journey home was fantastic! We drove right through without having to overnight this time. Being able to road trip again with our family in tow opens so many opportunities for quick getaways and a chance to explore what our great country has to offer! Our next road trip is already planned…wish us luck.
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Fun!
Road trips are immensely better when the kids get along – glad to hear you had a successful trip!
Love family road trips!