Calgary Roundtrip - South West - Rocky Rails and Trails Journey

Our family RV adventure started in Calgary, where we picked up a comfortable rented motorhome that would be our cozy home on wheels for the next nine days. The excitement of a road trip was in the air as we mapped out our route planner, knowing we’d be taking in some of Alberta and British Columbia’s most iconic sights along the way.

Our first destination was the famous Banff Gondola, a must-see for any family. The views from the top of Sulphur Mountain were absolutely breathtaking, and we found that our campervan allowed us the flexibility to take our time and really soak in the scenery. The kids were thrilled by the mountain trails and interactive exhibits, and we made a plan to head back to the motorhome for a family dinner with a mountain view.

Continuing on, we traveled to the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint at Yoho National Park. It’s one of those unique engineering marvels that left us in awe as we watched trains navigating through the mountains. Standing there, we explained to the kids how the tunnels helped trains cross the steep terrain—a quick history lesson right in the heart of nature! The RV’s comfy setup made it easy to stop and enjoy a picnic while discussing our route planning for the next stops.

The Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre was a hit with everyone. The towering structure is an impressive sight, and the exhibits taught us all about hydroelectric power and its importance. The kids loved exploring the observation deck, and we appreciated the chance to relax in the RV afterward with some snacks and drinks, surrounded by nature and the calm energy of the river.

The journey continued as we ventured south to Fort Steele Heritage Town, where history came alive. The re-created 19th-century town was fun for the whole family, with actors in period costumes, horse-drawn carriages, and even an old-fashioned schoolhouse. We parked our campervan and spent the day exploring, taking advantage of the motorhome’s convenient storage for all the souvenirs we collected along the way.

One of the most unique stops on our route was the Bellevue Underground Mine Tour. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, we ventured into a real coal mine, learning about the lives of miners who worked there. It was both exciting and educational—a perfect blend for a family road trip. The motorhome provided a welcome retreat afterward, as we relaxed and shared stories from our adventure underground.

We couldn’t leave Calgary without experiencing the famous Calgary Stampede! With the RV parked nearby, we enjoyed everything from rodeo events to carnival rides. The kids were overjoyed by the sights and sounds, and the RV allowed us to recharge and grab snacks between all the excitement.

Finally, before heading back home, we made a stop at Deerfoot City for some shopping and a nice meal. This open-air mall was a great spot for the family to unwind, pick up some last-minute gifts, and reflect on our amazing journey through Alberta and British Columbia.

This motorhome adventure truly showed us the beauty of the inland route between Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. With careful road trip planning and our trusty campervan, we were able to enjoy each attraction at our own pace, making memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering a similar route, our tip is to plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy every moment of this family-friendly road trip through the heart of Canada’s natural and historic wonders.