Kids and babies are welcome to be in the backcountry camps too but parents often find it intimidating. There are some really hard trails and to be honest, I even find the list of the "easy" camps also difficult. By the time I load up all the needed gear for my kids and load my baby on the front, it is already a workout. It is always worth the grind and all the prep to get you into the backcountry. There is nothing EASY about backpacking with kids. You are literally hauling all the items for everyone and my kids are always into all of the things in the backcountry. You can backpack with us on youtube and see what a real life trip is like with toddlers. Be prepared for the messy to unravel.
You are here and searching for baby and kid-friendly options for backpacking and I find that pretty amazing! I am not an expert backpacker and really only went a handul of trips prior to having kids. I instantly fell in love with being in the backcountry when I went and then motherhood outdoors is right where I want to be. This blog is really aimed at helping you choose a campground the is suitable for families.
I always use AllTrails to find my backcountry trips and then google the campsite from there to get a little more context the camp setup. I always check Government websites for warnings and further details too. I have read a few blogs from other bloggers but sometimes the trip experiences aren't relevant with a lot of the campsites being upgraded and slightly changed. So I always go to recent trip reviews on AllTrails. I pack differently if there is a bear hang vs. bear locker and I always like to know if there is an outhouse or not. Amenities are always important for families to consider and plan for items needed.
Anyway, I would recommend you look at my list here and watch the relevant videos as I do give some campsite tours to help with your planning. Make sure to do your own research with each campsite to plan for your trip. Please gather as much info and inspiration from me and tag me on socials in the outdoors at camp!
Kid-Friendly Backpacking Trails in Alberta's Backcountry
Alberta boasts numerous beautiful trails ideal for family-friendly backpacking. Every chosen path offers easy access and picturesque views, guaranteeing an enjoyable outdoor adventure for everyone. However, the toddlers will only care about the rocks and sticks along the way. The trails included in this list are realistic distances for families with minimal elevation gain. My kids opt to be carried so elevation becomes very important to me. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the top kid-friendly camping options in Alberta. I mentioned before that backpacking with kids is hard. So please don't come at me with these below ideas for trails because you will be out of breath and maybe even swearing a little too. There are so many things that go into having a great trip and if you have too hot or cold of weather, it can be hard with kids. The mosquitos can really cause havoc too. With that, here are some options in the Canadian Rockies that are combo of ones I have camped in and our wishlist of locations to camp at:
Kananaskis Country: Close to Calgary and Stunning!
Jewell Bay (4.0 km/47 m): Beginning at Barrier Lake, this trail offers an easy bike path suitable for chariots or sturdy wagons, making it ideal for families with young kids.
Quaite Valley (8.6 km/240 m): A large campground featuring 20 sites, accessible via two distinct trailheads, catering to a range of skill levels.
Elbow Lake (1.4 km/140 m): This picturesque and brief hike is ideal for families new to backpacking and leads to stunning camping spots by the lake.
Tombstone (7.3 km/173 m): This route is perfect for families with some experience, providing a manageable elevation gain and breathtaking views, as well as a day hike option to Upper Tombstone Lake.
The Point Campground (3.5 km/87 m): This nearly flat campground, accessible by walking, biking, or boating, offers mountain and water views, making it perfect for a beginner's camping trip. You do have to hike a rock garden where I found it very challenging in the hot sun! Watch our trip here!
Forks Campground (7.7 km/227 m): This creekside campground, which is a bit more challenging as you need to hike up the rock garden more. I have not attempted this one yet with my kids because I was solo and carrying them both with a big pack just isn't realistic.
Banff National Park: Banff is always the WOW factor for hiking and backpacking
Aylmer Pass Junction (8.2 km/187 m): This campsite, situated in the Lake Minnewanka region (Such a stunning spot), offers beach access and stunning views.
Hector Lake (2.2 km/100 m): A secret treasure on the Icefields Parkway, ideal for summer trips when the water levels become manageable. Check Parks website always.
Additional Trails in the Canadian Rockies
Numa Creek (6.4 km/223 m): This path takes you through a forest to a charming campground divided on both sides of the creek, featuring bridges and boardwalks.
Laughing Falls (4.2 km/136 m): This scenic campground, situated near Takakkaw Falls, is nestled right by the river, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
Twin Falls (6.4 km/199 m): Located just past Laughing Falls, this campground offers distinctive waterfalls and a nearby historic chalet.
Lake O’Hara You need to join in the lottery system in January each year to get a spot and shuttle on the bus. Features forested sites, fire pits, and ample cooking facilities.
Evelyn Creek (5.2 km/177 m): Starting at Maligne Lake, the easy terrain guides you to dispersed campsites that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Kinney Lake (8.0 km/234 m): The initial campground on the Berg Lake Trail is favored by day hikers and can be reached by bike for a more leisurely experience.
Waterton Lakes National Park (Bertha Bay, Boundary Bay, Crandell Lake):
Several shorter trails lead to breathtaking campsites overlooking lakes and mountains, ideal for families with young children.
*this list is a mix of camps we have stayed at, AllTrails suggestions for families, and family-recommendations from the Kids Who Explore community.
Before you can explore these campsites, you will need to make reservations well in advance. Getting familiar with Parks Canada booking system is a must to be able to book these spots for your family. I haven't checked all of these off our bucket list yet but excited to have them added here to plan out.
Please ask me anything about backpacking with kids as I am creating a lot of new resources for families. I am on a mission to help more families connect to nature. Let me know if this blog post helped you!
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