Gulf to Glaciers Roadtrip: Our Epic Journey Across North America
Is embarking on a 6,500-mile roundtrip road trip with three kids in tow a stroke of genius or a recipe for chaos? Picture this: the open road stretching ahead, endless possibilities awaiting at each turn, and the promise of unforgettable family adventures. But amidst the excitement, the looming question persists: are we in for the journey of a lifetime or the ultimate test of parental patience?
When planning this trip, I knew it was either going to be epic, or crazy. The second week in July, we embarked on a family adventure from our humid Gulf Coast home of Louisiana to the icy peaks of Canada, and let me tell you, it was one for the books. There were seven of us who packed into my parent’s Telluride and set out. We drove from Lake Charles to Bozeman on the first leg all in one journey. We had three drivers and rotated shifts. The scariest part was the elk on the side of the roadway at dawn. In a past road trip, we totaled a car in South Dakota by hitting a herd of deer on the road, so I was very cautious as I drove. We had three kids with us, 8, 12, and 15, and four adults in total. Overall, the trip was completely magical. Was is difficult? Yes. Was it long? Yes. Was it worth it? One hundred percent.
Itinerary
Day One: Pre-trip Excitement and Glacier National Park
Our escapade began in Bozeman, Montana where we spent the night gearing up for the wilds of Glacier National Park. My brother and his family live in Bozeman, and we attended my beautiful niece’s wedding. We had our car reservation locked down for the southwest Apgar entrance, but we were unable to book one for the Many Glacier section. We had to wait until 3 PM to get into the Many glacier section, but it was worth the wait because Many Glacier absolutely stole our hearts with its stunning vistas. It was close to 3 anyway by the time we reached the northeast section. We used the Guide Along App to both plan and execute our trip. It made our trip so much better. We learned things that we would not have learned and did things that we would not have done without it. Mom and Dad have a senior adult park pass so our car was able to get in free.
Crossing the Canadian Border
Navigating the border into Canada was a breeze! We had our passports in hand and didn’t have to get out of the car or anything. We checked into a a very nice, but very affordable VRBO in Cochrane, Alberta, which promised a comfy base for our adventures. It was about an hour from Banff, but proved a challenging drive to Jasper National Park as it was about 4 hours away one way.
Day 2: Yoho National Park and Lake Louise
We hit the road early to explore Yoho National Park. We saw the most animals in the early morning. We bought a four-day park pass from Parks Canada for $88. I bought it and printed it before the trip. This got our whole car in and out of all of the Canadian Parks for the whole trip. Be sure to leave it on your dashboard when you park (we got a warning).
From the jaw-dropping beauty of the Bow Valley Parkway to the majestic Castle Mountain and the serene Emerald Lake, every turn was a postcard waiting to happen. Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise were crowded but breathtaking. Lake Louise shines in its turquoise glory during July and August, so it's prime time for those Instagram-worthy shots. The Spiral Tunnels were a tad underwhelming without a train chugging through, but Takakkaw Falls roared its way into our memories as a true spectacle. It was cold and misty, but so beautiful. One of my daughters has a mild physical disability, so we were unable to hike very far or do anything strenuous, but there was still so much to see!
We were unable to book the shuttle for Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, and Lake Moraine is closed to private vehicles, so we were unable to see it, but there was so much else to see that we didn’t feel disappointed. Lake Louise was stunning but crowded, and we had to try a few times to get a parking spot. It also costs money to park, but it was worth it. If you plan earlier, you may be able to get a reservation. It was beautiful.
Day 3: The Icefields Parkway to Jasper
The Icefields Parkway, a 233-kilometer stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper, is often hailed as one of the world’s most spectacular drives—and for good reason. This scenic highway winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Along the way, you'll encounter the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Peyto Lake (my personal absolute favorite) and many other sights. The journey is dotted with countless glaciers, including the famous Columbia Icefield, where you can take the Athabasca Glacier tour (we did this the next day) and even sip on fresh glacier water. Bow Lake, with its crystal-clear waters, provides a perfect spot for a picnic or a quick photo op. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with chances to see elk, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear. Each stop along the Icefields Parkway reveals a new facet of nature's grandeur, making the drive an unforgettable experience. This was a marathon day and probably too ambitious, driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Although it was about four hours one way from Cochrane, the endless stretches of glaciers, rugged peaks, and open sky were epic. Again, we saw the most wildlife in the early mornings, and the lakes were like glass.
Day 4: Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk
Day four brought us face-to-face with the icy grandeur of Athabasca Glacier and an exhilarating walk on the Skywalk. Sipping glacier water was surreal—just make sure you watch your step. I learned that the hard way by stepping thigh-deep into a covered hole, but nothing a little ice and pain reliever couldn’t handle.
Day 5: Banff Town’s Bustling Beauty
We dove into the heart of Banff with a morning gondola ride that offered panoramic views that looked like CGI. The town itself was buzzing to the brim, so we retreated early to our home base. While it’s a hotspot, if you prefer a quieter experience, early mornings or late evenings are your best bet, but we were on a budget and with kids, so long shopping strolls were not on the agenda. The kids were free (one with each adult) if we booked in the morning, and that saved us a lot of money.
Day 6: Waterton Lakes and Cowboy Trail
On our way back to Bozeman, we meandered through Waterton Lakes National Park and took the scenic Cowboy Trail. Waterton was serene and stunning, begging for more time than we could afford. Red Rocks Canyon is a not to be missed stop. I have never seen anything like it. We really enjoyed our time there. Wear shoes that you can take off and wade in the water (at all the stops).
Day 7: Time in Bozeman with Family
We attended church in Bozeman with my brother’s family. Journey Church in Bozeman is a great place if you are looking for a nice non-denominational church. The service was meaningful and full of truth. In the afternoon, we went on a family rafting and paddleboarding trip on the Gallatin River, courtesy of my brother and his wife, April, the rafting gurus. The ride was beautiful and so much fun.
Homeward Bound
The final stretch we considered cruising through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but we’ve been there many times before, and decided to forgo them. The open road called us home to Louisiana.
From Gulf to glaciers, this road trip was a whirlwind of landscapes, laughs, and a few learning curves. It was a reminder of how vast and varied this continent is, and just how much adventure waits out there. Now, almost back in Louisiana, I’m already plotting our next big excursion. Because once you've tasted the road, the journey never really ends.
Trip Highlights:
Wildlife Encounters:
- Two black bears
- Moose
- Snowshoe rabbit
- Bison
- Lots of mule deer
- Numerous birds
- Mountain goats
- Bighorn sheep
- Coyote
- Prong Horn Antelopes
- Lake otter
- Beaver
Adventures:
- Walking on a glacier
- Getting injured by a glacier (ouch but memorable!)
- Banff Gondola
Foody Stuff:
- Poutine
- Maple-flavored everything
- Beaver Tails (a fun dessert)
Scenic Views:
- Banff Gondola ride
- Beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls
- Yellow canola fields
- Wildflowers: columbine, lupine, wild orchids
Friendly Encounters:
- Very kind people. We found the stereotypes pretty accurate.
Iconic Drives:
- Cowboy Trail
- Trans-Canada Highway
- Icefields Parkway
- Scenic Bow River Valley Road
Destinations:
- Banff Town
- Banff National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Jasper Town
- Waterton Lakes National Park
Tips for traveling on Very Long Roadtrips:
Good Car Organizers:
Invest in quality car organizers to keep everything in its place. Consider options that fit between seats or hang on the back of seats to maximize space.
A Hanging Trash Can:
A small, hanging trash can was a lifesaver for keeping the car tidy. It’s easy to dispose of snack wrappers and other trash without cluttering the car.
Twice as Many Chargers as You Think:
Bring more chargers than you think you’ll need. Between phones, tablets, and other devices, you’ll appreciate the extras. We had a couple of chargers fail, so we avoided having to buy more at higher prices.
Car Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Wipes:
These essentials are worth the space they take up. Car paper towels can handle spills, and having toilet paper, Kleenex, and wipes on hand ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Personal Water Bottles/Cups:
Everyone should have their own water bottle or cup to stay hydrated. Refill them regularly to cut down on waste and help everyone to keep up with their drink. Drink, drink, drink. You won’t realized how dehydrated you are until it is bad.
Composting Toilets:
These are not for the faint of heart. I am not outdoorsy and really struggled with these. If possible, plan your bathroom breaks around locations with flushing toilets or bring a squatty potty for the rural spaces.
Change Your Car to Kilometers:
Switch your car’s speedometer and your navigation apps (like Apple Maps) to kilometers when driving in Canada. It makes following speed limits much easier. Bryan was able to find a YouTube video that showed him how to get the car switched over easily.
Day Length Difference:
The long summer days in Canada can be surprising. It can still be light outside at 11 PM, which can mess with your sleep schedule. Plan your evenings accordingly. This was probably our biggest struggle. Sleep masks helped, but being disciplined to go to bed while it was still bright outside was hard, as was the early sunrise.
Sparse Cell Phone Coverage:
Be prepared for stretches with little to no cell phone coverage. Download maps and important information ahead of time.
Make time for fun and ice cream:
This may sound silly, but don’t get bogged down in the itinerary. Take time to slow down and enjoy the company. We made it a tradition to have ice cream every afternoon, and it was great! I made us intentionally slow down and just sit for a but outside of the car.
A Good Meal is Never a Mistake:
While feeding a large crew can be expensive, sometimes you need to just pay it forward. If some are hungry, and no one will make a decision, opt for the food. A fed crew is a happy crew. We pre-cooked breakfast (burritos and buiscuits and stuff), picnicked for lunch most days and ate a hearty dinner at a resturant at night. We stopped for all the fun snacks and ice cream,
Wear Layers:
The weather was a little unpredictable. One day it was hot and one day it was cold. Layers really helped. We just kept light jackets in the car.
Let Them Run:
Make time for them to run and explore. We are “conquer” type people, so we have to intentionally tell ourselves this. Reward the kids for good car time with extra time to climb, run, and explore. After all, what is a wilderness adventure without the adventure? We had some scrapes and mishaps, but the payoff was great.
Nosebleeds, medicine, and lotion:
If you are used to living at sea level with lots of humidity, be prepared for dry lips, nosebleeds, and dry skin. I think all the kids and myself had nosebleeds during the trip. If you are prone to nosebleeds already, carry some tissue in your bag. Heavy-duty lotion was what we needed. Also a small first aid kit was helpful for scraped knees. I am a walking pharmacy, so when I hurt my knee, I was prepared. We also had a cold that moved through the group, and I was prepared for that. You may not need to carry a lot, but for me, it’s comforting to be prepared, and it saves a trip to the drugstore.
Put down the devices while riding:
Many of our adventures were seen from the car. Choose the best times and have everyone put away their devices. Some of this is self-limiting with no cell signal, but we would have really missed a lot being on our phones.
Make your own adventure:
If you want to do something, do it. If you don’t, don’t. Only you know your family well. We knew that long hikes were not on the table for this trip, but we didn’t miss anything that we wanted to do.
These tips and essentials helped make our Gulf to Glaciers road trip smoother and more enjoyable. Let me know if you plan to do this trip!
