Grandparenting on the Go: A Motorhome Adventure Through the Rockies

When your grandchildren live far away, it’s not always easy to maintain a close bond. Our granddaughter is six, our grandson nearly four, and while we visit when we can, we've had to get creative. Over time, I’ve tried everything from sending letters and painted cards to postcards from our travels. WhatsApp videos and FaceTime calls also help bridge the distance. But nothing beats time spent in person.

So when the opportunity came for us to take the little ones on a week-long motorhome adventure through the Rockies in British Columbia, Canada, I felt both excited and... let's be honest—apprehensive.

Would they miss Mum and Dad? Would they get bored? Would we survive seven full days of non-stop grandparenting?

Spoiler Alert: We Did It!

And it was magic. Not sure how we did it—or how they did it—but we had the most wonderful time together. Here’s how we turned a nervous idea into a treasured adventure:

Life in a Campervan – The Cosy Core of the Adventure

One of the greatest joys for the children—surprisingly to no one who’s ever been six or under—was simply being in the campervan. They adored the cosiness, the sense of movement, the novelty of having everything at arm’s reach. For them, it wasn’t just transport; it was a moving fort, a hideout, a home-on-wheels brimming with possibility.

Each evening, after a day of swimming, exploring, or chasing chickens (more on that later), we’d cuddle up in the van and settle into our nightly ritual: reading “The Enchanted Wood” by Enid Blyton.

As someone who adored the book as a child, I was beyond excited to share it with them. They were captivated by Moon-Face, Silky the Fairy, and the ever-changing lands at the top of the Faraway Tree. The sense of adventure, the magic, the imagination—it was the perfect bedtime story for our own enchanted journey. Every night, they'd ask, “Can we read another chapter?” And every night, we’d go just a little further into that magical wood.

Basecamp Bliss – Mara Lake

We kicked off the adventure by camping at Mara Lake, a beautiful spot where we could unwind and explore at our own pace.

• Mornings by the Lake: Our granddaughter and I swam each morning while our grandson fished (no fish caught, but he was proud of his efforts!).

• Evening Delights: Sandcastle building, beach barbecues, marshmallow roasting by the firepit, and storytelling under starry skies.

• A Boat Adventure: We hired a little fishing boat, packed a picnic, and ventured out across the still, glassy lake. The reflections of the mountains were breathtaking. We even saw a bald eagle—and lost a hat under a railway bridge (mine, thanks to a gust and a giggle).

Three Visits in Four Days? Must Be That Good!

We made not one, not two, but three visits to the D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous. What’s not to love?

• Over 60 flavours of handmade ice cream.

• Friendly goats, llamas, and calves.

• A farmyard wonderland and “Tractor Town” that thrilled the kids.

Grandparent tip: Bribe with ice cream... often.

A Fairytale Pitstop – The Enchanted Forest

With “The Enchanted Wood” still fresh in their imaginations, our stop at The Enchanted Forest was a perfect match. The kids were thrilled to walk through a world filled with over 350 fairy tale figurines, climb BC’s tallest treehouse, and take a wildland nature walk through towering old-growth forest. The line between book and real life blurred in the best possible way especially the three bears cottage!

Crazy Creek – Hot Pools and Adventure Trails

We camped at Crazy Creek, and the kids were absolutely in their element.

• Suspension Bridge & Waterfalls: A short hike led to a dramatic two-stage waterfall. The bridge walk was just the right mix of thrill and safety.

• Hot Pools: We all soaked in warm mineral pools—heaven after a day’s exploring.

• Bike Pump Track & Playground: Perfect for zooming, zipping, and burning off sugar.

• Forest Trails: Gentle nature walks alongside Crazy Creek and the Eagle River. The children were captivated by the forest and the tales we made up along the way.

• Historic Ruins of Taft: Ghost-town history lessons were surprisingly fun!

Ferry Ride to Nakusp – Grizzly Alert!

Crossing to Nakusp was a mini adventure in itself:

• The children loved the boat ride and watching the ferry’s movements.

• Scenic views of shimmering lakes and forested hills created a true "wow" moment.

• A sign at the ferry crossing on the return journey warned: “Path closed – mother grizzly and three cubs in area”. Our grandson was baffled—and a little miffed—that we couldn’t go looking for them!

Nakusp Hot Springs – Hummingbirds and Milestones

One word: magical.

• Watching hummingbirds dart down to water dishes as we soaked in the hot springs was unforgettable.

• Proud Grandma Moment: Our granddaughter swam without armbands for the first time. Video sent to Mum and Dad, of course!

Camping at KBR in Nakusp – Chickens, Games & Toast

This might have been the kids' favourite spot:

• Free-roaming chickens (egg excitement every morning).

• Endless ball games: Baseball, football, soccer, rugby, frisbee—you name it.

• Toasted everything: Bread toasted on the fire—no toaster needed, and no complaints.

• Top-tier playgrounds: Timber climbing frames, epic zip wires, and real trains to play on.

And of course, more swimming in the lake, with the Rockies as our ever-stunning backdrop.

Box Lake – A Walk Down Memory Lane

A final visit to Box Lake, where we’d camped years ago, brought back sweet memories. Still one of the best campsites ever—and now even more meaningful as we shared it with the next generation.

What This Trip Taught Me

Yes, I was nervous. Yes, it was a full-on week of being needed and being present—but that’s what grandparenting is all about.

It reminded me how children are often more adaptable than we give them credit for. With a bit of sunshine, adventure, imagination (and a sprinkle of Enid Blyton), even the wildest ideas can become cherished memories.

They may not remember every detail, but they’ll remember the feeling of being loved, of being listened to, and of having Grandma and Grandad all to themselves—inside a magical campervan, with stories and starlight.

Over to You...

• Have you travelled with your grandchildren? What worked (or didn’t!)?

• What creative ways do you use to stay in touch with family who live far away?

• What bedtime books have become part of your family’s travel tradition?