Exploring the backcountry with kids opens up a new world of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you’re hiking, biking or paddling, you can access beautiful wilderness while building lasting memories with your family.
Backcountry trips with kids take extra planning and packing, but it is more than doable, and the rewards are worth the effort. Still, kids have little legs and little patience, so it’s important that you choose a route and destination they can do (with your help).
Make sure you pack the right gear, ensuring your kids have what they need to be warm, dry, hydrated, fed, and protected from the sun and bugs. Read our Backpacking Gear Checklist for Beginners.
We’ve walked a trail or two with kids and have four beginner backpacking trips you can do with little adventurers. Keep in mind that our estimated times are based on our experiences hiking, paddling, and biking with kids ages 6 to 12. If you’re travelling with just adults, it will be much faster.
Exploring the backcountry with kids: 4 beginner trips in Alberta
Oster Lake Campground, Elk Island National Park
Located in Elk Island National Park, 35 minutes east of Edmonton, the Oster Lake Campground is the perfect introductory backpacking trip for kids. It’s close to the city, requiring little travel time for local residents, and is an easy 4km walk through a pretty forest, on a mostly flat trail.
Just because the trail is flat doesn’t mean it’s boring! It opens up to wild meadows, and wooden bridges take you by beaver ponds. You might see beavers, muskrats and even bison along the way. Oster Lake is a waterfowl sanctuary, so once you’ve arrived, you can see some of the 250 species of birds that live in the park. Because it is short, easy and close to a city, this makes a great introductory backpacking hike for little kids.
Trail Information
Trailhead: Shirley Lake Trail, Tawayik Lake Day Use Area Parking Lot
Distance: 4.2 km each way.
Elevation: 135 metres
Time: 1-2 hours to the campsite, depending on how many breaks you take
Campground Information:
The Oster Lake Campground is a grassy field surrounded by birch and aspen forest. The small lake is pretty but not suitable for swimming. There are five campsites (reservations required), well-marked along the edge of the trees, and each has its own fire pit and picnic table. Wood is provided at the campground, but you must purchase a fire permit beforehand.
There is no potable water at the campground, and the lake is not a suitable water source, even with filtration. That means you have to pack in all your water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Pit toilets are available, and there are food lockers on site.
Bison roam free in the park and like this area. If a bison wanders into camp, keep your distance and do not approach it. They might take a while as they graze along, but eventually they’ll wander off.
Campground Information Breakdown:
- 5 campsites – reservations are required: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/
- Fire pits, picnic tables and firewood available (fire permits required)
- Pit toilets
- Beware of free-roaming bison
- There is no potable water here! You must pack in ALL of your water.
Read about our 5 favourite things to do in Elk Island National Park.
Borden Backcountry Campground, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
The Borden Backcountry Campground in Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a lesser-known but rugged, kid-accessible backcountry option. Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is located in eastern Alberta, near Elk Point. The campsite is on Borden Lake, the least accessible of the four small lakes in the park. You can get to the campsite on foot from several starting points, the easiest being about 2.5 km on the Borden Lake Trail from the north parking lot. This is a good starter option if you’re looking for canoe-access backcountry trips with kids.
The most interesting thing about the Borden Lake Backcountry Campground is the nearby glacial esker. It was formed as the glaciers retreated during the last ice age. Glacial meltwater between sheets of ice moved gravel and sand into drainage channels, leaving ridge-like hills. This esker is spectacular, with water on either side of it. It’s a fun and interesting hike to the end of it and back on your way to or from the campsite.
Trail Information
Trailhead: Multiple options. Please refer to the trail map below.
Distance: 2.5km to 12km, depending on your route.
Elevation: 108 metres
Time: 1-3 hours to the campsite, depending on how many breaks you take
Paddle Information
If you want to get there via canoe or kayak, the best launching spot is along Township Road 564 at the very south end of the lake. There isn’t an official parking spot, but just (barely) enough room to pull off along the side of the road. Then, paddle north and keep your eyes peeled for the dock on the northeast shore (see the map for guidance). In peak summer, the taller reeds and bushes can make the campsite hard to see until you’re right in front of it.
Campground Information:
The Borden Lake Campground is available first-come, first-served and free. It is a rugged site located near the northeast shore of Borden Lake, completely surrounded by forest. During our last visit, it seemed not frequently maintained, so the grass around the site could be a little long. However, you’ll find a flat spot for your tent, a fire pit (no firewood provided) and a picnic table. There is also a little floating dock at the shoreline for those coming in via paddle craft. You’ll find a basic backcountry toilet and a secure food storage locker.
There is no potable water at this campsite. The lake is nice, but can be a little swampy in sections, so we don’t recommend drinking it, even with filtration and/or boiling. Pack in your water.
Campground Information Breakdown:
- 1 free campsite – first come, first-served
- Picnic table and fire pit (no firewood)
- Backcountry toilet – bring your own toilet paper!
- Bring bear spray. There are bears in the area.
- Pack in your water.
Taylor Lake Backcountry Campground, Banff National Park
Taylor Lake in Banff National Park is a favourite day hike and a great introduction to backpacking in the Rocky Mountains for families with young children. It’s about 7 km each way, and the entire walk is a steady and gradual climb up to the lake. You’ll be walking through the forest most of the time, with some valley views opening up during a short section of easy-to-moderate switchbacks. It’s a bit of a climb for little ones, but you’ll see lots of kids on the trail, and the rewards at Taylor Lake are worth it!
The campground is beside the breathtaking, vibrant blue lake, and you’ll enjoy majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop. It’s a place where you can easily spend a few days with the kids. Families can enjoy fishing for cutthroat trout in the lake (make sure you have a National Parks fishing license), and though the water is chilly, in the heat of summer, people have been known to take a dip!
You can also take the kids on some interesting short walks from the campground. A short 500-metre trail leads from the campground to a meadow on the slopes of Panorama Ridge. This open bowl is home to stands of alpine larch, which turn a vibrant gold in September. You can also take a short hike to see scenic O’Brien Lake.
Trail Information
Trailhead: Taylor Lake Parking Lot off Highway 1 west of Banff.
Distance: 6.5 km each way
Elevation: 605 metres
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on how many breaks you take
Campground Information
The Taylor Lake Backcountry Campground is right near the lake, and you’ll enjoy views of Mount Ball towering on its far shores. There are five tent pads, and reservations are required; you can stay up to three nights. There are tables and bear lockers in a shared cooking area. There is no fire pit here.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and at the campground, but must be kept on a leash.
Campground Information Breakdown
- 5 tent pads – reservations are required: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/
- Picnic tables and bear lockers
- Backcountry toilet – bring your own toilet paper!
- No fire pit
- Water is available from the lake, but it must be filtered or treated
- Fishing is permitted with a National Parks fishing license
- Dogs are allowed on a leash
Big Bend Backcountry Campground, Jasper National Park
The Big Bend campground is located along the Chaba Trail in Jasper National Park, an old fire road that goes through the forest towards a ‘big bend’ in the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park. The trail descends towards the campground, so you’ll hike in at a gradual downhill. One perk of this backcountry site is that bikes are permitted on the trail to the campground! If you and your kiddos can bike with a pack, it might be a fun adventure. Otherwise, the hike to Big Bend is easy.
Starting at the Sunwapta Falls parking lot, you’ll see trail signs that point you in the right direction. You’ll be rewarded with immediate views of Sunwapta Falls before crossing the gorge on a footbridge and heading into the forest.
You’ll see a sign pointing right toward the Big Bend Campground as you go down a slight hill and approach the Athabasca River. To extend your trip, make the Athabasca Crossing Campground your final destination. It is roughly 8km past Big Bend. Reservations for both campgrounds are required.
The hike back to the parking lot will be a steady but very manageable incline.
Trail Information
Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls Parking Lot, Icefields Parkway
Distance: 6.3 km each way
Elevation: You’ll go down about 900 m, then back up.
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on how many breaks you take. 45 minutes on a bike (with kids)
Campground Information
This spot is in the valley, offering sweeping views of the Athabasca River and the peaks above it. The campground at Big Bend has a cooking area, fire pit, bear lockers, picnic tables, a backcountry toilet, and benches. The four tent pads are in a little meadow. From the riverbank, you can see the Athabasca River make its big bend before a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks.
Campground Information Breakdown
- 4 tent pads – reservations are required: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/
- Picnic tables, benches and bear lockers
- Backcountry toilet – bring your own toilet paper!
- Fire pit
- Water is available from the river, but it must be filtered or treated
- Bikes are allowed
- Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Horses are permitted
Hidden Cove Backcountry Campground, Jasper National Park
If you want to break into backcountry paddling, Hidden Cove on Maligne Lake is the place to do it! Maligne Lake is breathtaking, with turquoise green water and majestic mountains all around it. A short 4km paddle from the public boat launch will take you to the Hidden Cove campsite.
As the name suggests, the site is protected on an island that faces the mainland in a little cove. The island is magical and has everything you need for a fun backcountry camping trip as a family. There is a dock, campfire area and enclosed warming shelter with a wood stove – perfect for warming up on cooler rainy days. There are plenty of little trails around the island for kids to explore, and epic Rocky Mountain scenery wherever you turn.
Hidden Cove also makes a good home base for shorter day paddles around Maligne Lake. This lake can get very windy and choppy, especially in the afternoons, so having a home base for mini-trips makes for a safer and fun option with kids.
Fishing is also popular on Maligne Lake, and can be done from your boat or the dock at the campground. Rainbow and brook trout are the most common catches. Just make sure you have a National Parks fishing permit before heading out.
Paddle Trip Information
Canoe Launch: You can launch your canoes or kayaks at the public boat launch at Maligne Lake. It’s just past the boat cruise and restaurant area. Follow the signs.
Distance: 4 km, each way
Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, each way
Campground Information
Hidden Cover is a secluded island in the heart of Jasper National Park. Surrounded by some of the most epic scenery in the park, you’ll enjoy a rustic experience that is protected by the elements. The campground has four tent pads, bear lockers, backcountry toilets, a communal fire pit, dock and a cooking shelter with a wood stove and table. Reservations are required, and your stay is limited to two nights.
Campground Information Breakdown
- 4 tent pads – reservations are required: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/
- Maximum 14 people allowed
- 2-night stay limit
- Picnic tables and bear lockers
- Backcountry toilet – bring your own toilet paper!
- Fire pit
- Water is available from the lake, but it must be filtered or treated
- Fishing is permitted with a National Parks fishing license
Looking for more family trips in Canada?
- Salt Spring Island with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
- Plan your spring break on Kootenay Lake: 5-Day Itinerary
- Epic adventures camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Quick Family Guide to Riding Mountain National Park
- Things to Do on a Family Vacation at Shuswap Lake, BC
- Kayaking the Rossport Archipelago of Lake Superior
