Taking a family road trip can be a great experience. Miles of open road, the pit stops, and of course, the ultimate destination. However, keeping the kids happy can be a full time task on these trips. We've compiled a few activities to make the journey more entertaining (and tolerable) for all.

Pack A “Busy Bag”

To keep the kids distracted, allow each of them to pack a small, laptop sized bag with some of their favorite toys, and maybe a few snacks as well. Depending on their ages, books, crayons, action figures can go a long way. Each child can have their own bag to fill with whatever they choose to keep them occupied.

Listen to an Audiobook

Audiobooks are a great way to kill some time in the car. There is something to offer for kids and adults of all ages and give you the opportunity to have the whole family absorbed I the story.  Just pop in the CD, sit back and enjoy the read. Remember most local libraries stock audiobooks and have them available to you at little to no cost.

Watch a Movie

Between in-car DVD players, laptops, tablets, and smart phones, there are now more ways than ever to enjoy movies and television in the palm of your hand.  Put one of these devices in the backseat, and start the movie.  Don’t hesitate to throw in a couple pairs of headphones and a splitter if you are looking for a quiet ride and a chance for some grown up conversation.

Create a Build-a-Story

Some kids may get carsick where reading or watching a movie may not be the best option for them.  A different way to get the whole family involved is to tell a progressive story.  One person starts the story with one sentence. The next person adds the next sentence of the story, and the pattern continues around the car. This creates a completely unique story each time and can be played as described her or made into an adventure.

Have a Sing-Along

Many people enjoy singing as a way to pass time while driving. Before embarking on your journey, create a CD or a playlist with everyone's favorite songs. Having a little bit of every passenger's musical taste ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy this activity.

Canada has a breathtaking national parks system, but not all of its jewels are equally well known. Here are some of the most distinctive and visually impactful of Canada's national parks.

Yoho National Park (British Columbia)

Yoho, named for a Cree word expressing wonder and awe is a park of waterfalls, rock formations, and glacial lakes. Whether its exploring the over 400 km of hiking trails, canoeing and sightseeing at Emerald Lake, or paying a visit to Takakkaw Falls, the third highest waterfall in Canada, Yoho National Park stays true to its name of awe and wonder.

Pukaskwa National Park (Ontario)

Pukaskwa’s astonishing beauty is on display in its vistas of Lake Superior and the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and northern forest.  Pukaskwa, the only wilderness national park in Ontario, offers challenging hiking along part of the Voyageur Hiking Trail, beautiful rivers, and thousand year old rock structures called Pukaskwa Pits which were created by the original inhabitants of the area.

Bruce Peninsula National Park (Ontario)

The massive cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula National Park are the destination of thousands of visitors every year. Part of the Niagara Escarpment, the park offers visitors many outdoor activities including, bird watching, hiking, and camping.  The ‘Bruce’ contains a vast array of natural habitats from rare limestone alvars, to dense forests and crystal clear lakes.   

Grasslands National Park (Saskatchewan)

One of Canada’s newer national parks, Grasslands represents the Prairie Grasslands natural region, one of the nation’s few remaining areas of grassland. The park is famed for its designation as The Darkest Sky Preserve, containing the richest resource of dinosaur fossils in Canada, and being the home to over 12,000 ancient teepee rings. 

Elk Island National Park (Alberta)

Elk Island protects one of the most endangered habitats in all of Canada. The island is a gorgeous oasis and home to free roaming, plains bison, woods bison, moose, deer, and elk. Whether you visit for the wildlife, the cross-country skiing, or the picnicking and overnight camping, Elk Island has something to offer for everyone. 

Kootenay (British Columbia)

From glacier-clad peaks to semi-arid grasslands, Kootenay National Park is noted for its wide diversity of climates.  The main attractions of the park are the Hot Springs, offering a hot springs pool ranging from 35°C to 47°C. Kootenay offers opportunities for people to experience the Rocky Mountains, learn the natural and cultural history of Canada, and to connect and fully experience nature.