An 8-Day Camping Itinerary

8 Day Camping Road Trip Itinerary www.glutenfreetravelette.com

All month I've been sharing favorite camping spots, camping recipes, and other beautiful places to visit. Today, I'm pulling that all together into an itinerary for eight days of camping through two countries, three states, and two provinces. Starting in my home base of Seattle, Washington - this road trip will take you to Jasper, Banff, and Kootenay National Parks in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and to Glacier National Park in Montana. 

Part of our reason for moving to Seattle from Calfornia was it's close proximity to so many gorgeous natural places - all within about a days drive. Now, in this itinerary there are two pretty long drive days. Seattle to Valemount, British Columbia will take you about nine hours - more if you stop along the way to admire pretty things (or get lost while getting gas in Kamloops). The drive from West Glacier, Montana back to Seattle, will also take you about  nine hours. I'd highly recommend stopping for a night in Coeur d'Alene to break up that particular drive - plus the lake is beautiful and worthy of a stop just to take a quick walk along the shore.

For each stop along the way I'll also include recommendations on where to camp, what to do once you're there, and a few gluten free friendly suggestions for picking up food supplies and treating yourself to dinner out. 

Camping Road Trip Itinerary Drive to British Columbia

Day 1: Drive from Seattle to Valemount, British Columbia

Supplies: Nature's Fare Market in Kamloops

Camp: Robson Shadows Campground

Camping Road Trip Itinerary Drive the Icefields Parkway

Day 2: Drive to Banff, Alberta

Do: Explore the Icefields Parkway

Camp: Tunnel Mountain Village I

Camping Road Trip Itinerary Banff National Park Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
Camping Road Trip Itinerary Kootenay National Park

Day 5: Drive to West Glacier, Montana

Do: Drive through Kootenay National Park & Hike the Paint Pots

Supplies: Heaven's Peak Organics in Eureka, Montana

Camp: West Glacier KOA

Camping Road Trip Itinerary Glacier National Park Highline Trail

Days 6-7: Glacier National Park (US)*

Do: Hike the Highline Trail & Explore Logan Pass

Eat: Pescado Blanco in Whitefish, Montana

Supplies: Third Street Market in Whitefish, Montana

*There is also a Canadian Glacier National Park which I hear wonderful things about.

Camping Road Trip Itinerary Lake Coeur d'Alene

Day 8: Drive back to Seattle

Do: Take a break along the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho

Tips:

  • Leave your fruit in the country you purchased it in (not necessarily it's country of origin). This was the only question we were repeatedly asked at the rural boarder crossings we drove through. Specifically, citrus.
  • Pack your car in a smart way that works for you. For instance, we had our food coolers placed right by the side door of the car for easy access both on drives and so we didn't have to totally unpack at each stop.
  • Treat yourself to dinner out at least once during the trip - preferably after the longest and most difficult hike you take. 
  • Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables when you can. A crisp apple beats a dried one every time.
  • Directions on Google Maps