by Robin Esrock

Family travel can mean much more than theme parks and beach resorts. Outdoor adventures lead to quality family bonding, lifelong memories, and the perfect environment for educational opportunities too. GCT itineraries may not be geared for little ones, but teenagers will have more than enough energy and enthusiasm to participate in our self-guided or group trips. Here are some of the benefits of bringing kids along for the ride and hike:

Outdoor Exposure
A landscaper once told me how people live in boxes. We live in a box, go to work in a box, and tend to travel in a box with wheels or wings. Spending time outdoors is literally an opportunity to live ‘outside the box.’ The more time kids spend outdoors, the more comfortable they’ll be living, working and playing outside their boxes. Sharing an outdoor adventure installs so many great values, from embracing nature to overcoming fears of the unknown and unpredictable. When riding across Prince Edward Island or the Laurentians, hiking Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail or trails in the Rockies, you’re modelling how to engage with, respect, and appreciate the natural world. You’ll also inspire a lifelong love for the outdoors that your kids might one day pass onto their own.

Nature’s Classroom
Let’s face it: lazing around a pool or lining up for rides at a theme park doesn’t teach your kids much. The only exercise tends to be an exercise in frustration! An outdoor adventure lets your kids have fun and learn something doing it. Multi-day hikes, rides and outdoor experiences provide an introduction to geography, history, social sciences, food and culture. In Newfoundland, they’ll learn about tectonic plates at Gros Morne National Park, sustainable fishing, whales and icebergs. In the Yukon, they’ll learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, glacial action and the history and culture of Indigenous communities. In PEI, they learn how oysters, clams, and lobsters are harvested and learn about the story behind Canada’s Confederation. Across Canada, they’ll learn about trees, mountains, oceans and stars and meet diverse people from around the world. Never let school get in the way of a balanced education.

Active Adventure
Kids have a lot of energy to burn, and their stamina might surprise you. By taking care of the logistics, our hiking and biking itineraries reduce loads to daypacks and basic panniers so the kids can manage on their own. Besides burning steam, they’re growing muscles and increasing their endurance, and getting priceless experience on a bike saddle or with a backpack. During meal times, they’ll also learn about responsibilities at camp and socialize with people of different backgrounds and cultures. There might be physical challenges to overcome: hills to conquer and distances to complete. All participants end a trip stronger than when they started, both physically and mentally too. With healthy meals and active days outside, don’t expect too many battles when it comes to bedtime.

No Distractions
As a parent, I’m in the trenches of daily screen warfare. Kids live in an on-demand world, with music, games and videos at their fingertips. It’s addictive, and between tablets, phones and video consoles, screens are everywhere. Besides consulting our handy app for navigational assistance, screens disappear when hiking, biking, or spending time outdoors. It’s just kids and the trail – no notifications, no liking posts, no games or instant messages. All of this creates time for meaningful dialogue, in which questions can be asked and deeper connections can be made. Hiking, in particular, encourages conversation and breaks for meals or viewpoints, providing opportunities for reflection. It all amounts to a powerful bonding experience where kids find a safe space to just be themselves.

Confidence and Coping
What’s the difference between an adventure and a vacation? If the outcome of your trip is even marginally uncertain, you’ll know you’re having an adventure. The unpredictable nature of outdoor excursions adds a level of excitement. Kids will be exposed to the elements, from hot sun to cold rain. They’ll have to navigate trails and routes, not to mention the day’s distance on foot or in the saddle. Once they get into the rhythm, they’ll instinctively learn about resilience and grit, two of the most important values you can instill in kids in a time of constant change and uncertainty. Kids will learn to trust their abilities and judgement, to ask if they are curious or unsure of something, and most importantly, to ask for help if they need it. You’re on a family mission and must work as a team to accomplish it successfully.

It's the unpredictable nature of an adventure that yields the biggest rewards. This summer, I took my son to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, where I didn’t expect my fussy eater to enjoy lobster and oysters. Beyond the region’s many attractions, we bonded on the red sandy shores of PEI National Park, building rock towers and skipping stones into the ocean. Earlier in the summer, both my kids joined me for a hike in the Rockies, swimming in a mountain lake and looking out for wildlife. While still young, I know that by introducing them to outdoor adventures and Canada’s diverse and beautiful landscape, these journeys are the start of many more to come.

Robin Esrock is the bestselling author of The Great Canadian Bucket List and The Great Global Bucket List.