Travelling During the Terrible Twos

So, you’re the parent of a two-year-old. You’re just emerging from that wonderful but challenging transitional period between your old, childless life - full of reckless abandon and that “sleep” thing you vaguely recall – into parenthood. You’re figuring it out – you’ve got a killer routine, your kid is developing in the coolest ways every day, you’re starting to find some balance between work, parenting and the other parts of your life – things are good. 

At this point you likely know that the terrible twos are a very real thing. Random, seemingly causeless tantrums; overt grasps at independence;  violent outbursts (both physical and emotional); signs of new, complex and sometimes devastating emotions like shame, rejection and embarrassment; and a plethora of other challenges that come at this stage. 

But you’re handling that. 

Likely, becoming a parent has put something of a cork on your opportunities to travel (unless you took advantage of that sweet spot between infancy and toddlerhood – but more on that for another post).  But you are feeling like, at this stage, taking your kid on one of your forgotten adventures just might be becoming possible. 

Well it is… and it isn’t.  Travel with kids is obviously very different from travelling solo, with a partner or with friend and family, but travelling with a two-year-old is a whole other kettle of hard. But it’s not impossible, and, indeed, can be full of fun, joy and memories. 

Here is what I learned on my first “real trip” with my two-and-a-half year old (and his one year old baby brother to boot). We rented a cottage in Honey Harbour, Ontario with a few members of our family for a week of outdoor fun. 

Wes the Mess. In all his two-year-old glory.

1. Pack your patience 

Try as you may, that perfect little routine you’ve created at home is getting broken. Bed and nap times will be flexed, boundaries will be unclear and you will likely be more permissive of certain things than you are at home. This is necessary for all the fun and exploration travel provides, but it also means trouble. The broken routine will amplify all the terrible twos have to offer. Your two-year-old’s brain will start to explode with possibilities and they will make every effort to explore them. They will be tired-er, hungrier, more distracted, less likely to listen, more willful, etc. Being ready for this will help you roll with the punches, and that leads to #2…

2. Go with the flow

Trying to over plan and keep a schedule will make your trip exceedingly difficult. All the new sights, sounds, experiences and emotions will make your two-year-old desperate to explore. The “big plans” you made might not interest them in the least, while the most mundane tasks will fascinate them; meaning they will want to do them over and over again. On my recent trip, Wes (my two point five year old), became fascinated by boats. All he wanted to do was walk the numerous docks and talk about the countless variety of boats in the harbor. I had to force myself over the tedium of it and look at it through his eyes. In the end, the hours he and I spent chatting about bloody boats (fast boats, big boats, fish boats, “sleeping” boats, little boats, tin can boats  etc. etc.) are a hilarious memory, and time well spent. And that brings us to point #3…

3. Think/be like a kid

It is so easy when travelling with kids to focus on the big things like meals, schedules, itineraries and the like. After all, you feel responsible for ensuring everyone has a good time. In order to survive, however, it helps to think like a kid, and often that means seeing the forest for the trees. You can do this by looking and listening just a little closer. Kids see amazing little details that adults, through conditioning, can miss. Wes was able to spend an amazing amount of time looking under the docks for frogs and fascinating over the ecosystems under there. When I started doing the same, it was amazing what I found, and the experiences we came to share. 

4. Bring a friend

Kids can keep other kids entertained in ways no adults can, which can be a sanity saver for the adults. That said, I’ve found that, at this age, the closer in age the kids are the better. This can be an awkward age for relationships. Two-year-olds don’t know the “rules of the playground” yet, and their still-limited communications skills can cause conflicts, particularly with older kids who find it difficult to understand why young kids behave the way they do. If you can’t travel with others who have children of similar age, encourage your child to befriend other children wherever you are hanging out.  

5. Pre-plan small tasks/activities

Thinking up some simple tasks your child can do during certain parts of your trip can help keep them engaged. Note, chances are your kid won’t engage in all the tasks you plan, so try and think up a few. At the beach on our vacay, Wes collected rocks and filled buckets of water, pouring them in a randomly selected spot on the sand (he came up with that last one on his own, but it kept him in rapture for at least 20 minutes, which meant a bit of relaxing time for mom and dad). 

6. Use extra time to relax

You’ll be tempted during rare periods of inactivity (when the kids are in bed, hanging out with relatives, etc.) to catch up on things or prepare for the next thing to come. It’s important to section some of this time off for relaxation. Try and grab bits and pieces of vacation for yourself. It is deserved. Feel no shame.

7. Dial back your expectations

When I started planning things to do during our week at the cottage I got very excited. It was, to me, an opportunity to expose Wes to a bunch of new things that I thought idyllic for dads and their sons to do together. These things included fishing, canoeing, boating, tubing, hiking, campfires, s’mores and countless others. The reality, however, was that while some of these things held some appeal, Wes' short attention span and general two-year-old-ness meant he simply wasn’t ready for a lot of these activities. Fishing rods splashed in the water and tears were shed over the very concept of going on an inflatable donut being towed behind a boat. When I dialed back my expectations, I was able to enjoy the act of trying these things, even if they were not embraced.

He did love the boat!

Plan ahead but don’t over plan. Have realistic expectations. Keep it simple. Those are the rules I’ll live by on my next trip. Any other tips on travelling with a two-year-old? Leave them in the comments.  

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Winter Weekend in Ontario's Near North

A post by Scott F

Good things happen when you don’t let small annoyances ruin your day. During an Ontario winter day those “small” annoyances include brutal cold, snow measured in feet instead of inches and air that makes your face hurt...

Because you love it here, that's why.

But if you battle through all that and make your way outside, good things happen. This is what I learned during a recent winter vacay with the family to the outskirts of Huntsville, Ontario. Our intention: jam as many classic Canadian winter activities as possible into a couple days.

Ontario’s natural diversity seems to unfold anytime you cruise up Highway 400 and Highway 11. Wide stretches of fertile farmland blanketed with snow quickly give way to jagged, rocky terrain interspaced with countless lakes and rivers glassed over with ice. We watched as the accumulated snow piled on the road side quickly doubled, and then tripled as we passed Bracebridge, adding to the wildness of the land.

Our first stop was to check out Arrowhead Provincial Park just north of Huntsville. Arrowhead is one of few Ontario Parks that operates at any significant capacity during the winter, offering yurts and cabins for overnight winter adventures. We weren’t staying overnight, but had come to experience the 1.3 km skating trail we had heard so much about. Despite a few weeks of varied weather conditions, the ice was near perfect as we towed my son’s sleigh through the winding trail. The trail is a truly momentous accomplishment; a tribute to the Canadian love of winter. As we huddled around a campfire following our skate it was clear how much people appreciated the park's work maintaining the trail.

Before heading out we spotted Arrowhead’s tubing hill and I simply had to take my one year-old son, Wesley, for his first downhill ride (after a test run by myself, of course). No chairlift here folks, but the walk back up the hill will help you stay warm!

We made our way south east to Cedar Grove Lodge where we would stay for a couple of nights. The resort features 19 cabins backing onto a cliff that overlooks Peninsula Lake. Each cabin is unique and features a wood burning fireplace. We picked the resort for the private cottages, and for the fact that everything is included with your stay, including meals, firewood, recreational activities and more.

The next day, after a fantastic breakfast, we borrowed snowshoes from the resort and trekked to the top of the cliff, no small feat while towing Wesley in his sleigh. From the top we could see across the lake to Hidden Valley Ski Club on the other side. Scooter, our seven year-old fur baby, was thrilled with the chance to crash through the snow. Cheers to Cedar Grove for being pet friendly!

After a two hour hike we were more than ready for lunch. The meals at Cedar Grove are nothing short of spectacular. They offer three or four options at each meal in addition to different appetizers and desserts. The food is pure home comfort food sourced locally whenever possible (including amazing bread from the local Windmill Bakery). Plus, the resort is BYOB, so you can bring your own wine or beer with you to their dining room. I went with a gut warming Blacksmith Smoked Porter from the local Highlander Brew Co. as my drink of choice for our stay.

We spent the afternoon touring the resort, checking out their games room and playing shuffleboard and ping pong. We check off another winter activity when we grabbed some hockey sticks and headed out to the resort’s skating rink on the lake to shoot some pucks around.

After dinner we relaxed by our fireplace and played some board games. The cabins don’t have TVs or WIFI which was an amazing change from our regular plugged-in lifestyle.

Before leaving the next day we asked the resort to pack us a lunch and went out to their toboggan hill to squeeze in one more winter activity.  

All in all it was a near-perfect Canadian winter adventure. So don’t sweat the small stuff, like face biting cold; get out there and experience the unique opportunities winter offers. 

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Camping with an Infant: Let's Go RVing!

A post by Scott F

After an awesome experience camping with our infant son utilizing Ontario Parks’ roofed accommodations, my wife and I were excited to try another alternative to tent camping that would allow us to keep our outdoor lifestyle alive while maintaining our baby boy’s comfort, and thus our sanity.

Yup, this guy.

This time we connected with Go RVing Canada - the definitive source for all things motorhome, camper, trailer, hauler and park model recreational vehicle-related in our fair land - to try our hand at RVing. Our destination: the beautiful Bruce Peninsula.

I spoke with Chris Mahony, Executive Director at Go RVing Canada about camping with an infant in an RV: "My wife and I are big travelers and we love to camp. As we got older and kids came along, RVing made so much sense. It's a perfect choice for those who have a propensity for the outdoors, but also have to consider all the needs of their kids." 

We picked up our rig in Hamilton at Outdoor Travel. The guys took us through every utility, gadget, tool and convenience of our Class C 23 foot Forest River Sunseeker motorhome (the first option on Outdoor Travel's rental webpage), of which there were many. They had us feeling very comfortable by the time we embarked. When packing up we quickly realized the first huge perk of RVing with a baby: storage! The living areas offer plenty of cabinets and closets for everything you regularly need, while the storage areas at the back and side of the motorhome allow you to keep everything else out of the way. Any parents know that playpens, feeding chairs and car seats can leave you feeling claustrophobic in small spaces, so being able to pack them away was absolutely perfect.

Our rig!

The motorhome provided convenient anchor points for our car seat as well, allowing us to quickly affix our seat and remove it when not required. Fighting with a car seat can be frustrating - particularly when only the seat belt options are available - so having these anchors was a huge relief.  

The car seat buckles right into the RVs bench seat.

I went ahead and broke one of my key rules for camping with an infant from my first article: travelling farther than four hours away. My wife had never been to Bruce Peninsula National Park and my eagerness to share it with her bested my better judgement. Wesley did okay on the long drive, sleeping in fits, but the distance got the better of him and an extended crying tirade forced us to make an extended stop on route, delaying our arrival.

We arrived at our destination after dark and were thankful for the minimal set-up that the RV required. All we needed to do was plug in the power cord, attach the water hose and we had a fully functional house on wheels. We used the complete kitchen, equipped with fridge, stove, sink and microwave to prepare dinner for ourselves and Wes, and were able to grab a shower in the RV’s three piece bathroom! How perfect is that!

The next day we checked out the park. We stayed for three nights at Summer House Park, located 20 minutes south of Tobermory on Miller Lake. This immensely picturesque and tranquil park offers 235 campsites including full services sites for RVs. We got the chance to speak with Darcy, whose family has owned the park since it opened over 60 years ago. She explained the family orientation of the park, mentioning the many kids programs and activities including inflatable water toys on the lake, organized and drop in games, guided hikes, evening entertainment, boat rentals and a full playground. Most of the activities only run during the summer but Darcy’s explanation got us pumped to bring Wes back when he’s a little older.

We packed up the RV and spent the day in Tobermory, capping off our visit off with a glass bottomed boat tour of Fathom Five Marine Park and Flowerpot Island with Blue Heron Tours.

Ship wreck near Tobermory

 

The famous flowerpots of Flowerpot Island

We got back to Summer House in the late afternoon and spent the waning daylight hours at the beautiful beach.

With one night in the RV under our belt we were becoming more confident with the set-up. The 23 foot unit we were provided didn’t leave a lot of room for the playpen that we brought for Wes to sleep in. With a little ingenuity, we were able to lower the kitchen table and place the playpen on the benches, keeping the walkway to our bed clear. This allowed us to put Wes to bed and have a campfire without worrying about waking him when we retired for the evening. We would still recommend a larger motorhome to provide additional room for a playpen for those camping with an infant.

Our bed, we were shocked to find, was one of the most comfortable we had ever slept in! Better than an air mattress any day.

The next day we made our way to Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park to check out the astounding rock formations. We were blown away by the crystal clear blue water. Cyprus Lake Campground accesses one of the most beautiful natural sites in all of Ontario: the grotto. Pictures are the only way to tell this story.

Check out that water!

The Grotto!

We hiked the full loop of trails that join the Bruce Trail, stretching along the Georgian Bay coastline. Steph found the Horse Lake side trail to be a little treacherous with Wes strapped to her, but she pushed through, carefully.

We spent another night by the campfire enjoying the peaceful park as Wes slept soundly. We had intended to embark early the next morning but got held up by an over-tightened flange on our sewer line (pure newb RVer move). We received eager help from some of our fellow RVers and from the park staff.

When I mention the help we received, Chris said it was par for the course when it comes to RVers. "RV parks are amazing communities," he explained. "RVers seem to always be approachable and willing to help."

The only downfall of RVing, we found, is cost. Rentals usually come with limited kilometers which restrict the ability to go very far without paying extra fees. As expected, the rig also went through a fair bit of gas. That said, the combination of convenience, comfort and features, I think, make the cost worth every penny. I’m told a tow behind option may be an even more economical way to go.

An RV is another excellent option for new parents who don’t want to give up their outdoor lifestyles. The ability to maintain temperature (RVs have both air conditioning and heat), bring everything you need, control light, prepare food and bottles, and provide a safe environment for baby to play all add up to a peaceful relaxing vacation.

"There are so many reasons why people choose RVs," explains Chris. "Once you have the RV travel costs are quite low, up to 76 per cent less than other trips! You also have increased freedom and flexibility and are able to pick up at a moment's notice and go wherever you want. That's something you don't get with a cottage."

If you are considering RV for rent or purchase check out Go RVing Canada's website. They have a variety of tools to help choose the right option for your situation. They also provide trip planning information including campground listings, routes and packing lists.

Big thanks to Chris and everyone at Go RVing Canada for setting us up on this trip. We can't wait to go again!

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Camping with an Infant: Roofed Accommodations at Ontario Parks

My wife and I welcomed our new addition in early January. Our little “child of winter” arrived during one of the most grueling winters on record, which meant a lot of shut-in days in addition to our sleepless nights. As tough as the winter was, those days spent inside allowed us to get to know our little guy very well and adjust comfortably to our new role as parents. That said, when spring did eventually role around our minds quickly turned, as they often do, to travel.

A regular summer for us usually includes three or four camping/canoe trips, either as a couple or with friends, in addition to a variety of cottage excursions and day trips. We enjoy nothing more than spending as much time as possible exploring the outdoors. Naturally, the lingering question for us was: could our outdoor lifestyle continue with a young baby (his name is Wesley, by the way)?

That's him!

That's him again!

Discussions with friends and colleagues painted a grim picture, with even the more outdoorsy types opting to forego travel in their first years as progenitors.

Fellow blogger Mick McNamera from the blog HopGobblin’ expressed his apprehension to a similar trip: “Any kind of outing with an infant is challenging. Being fully aware of the trials and tribulations of even a simple day trip to Toronto Island, we had no intention of camping this summer! However, a good friend of mine was getting married about an hour from North Bay, and he had the bright idea of a camping weekend wedding. Pre-baby me was pumped, post-baby me a little bit wary.”

A couple things were clear; if we were going to attempt an outdoor adventure with our son we would need to consider:

1. Stuff. Anyone with a baby knows they need things… lots of things.
2. Temperature. Very cold or very warm babies are unhappy babies.
3. Distance. One hour away? Sure! Two hours? Okay… Three? Nervous. Four or more? No way.
4. Noise. Baby goes to bed at 7 p.m. while other campers may still be partying.
5. Amenities. Trying to bathe a baby in a group bathroom, ugh.

“Try to keep as much to the routine that you're used to (if you have one!) and the baby will adapt,” explained Mick. “Having said that, enjoy yourself and don't be too anal with it. Bring warm clothes for baby and yourselves just in case, and extra blankets.”

With these in mind, we went hunting for solutions. After a discussion with Ontario Parks, they presented their line of roofed accommodations for our consideration. While we couldn’t consider this “camping,” the accommodations would allow us to experience everything we love about our favourite parks while keeping our little one comfortable, so we jumped at the chance to try one out.

We made our way to Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park just off Hwy 69, 30 minutes north of Parry Sound; a nice little park with a beautiful private beach nestled off Georgian Bay.

We were set up in one of Ontario Parks’ rustic cabins. The two bedroom unit was small but absolutely ideal for our situation. It allowed us and the baby to have separate rooms; provided a fully functional kitchen including fridge and a stove for warming bottles, baby food etc.; and had a private three piece bathroom with shower. The cabin was complete with hot water, a barbeque, one double bed and one set of bunk beds and, to our surprise, air conditioning!

The space inside the cabin was greatly appreciated. We were able to set up a play area for Wes where, for the first time, he actually crawled! He clearly enjoyed the space as much as we did.

Wes slept like a champ in his unfamiliar, but comfortable room. Always a huge plus.

Outside the cabin it felt like a regular campsite. Quiet and tranquil and complete with a fire pit and picnic table, none of the charm of camping was lost.



We spent our first day strolling around the little park and letting Wes play in the sand at the beach (though his version of play meant continually trying to eat the sand). On our second day we made our way up to Grundy Lake Provincial Park, about 30 minutes north of Sturgeon Bay, to do some hiking. One great tip that of which we were unaware, a camping permit at any Ontario Park allows you to access any other provincial park, assuming there are others within driving distance. The hiking at Grundy Lake is excellent and we took the opportunity for more beach time as well.

View from the hiking train at Grundy Lake Provincial Park

After another comfortable night in our cabin we checked out and trekked down Killbear Provincial Park for another hike before heading home. Killbear is one of our absolute favourites; a perfect picture of cottage country and what we describe when telling those from other countries about our province.

Killbear Provincial Park

A quick stop for lunch in the beautiful town of Parry Sound, and our trip was a wrap.

Roofed accommodations at Ontario Parks are an ideal way to experience the outdoors while maintaining the comfort and routine of an infant, and, vis-a-vis, the sanity of parents. Cabins, yurts, cottages, soft-sided shelters and lodges come in various shapes and sizes and with various features; you’ll definitely find something that works for you.

Special thanks to Ontario Parks for hooking us up with the cabin! Check out their Pinterest page for the various options of roofed accommodations available.

As for Mick, who ended up using a trailer for the weekend: “It was an amazing weekend, we stayed three nights and could've stayed a week no problem… we barely missed the comforts of home, but it was certainly more work than usual. Big shout out to the good folks at Fisher's Paradise in Field Ontario for a fantastic weekend, they bent over backwards to make it a camping wedding to remember!"

Watch for part two of my short series on camping with a baby in early October, when we partner with GoRVing to see how using an RV for family travel stacks up. 

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