The Gear Bus by Yama Vans: The Best Adventure and Family Sprinter Camper Van for Growing Outdoor Families
- Adrianna Skori
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 3
We just returned from an unforgettable week in Penticton, BC. We roadtripped through the Canadian Rockies with the kids and we camped, hiked, biked, and explored along the way. Our first pit stop was Canmore to load up on snacks and picnic foods for our roadside nature stops. We stayed for a rainy night in Revelstoke to break up the trip and then we were off to the Okanagan where we explored orchards, vineywards, playgrounds, and all the nature pit stops. We arrived in Penticton and stayed on our family vineyard with views of Lake Okanagan. Our trip was everything I dreamed up for adventuring with kids because of the Gear Bus by Yama Vans. Our van was a central basecamp to our stay and adventures. We enjoyed sports camp in the evenings and each day we either hiked to local water falls, biked on the KVR trail, or climbed up at Skaha Bluffs.
As a mom of two little explorers (ages 2 and 4) and the founder of a family adventure brand, I’ve spent a lot of time in outdoor spaces. I’ve packed up every type of camping setup and road-tripped in more configurations than I can count. But nothing compares to the freedom, space, and function of the Gear Bus. It’s the ultimate van for an active, growing family. It allowed us to do so many activities that we love: hiking, biking, camping, and exploring.
Why the Gear Bus Was Built for Families Like Ours
What stood out the most about the Gear Bus was how open the concept is and space to move about. This van was built for families who live for the outdoors and it is a blank canvas for adventure families. Whether you will be using it to bike or camp, everything fits. Here's what I loved most:
1. Room for All the Gear (and Then Some)
With two bikes, climbing/bouldering gear, a hiking stroller, baby carriers, and all the snacks and layers that come with adventuring with toddlers, we never once felt cramped. I brought our camping bins with all my backcountry camping gear so that we could immerese ourselves in nature every second. The rear garage setup and gear slide made loading and unloading the bikes really easy.
2. Kid-Friendly Camping
We camped right out of the van with plenty of space to hangout inside when the weather turned to rain. We had a memorable pizza picnic and the chairs swivelled so we created a little table space to play cards too. The beds are easy to pop up during the day to create more room in the van too.
3. Adventure-Ready Layout
We hit trails in the South Okanagan, biked the KVR Trail, played at Skaha Beach, and climbed the Skaha Bluffs (we loved the Daycare wall most with kids). The Gear Bus kept up with every plan and and made the transition seamless.
4. Comfort Meets Capability
From built-in solar and off-grid readiness to a comfy sleep setup that didn’t require any tent poles or air mattresses, it gave us both the comforts of home and the wildness of being out there. I have backpacked a lot and we mostly have done tent camping so this was a major upgrade. We felt safe from wildlife and got full nights rest. The kids loved it too.
5. Expandable for Growing Families
Whether you're a couple with dogs, parents with one babe, or a crew of kids and car seats, this van grows with you. The flexibility in layout and storage is next level. You can add more seats and move them to fit your needs on the road. Bring the grandparents along too! We are hoping to have more babies in our family and love the idea of being able to easily add seats as needed for us.
Exploring Penticton makes for the best family memories
Penticton was the perfect base for our family getaway because there was something for everyone in the family! It is such a haven for outdoor families with all the climbing options (we even got in for some family lessons indoors together), endless trails to tunnels and waterfalls, and the lakes to hang out around. If you're visiting Penticton then here are some ideas for families:
Where to eat with kids:
Downtown scoop shop with famous waffle bowls and rotating flavours. The kids love bubble gum, tiger, and cookies and cream. We love experiencing this icecream shop. On Saturdays, the farmers market is on the main ave too with lots of artisans and fresh fruits and veggies.
Spacious patio next to KVR Trail, with kid-friendly apple slushies and wood-fired pizza. You need an apple slushie even as an adult here. They're so good! The beer is decent too. Love the nature play area for kids.
All-day breakfast, counter items, and a kids’ menu right next to the KVR Trail. I always order the breakfast sandwiches with a single shot latte.
NY-style pizza slices and subs—including a meatball sub that kids love
Fresh, fun soups and sandwiches in a casual downtown setting. We usually grab a couple soups to go and make them for camp meals.
Veggie and gluten-free friendly and we always order to go and take to the park in Naramata
Family-friendly BC food chain (I used to love going as a kid) with a reliable kids’ menu, patio dining, and highchairs. We love getting pirate packs to go and take them to the beach with the kids.
Where to hike with kids:
Family-Friendly Hikes in Penticton
Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail – Penticton to Little Tunnel Flat, scenic gravel trail with lake views, trestles, and even a T-Rex statue near town. Ideal for walking, biking, or strollers.
Munson Mountain Viewpoint Short walk with panoramic lake and city views. Great for toddlers, with benches and grassy areas.
Little Tunnel on the KVR Trail – Naramata Flat and well-maintained, with a beautiful tunnel and picnic area overlooking the lake. About 8.8 km return.
Skaha Bluffs Shorter trail options within the popular climbing area. Rugged, natural, and shaded.
Skaha Lake Pictographs Trail A short 2.5 km round-trip hike to Indigenous rock art.
Naramata Creek Falls Family adventure with forest, log bridges, and a small waterfall. Bring water shoes as you do need to cross the creek. The kids love this hike! There is poison ivy so make sure to stay on the trail.
Where to climb with kids:
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park (Outdoor Sport Climbing)
Crag Areas: Daycare, Red Tail Wall, and Kids’ Cliff are ideal for families with easier routes. Kids’ Cliff is especially great with a short walk from Evergreen Drive, morning sun, and afternoon shade.The climbing is on solid gneiss with over 1,200 sport routes throughout the park. Many are beginner-friendly with gentle approaches, perfect for adventurous little ones and new climbers.
Hoodoo Adventures Climbing Wall (Indoor)
Penticton’s only indoor climbing gym, perfect for beginners and rainy day fun. They offer bouldering, top rope routes, kids’ birthday parties, and drop-in sessions for all ages.Located at 131 Ellis Street, it’s a solid option when the weather doesn’t cooperate or when you want to build confidence before climbing on outdoor rock.
Best playground:
A 21‑acre lakeside haven on Skaha Lake! We even got to see turtles there.
Two playgrounds – one with natural-play elements like boulders, ropes, slides & musical instruments
Seasonal splash pad – a safe water play area for kids
Beach & swim zone – warm, shallow waters ideal for kids
Sports courts & fields – basketball, tennis, volleyball, inline hockey, softball
Picnic amenities – grassy lawns, shade trees, picnic tables, washrooms, concessions, fire pits & free parking
Where to bike with kids:
Penticton Pump Track Located right at the KVR Trailhead on Poplar Grove Road, it's the perfect warm up spot before biking the scenic KVR Naramata Bench Trail.
Where to camp with kids:
Wright’s Beach Camp – Penticton’s only waterfront campground with sandy beach, pool, playground & lakefront sites. Highly reviewed for family amenities
South Beach Gardens Campground – Large, family-oriented campground with playgrounds, arcade, mini‑golf, full hookups & shaded sites. Frequently ranked among Penticton’s best
Oxbow RV Resort – Adjacent to South Beach and recognized for its pristine grounds, heated pool, courts & full RV services
The Lost Moose Campground – Secluded and quiet, nestled in the forest above Penticton with beautiful lake views and hot showers
Penticton is an amazing family-friendly getaway!
I hope that you're inspired to learn more about the Gear Bus and maybe even explore Penticton with your family too. If you're dreaming of a van that lets you go further, stay longer, and allows you to enjoy the logistics of family adventuring, the Gear Bus by Yama Vans is it. It’s not just a van, it’s a mobile basecamp for memory-making.
We already can’t wait for the next trip.
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