Travelling BC on a budget

So you've done Vancouver Island a little and think maybe you might want to go on a road trip with the kids? I shudder at the thought, but then again it was fun for me when I was 10. Except for the lack of washrooms on the Hope-Princeton. What have you done with your family? Young kids or teens? Camp or hotel? We usually do it on a budget and spontaneously. Love to read your stories of success of defeat.