edmonton to us road trip

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Edmonton to USA drive

Edmonton to usa road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Edmonton to USA. If you're planning a road trip to USA, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Edmonton drive for about 4 hours

1:48 pm   North Battleford stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:48 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Regina drive for about 4.5 hours

2:22 pm   Minot stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:22 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours

11:00 am  leave from Valley City drive for about 4 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 4 hours

10:00 am  leave from Sioux Falls drive for about 3 hours

12:46 pm   Omaha eat at M's Pub stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:46 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 4 driving ≈ 5.5 hours

9:00 am  leave from Topeka drive for about 11.5 hours

8:43 pm  arrive at USA

day 5 driving ≈ 11.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

North Battleford Regina   (7 answers)     questions about Regina:         What's the best neighborhood in Regina for a first time visitor? Minot Valley City Sioux Falls   (19 answers)     questions about Sioux Falls:         First timer to Sioux Falls- what are the best outdoor things to do/explore? Omaha   (31 answers)     Henry Doorly Zoo   (8 mentions)     Joslyn Art Museum   (3 mentions)     Lauritzen Gardens   (2 mentions)     The Durham Museum   (2 mentions)     Omaha Children's Museum   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Omaha:         M's Pub         Stokes Grill & Bar Wood Fired Foods         801 Chophouse at The Paxton         Lo Sole Mio Ristorante     questions about Omaha:         Best free things to do in Omaha?         Dog friendly hotels         TT Best Free Overnight Topeka   (4 answers)

What are some things to do in USA?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to USA.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a USA to Edmonton drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Edmonton to USA . Or get a full Edmonton to USA flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Edmonton well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Edmonton!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Edmonton to USA

places to eat

alternate routes

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Best Road Trips From Edmonton

Top road trip destinations from edmonton.

Jasper National Park

🚗 315 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 15 minutes

Visit Jasper National Park for spectacular views of glaciers, blue lakes and snow-capped mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers endless outdoor activities year-round.

This drive to Jasper National Park is a feast for the eyes with Wabamun Lake Provincial Park and William A. Switzer Provincial Park on the way.

🚗 390 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 45 minutes

Visit the lakes, go on a hike or two, and take your time as you leisurely drive along this scenic roadway to Canmore, a mountain town perfect for exploring Banff and Kananaskis Country.

On your way to Canmore, you can visit the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer , the beautiful Sylvan Lake and even detour to Calgary .

Banff National Park

🚗 415 km ⏱️ 4 hours

Banff National Park is possibly most iconic park in Canada, with towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, glaciers and therapeutic hot springs. Ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

We recommend putting aside some time to explore Red Deer , Calgary and Bow Valley Provincial Park on your way to Banff.

🚗 300 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

If you are looking for a cosmopolitan experience, Calgary will definitely tick that box. Famous for its beautiful skyline and Calgary Stampede, the city is also a great place for shopping and dining.

As you drive to Calgary, you can make a short detour to Wetaskiwin to visit the Reynolds-Alberta Museum and spend some time in Red Deer .

🚗 1,165 km ⏱️ 13 hours

Vancouver is one of Canada's most diverse and beautiful cities, with a spectacular mix of coastline juxtaposed with mountains. You can go whale-watching and see the ocean, and the weather is mild in summer and winter.

We recommend stopping at Red Deer and Calgary for an urban fix and Kootenay , Banff and Yoho National Parks for some stunning scenery.

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

This destination is a charming town on the bank of the Athabasca River. The Athabasca Riverfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, and the historic buildings provide a glimpse into the area's past.

On the way to the charming and friendly town of Athabasca, you can make a short detour to Cross Lake Provincial Park .

Yoho National Park

🚗 485 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 10 minutes

See the stunning Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, which is equally as scenic as Banff but much less crowded. This park is known for its high elevation scenery, with rugged peaks, ice walls, glaciers and wildlife.

On your way to Yoho National Park, enjoy otherworldly views of Columbia Icefield , Banff National Park and Lake Louise .

🚗 700 km ⏱️ 7 hours

Revelstoke is a mountain community with small-town hospitality - it has everything from high class dining and craft beer drinking, to adventure mountain sports, beautiful scenery and romantic charm.

As you drive from the city towards the Canadian Rockies past Red Deer and Calgary , you can also visit Banff , Yoho and Glacier National Parks .

Glacier National Park of Canada

🚗 605 km ⏱️ 6 hours

You will fall in love with the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park of Canada. Known for its historic Rogers Pass, the park offers challenging hikes, stunning vistas, and historic Canadian rail and alpine exploration.

Another stunningly scenic drive, Banff , Yoho , and Kootenay National Parks are only a few of the breathtaking landscapes you will enjoy en route.

🚗 890 km ⏱️ 9 hours, 30 minutes

Located in the heart of a fantastic wine region of Canada, Kelowna is home to plenty of vineyards to tour. A chance to escape the typical mountain settings of Canada, you can head to this lush wine valley.

Past Calgary, some of the amazing national parks you can visit on this drive to Kelowna are Banff , Yoho and Glacier National Parks .

🚗 810 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Kamloops is a hub for outdoor sports and activities, featuring everything from hiking and biking to golf and water sports. It's also known for its popular seasonal festivals.

In addition to the incredible national parks en route, such as Banff National Park , make sure to add charming towns, such as Sicamous and Salmon Art , to your itinerary.

Giants of the Prairies Loop

🚗 530 km ⏱️ 6 hours, 10 minutes

This quirky road trip takes in some of the unique and random roadside attractions and giant statues across Alberta. It's a fun way to explore the lesser-travelled towns—you'll certainly get a few artsy Instagram pictures!

As you visit one giant, quirky culture after another, you can also spend some time at Elk Island National Park and the cute town of Vegreville .

Waterton Lakes National Park

🚗 550 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Waterton Lakes National Park borders the US Glacier National Park and pulls its weight in terms of scenery, offering vistas of mountain peaks, colourful lakes and crashing waterfalls.

As you drive to the national park, you can visit cities like Red Deer and Calgary or enjoy the small-town charm of Nanton and Fort McLeod .

Elk Island National Park

🚗 50 km ⏱️ 35 minutes

Just a short drive from Edmonton, here you can see majestic elk and bison roaming, and explore a boreal forest (or “taiga”) within this fenced national park that features fantastic hiking trails.

This is a short drive, so we recommend extending your road trip to make a detour to visit Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area .

🚗 155 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Red Deer is located along the scenic Red Deer River and offers quaint shopping, swimming holes, and parks to explore. Sylvan Lake nearby is a popular getaway where you can swim, boat, or fish.

If you'd like to spend more time on this otherwise relatively short drive, you can visit William F. Lede Park just outside Edmonton and Pigeon Lake Provincial Park .

Hard Luck Canyon

🚗 200 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Visit Hard Luck Canyon near Whitecourt for a scenic adventure. The canyon features stunning geological formations and a series of waterfalls that provide a great backdrop for hiking and photography.

If you are not in a hurry to reach your destination, you can visit Wabamun Lake Provincial Park and Rotary Park Outdoor Waterpark en route.

Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park

🚗 490 km ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Located in Drumheller, make this a dinosaur-themed road trip and see rare, preserved dinosaur bone fossils and active paleontological dig sites at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On your way to Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park, you can spend some time at Sylvan Lake and Red Deer and detour to Calgary .

🚗 70 km ⏱️ 1 hour

Visit Wetaskiwin to see a whole host of unique cultural centres and museums to learn about indigenous people. The town is located on Treaty 6 Territory and is rich in First Nations ancestral history and influence.

If you have time, stop at Millet & District Museum, Archives and Visitor Information Centre and learn more about the small towns of the area.

🚗 100 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Discover Vegreville, home to the world's largest pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg). This unique attraction symbolizes peace and cultural identity, nestled in a lively community with a rich Ukrainian heritage.

One stop you will not want to miss en route from Edmonton to Vegreville is the beautiful Elk Island National Park .

🚗 380 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

A drive to the charming small town of Nanton is a nostalgic journey through time. Explore its antique shops, the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, and other historic sites that offer a peek into the past.

Make sure to plan for stops in Red Deer and Calgary on your way to this pretty small town, and enjoy sightseeing and a meal en route.

Longer road trips from Edmonton

Yellowknife

🚗 1,450 km ⏱️ 15 hours, 10 minutes

Yellowknife is the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, known as one of the best places to view the Northern Lights.

🚗 1,560 km ⏱️ 16 hours, 30 minutes

While in Seattle, make sure to visit the iconic Space Needle, the bustling Pike Place Market, and enjoy the city's vibrant music scene.

🚗 3,120 km ⏱️ 34 hours

Experience Alaska's rugged beauty and vast wilderness, where you can witness both the Northern Lights and the midnight sun.

The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Lately, I’ve become obsessed with planning the ultimate cross Canada road trip. And if my 10+ years as a travel blogger can tell you anything, it’s that I absolutely love organizing, planning and researching for big trips, even if I don’t have a definite date for when I will take them.

For most of my travel life, I’ve prioritized new, international locations over exploring my own backyard here in Canada. But during covid when international travel was restricted, I learned to appreciate travel in my home country. So much so that my husband, Colin, and I took an Atlantic Canada honeymoon!

It turns out: Canada is amazing! Or at least the 32 million people who visit my country each year certainly think so.

And so as a Canadian myself, I would love to spend more time discovering this country outside of the cities I’ve lived in and know well, Vancouver and Toronto. I love the idea of going from coast to coast, exploring cities and wildlife, visiting all 10 provinces on a cross Canada road trip!

Which is why I’ve put together an epic 34-stop cross Canada road trip itinerary from Vancouver to St. John’s!

When I was looking up an itinerary for a road trip across Canada, I noticed that many other posts only covered a fraction of the country. I get it, Canada is a big place. But I want to plan a route that drives across all of Canada (even if I can only drive it in small stretches at a time)!

Below I’m sharing my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary – from Victoria to St. Johns , from the Pacific to the Atlantic – and all of the stops in between. I’ll dive into the things you must see, what to do if you don’t have enough time to drive across Canada, how to get around and where to go in each destination.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Canada road trip FAQs

Is canada good for road trips.

Absolutely! Canada is one of the best countries for road trips. Many people have taken on a Canadian road trip so you’ll find lots of infrastructure like free and paid campsites, rest stops, paved roads, gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores throughout the country. If you’re an English speaker, you’ll have no problem getting around most of Canada.

Canada is also great for road trips because it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into big cities, natural wilderness, water sports, hiking, biking, shopping, art, food or something else, you can design your Canada road trip around your interests.

How long would a road trip across Canada take?

Canada is a BIG country; it’s the second largest country after Russia. So driving across Canada will take a while! The main route of the Trans Canada Highway, which starts in Victoria, BC and ends in St. John’s, NF, is 7,821 km, making it the fourth longest highway in the world.

It would take 100 hours (4.2 days) of straight driving to complete this route across Canada , which doesn’t account for overnight stops, waiting for ferries, stopping for meals or any sightseeing.

Assuming you don’t want to drive 24 hours a day without stopping, you should give yourself at least three weeks to road trip across Canada – though I’d recommend a couple of months if you have the time . My itinerary below has 34 stops and would probably take 2-3 months to really enjoy.

Because the country is so large, driving across Canada can be daunting. But even if you don’t have time to drive across all of Canada, you can still plan an epic east coast Canada road trip, a shortened Canadian road trip (such as driving from Toronto to Vancouver), a road trip around Atlantic Canada or one on the west coast.

Short on time? Check out my suggestions at the end of this post for mini Canada road trips!   

When is the best time for a Canada road trip?

Despite our reputation, it’s not ALWAYS cold in Canada. In fact, our country gets really stinking hot in the summers! And of course, being such a huge country, the weather varies a lot from coast to coast.

That being said, I wouldn’t attempt a cross Canada road trip in the winter . While places like Vancouver and Victoria might be mild, other places will be freezing, blanketed in snow and no fun to explore – if the roads are even open to let you through!

Summer is a much better time for a Canadian road trip. While the weather will be hot in places, driving across Canada in the summer means you don’t have to worry about snow chains or snow tires. Parks will be open and camping outdoors will be comfortable (if you can find some shade).

Of course, summer is also Canada’s busiest tourism season, so prepare for crowds. Many popular areas, like Banff, will be teeming with people and campgrounds will book up in advance.

I would plan a cross Canada road trip for late spring or early fall . That way, you still get the best weather but hopefully with fewer crowds.

Car vs RV: How should you drive across Canada?

So you want to road trip Canada but now you have to think: how am I actually getting across this huge country?

Unfortunately, public transportation isn’t a great option. We have very limited passenger train routes in Canada and while you can basically cross the country by train with ViaRail, it will be slow, expensive and skip a lot of great stops.

Your choice will probably come down to driving a car with plans to overnight in hotels, motels, tents, Airbnbs, and the like or driving an RV across Canada (or other motorhome/converted van/trailer) that allows you to sleep and live in your vehicle.

Ultimately, I think this comes down to personal preference as there are pros and cons to both .

A car will be cheaper to buy/rent (if you don’t already have one) and fuel up, easier to drive and likely have fewer parts to maintain. But it can be costly to stay in hotels every night and annoying to constantly be packing and unpacking.

An RV will be more expensive to buy/rent (if you don’t already have one) and fuel, plus more cumbersome to drive, but can be convenient for road trippers who want to have their home with them.

When trying to decide, consider your comfort level with driving, how many people are road tripping with you, what kind of accommodation you prefer and, of course, your budget for your cross Canada road trip. If you’ve never RV-ed before, I’d recommend renting one for a shorter trip before trying to drive across Canada.

Need to rent a car for your Canada road trip? Check out Discover Cars! 

My top 5: What to see on a road trip across Canada?

A quick scroll down to my itinerary will show you that there is so much to see on a road trip across Canada. But here my top five picks for stops you can’t miss:

• Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC
• The stunning Banff National Park in Alberta
• Niagara Falls and the surrounding wine country in Ontario
• Old Montreal and Old Quebec City in Quebec
• The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

The most popular activities in Stanley Park

• Enjoy this Stanley Park Walking Tour with a guide
• Uncover the best sights of the city during this Stanley Park & Downtown Vancouver Bike Tour
• Experience the natural beauty of Stanley Park in Vancouver on this bike tour

And for everything else you’ll want to see, let’s dive into my full cross Canada road trip itinerary below!

Cross Canada road trip map

The ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary

Through my extensive research, I found lots of posts that helped to plan a road trip in Canada, but on a smaller scale. Maybe it was just an east coast Canada road trip or a Toronto to Vancouver driving trip.

And while those adventures sound great, I wanted to put together an entire cross country road trip driving the entirety of Canada from east to west. While my road trip itinerary doesn’t cover every inch of Canada, it’s the most comprehensive one I’ve come across!

Below I’ll list every stop on my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary, including how long the drive is from the previous stop and what you’ll want to do there. I’ve broken the itinerary up into sections (west coast, prairies, eastern, Atlantic), but they all connect to each other so you can simply continue heading east.

Ready? Let’s drive across Canada!

West coast and Rocky Mountains: BC & Alberta road trip

This portion of the itinerary covers British Columbia and the first part of Alberta along the Rocky Mountains . Stops on this portion of the road trip are:

• Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, BC

As you’ll see from the Canadian road trip planner map above, I actually start my cross Canada road trip in Vancouver. I live in Vancouver, so it would be a lot easier for me to pack up my car from home and start heading east, rather than back track to the Island.

Plus, I’d love to do a separate BC road trip around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, like Galiano and Salt Spring Island (perhaps as a practice road trip before we try to drive across Canada!).

But if you’re not from Vancouver, have never been to the Island and want to complete the entire Trans Canada Highway main route, I highly recommend starting your cross Canada road trip in Victoria, BC .

I’ve visited Victoria a number of times and really love it. This charming provincial capital has a beautiful harbour, world-renowned gardens and great food. From there, you can keep exploring more of Vancouver Island.

Must do on Vancouver Island :

• Stroll through Butchart Gardens
• Try surfing in Tofino or check out more things to do in Ucluelet
• Go whale watching

Canadian fun fact: Vancouver Island is an island off the mainland of BC where the provincial capital, Victoria, is found. Vancouver is a city on the mainland on BC. There is no such thing as Victoria Island in BC or a capital city of Vancouver.

However, a reader let me know that there is in fact a Victoria Island located in the Arctic Ocean (thank you, Marlene!), but don’t go there if you’re trying to find Victoria, BC. I know, it’s confusing! 

Vancouver, BC (3 hrs from Victoria)

If you skipped Vancouver Island, your cross Canada road trip will officially start in my home city, Vancouver! Otherwise, you can take a short and scenic ferry ride from Victoria to the mainland.

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a highlight of any trip to Canada. Even as a local since 2010, I’m constantly amazed that I get to live in a place with beaches, mountains, city life and incredible food!

Must do in Vancouver :

• Walk or bike along the Seawall to enjoy Stanley Park and city beaches
• Shop and dine on Granville Island
• Take a day trip to Whistler or another local ski mountain
• Eat delicious sushi!

Another incredible thing to do in Vancouver (and all of Canada) is discover our indigenous history and culture. My friend Melanie put together this awesome post with lots of ideas for enjoying Indigenous culture in Vancouver!

The Okanagan, BC (4.5 hrs from Vancouver)

From Vancouver we’re heading into BC’s interior to visit the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan is BC’s wine country and lake country, known for beautiful wineries, water sports and, unfortunately, summer wildfires.

If you’re visiting this area in the summer, make sure you’re aware of any fire bans, water restrictions or other alerts. Other than that, kick back with a glass of vino and a beautiful lakefront view!

Lucky for us, we have family in Kelowna and have visited the Okanagan many times (we even got engaged in Penticton!). But even if you don’t have family to stay with, BC’s Okanagan is well worth a visit.

Must do in Kelowna & the Okanagan:

• Visit a local winery or join a wine tour
• Hang out on Lake Okanagan
• Take a day trip south to Penticton , Osoyoos or another South Okanagan town

Jasper, AB (7 hrs from Kelowna)

Many people skip Jasper, preferring to drive straight from Vancouver to Banff or Vancouver to Calgary, but I think a detour north to Jasper would be a highlight of any Canada road trip.

Jasper National Park is the biggest national park in Canada, home to glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, islands, forests and so much more. As soon as I saw a picture of Maligne Lake (above), I knew I needed to add Jasper to this itinerary.

Plus, because it’s a detour off the main Trans Canada Highway, Jasper is never as busy as our next stop, Banff. Fewer crowds? Yes, please!

Must do in Japser:

• Admire Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon
• Witness the powerful Athabasca Falls
• Ride the Jasper SkyTram or walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Short on time?  If you don’t have time to stop in the Okanagan or Jasper, you can do a Vancouver to Banff road trip in about nine hours, passing through Kamloops, Revelstoke and Glacier National Park. 

Banff, AB (3 hrs from Jasper)

Another reason to visit Jasper? Because the drive from Banff to Jasper is through Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the entire world.

Once you tear your eyes away from the road, you’re in for even more beauty in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and visited by more than four million people every year.

Spend your days hiking, camping and admiring all of the beautiful scenery around you. Because Banff is so popular, make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time and wake up early to avoid the largest crowds.

Must do in Banff:

• Check out the views from the Banff Gondola
• Be wowed by some of the prettiest lakes like Emerald Lake, Morraine Lake and Lake Louise
• Soak in a hot spring or set out on any number of scenic hikes in the area
• Or check out this complete 4 day Banff itinerary !

Calgary, AB (1.5 hrs from Banff)

In case you didn’t get enough hiking in Banff, you can make a stop in Canmore on your way to Calgary for more beautiful mountain views. Then it’s time to enter Cowtown, aka Calgary.

As a Vancouverite, it’s almost mandatory for us to make fun of Calgary (apologies to my Calgarian friends and family!), but there’s actually quite a bit to enjoy in the city. If you time your road trip right, you could be in town for the annual Calgary Stampede , which happens every July. There are also parks, museums, sports arenas and more to visit in Calgary.

Many people choose to visit Banff on a day trip from Calgary, since it’s only 1.5 hours away. But because there’s so much to do in Banff, I think it’d be better to spend a few days there before moving onto Calgary. However, if you’re short on time, you could do a day trip to Banff while basing in Calgary.

Must do in Calgary:

• Don a cowboy hat at Calgary Stampede
• Stroll (or raft) along Bow River and check out the Peace Bridge
• Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village to learn some Western Canada history
• Try your hand at some winter sports at WinSport, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics

Canadian fun “fact”: Just to prove how great the Vancouver-Calgary rivalry is, when I asked my husband what someone should do in Calgary he suggested “complain that you’re not in Vancouver.” But we’re just kidding, Calgary is great! 

Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba road trip

We’re now moving into Canada’s prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Stops visited on this portion of your road trip are:

• Riding Mountain National Park
• Whiteshell Provincial Park

Drumheller, AB (1.5 hrs from Calgary)

From Calgary we are leaving the Rockies and officially entering prairie land. This part of Canada is known for being quite flat (and dull) but as you’ll see below, there are some great places to stop on your cross Canada road trip.

First up: Drumheller! Known as the Town of the Dinosaurs, if you have any dino lovers in your car, this is going to be a mandatory stop!

Must do in Drumheller:

• Check out fossils found in the area at The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
• Spot hoodoos in the nearby badlands
• Take a day trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park (2 hrs from Drumheller)

Saskatoon, SK (5 hrs from Drumheller)

I was debating which of Saskatchewan’s major cities to include in this itinerary: Saskatoon, Regina or Moose Jaw. Ultimately I decided on Saskatoon as it’s the largest city, doesn’t have as much of a government feel as the capital (Regina), and is closest to Drumheller.

If you prefer to visit Regina, check out Stone Hall Castle, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the world’s largest moose statue.

Or if you prefer to check out Moose Jaw, don’t miss the Tunnels of Moose Jaw tours. These are interactive tours that take place in the tunnels below the city and look really fun!

Must do in Saskatoon:

• Visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park to learn about people’s sacred relationship with the land
• Stand up paddle board on the South Saskatchewan River
• Grab lunch at the oldest and largest farmer’s market in the province, the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market

Not into cities?  If cities don’t do it for you, skip Saskatoon and head south to visit Saskatchewan’s Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park or Grasslands National Park for forests, lakes, wide open spaces, wildlife spotting and stargazing. 

Riding Mountain National Park, MB (6 hrs from Saskatoon)

A great stop to break up the long drive across the Canadian Prairies is Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.

This park is home to forests, grasslands and great wildlife viewing. It’s a top place to visit in the province and a nice change from city life if you’re driving from Saskatoon to (spoiler alert on the next stop) Winnipeg.

Must do in Riding Mountain National Park:

• Try out water sports in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter
• Take in the view from the top of Bald Hill
• Go on a day trip to nearby university town, Brandon

Winnipeg, MB (3 hrs from Riding Mountain)

Welcome to The Peg! Affectionally called “Winterpeg” in the winter, you may want to steer clear of Winnipeg in the colder months. But in the summer, you’ll find lots to enjoy in this city. With a number of museums, markets, festivals and parks, you’ll have lots to fill your days.

And when you need a break from city life, head up to Lake Winnipeg. Enjoy the white sand dunes at Grand Beach or indulge in Icelandic heritage and Viking statues in Gimli.

Must do in Winnipeg: 

• Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (I’ve heard it’s incredible!)
• Get to know the city by riding the Central Winnipeg Bike Loop
• Escape to the water on Lake Winnipeg

Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB (1.5 hrs from Winnipeg)

Our last stop in the prairies is Whiteshell Provincial Park, a park located on the border between Manitoba and Ontario. It’s a great introduction to the natural scenery that awaits you in western Ontario.

If you prefer to drive farther (since Whiteshell isn’t that far from Winnipeg), you could cross the border into Ontario and base in Kenora, a waterfront town with lots of beach activities.

Must do in Whiteshell Provincial Park: 

• Hit the beach at Falcon Lake
• Discover the Bannock Point Petroforms
• Visit West Hawk Lake, a crater lake formed by a meteor

Eastern Canada: Ontario & Quebec road trip

We’re now moving into the middle section of Canada and our two biggest provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Here we’ll be visiting:

• Thunder Bay
• Sault Ste Marie
• Manitoulin Island
• Prince Edward County
• Eastern Townships
• Quebec City

Thunder Bay, ON (6.5 hrs from Whiteshell)

From Manitoba it’s a long drive to Thunder Bay to begin the Ontario road trip portion of this Canada itinerary.

The city of Thunder Bay isn’t the most exciting place to be but all of the nature nearby is really worth visiting. They say it’s home to some of the best beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints in the province!

Must do in Thunder Bay: 

• Explore Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park (Canada’s version of the Grand Canyon)
• Admire Kakabeka Falls, the second highest waterfall in the province
• Check out the amethyst mines and find your own to take home , as suggested by my friend Lyn!
• Visit the Terry Fox Monument, commemorating the spot where Terry’s Marathon of Hope across Canada ended

Sault Ste Marie, ON (7.5 hrs from Thunder Bay)

It’s another long drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste Marie (pronounced Soo Saint Marie). What can I say? Ontario is a big province and you have a lot of ground to cover!

Luckily you’ll be driving along Lake Superior the whole time, affording you lots of places to stop and admire the view or go on a little hike to stretch the legs. Right on the US/Canada border, The Soo is a big port city with a splash of outdoor adventure for you to enjoy.

Must do in Sault Ste Marie:

• Kayak down or go fly fishing on St. Marys River
• Unleash your inner aviation geek at the Canadian BiPlane Heritage Museum
• Ski or mountain bike at Hiawatha Highlands

Manitoulin Island, ON (4 hrs from Sault Ste Marie)

You didn’t think a cross Canada road trip itinerary would include islands did you? Or at least not in Ontario! But it’s true, Ontario is home to a number of islands, such as Manitoulin Island in the middle of Lake Huron.

Manitoulin Island is actually the largest freshwater island in the world and an amazing place to explore Indigenous culture, scenic trails and even see the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!).

Must do on Manitoulin Island: 

• Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail for epic views
• Explore some of Manitoulin’s 100+ lakes by canoe
• Visit Wiikwemkoong, Canada’s only official Unceded Indian Reserve

Tobermory, ON (2.5 hrs from Manitoulin Island)

To get from Manitoulin Island to Tobermory, you and your vehicle will load onto a scenic ferry. Now look at us; we’re island-hopping in Canada!

While technically not an island, Tobermory does feel like a world of its own. It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful, natural places in Ontario with hidden gems (shipwrecks, anyone?) and Caribbean-like waters waiting to be discovered.

Must do in Tobermory:

• Explore beaches, caves and grottos at Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Take a boat tour around Flowerpot Island
• Dive around 20 historical shipwrecks at Fathom Five National Marine Park

Short on time? Prefer cities? You can drive from Winnipeg to Toronto through the US (21 hours) rather than through the Canadian stops above (25 hours) and visit Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit on the way. 

Toronto, ON (3.5 hrs from Tobermory)

Welcome to The Six, my hometown of Toronto (us locals drop the second “t” so it’s more like “Torono”). Arguably the best known city in Canada and the biggest, no cross Canada road trip could exclude TO.

Having grown up in Toronto, it’s hard for me to see it as a tourist locale. But besides visiting my friends and family, there really is so much to do in this bustling, diverse city. From museums, parks and islands to sports arenas, shopping streets and galleries, there’s something in Toronto for everyone .

But my favourite part of the city is all of the different neighbourhoods that each have a distinct culture and feel. My favourites are Chinatown, The Annex and Kensington Market. It’s also some of the best eating in Canada, no matter what cuisine you’re in the mood for!

Must do in Toronto: 

• Head up the iconic CN Tower for a view over the city
• Cruise across to the Toronto Islands and check out the skyline view
• Watch a major league baseball, basketball or hockey game
• See dinosaurs at the Royal Ontario Museum or admire art at the Art Gallery of Ontario
• Get your fill of delicious Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Korean food and any other cuisine!

Day trip to Niagara Falls!

Having grown up in Toronto, I’ve been to Niagara Falls a handful of times and often stayed overnight. At just over an hour from Toronto, Niagara Falls is an easy day trip.

But if you have the time and budget, I do recommend spending a few days in the Niagara region. Or if you’d prefer to base in Toronto and just see the falls on a day trip , that works too.

Besides seeing the incredible Niagara Falls (and yes, the Canadian side is much better than the American side) you’ll also want to check out Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario’s charming wine country.

There are lots of wine tours through Niagara if you’d rather not drive or find wineries yourself. You can also visit Albion Falls just outside of Hamilton on your way to Niagara, kind of like a warm up for the bigger Niagara Falls.

Prince Edward County, ON (3 hrs from Toronto)

Despite having lived the first 18 years of my life in Toronto, I’m sad to say I haven’t been to Prince Edward County. Which is too bad because it seems like the cutest collection of small towns, beaches, wineries, galleries, shops and parks.

The County is an island in Lake Ontario (not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, which is also an island called Prince Edward, but a province in the Atlantic Ocean) home to farmers and makers, perfect for slowing down and enjoying local life.

Must do in Prince Edward County:

• Hit the beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park or North Beach Provincial Park
• Wine taste through local wineries (there are also cideries and breweries, if you prefer)
• Bike or hike the Millennium Trail or shop local in Picton or Wellington

For more suggestions of what to do, check out my friend Renee’s post with 16 things to do in Prince Edward County!

Ottawa, ON (3 hrs from Prince Edward County)

From Prince Edward County we’re heading north to Canada’s capital, Ottawa (no, Canada’s capital is not Toronto!). Ottawa is an incredible place to learn about Canada’s history and hear a mix of our national languages, English and French.

In the winter, don’t miss skating down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest skate rink at 7.8km.

But there’s lots of fun to be had in the summer in Ottawa too! I’ve visited in both seasons and enjoyed skating in the cold and wandering Parliament Hill in warmer months.

Must do in Ottawa: 

• Visit a museum such as The Canadian Museum of History , The Canadian War Museum or The Canadian Museum of Nature
• Take a tour of Parliament Hill
• Stroll, skate or cruise along the Rideau Canal with a Beaver Tail!

Canadian fun fact: A Beaver Tail is a Canadian dessert that is essentially deep fried dough with toppings on it in the vague shape of a beaver’s tail. No actual beavers are harmed in the making of these treats! 

Montreal, QC (2.5 hrs from Ottawa)

Bienvenue à Québec! Ready to road trip Quebec? We’re crossing over from Ontario to French-speaking Quebec and stopping first in one of my favourite cities, Montreal .

I always say that if I spoke French fluently, I would move to Montreal. But don’t worry! You don’t need to be fluent or even rudimentary at French to visit Montreal (but it would be good to parlez français if you want to move there).

Montreal has incredible food , is diverse and bustling, and has a wonderful European charm to it. There are beautiful viewpoints, stunning churches, funky street art, world-class restaurants, and lots of festivals and events.

Montreal feels like a place unlike any other in Canada and is a city where you could never get bored. I’ve visited a handful of times over the years and always enjoy the city.

Must do in Montreal: 

• Wander Old Montreal and the Port of Montreal
• Go on a food tour of Montreal enjoying bagels, poutine, crepes and much more!
• Admire Montreal’s famous Notre Dame and St. Joseph’s churches

Eastern Townships, QC (1.5 hrs from Montreal)

Despite a few visits to Montreal over the years, I haven’t explored more of Quebec yet. One area I’d love to spend a few days in is the Eastern Townships, just an hour or two southeast of Montreal.

This area is Quebec’s natural wonderland, where many Quebec and Ontario locals have cottages to spend their summers. It’s the perfect place to golf, hike, bike, take to the water and stargaze. There are also wineries, local shops and festivals to enjoy.

Must do in the Eastern Townships: 

• Get back to nature at Parc National du Mont-Orford
• Visit the world’s first Dark Sky Preserve at ASTROLab in Parc National du Mont-Mégantic
• Climb one of the world’s longest suspension bridges at Gorge Park

My friend Renee is once again coming in clutch with her list of 13 villages to visit in the Eastern Townships!

Quebec City, QC (2.5 hrs from the Eastern Townships)

On your way to Quebec’s capital, it may be worth a detour to Beauce for a sweet treat, since this town is responsible for 20% of the world’s maple syrup production!

All sugared up, you’re off to Quebec City for a few days of culture, architecture and history. There are world-renown art galleries and museums, stunning churches, and North America’s only ice hotel!

Quebec City has always struck me as a very romantic place – in fact, Colin and I thought about including it in our honeymoon itinerary . I’d love to splurge on a stay at the Château Frontenac one day (the most photographed hotel in the world). You can tell how badly I want to visit Quebec City by all of the must dos I listed below!

Must do in Quebec City: 

• Stroll along the fortified walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore the Citadelle de Québec, a military heritage site built between 1820 and 1850
• Admire Montmorency Falls (they’re actually taller than Niagara Falls!)
• Get your nature on at Jacques-Cartier National Park
• Shop from local artisans at Île d’Orléans
• Enjoy a day at Eastern Canada’s largest theme park , Village Vacances Valcartier, and stay the night at an ice hotel

Tadoussac, QC (3 hrs from Quebec City)

From Quebec City, you’ll drive along the St. Lawrence River to your last stop in Quebec, the historic, small town of Tadoussac. Tadoussac was founded in 1600 as the first French settlement in North America.

Despite being a small place, Tadoussac draws a good number of visitors thanks to its beautiful landscape and wildlife spotting opportunities (whales, bears and beavers!). Plus, it’s the perfect stop before you head to the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada.

Must do in Tadoussac: 

• Go whale watching and learn all about these mammals of the sea at Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
• Hike around Saguenay Fjord National Park
• Sea kayak on Tadoussac Bay

Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia & Newfoundland road trip

Last but not least is the east coast of Canada! We’ll be visiting all of the Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia), as well as Newfoundland. In this section, you’ll stop at:

• Fredericton
• Fundy National Park
• Charlottetown
• Annapolis Valley
• Cape Breton Island
• North Sydney
• Port aux Basques
• Gros Morne National Park
• St. John’s

Fredericton, NB (6 hrs from Tadoussac)

Ready to road trip the east coast of Canada? A big drive from Quebec has you in Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick.

While certainly not the most popular city in Canada, Fredericton is known for its colonial charm, military history, and arts and music scene. Since it’s such a long drive from Quebec into the Maritimes, why not spend a day or two in Fredericton?

Must do in Fredericton:

• Shop the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market during the day and the Garrison Night Market in the evening
• Stop by the old British garrison where you can watch the changing of the guard, visit restored barracks and cell blocks, and take part in a soldier’s daily activities
• Visit Kings Landing (no, not that one!) to see what life was like in New Brunswick 200 years ago

Fundy National Park, NB (2 hrs from Fredericton)

I remember visiting the Bay of Fundy with my family when I was about 12 years old and being wowed by the changing tides. When the tides were out, we were able to walk all the way out onto the ocean floor. This really is a unique area of Canada!

The Bay of Fundy runs along the south coast of New Brunswick and you can visit a number of sites along it. St. Andrews, to the west, is a National Historic Site and when the tide is out, you can actually drive along the ocean floor from St. Andrews to Ministers Island.

Heading northeast you’ll hit Saint John where you can watch the Reversing Falls Rapids. Next you can visit St. Martins Sea Caves, which you can visit on foot or via kayak depending on the tides. From there, you’ll be into Fundy National Park where even more natural wonders await!

Must do at Fundy National Park: 

• Hike and visit beaches along the Fundy Trail Parkway
• Visit waterfalls from Alma such as Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls and Third Vault Falls
• Explore Hopewell Rocks at both high tide and low tide

Charlottetown, PE (2.5 hrs from Fundy)

The next stop on your east coast of Canada road trip is Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island (PEI). PEI is Canada’s smallest province and while there’s lots to see, Charlottetown is a great base to explore from since everything on the island is within two hours of the capital city.

The birthplace of Canadian Confederation, Charlottetown is a historic city full of charm, waterfront features and really delicious food (I could not get enough of their ice cream and fresh seafood!). PEI also has sand dunes, museums, Indigenous history, beaches and lots more to discover.

Plus, it’s the real home of Anne of Green Gables! You might know Anne from the novels written by LM Montgomery. Just outside Charlottetown, you can visit the home that inspired Montgomery’s writing. This was one of my highlights in PEI!

Must do in Charlottetown and PEI:

• Eat home grown Cavendish potatoes, Cows ice cream and fresh PEI oysters
• Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum and walk through her home from the books
• Go beach hopping in PEI: sand dunes, red sand beaches and more!

PS: On your way from New Brunswick to PEI, don’t miss a stop in Shediac, the lobster capital of the world! 

Annapolis Valley, NS (5 hrs from Charlottetown)

From Charlottetown you’ll head back across the Confederation Bridge, down through New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia. Your first stop in Nova Scotia is the Annapolis Valley, the province’s wine region!

Historically an apple-growing region, the Annapolis Valley is now known for its acidic white wine and Méthode Classique sparkling wine, as well as ciders and spirits. Of course, there’s lots to discover in this area for non-drinkers too! The views are beautiful and there’s lots of nature, history and delicious food to enjoy.

Must do in the Annapolis Valley:

• Go on a wine tour to try the Valley’s best
• Visit a recreation of one of North America’s first settlements at Port-Royal National Historic Site
• Learn about the history and culture of the Mi’kmaw people at Kejimkujik National Park

Halifax, NS (2 hrs from the Annapolis Valley)

Next up is one of my favourite cities in Canada (and another one I’d consider moving to), Halifax. It was one of the highlights of our Atlantic Canada honeymoon .

Halifax is a really cool city with lots to do, great local seafood, an awesome waterfront and just a great vibe all around. I loved that the city had some awesome history to discover in really engaging ways, as well as lots of modern and multi-cultural offerings.

Plus, there are so many awesome day trips from Halifax along the coast of Nova Scoatia, like the famous Peggys Cove lighthouse and adorable town of Lunenberg.

Must do in Halifax:

• Get dinner at The Bicycle Thief, try Nova Scotian donair and other great eats in Halifax
• Have a moving experience at the Pier 21 Immigration Museum (probably the best museum I’ve ever visited!)
• Visit the Halifax Citadel and learn about Canada’s military history
• Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and take the ferry over to Dartmouth
• Go on a day trip to Peggys Cove , Lunenberg and Mahone Bay

Need more suggestions? Check out 22 things to do in Halifax! 

Cape Breton Island, NS (5 hrs from Halifax)

From Halifax you’ll head to the jewel of Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island!

Depending on how much time you have, you can choose to drive the entirety of the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island, or just visit one or two towns. The entire trail is only 298 km (185 mi) long, so could be driven in a day. But I highly recommend spending a few days in this picturesque region!

Cape Breton was the most beautiful part of our 2021 Atlantic Canada honeymoon . We loved checking out beautiful coastal vistas, going on short hikes amongst the fall foliage, and discovering small town bakeries and restaurants. I’d definitely suggest prioritizing this stop on your cross Canada road trip!

Must do on Cape Breton Island:

• Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck
• Check out the stunning views at Lakies Head near Ingonish
• Hike the Skyline Trail near Cheticamp
• Eat breakfast at Salty Rose’s Periwinkle Cafe, have dinner at L’Abri and get fresh baked goods at Aucoin Bakery

For more details on where to stay and what to do on Cape Breton, check out my 5 Day Cabot Trail Itinerary on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia! 

North Sydney, NS (2 hrs from Cape Breton Island)

After your adventure around Cape Breton, it’s time to start making your way to Newfoundland, the most eastern province in Canada and the last one to tick off your Canadian bucket list.

The easiest way to road trip to Newfoundland from Nova Scotia is by taking a Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. There is year-round ferry service, typically with two departures a day, and you can drive your car onto the ferry. A sailing takes about seven hours.

While waiting for your ferry to depart, you can enjoy Sydney’s waterfront, explore the nearby Fortress of Louisbourg and check out the world’s largest fiddle!

Port aux Basques, NL (7 hrs from North Sydney)

Welcome to Newfoundland, your final province on this massive cross Canada road trip! Depending on what sailing you took from Nova Scotia, you may arrive at Port aux Basques in the evening or early the next morning.

In case you get seasick like I do, or just need a break from being on the move, you may want to book a night in Port aux Basques before continuing on with your east coast Canadian road trip. While in Port aux Basques you can check out the Cape Ray Lighthouse, go for a stroll along the Grand Bay West Beach Trailway, or head out on a marine excursion.

Canadian fun fact: Despite its spelling, most people pronounce Newfoundland as NEW-fin-LAND and not new-FOUND-land. 

Gros Morne National Park, NL (3.5 hrs from Port aux Basques)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park is probably one of the most beautiful places in Canada. But because it’s hard to get to and lesser known, it doesn’t see the same huge crowds as Banff or Whistler.

All that means is you’ll have a lot of this beauty to yourself! Explore the rugged coast line and see where tectonic plates once crashed to form epic mountains, rocky tablelands, gorges, ponds, forests and more!

Must do in Gros Morne National Park:

• Be wowed by the view at Western Brook Pond Fjord
• Hike up Lookout Hills Trail or summit Gros Morne Mountain
• Depending on the time of year, you can go for a pond cruise, kayak on Trout River, bike through fall foliage, or ski and snowboard in Burridges Gulch

Gander, NL (4 hrs from Gros Morne)

Come from away to Gander, Newfoundland, the town made famous for hosting the “plane people” when air space was closed during 9/11.

On Sep 11, 2001, 38 planes with 6,500 passengers and crew members were grounded in Gander, which had a population of just 10,000. But Gander stepped up and showed the world what it means to be a good neighbour by welcoming and caring for everyone. This is all beautifully depicted in the musical, Come From Away, which I’ve been very fortunate to see in Toronto and Vancouver.

It’s because I’m such a fan of this musical that Gander is on my Newfoundland bucket list. But even if you don’t know the show, this is a pretty remarkable town to visit and an important place in history.

Must do in Gander:

• Visit the Gander International Airport, once the largest airport in North America
• Learn about Gander’s aviation history at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum
• Take a trip to the Appleton 9/11 Memorial where a piece of steel from the Twin Towers is located (passengers from the grounded planes donated money to help build the park where the memorial is located)

Elliston, NL (2.5 hrs from Gander)

We’re coming to the end of your east coast Canada road trip. On your way to Elliston, stop at Terra Nova National Park, Canada’s most easterly national park, and the Discovery Trail, home to sweeping views and coastal history.

Just before Elliston you can stretch your legs along the Skerwink Trail, once named one of the best walks in the world by Conde Nast, and the perfect place to spot birds and humpback whales.

Speaking of wildlife spotting, that’s why I added Elliston to this Canada road trip itinerary. Nicknamed Bird Island Cove, Elliston is one of the best places in North America to see puffins from land! If you’re visiting between May and September, a visit to Puffin Island in Elliston would be well worth it.

Short on time? Not into puffins? If you’d rather not stop in Elliston, you can carry on straight from Gander to St. John’s (3.5 hrs drive). 

St. John’s, NFL (3.5 hrs from Elliston)

Congratulations, you have officially made it to the end of the ultimate cross Canada road trip! From Victoria to St. John’s, from east to west, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, you have officially driven through every province and the entire length of Canada.

Give yourself a few days in Newfoundland’s artsy, historic and colourful capital to celebrate! Here you can dine out, enjoy Maritime music and discover what makes Newfoundland so unique.

Prefer to celebrate the end of your road trip out in nature? St. John’s has lots of options for that too. Hike the East Coast Trail, go puffin or whale watching, ferry to Bell Island, check out the gardens at Pippy Park or spot wildlife at Salmonier Nature Park.

Must do in St. John’s:

• Take in the views and learn some history at Signal Hill National Historic Site
• Push a little farther east to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America
• Learn about the history, art and culture of Newfoundland at The Rooms
• Check out the colourful homes on Jellybean Row

Canadian fun fact: Don’t confuse St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, with Saint John, a city (but not the capital) of New Brunswick. 

Where to go after you finish driving across Canada

You did it – you drove all across Canada on the most epic cross Canada road trip! Now what?

From St. John’s, you can fly direct to a few places in Canada (like Halifax, Montreal, Toronto or Calgary) or internationally, to places like Orlando, Florida and London, UK . Of course, that would mean either returning your rental vehicle in St. John’s, which may incur an expensive one-way fee, or selling it there, which could take time.

If you’re keeping your vehicle, the easiest way to leave St. John’s is to drive to Argentia (1.5 hr drive) and ferry back to North Sydney . This overnight ferry boards at 5:00pm and arrives in North Sydney the next morning at 9:00am.

If a 16 hour ferry crossing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you could drive back to Port aux Basques (9 hrs from St. John’s) and get on the 7 hour ferry to North Sydney from there.

Or, you can put your most seaworthy road trip companion on the long ferry from Argentia while you hop a flight out of St. John’s (this is definitely what I will be doing – apologies to my husband who will get stuck with the car!).

Once back in Nova Scotia, you’re on Canada’s mainland and can continue driving to your final destination from there . Rather than reverse the Canada road trip you just did, why not check out our neighbour to the south and start a US road trip?

From North Sydney it’s only a 7.5 hr drive into Maine, where you can begin exploring the US. That may or may not be the next big road trip I’m planning!

What’s missing from this Canadian road trip planner?

Frankly, quite a lot! Canada is a huge country and while this road trip covers 34 places across all 10 provinces, that barely scratches the surface of what Canada has to offer.

I created this itinerary by researching places of interest in each province. Next, I plotted them on a map, which you can see above with all of the purple dots.

I then figured out a driving route that would link as many of the dots as possible without detouring too far from the most efficient east-west route. Sadly, some of the purple dots didn’t make it into the final road trip itinerary as they were just too far away.

The majority of Canadians live along the Canada/US border, so you’ll notice that my road trip route also stays quite far south. That means I missed a lot of central/northern Canada, including incredible places like:

• Haida Gwaii in BC
• The home of polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba
• All of the territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
• The capital of Alberta (Edmonton)
• Algonquin and Muskoka in Ontario
• Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula
• Labrador, which makes up the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

All of these places are well worth visiting, but difficult to do on an east-west Canada road trip that’s primarily based in the south of the country. I hope to visit them all some day on separate trips!

How to plan a road trip in Canada if you’re short on time

The road trip itinerary I listed above covers 34 stops across Canada and would likely take 2-3 months to enjoy properly. But what if you don’t have 2-3 months to road trip Canada? No worries! There are lots of cross Canada road trips you can take if you’re short on time.

Obviously you can complete just a part of my road trip itinerary above if you don’t have time for the whole thing. But here are a few more suggestions for Canadian road trips depending on how much time you have:

1 week Canada road trip: Drive from Toronto to Quebec City

Toronto (3 nights) > Montreal (2 nights) > Quebec (2 nights) 

With one week, you could do a mini Ontario and Quebec road trip when you drive from Toronto to Quebec City, stopping in Montreal along the way.

You could also take a half or full day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto . The entire drive is only 8 hours, making this an easy road trip to complete in a week.

2 week Canada road trip: Vancouver to Banff road trip

Victoria (2 nights) > Vancouver (3 nights) > Kelowna (2 nights) > Jasper (2 nights) > Banff (3 nights) > Calgary (2 nights)

Two weeks would be a great amount of time for a Vancouver to Banff road trip, seeing the best of the Rocky Mountains and Canada’s west coast. You can stop for wine in Kelowna and even push north to Jasper to really make the most of the area’s beauty!

With two weeks, you would even have time to add on Victoria on the west and Calgary on the east if you’re happy to move fast. Of course, if you wanted to slow down and spend more time at the national parks, you could cut these extra stops and add days in Jasper and Banff.

You can also drive from Calgary to Vancouver if you want to do this road trip in reverse.

3 week Canada road trip: East coast Canada road trip

Halifax (3 nights) > Annapolis Valley (2 nights) > Bay of Fundy (3 nights) > Charlottetown and PEI (4 nights) > Cape Breton Island (3 nights) > ferry to Newfoundland (1 night) > Gros Morne National Park (2 nights) > St. John’s (2 nights) > ferry to Nova Scotia (1 night) > return to Halifax 

When we went on our Atlantic Canada honeymoon , we had about 3 weeks to explore the Maritimes and it was a great amount of time.

I would highly recommend dedicating a three week Canadian road trip to one region of the country, whether that’s an east coast Canada road trip or west coast Canada road trip, rather than trying to drive across a few regions.

I’ve started this itinerary in Halifax, as it’s probably the easiest airport to fly into. After a few days exploring the city of Halifax, you can pick up a car and explore Atlantic Canada! You’ll start with wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley and then drive over to New Brunswick to check out the Bay of Fundy.

From there, you’re driving over to PEI for fresh seafood and then back to Nova Scotia to loop Cape Breton Island. Next, you’re on the ferry to Newfoundland where you’ll see the views of Gros Morne National Park and colourful homes of St. John’s.

Finally, you’ll board the overnight ferry and make your way back to Halifax where you can return your rental car and fly home.

1 month Canada road trip: Toronto to Vancouver driving trip

With a whole month, you can make a pretty serious dent in driving across Canada! Rather than stretching yourself to drive from coast to coast, save the Atlantic provinces for a future trip and just drive from Toronto (my old hometown) to Vancouver (my current hometown).

• Week 1: Toronto, Tobermory & Manitoulin Island
• Week 2: Driving across the prairies (see my recommended spots in the full itinerary above)
• Week 3: Banff & Jasper
• Week 4: The Okanagan & Vancouver

Alternatively, you could head east from Toronto and spend a month exploring Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. You probably wouldn’t have time to make it to Newfoundland, but you could tick off quite a few east coast provinces.

• Week 1: Toronto, Prince Edward County & Ottawa
• Week 2: Montreal, Eastern Townships & Quebec
• Week 3: Bay of Fundy and PEI
• Week 4: Halifax and Cape Breton Island

Wrapping up: 10 cross Canada road trips tips

Before you hit the road, keep these road trip tips in mind!

1. Safety first (car edition) : Make sure you’re comfortable driving the vehicle you’ll use for this Canadian road trip and that any necessary maintenance is taken care of. Follow the rules of the road, regularly service your car and have jumper cables available.

2. Safety first (human edition) : Stay safe and healthy on the road by staying in accommodation that you’re comfortable with, and keeping in touch with friends and family (particularly if you’re travelling alone). Make sure your car is stocked with water, a first aid kit and any other emergency supplies.

3. Book ahead in the busy season : Campgrounds, tours and parking lots fill up fast in busy Canadian tourist hot spots in the middle of summer! Make sure you do your research and book ahead when needed. While this might impact your ability to be spontaneous, it could save you a lot of stress and money.

4. Download all the apps : These days there are apps to help you find cheap gas, roadside attractions, free places to park, scenic campsites and so much more! Download the apps you need and be sure you have offline maps downloaded to help you navigate when you don’t have cell service. You may also want to join a roadside assistance or hotel loyalty program.

5. Consider a parks pass : Depending on how many national parks you’re visiting, you may want to buy the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for cheaper entrance to all of the national parks of Canada. Each province also has a pass for their provincial parks, which may be worth looking into.

6. Take it slow : If this is your first time to Canada or first big road trip, slow down. Give yourself time to get used to life on the road and schedule off-days so you can rest, do laundry, etc. Remember, Canada is a big place! You’ll enjoy your Canadian road trip a lot more if you aren’t driving 8 hours a day, rushing from one stop to the next.

7. Have a plan to stay connected : Depending on where you’re going on your road trip, you may not always have cell or internet service. And depending on where you’re coming from, you may not be able to use your home service in Canada. Look into options ahead of time, like buying a portable wifi unit, getting an e-Sim or stopping at wifi-friendly cafes, so you can stay connected.

8. Start preparing early : If you’re planning to be on the road for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, you’ll want to prep ahead of time. How far do you want to drive each day? Are you staying at campgrounds or hotels? Are you eating out or hitting the grocery store?

If you’re travelling with anyone else, make sure you’re having these conversations with them so everyone is on the same page.

9. Be respectful : Your Canada road trip will likely take you through lots of natural areas, so remember to Leave No Trace and be respectful of the outdoor environment. It’s also important to do your homework about whose land you’re travelling on, paying respect to Canada’s Indigenous peoples whose unceded land we live on.

10. Plan your next trip back to Canada! Whether you drive from Victoria to St. John’s or just a small section in between, make sure this trip to Canada isn’t your last. Hopefully you’ll be amazed by the natural wonders, history, culture, food and people here in Canada, and eagre to plan your next trip back!

Need to rent a car for your road trip? Get the best deal with Discover Cars!  

And there you have it, my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary. I hope this itinerary has gotten you excited for your own road trip across Canada. I’d love to know: Where in Canada do you most want to visit? 

Check out more adventures across Canada:

• 10 Things You Must Eat in Montreal
• How to Spend a Weekend in Penticton, BC
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Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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22 comments.

What a great trip you have to look forward to! I took 9 weeks to do this trip (return) the summer of 2019 and it was amazing — mainly staying in motels and AirBnBs (pre van life). You have many of the same stops on your itinerary. Just make sure to leave time for serendipity — those things you learn about from a sign on the side of the road.

-Lyn |www.ramblynjazz.com

Thanks so much, Lyn! So cool that you’ve been on this trip and great advice. Definitely have to leave room for some spontaneous stops and detours!

Yes to long-form content! Well done on pulling toegther this insanely comprehensive guide and road trip across Canada. This is content I’d love to read and indulge in. Your stops not only have a great distance to another to not overwhelm oneself and exhaust the driver, but I found all stops to be very engaging and of interest. It shows how much there is to do and see in Canada within reasonale distance, once you are here, why not check out this place, only 1.5h away and this makes a road trip interesting and long-lasting for me. I also appreciate the cafes recommendations along the way. Keep it up Riana!

Thanks so much, Carolin! You are definitely my inspiration for well-researched, long form content. I’ll have to commission you to do the cafe companion post to this one some day!

What an amazing trip ! I love that you provided a shorter version also. However, I would love to do the longer one. I worked in Toronto one summer when I was a student and travelled around by train a little. I visit Montreal regularly as have family living there. But I have only visited a fraction of Canada so would love to explore further especially the West coast and mountain provinces.

Enjoy the trip and safe travels,

Thanks so much! I hope you get to explore more of Canada one day!

After reading this, I am so ready for a cross-Canada road trip! Growing up, my family regularly drove Ontario to BC and back as our summer vacation, and we also drove one summer to PEI and one summer to Newfoundland, so I’ve done it all in sections. (We usually opted for the detour through the States to skip Thunder Bay, sorry haha, but I’d like to give it another chance.) I’d looove to do it all at once as you’ve planned here, and there are a few places I’ve havent seen yet (somehow we skipped Fredericton, for example, and I’d like to see the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg). I’d forgotten how beautiful Tobermory is. I appreciate the “What’s missing?” section because it’s impossible to see it all in one trip—we are too lucky in this country!

Aw thanks so much for checking out the post, Melanie! So cool that you’ve been all over Canada with your family and I hope you (and I!) get to do the full road trip soon.

Thank you for sharing your Canada road trip, which looks an epic road trip, I have wanted to visit Canada, but I wont be doing it all in one long road trip in stages would be lovely, this has certainly given me some ideas for the future 🙂

Thanks, Nic! I hope you have an awesome time when you visit Canada.

Great blog! I did road trips in other parts of the world but needed clarification about the itinerary in Canada. Now I know how to plan. Thank you so much!

Thanks for checking it out! Glad it was helpful.

This is an excellent read! I have visited most of the places mentioned (in parts, and before having kids) and I can definitely say this is very practical and comprehensive! Like you said, Canada is sooo big that it takes time to visit most of it. Thank you for all the tips and recommendation. I can definitely use them now that I am traveling with my family (ie kiddos).

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your next Canadian adventure!

We are planning to do the cross Canada trip this summer. We are really excited about it and appreciate you spending time describing different places to visit. We are really excited about it and now even more so.

That’s so exciting! I’m glad my post was helpful. I hope you have a great time this summer!

Good day Riana

We are planning to self drive in Canada on early fall but we have only 3 weeks to explore . We are from Asia country and we know probably is not enough to explore everything according to the itinerary you recommended . Possible can advise us which is most and must visit from Vancouver to toronto by driving . Really appreciated

Hi Stephanie, thanks so much for checking out my post and how exciting that you’ll be visiting Canada this fall! I would actually suggest two smaller road trips to make the most of your time and see some of the best of Canada. First, driving from Vancouver to Calgary with stops in Kelowna, Jasper and Banff (apx 10-12 days). Then from Calgary I’d fly to Montreal or Quebec City and road trip through Montreal/QC, Niagara and Toronto (apx 8-10 days). Both of those would be one-way road trips, so you’ll likely incur an extra cost for a one-way drop off. You’d also be missing out on the east coast, which is a shame because it’s beautiful. But maybe you can add that to your next trip. I hope that helps and happy adventuring!

Really thanks for the recommendation but may I know the place I will be missing out for the east coast maybe I can adjust for extension

No worries! I actually have a post with my recommended Atlantic Canada itinerary: https://teaspoonofadventure.com/atlantic-canada-honeymoon-itinerary/ . I’d say the main places to see would be Halifax, PEI and the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton. I think you could do that in about 7-10 days, though more time wouldn’t be bad. That could also be a round trip drive if you pick up and drop off your car in Halifax.

Wow, this article really got me excited to plan my next road trip! The diversity of landscapes and destinations mentioned here is truly inspiring. I’ve been to a few of these places, but there are definitely some hidden gems I can’t wait to explore. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide with helpful tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to hit the road and create some unforgettable memories! Right now I’m exploring campsites with my toddler.

Thanks for checking it out, Caroline! Enjoy camping with your little one!

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

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Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

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The ultimate 90-day USA-to-Canada road trip

Last updated . 28 February 2023

Looking to get away for the ultimate road-trip over a couple of months? More and more, travellers are less interested in quick trips abroad to check out a handful of destinations.

Instead, they want to immerse themselves in as many varied cultures and communities as possible, and there’s no better way to do that than by road-tripping through a country you want to get to know.

The USA and Canada are two of the most sought after travel destinations for Australians, thanks to the rich landscapes, varied provinces and mammoth list of things to do. So go on, do what you’ve always dreamed you’d do and take the full three months, start planning, and buckle in to what’s sure to be the biggest adventure of your life.

The below itinerary is is designed to start in New York City, touch the bottom of the USA, climb up the west coast before hitting Canada, from there you head straight cross country until you hit Quebec, where you can hang up your road-trip boots, or continue the eight-hour drive back to where you started: The Big Apple.

In between stops, we encourage you to create your own path based on what you love, and what’s on your must-see list. We’ve highlighted our favourite bits. It’s time for you to find yours.

Our top 3 road trip classics to add to your playlist: “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash

Do Canada and USA your way with your own motorhome

To fulfil your own Great American (or Canadian) Road Trip fantasies, consider getting the hard bits done for you so you just need to bring yourself, your driving gloves and a dog-eared copy of On The Road. America Canada Motorhome Tours takes on the work so you don’t have to, having been busy organising driving tours through Canada, Alaska and the lower 48s of the USA for the past 15 years. Choose from one of their six itineraries then you can travel in your own motorhome, at your own pace, with your family and friends, yet knowing you have the support of a tour leader who will give you guidance and assistance.

On a motorhome tour, you’ll see more as you are free to stop at will, and you get so much more access to local culture as you are introduced to communities along the way. Then there is the added social life around the trip’s many campfires and, to make things better, you only unpack once.

Most itineraries are combined with hotel stays, day tours and even a seven-day cruise, and include Chicago to Anchorage, Seattle to Anchorage, Anchorage to Seattle, Route 66, Nashville to the Caribbean and Eastern Canada. It’s the ideal way to get the freedom of the road with the support of a local team.

MUST STOP: Fuel up in New York City

Starting off in New York City, before you head off on your months-long adventure, it pays to get yourself a hearty meal somewhere delicious, so you’re not itching to turn off the road at places you don’t necessarily need to stop. We suggest stopping in at Soho’s Jack’s Wife Freda for a serving of the Rosewater Waffles with a serving of their famous house cured duck bacon. You certainly won’t regret it.

Stop and explore Washington DC on your way through, or detour through the country music capital of the world, Nashville

MUST STOP: Sample the chargrilled oysters in New Orleans

As you head down Bourbon Street, swept up in the music, making your way through the slew of dancing and the colourful beads, take a right to Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. These babies come out sizzling in the shell, saturated in herby butter and – in true American fashion – topped with cheese. It’s a bit of a weird sensation, guzzling piping hot oysters, but what you’ll find is that this crustacean is just as delicious grilled as they are raw drizzled with lemon.

To really get into the New Orleans spirit, follow up with some Jambalaya; a New Orleans speciality, the seasoned rice comes with smoked sausage and chicken – and really hits the spot.

MUST STOP: Cool down in Austin

For a chilled back day in Austin that will make you feel like a local, head to Barton Springs Pool within the city’s green oasis of Zilker Park. This 1.2-hectare pool, flanked by grassy banks, is fed by underground springs and maintains an average temperature of between 15–21 degrees °C, making it swimmable year-round.

Pack a towel and a book and when you’re hungry, amble down the road to Barton Spring Road’s food trailer park the Picnic to experience what Austin is most famous for (besides music). From fresh fruit ice blocks to Texan barbecue and tacos, sample local fare from some of the best food trucks in town.

Where to stay: Hotel Sain Cecilia, created in honour of the patron saint of music and poetry, the Saint Cecilia takes inspiration from the great era of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when a revolution of rock and roll and beat poetry overran the hallowed halls of established convention. They pay tribute to the great creative legacy of our revolutionary idols and to the spirit of the artist that lies within us all.

Duration: 7 hours Don’t forget to stock up on marshmallows, crackers and chocolate bars for s’mores around the campfire.

MUST STOP: Appreciate art in Prada Marfa

The flat, dusty plains of western Texas gained an unlikely tourist attraction in 2005 when artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset installed an uncanny sculpture on the side of the highway. To the road tripper, Prada Marfa is the surrealist of sights: a luxury shop, stocked with shoes and handbags, transplanted to the middle of the desert. But it’s fake, and there are no functioning doors, which only adds to the intrigue. It all makes sense when you reach the small city of Marfa, a half hour’s drive away.

A quintessential one-horse town, Marfa was put on the contemporary art map when minimalist sculptor Donald Judd moved here from New York in the 1970s and is now home to a range of boutique accommodation options, arts and music festivals, design stores and restaurants. With a little help from Beyoncé, the town – and its namesake installation – has since become a mecca for artists, fashion lovers and Instagrammers alike.

Where to stay: El Cosmico – Sleep amongst the stars with your choice of luxury yurts, tepees and safari tents at this 21 acre nomadic hotel and campground in Marfa, Texas where they keep within the belief that life should be a balance of adventure and do-nothingness

MUST STOP: Visit Santa Fe’s Ghost Ranch

For anyone who has ever admired a Georgia O’Keeffe painting, a visit to Ghost Ranch – a one-hour drive north-east of Santa Fe – is a must. It’s where she painted her memorable modernist landscapes of flat-topped mesas and sagebrush, and the joy of following in her footsteps is realising that she didn’t need to exaggerate her colours in this corner of northern New Mexico: they really are as vibrant and hyperreal as she painted them. Today this 8500-hectare retreat, owned by the Presbyterian Church, hosts tours, workshops and spiritual retreats, but when O’Keeffe first encountered it in 1929, it was a dude ranch.

Take a guided horse trail over the land – in the shadows and see the house where the artist lived; cared for today by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, but not open to the public. =

MUST STOP: Make sure you see Utah

Exploring incredible Utah by car.

The Great American Road trip is a favourite pastime in the States, particularly in the American West. Utah is remarkable for the tremendous diversity of natural grandeur on display, as well as for its cultural uniqueness in amongst its neighbouring states. Stunningly scenic Utah manages to contain 27 of the country’s designated  scenic byways , and either partially or entirely, it’s these that make up many of Utah’s must-do road trip itineraries. Each journey is a photographer’s paradise, a hiker’s nirvana, a Western historian’s feast, and a geologist’s ultimate dream – particularly along what locals call the Road to Mighty . There is also plenty of stunning natural beauty to be found on Utah’s backroads, locally known as the  scenic backways . For something different, try it on two wheels; many of these roads are also fantastic  road cycling  or motorcycle routes.

MUST STOP: Explore the wonder of each hotel in Las Vegas

Often Las Vegas gets a bad wrap, depicted as ‘Disneyland for adults’, but with a heavy dose of negative connotation. I say, treat it like Disneyland and take in the sheer heights each hotel goes to bring visitors a sense of wonder. Paris the hotel has a wonderfully French feel once you’re inside. In fact, the baguettes in the window and the smell of cheese and coffee will make you forget you’re actually in the USA altogether! New York New York has a roller coasting literally running through the hotel and is set out just like the West Village on the casino floor. You can’t leave without sampling a caramel-dipped apple – that would be a sin in Sin City.

Take a detour to LA across the iconic Route 66 to stop for your quintessential jumping in the air, arms up, faded signage on the ground photo.

Then head straight to take your place at the back of the line at Pinks Hotdogs in Los Angeles to grab yourself a Martha Stewart Dog covered in relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut and sour cream.

Make sure you stop by Napa Valley on your way to get a quick lesson in wine and show off to your friends back home.

We are about to cross the border. Don’t forget Australians need an ESTA to enter Canada and an ESTA to enter the USA if you cross over to Alaska, plus a land-crossing authorisation (going into the US, which costs USD$6 cash at the border).

MUST STOP: Sail from Vancouver to Victoria for a few glorious days

Sail from Vancouver and spend a glorious day in Victoria.

Connecting perhaps British Columbia’s best-known city, Vancouver, with its capital on Vancouver Island, Victoria, is as simple as V2V, as it turns out. V2V Vacations is a premium cruise service connecting downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria, creating memorable experiences through an inspiring connection of people, places and moments along the way.

The voyage aboard the 242-passenger high-speed catamaran V2V Empress takes less than 3.5 hours, and gives travellers a premium, highly personalised journey focused on comfort and convenience. Guests can choose from two stylish seating classes and taste local flavours via the onboard menu, featuring food and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks from the region.

The V2V Empress is wheelchair accessible, offers free wi-fi throughout (just as well, considering the spectacularly shareable journey) and is equipped with ergonomic leather seating with the convenience of individual USB ports and international power outlets for every seat.

From March through to October, the service departs daily from downtown Vancouver at 8am and directly from the Inner Harbour in Victoria at 4pm, allowing daytrippers the perfect access to Victoria.

W hat to eat: Any day, any time, you could eat your way around Canada trying a different poutine in every place.

The Arctic Circle side-trip

If you’ve time and an adventurous spirit, branch off the classic loop up and back down Dempster Highway (unsealed) to the Arctic Circle, and beyond to Inuvik (Northwest Territories). This is Ice Road Trucker territory in winter, but in summer its highlights are infinite (Read: The Arctic Circle road trip). Other more laid-back add-ons include the Southern Lakes loop (Carcross, Tagish, Marsh Lake) and The Silver Trail side-trip to Keno and Mayo.)

MUST STOP: The Yukon, who’s campgrounds are postcard awesome

Parks Canada provide some of the most stunning campground settings in the free world. The best is Fox Lake (north of Whitehorse) for its sheer reflective-lake prettiness. The secluded, well-maintained sites offer only basic facilities (clean long-drop loos, free firewood etc.) for well under twenty bucks a night. (Tip: it’s first-come, first-served so turn up before 11am when other RVers tend to move on.)

MUST STOP: Choose your own adventure in British Columbia

Driving through the mountains of British Columbia.

Take the road less travelled in British Columbia, Canada’s famously scenic Pacific province. Taste the urban treats of Vancouver and Victoria and then choose a route into the heartland. Head east for wine country, desert landscapes, natural hot springs and Rocky Mountain snow peaks, or set your sights north for the multi-hued canyons and untouched forests of the remote Chilcotin Plateau and the Great Bear Rainforest – two of North America’s last, and largest, wilderness areas.

Farm-gate wineries, roadside diners, day hikes, waterfalls, and friendly little arts towns encourage lingering; historic lodges, cosy bed and breakfasts, and alpine resorts offer memorable overnights. You won’t see much traffic on some of BC’s backroads, but there’s plenty of wildlife – think bighorn sheep, moose, eagles and bears – to keep you company. And when the highway ends? No worries. BC Ferries cruise the coastal straits and fjords.

MUST STOP: Take a float along Lake Louise

If sailing across the water with the stunning peaks of BANFF National Park as your backdrop sounds appealing to you, then you can’t miss a stop at Lake Louise, if only for the Instagram shot. In winter the water freezes and exhilarating games of  ice skating and ice hockey ensue, but in summer it’s almost too tempting to be on or in the water.

MUST STOP: Grin and bear it – Roadtripping Manitoba

See them in their natural habitat

Experience the spectacular wildlife of Manitoba with an adventure by road, from the dense forests of Riding Mountain National Park to the colourful tundra of Churchill. Frontiers North’s Big Five Safari is a one-of-a-kind salute to the incredible array of megafauna that populates the forests, prairies, tundra and waters of this heartrendingly beautiful and biodiverse province.

Your journey begins in Winnipeg, the geographic centre of North America. Travel overland to Riding Mountain National Park, where the lofty heights and deep gorges of the Manitoba Escarpment are home to such impressive residents as black bears, moose and a captive bison herd. Flying north to Churchill, the boreal forest gives way to rugged tundra and the northern waterways. Set out by boat and Zodiac amongst inquisitive beluga whales, and explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area by Tundra Buggy in search of the majestic polar bear.

MUST STOP: Finish with a taste of Europe in Québec City

Stepping into Québec City, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a European city. Not at all like any other place in Canada, Québec offers a romantic ambience that makes for a truly unique end to what should definitely be the trip of your life. In the festive season, the streets are transformed into a winter wonderland reminiscent of the famed German Christmas markets. So if the timing is right for you, it’s certainly worth soaking in. Otherwise, sampling the French cuisine in one of Québec’s best eateries, such as as  Paillard , which makes Québec’s best croissants and macarons is reason enough! Only 8.5 hour drive to New York City, where you can finish your trip with the legendary pastrami sandwich at Katz!

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9 Scenic Canada Road Trips Within 2 Hours of the U.S. Border

By Caleigh Alleyne

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

After over a year of border restrictions, Canada is now allowing fully vaccinated Americans to visit —and a U.S. to Canada road trip is a great way to take advantage, while also avoiding the often-crowded airport experience. For travelers looking to head north of the border this summer in the privacy of their own car, these are nine scenic routes that we love, with tips on where to stay, eat, and more. The best part? Each of these Canada road trip itineraries has starting points in the U.S., so you can enjoy every bit of the drive.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Ontario's Niagara Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Parkway: Buffalo, New York to Toronto, Ontario

Just across the border from Buffalo, New York, lies the city of Niagara Falls , best known for being the home of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. For those looking to extend their trip, travel along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), which will take you from Niagara to downtown Toronto in 90 minutes (if traffic is flowing smoothly).

Where to stop:  Follow the Niagara parkway to the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you'll spot preserved 19th-century colonial architecture. The Niagara region is also known for having dozens of wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail , and some are as close as 10 minutes to the border.

Where to eat:  The family-run  Ravine Vineyard Estate  has an on-site restaurant and general store-style gift shop offering a la carte selections, and pantry picnic essentials to stock up on between wine tastings.   

Where to stay:  Charming Niagara-on-the-Lake has several landmark properties like the  Harbour House Hotel and Prince of Wales Hotel . If your road trip takes you to Toronto, continue your trip back in time by staying at One King West Hotel & Residence , inside Toronto’s original Dominion Bank skyscraper, which dates back to 1914. 

Lake Louise, Banff

Icefields Parkway: Montana to Banff National Park, Alberta

The quickest way from the American border to Banff National Park in Alberta is to drive through British Columbia. From northern Montana, head north on the BC-93 highway driving through the small towns along the way. The Icefields Parkway links Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper National Park , and whirls drivers through the Rocky Mountains, beside glacier-like icefields and along the Continental Divide. 

Where to stop:  On your way to Banff National Park you'll pass though several mountain towns brimming with outdoor activities, like skiing and waterfalls to visit; Cranbrook, Fernie, and Kimberly are all just off the BC-93 and worth pulling over for. Stop by the village of Radium Hot Springs , which is open to visitors year-round, for a dip in the Lussier Natural Hot Springs, or one of their thermal pools.  

Where to eat:  During your drive on the Icefields Parkway, dine beside the Columbia Ice Field at the  Glacier View Lodge . From the on-site Altitude Restaurant you’ll have spectacular dinner views of the mountains, or you can visit the more-casual Chalet for lunch fare. 

Where to stay:  Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” the Fairmont Banff Springs was built as one of the original Canadian Pacific Railway hotels in 1886. Today, Fairmont also operates other historic properties in the region that include the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge . 

Mulholland Lighthouse, Campobello Island

Fundy Coastal Trail: Maine to Saint John, New Brunswick

Explore New Brunswick's 286-mile drive along the Bay of Fundy coastline to see the world’s highest tides up-close. Depending on the time of day, you can marvel at the tides two ways: by kayaking on the water when it's at its peak, or by walking on the sprawling ocean floor when the waves have recessed. The Bay of Fundy can be seen from Saint John to Moncton, or plan a visit to the otherworldly Hopewell Rocks , which were formed by tidal erosions and stand alone when the tide goes out. 

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Where to stop:  St. Andrews by the sea is the midway point between Maine and the Bay of Fundy. For a short visit, wander down the town's main strip and along its historic pier; if you have some more time, wander through the 27-acre  Kingsbrae Garden  or play 18 holes at the award-winning  Algonquin Golf Course . 

Where to eat:  Dine at the  Saint John City Market , where you'll find locally caught seafood and other seasonal goods. For a sit-down meal, stop by  Bigtide Brewing Company  for craft beer and pub fare. 

Where to stay:  In downtown Saint John, the  Delta Hotel by Marriott Saint John  is conveniently within walking distance to the city’s best attractions and its famed  reversing falls , which appear to swirl backwards into the Bay of Fundy. For the resort experience, book a night at  The Algonquin in St. Andrews  by the sea.

British Columbia's Highway 99

Sea to Sky Highway: Washington State to Whistler, British Columbia

You can drive from the edge of Washington state to the mountains in Whistler in just over two hours, cutting through vibrant Vancouver along the way. The Sea-to-Sky Highway, also known as the BC-99, connects North Vancouver to Whistler on a picturesque coastal drive where the mountain and the water meet. Where to stop: To break up your drive, stop in Squamish at the Sea to Sky Gondola to get an aerial view of the region. If time permits, enhance your visit with a free guided tour to learn about the history of the land on the Spirit Trail .  Where to eat: Head to the Nicklaus North Golf Course to try and snag a spot on the patio at Table Nineteen for scenic views of Green Lake, and the descending floatplanes flying in from Vancouver.  Where to stay: Book a few nights in Whistler to explore this bustling mountain town. Budget-travelers flock to the boutique capsule Pangea Pod Hotel , located in the center of the main strip. For a lakeside respite, the Nita Lake Lodge is a stone’s throw away in Creekside Village.

Quebec City's Old Town

Autoroute 73: Maine to Quebec City, Quebec

While several of the New England states border Québec, the capital city of Québec City is in the Eastern part of the province, closest to Maine. This Francophone city feels more like Europe than other areas of Canada, with narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets. Continue your road trip along the St. Lawrence River to scenic Baie-Saint Paul in Charlevoix for country walks, cheese shops, and the Galerie d'art Iris .  Where to stop: Mark the Montmorency Falls on your map for a quick stop just outside of Québec City, on your way to Charlevoix. The magnificent falls tower 99 feet higher than Niagara Falls and adventurous travelers can explore them by cable car, a suspended bridge , or zip-line. Where to eat: Stop by the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac for an afternoon tea at the castle, or dine onsite at Champlain Restaurant or Sam Bistro.  Where to stay: Auberge Saint-Antoine in the Old Port of Quebec City is a Relais & Châteaux that has preserved relics from the archeological dig within the property. In Baie-Saint Paul, the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix blends a peaceful escape in a charming town with sophisticated amenities and an onsite Spa Nordique Le Germain.

The Southwest Nova Scotia Route: Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

When the  CAT ferry  that travels between Bar Harbor, Maine , and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, resumes in spring 2022, you can get from coast to coast on this high-speed catamaran in just over three hours. RVs, pickups, SUVs, cars, tour buses, motorcycles, and bicycles are welcome aboard—making this the best way for road trippers to cross the Atlantic Ocean into Canada. Once in Nova Scotia, drive along the jaw-dropping coastline along the 101 to Halifax, and back down the 103 to the ferry in Yarmouth.

Where to stop:  Plan to make several stops during your road trip, in the small coastal towns of Digby, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay. After Halifax, head to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse to visit one of the most recognizable sites in Canada.

Where to eat:  A trip to Nova Scotia isn’t complete with indulging in fresh seafood. Swing by one of the stalls at  Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market , or grab a lobster roll along the water’s edge in one of the small towns that you visit along the way. 

Where to stay:  Break up your drive by staying a night or two in downtown Halifax. For a touch of history, book your stay at the  Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites  by the Halifax Public Gardens. For a contemporary option, check out  Muir, Autograph Collection Hotel –slated to open in fall 2021 .

Emerald Lake, South Klondike Highway

Alaska-Canadian Highway: Alaska to Haines Junction, Yukon

The 1390-mile route along the Alaska-Canadian Highway takes you through the Pacific Northwest, from Seattle to British Columbia, and then into Alaska and the Yukon. For a shorter jaunt, take just the northern leg along the St. Elias Mountains and Kluane National Park and Reserve, traveling north from Alaska through Haines Junction. Where to stop: At the Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre , you can pick up hiking maps, register for backcountry camping, and learn more about Kluane National Park and Reserve. During the spring and fall, Dall Sheep can often be seen nearby. This national park is home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mt. Logan, the largest non-polar ice fields on the planet, and is part of one the largest internationally protected areas connected to Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park in Alaska.

Where to eat: There are several dining options in Haines Junction, but due to the secluded nature of this region you’ll want to pack a few snacks in a bear-proof container to bring on your drive. Rely on on-site dining options during your hotel stay, and healthy breakfasts and hearty family-style dinners at the Mount Logan EcoLodge .  Where to stay: The  Mount Logan EcoLodge  is a rustic escape tucked within the mountains, in a prime location for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis during the winter months. 

Yellowhead Highway #16

Yellowhead Highway: North Dakota to Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Yellowhead Highway runs through the Canadian Prairie from Winnipeg, Manitoba, through Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Edmonton, Alberta. From the North Dakota border, drive up to Winnipeg for an overnight stay before continuing west toward  Riding Mountain National Park . 

Where to stop:  Spend a day or two in Winnipeg to explore the city. During your visit, see the Inuit art museum  Qaumajuq , in the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights , and  Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit . 

Where to eat:  Under the direction of Chef Mandel Hitzer,  deer + almond 's menu offers a fusion of flavors. Hitzer is also the brains behind the winter pop-up restaurant  RAW:almond , constructed atop Winnipeg’s frozen river. 

Where to stay:  The  Inn at the Forks  is centrally located in the city’s tourist area within walking distance to several restaurants and the  Canadian Museum for Human Rights . 

Red Coat Trail Saskatchewan Badlands: Montana to Saskatchewan

The historic Red Coat Trail along Highway 13 stretches through the Prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Explore the midway section of the route in Saskatchewan, a short drive away from the Montana-Saskatchewan border. For the closest crossing to Grasslands National Park , head north along the 191 in Montana crossing the border in Morgan. Where to stop: Visit the wide-open plains of Grasslands National Park on your way from the U.S.-Canada border toward Highway 13. This national park is one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, making it the perfect place to stargaze during your overnight stay.  Where to eat: Stop by  Harvest Eatery  in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, located along the Red Coat Trail. Their extensive globally inspired menu serves farm-fresh salads, family-style mains, and a kid’s menu to accommodate young travelers.  Where to stay: Stay within Grasslands National Park in a Parks Canada oTENTik . Found in Frenchman Valley and Rock Creek Campgrounds, the oTENTiks are built in equipped A-frame cabins offering the camping experience without the hassle.

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Canada Road Trip Planning + 12 Epic Itinerary Ideas

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Canada is filled with stunning landscapes and driving through provinces and national parks is the best way to explore this massive country (by area). We will share an epic Canada Road Trip Planning Guide here, packed with ready-made itineraries to follow.

Canada Road Trip Planning Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Decide where you want to go in Canada

So, your first step is to make a bucket list of places you want to see or the route you wish to embark on for your Canada road trip. Being a diverse country of landscapes, terrain, and 4 different time zones, it might be a tough choice deciding on where to do. You can browse our Canada Destinations list, or use one of the itineraries mentioned below to get started!

What to see on your Canadian Road Trips?

It all depends on your travel style. There are mountains and pristine lakes in western Canada, pretty central coastal drives in the Maritimes, chasing Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories, or specific attractions like Toronto’s skyline/Niagara Falls, Gros Morne National park in Newfoundland to check out fjords, also a UNESCO world heritage site to polar bears in Manitoba. 

So you see there is tons of explore in Canada, just take it slow, stop along the way to make the most of your visit. Also give yourself enough time to hike, eat and drive.

Budget for your Canada road trip should be as follows 

• National Park Fees: $20 CAD per vehicles ($15.50 USD)
• City Attractions: Many museums have entry fees start at $7.99 CAD ($6.20). CN Tower or any type of observation towers in major cities, starts at $30 CAD ($23 USD)
• Food : Minimum $30 CAD ($23 USD)

When are you planning to travel for your road trip?

Whether it is a city-bound road trip or a journey through our national/provincial parks, it is important to make note of the seasons. Canada experiences all four seasons, and each season is beautiful in its own unique way. 

• Summer – Summers are a great time to embark on a road trip. We recommend choosing the country-side to escape the crowds . If you are hitting the popular national parks like Banff (from Calgary or Edmonton), ensure you start early to beat the traffic rush.
• Winter – Driving in winters can be tricky. Ensure you follow provincial winter driving regulations. Also add additional travel time due to the road conditions, poor visibility, etc. on certain routes. 
• Spring and fall – These are off season months in Canada. Fall is our favorite time to visit as the weather is still warm, and attractions not too crowded. Spring is a tricky situation for visiting Parks, as many of the sightseeing spots may not be open. Finding accommodation in cities and small towns this time will be easy, minus fewer crowds.

Where to stay on a Canada road trip?

When you are road tripping in Canada, there are tons of options for accommodation.

• Hotels, Airbnbs & Lodges : You can book a hotel, Airbnb, lodge, or a cabin for your accommodation in Canada. Book them ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. 
• RV & Campervan : One of the popular ways to explore national parks in Canada is on a campervan or an RV, and save money on hotel accommodation. It is also a nicer alternative if you do not own a lot of camping gear, and planning to explore on the go. 
• Camping : If you are planning to camp overnight, ensure you reserve camp-sites when bookings open for the season. You do not need to reserve for day campsites (like picnics as part of your road trip), especially in provincial parks. 

Pin the spots on Google Maps

Use Google Maps plan and plot your road trip itinerary. And don’t forget to download offline maps on your phone, so that you can access that from the car. 

Important Driving Tips in Canada Highway & Parks

• Carry your driver’s license (Canadian, US or International).
• Must be at least 21 years of age to rent a vehicle.
• The most common cars on the road in Canada are left-hand drive vehicles, and cars are driven on the right side of the road.
• Canada uses kilometres and metres to measure the distance (unlike miles used in the USA)
• The typical speed limit in most provinces is 100 km/h (62 mph) or 110 km/h (68 mph). 
• When you are driving to national parks speed limits will differ, depending on major routes (90 km/hr max.) and secondary routes (60 km/hr max.)
• Gas/Mileage: 8.9 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres (62 miles)
• Be mindful of wildlife corridors and posted wildlife signs along the highways

What to pack on a road trip in Canada?

Here is a list of items to pack for your road trip in Canada!

• Clothes & Comfortable shoes – Comfortable shoes are a must, they are helpful while you are behind the wheel or while taking rest stops
• Warm clothes (for winter) – While driving in Canadian winters, don’t forget warm clothing
• Hand warmers are great little items to keep inside the car
• Travel Mug – Coffee and tea lovers, pack your travel mug, and refill it on the go!
• Water bottle – Super important, carry your water bottle. Stay hydrated!
• Healthy snacks – LOVE this care package , and they are healthy snacks to carry on your road trip. Munch them if you are hungry, whilst feeling light!
• Medications
• Flashlight – Super handy if you are camping or even driving overnight
• Emergency car kit – An emergency car kit is essential should things happen on the road. You can create one from scratch or buy one pre-pack from Amazon . 
• Emergency first aid kit – Check the first aid kit inside the car (check for expiry dates). If you don’t have one, here is one that you can buy from Amazon.  
• Dashboard mount for phone or GPS – Use a dash mount to keep your phone or GPS for navigation. 
• GPS or navigation system – Don’t forget navigation systems or Google maps (offline) on your phone. Prepare it with your routes prior to your trip. It is also important to keep TomToms (or any navigation system) updated. 
• Charging cables – Unless your car has cable-free charging, it is important to pack one for your road trip. We do have wireless charging in our car, but it can only charge one at a time, so we also carry charging cables (to charge the second phone and to charge inside the hotel). Buy yours here
• Playlist – No road trip is complete without an amazing playlist.
• Cell-phone – Don’t forget your cell-phone. Stay connected with family, store the hotel or campsite contact information, plus roadside assistance number for emergencies. 
• Car freshener
• Road trip games – License plate, sing-along, card games (for kids)
• Travel insurance – Car insurance is essential, so is travel insurance if you are traveling from overseas. For the car, you can also secure insurance with the rental company when you pick up the vehicle. 

12 Canada Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Canadian rockies road trip itinerary, alberta .

• Number of days – 10 to 14 days
• Route –  Edmonton – Jasper National Park – Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise – Banff National Park – Calgary  (Alberta) 

This Canadian Rockies itinerary will allow you to explore all the best of the mountains and cities in Alberta. It covers the capital city, the largest city in Alberta, two national parks in the Canadian Rockies (Jasper being is the largest one), visit the pretty Lake Louise, explore our provincial parks at Pembina, and also check out small Prairie (Edson, Entwhistle) and mountain towns (Banff, Jasper) in one single trip.

A fast paced version of this road trip itinerary can be done in 10 days. But 2 weeks will be perfect! 

Fly to Edmonton , pick up a rental car, and explore the capital city of Alberta. Visit the Legislature Grounds and the neighborhood of Strathcona. (If you have time on your hands, visit Elk Island National Park, located about 50 minutes away from the city, known for bison conservation and is a dark sky preserve). Spend one full day in Edmonton to experience the culinary and city centre delights, along with museums and art galleries. 

From Edmonton, drive to Jasper National Park (it takes 4 hours). Stop by the small Prairie towns of Edson, Entwhistle, or Pembina Provincial Park for a picnic. You will arrive in Jasper town by evening. Stay at the Pocahontas Cabin for the night. 

Spend 2-3 days in Jasper . Hit trails, Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Athabasca falls, soak in mountain views, eat, and visit a local brewery. 

From Jasper, head to Lake Louise, via the Icefields Parkway (with a quick stop at Sunwapta Falls). Non stop drive is 2.75 hours. You can also add Athabasca Glacier Adventure to your road trip itinerary and stay in Lake Louise for the night. 

Set aside 8-10 hours to explore Lake Louise , and then head to Banff in the evening (50 minute drive). 

Spend 3-4 days in Banff National Park . There are tons to see and do here, from lakes – Vermillion, Two Jack Lake, Minnewanke, to hiking trails , exploring Banff Avenue, Cave & Basin Site, Cascade Gardens, Minnewanka Lake Cruise, and Johnston Canyon.  Stay at Elk + Avenue Hotel .

After exploring Banff, head to Calgary, and spend one day or two. Explore downtown city highlights like the Calgary Tower, wander the Stephen Ave Walk, visit Calgary Fort, Heritage Village, etc. 

Drop off your car rental at Calgary International Airport, and fly back home!

Icefields Parkway, Alberta 

• Number of Days – It is possible to drive the Icefields Parkway in 2.5 hours if you don’t get out of your car, but it would be a travesty not to take your time to enjoy the sights along the way.
• Route – Lake Louise to Jasper in the province of Alberta passing through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

One of the most famous road trips in Canada is the Icefields Parkway , which is a 230km (144 miles) journey through some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes. With vistas of mountains, valleys, glaciers, rocky cliffs, forests, and lakes, there is a lot to see along the way.

Take a tip and start early in the morning to avoid traffic, and you will enjoy the experience so much more if you are not rushed. The Icefields Parkway has so many incredible places that you will want to explore. 

Early morning is a good time to spot wildlife that usually make an appearance when you

least expect. When you’re driving, keep your eyes peeled for bears, deer, elk, moose and bighorn sheep. Depending on what you might see by the side of the road, you may need extra time to linger and take photographs.

On your first road trip along the Icefields Parkway, make sure you allow time to see Columbia

Icefield, which is some of the largest glaciers outside the Arctic Circle, or“fields of ice” straddle and are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. 

Another awe-inspiring attraction is the Glacier SkyWalk, where you can walk on a glass-floored platform 280 metres (918 feet) above the stunning Sunwapta Valley.

Besides glaciers, this Canadian road trip is also known for its beautiful lakes. The two most famous ones are Bow Lake, which is the best place to gaze at the Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake, which is a must-do to fill your Instagram stream with stunning photos. Also, visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls; both are places of natural beauty.

Stay at Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise .

By Christina from Travel2Next

Sea to Sky highway – Vancouver to Whistler

• Number of days – 2 days
• Route – Start in Vancouver, stop in Squamish to Whistler (British Columbia)

The Sea to Sky highway is one of the most scenic roads in Canada. Also known as Highway 99, the section that connects Vancouver to Whistler is known as the Sea to Sky . 

Although the total journey time from Vancouver to Whistler is just 2 hours, there’s plenty to see and do along the way as well as further afield. This road trip can be amended for families or adrenaline seekers. While it’s easy to drive from Vancouver to Whistler in a day, splitting it up into several days is recommended. 

After leaving Vancouver , one of the first points of interest in Whytecliff Park, this is somewhat of a hidden gem in Vancouver and a nice scenic spot to stretch the legs. When the tide is low you can walk across the rocks to Whytecliff Islet.

Your drive along the Sea to Sky highway will then bring you through the town of Lions Bay and Britannia Beach. Here is where you’ll find Porteau Cove Provincial Park and the Britannia Mine Museum, which is a great stop for families. 

Soon after Britannia Beach is the town of Squamish, many people bypass this town but it’s definitely worth a night’s stay at least. There are so many amazing restaurants here, some of our favourites include the Wigan Pier for fish & chips and Sonny Chibas for Mexican and fried chicken. 

There are also several craft breweries here that are worth checking out. Squamish is famous for its hiking and rock climbing. The Chief is a granite monolith that towers above the town and is a bucket-list hike in the area. If you aren’t feeling up to hiking, you can take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola. 

The town of Whistler is usually people’s main destination when taking this route. This mountain town is home to Whistler Blackcomb ski resort and bike park. There are tons of things to do for every season in Whistler. Although it’s famous for skiing, other activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and hiking and biking in the summer. 

Nita Lake Lodge is our favorite hotel in Whistler , it’s the only lakefront hotel in the resort town. It’s far enough away from the main village that you’ll get lots of peace and quiet here. 

There is plenty to see and do further afield too! Less people visit Pemberton and Lillooet but they are just as beautiful and the rest of Highway 99. Joffre Lakes is one of BC’s most beautiful hikes in BC. 

Seton Lake near Lillooet is one of our favourite places in all of Canada, and the short hike to the lookout is breathtaking! 

By Rachel from A City Girl Outside

Vancouver – Kelowna – Banff

• Number of days – 2+
• Route – Starting in Vancouver British Columbia to Kelowna, BC to Banff National Park, Alberta

While driving from Vancouver to Banff is technically possible in one day, a stop in Kelowna not only breaks up the trip, it’s also more scenic. The mountainous Highway 3 is the best way to get to Kelowna in terms of scenery.

In Kelowna , be sure to enjoy the waterfront parks, hiking in the hills outside of town, shopping around Bernard Ave, and wine tasting at local vineyards.  If staying overnight in Kelowna, treat yourself to The Royal Kelowna hotel for views of the water and proximity to downtown and the cultural district.

From there, you can take the spectacular drive through Glacier and Yoho to Banff on Highway 1. The biggest highlight on this leg is simply looking out your window!

Two points of interest along the way are quite close to each other: Three Valley Gap and the town of Revelstoke. Three Valley Gap is a big hotel on the shore of a large lake, visible from the highway. There is a bit of a ghost town to visit and just one restaurant, inside the hotel.

For more dining options and amenities, make your next stop 20 minutes down the highway, in the little town of Revelstoke. Whether it’s to stay the night or even just to grab a bite to eat, it’s a nice place to visit.

Next, you’ll pass through Glacier and Yoho National Parks , both of which are worthwhile places to visit for hiking, camping, scenic drives, and more.

Finally, saving the best for last, you’ll arrive in Banff National Park. Take the tram to scenic overlooks, hike to a tea house, admire the emerald Lake Louise, bike, look for wildlife, camp, or relax at an upscale inn. From Banff, you can take countless scenic drives to extend your road trip in different directions, like Yoho or Jasper National Parks. This is a true outdoor wonderland and worth staying for several nights.

By Michelle from Intentional Travelers

Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

• Number of Days – 1
• Route – Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

While not the longest by any means, driving from Nanaimo to Tofino on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island is one to add to your to-do list!

Tofino is still a hidden gem, even for many Canadians, and the stops along the way make it the perfect West Coast road trip.

There is only one main road that takes visitors from Nanaimo to Tofino (HWY BC4). While summer is traditionally Tofino’s high season, this rugged part of Canada sees storm watchers venture to the coast to watch the full power of the Pacific Ocean hitting land.

Along the 3 hour route, there are a few essential stops. Coombs is a little detour, but it’s popular market and goats on the roof are a delight for all visitors. 

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is right along the route. You will literally drive through an amazing old growth forest right on the highway. If you stop at Cathedral Grove, you will find a small parking area and a trail that takes about 30 minutes to see some of the oldest trees in British Columbia.

Ucluelet is the last stop you should make, before the final stretch to Tofino.  Take the time to walk the Wild Pacific Loop. It is less than 30 minutes from Ucluelet to Tofino, you can always add this to a day trip activity while you stay in Tofino. 

The last stretch of drive will bring you past Pacific Rim National Park where the strong Pacific Ocean waves crash on the sandy beaches. There are plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to take a closer look. Tofino is home to stunning sandy beaches, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the waves and the sand.

Two of the best places to stay are Pacific Sands Beach Resort and Long Beach Lodge . Both offer beachfront accommodations and are perfect for couples and families. 

By Lindsay from Uncovering British Columbia

Dawson City (Yukon) to Tuktoyaktuk (North West Territories) 

• Number of days – Minimum 3 days one way
• Route – Dawson City (Yukon) to Tuktoyaktuk (North West Territories) 

Starting in the historic Klondike Gold Rush town of Dawson City and ending on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, this Canadian road trip is a must do for adventurous travelers. The main part of the route (737km of 875km total) follows the Dempster Highway , a legendary rough dirt road traversing tundra and limitless wilderness. 

The Dempster is the only road in Canada to cross the Arctic Circle. Consequently, travelers who visit in summer will be accompanied by the Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight). The long days allow for endless exploration. It’s disorienting yet exhilarating and ensures this road trip experience to be like no other in Canada! 

Tombstone Territorial Park, located around 110km from Dawson City, is a real highlight. Here, the expansive landscape is backdropped by impossibly jagged mountain peaks. Be sure to stop at the interpretive centre before heading out onto one of the established hiking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the local residents, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, porcupine and black foxes. 

Epic as this road trip may be, there is some caution needed. This is a truly wild area, with almost zero phone signal along the entire route. The elevated dirt road is rough in places and can become very slippery after rain. A good spare tire is absolutely essential as is a puncture repair kit, air compressor and jack. Most importantly, the drive should not be rushed. 

Facilities are few and far between (all part of the adventure!) but one of the most convenient places to stop on this road trip is Eagle Plains. 

There is a campground, hotel, gas station, and restaurant here. Inuvik has the biggest choice of services and places to stay, with the Arctic Chalet being a top choice. While in town, be sure to check out the Igloo Church and Community Greenhouse (built in an old ice rink), 

Tuktoyaktuk is your final destination; a place where you can dip your toes in the freezing Arctic Ocean and reflect on your incredible journey through Canada’s northern wilderness!

By Gemma from Off Track Travel

Saskatchewan Road Trip 

• Number of Days – 5-6 
• Route : Regina to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Centre Block) 

Saskatchewan often isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning a Canada road trip . Most people head straight to the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island, or Niagara Falls. While these destinations are all very much worth a visit, so is Saskatchewan!  

This underrated Canadian province features two beautiful National Parks, several Provincial Parks, cute little towns and rolling hills covered in rippling grain as far as the eye can see. If that’s not enough, Saskatoon and Regina are two lively cities with a relaxed vibe, plenty of restaurants and lots of worthwhile sights. Plenty of reasons for a Saskatchewan road trip ! 

Start your road trip in Canada by exploring Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. Spend two days here and visit the Provincial Legislative Building, stroll around Wascana Lake, and learn about history in the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. A nice place to stay is the Ramada by Wyndham (Emerald Park). 

Hop in your car and drive to Grasslands National Park (West Block) in approximately 3.5hours. This National Park is a great place to see rare native wildlife such as the bison as well as an excellent stargazing location as there is very little light pollution. Hike the 70 Mile Butte Trail and take one of t 

After spending a day (or if time allows, two days) in Grasslands National Park, drive to Eastend and visit the T-Rex Discovery Center to marvel at one of the few T-rex skeletons ever found. Continue your road trip and drive to Cypress Hills Provincial Park.  

This Provincial Park is perfect for swimming, camping, and hiking. A must-do is visiting Bald Butte and Lookout Point. The views from both viewpoints are breathtaking, you can see for miles and will really come to appreciate the vastness of Saskatchewan.  

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

Road Trip from Saskatoon (Saskatchewan) to Winnipeg (Manitoba)

• Route – Saskatoon – Yorkton – Langenburg – Russell – Portage La Prairie – Winnipeg

Saskatoon to Winnipeg takes about 8 hours 10 mins by car if you drive non-stop. Both cities are located in two Prairie provinces of Canada. Start from Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and pretty much along the way you will find small Prairie towns, mom & pop shops, cute barns, and farms.

Saskatoon is nicknamed as the ‘Paris of the Prairies’, due to the many bridges found here. From Saskatoon, make way for Yorkton (in about 3.50 hours). Yorkton also has a Western Development Museum, just like Saskatoon which is worth visiting. 

If you wish to stretch your legs, head to the York Lake Regional Park for a quick stroll. From Yorkton, arrive at Langenburg, and this is where you can break for lunch. 

Up next on the road trip is Russell, located about 15 km (9 miles) from the Saskatchewan border. The town is known for the Manitoba’s Beef and Barley Festival, which is held annually in October. 

From Russell, the next stop is Portage La Prairie (in 3 hours). In case you didn’t know the Prairies are home to the some of ‘world’s largest’ like Tomahawk (Cutknife, SK) or Easter Egg/Pysanka (Vegreville Alberta). So Portage La Prairie has the world’s Largest Coca-Cola Can. Don’t forget to stop by, and snap a few photos!

From here, Winnipeg is another hour’s drive. Spend 2 days in Winnipeg, exploring some of the iconic attractions like the pedestrian Esplanade Riel Bridge, named after the 1848 revolutionary Louis Riel. 

Wander the French part of Winnipeg – St Boniface. Eat out, and hang out at the city centre. The Forks is a must visit in the city. This site is a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Assiniboine Park also deserves a place in your itinerary. It is a beautiful park with tons of walking trails, river views, and more. Finally, visit the Royal Canadian Mint, and go on a guided tour to learn about coins, and maybe take some home with you!

East Coast City Delights – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

• Number of days – 3 days + 
• Route – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

This classic road trip starts in Toronto and travels through Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, before ending in Halifax, NS. From start to finish, this road trip will take about 18 hours of straight driving. 

You could do it all at once, but you’d miss out on so many fantastic places! Instead, we’d recommend stopping a few times along the way, making this road trip into a 3 to the 5-day trip, and taking the time to explore a few places along the way. We will cover Toronto to Quebec City, as one road trip, followed up by Quebec City to Halifax (and of course you can combine both).

Beginning in Toronto, follow Hwy 401 east from Toronto until you reach the border of Quebec and it becomes Autoroute 20. Stay overnight in Montreal – the Old Town is much more scenic, but the downtown section has more dining options. Alternatively, you can pass through Montreal and continue another 2.5 hours to Quebec City.

On day 2, drive Hwy 40 along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, or 20E/TransCanada via the south shore. Either way the drive is close to 3 hours. Arrive in Quebec City mid afternoon, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Old Town, marvel at the Chateau Frontenac and soak up the European feel of the city. 

There are plenty of hotels to choose from – you can splurge on a stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or choose more moderate options like the Quebec City Marriott Downtown .  

By Erin from Three is Us

Quebec City to Gaspésie

• Number of days – 5 – 7 days  (return)
• Route – Quebec City – Forillon National Park – Gaspe – Perce Village – Matapedia – Quebec City

One of the epic Canadian road trips is the one around Gaspesie . Gaspesie is a peninsula in the province of Quebec. It’s a loop route that starts in Quebec City and also ends there. You’ll need about 5-7 days to get the most of the area.

Set out from Quebec City early in the morning and take the QC- 132 road towards the east. Enjoy the ride along the picturesque coast, make frequent stops at viewpoints. In the evening you should reach Forillon National Park where you stay overnight.

Spend the next day hiking in the park. There are many trails to choose from, so pick the ones suitable for your level of fitness. The park administration will provide you with a map. Move to the town of Gaspe, where you’ll spend the night and the next day exploring local sights and museums such as Haldimand Beach, Gaspesie Museum, and Micmac Museum.

The next stop is in Perce Village where you can catch a boat to Bonaventure Island which is the main local attraction. This small uninhabited island is home to the largest Atlantic seabird colony in North America. After hiking on the island, check out Perce Village and try some local food and beer.

From this point, the road trip will return to Quebec City, but around the southern shore. The south offers amazing viewpoints, several lighthouses, Micmac village, and a beautiful Philomene Waterfall. The one-stop you shouldn’t miss is the Miguasha National Park that is also a UNESCO World site for its valuable fossil site and museum.

In Matapedia, take the QC-132 towards the north. Before you reach Quebec City, the sights worth seeing are Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse and Jardin de Metis Botanical Garden. Do stop in one of the local ‘fromagerie’ to buy some delicious cheese sorts.

By Slavka from On2Continents

Quebec City – Fredericton to Moncton, via Hopewell Rocks to Halifax

• Number of days – 4 days + 
• Route – Quebec City – Fredericton to Moncton, via Hopewell Rocks – 251km,  Moncton to Halifax – 260km

You can start this road trip from Toronto , and follow the itinerary above to stop in Montreal and Quebec City. From Quebec City, follow the TransCanada Hwy north along the St. Lawrence River to Rivière-du-Loup, then head south-east to New Brunswick. 

*Note* As you cross the border into New Brunswick, the time changes and clocks go back an hour. 

Although there isn’t much to see in Edmundston, if you prefer a shorter drive today or just in need of a rest and stretch break, it is a good stopping point around 3 hours from Quebec City. 

If you prefer to keep on driving, Fredericton is another 3 hours south. Along the way, be sure to stop for a quick visit to Grand Falls about 45 minutes south of Edmunston and farther south, the Covered Bridge in Hartland. Continue on to Fredericton where you’ll stay the night.   

Continue your drive through New Brunswick and be sure to take a slight detour off of the Trans Canada Highway south to the Hopewell Rocks.

Just an hour south of Moncton, the Hopewell Rocks are a remarkable place to experience the highest tides in the world! Happening twice a day, be sure to check the tide tables to be aware of high and low tides. 

The final stretch of this road trip heads into Nova Scotia. After crossing the border, it’s about 2 hours to Halifax. **There is a toll on this portion of the highway. It’s approximately $4 CAD. 

An hour after the border lies the town of Truro, which is a good spot to stop, have a rest and if the timing is right, to watch the twice daily tidal bore. If you’re adventurous, try Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River, close to Truro. 

Another hour’s drive and you’re in Halifax –  stay here for a few days in Halifax, and enjoy the East Coast. While you’re in Halifax, be sure to visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Halifax Waterfront, and Dartmouth.

There are many hotels to choose from, whether you’re looking for something close to the waterfront (which are more expensive) or something a little further away. Clayton Park, just off Hwy 102 is a good option, with hotels such as Coastal Inns and Future Inns – both highly recommended from our family!

Maritimes Magic: Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island (NB) to the Confederation Bridge (PEI) 

• Number of days – 5 days
• Route – New Brunswick and the Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island to the Confederation Bridge at Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Coastal New Brunswick and the Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island to the Confederation Bridge at Prince Edward Island makes for a scenic and less traveled area of Canada. In five days, you can cover the highlights in the Maritimes , along with the iconic Hopewell Rocks.

Start from Campobello Island, the only International Park in the world and summer home of the U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 

On day 2 head to Saint Andrews. An old fishing village, on the Bay of Fundy, where the most dramatic tides in the world shift daily, Saint Andrews has lots of restaurants and cute shops. It is also a great take-off spot for whale watching and kayaking trips. Don’t miss the Huntsman Marine Science Center and Kingsbrae Gardens.

On day 3 and 4, drive to Saint John and explore the city. Stay at the St. John Hotel & Suites . A must-see is The Reversing Falls, where the Bay of Fundy tides overtake the flow of the Saint John River, a UNESCO GeoPark. Then, make the quick 3-minute drive to Carleton Martello Tower located high on a hill overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

The New Brunswick Museum is a great way to get some history on the area with exhibits on the region’s lumber, shipbuilding, farming industries.

City Market of Saint John is a vibrant and bustling market with stalls of fresh produce, meat, seafood, even local art and souvenirs, and restaurants. 

Another must-see destination, Hopewell Rocks is a unique landscape, where you can walk along the ocean floor and see the towering sandstone sculptures with trees on top thanks to the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides

From there, you can continue winding along the Bay of Fundy Highway to 15E. Crossing the Confederation Bridge is an adventure in and of itself — it is the longest bridge (8 mi/12.9 KM) that crosses ice-covered waters in the world.

By Lori from Maps, Memories and Motherhood

Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Cabot Trail East Coastal Drive

• Number of days – 3+ days
• Route – Halifax – Cape Breton Island along the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is the largest island, and is home to 14% of the population. 

Cabot Trail offers one of the best scenic views along Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Cabot Trail is over 300 km, and can be easily completed in one day. However, we recommend stopping along the way to make the most of your trip, including exploring the great outdoors of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and soaking in the views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

You can start from Halifax (fly there), and then head towards the Cabot Trail (3.50 hours).  Do make a stop at the Highland Village. This village has re-created the life of Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton and is beautifully set on the Bras d’Or lake. 

Set a day aside for Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Camp, picnic or go on a hike. Check out the Cape Breton Highlands Lookout, and capture sunset on Skyline Trail Hike. 

Whale watching is popular here, so seafood including lobster treats! Being a coastal drive, do stop at the Margaree Harbour or Enragee Point Lighthouse. 

Final Thoughts on Road Trips in Canada

You see, it is impossible to squeeze everything in Canada on a single trip (be it week or 2 weeks long). But you can always come back, and check off these wonderful road trips from your Canada bucket list. 

Pick one that speaks to you the most – mountains, cities or culture, or food – pick your car rental (check gas, your licences, insurance) – and let’s go!

Where will you head to first? 

Pin: 12 Canada Road Trips to take this year: Explore Canada by road trips

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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10 Fun Multi-Day Road Trips from Edmonton, Alberta

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

While there are certainly loads of things to do in Edmonton , the capital of Alberta, sometimes you just want to get out of town. FAR out of town. That’s where road trips come in!

For this article, I’ve put together 10 tried-and-tested Edmonton road trip ideas. To be clear, these will all be multi-day road trips from Edmonton, and we’ll be mostly sticking to Alberta, Canada’s most beautiful province (according to me!), and knocking off several items in my Alberta bucket list . You’ll be spending some hours in your car, so if traveling with kids, consider planning some road trip games !

If you’re looking for something that can easily be done in a single day, here are my 30 recommended day trips from Edmonton . Also see this super detailed post about how to make the best of GoogleMaps for planning your road trip .

For those who don’t have a consider, use this Canada train guide to plan trips by train from Edmonton!

Table of Contents

Edmonton Road Trips to the South

As inhabitants of Canada’s northernmost city of over 1 million, we Edmontonians have every inclination to go south. (If you’re stuck in the city in winter, here are my favourite Edmonton winter activities !)

Luckily, Southern Alberta offers a wide range of unique landscapes, not to mention a wealth of provincial and national parks, perfect destinations for a road trip.

1. Red Deer & Calgary (2–4 days)

For a fun long weekend road trip from Edmonton, don’t overlook the province’s largest and third largest cities, Calgary and Red Deer.

Heading south from Edmonton, you can consider making stops at Pigeon, Gull, or Sylvan Lake for some beach time. Beer lovers can choose from Hawk Tail Brewery in Rimbey, Snake Lake in Sylvan Lake, Blindman in Lacombe, or Troubled Monk and several others in Red Deer. Also think about stopping to buy fancy gouda at Sylvan Star Cheese !

Many Edmontonians have a habit of bypassing Red Deer on road trips to the south, or only stopping in Gasoline Alley for a pee, gas, and snack break. But spend a day in Red Deer proper and you may be pleasantly surprised!

With young kids, don’t miss tubing and an artificial beach at Discovery Canyon . Older kids and adults may prefer to go tubing on Red Deer River – Fort Normandeau is the perfect launching point. Heritage Ranch and Alberta Sports Museum are two other cool stops just off the highway (see here for more cool museums around Edmonton !)

For even more ideas, see my guide to 40 things to do in Red Deer. If you decide to spend the night in Red Deer, Cambridge Red Deer Hotel (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ) is a good value choice with a pool.

Continuing past Red Deer, families with kids will love DINOS Centre in Innisfail, while mom and dad may prefer a stop at Field & Forge Brewery . Approaching Calgary, make a stop at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, a lovely pond-side green space with an off-leash area, playground, and a collection of large Korean totem poles.

In Calgary, the list of things to do is nearly endless. Some major highlights include the expansive Calgary Zoo , Telus Spark Science Centre , Heritage Park Historical Village , Glenbow Museum , and Calaway Park .

You could also explore the Stampede Grounds, check out the view of downtown from Rotary Park, see the medicine wheel at Nose Hill Park, walk across iconic Peace Bridge, get a gelato sample tray at Righteous Gelato , go to the original Peter’s Drive In, or stop in at some of Canada’s best breweries, according to the Canadian Brewing Awards.

If you’re visiting with kids, we recommend staying at Sheraton Cavalier (see on Booking / Tripadvisor / Agoda ) or Best Western Port O’ Call (see on Booking / Tripadvisor / Agoda ) by the Calgary International Airport, both of which have indoor waterparks with waterslides. You can even see planes landing and taking off from the hotels.

2. Waterton Lakes National Park & Cowboy Trail (3–5 days)

You’ve probably been to Jasper and Banff a million times, but have you ever made the journey to Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwestern corner of Alberta?

To focus solely on the national park, take the fastest route there, Highway 2. After passing Calgary, Highway 2 eventually turns into the 810, and a few others. The total driving time (without stops) is about 5.5 hours.  

Some possible stops or scenic detours on this trip after Calgary include Okotoks erratic, the colorful grain elevators and amazing candy store in Nanton, and the impressive Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Historic Site .

For a slower and more scenic route, however, consider taking Highway 22, the Cowboy Trail, which runs parallel to the Rockies through Alberta’s ranch land. It’s a slower but far more scenic drive.

You can access the 22 via numerous smaller highways north or south of Calgary. Some essential stops include the Western-style town of Longview, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site , and Lundbreck Falls.

For Waterton Lakes National Park, budget a minimum of two nights, or more if you can, to enjoy the park’s many impressive hiking trails, water sports, and other outdoor activities. Here’s my full guide to the best things to do in Waterton .

There are several camping options in Waterton, or you can stay at the iconic yet affordable Prince of Wales Hotel (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ).

To extend your trip, you can also venture into Glacier National Park in the United States, or take Crowsnest Pass into southern British Columbia.

3. Drumheller – Medicine Hat – Lethbridge Loop (1 – 2 weeks)

This awesome road trip from Edmonton takes in some of the best provincial parks in Alberta, plus lots of dinosaurs and hoodoos.

Heading south from Edmonton, enjoy the prairie scenery along Highway 21 then 56, with potential stops in Stettler for the Alberta Prairie Railway , remote Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park , and Rowley Ghost Town .

Next, spend a 1–3 nights in Drumheller, the “dinosaur capital of the world”. Don’t miss Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons, the hoodoos, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, Little Church, and Royal Tyrrell Museum .

For more info, here are my favorite things to do in Drumheller .

From Drumheller, head south of town, stopping at Atlas Coal Mine , then continue on to Dinosaur Provincial Park. Spend a night or two in the excellent campground , and find real dinosaur bones on one of the park’s excellent guided tours. Here’s my guide to Dinosaur Provincial Park .

Next, make your way to Medicine Hat, where you can see the world’s largest teepee, the excellent Medalta Potery Historic Site , and explore beautiful green space likes Strathcona Island Park, Police Point Park, and Echo Dale Regional Park. There are also some excellent breweries in town, including Hell’s Basement and Medicine Hat Brewing .

For more info, here are my top recommended things to do in Medicine Hat . An optional side trip would be to visit the Alberta side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park , around Elkwater.

After a few days in Medicine Hat, travel south to remote Red Rock Coulee , then make your way to the impressive Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park . A few hours is enough to admire the park’s famous rock paintings and towering hoodoos, but there’s also an excellent campground if you want to stay longer.

Finally, save a few days for Lethbridge, Alberta’s fourth largest city. Top sights include the serene Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden , Fort Whoop-Up , and watching trains cross the expansive Lethbridge High Level Bridge. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Lethbridge .

On the way back to Edmonton, make a stop at the Vulcan Starship Monument, one of the best “Giants of the Prairies” (we’ll cover more of those in the “Edmonton road trips to the north” section below).

Edmonton Road Trips to the West

I’m willing to bet that a significant portion of road trips from Edmonton are to the west, either to Jasper and Banff in the Rocky Mountains, or further west into British Columbia.

I won’t cover road trips to BC here because there are just too many possibilities; we’ll save that for another article!  

4. Jasper and Banff Loop (1 week)

The most obvious (and probably most popular) road trip from Edmonton is to Jasper National Park, 3.5 hours to the west. This trip takes in the best of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, stunning lakes, and some of the best waterfalls in the province .

Along the way, consider making stops around Edson ( Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery and Apex Predator Brewing are great, when open), Hinton (Beaver Boardwalk, Athabasca Riverfront Park), the excellent William A. Switzer Provincial Park (where fine campgrounds abound), Whitehorse Lake, and the outstanding Folding Mountain brewery just before the Jasper National Park gates.

For information on things to do in Jasper, see my guides to visiting Jasper with kids , Jasper in winter , and the best lakes in Jasper .

After a few nights in Jasper, make your way south down the epic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), with some of the best waterfalls near Edmonton , to Banff National Park, stopping at Athabasca Glacier and some of the most beautiful lakes in Banff .

Reaching Banff, spend a few nights there, basing yourself in one of the many accommodations in town. See my recommended Banff itinerary , things to do in Banff with kids , and guide to Banff in winter . 

Next, you can either return to Edmonton via Calgary (4.5 hours), or base yourself in Canmore to explore the greater Kananaskis area (see next entry).

5. Canmore and Kananaskis (3–5 days)

While Kananaskis country is a favorite playground for Calgarians, as it is only an hour away from them, Edmontonians tend to be less frequent visitors. But if you haven’t been, you’re seriously missing out!

Also, we Edmontonians often assume that Jasper is the closest to us, but we forget that Canmore and Jasper townsite are a similar distance from Edmonton, and Kananaskis’ Nakiska Ski Area is actually a slightly shorter drive than Marmot Basin in Jasper!

Canmore is the main access point to Kananaskis and one of my favorite places in Alberta. It could be an add-on to your Banff trip, or you could even stay there as a cheaper and less touristy base for exploring Banff. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Canmore and easy hikes in Canmore .

Canmore would certainly serve as an excellent base for a mountain-focused road trip from Edmonton. It has the best and cheapest range of accommodations in the region. For planning your road trip, either follow my Edmonton-to-Calgary route then veer west at Calgary, or take the slower but more scenic Cowboy Trail (Highway 22).

A budget friendly hotel with hot tub that we like in Canmore town is Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ). For a classy stay in a hotel voted one of the best in the world, try The Malcolm Hotel (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ).

After spending a few days in Calgary town to enjoy its numerous art galleries, restaurants, breweries, and scenic walks, you can venture into Banff National Park to the north, or explore vast Kananaskis country to the south. Canmore is a convenient base for exploring either one as day trips.

If you do want to stay somewhere in Kananaskis country, hotel options are quite limited. Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is a budget-friendly retreat, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge features a Nordic Spa, while Mount Engadine Lodge is perfect for really getting away from it all.

For more information on the area, here are the most beautiful lakes in Kananaskis , the best hikes in Kananaskis , and other things to do in Kananaskis .

6. Nordegg Region (2-4 days)

Where do local Albertans go when they want a natural escape away from the tourist crowds of Jasper and Banff? One great option is the Nordegg region.

From Rocky Mountain House (directly west of Red Deer), the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) provides access to the area–the regions is sometimes also called David Thompson country.

The area features countless lakes perfect for camping and fishing, the mesmerizing Crescent Falls, Crown Lands where anything goes, and a huge number of hiking trails, both easy and difficult.

The prize at the end is Abraham Lake, a stunningly beautiful water reservoir where you can camp for free, and with several excellent hikes starting near its shores. In winter, the lake becomes a mini hot spot thanks to its visually stunning methane ice bubbles. Here’s my guide to when and how to see ice bubbles at Abraham Lake .

After Abraham Lake, you can continue on to Saskatchewan Crossing, where the highway meets the Icefields Parkway. From there, head north for Jasper National Park, and complete a loop back to Edmonton, or south for Banff National Park or Canmore and Kananaskis – follow the relevant road trip itineraries above to complete your return trip.

Edmonton Road Trips to the North

The vast region north of Edmonton is sparsely populated, with few notable attractions. What it does have, however, is a whole lot of lakes and excellent campgrounds, as well as possibilities for hunting and fishing.

7. Fort McMurray (3–4 days)

Unless they work there, few Edmontonians ever think of visiting Fort McMurray, the oil capital of Canada 4.5 hours north of Edmonton. I’ve been, and I can attest that there are enough sights to make a worthwhile road trip from Edmonton.

Making your way northeast from Edmonton, you can consider making a stop at Jurassic Forest with the kids. Another good spot along the way is Long Lake Provincial Park , where you can swim/picnic in the day use area, or camp in the excellent campground.

Continuing north, an optional detour would be Lac La Biche, including Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park , which occupies an island on the lake.

Once you get on Highway 63, the highway speed limit picks up to 110 for the remaining cruise to Fort Mac. There are few stops of interest until you reach the turnoff for Gregoire Lake , a very popular spot among locals.

In Fort McMurray, some of the top attractions are Heritage Village , Oil Sands Discovery Center (an excellent museum covering local history and mining), and Macdonald Island Park. Complete your road trip by driving up to the Giants of Mining near the massive oil refineries that are the raison d’être for the town.

To really witness the vastness of the oil sands, consider taking a scenic flight over them like we did. See all the details in my guide to the best things to do in Fort McMurray .

To extend your road trip, you can drive as far north as Fort Mackay and the “Bridge to Nowhere,” while in winter you can even drive the ice road all the way to Wood Buffalo National Park and Fort Chipewyan (when conditions are safe enough to do so).

A top-rated hotel in Fort McMurray is Microtel Inn & Suites (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ).

8. Wood Buffalo National Park (1 week)

For the ultimate remote road trip from Edmonton, embark on a journey by car to Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Alberta and Northwest Territories. It is the largest national park in Canada and second largest in the entire world!

The main thing that stops a lot of people from doing this is that it’s a real long drive–longer even than driving to Vancouver. And unlike driving to BC, there is very little to see along the way.

One notable stop you can make on the way is Lesser Slave Lake, which (despite the name) is huge. To break up the 14-hour drive to Fort Smith (the main access point to Wood Buffalo), you’ll probably want to overnight somewhere along the way. High River is a logical halfway point with a few decent hotels, with the pick of the bunch being the Super 8 (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ), complete with pool and waterslide.

Even though Wood Buffalo is mostly in Alberta, you’ll have to cross into Northwest Territories to reach it. When Alberta’s Highway 35 crosses the 60 th parallel into NWT, it becomes Highway 1. The section from there to Great Slave Lake is known as the Waterfalls Route ; don’t miss Louise Falls and Alexandra Falls .

After that, make a quick stop at Great Slave Lake to say you’ve been there. From there, it’s a 3 hr 15 min drive east on Highway 5 to Fort Smith, and you’ll drive through a section of Wood Buffalo along the way, including stops to see huge sinkholes.

From Fort Smith, you can venture south to Salt River Day Use Area and Pine Lake, which has a campground. See the Wood Buffalo National Park official site for more information for planning your trip.

Edmonton Road Trips to the East

If you haven’t already been to Elk Island National Park and Ukrainian Village east of Edmonton, then make sure you do! But is it worth taking a road trip from Edmonton further east?

Well, according to Go East of Edmonton , a whole website devoted to the area, yes! Check out their site to find loads of activities besides the couple road trips I mention below. There are also some excellent lakes with campgrounds east of Edmonton, including Miquelon Lake and Cold Lake.

9. Giants of the Prairies (1 day to 1 week)

My favorite Edmonton road trip to the east is to tour the “Giants of the Prairies.” These giant roadside attractions are scattered across our province, but some of the best ones are located east and northeast of Edmonton.

The classic giants of the prairies road trip from Edmonton can be done in a single, long day. The route goes something like this: Giant Sausage in Mundare, Giant Easter Egg in Vegreville, UFO landing pad in St. Paul, Giant Pyrogy in Glendon, Giant Mushroom in Vilna, Giant Pumpkins in Smoky Lake, Mallard Duck in Andrew, Giant Oil Derrick in Redwater, and back to Edmonton.

Heads up that there is a whole lot of driving through farmland to be done between the giants, so bring good music, snacks, and/or a friend to chat with.

For more details about the route, including a map, see my guide to the Giants of the Alberta Prairies . Besides this route, the article includes four more road trip itineraries for visiting more giants in other parts of the province. You could even combine them all into one giant (pun intended) week-long road trip!

10. Edmonton to Saskatchewan Road Trip (2 weeks)

This is an Edmonton road trip that I have yet to do, but I’m planning it for next summer. It involves driving directly east of Edmonton to Lloydminster on the border with Saskatchewan. Lloyd has the tallest border markers in the world and a cool museum.

From there, I plan to visit Fort Battleford National Historic Site en route to Saskatoon, where I’ll stay for a few days to explore the city. An optional side trip from Saskatoon would be up to Prince Albert National Park .

Next, I’ll head over to Little Manitou Lake , Saskatchewan’s version of the Dead Sea, before traveling south to Moose Jaw to see giant Mac the Moose, check out the tunnels under the city, and soak in thermal waters at Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa (see on Booking / TripAdvisor / Agoda ).

From here, you could head to Regina for a few days, but I plan to bypass it and head further south to spend a few days camping in Grasslands National Park and a few more in the Saskatchewan side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. And we can’t miss the T-Rex Discovery Center in Eastend, which houses the world’s largest T-Rex skeleton!

From there, I’ll return to Edmonton on one of several routes, which could involve stops in Medicine Hat, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and/or Drumheller along the way.

Well, that sums up my recommended best road trips from Edmonton. I hope you find some good ideas for planning your next road trip out of Edmonton. Let me know how it goes!

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1 thought on “10 Fun Multi-Day Road Trips from Edmonton, Alberta”

Think we will try a few of the routes to the North. Thanks for the information, helped us decide what we wanted to see.

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The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

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Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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14 Day Trips From Edmonton That You Didn’t Know Existed + themed itineraries

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: June 17, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

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You don’t need to use up your vacation days to find some of the best fun-filled spots in Alberta.

There are a ton of hidden gems and unique places to visit near Edmonton that are less than two hours from the city, which make for some budget-friendly travel ideas.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a couple’s getaway (maybe with your dog, too) or something fun to do with your besties for the day, escape the city and check out some of these ideas for day trips from Edmonton.

If you’re bored of the ‘Alberta’s Largest’ roadside attractions road trips, this list provides a new set of ideas for you to check out.

Take a peak and then visit my list of 40 of Alberta’s hidden gems and most unique things to do.

From waterfalls to breweries to historic towns to rural gems and outdoor adventures, take a mini road trip and choose your own adventure with these unique getaways from Edmonton.

If you can’t go very far from the city this summer, any of these trips would make for the perfect cheap vacation from Edmonton!

I’ve tested all of these day trips and certify that they’re unique, adventurous and showcase some of the best of Alberta!

And scroll to the end to catch the full YouTube video !

This post contains some affiliate links, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. I only share information about places, products and services I know, love and trust.

14 Best Day Trips From Edmonton

1. waterfalls, breweries and distilleries.

Head west on Highway 43 for some different scenery other than the usual Highway 16.

Stop in Alberta Beach for some coffee, lunch or antique shopping, or a picnic by the water.

Continue on Highway 43 to Whitecourt and follow the signs for Hard Luck Canyon . It’s an easy 5-minute hike and then some stairs which take you down into the canyon bed and waterfall.

It’s a gorgeous spot to play in the water on a hot summer day.

Then, head south on Highway 32 for one of the nicest drives around Edmonton. This road is almost a copycat of the scenic David Thompson Highway (but with no cars).

Stop in at the Apex Predator Brewery just north of Edson.

It’s tucked away in the woodlands, but makes for a delightful patio experience (and you can bring your dog to this one).

For more bevvies, head over to Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery (only 15 minutes away) for some craft cocktails.

Make a weekend out of it and stay in a tiny house cabin in the middle of the woods nearby. This cabin is located in your own private, forested oasis. It’s close to some amazing trails, is dog-friendly and the perfect spot for a secluded, quiet weekend.

If you’re headed to Jasper , stopping at the waterfalls or the Apex brewery is a great way to break up the drive.

2. Babas, Bison and Big Burgers (or Caesars)!

This road trip from Edmonton takes you east of the city.

Take the Yellowhead Highway to the quaint town of Mundare, Alberta.

Along their adorably scenic main street you’ll find Baba’s Bistro. Stop in for authentic Ukrainian food – try homemade Borsch and a plate of perogies, sausage and cabbage rolls (it’s all made super fresh).

If you’re not that hungry, not to worry. Have a slice of pie or gigantic cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee.

Local art adorns each wall and antique furniture finishes off the charm of this bistro.

Down the street, you’ve got to stop by the world’s biggest sausage!

Then make your way to the town of Lamont and go hunting for treasures at the Elk Island Thrift Store.

Just south of Lamont is the north entrance to Elk Island National Park. Go for a scenic cruise and see if you can spot some bison!

The bison roam wild throughout the park, and sometimes they’ll come right up to your car!

If you need to work off some lunch, there are a variety of hiking and walking trails throughout the park.

When you’re ready for a big meal to finish the day, it’s time to head to the Unwind Bar & Grill in Andrew, Alberta – home of the revved up drinks!

Order the Caesars that comes with a burger, poutine, mac ‘n cheese bites and fried pickles ON TOP of the burger!

I order the one that comes with a bit of everything – dry ribs, cactus cut potatoes, jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, onion rings and who knows what else was on there!

The staff and locals are super friendly, and if you find yourself wanting to do this day trip on a Sunday, make Andrew your first stop. They serve a breakfast buffet and bottomless mimosas for $15!

3. Botanical Garden Tour

How about a road trip to stroll through gorgeous flower gardens?

Stop by the St. Albert Botanic Park , and wander through the adorable cottage gardens for some of the most picture perfect photography spots near Edmonton.

Then, continue west along Highway 43 for another 45 minutes until you reach the George Pegg Botanic Gardens, a spectacular peaceful spot in rural Alberta.

There are a couple historic farmhouses, flower gardens, interpretive signage and a tranquil boardwalk through the trees.

Round out your floral day trip from Edmonton with a visit to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, just north of Devon.

And if you time it right, you can visit on an evening where you can reserve a picnic in the garden during evening twilight hours.

Be sure to book in advance because this is popular!

4. Wine Spa & Unique Goodies in Red Deer

This one is perfect for a girls getaway or even a fun way to celebrate a low-key bachelorette party.

Make reservations at the Solorzano Spa, Café and Wine Bar . This day spa is located within a cozy historic home built in 1906 and has kept all of its vintage charm.

Upon entering, you’re swept away to a Victorian past, among the original brick and woodwork and collection of vintage decor and antiques.

I recommend booking a vino therapy treatment! Try something like the vino pedicure.

Enjoy 90 minutes of heaven while your feet soak in a tub of merlot and includes a special cabernet scrub and a Grenache spray.

After your treatments, enjoy light snack and a glass of wine in the tea room or on the garden patio.

Then head to Sweet Capone’s for a sweet treat – the best Italian cannoli!

Not only are these pastries to die for (there’s usually dozens of flavours to choose from), the inside of the cafe is eclectic and adorable.

If you want to get outdoors in between the spa and Sweet Capone’s (or afterwards), Red Deer has an abundance of parks and trails to explore.

Visit the Bower Ponds and enjoy the scenic trails, have a picnic with your goodies from the bakery or even rent a paddle boat and get out on the water.

Make this a weekend trip from Edmonton by booking this gorgeous newly renovated home in the heart of the city, close to trails and parks.

5. Trains, T-Rexes and Treats (best for kid-friendly)

This unique day trip north of Edmonton includes trains, dinosaurs and an adventure farm.

On this adventure, you’ll find some of the best kid-friendly places to visit near Edmonton.

Start your day with a stop at the Alberta Railway Museu m where you can witness one of the only few remaining steam locomotives in Canada that still operates.

Continue your road trip by heading north to the Jurassic Forest .

Here, you can explore 40 acres of trails that pass by life size animatronic dinosaurs in the bushes.

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours here! You can also bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic onsite.

There’s also dinosaur themed mini golf, a playground and a sandbox where kids can dig for dino bones and fossils.

If you have time, the Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm where they have a u-pick, petting zoo animals and fun outdoor farm games for the little kids.

This place is extra special in the fall though, with all the pumpkins and harvest colours and decor.

Or you can head into Fort Saskatchewan and go straight to Miller’s Ice Cream.

It’s located inside an old train station and at the start of a beautiful municipal park where you can stroll around and enjoy the sunshine.

Read Next: Why Agritourism Should Be Part of Your Next Weekend Getaway in Alberta

6. Central Alberta Craft Breweries

For the bigger kids, one of my favorite day trips from Edmonton with a dog is to visit some rural Alberta breweries and their patios!

Of course, you can still visit without your furry friend, but these ones are dog friendly.

Head south to Rimbey (about 1.5 hours) to visit Hawk Tail Brewery. The views from the patio are picturesque as you overlook the farmer fields across the highway.

Travel tip – the last couple weeks of July is when the canola fields pop their gorgeous golden colour.

Then head to Sylvan Lake to visit Snake Lake Brewery. It’s not located on the lakeshore, but the patio is big and the beers are crushable!

From here, you can head into Red Deer and start to make your way back north. We loved Sawback Brewing and Troubled Monk.

Make one more stop in Lacombe at Blindman Brewing which always has a ton of unique beers on tap, and they’ve got a great big patio area complete with couches.

Make this into a weekend trip from Edmonton and spend some time at Gull Lake.

It’s got a massive beach and is perfect for swimming or catching some rays.

You can book this cozy guest house for the perfect weekend getaway from Edmonton.

Not into beer? Follow this wine & wellness road trip from Edmonton (itinerary here)

7. Historic Lacombe and Rural Attractions

Lacombe is less than 1.5 hours from Edmonton, and has one of the most picturesque historic downtowns in the province.

Most notably is the flatiron building which is the oldest in Alberta and now home to the visitor centre.

Go boutique shopping, take a walking tour of all the murals and be sure to end your day with dinner at Cilantro and Chive .

P.S. don’t miss the Sweet Capone’s Bakery for their famous cannoli or another sweet treat.

If you want to spend a whole day in the area, spend some time at the rural attractions nearby.

Ellis Bird Farm deserves a visit, where you can stroll through the trails, butterfly gardens and ponds, admire the large collection of bird houses and enjoy a coffee or snack at the tea house.

For a little more adventure-paced, head to Kraay Family Farm for a corn maze, mini golf, farm animals, tractor train rides, a mini zipline and over 30 more activities for the kids.

Tip – take a look at these other ideas in this local guidebook titled Best Day Trips from Edmonton .

8. Hiking and History East of Edmonton

For a couple places that aren’t too far from Edmonton but feel like a world away, head east for about 45 minutes.

Start at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village , an outdoor living museum that tells the important history of the Ukrainian settlers to this area from the late 1800s to the 1930s.

All the buildings in this establishment are real houses, businesses and churches that were donated and moved to the museum to be restored for visitors to enjoy.

Fuel up with some Ukrainian food at the restaurant and then work it off with a hike at Elk Island National Park, only a few minutes away.

If you visit at dusk you’ll have a better chance to see bison and other wildlife! And if it’s going to be a clear night, stay for the star gazing.

Read More About 8 Scenic Hikes Near Edmonton

9. The Village at Pigeon Lake

Only an hour south of Edmonton is a cute tourist destination known as the Village at Pigeon Lake.

All the buildings remind you of cape cod style architecture and the community has a cute little park in the middle of the shops.

There’s a great antique store, a couple of boutique shops, great ice cream and a couple restaurants.

The lake is 5 minutes away if you want to check out the beach, have a picnic by the water and then go play mini golf at Blackstone.

You could even stay overnight at the Village Creek Country Inn , which made the list for the top romantic getaways in Alberta .

10. The Dreamcatcher Association

Spend a morning or afternoon outside at the ranch feeding horses, donkeys, goats and chickens.

This organization’s main mandate is providing nature-assisted therapy, but they’ve recently added public programming called Time on the Land for those that just need to get out of the house and spend some time with the animals.

The ranch is located near Ardrossan, about 30 minutes east of Edmonton.

If you want to continue your day outside, a little further east is the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Outdoor Recreation Area with lots of hiking trails.

11. Wine Tastings and Historic Camrose

Make your way east for some wine tasting, historic main streets and sweets.

Your first stop is at Barr Estate Winery, just off of Highway 14, only 20 minutes from the city.

This rustic-chic farm is a picturesque setting for a fruit winery. Stop in for a tour and tasting, where you’ll sample both whites and reds made from rhubarb and raspberries.

Continue east of Edmonton toward New Sarepta, home to Alberta’s newest mead winery – Old Station Honey and Mead .

Tastings are conducted in an old renovated fire hall – you’ll love the story of how this winery came about.

Once you’re ready for some more country scenery, make your way to the historic community of Camrose.

Downtown Camrose has one of the best main streets in all of Alberta.

Enjoy some boutique shopping or stop in at one of the many bakeries for some sugary sustenance. The Sweeterie is my favorite.

If you prefer to stroll through some parks, Mirror Lake is stunning in the summer time, where you can watch Trumpeter Swans glide through the water.

If it’s hot out, the local ice cream shack at Mirror Lake is the best way to beat the heat.

And if you’re able to stay in town for dinner, Hart House offers a fine dining experience among a casual gastropub vibe, inside a heritage home!

Try the locally sourced menu items like buffalo or walleye – but the wine selection and charcuterie boards are always a hit.

12. Country Delights and Flower Farms

On this day trip you’ll discover donuts, antique shopping, a flower farm and maybe more wine or a brewery!

Start this one early! Head southwest to the hamlet of Calmar, and go straight to the Calmar Bakery.

They sell out early so you don’t want to miss out. Just read the reviews – many of them say they’re the best in Canada!

If you like antique shopping, you’ll love strolling through treasures to be found across the street at the aptly named, Yesterday’s Treasures.

Not far from here, you can visit Bio-Way Gardens, which has a mini-farmer’s market and a tea house on site!

Continue onwards to Sunnybrook to visit a flower farm – Farm Fresh Florals, where you can u-pick your own flower bouquet!

Don’t miss shopping at the Silo Farm Store (onsite at the flower farm), which has locally made goods and vintage and antique home decor.

If you’re feeling thirsty or peckish on your way back to Edmonton, make a stop in the Village of Pigeon Lake at Familia Brewing, just opened in 2022.

13. A Vintage Adventure

This trip takes you south through a small town to the Reynolds Alberta Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of agricultural, industrial, mechanical and aviation artifacts and technologies of the past.

Make your way south to Highway 2A to the town of Millet. Stop in at the Old Bank Café, located in – you guessed it – an old bank building!

This cafe, bakery and bistro has kept the vintage charm of its early years and now serves the perfect cup of coffee, breakfast plates and light lunches.

If you’re a fan of fancy breakfasts, try the brioche French toast stuffed with cheesecake filling!

Then only 15 minutes down Highway 2A, you’ll arrive at the Reynolds Alberta Museum.

If you’ve never been here before, or if it’s been years since your last visit, you’ll be so impressed by the every growing collection of restored vintage cars and farm equipment that was used all over Alberta.

The aviation portion of the museum has plenty of activities for kids, and you can even take part in a behind the scenes ‘white glove’ warehouse tour.

There are often events happening all summer long, so check the website for more info!

14. Country Cafes and Confections: Rural Foodie Tour

Start off at Cherry Lane Café (also a bed & breakfast). This quaint country setting is aptly named and looks like you’re entering a scene from the Notebook.

Dine in the vintage-inspired café, where you can choose from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

I had to try the Albertan – layered brisket, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella and caramelized onions – I’m still dreaming about this 2 weeks later

And make sure you save room for the decadent salted caramel, 4-layer chocolate cake.

Our next stop was Stettler – known as the heart of Alberta. I’m a sucker for small town mainstreets, and Stettler fits the bill.

Our main mission though was to pay a visit to Bloke’s Bakery , a Stettler staple.

Here we found classic donuts – you won’t find crumbled potato chips or unicorn parts on top of these to mask the bland dough.

Just the opposite – soft, fresh, gooey and just sweet enough – one might say the perfect donut. If you can’t bring yourself to buy half a dozen, the cream johns are their signature treat. 

We continued south on Highway 56, passing through Big Valley , a charming village with an aesthetic grain elevator and little blue church on the hilltop.

A great place for photography, picnic and a road trip pit stop.

The Jimmy Jock Boardwalk is perfectly quirky and offers fudge, pie and ice cream if you haven’t had enough sugar yet. 

Finally, after descending into the Alberta badlands landscape, we arrive at DNA Gardens which has everything you could want in a country getaway – a farm store, café, trail walks, greenhouses, the friendliest and most hospitable staff and a winery!

We’re not ones to shy from a beverage or two, so we were delighted to partake in a wine tasting.

Alberta has a budding wine industry, and the fruit wine grown here, from the onsite Delidais Estate Winery is an exceptional showcase of our province’s bountiful produce.

We sampled 8 wines, ranging from cherry, rhubarb, black currant and Saskatoon berries.

Unexpectedly, this fruit wine was dry and crisp, on par with something you’d find along the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley. We left with too many bottles to mention.

This is a full day trip or you could make a weekend out of it! Stay overnight at Cherry Lane B&B, or the Phoenix House B&B , a lovely heritage home in Stettler. 

Here’s a YouTube video of us exploring the best day trips from Edmonton!

I hope you enjoy your time discovering more of Alberta – don’t forget to pack your road trip essentials for a smooth ride.

If you liked these ideas, be sure to subscribe to be notified for new posts. Stay tuned – I’ll be updating this list with more ideas as I travel around Alberta!

Looking for More Alberta Ideas? You Might Like These Posts:

• 8 Warmest Lakes in Alberta for Swimming (no leeches or swimmer’s itch)
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• 35 Unique Things to Do in Alberta (+hidden gems and secret spots)
• 6 Iconic and Unique Alberta Road Trips
• 23 Best Things to do in and Around Drumheller
• 27 Things to Do in Alberta That Are Bucket List Worthy

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

How could I not start an article about Canada’s best road trips without first mentioning the Icefields Parkway, which has often been ranked as one of the best road trips in the entire world? Stretching 232 kilometres through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, this highway invites you into a journey of mind-blowing scenery, including mighty mountains, waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and rivers, and glaciers too. While the drive from Banff to Jasper really only takes upwards of three-four hours, you’ll probably want to budget an entire day for all the stops you’ll be making to take photos, short hikes, or even full-on tours at the Columbia Glacier. Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls, just to name a few. For those coming from Calgary to Banff , you just continue towards Lake Louise and then head North on highway 93.

Best time to go: This Alberta road trip is best from June to September, although May works as well. October is also good if you don’t mind a higher chance of rain in exchange for much fewer tourists. From November until April, you should expect snow and ice. This is also a beautiful time to do the road trip, but you’ll need to be much better skilled at driving and expect delays. In addition, many things such as the Columbia Icefield tour are closed.

Bonus: Due to the popularity of this area, it’s also a great place for delicious food. There are so many restaurants in the area and we’ve made some extensive guides, such as our guide to the best Banff restaurants and the best Canmore restaurants .

Cowboy Trail, Alberta

If you’re looking for some prairie and mountainous “wild west” scenery, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail is the road trip for you. Primarily located just south of Calgary, you could start your experience in the province’s biggest city, taking time to explore the many things to do in Calgary such as the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park, Studio Bell, or the new central library. If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth. You could even stop by the Alberta Boot Company and grab yourself some authentic Cowboy boots or other Western-style clothing.

While the actual “Cowboy Trail” refers to Highway 22, which travels all the way from the Edmonton area down into the USA, our favourite part starts around Bragg Creek and takes you down past Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River, Longview, and down towards Pincher Creek. You’ll pass a lot of stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as well as a number of Western-style towns before winding up in the Rocky Mountains such as the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. If you’re not wanting to continue into the USA, you could return to Calgary via Highway 2, stopping to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump .

Best time to go: This is one of the best road trips from Calgary and is best done between May and October.

Banff to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway

While the Trans-Canada Highway can take you across the entire country, the most beautiful part, in our opinion, is from Calgary to Vancouver . After just an hour or so, you’ll arrive in Banff with nothing but gorgeous scenery for the remainder of the drive. This 900-kilometre slice of the Trans-Canada takes you through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and finally into Vancouver, which is nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. While this drive can be done in one very long 12-hour day, you’ll obviously want to take as long as possible to make use of the incredible national parks you’ll be driving through. There are also a number of side trips you could take, such as highway 93 down into Radium Hot Springs, and Highway 97, which will take you down to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour Offer .

Best time to go: This largely depends on what you aim to do. The safest time to go is during the warmer months when the highways are clear. However, if you’re into skiing, this is one of the best places in the world to shred powder, which is typically best between January and March.

For more tips on what to bring on a road trip, check out our Road Trip Essentials article.

Road Trip around the Okanagan Valley, BC

While the Okanagan Valley isn’t really known as a specific “road trip”, it is home to one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, a gastronomic hot spot, and beautiful Lake Okanagan. There are all sorts of beautiful towns to visit, such as Kelowna , Penticton, and Vernon. There are all sorts of award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and sandy beaches as well. This also happens to be one of Canada’s warmest regions, which can hit 40 degrees Celcius in the summer months.

Best time to go:  June to September for the warmest temperatures. April, May, and October are also great and a bit cooler.

Sea to Sky Highway, BC

This is the shortest road trip mentioned in this article but a great one to take if you’re in the Vancouver area. The Sea to Sky Highway links Vancouver to Whistler, which are less than two hours apart, making this one of the most popular road trips from Vancouver. Driving along the coast, this is a great place to see the beautiful west coast. Popular stops include Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, Shannon Falls, and the Britannia Mine Museum. There’s also the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which provides unforgettable views and a suspension bridge and of course, Squamish and Whistler, which provide all sorts of adventurous activities. In addition, don’t forget to experience Vancouver whale watching while in the city as well as all the other fun things to do in Vancouver .

Tour Idea: Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip Tour .

Best time to go:  July to September is Vancouver’s dry season, but if the rain doesn’t bother you, almost any time of year is good. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, January to March is best.

Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and is home to some of the best things to do in British Columbia . Not only does it have one of the mildest climates in the country, but it’s also home to a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, rugged coastlines, and scenic towns and cities, making it a great place for a BC road trip. It’s also home to beautiful gardens, epic hikes, surfing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours. Two of the most popular places to visit include Victoria and Tofino, which are on opposite sides of the island. While driving between the two, don’t forget to stop at Cathedral Grove to marvel at the massive trees as well as the many other parks and towns along the way. Finish the trip with one of Tofino’s stunning sunsets.

Best time to go: a West Coast road trip is best between March to May and September to November. Summer is great too but is very busy and expensive.

Before you go, check out our article about things to do in Victoria BC .

Dempster Highway, Yukon

As Canada’s only all-weather road that goes past the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway has become one of the most unique road trips in Canada. However, this is not your average highway. The Dempster Highway is a 700-kilometre extremely isolated dirt road with only one service station (they also offer accommodation and a restaurant) option along the way in Eagle Plains. This road trip takes a little more preparation than the others and will be much harder on your vehicle than any other road trip mentioned in this article. However, for those who choose this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible arctic scenery and the chance to drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

Best time to go: The best time to go would be in the warmer months between May and early October. The road is open year-round but the driving becomes much more dangerous in the winter. Spring will bring a lot of bugs, summer will bring a lot of tourists, and the fall has no bugs and beautiful fall foliage (hint: our favourite time is the fall). However, if you time your arrival in Inuvik for mid-July, you might be able to experience the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

Looking for one of the best road trips from Toronto? With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay from Toronto and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s largest freshwater beach.

In addition, you could also extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, which is comprised of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River. Basically, it goes from Toronto to Amherstburg, which makes this one of the most popular road trips from Toronto. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls Canada .

Best time to go: Summer is great but also busy. Shoulder season in late August to mid-September or in the spring from May to June is also great. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Ontario .

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Ontario

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and just stay on the Canadian side. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive and a really cool place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It’s home to some incredible scenery as well as some interesting history from the war between Canada and the USA. In fact, you can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. This is one of those places where you should plan to spend at least a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

Best time to go: The warmer months from May to October. July and August will be the busiest. Before going, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many awesome things to do in Toronto !

Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

For those wanting to experience a world-class city like Montreal, followed by a scenic road trip, the Gaspe Peninsula is the one for you. This 9-hour trip takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City, and up to the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its pine forests and looming cliffs, the Gaspé Peninsula is a stunning place to visit. Some of the highlights include visiting the pierced rock in Percé, spending some time at the Parc de la Gaspésie, and taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island. Obviously, the cities of Quebec and Montreal aren’t so shabby either. This is a great road trip for those wanting to mix urban and rural fun.

Best time to go:  June to mid-September. Want more? Here are other things to do in Quebec as well as the top things to do in Montreal .

Prince Edward Island Coastal Drives

With so many beautiful coastal drives, the hardest thing might be picking the right one. Then again, you could always do all three. The tourism board has three road trips they recommend, which include the North Coast Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive. The North Coast will introduce you to its Mi’kmaq culture as well as some unique stops, including a potato museum and a college for the Highland arts. The Central Coastal Drive includes the Red Sands Shore and the Green Gables Shore region. This area is great to experience the beautiful red sand that PEI is famous for as well as the historical landmark of Anne of Green Gables. Lastly, there’s the Points East Coastal Drive, which is characterized by its parks, trails, and lighthouses. Either way, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning coastal views and delicious seafood along the way.

Best time to go:  The Eastern Canada road trip is best in the warmer months, as many attractions close in the winter. Want more ideas? Here are other things to do in Prince Edward Island .

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

For those visiting the East Coast, don’t miss a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia . Cradling the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail has become one of the most famous road trips in Canada and the most famous East Coast Canada road trip. At 300 kilometres in length, most of which hug the coastline, this road trip is perfect for those who love the ocean and incredible views. Traversing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are all sorts of places to stop off and go for a hike as well. One of the most popular hikes is the Skyline Trail, which takes you up to the peak of the highlands for jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some small communities of Celtic and Acadian descent, which are also home to many artisans. This is another road trip that only takes 3-4 hours to complete but is better done over one day or more.

Tour Idea: Click here to learn about a low-cost Smartphone Audio Driving Tour .

Best time to go: June to September is best for good weather but October is great to see the fall foliage.

Spending more time in Nova Scotia? Don’t forget to enjoy some of the best things to do in Halifax !

The Viking Trail and Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Known to locals as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is one of the most unique and beautiful provinces in Canada. It has its lively music, food, culture, and a really friendly laid-back charm. It’s also a great place for a Canada road trip thanks to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. In fact, there are many great road trips in Newfoundland but this one stands out as the best. If you’re looking for incredible scenery, wildlife, adventure, and ancient history, there’s no better place to go. It all starts with Gros Morne National Park, which is home to landlocked fjords, mountains, forests, barren cliffs, and the sea. It’s also home to the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. There’s also loads of wildlife, including moose and caribou. Then there’s the Viking Trail , which takes you from Gros Morne National Park up to St. Anthony’s. This is the tip of Newfoundland and home to the thousand-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Both Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Best time to go: June to early October is the best time for good weather. It’s also the only time L’Anse aux Meadows is open. For more, check out our article on the best things to do in Newfoundland

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver, Banff National Park , the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fundy National Park, and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. In fact, there are far too many highlights to include here. Just make sure you have a lot of time. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. Personally, I’d want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going North to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Best time to go:  April to October for optimal weather coast to coast. However, some parts of Canada still get snowstorms up until May.

We hope this list has inspired you to take a Canada road trip somewhere in this country, if not all the way across.

If you’re exploring Canada, we have many other articles you might enjoy as well, including:

• Things to Do in Drumheller
• Things to Do in Jasper
• Whale Watching Canada
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Camping in Alberta

Happy Travels!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

Traveling by car can get you places which can be very difficult to reach by public transport or tour. It gives you the convenience of going your own way, in your own time, and it can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or a group. Many car rental services are giving comfortable rides at affordable rates Here, some top road trip ideas to inspire you : 1) The Trans-Canada Highway 2) Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia 3) Icefields Parkway, Alberta 4) Country Routes, Quebec 5) The Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories 6) Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

I mentioned above places are when I visited last time in Canada by ReRyde ride share service. It is easy for me to travel all the places at affordable rates within the scheduled hours. I enjoyed my trip happily by seamless ride To get more information: https://www.reryde.com/

June 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

I am especially interested in the Dempster Highway drive. Could you send me a guide please?

Mike Richins 325-660-8904

5058 Oaklawn Drive Abilene, Texas 79606

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We don’t have any guides to sell. We might create a digital one, but it wouldn’t be ready anytime soon.

June 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

I’m looking for some good road trips as I’m RVing from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver Island in September and taking a month to do it.

June 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Oh awesome, that sounds like a great trip. So much to see along the way. Riding Mountain NP, Grasslands NP in Sask, Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, etc 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 6:37 pm

My wife and I are planning to drive from Surrey BC to London Ontario. Leaving October 9th, or 10th 2020. wish me luck. we are hoping for good weather.

September 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Very cool! That’s a big drive! Just going for fun?

January 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

There is the Northern Woods and Water Highway road trip that is the furthest North people can travel east west in Canada. See the website http://www.NWWR.ca As an Association we promote a different view of the prairies. It can be connected with the TransCanada or Yellowhead for a circle tour of Western Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver and return. Get on anywhere and experience woods, water and wildlife.

February 1, 2021 at 3:56 pm

Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Are you like a Tourism Board for the area? We’d love to feature this one day on the channel

April 28, 2021 at 5:12 pm

just got some new wheels so anxious to hit the road….when we can once again do that! thanks for the great ideas!

April 3, 2023 at 9:01 pm

Do you have suggestions for renting a car that would allow you to rent the car on the west coast and leave it on the east coast?

April 4, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Not really. Some do allow that though for a fee. Sometimes you can book it this way through a site like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, etc.

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6 AMAZING Road Trips East of Edmonton (for 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on February 26, 2024

The summer of 2024 is the perfect time to embark on an exciting road trip adventure east of Edmonton and discover a trail of northern and central Albertan highlights. From impressively vast landscapes to quirky roadside attractions , this journey promises an exciting blend of fun, learning, and natural beauty for the whole family.

With so much to choose from regarding activities, where to eat, outdoor fun, family recreation, shopping options, festivals to plan for, and where to stay if you’re making a multi-day trip — you might need a little help mapping out the logistics. This online travel guide will help you create the ultimate road trip east of Edmonton.

The Go East of Edmonton Travel Guide makes trip-planning a breeze, complete with an easy-to-navigate colour-coded map, events guides, dining and shopping recommendations, recreational activity ideas, camping and lodging information, and more. Conveniently broken down into six parts, the guide maps out road trips out of Edmonton by region, with various things to discover.

As you venture eastward, prepare to be stunned by the vistas of rolling prairies framed by picturesque fields and vibrant wildflowers that stretch as far as the eye can see. The open road beckons, inviting you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Alberta’s countryside!

There is something for everyone on a journey east of Edmonton — whether you’re up for a summer carnival or just want to find a good spot to relax in nature. Or, maybe it’s just about getting a shot of the World’s Largest Pyrogy for the ‘gram (which is a totally legit reason to take the trip).

The drive and destinations alone are worth the trip, but why not make some more fun out of it with the Roadtrip Adventure Game? You’ll have a chance to explore new places and make fun memories with the family while competing for over $6000 worth of goodies from local businesses. You can win fuel, food, merchandise, golf and attraction passes, camping and accommodations, cash, and more.

Journey through the picturesque landscapes east of Edmonton and enjoy charming small towns with delightful local shops and eateries to vibrant festivals celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. Capture the essence of your road trip with stops at local farmers’ markets, where you can savour farm-fresh produce and support local artisans.

Depending on your interests and what you’d like to see along the way, you have options…

6 Road Trips East of Edmonton

Teal hwy 2-55: bon accord to lac la biche.

Go north of Edmonton, where the Francophone culture abounds in Legal and Plamondon. Enjoy the beautiful river valley adventures in the Athabasca region and lakes throughout the Lac La Biche area surrounded by pristine parks, beaches and trails.

Discover Gibbons, a delightful little town perched on the scenic Sturgeon River. From Mile 26 Park, the starting point of the historic Athabasca Landing Trail, to the intriguing Oliver Park with the Gibbons Historic Museum, this town is steeped in history.

Enjoy annual events like Pioneer Days and the Community Garage Sale, and take advantage of fantastic facilities, including the skateboard park and spray park. Just north of town, find adventure at the thrilling Jurassic Forest Park and Goose Hummock Golf Resort. Gibbons perfectly blends heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities for unforgettable family fun.

The town of Legal is committed to preserving its French culture, which dates back to 1894, when settlers from France and then Quebec came to the area. Legal is also known as the French Mural Capital of the World per capita!

There are over 35 murals proudly displayed around Legal, welcoming visitors to this bilingual community. Additionally, you can browse the shops on Main Street, enjoy the local cuisine, or drop a fishing line in the stocked trout pond. Legal prides itself on being a safe, active, and bilingual community.

Lac La Biche

Experience the natural wonders of Lac La Biche, surrounded by sandy beaches, lush boreal forests, and picturesque lakes. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with over 100 lakes and 1,000 campsites. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and boating right in Lac La Biche or explore Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, Alberta’s only island provincial park, with its appealing trails and campsite areas. Check out the annual Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days in July and the exciting Lakeland Country Fair & Rodeo in August!

Other worthy stops on this route:

• Athabasca Region

Orange Hwy 28: Waskatenau to Cold Lake

This route will take you northeast of Edmonton from the Smoky Lake region to St Paul, Lac La Biche regions and east to Bonnyville and Cold Lake.

This picturesque town and area offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, camping and hiking. Known as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta, Smoky Lake hosts the annual Great White North Pumpkin Weigh-off & Fair, a delightful event held every October. Experience the awe of giant pumpkins, explore the vibrant Farmers’ Market and Art Show, and engage in fun kids’ activities.

Smoky Lake Region is also a gateway to Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail, providing endless adventure for hikers, bikers, ATV enthusiasts, and horseback riders throughout the year. Don’t forget Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination: Métis Crossing. Created as a place for Métis people to share Métis stories, they welcome everyone to join them for family-fun and cultural learning.

MD of Bonnyville

Have you ever wondered what standing underneath a 25-foot-tall Pyrogy would be like? Luckily you can experience it in Glendon! Visit Pyrogy Park for a family picnic and capture unforgettable moments. Enjoy modern playgrounds, including a fun zip line, and don’t miss the famous Glendon Pyrogy Festival.

The MD of Bonnyville is famous for its lakeside campgrounds, and be sure to check out the new Kinosoo Ridge Aerial Adventure Park for a one-of-a-kind experience in the region.

Cold Lake is a captivating city surrounded by natural beauty, offering a year-round playground for adventurers. With clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and lush forests, it’s a paradise for water enthusiasts, beachgoers, fishermen, and outdoor lovers. Experience the thrill of the 1/2 km long Beaver River Trestle on the Iron Horse Trail, and discover endless camping opportunities.

The Energy Centre hosts exciting events, from sports to concerts, while Casino Dene provides gaming, dining, and relaxation. Cold Lake is where nature meets adventure, creating unforgettable experiences for all.

Blue Hwy 15-45: Fort Saskatchewan to Marwayne

This route will take you through the city of Fort Saskatchewan, Lamont County, as well as many towns and villages, including Bruderheim, Andrew, Two Hills and more.

Fort Saskatchewan

Discover Fort Saskatchewan, nestled in Alberta’s Heartland, offering a delightful fusion of urban amenities, rich history, and small-town charm. Explore the Fort Heritage Precinct downtown, situated along the serene North Saskatchewan River.

Enjoy picnics at Turner or Legacy Park, relax at the Lions Campground, cool off at the Kin Family Spray Park, or fish at the Lion’s Fish Pond. With over 75 km of paved trails, it’s perfect for scenic walks, bike rides, or cross-country skiing. There’s even a skateboard park and local golf courses for added excitement.

Indulge in the quaint allure of Andrew, where a leisurely stroll down Ed Stelmach Avenue, named after Alberta’s 13th Premier and a local resident, invites you to soak up the small-town charm. Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with the iconic World’s Largest Mallard! Discover wildlife viewing areas, delve into history at the Andrew Museum, and join the lively Garlic Festival in October.

Don’t miss the Saturday Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and unique crafts. Andrew can provide history, nature, and community spirit in one delightful package.

Embrace the multicultural charm of Two Hills, a location that warmly welcomes diverse backgrounds. Discover the unique blend of European and Mexican influences in local dining and shopping, thanks to the Mennonite families who have made this town their home.

Pay tribute to the Ukrainian settlement with a visit to Pioneer Park, where a bronze statue honours the Dowhaniuk pioneers. The scenic and challenging Lions Golf & Country Club awaits golf enthusiasts, offering a meticulously designed links-style course with breathtaking surroundings.

Yellow Hwy 16: Sherwood Park to Lloydminster

The Highway 16 route takes you east of Edmonton from Sherwood Park, the newly established Beaver Hills Biosphere through Vegreville, Vermilion to Lloydminster at the Saskatchewan Border. Enjoy lots of awesome attractions and shops all along the way!

With a population of over 4,500, Vermilion offers cultural, recreational, and commercial attractions. Explore Vermilion Provincial Park for kayaking and outdoor adventures. This year-round park features hiking trails, a spray park, mini-golf, soccer fields, a trout pond, and playgrounds.

You can also step into the past at the Vermilion Heritage Museum, housed in a historic school with seven galleries and two display buildings. And finally, explore downtown Vermilion for a unique variety of must-see shops, including the Craigs Cornerstone shopping experience.

Vegreville has a rich history with many new shops and services which makes this growing community of over 5,700 residents a welcoming stop on any road trip! Be sure to visit the World’s Largest Pysanka, an amazing, giant Ukrainian Easter Egg that was built in 1974 to honour the RCMP. Interestingly, Borrow-A-Bike and Borrow-A-Boat Programs are available at the Visitor Information Centre, where you can take a bike or paddle boat for an hour, or for the day.

A must-see is the Pysanka Park area, where you can #pickupthepysanka (a social media photo challenge), or enjoy a lovely picnic and a game of mini-golf (coming soon). Don’t forget to make plans for the annual early July Pysanka Festival (celebrating 50 years this year)!

Strathcona County

Strathcona County, situated in the heart of Alberta’s energy and agricultural region, is a flourishing community with over 98,000 residents residing. This county encompasses Sherwood Park, a bustling urban centre with amazing shopping, Farmers’ Markets, local eateries and breweries, as well as a substantial neighbouring rural area of expansive parklands, productive farms, and charming hamlets.

Must-see stops include Elk Island National Park where you can watch bison roam wild, the trails at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, the Ukrainian Cultural Village, and the new Beaver Hills Biosphere.

• Paradise Valley
• Lloydminster

Red Hwy 14: Tofield to Wainwright

Take a journey along the Highway 14 route for exciting events throughout the year as well as some great markets, museums and much more.

Tofield, a thriving small town with a population nearing 2,100, offers a range of unique local businesses. With planned growth in residential and commercial sectors, the community is focused on the future. Start your visit at the Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre and Museum, conveniently located on the service road.

Discover helpful tourist information and explore the top-notch Tofield Museum. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of birdwatching at Beaverhill Lake, a federally recognized Bird Sanctuary in Canada.

Viking is a charming small town that makes for a great place to visit. The Town of Viking is known famously as the home of the Sutter brothers; six Sutter brothers played in the NHL at the same time, often as team captains.

Take a trip back in time to the Viking Museum. Stroll through the village of restored buildings dating back from 1905-1938, including a one-room schoolhouse, log store, church, farmhouse, and hospital.

Wainwright, the Buffalo Capital of Canada, showcases its pride with the largest Buffalo Statue. Stay active at the Peace Memorial Multiplex, offering ice surfaces, a running track, and a climbing wall. Immerse yourself in prairie history at the Wainwright Museum, located in a historic train station.

Visit the impressive Battle River Train Trestle. Discover the vibrant shops and boutiques in Historic Downtown Wainwright. Experience a lively town with city amenities but without the hustle and bustle.

Green Hwy 13: Hay Lakes to Hardisty

This route will take you directly through the beautiful city of Camrose and Camrose County, as well as many towns and villages, including Daysland, Sedgewick and Provost. Fill up the tank and get started on a leisurely tour of Highway 13 and don’t miss stopping in at some of the amazing destinations below!

Upon arrival, you’ll discover a lively and refined urban centre brimming with small-town charm. Historic structures are home to distinctive boutiques and specialty shops, offering a diverse range of products, including fashion for all ages, home decor, furniture, antiques, crafts, and exceptional dining experiences.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hop on the Mirror Lake Express Train Rides, a meticulously crafted 92-ft long train carriage that accommodates 24 passengers, created by a talented local resident of Camrose.

With the slogan “More Than You Can Imagine,” Hardisty embraces its stunning surroundings, offering abundant outdoor activities and year-round events. Don’t miss the Annual Hardisty Rodeo, featuring a street fair, parade, chariots, chuckwagons, and combine crunch.

The convenient Hardisty Lake campground and public beach in town welcome campers and day visitors throughout the summer. Its picturesque sandy beach evokes warm-climate vibes and is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Just 20 km south of town, you’ll find the scenic Battle River Valley, offering a distinctive natural environment and diverse recreational activities. Throughout its history, Forestburg has been shaped by coal mining, agriculture, and the railway, which continues to serve the region through the Battle River Railway.

The town takes great pride in their well-kept homes, beautiful yards, and friendly atmosphere. Forestburg has also been recognized as a former National Winner of the Communities in Bloom competition, showcasing its commitment to civic excellence.

Join the fun and get ready to win with this exciting “Go East of Edmonton” game! How to play:

1. sign up online.

Why signup? Well, for starters, you’ll be in the loop! Any changes or updates to the Game will be sent directly to you. Plus, some special promotions and surprises are planned exclusively for signed-up players. You’ll automatically be entered for over $1,000 in Bonus Prizes in 2023! Don’t miss out… sign up here .

2. Plan an epic road trip

Whether you choose to explore one or all of the regions, get ready for an adventure like no other! You and your family can use the Travel Guide or visit the East of Edmonton website for more inspiration. Check out the Game Map and decide: East, Northeast, or Southeast.

3. Get your game board

Download your game board from the website.

4. Collect stickers

Collect FREE fun Icon Stickers at the Sticker Stations located in 43 Communities. Don’t miss the Sticker Station pages for all the details. The Game starts on June 1 and ends on September 3, 2023.

5. Find your treasure

Remember, you must present your Game Board at the Sticker Stations to collect your awesome stickers. Each family can have up to 4 Game Boards, so you can download extra ones, just in case! At each station, be sure to scan the QR code so you can enter for even more bonus prizes and learn about deals and places to go in that area.

6. Upload your completed Game Board

Sticker Stations close on September 3, but don’t worry, you have until September 10, 2023, to upload your Game Boards and enter for the prizes. The game isn’t over until it’s over!

7. Don’t delay!

Be an early bird and submit your entries. Bonus Prizes will be drawn monthly from players who have already entered their Game Board. Check out the Wall of Fame to see who’s in the running and feast your eyes on some incredible photos from this year’s game.

A road trip east of Edmonton is not just a journey from one destination to another; it’s an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Alberta’s landscapes, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and create unforgettable family memories. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the wonders of the East unfold before you.

Adventure awaits east of Edmonton!

This post was produced by us, and sponsored by Go East of Edmonton .

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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Road Trip USA: 12 Most Famous Routes To Travel In America

• Famous routes in the USA offer adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic diners for road trip enthusiasts craving exploration.
• Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway are some of the most iconic road trips in the US, with breathtaking sights and delicious food stops.
• The Loneliest Road, the Alaska Highway, the Grand Circle, and the Oregon Trail provide unique and scenic routes through untouched wilderness, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes.

From East to West and North to South, the United States is lucky to have numerous scenic highways and iconic roadways that are beckoning to be explored and perfect for road trips. Whether searching for breathtaking desert mountain ranges or vast misty forests, adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic American diners await travelers on these routes. Here are some most famous routes in the USA to travel for those with wanderlust, a yearning for exploration, and the desire to visit some of the best destinations in the US by road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/15 08:44 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE

Two More Incredible Road Trips To An Already Outstanding List

America is truly a land of never-ending possibilities as far as epic road trips are concerned, and this list is richer by two more. From the East Coast to the Wild West, the United States of America is one of the best countries on Earth for a road trip. Drive safe!

Related: 10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Texas

Route 66: A Driving Adventure Along The Most Famous Road In The World

Over 2,400 miles across eight states, from Chicago, Illinois, to the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the United States and a classic choice for travelers hoping to soak in Americana culture. Spanning from Chicago to California, Route 66 covers eight states and takes drivers through many historic landmarks and quirky roadside attractions, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; and the Santa Monica Pier in California.

• Popular sights: Ozark Mountains in Missouri, the Painted Desert in Arizona, and the Pacific Coast in California
• Popular food stops: Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Illinois; the Ariston Café in Litchfield, Illinois; and the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas

Before traveling on the most famous road trip in the US, plan to add the best stops along Route 66 to visit on a road trip to the itinerary.

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Rocky Coastline, Striking Cliffs, And Unspoiled Beaches Make PCH One Of The Most Scenic Highways

650 miles on an epic west coast road trip from the north to the south of california..

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is probably the most famous route in America to drive and stretches more than 600 miles across the California coast. The Pacific Coast Highway offers lots to see on the way and is a must-drive route for anyone seeking gorgeous ocean views, sunny weather, and carefree California vibes.

From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, this route takes roadtrippers through some of California's most stunning and breathtaking sights.

• Popular sights: Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach
• Popular food stops: Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, Hog Island Oyster Company in Tomales Bay, and The French Laundry in Yountville

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway: 110 miles Across The Islands Of The Florida Keys

Scenic images of dolphins swimming, manatees floating in the waters, and endangered birds gliding through the brilliant blue sky..

The iconic drive along the Florida Keys Highway is perhaps one of the most beautiful road trips in the US in terms of tropical scenery and sea views. The route takes travelers from Miami to Key West with incredible ocean sights all along the way. This road also takes roadtrippers through friendly small towns filled with quirky beach bars and laid-back Florida charm.

Outdoor lovers can spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Florida's pristine waters or exploring some of the beautiful parks in the area, which include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and the Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key. The Florida Keys are known for their fresh seafood, and travelers with a sweet tooth must try the area's famous specialty: Key Lime Pie.

• Popular sights: Key West Lighthouse, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Indian Key Historic State Park
• Popular food stops: Hogfish Bar and Grill in Stock Island, the Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West, and the Fish House in Islamorada

Related: The History Of Route 66, And Why You Should Be Visiting Its Museums

The Blue Ridge Parkway: "America's Favorite Drive," Through The Appalachian Mountains

469 miles of breathtaking scenery through shenandoah national park and the great smoky mountains national park..

Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous road trips in the US, as it takes drivers through the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with beautiful stops , and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in the beautiful state parks found along the route, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The region is filled with plenty of wildlife, and nature lovers might stumble upon black bears, deer, and birds of prey native to the area.

• Popular sights: Shenandoah National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mabry Mill in Virginia, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina
• Popular food stops: The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia; the Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock

The Loneliest Road: Most Desolate, Yet Most Interesting

A road trip that touches colonial-era landscapes while passing through the wild west up to high-tech silicon valley..

The Loneliest Road is a perfect road trip route for lovers of the American Southwest and has become one of the most famous roads in America. This route belongs to the portion of U.S. Route 50 that runs through Nevada. The Loneliest Road got its name in 1986 when a travel magazine proclaimed there was absolutely nothing interesting along this route, conjuring up images of desolate landscapes and barren wastelands.

This route, however, is filled with captivating desert landscapes, historic ghost towns from Nevada's famed Gold Rush, and quirky roadside attractions.

• Popular sights: The Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin National Park, the Eureka Opera House, and the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
• Popular food stops: Middlegate Station in Fallon, Grandma's in Austin, and Racks Bar and Grill in Ely

The Alaska Highway: A Work In Progress For 75 Years

A magnificent road trip through the epic northern scenery, two-thirds of which lies in canada..

Running from British Columbia to Alaska, the Alaska Highway offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore some of North America's most untouched parts of wilderness. Nature lovers can marvel at epic mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, and vast forests filled with beautiful wildlife and flora.

Visitors can hike or camp in Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. The Alaska Highway also offers travelers one of the best places in the entire world to see the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights during the winter months.

• Popular sights: Mile 0 Cairn in Dawson Creek, the Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, and the Big Delta State Historical Park in Delta Junction
• Popular food stops: The Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer and Fast Eddy's in Tok

The best time of year to drive the Alaska Highway is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warmer, and there are plenty of daylight hours. Travelers who are determined to travel the route in winter can still make the drive as long as they take extra precautions to keep warm and safe.

The Grand Circle: Some Of The Most Stunning Scenery Imaginable

An epic journey through five states and nine national parks..

The Grand Circle loop takes drivers through some of the most iconic national parks in the American Southwest. Visitors will be able to see the stunning views of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. A popular place to start this loop is in Las Vegas, where visitors can rest and refresh after a long road trip spent hiking, camping, and exploring some of the most beautiful views in the US along the way.

• Popular sights: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Valley of Fire
• Popular food stops: The Rocking V Cafe in Kanab, Utah; Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah; and El Tovar Dining Room at Grand Canyon National Park

Related: Blue Ridge Parkway Vs. Skyline Drive: Which Is More Scenic?

Maine's Route 1: Over 500 Miles Of Pavement That Snakes Its Way Through New England

A perpetually evolving panorama of coastline, historic landmarks, and charming towns..

Route 1 takes travelers along Maine's rugged coastline, rustic seaside towns, and some of the best lobster shacks in the country. From Kittery to Fort Kent, this route features some of the most charming views of this New England state, including the Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, whale-watching tours, and some of the most famous lighthouses in America.

• Popular sights: Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and West Quoddy Head Light
• Popular food stops: Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, The Whale's Tale in Boothbay Harbor

The Great River Road: A National Scenic Byway And All-American Road Following The Mississippi For 3,000 miles

A collection of state and local roads that take the course of the mississippi river through 10 states of america..

The Great River Road is also among the most famous road trips US states have to offer; it follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana and features charming river towns, breathtaking views of the epic Mississippi River, and historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the American Civil War. This route is also one of the best road trips in the US for foodies, offering everything from Tennessee barbecue to New Orleans gumbo.

• Popular sights: Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; and the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana
• Popular food stops: The Frostop Drive-In in New Orleans, Louisiana; The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri; and Fitz's Root Beer in St. Louis, Missouri

Related: Here's What Roadtrippers Should Know About The Loneliest Road In America

The Oregon Trail: America's Historic Road Trip Where 400,000 Pioneers Traveled From 1840 To 1880 In Wagons

Nearly 2,000 miles through mountains, valleys, and wild prairie on the historic route of america's first settlers..

Exploring The Oregon Trail is one of the most famous roads in America; it's a road trip made for history buffs and adults who spend their childhoods playing the popular video game. This historic route follows the path of the 19th-century pioneers who settled in the West, offering a fascinating glimpse into America's frontier past. There are plenty of museums on the route that tell the story of westward expansion, such as the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon.

Tourists can even visit pioneer cemeteries scattered along the Oregon Trail that shed light on just how grueling this journey was. Some of these cemeteries include the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington, and the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Prairie City, Oregon.

• Popular sights: Independence Rock in Wyoming, Chimney Rock in Nebraska, and Fort Laramie in Wyoming
• Popular food stops: The Oregon Trail Restaurant in Baker City, Oregon, and Fort Laramie Bed and Breakfast Cafe in Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Mighty 5: A Ride Into The Heart Of America's Red Rock Country

Driving through 5 national parks of utah for the most epic adventure..

Known to many as "The Utah National Parks Road Trip" or "Mighty 5 Road Trip", this famous US route is often considered the best road trip in America and, by some, even the best in the world. Drive through Utah's national parks with canyons stretching as far as the eye can see, soaring sandstone cliffs, fire-colored rock hoodoos, and thousands of dramatic arches, like the famous formations in Arches National Park .

• Popular sights: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Parks
• Popular food stops: Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm in Boulder, Capitol Burger in Torrey, Arches Thai in Moab, I D K Barbecue in Tropic

Olympic Peninsula Loop: a 300 Mile-Long Odyssey Through Stunningly Gorgeous Landscape

Winding around the perimeter of olympic national park, passing rugged mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, lush green forests, and scenic beaches..

Although packed with famous US highways that are seemingly made for road trips, few Washington drives are as iconic as the Olympic Peninsula Loop. The Olympic Peninsula Loop is 330 miles long and studded with countless sites to explore.

Although the loop can be covered in one day, to justify this road trip, travelers on the route can break the journey along many stops, such as the glassy Lake Cushman inside Olympic National Forest, Port Townsend known for its Victorian architecture, Lavender farms in the town of Sequim (pronounced “Squim”) and a historic lighthouse from 1857 inside Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Seattle and Portland are two major cities accessible from the Olympic Peninsula Loop.

• Popular sights: Lake Cushman, Lighthouse inside Dungeness Refuge, Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent
• Popular food stops: Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen in Tumwater, Jean-Pierre's Three16 in Tumwater, Gardner's Restaurant in Olympia

6 Scenic Road Trips to Take in the USA

Pacific coast highway (california) :  drive along the stunning coastline with breathtaking views, charming seaside towns, and iconic landmarks like big sur and the golden gate bridge., route 66 (illinois to california) :  experience nostalgia on the historic route 66, passing through classic americana, quirky roadside attractions, and vibrant cities from chicago to santa monica., blue ridge parkway (virginia to north carolina) : explore the scenic beauty of the appalachian mountains with lush forests, picturesque overlooks, and vibrant fall foliage along this iconic drive., great river road (minnesota to louisiana) : follow the mighty mississippi river through ten states, discovering charming river towns, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes along the way., overseas highway (florida keys) :  journey from miami to key west on the overseas highway, a breathtaking drive over turquoise waters and through tropical islands with stunning ocean views., the loneliest road (nevada) :  travel along us route 50 in nevada, known as the loneliest road, for a unique adventure through vast deserts, historic towns, and serene solitude..

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Road trip from Toronto, Canada down the US east coast - Road Trips Forum

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I am planning a 2 week road trip leaving mid June starting from Toronto, Canada. I am looking for recommendations on places to visit from the list I have made that I think is definitely too long. I am planning to drive to Washington, DC the first day and spend 1-2 days. From there, I would like to drive to OC, MD, then down to Assateague Island, then down to OBX, and finally MB, NC. The way back will be more or less just 2 days of driving the quickest route possible. The 1-2 days in Washington is the only thing I am set on, so I am hoping to find out which of the other areas I should cut out to make the trip more enjoyable and less just driving. Any advice is appreciated.

9 replies to this topic

What is "MB, NC"? Myrtle Beach?

Suggestions.

2 days Washington DC

2 days Ocean City, MD

2 days Assateague Island National Seashore

2 days Outer Bank, NC

This post has been removed at the author's request.

If your top priority is Washington, DC, then spend more time there. If you stay 2 nights, you'll have only one day to see things and there's a tremendous amount worth visiting, much of it free.

In addition, Toronto to D.C. is a very long day of driving, including crossing the border which can be time consuming. Google maps says it's a little over 8 hours of driving, which means hands on the wheel at full highway speeds. Add 20% to the time estimate for fuel, food and toilet breaks, plus there could be traffic and construction to slow you down. So figure at least 10 hours to get to D.C.

I'd cut Myrtle Beach and Ocean City since they're big, busy and tacky, though you could swing through OC while in the area.  Cutting Myrtle will save a nice chunk of time, too.

You've listed a number of places you wish to visit, and admit it may be too much for a 2 week trip, but you do not identify apart from DC which are your priorities and I cannot discern any real theme, so what are your actual interests, for us to eliminate the less warranted stops?

Once you've decided how many nights you actually need/want for DC, then it might be easier to see how far further you can get before you decide to beetle your way back home again.

Don't forget for a full day anywhere, you need 2 nights in situ, or you will be short changing places or only have late afternoons and evenings when places of interest may be shut.

If you plan this first drive on a weekday expect it to take 10-12 hours with traffic and food, fuel and bathroom stops.

Are you doing this solo? It’s a ton of driving for one person.

Do you mean Myrtle Beach, SC (South Carolina) or Outer Banks, NC (North Carolina)??

If you want to go to Myrtle Beach, then go. It will be pretty crowded that time of year. Some people really do enjoy all there is to do in MB and don't mind the cheesy craziness and crowds. It is a fun place. The beach is great! Hundreds of thousands of people will agree.

From there back to Toronto, head up to I-74 in NC, then on up to Winston-Salem and continue north to I-77 thru VA and WV to Rt 19 to 79 thru PA to 90 thru NY. Beckley, WV is a popular halfway stopping point for people doing this trip.

You said you are doing this over 2 weeks…so 14 days?

Day 1-2 drive to DC

Day 5 to ocean city, md or delawsre beach towns

Day 6 day there

Day 7 to assateague thrn south to Virginia Beach

Day 8 to OBX

Day 10 hrs d doen to Wilmington, nc/ myrtle beach area

Day 11 day there

3 day drive home—

Day 1 2 to Asheville

Day 13 sone blue ridge parkway thru West Virginia, night Morgantown, wv or pittdburgh

Day 14 return home

The issue is…what interests you?

The beach towns are different. Delaware beaches and OBX have building codes limiting heights. Ocean city, md and central Virginia Beach has the big high rise hotels.

Yes you could skip ocean city/ anssateague and just focus on OBX, NC coast, myrtle beach.

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From saving on gas to driving with kids, here's your ultimate road trip planner

"Easy Travel” is a 10-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

Ina Daly has spent most of her life on the road.

“My dad was a truck driver and that led me to becoming a truck driver,” she said. “What we do in a day, on a daily job would be like a long road trip to most people.”

With nearly 40 years of driving for freight transportation services provider XPO and numerous industry accolades under her belt, including grand champion at this year’s Arizona Truck Driving Championship , Daly is a pro. She’s also a mom and a grandmother who’s happy to share her experiences to make everyone’s road trips better.

“Some of the things I'm telling you are what we truckers tell our family members,” she said. “I've had a lot of accomplishments in my career and going to the National Truck Driving Championships (this month) is a reward, but the bigger reward is being able to share some things … that have the potential to save lives.”

What to do before a long drive

“Make sure that your vehicle’s road trip ready,” Daly said. ”Really pay close attention to your tires, your coolant, your fan belt.”

She notes tire dealers often offer free inspections to ensure tires are properly inflated and undamaged.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advises getting the whole car serviced before hitting the road.

“If you're a car person and you can, do that yourself at home, by all means,” she said. Otherwise, she recommends getting the oil changed and battery and tires checked professionally. 

To save time and avoid stress, Diaz also suggests filling up on gas the night before leaving and making hotel reservations well in advance, noting that many hotels allow cancellations without penalty up until the day beforehand. 

What do you need before a road trip?

It’s always good to keep an emergency kit with supplies like first aid, a flashlight and extra batteries, and basic tools in the vehicle.

“You want to make sure that if you do have a tire issue, you have the proper tools and jacks in your vehicle to be able to change it,” Daly said. She said warning signals like reflective triangles can also warn other drivers to steer clear in the event of a breakdown.

For road trips, both she and Diaz recommend shelf-stable snacks like protein bars that won’t melt and plenty of water. “Don't think that a bottle or two for everybody is enough,” Daly said. “You've got to have, you know, five or six bottles for everyone.” 

Diaz also recommends wet wipes, blankets during the winter, and any time-sensitive medication or pet food that might be needed in the event of an extended delay.

“These things ideally wouldn't take up too much room in your trunk but they're just good to have in case of an emergency,” Diaz said. “Just think, ‘If I were stuck for a long time, what would keep me comfortable until I was able to (get) help?’”  

A printed map and a general sense of the route can also help in case there GPS hiccups or a phone dies.  AAA’s free TripTik planner can help travelers plot their trips in advance and find rest stops, lodging, food and gas along the way. And its free Gas Cost Calculator can help locate the cheapest average gas prices for drivers when it’s time to refuel.

'Get out there': This mom is using a never-ending road trip to inspire Black family travel

What I should know before a road trip?

“Everything can be a distraction in the car – the radio, the kids, etc. But the phone is a big one,” Daly advised. “When you’re driving, that thing should not ever be in your hand.”

More than 3,500 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2021 because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . 

Daly also recommends watching out for distracted drivers.

“You can tell a distracted driver by their fluctuating speed,” she warned. “They're drifting in their lane. Their head is looking down instead of focusing on the road. You want to give those people a wide berth.”

How long will a road trip take?

Road trips always take longer than expected because of traffic, construction and other things that arise en route.

Diaz says to expect at least an hour longer than whatever the GPS predicts. Daly recommends leaving at least two hours early.

“You don't want that stressful drive,” Daly said. “You’re hurrying. That lends to bad driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding, which leads to accidents. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”

How many hours a day should you drive on a road trip?

“It just varies so much from person to person, how long they’re comfortable driving,” Diaz said. “We want to err on the side of safety. We want people to be safe on the roads and drive the speed limit and not rush it, but everybody's different.”

Switching out drivers can lighten the load, but no matter who is driving, Daly said, “If you're starting to feel a little, less attentive, maybe a little fatigued, it’s time to take a break.”

What time is best to drive?

“We always recommend, especially during the holidays, leave early in the morning,” Diaz said. “The later you leave in the day, the worse it's going to be because a lot of times during the week … you're going to mix with those commuters on the road.”

“Some people enjoy night driving,” she added. “Once you get to like 8 p.m., 9 p.m. traffic comes down a lot.” 

However, she noted drivers who leave in the evening should watch out for fatigue and plan to drive less than if they started fresh in the morning.

How do you take a good road trip with kids? 

When possible, Daly recommends having a designated passenger to help with kids so the driver can focus on the road.  

Another important thing is to keep seatbelts on the whole way.

“Kids have a tendency to take those off,” Daly said. “Make sure they stay buckled up. I've seen some horrible things out there.”

'I just want to see more of us': The importance of seeing people like you while traveling

What do kids need on a road trip?

Entertainment helps pass the time, but it doesn’t have to be digital. There are all sorts of screen-free road trip games . 

Diaz recommends printing a map or list of sites or cities for kids to watch for along the way.

“You know, yell it out or mark it on your sheet,” she said. “Have some crayons in the car with them so they're following along on the trip, and they feel like they're part of it.”

“Point out historical landmarks and scenery; enjoy nature,” Daly echoed. “That's one of the things that we truck drivers love about our jobs is we get to see the country and nature.”

Stop at points of interest every few hours or simply for everyone to stretch their legs.

And for those times when kids are on screens, make sure to pack car chargers.

What is the best way to save gas?

Don’t speed. 

“Fuel economy peaks at around 50 miles per hour on most cars, and then it drops off as the speeds increase,” Diaz said. “You think, ‘OK, if I just go 70, I'm going to get there faster, and it'll be better,’ but essentially, you're just wasting gas at that point." Fuel economy can be increased by as much as 15% by reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 miles per hour, she said.

Don’t idle unnecessarily either, like at rest stops.

“Your car engine consumes about a quarter to a half a gallon of fuel per hour while it's idling,” she said. “But a warm engine only takes about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart, so if it's safe to do so, just shut off your engine.”

Story continues below.

What happens if my tire blows out?

“When you blow a tire, kaboom, it freaks you out. Do not panic,” Daly said. “Don't slow down abruptly or brake hard or jerk the wheel because that will cause you to lose control and have an accident.”

“Just focus on steering,” she added. “Slow very gradually, off to the side of the road in a safe area, and you won’t have any issue from your blown tire.”

How do you drive around semitrucks?

“Be aware of our needs and limitations,” Daly said. “You know we’re big. We need a lot of space around us. We have big blind spots. … If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the mirrors of the truck, the truck driver can’t see you.”

She advised against passing on the right. 

“If you have to pass quickly, don’t linger over there. We see people driving over there for the shade (and it) puts us in a very dangerous situation,” she said. “And don’t cut in front of us and then hit your breaks. People don’t like to follow a truck because they can’t see around us, so they pass us and then cut in front of us.”

“It takes away that safety cushion we leave in front of us,” she added. “When you see all that space in front of a truck, that's not for your convenience so that you can pass us and cut into it. That’s for our safety and yours.”

By the same token, she advised fellow drivers to leave plenty of space in front of their own vehicles, so they have enough room to stop quickly in an emergency. If another driver cuts into that space, she suggested, “Take a break. Slow down again. Recreate that space. Bite your tongue and think pure thoughts.”

That last tip may not be so easy.

What has been your best or worst road trip experience?

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Frugal Traveler

Taking the Long Way Home From Alaska

On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. The tally: 2,200 miles, five national parks, numerous hot springs and one excellent reindeer hot dog.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Within months of the Pearl Harbor bombing on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States, in cooperation with the Canadian authorities, set out to build a highway from British Columbia to Alaska, then a territory and viewed as vulnerable to attack by Japan. The original 1,685-mile road took more than 10,000 soldiers less than nine months to complete.

An upgraded version opened in 1948 and has been continually resurfaced and rerouted; It now measures just shy of 1,400 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction in Alaska, according to “ The Milepost ,” a guidebook to the drive.

The highway formed the heart of a family road trip I took last September from Alaska to Idaho, passing through the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, in Canada, along the way.

territories

Wrangell-St. Elias

National Park &

Liard River Hot Springs

Provincial Park

Kluane National

Park & Reserve

Dawson Creek

Kootenay National Park

Radium Hot Springs

united states

Relying on Google Maps won’t get you far on this drive, where cellphone service is sparse. In preparation, my son found a 1972 road map of western Canada and eastern Alaska that has remained fairly accurate.

The route, which takes motorists through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, lends itself to a budget trip. We spent about $300 on fuel for the whole trip in a medium-size S.U.V. We often camped and ate picnic meals, starting in coastal Valdez, Alaska, where we overnighted on a 32-foot powerboat listed on Airbnb ($68 a night) with a great blue heron and a harbor seal as neighbors.

May and September, the start and end of the high-season months for traffic along this route, are also good times to see wildlife that is often pushed to lower elevations by snow.

Lessons in patience

From Valdez, we made our way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (free), the largest U.S. national park, and then joined the Alaska Highway at Tok , a small town about 90 miles from the Canadian border that plays a large role in servicing sparsely populated eastern Alaska with its grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.

We planned to drive deep into the Yukon on Day 1, but even with just 10 vehicles ahead at the border checkpoint, it took two hours to reach the lone agent, who asked us a few questions — mostly concerning firearms and hunting — and sent us on our way.

It was the first slowdown of many caused by stretches of unsealed road, construction detours and spots where the blacktop had pitched above frozen ground.

Yukon wilderness

Nearly 600 miles of the Alaska Highway traverse the Yukon.

From the border, the road travels southeast, passing yawning valleys with snaking streams and long glacier-fed lakes en route to Kluane National Park and Reserve , home to 19,551-foot Mount Logan, the highest mountain in Canada, and more than 2,000 glaciers. It, along with neighboring Wrangell-St. Elias and other parks, forms a UNESCO World Heritage site that enshrines the largest ice fields outside of the polar caps.

“This is how the Rockies would have looked years and years ago,” said Fitz McGoey, the visitor experience product development officer for the park, about 80 percent of which is covered by snow and ice.

Losing daylight, we opted for the first campground we could find north of the park. Quiet Lake Creek (20 Canadian dollars, or about $15, a night) offered riverside camping where we made quesadillas over a fire and fell asleep to the sound of a hooting owl while clutching cans of bear spray.

After days of driving and camping, and one excellent reindeer hot dog from a gas station in Haines Junction , we stopped in Whitehorse , the capital of the Yukon and the only major city on the highway, which was on the 52 Places to Go in 2024 list as a destination for northern lights tourism.

Across the 350 forested acres of the nearby Yukon Wildlife Preserve , a three-mile trail linked the habitats of 12 tundra species, including thinhorn sheep, arctic fox and Canadian lynx (admission 19 dollars).

Checking into the Raven Inn (284 dollars), we explored Whitehorse’s walkable downtown and splurged on dinner at Belly of the Bison (bison Bolognese, 34 dollars). Afterward, our waitress directed us to the ’98 Hotel lounge for “a real taste of Whitehorse.”

It was open-mic night in the bar, which was decorated in animal skins and antique rifles, and free mugs of Molson beer arrived whenever someone rang the bell above the bar to buy the house a round.

The M.C. encouraged reluctant talent by reminding the crowd, “There is no tomorrow if you don’t live today.”

Yukon kitsch

For the most part, the Alaska Highway is free of roadside kitsch with one enormously engaging exception: Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon (free).

Roughly 270 miles southeast of Whitehorse, a forest of poles displays innumerable road signs posted by motorists since 1942 when a homesick American soldier named Carl K. Lindley erected a sign with the mileage to his hometown, Danville, Ill.

Now license plates and tributes constructed of everything from flip-flops to a toilet seat compete with the signage.

“We call it the largest public display of stolen property in North America,” said Chris Irvin, the mayor of Watson Lake, in a phone interview, who estimated there are about a million signs in the forest.

In British Columbia, springs and safaris

In Alaska and the Yukon, we’d spotted bear and moose. But the wildlife in northern British Columbia, which we entered shortly after the Sign Post Forest, felt like a safari.

We saw black bears emerging from the woods and frequently stopped to view caribou grazing or herds of wood bison on the highway shoulder. A family of thinhorn sheep licking salt from the road nearly collided with our vehicle, their hooves skittering on the pavement.

Reassuringly, our next stop, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park , offered camping behind an electric bear fence (26 dollars a night). Campers have unlimited access to the springs, reached via a boardwalk — the original was built in 1942 by American forces — over a warm-water swamp and a boreal forest so unusual in nurturing species like orchids that it was originally named Tropical Valley.

With mossy banks, rubble bottoms and temperatures that ranged from about 108 to 126 degrees, the park’s natural pools stayed open around the clock, and we found solitude both at night while stargazing and the next morning in the fog of dawn.

The highway flattens as it nears its origin in Dawson Creek , a British Columbia town of 500 that grew virtually overnight to roughly 10,000 when highway construction began. Black-and-white photos of servicemen working on the road, sitting atop a truck mired in mud and bathing in a river filled the hallways at our hotel, the no-frills George Dawson Inn (174 dollars, including breakfast).

The highway’s much-photographed Mile Zero marker neighbors a former grain elevator that has been restored as the Dawson Creek Art Gallery (free).

The gallery’s back stairway exhibits a collection of photos, letters and tributes called “The Road.” It included this anecdote: When the Indigenous people of Canada’s north questioned the speed of the road’s construction, they were told about Hitler’s plan for world domination, to which one replied, “What’s he want all that land for? He will surely die someday like everyone else.”

Alberta’s parks

From Mile Zero, the most direct route to the Lower 48 crosses into Alberta and transits two marquee attractions of the Canadian Rockies: Jasper National Park and neighboring Banff National Park .

In view of rising mountains, immense river valleys and herds of elk, we drove 280 miles, primarily on Highway 40, to Jasper National Park (22 dollars per family or group). Its main road follows the glacial blue Athabasca River to the town of Jasper, where we checked into HI Jasper hostel (306 dollars for a four-bed private room).

Rising early, we beat the tour buses to the park’s Maligne Canyon to peer into a river-carved chasm, following the flow from a cliff-top trail that descended with the river to rapids and pools.

Connecting Jasper and Banff over roughly 145 miles, the Icefields Parkway offered spectacular views of waterfalls and peaks winking in and out of the clouds. We picnicked on the rocky shores of the Athabasca and skipped tourism developments like the glass Columbia Icefield Skywalk , where admission starts at 41 dollars.

A double rainbow arched across Highway 93 as we entered Banff, the popular Canadian mountain town. We stayed just outside the busy city center at the Juniper Hotel (317 dollars) and used its free shuttle service to hit the town center for a round at Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant (pints 8.95 dollars) and stock up on picnic supplies at Wild Flour Bakery .

A quiet alternative

On a sunny morning, as Banff flexed its magnetism, framing mountain views down seemingly every lane, we backtracked about 18 miles to rejoin Highway 93 as it takes a southwestern swing into Kootenay National Park (22 dollars per family or group).

In Kootenay, we had Marble Canyon, a 200-foot gorge with marble walls polished by a roaring river, to ourselves. Seven bridges allowed us to cross the narrow gap as ruby-crowned kinglets sang from the pines.

We found Kootenay’s crowds at Radium Hot Springs (17.50 dollars). Surrounded by forested slopes, the large pool lacked the aura of a wilderness hot springs, but with family-friendly shallows and a stinging cold plunge, it was a great diversion.

From Kootenay National Park, the U.S. border lies about 140 miles south on uncrowded roads that follow rivers and lakes, skirting the British Columbia ski town of Kimberley , where we spent our last night at its new boutique hotel the Larix (rooms from 155 dollars, including breakfast).

The tiny former lead-, silver- and zinc-mining town is now an outdoorsy destination with three golf courses, a downhill ski area and over 60 miles of bike trails. Restaurants and breweries in the pedestrian center included Hourglass , serving cocktails, charcuterie and cheese plates (from 22 dollars). “We do pack a lot into this little town,” said Breanna Fast, a co-owner.

Just over an hour from the border, Kimberley made a fitting finale to a trip so packed with sights that I never cracked the novel I brought.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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Strict New Dog Reentry Rules from Canada Could Ruin Summer Camping Trips

This week on the RV Podcast:

• 1 SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer
• 2 RV TOPIC OF THE WEEK: CDC New Dog Regulations
• 3.1 Very busy summer travel season predicted by AAA based on Memorial Day forecast
• 3.2 Tourons strike again! This time at Canyonlands National Park Cave Spring Cowboy Camp
• 3.3 10 best campgrounds, roadside attractions, gas station food and more released by USA Today
• 3.4 Italian RV company says Wingamm Oasi 540.1 to arrive in North America soon
• 4 RV QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
• 5 RV STORY OF THE WEEK – The Tape Measure
• 6 We're OVER 12,200 members in our NEW Community!
• Some new Dog Reentry Rules from Canada will make it much more challenging to bring your pet back home to the US. The same goes for Mexico.
• There’s a new scam going around reported by many RVers. They get an email telling them they have to pay a $50 late fee for missing a road toll. If you get that email, don't click on it.
• And in our Mike & Jens Storytime at the end of the podcast, we’ll share why a simple tape measure is a great illustration to jumpstart your RV Lifestyle plans.
• All this plus the RV News of the Week and your RV questions coming up in Episode #498 of RV Lifestyle’s RV Podcast

You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.

If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.

Well, that didn’t take long! Our Fall Gathering at the Gulf for October has sold out. It took three days. If you want to get on the waitlist, go here and read all about it.

And we’re just three weeks away from our summer Gather and Groove meetup in Shipshewana, IN, in June. A highlight for that gathering will be an Amish dinner followed by a show from the Temptations!

We’re on the road this week, in the Southwest. We’re hitting all the attractions… Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon… and catching some great desert sunsets. We've been updating our social media channels with highlights and have a full video coming in a week or two.

SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer

Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group .

In the RV Lifestyle Community General Discussions Space, Bud and Sue recently warned everyone about a SCAM . In the scam you get a text message from “SunPass” saying you owe money for tolls, and to avoid a $50 late charge, you have to go to a website to pay immediately. SunPass, is of course a toll road program in parts of the country, generally the east and southeast, and Bud and Sue wanted people to be aware.

Many thanked them for this warning and Sharon said she had just received such a text but it was from a different toll road pass company and she knew it was incorrect because she hadn't been anywhere.

And Joe suggested you still check with your toll road company to make sure no one messed with your account, and he shared a story out of New York where thieves were making fake license plates and using those to fool the automatic toll road stations and get out of paying.

I did a little digging and SunPass issued a statement recently that the company would never text people seeking immediate payment, so thank you Bud and Sue for sharing that!

Also in the RV Lifestyle Community, in the Traveling with Pets Space , Teena asked if anyone put a Dog on Board sticker in their RV when they leave their pets alone? She said they don't leave theirs too often, but had some upcoming trips when their pooch might need to be alone for a few hours.

One couple said they have a Pet on Board tag in the window and a decal in the window by the door. They got it from myPetDMV.com and said it is like a license, made specific for any state with specific information about your pet.

And someone else shared that Waggle has a placard that comes with their devices, and of course Waggle is a pet monitoring system that can monitor the temperature inside your rig should you need to leave your pets in the RV briefly.

Over in the RVLifestyle Facebook Group , Brenda asked, “ What do you all do with towels after you shower in your small bathroom? The towel hooks just make the towel in the way Brenda just wondered how others handle this.

First advice commonly shared was to use quick dry towels when camping versus regular towels because they dry quicker and take less space.

Several people recommended getting a tension shower rod to hang towels across the width of your shower.

And many others recommended command hooks hung on the back of the shower door.

One person mentioned a towel ladder. She showed a picture of it flush against the wall behind the toilet, with towels hung there.

And Robin got an over the door towel rack and hung it over her shower door. I loved how it looked – she shared a picture. Imagine several horizontal bars on the outside of the shower door holding towels – taking up little space.

With more than 330 comments, there were some great ideas here!

RV TOPIC OF THE WEEK : CDC New Dog Regulations

Mike: The CDC has issued new rules for people traveling internationally with their dogs. These rules take effect Aug. 1, and they are really going to HAVE AN IMPACT on travel plans for RVers going camping in Canada or Mexico with their dog.

Jen : Lots of RVers camp with their dogs, and it has always been pretty easy to take them to Canada or Mexico and back – but not anymore.

Mike: Starting Aug. 1 no dogs under 6 months of age can enter the US, and all dogs entering must be microchipped with a verification number from a vet, be healthy, have rabies documentation with that microchip number on it, you have to submit a form before reentry that includes a picture of your dog – and there are  many other details.

Jen : When I saw this, all I could think of is how much this is going to affect RVers going to Mexico or Canada with the dogs.

Jen: It sounds like about 1 million dogs are brought into the U.S. each year, many from rescue groups and overseas breeders and these groups are sometimes in locations where Rabies and other diseases are more common. The CDC says they are doing this to protect dogs, people and other animals in the US already. I saw the CDC regulations for dogs traveling internationally had not been updated since 1956 – so I am sure many things have changed..

These rules take effect Aug. 1 – that is not very far away. Let’s let everyone know what they are.

The new regulations include – All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary record s
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.
• This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.
• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.

Also, you must:

• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Mike: It sounds like it is really important, after you get your dog microchipped – to then have that microchip number on all the official rabies vaccines and other records.

Jen: People who maybe never microchipped their dog are going to have to get on this right away. Going to take time to get this done and all the records updated.

Mike: – CDC has a checklist on their website of what to do 60 days before your trip, 30 days before your trip, and then 2-10 days before you return to the U.S. (you can see it here – just scroll down).

Jen : There is also a list of high-risk countries that require additional precautions, but Canada and Mexico are not on it, so it will not apply to most RVers just planning a quick over-the-border adventure. (you can see here)

Mike : I wonder if this will cause some RVers who don’t want to deal with all this to skip traveling to Canada or Mexico?

Mike: During the pandemic a lot of RVers stopped going to Canada. Canada had a lot of testing requirements that many did not want to deal with or risk having to isolate their entire vacation. Then people who did not want to take the Covid Vaccine held off on travel because of various requirements…. …People were really just starting to put Canada back on their camping plans and now this.

And don’t forget Mexico, too. Many RVers in the West take their RVs there to camp.

RV NEWS OF THE WEEK

Very busy summer travel season predicted by AAA based on Memorial Day forecast

This weekend kicks off the official start of summer and AAA is anticipating more travelers this weekend than they have seen in the past 20 years.

About 43.8 million travelers are anticipated – second only to 44 million in 2005. And the number traveling by road is expected to set a record at 38.4 million.

And you know what they say. A very busy Memorial Day weekend usually translates into a very busy summer travel season.

If you are traveling, AAA suggests you avoid being on the road between noon-6 pm Thursday, noon-7pm Friday. 2-5 pm Saturday,  3-7 pm Sunday, and 3-7 pm Monday.

And if you're looking for some easy summer camping recipes to go with all the fun, check out our story here .

Tourons strike again! This time at Canyonlands National Park Cave Spring Cowboy Camp

I am beginning to wonder if we have to have to create a special “touron of the week” section in our news reports. (Remember Touron = moron and tourist).

Who gets the prize this week? 

A sunglass and baseball hat wearing man and a woman who were caught on security cameras at Utah's Canyonlands National Park touching items in a restricted area, some of which they are accused of stealing.

The NPS is accusing the couple of “archeological theft” from the Cave Spring Cowboy Camp in the Needles district of the park. Rangers say they entered a signed-as-closed area, removed artifacts from a cabinet, and handled historic harnesses in a way that could harm them. 

This incident happened March 23. NPS released pictures and asked for the public's help locating them last week. (See more here .)

If you are planning a trip to Utah, be sure to check out our 7 Day Adventure Guide to Southern Utah here .

10 best campgrounds, roadside attractions, gas station food and more released by USA Today

USA Today released its “10 Best” awards last week with the 10 best campgrounds, 10 best luxury RV resorts, 10 best roadside attractions and even 10 best gas station food (and no, Buc-ee's was not number 1 but did make the list).

I don't know what it is about 10 best lists, but I always want to see the winners. So in case you are like me, I have to share a few.

The 10 best campgrounds were voted by readers and chosen by an expert panel that was looking for great amenities, beautiful scenery, and access to some of the country’s most interesting places. 

Number 1 was Inn Town Campground, just minutes outside Nevada City, California, followed by Jellystone‘s Yogi on the Lake outside Jackson, Mississippi and Camp Fimfo in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country rounded off the top three.

For best roadside attractions, Lucy the Elephant which stands six stories high in Josephine Harron Park in Margate City, New Jersey took number one. Shealy's Official Skunk Ape Headquarters in Florida, was number two and number three was the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas, which as of last fall weighed more than 27,000 pounds.

Winner of the most luxurious RV resort went to Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins- Auburndale, Florida. 

And winner of the best gas station for food went to Royal Farms.

I think the best roadside attractions list could be a fun road trip. I love those sorts of Americana things.

If you want to see the top 10 in all the different categories you can check it out here .

Italian RV company says Wingamm Oasi 540.1 to arrive in North America soon

Wingamm USA announced last week that their Wingamm Oasi 540.1 is nearly ready to hit North America but to be honest, I'll believe it when I see it. 

Originally the Italian RV manufacturer promised it would arrive to the US and Canada in fall 2021. Then that was pushed to spring 2022. Then spring 2023. Then summer 2023. And then the company stopped announcing dates.

I would think many interested buyers have moved on by now but this compact Class B does have quite a following and gets more web searches than most any RV brand out there.

The rig is built on a Ram ProMaster and designed to feel like you are driving a car. Its body is made of fiberglass, and a drop down bed makes the interior feel roomier.

Wingamm is a RV company that's been around since 1977, making RVs in Europe for decades. The delays were caused by getting the unit certified according to U.S. regulations, parts shortages and supply chain challenges.

We'll let you know if we get any hard dates later this year.

RV QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

QUESTION : We’ve been watching all your recent YouTube RV videos and my husband and I have a bet. He says you two are planning to get a new RV. I said no, you like your Montana Fifth Wheel too much. So who’s right?

ANSWER : We ARE doing a lot of RV reviews. We just did a series on Class Bs. We did one on the luxury Brinkley Fifth Wheel. We will soon be reviewing several Class A rigs, some Class B motorhomes and even some more Class B campervans. But that’s because we now live just a short distance over the Michigan-Indiana border and can easily get to Elkhart, the RV Capital of the world. And our audience really seems to enjoy our reviews. But no, we do NOT plan to replace our Montana High Country. If anything, we like it more and more every time we use it. It really has everything we love about it, except a washer and dryer, which we hope to get before we take the Montana uo to the Canadian Maritimes this summer. So while you can expect to see us doing lots of reviews of different RVs, you’ll also see us doing our own cooking in our own Montana.

RV STORY OF THE WEEK – The Tape Measure

As we travel around and meet people who follow our videos or listen to the podcast, we find ourselves often being encouragers for the RV Lifestyle. Sometimes, it just takes a little push and people will jump right in.

And when we sense that is what is needed, we share our illustraton of the tape measure.

A while back, we were doing a personal appearance at Sunshine State RVs in Gainsville, FL with our friend Nick Schmidt and just talking with various people who came to meet us. 

There was one couple in particular who just couldnt seem to pull the trigger and make their purchase.

I sensed it was the husband who was on the fence. 

He said something about how he noticed the older you get, the faster it goes. He had worked hard all his life, built a very successful construction consulting business, almost watched it disappear in the Great Recession in the 90's and then, with lots more hard work, built it back to the point where he was now able to sell it and retire.

He and his wife had their eye on a Class B. He's 78 and on a fence, wondering if he should retire or keep running the business.

So we told him our tape measure parable. It goes like this:

Put your fingers on a tape measure at the one-inch mark and go to 78 inches. That span represents your life, how much of it has passed. Now, with one finger holding the 78-inch mark, ask yourself how long you think you'll live. 90?95? 

Whatever, put a finger on your other hand on that mark, though there's no guarantee you'll have those years. But say you do live that long. Of those 90 or 95 years, how long do you think you'll be strong and healthy enough to travel, 85? 87?

Look at the tape measure between 78 and the number you settled on for the upper limits of your health.

That's how much time is left, we told him.

The point to him… and all of us… is you don't have a lot of time to waste thinking about buying an RV and making your dreams come true.

Listening in as we shared that story was a younger guy who came to meet us from his home near Orlando. He was also a fence sitter and maybe in his early 40s. 

He dreamt of doing a lot of boondocking, of playing golf as he traveled in an RV, working remotely.  He was planning to buy within a year or two.  But he ran his own tape measure numbers in his head as he heard us telling the story.

“Maybe I don't have all that much time to wait, either.” he said.

“Look,” we said to both of the shoppers, “Here's our question: What is the worst thing that could happen to you? You follow your dream and decide it isn't what you wanted, or you suddenly get sick and can't travel any more. So then you sell the RV. There's not a major downside here.”

I love a story Nick Schmidt told.

Seems Nick once had a customer who came in and bought an RV and immediately took off on his adventure. “For six months he and his wife traveled the country,” said Nick. “They put 10,000 miles on it. I don't even think they changed the oil or washed it. One day, six months after I sold it to him, he shows up in the lot here. Says ‘that's it… I'm done.' He says he did and saw everything on their bucket list and had the time of their life. He asked me what I'd give him to buy it back. I wrote him a check right then and he left smiling saying it was the best investment he ever made.”

We all laughed as Nick shared his story.

But that's the thing about this RV life. It's a dream so many of us have. It's a dream that can come true.

It has for Jennifer and me.

Get out your own tape measure. Time is a wastin!

We're OVER 12,200 members in our NEW Community!

We have a  Space for all sorts of things you want to know as an RVer, including Travel Planning, Electrical, Plumbing, Traveling with Pets, Gear, and more.

You can join each Space individually and only see what's being discussed in just that Space. Or you can see everything in the main Feed.

You can watch livestreams that are focused on one Space or another – like we recently did for  Internet on the Road !

It's a calm, well-organized, friendly space to meet other RVers who might be traveling near you!

Join us  https://community.rvlifestyle.com

Published on 2024-05-22

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

One Response to “Strict New Dog Reentry Rules from Canada Could Ruin Summer Camping Trips”

May 22, 2024at10:46 am , Lyn Whitenight said:

You have got to be kidding me – the CDC is discriminating against a dog that leaves the country and then goes to come back in – just tell them they are from Venezuela and has Joe Biden’s blessing.

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