road trip cost in canada

How much is a road trip in Canada? Breaking down all the costs!

• Published on October 13, 2014
• Last updated on February 10, 2019

Road tripping the Provinces Ontario and Quebec!

You are thinking about a road trip in Canada, but you are unsure about the costs of it? I will tell you how much I spent on my rental car including gas and other fees!

I started my journey in Montreal and made the following stops on my way around:

• Gananoque and 1000 islands national park  *
• Kingston  *
• Niagara Falls
• Trois-Rivieres
• Quebec City *
• and back to Montreal

This nice little round is approx. 2350 km/1460 miles and I drove all this in 11 days.

* marking destinations I highly recommend

I tend to look up different car rental companies and use different price comparison sites. For this trip I chose Car del Mar , which I had used before on a road trip through Portugal and another one through Northern Spain. This site gave me the cheapest car with the company Discount .

I usually just get the smallest and cheapest car, because I really don’t care what the car looks like and what size it is. On this trip I travelled by myself so I really didn’t need any bigger car.

They upgraded me at the pick-up station in Montreal so I got a Mazda 3 with automatic drive.

I rented the car for 11 days, all kilometers/miles included, including cross-overs to the USA.

Note: I was 21 at that time, meaning I had to pay some extra insurance costs. When renting a car it is cheaper for me to book through Car del Mar and not directly at the rental company, because they offer lower rates on that specific insurance. I stayed at friends houses or at hostels, hotels and motels that mostly included the parking, if not it’ll cost you around 20 CAD per day to park.

Cost breakdown

• 330€                Basic rental costs including a no excess insurance policy that covers everything
• 5 CAD/ day     for additional young driver insurance = 55 CAD
• 236.25 CAD    Gas
• 30 CAD           Parking
• 2350 km/1460 miles

Making a total of 552€ or approx. 785 CAD .

You could also look at it as 50.18€ or 71.36 CAD per day or

0.235€ per km or 0.537 CAD per mile .

Things to keep in mind

• Always get a no excess insurance policy. ALWAYS! You never know if something’s going to happen – even if you have driven safely all your life, when abroad you pay attention to different things and might be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape or the traffic itself. Then many times it is not even your fault when an accident happens, most insurances won’t cover your damages so please stay on the safe side.
• Get a satnav or use a satnav app on your phone or tablet (you may need to download the map before you can use it; and try it out before you hit the road)
• Before driving into a new adventure take a look at the car and how it looks. Look for bumps or scratches and let the staff know about it. This way you can avoid any inconvenient explanations when you return it.
• International Drivers Licence – I got one because it was stated in the terms of use that I must have this document additionally to my usual licence. They never checked it and it was a waste of money, 21,60€ and only valid for a year. I will not get a new one again.
• All the highways I used and that are on this route are free – thank you Canada!

Keep on travelling

Grüß dich, I'm Viki!

At Chronic Wanderlust, I write about my two great passions: travelling and diving – and have been doing so since 2013.

I usually spend a solid majority of the year travelling to experience extraordinary underwater adventures, taking road trips through countries I don’t know (yet) or exploring my home country of Austria.

As a certified divemaster, passionate underwater & travel photographer, road trip enthusiast and individual traveller, I collect unique moments all over the world.

I don’t believe that severe cases of wanderlust – aka chronic wanderlust – can be cured, only treated. On this blog, I want to show you how this can best be realised.

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• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit Canada by car: The 5 best road trip itineraries

You’re planning to do a road trip in Canada and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

Visiting Canada by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary and discover all the must-see attractions of the country.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Canada depending on the duration of your stay (7, 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks and even 1 month!).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Canada depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Which airport to choose to start a Canadian road trip?

Renting a car for a canadian road trip, canada road trip: a week in the east, 1) vancouver (2 days), 2) whistler (1 day), 3) wells gray provincial park (2 days), 4) jasper national park (2 days), 5) banff national park (2 days), 6) calgary (2 days), 2) victoria (2 days), 3) pacific rim (2 days), 4) whistler (2 days), 5) wells gray provincial park (2 days), 6) jasper national park (2 days), 7) banff national park (2 days), 8) calgary (1 day), 1) western canada (13 days), 2) eastern canada ( 8 days), 1) montreal (2 days), 2) ontario (5 days), 3) the province of quebec (21 days), where to stay during your canadian road trip, what’s the best time to go on a canadian road trip, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you.

Canada boasts several international airports .

For a road trip through Western Canada , your best bets are:

If you’re planning a Canadian circuit but this time in the East , I’d recommend the airports in:

For these itineraries, I’ve assumed you’d be landing in either Vancouver or Montreal . Simply because I believe these are the most convenient spots for journeying through eastern or western Canada by car .

To travel to Canada , you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) beforehand. This form, which you can fill out online must definitely be completed before your trip to Canada.

The eTA applies to all travelers who don’t require a visa.

You’ll find all the information you need on this site .

A must-have for any successful Canadian exploration: a car !

I’d advise you to rent it directly from the airport . That’s where you’ll find the widest range of rental services . Plus, it’s way more convenient to return it at the end of your trip, as opposed to dropping it off at a city branch.

The best option you got is to use Rentalcars.com to book your rental car in Canada. I use it all the time, Thailand , Sicily , Scotland , you name it… and have always been super pleased. The customer service is top-notch , and their services are high quality.

On their website, you can:

• Compare all rental rates at the airport with a single click . It’s super handy to see which service is the cheapest and who has the best customer reputation.
• Benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage: this is your only way (unless your credit card already offers coverage) to get a refund in case of an accident or theft. Having tested this system multiple times, I can assure you that the reimbursement process is swift and guaranteed. They’ve refunded me over 1,300 euros in total over the years!
• Modify or cancel your booking for free . This allows you to reserve your car in advance for a great rate.

Given the vastness of this country, and the long distances between places, I suggest trying to select a comfortable and well-equipped car . Long hours on the road are not uncommon, so comfort is key!

If you’re planning a winter road trip through Canada, don’t worry, the cars are tailored to the climate and come equipped with winter tires for instance.

The option to have a second driver (often included for free) is also a good idea to prevent the primary driver from getting too tired.

Click on the button below to compare car rental prices for a Canadian itinerary:

You’re not required to have an international driving permit to rent a car for your Canadian road trip.

Your regular driver’s license will do , as long as it’s in the Latin alphabet and you’ve had it for over 12 months .

If you prefer to present an international driving permit, you’ll still need to show your national driver’s license . Without it, you won’t be able to pick up your car.

First up, I propose a road trip starting from Montreal , taking you through Eastern Canada in a week.

The itinerary for this one-week Canadian road trip includes Montreal , the Thousand Islands , Toronto , Ottawa and Mont-Tremblant .

This tour is a summary of my detailed article: A week in Canada .

Day One : Discovering the city of Montreal:

• Old Montreal district
• The Old Port
• Mount Royal Park
• Mount Royal district 
• And don’t forget to taste the local delicacy: poutine!

For even more info on exploring Montreal in one day, you should read my post: Best things to do in Montreal !

Day Two : Embark on a scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands , known as Mille Îles in French. This captivating archipelago is comprised of 1,865 islands nestled along the picturesque St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

To book your 3-hour cruise around the Thousand Islands, just click the button below:

Day Three and Four : I suggest continuing this one-week Canadian road trip with a visit to Toronto, Ontario .

Here are the attractions you won’t want to miss :

• Kensington Market
• The Distillery district
• St. Lawrence Market
• Ripley’s Aquarium
• The CN Tower
• The Royal Ontario Museum
• The Toronto Islands

For all the details on these Toronto attractions, give a look at my article: Best things to see and do in Toronto .

Day Five : An excursion to Niagara Falls

A cruise at the foot of the falls is a must to truly appreciate them!

Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line:

And if you want to experience something extraordinary during this 7-day Canadian road trip, consider taking a helicopter ride over the falls :

Day Six : Heading to Ottawa , the capital of Canada.

Here’s what I’d suggest you explore:

• Byward Market
• Parliament Hill
• The Canadian Museum of History : one of the most fascinating museums you’ll come across on your one-week eastern Canada road trip.

Wrap up your day with a stroll along the Rideau Canal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more details, make sure to check out my dedicated article: Visiting Ottawa .

Day Seven , make sure to stop by Omega Park , located in Montebello. The park is explored by car as the animals roam freely.

Next, head to Mont-Tremblant , where you can go hiking or indulge in water activities by the lake. In the winter, the village turns into a ski resort .

Day Eight : The holiday’s end is nigh, head back to Montreal for your return flight.

Thinking about doing a one-week road trip in Canada ? Well, I’ve got you covered with my detailed article : One-week itinerary in Canada .

Quite handy, you’ll find loads of tips and recommendations for places to stay at each stage . The ultimate guide to effortless trip planning !

Road Trip in Canada: 10 days

For this next adventure, I’ll take you on an exhilarating 10-day road trip through the stunning landscapes of Canada.

You’ll get to discover western Canada , from the bustling metropolis of Vancouver to the vibrant city of Calgary . The perfect tour for checking out the two major cities of this part of the country and, above all, the stunning natural landscapes of Canada’s national parks .

On the agenda for this 10-day road trip in Canada:

• Wells Gray Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Banff National Park

All the details to plan this road trip are in my article: 10-Day Itinerary in Canada .

I’ve summarized the main stages for you below:

We kick off this 10-day Canadian road trip with Vancouver . The city is located on the West Coast , in British Columbia.

To discover its main tourist attractions and recover from jet lag, I suggest you spend 2 days there.

First day – Here’s an idea of what you can do on your first day in Vancouver:

• The historic district of Gastown
• Canada Place and the Waterfront
• The FlyOver Canada
• Stanley Park
• Vancouver Lookout
• Yaletown district

On the second day , continue your tour by visiting Granville Island , followed by the Anthropology Museum , and a walk through Van Elsen Botanical Garden .

Then hit Robson Street for a bit of shopping, the main commercial artery of Vancouver.

To best plan your 2 days in Vancouver, check out my article: Top 25 Things to Do in Vancouver .

The next day (day three) , head to one of the best ski resorts in the world: Whistler .

In winter , you can hit the slopes or go on a sled dog or snowmobile ride .

In summer , it’s time for hiking trails, biking or relaxing in a luxury Spa . And don’t forget to ride the longest zip line in Canada , at over 60 mph! Activity that can be booked directly by clicking here .

Days four and five will be dedicated to the Wells Gray Provincial Park .

Don’t miss out on:

• Helmcken Falls : one of the most beautiful in western Canada.
• Bailey’s Chute where you can watch salmon swimming upstream
• The Spahat Falls
• And Dawson Falls

As for activities, you can also go swimming or canoeing at Clearwater Lake, hike one of the numerous trails, or go black bear watching .

Day six brings us to a must-visit destination on your 10-day Canadian road trip: Jasper National Park .

You’ll get to check out two stunning lakes: Maligne Lake , the biggest lake in the Canadian Rockies, and Medicine Lake .

And of course, there’s nothing better to tour the national park than a little hike !

Day seven my friends, brings us to yet another breathtaking spectacle: Banff National Park . Hop in the car in Jasper and treat yourself to one of the most beautiful scenic routes the country has to offer: the Icefield Parkways .

Connecting the two parks over nearly 230 km, it’s a feast for your eyes with sublime landscapes . The road is well designed, boasting plenty of parking spots and lookouts to safely stop . Here are a few pit stops to consider :

• Athabasca Falls , towering more than 20 meters high
• The Sunwapta Falls
• Explore Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield . If you’re going to make a single stop along the Icefields Parkway, make it this one. Strap yourself into a bus fitted with giant tires for a tour. It’s one of the most popular activities in the area and the good news is, you can book it directly by clicking here !
• Peyto Lake, a quick 15-minute stroll away. You’ll be amazed by its turquoise waters, a result of glacier melt.

On day 8 , you should explore Banff on foot . Make your way to the famous Lake Louise , one of the most photographed spots in the world due to its stunning turquoise hue.

Moraine Lake is also a must-see!

To check the trail conditions and see all the possible hikes, visit Parks Canada’s website .

Cap off this 10-day Canadian West road trip by heading to Calgary .

On day nine , take some time to explore the city:

• Glenbow Museum with its collection of 33,000 works of art
• The 360° views from the Calgary Tower
• Heritage Park Village to learn about the old-fashioned lifestyle of a typical Canadian village
• Kensington Village : a lively neighborhood with great shops and restaurants

On day ten , it’s time to catch your return flight from Calgary Airport.

If you’re after more details on this 10-day Canadian road trip , you should check out my comprehensive article: 10-day itinerary in Canada .

There, you’ll find our list of the best accommodations for each stage. Trust me, planning your 10-day trip to Canada is going to be a breeze !

Canada road trip: Two weeks

For this 15-day Canadian road trip , let’s set off to discover the must-see sights of the west of the country.

This 2-week Canadian road trip also starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary.

You can find all the details to plan this Canadian circuit in my article: 2-week itinerary in Canada .

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stages:

We kick off this two-week Canadian road trip by spending 2 days in Vancouver .

You’ll get a good look at most of the places I mention in my Top 25 must-see places in Vancouver .

First and second day – Things to do:

• Gastown district
• Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
• The Waterfront and Canada Place
• A seaplane flight
• Granville Island
• Robson Street

Day three of your 15-day Canadian road trip, you’ll need to hop on the ferry to Vancouver Island and head for Victoria .

On your agenda for the day, I’d recommend:

• Visiting Butchart Gardens
• Taking a stroll through Chinatown
• Market Square
• Bastion Square
• Inner Harbour

On the fourth day , you’ll get a chance to set sail on a whale-watching cruise .

Be sure to book well in advance by clicking here:

The rest of the day can be spent exploring Victoria, where you can visit the Parliament and the Royal BC Museum and wrap up at Beacon Hill Park by the sea.

Day five – Journey from Victoria to Ucluelet, the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park.

Two stops worth making: the village of Duncan and Cathedral Grove .

Day six – Explore the Pacific Rim reserve : plenty of hiking opportunities and a mandatory stop at Long Beach .

Day seven of your 15-day Canadian road trip, allow a day for the journey to Whistler .

On day eight, there’s loads of activities to do in Whistler, whether it’s winter (skiing, snowshoeing) or summer (hiking, biking).

And for those without a fear of heights, you can try out Canada’s longest zipline ! Activity that can be booked directly by clicking here !

For day nine , point your compass towards Wells Gray Provincial Park, travelling along the beautiful Route 99 , one of the country’s finest! Day ten – Adventure in Wells Gray Park where you can choose from:

• Helmcken Falls
• Bailey’s Chute, Spahat Falls or Dawson Falls , among other waterfalls
• Clearwater Lake
• Black bears spotting with a guide

Impossible to explore Western Canada in 15 days without hitting up Jasper National Park . It’s just not done!

So, on the eleventh day , hit the road to this gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You’ll be able to check out Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake .

Day twelve , it’s time to tie up those hiking boots and spend the day trekking the many trails in Jasper .

Post-Jasper , you’ll continue your Canadian road trip with another national park: Banff .

Day thirteen , you’ll be taking Route 93 (the Icefield Parkway) which links the 25 parks together. Covering nearly 230 km, it’s a route jam-packed with stunning scenery . And to enjoy it all, you can pull over safely at the many viewpoints and car parks .

As for the must-see spots , I highly recommend:

• The Athabasca Falls
• The Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield . You can explore on foot or on a bus tour equipped with giant tires for some off-roading . Book this activity directly by clicking here !
• Peyto Lake with its unbelievably colored water

On the fourteenth day , it’s time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Banff National Park . Here too, the best way to admire the landscapes is to opt for a hike . The most famous trails allow you to circle around Lake Louise and Lake Moraine , the two most renowned lakes.

Here you are at the fifteenth day of your two-week Western Canada road trip.

Wrap up your holidays in Calgary , where you can notably visit the Glenbow Museum, the Heritage Park Village or ascend to the top of the Calgary Tower. You should get your skip-the-line tickets in advance by clicking here !

I also provide all the necessary information to visit Calgary in this article: Best things to do in Calgary !

Canada road trip: 3 weeks

For this 3-week road trip across Canada , I suggest dividing your vacation into 2 parts :

• Western Canada for about two weeks featuring Vancouver , Victoria, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park
• A week-long road trip in the East of Canada to uncover the delights of Montreal , Toronto , and Ottawa .

To help you organize your Canadian road trip down to the last detail, I’ve got you covered in my article: 3-week itinerary in Canada !

Simply click on the orange link above to discover: the different stages , travel times, places to visit, hotels for a good night’s sleep and the best activities to get involved in.

I’m still going to give you a quick rundown of the visits planned during these 3 weeks so you get a taste:

Start your 21-day Canadian road trip in the West for the first 13 days.

Day 1 and 2 – Vancouver

Day 3 – Victoria , the capital of British Columbia

Day 4 – Whale watching , an essential part of your 3-week Canadian road trip!

Days 5 and 6 – Whistler , one of Canada’s top ski resorts ! No worries, there’s plenty to do in the summer too.

Days 7 and 8 – Discover the Wells Gray Provincial Park and its many waterfalls

Days 9 and 10 – Explore Jasper National Park by car and on foot

Days 11 and 12 – Continue your three-week Canadian road trip with Banff National Park and the famous Lake Louise

Day 13 – Head on over to Calgary and catch your flight to Montreal!

After 13 glorious days in western Canada, it’s time to continue your 20-21 day Canadian road trip in the east of the country.

Day 14 – Explore Montreal with a stroll around the old Montreal neighborhood and up to Mount-Royal

Day 15 – Cruise to the Thousand Islands or helicopter ride

Days 16 and 17 – Discover must-see places in Toronto and don’t miss out on the view from atop the CN Tower

Day 18 – A day at the Niagara Falls , the major tourist attraction of this 3-week Canadian road trip. Whether it’s on a cruise at the base of the falls , a helicopter ride or by climbing up the Skylon Tower , you’ll get to see the falls from all angles!

Day 19 – Dedicate a day to Canada’s capital: Ottawa .

Days 20 and 21 – Return to Montreal to finish off your 3-week Canadian road trip by exploring the city a bit more .

To read the complete version of my 3-week itinerary , complete with advice and accommodation suggestions, click here !

Canada road trip: One month

Final itinerary for those lucky ones who get to embark on a month-long road trip in Canada !

I’m suggesting you discover a great chunk of the East over about thirty days. You’ll get to visit Montreal , Ontario, home to the famous Toronto , along with the province of Quebec and the Gaspé Peninsula (Gaspésie in French).

All the must-see cities of the east and gorgeous national parks are on the menu for this 1-month Canadian road trip.

 I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details to plan your epic eastern Canadian adventure in this post: A one-month adventure: Exploring Canada . For each day, you’ll get a list of things to do and see, travel times, and the best accommodations to rest at each stop.

To give you a taste, I’ve prepared a summary of the itinerary’s stages :

To kickstart this fabulous one-month road trip across Canada, I suggest landing in Montreal and taking a couple of days to recover from your flight and the inevitable jetlag.

Day 1 and 2 – Get a taste of Montreal , dive into the iconic neighborhoods of Old Port and Mount-Royal .

The second chapter of this 1-month Canadian adventure unfolds in Ontario .

Day 3 – Boat trip around the Thousand Islands

Days 4 and 5 – Explore the marvels of Toronto and its popular neighborhoods like Kensington, Chinatown, The Distillery…

Day 6 – Day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls

Day 7 – Head to Ottawa , Canada’s capital. Don’t miss out on the Canadian Museum of History !

The third act of your 1-month road trip through Canada is entirely dedicated to Quebec .

Day 8 – Visit the Omega Park and Mont-Tremblant

Days 9 and 10 – Engage in varied activities based on the season (hiking, canoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling…) in La Mauricie National Park

Days 11 and 12 – Tour around Lake St-Jean : the Wild Zoo of St-Félicien , the Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh , the ghost town of Val-Jalbert .

Days 13 and 14 – Discover the lovely villages of Fjord-du-Saguenay and take a boat or kayak ride on the fjord

Day 15 – Whale watching cruise in Tadoussac , experiencing whales in their natural environment, one of the most unforgettable experience of your one-month Canadian road trip!

Days 16, 17, and 18 – Journey through Gaspésie National Park

Days 19 and 20 – Your itinerary includes: Forillon National Park, Percé, and Bonaventure Island

Day 21 – Relaxation day at Chaleur Bay that the locals call “Baie des Chaleurs” (litteraly heat bay) that boasts several long beaches

Days 22 and 23 – Hiking or cycling on one of the numerous trails in Bic National Park

Days 24, 25, and 26 – Visit Quebec City and its surroundings . You’ll find all the things to do in my article: Best things to do in Quebec City !

Days 27 and 28 – This one-month road trip in Canada wraps up and you’ll return to Montreal where you can take some time to finish exploring the city.

To make it easy for you, here’s the link to the full itinerary: How to visit Canada in 1 month ?

Now you’re well-equipped to plan your road trip across Canada ! But there’s a final point we can’t ignore: where you’ll lay your head at night .

Where to stay at each stage of your Canadian journey?

Fear not, I’ve got you covered with a selection of the best hotels in Canada, categorized by city and area , and based on your budget, in all the road trip articles I’ve previously mentioned.

You can also find them by clicking directly on the links below :

For Western Canada:

• Pacific Rim

For Eastern Canada:

• The Thousand Islands
• Mont-Tremblant
• La Mauricie National Park
• Lac Saint-Jean
• Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Gaspésie National Park
• Chaleur Bay
• Bic National Park

Good news, there’s no bad time to go on a road trip through Canada.

It all depends on the activities you fancy.

Winter is the best time to visit Canada by car if you want to enjoy a whole range of winter activities: skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

And if you’re doing this Canadian road trip with family , your kids will be thrilled to sled down the slopes or try snow rafting and ice skating .

Driving in winter? No worries, cars are well-equipped, and roads are maintained and cleared. However, some routes in national parks might be closed, but you’ll always find something to do!

If you plan to embark on a Canadian road trip in spring , it’s the perfect season to explore national parks, enjoy nature and go hiking . The crowds are scarce, and the weather is delightful.

As for autumn, this is the time when you can experience the vibrant colors of the trees and landscapes in shades of orange, yellow, and red. A treat for photography enthusiasts!

Summer ? No problem with the temperature, it’s hot and sunny . But as with many destinations, it’s peak tourist season , so expect crowds pretty much everywhere.

Keep in mind, many Canadian companies shut down in July and August for “ construction holiday ” when many Canadian companies shut down. It’s the perfect time for Canadians to hit the road as well!

If you’re hoping to visit national parks (Jasper, Banff, in the province of Quebec and Gaspésie), options can be limited, so you should book your accommodations as early as possible .

For all cities, both in the west and the east, you can discover all the attractions at any time of year .

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Epic Canada Road Trip Driving Across Country in 6 Days

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2023

Who wants to spend 50 hours driving across Canada in one week? In August I did just that. I drove 50 hours from Calgary Alberta to Bridgewater Nova Scotia in only 6 days. Solo. I know, I could fly there so much faster. But then I wouldn’t have my car. And my stuff. And the adventure of a cross Canada road trip on my own!

It was a great experience to drive those 3,100 miles (5,000 km) from Southern Alberta to the South Shore region of Nova Scotia all by myself. Alberta – Saskatchewan – Manitoba – Ontario – Quebec – New Brunswick – Nova Scotia . I drove through 7 provinces in six days.

No speeding tickets :)

Canada Road Trip

This road trip happened in mid-August and weather conditions cooperated with my travel plans. I would not attempt driving from Calgary to Nova Scotia in the winter.

I’m strictly a fair weather solo road tripper.

Bright red skeleton of the Peace Bridge which connects pedestrians to downtown Calgary

My longest road trip in Canada until this big cross Canada driving experience started in Vancouver, included stops in Armstrong BC, Lake Louise , Banff , and ended in Calgary .

READ: 5 Awesome glacial lakes in Alberta and BC

If you are driving across Canada from Vancouver then I would recommend stops in the Okanagan Valley for the wineries and wonderful fruit orchards. Also make time for at least a couple of these national parks:

• Mount Revelstoke National Park in BC
• Glacier National Park in BC
• Yoho  National Park in BC – check out Emerald Lake and Kicking Horse River plus a beautiful and easy hike to the amazing Wapta Falls and check out Takakkaw Falls too! Golden BC is an excellent place to stay while exploring the national parks.
• Kootenay National Park in BC
• Jasper National Park – Amazing hiking , kayaking , and fishing in Jasper. Drive the Icefields Parkway highway from Banff to Jasper – one of the most beautiful drives in the world!
• Banff National Park – Camping, hiking , fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife viewing

LEARN MORE: 15 Famous Landmarks in Canada

Goslings galore feeding at Prince’s Island Park in downtown Calgary

My previous longest road trip I drove over 2,500 miles (4,025 km) from Lafayette LA to Calgary AB including stops in Yellowstone NP in Wyoming ( read my guide to planning a trip to Yellowstone )  and Glacier National Park in Montana.

READ: 5 Reasons you must go to Yellowstone

In This Article:

Drive across Canada via USA or northern Ontario route?

Well it wouldn’t be a cross CANADA road trip if I skipped down to the USA for a bit now would it!?

In the beginning stages of planning my road trip across Canada I began with Google maps to find the best route and how many hours it takes to drive from Alberta to Nova Scotia.

Google presented me with three route options, all roughly the same mileage and total driving time of 49 hours.

READ now: 9 Cape Breton Hikes on the Famous Cabot Trail

Cross Canada road trip from Calgary to Nova Scotia driving route options from Google Maps

Route 1 via Trans-Canada Hwy

Drive across Canada without entering the USA. This route is Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.

Route 2 via US-2 E

Drive from Alberta to Saskatchewan, into the USA at North Dakota, then Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, back to Canada via Ontario, then Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.

Route 3 via I-90 E

Drive from Alberta to Saskatchewan, into the USA at North Dakota, then Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York , Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine , cross back into Canada via New Brunswick, ferry to Nova Scotia.

I opted to go with the all Canada driving route because two border crossings, into the US and back into Canada could add time to my trip.

Driving in the busy summer holiday time I figured I would do better to avoid border crossings and stick with the Trans-Canada Highway most of the way.

The route goes through Northern Ontario for several hundred kilometers on secondary highways with less traffic than the Trans-Canada Highway.

READ: 10 Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary (with Maps)

Kapuskasing River is a branch of the Mattagami River in Ontario Canada

Ferry or drive from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia?

The idea of taking a ferry may be alluring, but it probably won’t save you any time.

The ferry from News Brunswick to Nova Scotia only shaved 20 or 30 minutes off the trip so I opted to drive instead.

The reason I chose to drive is that I didn’t want to buy a ferry ticket in advance, just in case I experienced a delay in my trip. And ferries can be cancelled due to weather.

Plus, it costs around $150 CAD for the ferry and you need to be checked in 1 hour before departure time. That’s way too much pressure for driving Day 6.

This small replica lighthouse next to the Welcome to Nova Scotia sign greets travelers

Planning where to stop while driving across Canada

You could simply drive until you decide to stop and then find a place to stay each night during a road trip.

But I prefer to know where I am staying in advance.

I don’t want the hassle of being stranded and having to sleep in my car.

My Toyota Yaris is a compact car and it’s loaded up with all my stuff, so sleeping in my car would be my last choice and I would only do it in an emergency.

If you have a van set up and you can sleep in your vehicle then you have a lot more flexibility on where you stop for the night.

If I were sleeping in my vehicle, I would plan a few options for locations to stop each night.

Camping out I would plan to visit a lot of National Parks and Provincial Parks along the way.

READ: Icefields Parkway itinerary – from Banff to Jasper

Grant Hall Hotel in Moose Jaw SK with burrowing owls (by artist Gus Froese) atop pillars in the Burrowing Owl Lobby

How many hours per day do you want to drive?

Are you one of those people that can drive for 14 hours and not feel exhausted? If you are, I’m jealous!

Although I am improving, normally I prefer to spend around 6 to 8 hours driving per day when I relocate from one nomad home to the next location.

I generally spend one month at each location but sometimes only a week to 10 days.

READ: Pros and cons of a nomadic lifestyle

After my mom died in January 2017 and I needed to get back to Calgary to help my siblings take care of my dad (who has Alzheimer’s) I opted to drive 3 days in a row for 10-plus hours per day. It worked out okay and I found out I could do these long-haul road trips.

You need to know how many hours you will want to be behind the wheel.

You can take the slow and steady approach and drive 3 -4 hours per day, leaving you time to explore at each stop along the way. If you are traveling with young children this might be your best option.

Or you can spend all day driving in order to get to your final destination with time to relax and explore.

Pristine lakes and wilderness are the constant companion driving through much of Quebec

How many days do you want to drive?

The most perfect summer road trip would take me across Canada over three or four months.

But I didn’t have that kind of time, after visiting with family, so I made a choice to drive across the country within a week.

I wanted time to explore Nova Scotia during summer.

There’s so much Canada but only so much summer!

With my cross Canada trip taking an estimated fifty hours of driving I could split my trip into 5 days of 10 hours driving per day.

Sounds reasonable, but instead of 5 evenly paced driving days I opted to start my trip with a short 6-hour drive to Moose Jaw SK on Day 1, then 4 longer (9 – 10 hr) driving days and finish up with a short 5-hour drive on Day 6, New Brunswick into Bridgewater NS.

Al Capone’s desk in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan – Tunnels of Moose Jaw Tour

I chose my driving schedule based on how it would fit with my work schedule. I have one client for which I work on a pre-set time of Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

So, I left on Wednesday and planned to arrive in Bridgewater Nova Scotia by Monday afternoon, working from my apartment rental.

READ: Tips for planning solo travel

Some people would prefer to drive 4 days straight with 12+ hour driving time each day.

This is a better option if you are on a tight budget, for both money and time, because you would save 2 nights lodging.

You could also sleep in your vehicle if you have it set up for van life, or camping is yet another option.

Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout in Thunder Bay ON

Summer is high season for travel in Canada

Remember that summer is always high season for travel in Canada, so accommodation can be tricky, popular tourist spots like Banff and Jasper are booked weeks or months in advance.

Sometimes you can get last minute bookings but those are rare.

If you can’t book your accommodation in advance, then it’s best to be flexible with your plans and check to see what are the other options around the area.

The blue eye of this wolf-dog caught my eye in Kapuskasing ON, and his owner had a remarkable life story

Planning the stops on a cross country road trip

Here’s how I planned out my stops while driving across Canada over six days.

I used Google maps to plan out my road trip and find the driving distances. Figuring out my main route for the whole trip, then dissecting the trip into chunks of time.

It took me a few tries to figure out where to make each stop during my trip because sometimes there were no accommodations around the 10-hour portion of the driving day I planned.

Basically, I would eyeball on Google maps an approximate stopping point and enter the nearest town as my ending point to see how many hours it would take to drive that section of road.

Then I checked for nearby motels or budget hotels for availability and pricing. I wanted to keep the costs under control, so I set a budget of $75 USD ($100 CAD) per night for lodging.

READ: Cutest cottage in Cape Breton

I used both Booking.com and apartment rental sites to book my accommodations.

On one occasion I called a motel directly because it was not listed on any of the internet booking sites, but I could see it on Google maps.

Kapuskasing Ontario welcome sign. The name derives from the Cree word for branch

Calgary AB to Bridgewater NS road trip stops

Driving day 1 – calgary ab to moose jaw sk.

685 km (425 miles) 6.5 hours driving time Highlight: Visiting Al Capone Tunnels in Moose Jaw

Driving day 2 – Moose Jaw SK to Ignace ON

1,100 km (685 miles) 11 hours driving time Highlight: Not getting hit by irresponsible drivers passing unsafely

Driving day 3 – Ignace ON to Kapuskasing ON

840 km (520 miles) 9 hours driving time Highlight: Terry Fox Memorial in Thunder Bay

Driving day 4 –  Kapuskasing ON to Prevost QC

900 km (560 miles) 10 hours driving time Highlight: Moose in Quebec and most scenic drive of the trip

Driving day 5 – Prevost QC to Jemseg NB

925 km (575 miles) 9 hours driving time Highlight: Getting lost around Montreal, my daft brain couldn’t get Ouest and Est straight LOL, Ouest is West and Est is East, pretty easy…but not for me evidently!

Driving day 6 – Jemseg NB to Bridgewater NS

460 km (285 miles) 4.5 hours driving time Highlight: Driving near Bay of Fundy at low tide, amazing!

Driving across Quebec I spotted these two young moose grazing near the water

Driving across Canada pay attention to time zones

When driving from west to east you lose an hour as you move into each new time zone, grrrr that’s not fun.

Of course, you gain an hour when driving from east to west, so much better!

And remember, Canada has a couple of extra time zones compared to the US.

There’s Atlantic time in the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Plus Newfoundland time zone is an additional 30 minutes. That’s right a 30-minute time zone, not an hour.

Check sunrise and sunset times

I checked the sunrise and sunset times for the locations I would be stopping during my road trip.

I wanted to be at my hotel before dusk if possible. It’s nice to have time to enjoy a sit-down dinner and go for a walk after driving all day.

I don’t drive at night and prefer to stop driving before dusk because there is a higher chance of wildlife crossing the highways.

Hitting a deer would probably total my little Toyota Yaris…not to mention the fate of the deer :/

What does it cost to drive across the country?

Here is the breakdown of costs (August 2018) for my road trip across Canada from Calgary AB to Bridgewater NS over six days.

This includes gasoline, lodging, and dining out during my cross-country drive.

Note that the costs for petrol and lodgings have increased substantially. It’s best to do research before your trip so you don’t have sticker shock when you book accommodations or buy gasoline.

Gasoline cost for cross Canada road trip

Gasoline total cost: $332 USD ($440 CAD)

Priciest budget item on my cross-country journey turned out to be gasoline.

The most expensive place I purchased gasoline during this road trip was in Ontario. Two of the places charged over $1.50 per liter in northern Ontario. That works out to over $6 CAD ($4.50 USD) per gallon of gas.

Trading Post Motel in Ignace ON complete with super heroes and airplane along Hwy 17

Lodging costs for cross Canada road trip

Total accommodation costs: $304 USD ($402 CAD)

Average $61 USD ($80 CAD) per night

I drove an extra hour to avoid staying in Dryden ON because the cheapest place I found charged $125 CAD per night. I continued onward to Ignace Ontario and paid $80 (CAD) per night.

My cheapest night was at Travelodge Moose Jaw SK for $52 USD ($69 CAD) total including taxes.

Most expensive accommodation was Prevost QC at $73 USD (97 CAD) including taxes.

Here’s the list of places I stayed at during my drive across Canada in 6 days/5 nights:

• Travelodge Moose Jaw SK $52 USD ($69 CAD)
• Trading Post Motel in Ignace ON $60 USD ($80 CAD)
• Park Inn Motel in Kapuskasing ON $62 USD ($82 CAD)
• La Voyageur Motel in Prevost Quebec $73 USD ($97 CAD)
• Cottage in Jemseg New Brunswick $57 USD ($76 CAD)

Food costs for cross Canada road trip

Total food spend for restaurant meals $166 USD ($220 CAD)

You could save money on food during your road trip with some pre-trip planning. Think about the foods you’ll eat while on the road and stock up on those items beforehand.

Here are some of my preferred road trip snacks and meals:

Pumpkin seeds Plantain chips Crackers Dried fruit Cherry tomatoes Cucumber Cookies Bananas Apples Jerky – did you know about BACON jerky?!! Also turkey, and salmon jerky, it’s not all about beef. Sardines – goes great with some crackers, and beer :)

If I could eat nuts, I would bring those too, but I’m allergic :/

My reward at the end of a long day of driving is usually a sit-down meal and a beer or two, preferably at a locally owned restaurant within walking distance of my lodgings.

Feasting on fish cakes with veggies, dinner salad, and cornbread at Creekview Restaurant in Gagetown NB

Just in case no restaurants are open or close by, I also bring emergency rations.

My emergency food is sardines and crackers.

Probably a lot of people would find that repulsive, but I like sardines and crackers, goes great with beer.

Meal costs while roadtripping across Canada

Moose Jaw Saskatchewan dinner x2 (fish $23 CAD and Greek salad/pork stick $27 CAD) and breakfast $15 CAD

Ignace Ontario – dinner at hotel across the highway $40 CAD Walleye/salad/2 beers, breakfast $15 CAD at hotel across the highway

Kapuskasing Ontario – dinner/beers at O’Brien’s pub $49 CAD, breakfast of 3 biscuits with bacon from Timmy’s (Tim Hortons) $10 CAD

Prevost Quebec – no restaurants within walking distance and I was too tired to drive another minute, so dinner of sardines and crackers. No breakfast :/  Maybe that’s why I got lost around Montreal.

Jemseg New Brunswick – I drove to Creekview Restaurant in Gagetown NB for chowder, beer, fish cakes and salad $40 CAD

Notice I ate two dinners in Moose Jaw. What’s up with that? Driving is hungry work!

Seafood chowder with biscuit at Creekview Restaurant in Gagetown NB

What about Canada highway toll charges?

There are a few toll charges according to Google Maps, but I don’t remember paying any tolls during this road trip across Canada.

When I left Nova Scotia to drive south to Maine there was a toll charge in New Brunswick.

Also note that if you take either of the USA routes you can expect to pay tolls.

In my experience, most places either accept cash payments or they will take a photo of your license plate and mail a toll invoice to you later.

Massachusetts sent me a bill for $2.30 when I drove through on my way to St Augustine Florida to enjoy the Florida coast and beaches .

Total cost of road trip across Canada

Total cost of my road trip across Canada from Calgary AB to Bridgewater NS for lodging, meals, and gas added up to $1,061 CAD ($802 USD) total.

Plus, snacks I purchased before I left Calgary, around $5/day so I’m going to say $29 CAD ($22 USD) to make it a nice even number for the total.

Total cost of road trip: $1,090 CAD ($824 USD)

The total cost for this epic 6-day cross country road trip is right in the ballpark for how much I estimated I would spend.

While my lodgings cost a bit less than my budget, gas and food cost a bit more.

Overall this Canadian road trip worked out great for me and I would do it again.

Driving for 6 days in order to spend a month exploring Nova Scotia was totally worth the effort, money, and time.

My dream Canada road trip would start from Tofino on Vancouver Island and finish in Newfoundland .

But I would want a few months for that 7,400 km (4,600 miles) monster road trip.

Greeting travelers at the visitor center in Nova Scotia, a bagpiper in a kilt

Tips for planning a cross country solo road trip

Download Google offline maps – this is a must because you will not have internet access in some locations.

Bring some cash with you. Sometimes there are cash only places in remote towns.

Get a AAA (America Automobile Association) or CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) membership so that you will have emergency roadside assistance if you need it.

Get paper maps in case all your technology dies.

If you have AAA membership you can get maps for free. CAA and AAA are affiliated so your membership in one allows you to the services in the other association/country.

They also have location guidebooks with listings for lodgings and restaurants.

Remember summer is high season for travel anywhere in Canada.

Book lodgings in advance, particularly if you are staying in popular tourist spots. Banff National Park or Jasper National Park are the two most visited national parks in Canada and the hiking is the BEST!

Read now: Hiking Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper National Park

Tips for driving across Canada on a budget

Plan your meals in advance and shop at discount grocery stores, buy in bulk when possible.

Watch for sales and stock up on non-perishable items before your road trip.

Foraging for food is another way to save money on meals. You need to know what you’re doing otherwise you could become seriously ill or even die from eating something poisonous. Take classes and learn, or bring a foraging expert with you on your road trip :)

Gasoline may be the largest percentage of your budget, if possible, use a vehicle that gets great gas mileage.

Don’t keep luggage/cargo on your roof. Do use cruise control (when roads are dry) to keep your speed within the posted speed limit.

Typically, when driving over 50 mph (80 kph) gas mileage decreases quite a bit.

If you camp or sleep in your vehicle you will save a bundle of cash.

You need to know where it’s okay to park overnight and where to find free camping. The website Fresh Off the Grid has a resource listing in this post about finding free camping in the USA and Canada . They also have recipes for camping meals.

How about you, what’s on your roadtripping bucket list? What’s your best road trip tip?

Save it for later on Pinterest and SHARE!

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

I am planning a trip with my husband from Ottawa, Ontario to Nova Scotia early August. Have about 3 weeks to do it in. Planning to stay in Hilton hotels along the way, looking for any suggestions on where to stop for attractions, food along the route. Thanks

Susan Moore

Friday 29th of July 2022

Liz, You have lots of time so you may want to stop in Quebec City on the way, so many great restaurants in the old city. And visit Montmorency Falls too! For Nova Scotia you can have a look at my 10-day road trip itinerary for lots of ideas for attractions and food recommendations. Also check out my list of places to visit in summer in Nova Scotia. Have a wonderful road trip! Susan

Friday 15th of July 2022

Hello Susan, Very helpful to read this. I need to drive from Blue Hill, Maine to Whidbey Island, WA leaving August 18th. I have 10-11 days. I'll be alone, I'm 65, and drove across the US from Whidbey two years ago. Now I'll be moving to Washington State and need my car there. Since I have a little extra time, I'm wondering if there are a couple of places you recommend I should spend a 1-2 days? Both to rest and to sightsee. Since I'm moving to Whidbey I can easily travel up to BC from my new home at a later time, so am asking for places east of there for this trip. I've also looked at google maps and see their basic route recommendations. Wondering if you have any thoughts about whether to go the southern route through Sault Ste. Marie, or the more northerly one that goes above Lake Superior and through Winnepeg, or a mix of the two routes, or something else? Also, I see that someone mentioned ferries in their reply. Will I encounter the need to book ferries while in Canada? All of this is given that Covid restrictions allow this of course!

I thank you for the article and any other tips.

Sunday 17th of July 2022

@CL, You're welcome! If you search for "hotels near Batchawana Bay" on Google and then have a look at the map and zoom in a bit, it shows a few options for cabins and motels close by: Chicken Shack Motel, the Sawpit Bay Motel. I stayed at the Parkway Motel in (or near?) Wawa on my most recent road trip across Ontario and I liked it a lot. In Wawa there's a beautiful waterfall called Magpie Falls, I think the signage is Scenic High Falls. Also the Wawa Goose - it's big! Wawa means "Wild Goose" in Ojibwe. Have FUN! Susan

Saturday 16th of July 2022

@Susan Moore, thank you so much!! Batchawana Bay area looks wonderful, though no hotels along that entire shoreline area on either booking.com or google maps? There is something called the Lakeview Inn in Wawa though, so perhaps that will work! thanks again!

Cynthia, That's going to be a great summer road trip! And since you've already made the cross country drive before you have some good experience with making the long drive.

For the 1 - 2 days resting/sightseeing I think Lake Superior is the best place to stop along the way. From Blue Hill drive to Batchawana Bay on Lake Superior and continue the trip on the north side of Superior. I suggest staying at (or close to) Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, or Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Continue to Thunder Bay ON - a lovely place to stay as well! And then follow Lake Superior down to Minnesota, across North Dakota into Montana. The Rocky Mountains are another perfect place to stop for a rest and enjoy gorgeous scenery. Bozeman MT is a beautiful small town to stop for a night or two.

Alternatively, you could drive from Thunder Bay across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Alberta. Stop in Waterton Lakes National Park and then south into Glacier National Park in northern Montana. But that's also easy enough for you to visit from Whidbey later on - and after Labor Day it's less crowded!

As to ferries, no you won't need to take any ferries for your trip in Canada. I believe the previous comment was regarding a trip across Canada to Newfoundland and that does require a ferry trip.

I hope you have a wonderful road trip with great weather, stunning scenery, and all good vibes along the way!

Cheers, Susan

Friday 20th of May 2022

Enjoyed reading your blog Susan. I am also from Calgary and planning a 6 week road trip to Newfoundland. The plan is to take 8 - 9 days to cross Canada and then spend 4 weeks in Newfoundland before driving back. The plan is to get across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba as quickly as possible and then slow down once I hit Ontario. Any recommendations on stops along the lake Superior route in Ontario? I have set ferry reservations, but since I have allocated a couple of extra days to get across the country I thought I would break up the trip a little. Looking forward to reading more of your adventures

Maria, Thank you, glad you're enjoying the blog. You're plan sounds great, the drive along Lake Superior is absolutely gorgeous. Last year I drove Calgary to Maritimes in 6 weeks and stopped in Emo Ontario and the drive along Hwy 11 was beautiful. The drive along Lake Superior is stunning. I stopped in Thunder Bay for a week and enjoyed staying there and I stopped 1 night in Wawa because it's close to Lake Superior Provincial Park. If you only have a day or two I would try to stay in/near the parks. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Batchawana Bay are all great places to do some hiking and enjoy the view of Lake Superior. Basically you can't go wrong with a stop along Lake Superior! I was blown away by the beauty and would like to drive it again and spend 2 or 3 weeks along Superior. I'm driving to Newfoundland too, at the end of May, but from Nova Scotia :) I hope you have an amazing road trip! Susan

Friday 8th of April 2022

Greetings, your article is the best, loaded with great information. I am going from Niagara area to Radium Hot Springs later this year...looking forward to using your tips. Thanks

Thank you, I hope you have an amazing road trip adventure from Ontario to BC. And to be honest, I'm a bit jealous, I haven't driven east to west in Canada yet! But I have driven Hwy 93 to Radium and it is spectacular. Enjoy your travels! Cheers, Susan

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Susan, THANKS for sharing your epic solo driving trip across Canada! It’s inspiring as I’m planning a 4-6 weeks roadtrip next year. Appreciate all your helpful hints! Years ago I took a Greyhound bus ride from Vancouver to Toronto for $99!

Thursday 7th of October 2021

Hi Helen, Vancouver to Toronto by bus WOW! That is a looooong bus ride LOL, but the price, so cheap! Glad you found this article helpful and I hope you have beautiful weather and wonderful experiences on your road trip next year. I did the Calgary to Nova Scotia trip again this summer, BUT I took 6 weeks and it was an outstanding trip. I spent quite a bit of time around Lake Superior, simply gorgeous! And I finally made it to PEI, stunning scenery and scenic drives all around the island. Canada has so much natural beauty to enjoy and explore. Best wishes on your adventures, Helen! Susan

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Canada: A Budget Breakdown

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2023

Categories Canada

If you are planning a trip to Canada, you may worry about your travel budget since Canada isn’t exactly known as a cheap destination.

But don't despair, I wrote this post to show you exactly how much we spent on our budget road trip to Canada.

Canada on a budget

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

How to save money when traveling Canada

Canada is the country we spent most of our time in during our one-year RTW trip. For two and a half months we explored this beautiful part of the world.

We spent 2 weeks on Vancouver Island , drove the Sea to Sky highway , marveled at the Canadian Rockies Mountains , hiked around  the badlands in Drumheller , crossed the prairie of Saskatchewan , spent a weekend in Winnipeg , road-tripped around Ontario and so much more…

Those who read this blog more often know that road trips are our favorite way to travel. And I can say from experience that road-tripping is not just one of the best, but also one of the cheapest ways to travel!

Keep reading to learn about our cross-Canada road trip costs and for tips on how to visit Canada on a budget.

Have you always dreamed about doing a working holiday in Canada ? Check out Global Work & Travel and get a €100 discount with the coupon code PHENOMENALGLOBE .

How much does it cost to go to Canada?

Is Canada expensive to travel to? The good news is: it doesn't have to be!

Of course, the amount you'll spend depends on your travel style, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose. But generally speaking, you can travel around Canada on a budget of 50-100 CAD per day (per person).

As you can see in the infographic, our average daily travel budget in Canada during our cross-Canada road trip was 100 CAD per day ( €66/US$75) as a couple!

In this post, you can read the full breakdown of our Canada budget and how much we paid for our campervan, accommodation, food and drinks, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.

Canada travel budget: important facts and figures

• I traveled to Canada with my husband , all expenses are for the two of us together.
• I quote prices in € and Canadian Dollars (CAD) . At the time of our road trip in Canada, the exchange rate was  €1 = 1,50 AUD. You can find the current exchange rate here .
• We spent 2.5 months in Canada, and on an average day, we spent €66/100 CAD.
• Our average daily travel budget includes all the costs to drive across Canada, however, it does not include the costs of our tickets to Canada.
• My Canada road trip started and ended in Vancouver , where we bought our trusted GMC Safari VANessa .

How to save money when planning a trip to Canada

When planning your Canada trip, it's important to be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for Canada.

Avoid peak season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit Canada as flight costs, car rental costs , campervan rental prices , and campground fees can vary throughout the year.

The high season in Canada is from July and August . During these months prices for accommodation and other tourist facilities are at their highest.

So if you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel during shoulder season, this is a great way to save money on your Canada trip.

While temperatures are at their highest during Canada's busy summer season (July and August), traveling in May, June, September, and October will reduce your travel costs considerably.

Save money on flights

You can save a lot of money by searching for cheap flights to Canada on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally speaking, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Vancouver (West) and Toronto (East) are usually the cheapest option but keep an eye open for tickets to Calgary and Ottawa as well.

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research budget accommodation.

Luxury hotels in Canada (such as the iconic Fairmont Château in Lake Louise and the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria ) are really expensive, so if you're a budget traveler, those aren't an option.

But not to worry, there are lots of budget options available in Canada. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get a good deal on hotel rooms.

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, if you want to avoid hefty ATM fees or there's a strict limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction, it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (thereby reducing your need for cash).

If you plan to travel around Canada by campervan, it's also worth booking your rental campervan in advance as this will ensure you get the best deal.

Cost to travel Canada

Now that you know some great ways to save money in the planning phase of your Canada trip, it's time for a deep dive into our Canada travel expenses. Our Canada travel costs are divided into four categories:

• Campervan ( transportation costs ) :  €32 / 48 CAD =  49% of daily costs
• Accommodation:  €7 / 10,50 CAD =  10% of daily costs
• Food and drinks: €24 / 36 CAD = 36% of daily costs
• Activities and miscellaneous expenses:  €3 / 4,50 CAD =  5% of daily costs

Average travel costs per day:  €66 / 100 CAD

1. Traveling Canada by campervan: how much does it cost?

In the infographic, you can see that the daily costs for the campervan were  €32 / 48 CAD . These costs are divided into 2 categories:

• Costs of buying and maintaining our van (including the necessary camp gear)
• Costs for fuel

The costs to buy (and sell) a camper van in Canada

Because we planned to travel around Canada and the U.S.A. for an extended period of time, we decided to buy a van instead of renting a car   or campervan .

This turned out to be a big money saver! Of course, you have to be a bit lucky when buying a secondhand car (have it checked out before closing the sale!), because you never know if it will break down and how much it will cost to repair.

We were very lucky, our car only needed some small repairs along the way plus regular oil changes.

Keep in mind that buying and selling a vehicle takes time, therefore, I think it’s only worthwhile to buy a car if you plan on making an extended road trip (more than 6 weeks).

Here is the detailed breakdown of all the money we spent on VANessa, our beautiful bright red GMC Safari (the building year was 2000).

We drove 25.000 kilometers with VANessa, across Canada and back through the United States.

In total, we were on the road for 141 days, which is why I divide the net costs by 141. The average cost for VANessa was  €18/26 CAD per day.

Costs of fuel in Canada

Fuel is relatively cheap in Canada, at least compared to the Netherlands. The downside is that American cars are not very fuel-efficient…

Our VANessa did 1 in 10 (liter per kilometer) on a good day (mainly highway) but only 1 in 5 when driving in the city.

In any case, since we did a lot of driving (not surprising since Canada is the second biggest country in the world) we also bought a lot of fuel. The average costs for fuel on a daily basis were €14/21 CAD.

Depending on our location, we paid between 1,05 CAD (in Alberta, because it has oil sands) and 1,30 CAD (in Vancouver, because it's an expensive city) per liter.

2. Campsites and budget accommodation in Canada

In the infographic, you can see that the total cost per day for accommodation was  €7 / 10,50 CAD . These costs are divided into 2 categories:

• Paid campsites
• Airbnb accommodation

(Paid) campsites in Canada

We spent most nights of our Canada road trip in our comfy VANessa and found many nice campsites all across Canada!

Most nights we choose to stay at free camp spots (read more below), however, some nights we looked for an official campsite to have access to a shower (or to do laundry).

I recommend downloading the iOverlander app to find (free) places to camp in Canada.

Airbnb in Canada

Every once in a while we stayed at private rooms via Airbnb, mostly to catch up with family via proper internet or to have something delivered (it's difficult to receive packages when you don't have a permanent address;-).

But also because, as much fun as it is to live in a van, every now and then it was nice to be in a house with a kitchen, bathroom, and more than 5m2 of living space.

Finally, in big cities, it's more convenient to stay at an Airbnb as well, as there usually aren't many places to park overnight.

3. The costs for food and drinks on a trip to Canada

The easiest and most effective way to save money in Canada is by cooking your own food. We made our own breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner pretty much every day.

Our average daily expenses for food and drinks were €24 / 36 CAD .

Or course we splurged every once in a while and ate at a nice restaurant or cozy cafe. And most days we got a cup of coffee at the ultimately Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons .

4. Activities and miscellaneous costs in Canada

Our activity costs and miscellaneous expenses in Canada were  €3 / 4,50 CAD on an average day.

Awesome activities in Canada

When you’re in Canada, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities and beautiful places the country has to offer.

Admire the stunning National Parks, explore some of the smaller towns , and simply enjoy the stunning views when you're driving around Canada.

Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to your budget.

Another very budget-friendly activity in Canada is hiking. We're avid hikers and I honestly have no idea how many hikes we did during our Canada road trip. Let's just say a lot;-).

A huge hiking benefit, besides the fact that it's fun, healthy and a great way to explore the area, is that it's completely free! Therefore we didn't spend much money on activities on most days.

Sightseeing in cities is also free (besides the occasional cup of coffee, ice cream, or museum ticket) and we had a great time wandering around  Victoria , Calgary , and Winnipeg *.

*Please note that I was hosted by Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba and didn't pay for any of the activities mentioned in my Winnipeg post.  Nevertheless, I always write an honest recount of my travel experiences, regardless of who is paying for it (I pay for my own travels 99% of the time).

Miscellaneous costs

This category is made up of some random expenses, things like laundry, public transport tickets in major cities, a local SIM card, postcards for people at home, etc.

Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our Canada budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our Canada itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

How to save money in Canada: budget tips

How to save money on food in canada.

This is my number one budget tip for every road trip: cooking your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner instead of eating out will save you tons of money!

So be smart and shop at large supermarkets (like Walmart, No Frills, Save-On-Foods, or Safeway).

In order to minimize your grocery expenses in Canada, avoid shopping at small local supermarkets (for example, the store in Lake Louise is very expensive).

On the other hand, if you want to support local shop owners, it's better to shop at a local store instead of at large chain grocery stores…

How to save money on campsites in Canada

Going camping is a great way to reduce your Canada trip cost. There are thousands of free campsites all across Canada, you just have to know where to find them.

Most camp/overnight spots we found via the iOverlander app . The app is free and includes comments from people who have (recently) visited a particular camp spot. We rarely had any issues finding a free camp spot or place to park for the night.

Only in major tourist areas (such as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park ), there are ‘No overnight parking or camping’ signs, obviously, you shouldn’t wild camp there and book an official campsite instead.

And as always, leave your campsite as clean (or cleaner) than you found it!

How to save money on accommodation in Canada

Besides staying at free campsites, there is another way we saved on accommodation. We did a house-sit in Nelson and Calgary via  Trustedhousesitters .

Please know that Trusted Housesitters is  not  intended as a way to find free accommodation, there is  Couchsurfing  for that. Trusted Housesitters is a platform for:

•  People with pets  who want to go on a (short) holiday and are looking for someone to take care of their pets (and house). •  People who love pets  and are looking to stay in an area for a longer period of time while taking care of someone's pets and house.

We loved spending a couple of days in one place and experiencing what it would be like to live in Canada (the verdict: pretty awesome!).

Plus I could finally give in to my dream of having a house full of cats and dogs by pretending the animals I cared for were my own…

Check out Trustedhousesitters for more information.

How to save money on fuel in Canada

To find cheap fuel we used the  Gasbuddy  app. This app (and website) shows the prices of gas stations near you. There can be quite a big difference between them so it's worth looking around for the best option!

As I mentioned above, there is also a big difference in fuel prices between states. For example, Alberta has its own oil fields and fuel tends to be a lot cheaper there compared to other states.

There's also a big difference between getting fuel in a small town in the countryside versus filling up in a major city (especially at the gas stations downtown).

Plan your Canada trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals with Kiwi.com . ? Rent a campervan for your Canada road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com ). ? Arrange your Canada working holiday with Global Work & Travel . ? Plan your journey with the Canada Lonely Planet . ?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com . ? Join the best tours in Canada via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Our Canada road trip budget: in conclusion

That's all our Canada expenses, now you know how much a trip to Canada costs. I hope this post has shown it's possible to make a Canada budget trip and has inspired you to visit this beautiful country!

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and enjoy planning your trip!

Read more about Canada in these posts:

• Charming small towns to visit in Canada
• The prettiest lakes in Canada
• Day trips from Vancouver
• Why you should visit Nanaimo
• Niagara Falls family trip

This post was updated in December 2022.

Georgia Jerrey

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Hi I've been constantly going back to your post as reference as due to go to Canada for 3 month trip using air bnbs across Vancouver to Toronto and appreciate all the advice given from a fellow blogger under a year later!

Saturday 1st of June 2019

Hi Georgia,

I'm so happy to hear that and I hope you are having a wonderful trip:-) Good luck with your blog!

Thursday 29th of November 2018

only recently found the blog! I do a lot of travelling myself and have been stuck here in Sydney trying to figure out my next step, whether it was back home to Ireland and grow up haha or keep moving! This blog has inspired me, my next move is a road trip to Canada!! It looked like an amazing experience

Wednesday 5th of December 2018

I'm stoked to hear that, Canada is absolutely amazing and you will not regret making a road trip there... The country is made for roadtripping and the people are supernice. Nature is phenomenal so who knows you might end up staying there;-) Though Ireland is beautiful too btw!

Happy travels! Lotte

Monday 19th of November 2018

Lottie well done I'm very excited to take a leap of faith and go travel myself to Canada in a few months. I'm currently in Darwin working as a nurse. I'm from the south of Ireland so let me know if your ever there my mom keeps Frisian horses and plenty dogs who are awesome. You could so visit Kerry and travel around there I'm sure you would love it. All the love and light to guide you.

Love Tara Zgaga

Monday 26th of November 2018

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I hope you have a great time to Canada:-) I made a short road trip around a part of Ireland in 2016 and felt our trip was way too short, there were so many beautiful places... I'll definitely get in touch when we plan another Ireland trip!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

Spanning 9,306km (5,780 miles) and six time zones, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. It’s home to rugged coastlines, vast prairies, dense boreal forests, towering mountain ranges, and upwards of two million lakes.

But what makes Canada special is its people. It’s a place that embraces its diversity and that encourages people to be friendly, caring, and polite.

Due to its large size, though, traveling across Canada can be a little challenging. Domestic flights are prohibitively expensive due to low competition and, outside of the eastern part, trains don’t go many places.

That means if you really want to see Canada, you need to drive.

To help you explore this amazing country, Chris Oldfield, our Canadian team member , helped create this suggested itinerary for a one-month road trip. It’s packed, since you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. However, it’s also not too rushed (though you can easily extend this out to six or eight weeks as well).

(Note: Canada is huge, and there are many routes and itineraries you can take. This one is by no means comprehensive but instead meant to give you a good overview and introduction to the main cities and sights.)  

Days 1-3: Vancouver, BC

It’s also the third-largest city in Canada, so there’s plenty to see and do while you’re here. There’s an amazing foodie scene here too.

Here are a few suggestions to help you start your trip off right:

• Visit Granville Island – Granville Island is a shopping district in the middle of the city. It’s also a hub for foodies. Explore the public market, grab a beer at Granville Island Brewing Company, and wander the cool shops. There are also galleries, some performing arts venues, and all kinds of events and festivals held here too!
• Enjoy the view from Grouse Mountain – Ride the gondola to the top, where you can enjoy the view over the metropolis and mountains. There are lots of trails for hiking in the summer and sections for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You can also hike to the top (which takes 1.5–2 hours) and then take the gondola down for just $15 CAD.
• Relax in Stanley Park – Located in the heart of the city, this enormous park (a 400-hectare natural rain forest) is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. Its waterfront path right on the Pacific is a nice place to go for a stroll, swim, or bike ride. There are also sports fields here and over 20km of trails.
• Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge – This 450-foot long suspension bridge stands 230 feet high and offers views of the surrounding forests and trails. I don’t love heights, but it’s worth it for the view! Tickets are $54 CAD.

For more suggestions, here’s a detailed list of things to see and do in Vancouver .

Where to Stay

• Cambie Hostel Gastown – Located in the historic Gastown district, this hostel has comfortable beds, a small common room for hanging out, and access to The Cambie, the hostel’s bar.
• HI Vancouver Downtown – Tucked into a quieter part of town, HI Vancouver Downtown is in a good location for exploring the popular Granville and Davie Streets, which offer plenty of cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping.
• Samesun Vancouver – With cozy pod beds, clean bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and free breakfast (including eggs and hot cereal), this is my favorite hostel in the city.

Here is my complete hostel list with even more suggestions!  

Day 4-5: Whistler, BC

In the summer, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, swimming, cycling, zip-lining, and bear watching. There’s also a 4.4km peak-to-peak gondola where you can enjoy the stunning mountain vistas that envelop the region.

Where to Stay Airbnb and Booking.com will be your best choices here. Book in advance, as they get booked fast!  

Days 6-8: Banff National Park, AB

Banff is home to two of Canada’s most picturesque (and most Instagrammed) locations: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. They are incredibly popular sights, so get there early to beat the crowds.

Beyond snapping some Insta-worthy shots, there is plenty of hiking to enjoy in the surrounding mountains. It’s a beautiful place to relax in a rustic lodge or cabin or go camping (you can rent camping gear if you don’t have any).

Be sure to spend some time in the town of Banff as well. It’s a touristy resort town but it’s also super quaint and charming.

Where to Stay Airbnb will be your best option if you’re on a budget. If you feel like splurging on a luxury resort or lodge, use Booking.com .

For camping, you can use this government website to book a site in the park.

Note : If you have more than a month for your trip, consider a stop in Jasper National Park before heading to Banff. It’s an extra nine-hour drive from Whistler but the natural beauty here is jaw-dropping (seriously, google “Jasper National Park” — it’s stunning!).  

Days 9-10: Calgary, AB

Here are a few things to see and do during your visit:

• Attend the Calgary Stampede – The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo. Expect chuckwagon races, bull riding, concerts, carnival rides, and endless fair food (deep-fried butter, anyone?). Tickets start at $18 CAD.
• Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park – Fish Creek sits along the Bow River and is perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. In the summer, people come here to fish, swim, and barbecue. It’s a fun, relaxing place to get some exercise and enjoy the weather.
• Go brewery-hopping – Calgary has a huge number of brewpubs and small craft breweries. Citizen Brewing Company, Cold Garden Beverage Company, and Big Rock are some of my favorites. You can take brewery tours for around $25 CAD or do a brewery tour for around $90 CAD.
• Take in the view from Calgary Tower – Built in 1967, the Calgary Tower commemorates Canada’s Centennial. From the top, it offers an uninterrupted view of the Rocky Mountains. The observation deck has a glass floor that adds an extra thrill to your visit (if you like heights, that is). Tickets are $18 CAD.

For more suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide to Calgary!

• HI Calgary City Centre – This is the best hostel in the city. It’s newly renovated, has a full-equipped kitchen, includes towels, and the beds are comfy.

If the hostel is booked, use Airbnb . Be sure to book in advance if you’ll be here for the Stampede.  

Days 11-12: Regina, SK

Home to under 240,000 people, Regina is a small city that’s worth a quick visit. Here are some suggested things to see and do while you’re here:

• Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum – This natural history museum was opened in 1906 and is home to the world’s largest T. rex cast as well as an insightful exhibition on Canada’s First Nations. It’s an educational place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
• Watch the Roughriders – The CFL (Canada’s answer to the NFL) is popular here as Regina is home to one of the league’s best teams, the Roughriders. If you’re visiting between June and November, catch a game at Mosaic Stadium and get rowdy with the locals! Tickets start at $32 CAD.
• Tour the Legislative Building – The Saskatchewan Legislative Building was built in 1912. It’s a National Historic Site and Heritage Property and is home to one of the tables used by the Fathers of Confederation when they drew up their plans to create a united Canada. Take a guided tour (they last around 30 minutes) and learn about the province’s history.

Where to Stay Airbnb and Booking.com will be your best choices here, depending on your budget and what kind of accommodation you’re looking for.  

Days 13-14: Winnipeg, MB

While it’s known for its harsh winters, Winnipeg has been working hard to evolve into a world-class city. Slowly but surely, it’s succeeding. Stop by for a day or two and check out some of the city’s best sights:

• See the Canadian Museum for Human Rights – This museum highlights the crises and evolution of human rights in Canada and around the globe. Opened in 2008, it’s the only national museum outside of Ottawa.
• Watch the Blue Bombers – For more CFL action, catch a Blue Bombers game. The team was founded in 1930 and is one of the best in the league.
• Explore the Forks National Historic Site – This urban park is a relaxing place to read or have a picnic. At the intersection of two rivers, it was historically significant for trade between indigenous people and Europeans, with human settlement going back as far as 6,000 years.
• Visit the Royal Canadian Mint – If you’re a collector or are just curious how coins are made, stop by the mint. It’s made over 55 billion coins for 75 different countries. Over 1,000 coins are made every second here! Tours are $8 CAD.

Where to Stay If you’re on a budget, try Airbnb first. If you’re looking for a hotel, Booking.com has the best rates.  

Days 15-16: Thunder Bay, ON

Tucked away on the edge of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is one of the biggest cities in Northern Ontario. It’s just an hour from the US border and is one of the sunniest cities in Eastern Canada.

Here are some things to see and do while you’re here:

• See the Terry Fox Monument – In 1980, cancer-survivor Terry Fox set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He did so on just one leg (he lost the other to cancer). He managed to run for 143 days straight (5,373km, or 3,339 miles) before his cancer returned and he had to call off his quest.
• Go hiking in Sleeping Giant – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located on Lake Superior and offers 80km of hiking trails, including both short day hikes and multi-day routes.
• Visit Fort William Historical Park – This park is where the reconstructed Fort William is located, a fur trading post from 1816. There’s a traditional blacksmith, cooper, and canoe builder, and you can interact with actors playing the various people you would have met here in the 19th century.

Where to Stay Airbnb doesn’t have many options here, but if you can find one, they start at $45 CAD per night. For hotels and motels, use Booking.com .  

Days 17-19: Algonquin Provincial Park, ON

There are several different campgrounds in the park, dozens of hiking trails, and over 1,500 lakes (it’s massive!). You can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore and go deeper into the park. Multi-day portages are possible too.

Even if you’re a newbie camper and don’t have gear, you’ll be able to rent what you need to have an enjoyable, relaxing getaway for under $50 CAD per day.

Days 20-23: Toronto, ON

There’s a ton to see and do here. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Visit the CN Tower – The iconic CN Tower stands 550m tall and is a fixture of Toronto’s skyline. It offers panoramic views, shopping, and 360-degree dining in its (expensive) restaurant. If the weather is nice (and you have some extra money to spend), you can also walk along the outer edge of the tower. It’s touristy and expensive but fun!
• Relax on Toronto Island – Spend an inexpensive day at Toronto Island Park and enjoy the beach, play volleyball, have a picnic, and take in the view of the city from the water.
• Visit the ROM – The Royal Ontario Museum has thousands of artifacts and specimens spread over 20 exhibits. There are displays on dinosaurs, ancient China, indigenous Canadians, medieval Europe, ancient Egypt, and more. It’s the best museum in town and a fun place for kids and adults alike!
• Hit the beach – The beaches near Lake Ontario are a relaxing way to spend the day during the humid summer. You can stroll along the boardwalk, eat at one of the many restaurants, or rent a boat and head out on the lake. Some of the best beaches are Cherry, Woodbine, and Centre Island.
• Wander Kensington Market – This bohemian neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of alternative restaurants and shops. It gets quite bustling in the summer, and there are often free concerts too. It’s one of my favorite places to wander around!

For more suggestions as well as money-saving tips, check out my free guide to Toronto!

Where to Stay Hotels in Toronto are expensive, so use Airbnb if you’re on a budget. If you do want to stay in a hostel, Planet Traveler Hostel is the best in the city.  

Days 24-26: Ottawa, ON

Located four hours from Toronto , it’s is full of historic buildings and museums, and is just a short walk from Québec (Canada’s French-speaking province).

Here’s what I would focus on in Ottawa during your stay:

• Wander the Byward Market – This massive market is full of restaurants, shops, and open-air stalls. There is a lot happening all year round, though in the summer it’s bustling with fresh produce and many local artisans. If you’re looking for a souvenir or just want to people-watch, this is the place!
• Visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization – While technically not in Ottawa (it’s across the river in Québec), this world-class museum is one of the best in all of Canada. It does an amazing job of showcasing Canada’s entire history, including some insightful exhibitions on First Nations. There are lots of kid-friendly exhibits too. This museum shouldn’t be missed!
• Try a beaver tail – These are not actual beaver tails, don’t worry! They’re delectable desserts resembling a flat donut, made of fried dough and covered in all sorts of sweet toppings. They’re a must!
• Visit the Canadian War Museum – Canada is known as a peaceful nation, but it’s been involved in its fair share of conflicts too. This museum does an excellent job of highlighting Canada’s military history. It has exhibits on both world wars as well as modern conflicts Canada has been engaged in.
• Skate on the Rideau Canal – Every winter, the Rideau Canal is frozen over and turned into a massive skating rink that stretches for miles (it’s the longest skating rink in the world). If you’re visiting during the winter, you can rent skates for around $20 CAD if you don’t have your own.
• Ottawa Backpackers Hostel – This laid-back hostel has some of the cheapest accommodation in the city. The dorms are spacious, it’s social, and it’s right near the Byward Market.
• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel – This hostel is located in a former jail. The rooms are small (they’re former cells), but it’s an incredibly unique space — and a little spooky too!

Days 27-30: Montreal, QC

Personally, I think it’s one of the best cities in Canada. The Old Town looks like something straight out of medieval France, and the French-inspired cuisine and eclectic nightlife (especially the jazz clubs) leave little to dislike.

Here are my suggestions for things to see and do while you’re here:

• Wander Old Montreal – This is the most attractive part of town. It has cobblestone streets, and its historic gray-stone buildings date back to the 1700s. Some of the city’s finest museums and art galleries (such as the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History) are here too.
• Hike Mount Royal – For a view over Montreal, hike up Mount Royal (after which the city is named). You can also jog, picnic, or just people-watch around the park too. It’s a relaxing green space.
• Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica – This 17th-century Gothic Revival basilica has dual towers that are reminiscent of Notre-Dame in Paris. Its interior is stunning and full of religious paintings, colorful stained glass windows, and gold-leaf decoration. There’s also a 7,000-pipe organ. A 60-minute tour costs $15 CAD.
• See the Museum of Fine Arts – This huge museum has over 43,000 works of art. There are both permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Admission is $24 CAD.

For more suggestions, as well as money-saving tips, check out my guide to Montreal!

• HI Montreal – HI Montreal is just a two-minute walk from the metro, offers both dorms and private rooms, and has a pool table. There’s also free breakfast and daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings!
• Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal – Located in the historic area of town and a short jaunt to the city center, it has an eclectic and artsy vibe. Free breakfast is included, and there are plenty of common areas for relaxing and meeting other travelers.

Here are some other great hostel suggestions too!

This is a packed itinerary, but with a month at your disposal, you’ll be able to experience the majority of Canada’s sights and cities without having to rush. With an additional 10-21 days, you can add more of Québec and the Maritimes, Canada’s rugged and picturesque east coast (or simply spend more time in the destinations above).

No matter what you decide, Canada is such a massive, diverse landscape and it truly has something for everyone. While this itinerary only covers a portion of Canada, it does give you a peek into just how awesome it is!

Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Canada? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Canada for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to plan the ultimate road trip adventure in Canada

Whether along polar highways, coastal roads or through the rainforest, taking a road trip in Canada is to encounter some of the world’s most spectacular natural sights 

Canada is one of the rare places on Earth where wide, well-maintained roads carve their way through remote, uncompromised wilderness. Behind the wheel of a car, you can skirt the icy feet of glaciers, wind through forests populated by foraging megafauna, climb Rocky Mountain slopes and explore storm-sculpted coastlines, where ocean waves are plied by migrating cetaceans. Adventurous travellers can even explore the all-season Dempster Highway, which runs from boreal wilderness north through the Arctic Circle and on to the stark polar coastline.

It’s for this reason that road trips are not to be rushed in Canada, a country that’s home to the second-longest national highway in the world. Scenic A-to-B drives are a thrill in themselves, but the joy of making it this far into the wilds is allowing plenty of time to get out and explore. After all, across provinces and territories like British Columbia and the Yukon, there are near-endless opportunities for mountain hiking, wild swimming in remote lakes, white-water paddling in a dugout canoe or back-country cycling under endless skies. In Nova Scotia, meanwhile, lighthouses lead drivers to coastal villages, where roadside inns serve seafood chowders to ancient recipes and words are still spoken in French Acadian and Scottish dialects. To get where your car or feet won’t reach, fly-and-drive opportunities abound. In British Columbia, seaplanes fly low above Pacific temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines, gently setting down on lakes for a spot of bear-watching. Over in the Yukon, small excursion planes access stellar sights like Kluane National Park, which has the world’s largest non-polar ice fields.  

Motorhomes and RVs are another popular travel choice, allowing your accommodation to come right along with you where it may otherwise be scant — and the country’s regions and territories have plenty of campgrounds that supply vehicles with power and water. There’s a lot to be said for camping in Canada, be it with a motorhome, the pre-set tents and cabins often available for rent in national parks, or a simple sleeping bag, as long as you follow local guidelines about wildlife and safety. You can expect evenings entirely devoid of light pollution, lit with a dazzling canopy of stars and — season and northerly latitude depending — a never-setting sun or heavenly displays from the Northern Lights.  

Itinerary 1: British Columbia

Start: Vancouver Finish: Tofino Distance: 410 miles Time: 7 to 10 days

The great outdoors? Make that the greatest. British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada, has all the ingredients to set any wilderness-lover’s pulse racing, from driftwood-strewn beaches to vast forests of evergreen giants, under whose canopies you’ll experience the hush and reverence of a cathedral. It’s here that some of planet Earth’s most charismatic creatures roam: galumphing grizzlies, skittish black bears, cougars and even elusive coastal wolves, which pick their way between glacier-fed inlets to feast on the Pacific’s larder.  

To get into the thick of it you must first pass through Vancouver, the province’s largest city — and surely a contender for the most scenic on the planet, above which floatplanes circle like honeybees over a hive. Amid the totem poles and skyscrapers in and around Stanley Park is one of Canada’s most exciting food scenes, known for innovative fine dining and hyper-local dishes. You can budget a week to take in the city and west coast of Vancouver Island, but it’s worth tacking on a few days to add one of the country’s most scenic routes to the itinerary: the aptly named Sea to Sky Highway, which winds up to the mountain resort of Whistler. After a ferry hop across the Strait of Georgia, island life awaits, with the soaring cedars of Cathedral Grove, windswept beaches and boardwalked trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and pretty Tofino, the laid-back surfer town few ever want to leave.

Six highlights in British Columbia

1. Vancouver Vancouver sits in all its glassy glory between peaks and sea, with the old-growth forests of Stanley Park at its heart. Search for its nine Indigenous totem poles, then the choice is yours: seek out the new constellation of Michelin stars or slip south in search of spicy wontons on the Richmond Dumpling Trail.

2. Whistler The Sea to Sky Highway climbs up from Vancouver with rock walls on one side, the Pacific on the other and nothing ahead but sky. Make for Whistler, home to North America’s biggest ski resort and a hiking hotspot, and visit the Whistler Train Wreck, which has turned the site of a rail accident into a graffiti venue. Time your trip back into town with dusk for the best chance of spotting black bears.

3.   Nanaimo   The rest of the trip is on Vancouver Island, which can be reached via a 30-mile ferry crossing from the mainland to the town of Nanaimo. Stick around to try a classic Canadian treat, the Nanaimo bar (coconut crumbs, custard icing and chocolate ganache). It was invented here, and there’s even a trail to tick off all varieties in town.

4. Cathedral Grove   En route to the coast, the highway runs through MacMillan Provincial Park. Fringing both sides of the road is one of the world’s few easily accessible stands of old-growth temperate rainforest, where you can stroll along fern-lined trails between mammoth trunks and branches draped with lichen.

5. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Head on and through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a protected swathe of evergreens protruding on rocky fingers into the Pacific. Wander by Long Beach, best known for surfing and storm-watching, or head into the forest tracing the pawprints of coastal wolves.  

6. Tofino A town of First Nations art galleries and surf shacks at what feels like the edge of the world, Tofino is as chilled as it is picturesque. End the journey at Long Beach Lodge Resort, where cottages peek out from spruce trees a few steps from the coast. longbeachlodgeresort.com

Itinerary 2: Yukon

Start: Whitehorse Finish: Latitude 66° 33’ Arctic Circle Distance: 605 miles Time: 7 to 10 days

There’s nowhere like the Yukon for feeling like a pioneer-era explorer. Reaching above the Arctic Circle and dotted with gold rush towns, glacier-topped mountains and highways through boreal wilderness, this northerly territory is over three times the size of England, populated with far more creatures of fur and fin than people.  

Start in Whitehorse, the local capital city and travel hub, where the great Alaska and Klondike Highways meet. Then, it’s on to Dawson City, rich in gold rush history, and up the Dempster Highway — Canada’s only all-season public access road to the Arctic Circle — before tracing your route back to the start. Even allowing seven to 10 days for this itinerary, drives between major stops can take up to six hours, so plan ahead to access garages, shops and service suppliers in the larger towns and cities. On the plus side, there will be plenty of spectacular places to stretch your legs. The looped hiking trails at Five Finger Rapids between Whitehorse and Dawson, for example, take in mountaintop panoramas with the chance to kayak and canoe.  

And if all that’s not enough, Haines Junction, just under two hours west of Whitehorse, is a great addition to either end of this itinerary. Here, short flightseeing trips take you over the world’s largest non-polar ice fields: the glaciers of Kluane National Park.

Five highlights in the Yukon

1. Whitehorse   The 1890s encampment on the Yukon River’s White Horse Rapids has grown into the Yukon’s lively capital. Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters has artisan brews and bike hire, perfect for freewheeling the Waterfront Trail spanning the city. Next, explore the SS Klondike , a 19th-century boat-cum-museum revealing the scale of the region’s gold rush, and enjoy the wild game menu at Klondike Rib & Salmon, which is housed in the city’s oldest operating building. Nearby, Yukon Wildlife Preserve , Emerald Lake, Miles Canyon and Takhini Hot Springs offer further action and adventure.

2. Dawson City   Make sure you have a full tank of petrol: it’s around a six-hour drive to the next stop. You can top up on food an hour in at Braeburn Lodge , famed for its delicious, dinner-plate-sized cinnamon buns. Your destination, the atmospheric frontier town of Dawson City, has welcomed both dignitaries and the desperate over the centuries, including pioneer-era author Jack London, whose wood cabin is now a museum . Take in this national historic site’s old theatres, clapboard houses and saloon bars on a walking tour. A must-see is the Sourdough Saloon, located in The Downtown hotel, which serves the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail (a strong alcohol of your choice, with a preserved human toe in it). Just beyond town, the Klondike fields are where Canada’s gold rush began in 1896. Try gold-panning at Discovery Claim National Historic Site and get a view of it all from Midnight Dome lookout; during the colder months, the panorama is often lit by the Aurora Borealis.

3. Dempster Highway   Wind your way along the Dempster Highway through remote tundra towards the dramatic wilderness of Tombstone Territorial Park, about an hour north of the Dempster Corner turnoff. Named for its craggy granite peak, the park is populated by wind-carved mountains and scenic viewpoints like North Fork Pass and Two Moose Lake. Numerous trails crisscross this ‘Patagonia of the North’.

4. Eagle Plains   The road winds along the Ogilvie River Valley then climbs to the Eagle Plains plateau for spectacular views of the region. This is more or less halfway along the Dempster Highway, before it heads into the Northwest Territories. Eagle Plains Hotel , the only one for many miles, is a hub for travellers to exchange tales from the road and refuel (try the double-decker Arctic burger). The town also has an RV park and campground.

5. Latitude 66° 33’ Arctic Circle   You’ve reached the end of your journey — and what an end it is. Just an hour’s drive north of Eagle Plains is latitude 66˚ 33’N, better known as the Arctic Circle, marked by a roadside sign. Despite its icy connotations, it can surprise visitors: in midsummer, the sun circles the sky but never sets; in autumn (August to September), the Richardson Mountains are ablaze with fiery colours. For those keen to complete the route, it’s six hours or more to the town of Inuvik, with the Arctic Ocean a further three hours’ drive away.  

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2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: Is it better value than the Ioniq 5

2024 acura zdx type s delivers power and authority, ram ends sales of the ram classic 1500 pickup in canada, 10 must-have road trip car accessories for epic summer drives, keep on keeping on: joe dirt’s dodge charger auctions for $425k, everything you need to know before road-tripping across canada.

How to plan it, the best routes to take, and more information on driving across the nation

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The question isn’t “why would you want to drive across Canada?” so much as “why wouldn’t you want to?”

I guess if you hate nature, fascinating culture and kind people, then maybe you should stay home. But if you’re OK with those things and lots more adventure, then you should totally consider taking that epic Canadian road trip. 

Everything you need to know before road-tripping across Canada Back to video

For our purposes, we’re defining “cross Canada” a few different ways: from the Maritimes to Vancouver; and from Central Canada to Vancouver. We’ll also give some shout-outs to a number of other classic Canadian road trip routes. Read on to learn what you need to know before driving across Canada.

What’s the best route to drive across Canada?

If your objective is to get from centres like Halifax on the East coast or those in central Canada like Montreal or Toronto to Vancouver or vice-versa as quickly as possible and you don’t mind crossing an international border a couple times, then much of your drive will in fact be done in the United States.

The quickest routes from east to west all carve out much of Ontario and all of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, crossing into U.S. territory at border stations along the way. It’s the difference of five hours from the Southern Ontario centre of Toronto to Vancouver on the West if you go through the U.S. versus staying in Canada, and even less the further north you travel.  

If you’d rather not fish out the passport, or if borders are closed at the time you’re reading this, you can keep it between the national lines by driving up around the detour that is Lake Superior. “Best” is subjective in this sense, but we recommend getting the full Canuck experience if you’re able. At the right time of year, the drive up around Lake Superior and across the prairies is staggeringly beautiful and rewarding. 

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How long does it take to travel across Canada by car?

Again, if you’re looking for the quickest route, dipping into the U.S. will save time. Google Maps clocks a Halifax to Vancouver drive at 57 hours (5,793 km) regardless of whether you cross the border into Maine or Michigan. That gets boosted up to 60 hours (5,834 km) if you choose to stay in the country and pass through Thunder Bay. 

The drive from Toronto to Vancouver takes 41 hours (4,173 km) through the U.S.; and 46 hours (4,410 km) to keep it national. From Quebec City to Vancouver, it’s 47 hours (4,806 km) through the U.S.; and 50 hours (4,839 km) through Canada. 

Keep in mind these drive times are just that, “drive” times. Most people won’t be setting out to cover 1,000 km a day, so plan to take a week or more to really enjoy the experience and not feel like you’re racing across the continent. 

How do I plan a road trip across Canada?

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This article is a good place to start. Also, Google Maps or other map applications like Waze, or paper maps if you’re old school. Online, just plug in your start and end point, including any stops you’d like to hit along the way, and let the program do its thing. With a route and estimated drive time in mind, you can start to plan stops in specific locations, and budget accordingly. For those looking to travel or camp off-road, having access to topographical maps is also a good idea. 

If you plan on staying along the Trans-Canada Highway, you can visit TransCanadaHighway.com for information on sites, closures, speed traps, highway history, and more. 

Where should I go on a road trip in Canada?

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Crossing the country from coast to coast is an epic trip and almost a Canadian rite of passage, but it’s far from the only route worthy of planning a motoring vacation around. There are world-class road-trip options from just about every Canadian centre, large or small. Check out our list of popular road trip routes in Atlantic Canada here or our list of popular British Columbia road trips here . 

How much does a road trip across Canada cost?

Cost all depends on the type of traveller you are and what kind of vehicle you’re driving. If you’re driving a thirsty V8, taking your time travelling just a few hours a day, eating at all the best bistros and staying at the trendiest Airbnbs, then don’t expect to spend less than a couple hundred dollars a day per couple. 

If, on the other hand, you’ve got a frugal hatchback filled with your homemade granola and camping equipment, and an app like GasBuddy to tell you where the most economical place to fill up is, it is possible to get by with basically just the cost of gas, which at the time of writing sits at $1.33/L on average in Canada, plus a few extras. So, if you’re driving a base model 2020 Honda CR-V with a combined city-highway fuel consumption rating of 7.7 L/100 km, for example, then travelling the approximately 4,000 km across Canada would cost around $410 in gas alone.

Realistically, however, any type of travel in Canada is more expensive, and even budget travellers should expect to spend around $100 a day. 

Can you rent a car to drive across Canada?

Yes, most car rental companies offer pick-up and drop-off options in many Canadian cities. Borrowing a compact sedan from Enterprise for a journey from Vancouver to Toronto, for example, will likely cost you around $1,200 plus taxes. 

Other rental services like CanadaDream , which lends recreational vehicles; and RVezy , an app that allows RV and other camper vehicle owners to rent their units to other app members online, provide other options for Canadian road-trippers.  

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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
• Camping at Porteau Cove, BC
• 5 Day Cabot Trail Itinerary on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• 22 Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Save my cross Canada road trip itinerary for your future trip planning. Pin it!

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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How to Plan an Epic East Coast Canada Road Trip

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on March 7, 2024

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Planning an east coast Canada road trip? Let me help! I grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and lived in New Brunswick for years. I’ve road-tripped the East Coast more times than I can count !

It’s one of my favorite parts of the world, so I created this guide to share all my favorite hidden gems with you.

While not as popular to visit as the Canadian Rockies, an East Coast Canada road trip should not be overlooked.

Humpback whales dancing below towering cliffs, fresh seafood, epic hiking trails, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet are just some of the reasons to plan an eastern Canada road trip.

This guide will share all the best places to visit on an East Coast of Canada road trip to help you maximize your time.

It’s made for outdoor lovers and packed with incredible nature and wildlife experiences such as coastal hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife watching.

The truth is, there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ itinerary – It entirely depends on the time you have available and the activities that interest you most.

You would need at least two months to road trip around all the places I’ve suggested below. But don’t fret if you don’t have that much time – simply choose the ones that interest you most.

I’ve also included some sample routes at the end to help you create a perfect Canadian East Coast road trip itinerary.

Having a car is the best way to explore Eastern Canada! I use and love Rentalcars.com to find the best deals on car rentals in Canada.

New Brunswick Road Trip

Hooray, you’ve made it to your first Maritime province! Many people call New Brunswick a ‘drive-through’ province, but after living here for 18 months, I couldn’t disagree more.

New Brunswick has plenty to see, and it should be part of your East Coast Canada itinerary.

Québec City to Fredericton (593 KM)

Coming from Quebec, your first destination will be the capital of New Brunswick and my favorite city in the province, Fredericton.

Driving from Québec City to Fredericton takes an entire day, so plan to spend a night or two here to enjoy the city’s offerings.

🏠 Staying overnight in Fredericton? The Carriage House Inn is a super cozy, beautiful, and authentic old Victorian Downtown House to retreat after a day of exploring the city.

Visit the Garrison District, which hosts summer outdoor concerts, movie nights, and guided history tours. Then, walk across the Fredericton Railway Bridge.

No longer a train route, the bridge has become a sanctuary for pedestrians and cyclists. You can get spectacular views of the city and Saint John River below from it.

In the evening, enjoy a cold brew at one of the city’s craft breweries.

🚶‍♀️If you’re short on time, this two-hour historical tour of Fredericton is a great way to get acquainted with the city.

Fredericton to Saint John (112 KM)

After a night in Fredericton, head to Saint John ( not to be confused with St. John’s, Newfoundland ).

It’s just an hour’s drive to reach this charming coastal town. You can either stop in for lunch or spend the night in town.

The Chateau Saint John offers tastefully appointed rooms in a primate location for exploring the city’s historic landmarks.

One fun thing to do in Saint John is to take a boat cruise to see the reversing falls, a unique natural phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy collides with the Saint John River. 

Or you can join this walking tour of Saint Johns to discover the city’s most interesting streets and central market – the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada!

Saint John to Fundy National Park of Canada (111 km)

From Saint John, it’s an easy hour’s drive to my favorite place in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park .

You’ll want to spend at least two days here, camping or in a hotel near the park. It’s a paradise for hikers and waterfall chasers – I love hiking here during the summer time.

Fundy National Park to Hopewell Rocks (45km)

One of New Brunswick’s most famous attractions is Hopewell Rocks , home to the world’s highest tides . The tide rises and falls 40 feet or so – twice daily!

To fully appreciate this phenomenon, visit Hopewell Rocks at low tide to walk around on the ocean floor and see the unique rock formations up close. At high tide, take an ocean kayak tour. It was incredible to see the difference in just one day!

🎟️ Save time and get skip-the-line tickets to Hopewell Rocks here

Hopewell Rocks to Moncton (31 km)

After leaving Hopewell Rocks, take a half-hour drive to Moncton, New Brunswick’s most populous city.

You can spend the night here or stop for a few hours. An excellent spot for lunch is the Tide and Boar Gastropub, one of my favorite restaurants in New Brunswick.

Sray in the middle of Moncton’s entertainment district at this gorgeous boutique hotel. You’ll be steps away from the city’s best restaurants, entertainment, and bars.

While in Moncton, be sure to take a drive up Magnetic Hill. Park at the bottom of the hill, put your car in neutral, and it will start reversing up the hill on its own. It’s magic! Okay, really, it’s just an illusion caused by the landscape, but it’s a cool thing to experience, and kids will love it. There is also a water park near Magnetic Hill.

A great day trip or alternative destination to Moncton is Shediac; it’s just 20 minutes away. Shediac is home to Parlee Beach, which has the warmest salt water in Canada.

It’s known as the “lobster capital of the world”; this is the best place to get your first taste of fresh lobster.

For a taste of the local cuisine, check out this this small-group food tour in Shediac. You’ll sample everything from scallops to chocolates!

After you’ve filled up on seafood, head to Parlee Beach to watch the sunset.

Optional Route: Acadian Coastal Drive

If you have extra time on your east coast road trip in Canada and want to see an alternative side of New Brunswick, keep heading North.

New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, and the northern part of the province is where you can fully experience French Acadian culture.

Moncton to Kouchibouguac National Park (101 km)

From Moncton or Shediac, head North towards Kouchibouguac National Park. Spend a night or two here camping to soak in the pristine wilderness. The park has beautiful beaches, canoeing, hiking trails, and wildlife, including an adorable seal colony.

I had so much fun spending the night here camping with friends – we saw a huge colony of seals!

Kouchibouguac National Park to Miramichi (51 km)

Just half an hour from Kouchibouguac National Park is the town of Miramichi, which was my home for a year and a half. Miramichi is most famous for its fly fishing opportunities on the river.

Another fun thing to do in the summertime is to go on a tubing adventure down the river. In the evening, be sure to soak in the incredible sunsets.

One of the best places to stay in Miramichi is The Rodd. It’s set right on the river, where you can soak in the breathtaking river sunset. Plus, it’s a 5-minute walk from O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub – one of the best pubs in the city!

Miramichi to Miscou (138 km)

Keep heading North from Miramichi to Miscou, a beautiful island at the northern tip of New Brunswick. There, you can visit a picturesque white lighthouse.

Miscou to Caraquet (60 km)

Make your way to Caraquet, the heart of Acadian country. If your visit coincides with August 15th, you’ll be able to take part in some of the National Acadian Day festivities, which are sure to be fun .

There are several quaint B&Bs in Caraquet where you can spend the night. While there, be sure to visit the Acadian Historic Village just outside of Caraquet, where you can learn what life used to be like there.

🏨 Conveniently located off Route 145, this Caraquet property boasts quant rooms with a shared terrace. Acadian Historical Village is just 5 minutes’ drive away.

If you opt for the Acadian Coastal Drive, you’ll have to return south to Moncton/Shediac, which takes about three hours from Caraquet.

From there, continue your east coast trip to Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) Road Trip

At just 224 km long and 64 KM wide, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province. But don’t be fooled by the size; PEI has some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.

Red cliffs along the blue Atlantic Ocean, golden sand dunes, and picture-perfect white lighthouses are just some of the gorgeous scenes you will find here.

PEI connects to New Brunswick via the Confederation Bridge. It’s a 45-minute drive from Shediac to the start of the bridge, and it takes about 20 minutes to cross over which is a really unique experience.

While driving over the ocean, be sure to appreciate the undertaking it took to build this bridge. It’s an impressive example of architecture and engineering.

PEI is a small island; you could see the main highlights in one day if you really wanted to. But I suggest staying at least a couple of nights as there are some wonderful things to do here.

The province is roughly divided into three sections, with three coastal routes you can make: North Cape Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive.

You’ll enter the province from New Brunswick at Boredon-Carleton, which is smack dab in the middle of the province, so you could do these scenic routes in any order.

Borden-Carleton to North Cape (121 km)

The North Cape coastal drive is 350 km and features a Canadian potato museum you can visit in O’Leary. PEI is very serious about potatoes! Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is another place worth checking out and a good option for camping overnight.

If you prefer to stay indoors, the West Point Lighthouse Inn and Museum is a unique place to spend the night in the North Cape.

PEI has 63 different Lighthouses, each one with a unique history. You could fill your whole time in PEI just searching for lighthouses; at least a few should be on your itinerary.

North Cape to Cavendish (129 KM)

After exploring the North Cape, head over to Cavendish, home of Anne of Green Gables. While that has never been an interest of mine, I know it’s a big attraction of PEI, so I can’t write this guide without mentioning it!

See the Green Gables House on this highly-rated tour, followed by a stop at a riverside restaurant with artisan preserves, fine teas, local pottery, and more.

Cavendish is home to Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the setting of the beloved tales.

Cavendish is also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and red stone cliffs. The cliffs here are the best place to take in these stunning landscapes.

Afterward, head over to Cavendish Beach to soak in the sun along a 37-mile stretch of red sand. The red color comes from the high amount of iron in the island’s sandstone, which oxidizes and rusts when it comes in contact with air.

Cavendish to Charlottetown (38 KM)

After taking in the stunning natural landscapes of PEI, head to the capital of the province, Charlottetown.

Don’t expect big city lights; the population of Charlottetown is under 40,000. But that’s all part of its charm! There are several accommodation options in Charlottetown for spending the night.

Staying overnight in Charlottetown? Just two blocks from downtown, The Habour Inn features charming guest rooms , shaded patios, breakfast, and friendly staff to help you with anything you need.

Start your day in Charlottetown with an ice cream cone from Cows Creamery. It was voted Canada’s best ice cream spot and is one of my most treasured childhood memories.

In the afternoon, explore the local farmers market (it runs on Saturdays all year plus Wednesdays in the summer) or take a bike ride by the sea.

Later that evening, head out to Victoria Row. This pedestrian-only street is lined with a mix of bars, shops, and restaurants.

Charlottetown to Greenwich (58 KM)

Spend your last day in PEI exploring the Points East Coastal Drive. Be sure to stop in Greenwich, which is part of the PEI National Park.

This section is home to some incredible dunes and an extensive floating boardwalk that leads to a white-sand beach.

After a few days in Prince Edward Island, it’s time to visit Nova Scotia!

There are two ways to get to Nova Scotia from PEI. You can either go back via the Confederation Bridge through New Brunswick or take a 75-minute ferry from Wood Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia.

I’ve always taken the Confederation Bridge because I find it more convenient, but the choice is up to you!

Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

Nova Scotia, known as ‘Canada’s ocean playground,’ is a paradise for outdoor activities. Kayaking, hiking, and rafting are just some of the ways you can enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning province.

Charlottetown To Halifax (325 KM, via Confederation Bridge)

Start your journey in Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia. Spend at least a night or two exploring this vibrant city using this Halifax itinerary.

Staying overnight in Halifax? I loved my time at The Westin. It’s centrally located, across the street from the Halifax farmers market, where you can grab a delicious breakfast to go.

You can soak in the views of the harbor from the second floor of the Halifax farmers market and then head outside to walk along the pier.

The harbourfront comes to life during the summer with street performers, public art displays, and restaurants with outdoor seating.

Enjoy lunch here, and head up the hill to Citadel National Historic Site. From the top, you’ll get gorgeous views of the harbor below.

Rather than wandering around alone, get the most out of your visit to Halifax by joining a small-group tour and exploring the city in the company of a guide who can fill you in on the fascinating history.

In the evening, head out to Argyle Street for some live music and rest your head at one of these wonderful places to stay in Halifax.

Halifax to Peggy Cove’s (75 km)

The first stop after Halifax is just 45 minutes away. Peggy’s Cove is a quaint fishing village with a stunning white lighthouse.

It’s a paradise for photography, with the lighthouse that often reflects in the pools of water. The best time to visit Peggy’s Cove is during sunrise to avoid the crowds. Plus, the light is incredible during the golden hour. Some of my favorite photos from my time in Nova Scotia was my visit to Peggy’s cove at sunset!

If you’re tired of driving, join this Peggy’s Cove sunset tour from Halifax instead! Get a fully guided experience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

Peggy’s Cove to Lunenberg (100 km)

Next up is Lunenberg, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most colorful towns in Nova Scotia.

Dating back to the 18th century, this historic town is full of charming architecture and gigantic tall ships docked in the harbor. Head over to the golf course across the harbor for the best views and photo ops of this picturesque town.

Lunenberg is the perfect place to spend the night relaxing by the sea. I loved my stay at the the Sail Inn – a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast just 35m from the waterfront.

A more off-the-beaten-path place to explore nearby is Blue Rocks, a small fishing village just outside of the Lunenberg. Head there for sunrise – you won’t be disappointed.

Lunenberg to Kejimkujik National Park (90 KM)

Next up, make your way to Kejimkujik National Park for some of the most pristine kayaking opportunities in eastern Canada. Kejimkujik is also a great place to go camping and stargazing if you want to spend the night.

Kejimkujik National Park to The Shubenacadie River (308 km)

If you love adventure, you must try Tidal Bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River. I’ve been river rafting all over the world, but this is one of the most unique rafting experiences I’ve tried!

Twice a day, when the tide changes, the tidal bore temporarily reverses the flow of the river, creating incredible high-speed rapids. It’s the only place in the world where you can experience this! There’s even a Tidal Bore Rafting Resort where you can spend the night.

Shubenacadie River to Cape Breton Island (338km)

Although Cape Breton Island is part of Nova Scotia, it’s so unique that it almost feels like its own province.

After leaving the Shubenacadie River, head 338 km east (approx four hours of driving) to Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to the Cabot Trail, which is continuously named one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

It’s only 298km in length, but you’ll want at least a couple of days to take it all in. Thankfully, there are plenty of unique places to stay along the Cabot Trail.

🏩 One of the most beautiful places to stay on the Cabot Trail is  the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands . It’s got stunning views from the property and is right next to Ingonish Beach.

One of the most beautiful places to stay on the Cabot Trail is the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands . It’s got stunning views from the property and is right next to Ingonish Beach.

With such incredible views along the Cabot Trail, you’ll be stopping every five minutes for photos. Plus, there are a ton of hiking opportunities along the way. Be sure to hike the Skyline Trail for sunset – it was my favorite hike on the island!

Cape Breton Highlands National Park to North Sydney (114 km)

After a few beautiful days in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, drive to the North Sydney ferry terminal.

This is where you’ll say goodbye to the mainland of Canada and catch an overnight ferry to the island of Newfoundland.

Newfoundland Road Trip

Many people don’t include Newfoundland on their trip t Eastern Canada, but it absolutely should be. I may be biased, but I truly believe Newfoundland has its own identity, unlike anywhere else in Canada.

While out of the way, it will be worth making the trip there. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a road trip through Newfoundland.

There are two ferry options for getting to Newfoundland from the mainland. Both depart from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. One goes to Argentia on the East Coast of Newfoundland, and the other goes to Port aux Basques on the West Coast.

I recommend taking the Port Aux Basque ferry because it’s shorter, cheaper, and more reliable. The other ferry only runs during the summer months and is often canceled due to weather.

Port Aux Basque – Corner brook (219 km)

You’ll arrive in Port Aux Basque early in the morning, around 7 am (assuming the ferry is on time). Drive two hours East to Corner Brook, the largest city on the West Coast.

The next few days will be camping in Gros Morne National Park , so stock up on supplies at a grocery store in Corner Brook. Sobeys or Dominion are the best options. There are some small stores in Gros Morne national park, but they are limited in supplies and more expensive.

Corner Brook to Gros Morne national park (85KM)

From Corner Brook, it’s just an hour’s drive to Gros Morne National Park , one of the main highlights of Newfoundland. Spend at least two nights here either camping in the park or at lodging nearby.

Rocky Harbour is the most convenient place to stay in the park if you aren’t camping. I recommend Bambury’s Hillside Chalets, cute saltbox homes with a 9.5+ rating.

With over 100 kilometers of pristine trails, Gros Morne is the perfect place to take a hike. Challenge yourself to go 800 meters up to the summit of Gros Morne mountain!

This hike is no easy feat, as the last two hours involve climbing up steep rocks. The views at the top are worth it – this is one of my favorite hikes in Newfoundland. It’s an all-day hike (16 km) that will take you between 6-8 hours.

If you want a real adventure, try backpacking the long-range traverse. This epic hike takes four nights but will take you to one of the most sought-after photos in Newfoundland. This trek is not for beginners – you must attend a backcountry briefing to receive a backcountry hiking permit for this trek.

For a less strenuous activity, take a boat tour through the fjord s  and marvel at the beauty carved out by the work of glaciers over thousands of years.

Optional route: Viking Trail

Another option is to continue your journey on a scenic drive down the Northern Peninsula, also known as the Viking trail , to the UNESCO world heritage site of L’anse Aux Meadows . Here you’ll find remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement.

I’ve done this route before, and it’s stunning, but you’ll need an extra couple of days. It’s about a three-hour drive from Gros Morne each way.

I recommend spending the night in St. Anthony, the largest town on the peninsula. It’s one of the best places to see icebergs in the spring!

Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites is a historic hotel in St. Anthony, centrally located in town. It offers fully equipped kitchens in the apartment rooms – we stayed here for a week and loved it!

Gros Morne National Park to Bonavista Peninsula (406 km)

After a few glorious days on the West Coast, you’ll continue your journey towards Newfoundland’s east coast through the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1).

It’s an easy drive as there is only one main highway across Newfoundland – just look out for moose along the way.

If you’re craving more adventure along the way, stop along the way in Grand-Falls, where you can go whitewater rafting on the exploits river. This is a great place to stop for lunch or spend the night to break up the journey.

Optional route: Central Newfoundland and Fogo Island

While driving across the province, you could take an optional detour to Twillingate and Fogo Island, home to some of the cutest small towns in Newfoundland. Fogo island has become a popular spot in recent years with the addition of the 5-star Fogo Island Inn.

We all wish we could stay at the Fogo Inn, but it’s not in most people’s budget. Instead, stay at one of The Old Salt Box Co. locations and enjoy sunsets over the ocean from your room.

There’s so much adventure in Central Newfoundland you could easily spend another week exploring this region!

Bonavista Peninsula

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of my favorite parts of Newfoundland.

With endless picturesque fishing villages, a lively arts scene, fantastic puffing spotting opportunities , and gorgeous hiking trails , you’ll be sure to love it here. Check out this video of some friendly puffins I met there last summer!

@explorewithlora Found in Elliston, Newfoundland #puffins #explorenl #newfiecheck #nlwx #newfoundlandersoftiktok #newfoundlandandlabrador #wildlifelover ♬ Fantasy – Alina Baraz / Galimatias

Trinity is a perfect place to spend your first night here, with several homey guesthouses to stay.

The Eriksen Premises is one of Trinity’s historic homes and a great place to spend the night. Antique wood décor is featured in all individually decorated rooms, and it’s next to restaurants and shops.

After a good night’s rest, take a harbor kayak tour where you can come up close with whales and icebergs, depending on the season.

Trinity is also home to some great hiking trails. Try the Skerwink trail, a 4.7-kilometer loop with beautiful coastal views.

Trinity to Bonavista (50 km)

Take a day to drive around the Bonavista peninsula or spend another night. Along the way, opt to visit Port Rexon Brewing for a delicious craft beer.

In Bonavista, take a hike in the stunning Dungeon provincial park, grab a cone at Sweet Rock Ice Cream, or head to nearby Elliston to spot puffins .

In the evening, enjoy a locally-sourced dinner at the Bonavista Social Club.

Trinity to St. John’s (258 km)

Continue driving east to St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland, and my hometown. It’s one of the oldest cities in North America!

Celebrate the end of your east coast Canada road trip by driving to Cape Spear and soaking in the ocean views. Congratulations, You’ve made it to the most easterly point in North America!

One of the most beautiful places to stay in downtown St. John’s is Blue on Water. This 4-star accommodation features beautiful interior designs and is steps away from top attractions.

Another option is the Cabot Guest House i n Georgetown, a charming neighborhood I used to live in. If you stay here, be sure to grab your morning coffee and bagel at the Georgetown Bakery.

St. John’s is a great city with tons of fun things to do. Hike up to historic Signal Hill, where you can get sweeping views of the St. John’s narrows.

Take a walk around downtown St. John’s, or visit the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi, which has a brewery that you can tour.

In the evening, head to The Duke for the best fish and chips in the city, then George Street for a night on the town. With the most bars per capita in Canada, St. John’s has a lively nightlife and a great local music scene.

As a visitor, you must get screeched in to become an honourary Newfoundland. Christians Bar on George Street is a perfect place to do that.

The next day (assuming you’re not too hungover), take a stroll along a section of the East Coast trai l – there are over 336 kilometers of trail to explore that will take you through breathtaking towering cliffs with beautiful views.

During the summer months, the world’s largest population of humpback whales makes their way to Newfoundland’s coast to feed. It’s one of the best places to go whale watching in the world !

Whales can often be spotted while hiking on the East Coast Trail but for a closer look, join a whale-watching tour.

Want to see whales? I loved this boat tour that takes you to Witless Bay ecological reserve to see the world’s largest population of humpback whales, icebergs that are over 10,000 years old, and the charismatic Atlantic puffin.

If you’re a diver, you can also join a diving tour to see  WWII shipwrecks, reefs, wall dives, and more! Diving is a unique way to explore Newfoundland from the ocean floor.

Toronto to East Coast Road Trip

The focus of this post is on the Maritime provinces and Newfoundland. But since I know many of you will be planning an east coast canada road trip itinerary from Toronto, I’ve made a few suggestions for places to stop on the way below through Ontario/Québec before reaching New Brunswick.

There are MANY more amazing places to visit than outlined here, but they need a post of their own (and it’s coming).

If you’re starting from Toronto , make your first stop in Ottawa (a four-hour drive) or Montreal (a six-hour drive). Opt to stop at Thousand Islands National Park along the way.

Spanning across the border between Canada and the U.S., this park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ontario .

You can either spend the night in the park or just stop on the way to see the islands.

There’s no better view of the thousand islands than from the sky! This 5-star rated tour takes you on a scenic twenty-minute helicopter ride over the islands. Perfect if you’re short on time!

After touring the thousand islands, continue on to either Ottawa or Montreal. They are just two hours apart, so either make a great place to spend the night if you’re coming from Toronto. It just depends on how much driving you want to do in one day!

I love Montreal because of its exciting nightlife and overall atmosphere. However, if you prefer a quieter city with beautiful parks and historic sites, Ottawa is a great option.

Staying overnight in Ottawa? Don’t miss the chance to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier – it’s one of Canada’s most iconic hotels, adjacent to the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Canal. Reserve early, as it does book up!

Leaving Ottawa or Montreal, continue your drive towards the province of New Brunswick.

Fredericton (capital of New Brunswick) is about 8 hours East of Montreal, so you could get there in a day if you drove all day. But if you prefer to do more sightseeing along the way, a great option is to spend the night in Québec City.

With its picturesque cobblestone streets lined with bistros and boutiques, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.

If you didn’t get the chance to stay at the Fairmont in Ottawa, there’s another opportunity in Quebec City! The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is situated in Old Quebec, boasting gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence river in a fairytale setting.

Itineraries for Best Road Trips to Canada’s East Coast

With two months, you would be able to road trip all of this Eastern Canada itinerary, including the optional routes I mentioned.

You could visit the main highlights in a month, but the trip would be very fast-paced with a lot of driving.

14-Day East Canada Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1-3: New Brunswick – Start your journey in the picturesque province of New Brunswick. Spend your nights exploring the charming cities and natural wonders, including the Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides.
• Days 4-6: Prince Edward Island (PEI) – Cross the Confederation Bridge to PEI. Enjoy the island’s red sand beaches, visit the Anne of Green Gables house, and indulge in fresh seafood.
• Days 7-9: Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore – Head to Nova Scotia, starting with its vibrant capital, Halifax, then explore the scenic South Shore, including Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Days 10-13: Cape Breton – Venture to Cape Breton Island, where the Cabot Trail awaits with its stunning coastal views. Enjoy hiking, local culture, and the Gaelic heritage of this unique region.
• Day 14: Return to Halifax – Conclude your trip with a leisurely drive back to Halifax, perhaps stopping at any spots you missed on your way to Cape Breton.

Alternatively, you could do Cape Breton (4 nights) and Newfoundland (8 nights).

If you just wanted to visit Newfoundland, you could fly into the province to save time. St. John’s has an international airport where you can rent a car .

Ten Days: Nova Scotia and Beyond

10-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

• Days 1-3: Halifax and Surroundings – Explore Halifax’s rich history and vibrant culture before heading to the picturesque towns along the South Shore.
• Days 4-6: Cape Breton Island – Drive the Cabot Trail, immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, and experience the local music scene.
• Days 7-8: Prince Edward Island – Discover PEI’s lighthouses, beaches, and culinary delights.
• Days 9-10: New Brunswick – Visit the Hopewell Rocks and enjoy the coastal beauty before heading back.

Seven Days: A Province-Specific Journey

7-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary

• Option 1: Nova Scotia – Dedicate your week to exploring Nova Scotia, from Halifax to the South Shore, and up to Cape Breton.
• Option 2: Newfoundland – Fly into St. John’s, rent a car , and explore the Avalon Peninsula, Bonavista, and perhaps a day trip to Terra Nova National Park.

Five Days: Quick Escapes

5-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

• Nova Scotia Focus – Spend your days exploring Halifax, the Annapolis Valley, and part of the South Shore for a quick taste of Nova Scotia’s charm.
• PEI and New Brunswick – Combine these two provinces for a whirlwind tour of the Maritimes, focusing on the highlights like the Bay of Fundy and PEI’s central coast.

What is the best time of year to visit the East Coast of Canada?

While it’s possible to visit the East Coast year-round, I would not advise planning a Canada east coast itinerary around the winter months in Canada (November-April – yes, it can really go that long!), simply because the road conditions could be dangerous.

The Atlantic provinces are famous for their horrible winter storms making a maritime road trip unpleasant. Plus, the ferry to Newfoundland often gets delayed in the winter.

Summertime is the ideal time for a road trip, but it is also the most popular. The shoulder seasons are also great options. During the springtime, you will have fewer tourists and the possibility to see icebergs in Newfoundland.

During autumn, you can see beautiful fall colors, which will make the drive breathtaking, especially on the Cabot Trail. That said, you can expect some cold nights, and even days, if you are visiting the East coast during October.

Booking A Car Rental for an East Coast Canada Road Trip

If you’re booking a car rental for your road trip around the east coast, make sure you do early. Car rentals do book up in the summertime (especially if you’re picking it up in Newfoundland)!

I use and love Rentalcars.com , which searches local and international providers to find you the best deal. Plus, you can buy insurance directly through them, so you’re fully protected!

BEST CANADA CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Rentalcars.com

When booking your Canada car rental online, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. They search both international and local Canadian companies to find the best price.

Essential Items For an East Canada Road Trip

For your Eastern Canada trip, don’t forget to bring these items with you.

• Parks Canada Discovery Pass  – This will get you unlimited admission for 12 months at over 80 parks across Canada. This may be worth it if you plan to visit a lot of the national parks.
• Insect Repellant – they are fierce in the summertime!
• Road trip snacks
• Canadian cash  – Most places accept major credit cards and debit but in smaller communities, you may find places that only accept cash. Bring Canadian dollars as these places will probably not exchange American money.
• Roadside emergency kit
• Canada Road Map
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets and Pillows – it gets cold in Canada, even in the summertime! You never know when those will come in handy.
• Audiobooks for the road. I love  Audible   for this.
• A  car charger   for charging your devices
• A GPS  or download Google offline maps for your phone. Many rural places you will be driving through in Canada do not have cell phone reception.

FAQ: East Coast Canada Road Trip

Where should i go on the east coast of canada.

There are so many places to visit on Canada’s east coast! Some of the best places are Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Gros Morne National Park, and Fundy National Park – check this guide for more information.

What is East Coast Canada known for?

It’s known for its friendly locals, fantastic seafood, incredible whale watching, the Atlantic Ocean, and beautiful landscapes.

Is Eastern Canada worth visiting?

Absolutely! While many people overlook the east coast for the Rockies, they are two completely different experiences. The east coast of Canada has some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada, along with fantastic cuisine, friendly people, and endless outdoor adventure.

How long do you need to travel the East Coast Canada?

The duration of the East Coast Canada trip depends on your itinerary and interests. A minimum of 1-2 weeks is recommended to cover key highlights, but longer trips allow for a more immersive experience.

How to plan an East Coast Canada road trip?

To plan an Atlantic road trip, start by deciding on your must-visit destinations (read this post), create a flexible itinerary, book accommodations in advance during peak seasons, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.

Where is the best place in East Coast of Canada?

The East Coast of Canada is filled with amazing places, but Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is often considered among the best destinations due to its stunning landscapes.

Is it worth going to Nova Scotia?

Yes, Nova Scotia is definitely worth visiting. It boasts a beautiful coastline, rich maritime heritage, charming towns, and numerous outdoor activities that make it a captivating destination.

How long should you spend on PEI?

To fully experience Prince Edward Island, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days. This allows time to explore the island’s beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and cultural attractions.

What is the largest city on East Coast of Canada?

The largest city on the East Coast of Canada is Halifax, which is the capital of Nova Scotia.

What cities are in East Coast Canada?

The East Coast of Canada includes cities such as Halifax (Nova Scotia), St. John’s (Newfoundland and Labrador), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Fredericton (New Brunswick), and others, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.

Final thoughts: Road Trip East Coast of Canada

Embarking on a road trip along Canada’s East Coast is an adventure filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, captivating history, and warm hospitality.

From the vibrant city life of Halifax to the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

As you traverse the scenic highways, immerse yourself in the rich maritime culture, savor the freshest seafood, and engage with the welcoming locals who make this region truly special.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie looking for culinary delights, the East Coast of Canada has something to offer everyone.

Allow the beauty of the coastal vistas, the charm of the small towns, and the tranquility of the Atlantic waves to leave a lasting impression on your heart. Happy travels!

Planning a trip to the east coast of Canada? Check out these posts!

The Best Things to Do in Bonavista Newfoundland

11 Stunning Places on the Irish Loop Newfoundland

How to Plan a Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary in 2023

Unique Places To Stay In Newfoundland

A Perfect Cabot Trail Itinerary in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Where To Stay In Halifax Nova Scotia

The Best Places to Stay on the Cabot Trail

5 Best Places for Sea Kayaking in Newfoundland

A Perfect One to Three Day Halifax Itinerary

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Thankyou for this detailed itinerary! My sisters and I are planning an east coast road trip (around 19 days) next fall and the information you’ve provided is awesome.

Hi, How long did this trip take you? Thanks for all the intel!

Thank you for all of your excellent suggestions. We are planning an Eastern Canada road trip for September 2024. We are looking forward to the scenery, food and activities. We will be driving up from Louisiana and plan two weeks. Will there be plenty of options for decent hotel accommodations? Thank you!

Yes, there are many great hotels along this route that I have suggested.

Hi Lora, My 2 friends and myself would like to take a road trip for about 2 weeks next year (2023) to the East Coast and visit all four(4) lovely provinces. We all work together in the hospital and after the last couple years (with the COVID Pandemic) we all decided we REALLY need a break and a nice vacation. This road trip has been on our bucket list for quite a while now. We are hoping to save enough money by next year to do this amazing trip. A trip to be remembered!!!! Questions: (1) to visit all those wonderful places you mentioned and stay in nice B&B’s in all 4 provinces and really spend time with all the wonderful folks out East. Approx $$ for each person with our own single rooms. Just an approx $$. We will not hold you to that $$, just wondering and hoping we can make the trip re: our budget. (2) Approx in gas? (3) Do we stay in a motel/hotel/B&B along the way? Would you be able to plan our trip for us and do the bookings at the B&B or hotels? (4) We are thinking in May/June? Would you recommend those months? Oh … I should mention, we all live in the GTA area in Ontario and will be leaving from there. We are planning to rent a vehicle. Please help us make this trip a “dream come true” Thank You Lora!! :-))

Thanks for this info Lora! I am going to use this when I cycle and driveEast in a few days. All the best to you!

travelling in an RV, my main concern is heading over to NL, will the ferry take an RV, and any good parks in NL stay? And is the ferry wheel chair accessable?

Hello! And thank you for such detailed info for the East Coast .My husband and I are planning a short 9-10 day road trip to east coast. this coming week. We were planning to drive straight to New Brunswick. Any suggestions on where to go for camping that I don’t have to make reservation? possibly in the Saint John, we’re planning to go all the way to Nova Scotia with this 9 days trip. Please let me know just the important places that we should see. Hope you can help. Thanks in advance……..

Hi Lora, Thanks for such a wonderful travel guide. I am planning a road trip from Toronto to St. Johns or NFL by end of June. I will be traveling with family including Kids. I will leave the city on Thursday evening and so far I am planning the following Thursday | Home->Montreal Friday | Montreal->New Brunswick Saturday |New Brunswick->North Sydney, NS Sunday 7 AM | Channel-Port aux Basques, New FoudnLand Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday (11 AM Ferry) | Channel-Port aux Basques->North Sydney, NS B2A 3V2 Friday | North Sydney, NS-> Moncton, New Brunswick Saturday | Qubic City Sunday | Home (Pickering)

So I will have a total of 5 days in NFL and I need your help to plan these 5 days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). We both can drive so driving is not an issue. We are interested in Whale watching and icebergs if still, we can see them.

Please guide me how I should plan these 5 days.

Hi Lora, I’m curious about your quoted time of 2 hours from Hopewell Rocks to Moncton? Google maps says it is a 30 minute drive, and now I’m worried I’m missing something? Thank you

Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for your comment. You are right, it’s just over half an hour to get between them so that was just an error on my part. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, it’s been fixed!

Do you have any other whale watching recommendations? We will only have a week with our 3 kids and are thinking of flying in to NB from Toronto to save time on the drive through Ontario & Quebec. We will likely just end up doing NB and PEI…maybe NS…think we’ll have time?

There is good whale-watching in New Brunswick by Saint Andrews by-the-sea! One week is enough to visit them but it will be rushed. I would spend at least half the week in Nova Scotia!

This is great – I may have missed this and will re-read your post, but how long did it take you to road trip across the east coast and as woman would you safe it is safe if I do it alone? Thanks for sharing this post and it is really very intresting east coast Canada road trip.

I’ve done it many times as short as 3 days to as long as 3 weeks, it just depends on how much you want to see! Yes, the east coast is extremely safe to travel I’ve done it solo many times.

Great article! I am planning about a 2 1/2 month trip for next summer and hoping to hit most of what you suggested. We will be traveling with a truck and trailer from about mid June to early September. Based on weather and crowds, I have two questions for you. Any idea for camping if reservations will be needed for National or provincial parks? And what would be your suggested order for the provinces coming from Maine? Was thinking of NB, NF, NS then PEI? Thanks, great article!

Hi Darlene, if you’re planning to visit the parks over the long weekends (Canada day, the first weekend of August, and labor day), I would make reservations as they can get really busy then. Otherwise, a few days in advance should be fine and the provincial parks usually have walk-in space (national ones can get busier in the summer). The order you suggested sounds perfect to me!

In the middle of October, are leaves still on trees on the east coast in NB and NS?

Yes they should be!

Hello and thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m planning a last minute roadtrip the first three weeks of Sept 2021.

I’m looking at starting from TORONTO and making my way out EAST and then driving back of course. Will be using personal vehicle and travelling with my spouse ( no kids )

Any recommendations itinerary wise ? I believe 3 weeks should be enough time to see and do a fair amount.

Thank you in advance for your time

3 weeks is enough time to see all four provinces! I would spend a week in Newfoundland, one in Nova Scotia and the other split between PEI and New Brunswick.

Hi Lora, thanks a lot for this information – it already helps me a lot 🙂 I will go to Canada in October and will spend there 4 weeks. I would have more time, but I think, it would get cold in November. What would you think? Yes it really depends on mother nature … 🙂

As the temperature is getting low during my trip from beginning October till end of October, could you recommend me a good starting point? Is it better to start in Toronto or in Newfoundland? Or doesn´t it make a difference?

I will come from a one-month-trip in Iceland, so I would get used somehow to colder weather, but maybe you have some advice for me ? 🙂

Hi! So glad you found the post helpful. It can definitely be cold in Atlantic Canada by November – even in October! It stays warmer in Ontario longer (I’ve experienced 20+ degree at end of October in Toronto), so I would actually start in Newfoundland and end in Toronto to make the most of the weather 🙂

Thanks so much for this perfect article, I’m planning for a small group 17 people 1st time ever driving from Toronto to Atlantic. This article perfectly giving me all ideas we can explore. Thanks

Thanks so much for your nice comment! I’m so glad you found it helpful.

Hi Lora, great article. We are thinking of taking a 2 week family road trip this summer from Toronto, do you think that’s enough time to explore the east coast? Thx

Thanks! Two weeks is absolutely enough time – there’s an example two week itinerary in the guide 🙂

Hi Lora, Excellent presentation and very nicely explained all relevant issues for travelling. I have sent you an email also seperately for guidance but I know you are very busy. In fact I want to visit Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI with a friend from Brampton. We will fly from Toronto to Sydney and back from Halifax. We will get a car rental for visiting other provinces. My preference is Cabot trail and other areas to be covered in 8 days. Kindly guide.

Hi, I would spend at least 2-3 days to drive the Cabot Trail – it’s so scenic you’ll want time to stop and soak it in. PEI is a very small province, you could see a lot in just two days. If you take the bridge from New Brunswick you’ll be close to Moncton, although I personally prefer Fredericton. It’s worth spending a day or two in Halifax as well, but that’s about all you could fit in!

Hi Lora, we are planning to visit Atlantic from Aug 14-Aug22(must be back to Toronto Aug 22), we are planning to stay 1 night in Quebec for example leaving Toronto to Quebec city on Saturday Aug 14 morning, stay a night in Quebec, then leave Quebec around afternoon Sunday, please advise the next beautiful stop we should stay for 1 or 2 nights? group of 20 people 8 kids ranging from 3-11 years old. Thanks so much

Thanks for so much great info! We are planning an -unfortunately- fairly rushed road trip in our camper van next month. Leaving from Muskoka on the 19th and we have to be home on the 29th. Staying near Quebec City the first night, somewhere close-ish to Fredericton the second night, then the weekend visiting friends in PEI. Monday morning we will board the ferry to NS and do a couple days on Cape Breton Island. We pretty much have to start heading towards Ontario on Thursday, or at the very latest, Friday. Two questions: 1) Is it fairly easy to “free camp” in PEI and Nova Scotia, or do we really need to book campsites? We are self-sufficient with a solar fridge, stove and composting toilet in a 19′ van. 2) If we do Cape Breton (Cabot Trail) over Monday-Tuesday, what’s the #1 thing you’d suggest for Wednesday/Thursday? Do we go west to Halifax/Lunenberg area? My concern is we might be burnt out from driving so much, but we also want to make the most of our time out there. Leaving from Halifax instead of closer to NB means a few extra hours of driving overall. I have been to Halifax/Peggy’s Cove/Lunenberg but my partner has not. Thanks in advance!

Hi Ashley, I have only camped at campsites but if you are a resident of Canada and self-sufficient you could camp on crown land for up to 21 days. I’m sure there is lots of it there, but I’m not an expert in this area.

If you have been to Halifax/Lunenberg and don’t want to add on the extra driving I would just stay on Cape Breton Island. Two days isn’t a lot of time there, the cabot trail is so beautiful I spent a week on it! Inverness or Baddeck are two nice spots on either side of where it starts. I am not super familiar with the part of Nova Scotia between Halifax and Cape Breton Island so can’t make specific recommendations for there, but I think you could easily spend more than two days in Cape Breton and enjoy yourself!

Hi Lora, thank you for all the information you have provided. We are from Alberta and have planned to visit the East Coast Aug 26 – Sept 7th and hoping to see highlights in all provinces. Will check out your article on vaccination status for all provinces. Quick question – is it worth the long drive from Montreal to New Brunswick or should we fly? Thanks for any info you can provide.

If you are flying anyway I would just go to New Brunswick. Montreal is a great city and Quebec City is a nice stop along the way but if you are limited on time and want to see all four provinces it’s better to just fly.

Hi Lora, Thank you so much for this great article. I would love to start planning a short east coast trip to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and PEI at the end of august (August 19-29). I live in Ontario. Do you maybe have any more specific information about the border restrictions for people from other provinces? Thank you!

Hi Cloe, I just updated the article with the latest information. Border restrictions depend on your vaccination status – fully vaccinated travelers can visit all four provinces, but you will have to apply for a PEI Pass for PEI.

This is great – I may have missed this and will re-read your post, but how long did it take you to road trip across the east coast and as woman would you safe it is safe if I do it alone? Thanks.

I’ve done it in as little as 3 days and as long as a month! It really depends on how much you want to see but I’d recommend at least one to two weeks. It is safe to travel there as a woman alone – I did last summer! Atlantic Canadians are extremely friendly and helpful 🙂

Hi, thank you for all of the info. Ten of us rented an RV and have booked our trip for Sept 3-10. We want to eat fish, do a lot of water activities and sightseeing. Since we have only a week and have no wish to see Montreal. Can you help me choose best places. We are from Toronto and are so tired of being on lockdown.

Hi! Without stopping somewhere in Quebec it will be a long drive to New Brunswick (14 hours) but doable if you guys don’t mind a long day of driving. I would recommend spending most of your time in Nova Scotia by the coast, they have tons of water activities and delicious seafood.

Hello Lora! Your blog is so informative and what beautiful pictures! I want to plan an East Coast trip this summer but I’m waiting (and hoping) for some travel restrictions to loosen up so we can visit from Ontario. If not, then I will save this information for 2022! I have a question for you. I know you said that Newfoundland shouldn’t be missed but we only have 3 weeks and when I followed most of your itinerary that didn’t leave me much time for Newfoundland. Is there a place for whale watching in the other 3 provinces?

Thanks so much! Yes for sure, there are lots of places to go whale watching on the East Coast. You can go in St. Andrews by-the-sea in New Brunswick, as well as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. I do think Newfoundland is the best place for it though! Really hope you can make it out to the east coast this summer!

This is very informative.

Was just wondering if you could suggest a perfect Canada East Coast road trip itinerary with RV Camper that last up to 16 days (3 adults)? I have seen and read many but l just don’t know how to manage that. The idea is to do a road trip from Montréal – Nova Scotia (16 days) or just Nova Scotia (16 days) suggesting probably “must see” places and camping possibilities. The road trip is planned for next year 2021 summer (hopefully by then the pandemic is under control). Wouldn’t mind if you can email me your ideas also per email.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers Mitch

Hi Mitch. You can definitely plan a great road trip from Montreal to Nova Scotia with 16 days. You’ll have to drive through New Brunswick anyway so I suggest spending a night or two there on the way and back. Fundy national park is a great place to visit! That should still leave you with 10 or more full days in Nova Scotia, so for the rest of your itinerary, it depends on what you are interested in seeing. I love Cape Breton island for the Cabot Trail, I’d recommend 3-5 days to do that. The Halifax area is great too, and there are a lot of fun day trips to small towns you can take from there.

Hi Lora, Thank you for such an informative post! You’ve helped me narrow down most of the places I wanted to go as I’m currently planning an Eastern road trip! I wanted to know what your estimated budget was for the entire trip, if you don’t mind my asking. Thank you again 🙂

That’s awesome, glad to hear! That’s so variable depending on how long your trip is, if you’re renting a car, camping or staying in hotels, solo etc. If you give me more details I can try and help!

I live in Vancouver and have never been to the east coast so this is all high on my bucketlist! Looks beautiful 🙂

Vancouver is a beautiful spot too!! Hope you can visit the East Coast sometime 🙂

I love all those rugged coastal views with the reflections in the waters and the lighthouses. I already love the West side of Canada, but I do really like the idea of exploring the Eastern coast as well. It looks like SUCH a fantastic area to hike, and then eat icecream.

p.s. My mum loves Anne of Green Gables…I wonder if telling her that would be a good way to lure her to Canada!? 😉

I love the West coast of Canada too, but the East coast is a completely different experience! Haha I think that would definitely get her there if PEI is on the itinerary!

This is a very informative guide. Definitely will refer to it in future when I go.

Glad you found it helpful! 🙂

Yay for road tripping! I haven’t had a chance to explore too much of Canada but would love to someday! I wanna visit the national parks!

Hope you can someday! We are lucky to have so many beautiful national parks 🙂

Your photos alone make me want to pack a bag and hit the road! I’d love to do a coastal drive of Eastern Canada and PEI has always been on my radar!

Happy to hear that!! PEI is gorgeous, hope you can visit sometime!

How to Plan a Road Trip in Canada

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Wondering how to plan a road trip in Canada? Well, this step by step guide has you covered. We got everything from road tripping through cities, towns and parks in Canada, plus essential tips and mistakes to avoid.

We are also sharing our road trip style. So here’s the ultimate Canada road trip planning guide.

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Road Trip in Canada – Step by Step 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

Canada is full of stunning destinations, and they are AMAZING for road trips. From coast to coast to coast, there are hundreds of routes to choose from – from one-day trips, weekend getaways, to weeks or even month-long trips.

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. 

Use the following resources to start planning

• Browse through our Canada destinations category for inspiration
• Pinterest is a great option to curate a bucket list. Here is our Pinterest profile/boards
• Prefer Instagram instead? Use that to create a list of scenic spots to discover on your road trip
• Lonely Planet Guide books

Our top pick for Canadian road trips

• Canadian Rockies Road Trip : The Canadian Rockies from Calgary to Yoho National Park, road tripping through Banff National Park , Lake Louise , and Yoho National Park
• A weekend road trip from Edmonton to Jasper National Park
• Or Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world
• Edmonton to Vancouver , with stops at Kelowna, Vancouver Island in British Columbia
• Road trips in Saskatchewan, starting in Saskatoon to Grasslands National Park, Qu’Appelle Valley, Cypress Hills
• Or opt for an all-city road trip from Regina with stops in MooseJaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert
• Head across the province from Saskatoon to Winnipeg in Manitoba for a full day drive, stopping along the way in many border towns – get the road trip itinerary here
• In Ontario, drive the scenic routes leading to many national and provincial parks from Algonquin to Blue Mountain and the Niagara Falls from Toronto
• Enjoy quick drives from Halifax to Peggy Cove, and beyond in Nova Scotia
• Coastal drives on the Maritimes Prince Edward Island, Cabot trail 

From western Canada to the northwest territories to the east coast, there are tons of options!

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. Seasonality will determine if road accessibility will be smooth, or if accommodations and attractions will be crowded. 

Here are some quick tips to remember

• Spring and fall – These are off season months in Canada. Finding accommodation in cities and small towns this time will be easy, minus fewer crowds. 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.
• 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. When we drive back to Edmonton from Banff on the weekends, there is traffic! Being a peak season, book campsites, hotels and other tours/attractions ahead of time.
• Winter – Driving in winters can be tricky, so ensure you follow winter driving regulations. Although winter is not a peak season, some of the destinations (that are popular winter vacation spots in Canada) can be all filled up really quick from international visitors. 

Winter Road Trips 

As we mentioned winter driving in Canada has its challenges. Think slippery road surfaces, unpaved lanes, blowing snow to name a few. This is not to disencourage you, but after having traveled (for pleasure and work) in Canadian winters, here are some useful tips.

• Winter tires – Super important to have winter tires on, all-seasonal ones are a no go. 
• Winter windshield fluid – Don’t forget car fluid!
• Slow down – While driving in the winter, drive slow, maintain distance. Be very careful when you drive in residential areas or make turns
• Packing – Keep woolens in your car to stay warm, in case you are stranded. In winters you might face road closures (due to accidents or natural disasters), so it is important to keep warm clothes and some snacks in the car
• Check local news before you start – Check the weather and local news to ensure it is safe to embark on road trips, and the route is clear. Any forecasts about the weather and road conditions will help you determine if additional travel time is required
• Travel time – Add extra travel time to your road trip duration

Accommodation: Hotels, RV, Campervan, Camping

When you are road tripping in Canada, there are tons of options for accommodation. Let’s start the obvious,

• Hotels & Lodges : Whether it is a country-side, city or national park, you can book a hotel, lodge or a cabin for your accommodation. Book them ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. Also hotels in popular destinations like Toronto or Banff could get expensive, if you book last minute.
• RV & Campervan: One of the popular ways to explore national parks in Canada is on a campervan or an RV. Almost every city will have an RV renting place, from where you can book an RV and save money on hotel accommodation. It is also a nicer alternative if you do not own a lot of camping gear.
• Camping: If you are planning to camp overnight, ensure you reserve camp-sites when bookings open for the season. And of course, ensure you carry the right camping gear for your trip. You do not need to reserve for day camp sites (like picnics as part of your road trip), especially in provincial parks. 

Plan it on Google Maps

Google Maps are an amazing tool to plan and plot your road trip itinerary. You can create the map on your Google account (on the desktop/laptop) and then view it on your phone. Ensure you have offline maps enabled, as sometimes cell tower connectivity in parks and country-side may not be that great. 

To plot the itinerary, open Google Maps, then save your starting point. Use the ‘direction’ option to get from road A to B, and go from there. Repeat these spots to keep adding all the places you want to visit on your Canada road trip.

Also, add your hotel, any attractions you wish to visit inside a city or national park. When you click the location on your phone or computer, you will see the opening hours, reviews if any.

On your phone, ensure you have GPS settings on. (Settings > Google Maps > Location > select “Always”)

Again, download offline maps on your phone. Once you have the Google Maps downloaded on your phone, search for the route you have created on the desktop. 

Getting Ready: Checklist prior to your trip

Just before you start for your road trip, preferably a few days prior, ensure you do a quick run-through.

• Clean your car prior to your trip
• Get it to the servicing center
• Ensure your license/registration has not expired
• Inform friends/family about your trip
• Don’t forget navigation systems/Google maps

If you are renting a car, the rental company usually takes care of the car maintenance. But it is your responsibility to take note of any dents/scratches to report to the company later, plus record the mileage. 

Road Trip Packing Essentials

While preparing for a road trip to Canada, it is essential to pack the right things (and pack them!). Don’t overpack, but ensure you have the essentials to get you to the road trip and back.

We love to travel light, and our road trips are no different. However we do not compromise on the required items. Of course, if you are on a campervan or RV on rent, the list might be slightly different. 

So here’s the list

• Clothes – Pack essential clothing for the trip. If it is a 2-day road trip, pack 2 sets of shirts/tops, one pant, underwear, light jacket
• Comfortable shoes – Wear comfortable shoes. It is helpful while you are behind the wheel or taking rest stops (for a stroll) or out and about exploring
• Pair of flip flops – Flip flops are useful inside the hotel or at the beach 
• Warm clothes (for winter) – While driving in Canadian winters, don’t forget warm clothing from jackets/ parka, warm socks, gloves, to beanie
• Hand warmers are great little items to keep inside the car. They are cute little pouches that heat up upon friction. Click to buy hand warmers here.
• 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!
• Sunglasses – The sun can be a little harsh while driving in Canada, especially in the afternoon or evenings. Carry and wear your favorite sunglasses. I LOVE my Rayban Ericka and Aviator, which are made of polarized glasses
• Sunscreen – Summer or winter, sunscreen is a must. 
• Hand cream – We keep a hand cream inside our car, cause summer or winter, our hands get super dry on the roads in Canada. Pick up a nice hand cream with your favorite fragrance
• 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 . Here is an emergency car kit from the Canadian government site . Either way, ensure you carry it on your road trip. 
• 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 – Go hands-free while you are driving. 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) up-to-date. 
• 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). Click to purchase yours
• Playlist – No road trip is complete without an amazing playlist. Save it on iTunes, or your iPod. Radio is also a good option for entertainment but it is tricky in certain parks and you may not get a consistent frequency. 
• Camera – We always carry our camera on our trips. Our Sony mirrorless camera is usually the one that comes with us on our quick road trips. It is small, compact, and lightweight to carry around. You can also snap photos from the car (passenger duty!). Click to view our mirrorless camera.
• Cell-phone – Don’t forget your cell-phone. Stay connected with family, let them know where you are heading. Store the hotel or campsite contact information, plus roadside assistance number for emergencies. 
• Car freshener – Refresh your car, using refresher. I LOVE vanilla or lavender based fragrances, super yummy (smells pretty haha). View car refreshers here.
• Small pillow – Salil never forgets to pack a small pillow for me! And I love it, nice when you want to relax whilst soaking in the views.  Click to grab your travel pillow!
• Blanket – An emergency blanket is included in the kit/s mentioned above. This is completely optional and you can pack a proper blanket. We always pack one. I am always cold while the A/C is on, so it is super handy for me.  
• Umbrella 
• Day pack or weekender bag – A day bag or a weekender bag is useful to carry your clothing, day hikes, or sightseeing needs. Or something to store road trip essentials.  Here is a 25L day pack.
• Road trip games – License plate, sing-along, card games (for kids)
• Camping essentials – If you are camping, carry essentials for your overnight stay
• Hiking essentials – Dayhikes essentials list, here is a handy list from MEC Canada
• 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. 

Pack a Hygiene Kit  

Keeping in mind, with today’s new normal, it is important to carry a hygiene kit. This is something that you have to create itself, as there is no pre-made ‘hygiene kit’ available to purchase. Here is what you should have

• Reusable face masks – Carry a few reusable face masks, depending on the number of passengers in the car and the duration of the trip
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable gloves

Always maintain 2 metres distance while embarking on sightseeing or walks at local parks. Check local news, to ensure the parks and sightseeing attractions are open, and that there are no restrictions in terms of movement or quarantine regulations. 

Driving in Canada Basic Tips

The most common cars on the road in Canada are left hand drive vehicles. The steering wheel is on the left side of these vehicles as the cars are driven on the right side of the road.

Things to remember:

• Ensure you have a valid driver’s license (Canadian, US, or International)
• Must be at least 21 years of age to rent a vehicle
• Get car insurance
• Canada uses kilometres and metres to measure the distance (unlike miles used in the USA). 1 mile = 1.609 km
• The typical speed limit in most provinces is 100 km/h (62 mph) or 110 km/h (68 mph). 
• Statutory speed limits for school zones tend to be 30 or 40 km/h (19 or 25 mph) in urban areas and 50 km/h in rural areas. 
• 120 kilometers per hour is the fastest you can go on Canada highway. The province of Ontario is especially strict, with a maximum speed of 100 kph.
• 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.)
• Be mindful of wildlife corridors and posted wildlife signs along the highways

Mistakes to avoid while road tripping in Canada

1. Not taking ample breaks 

It is crucial to stop and take breaks on your road trips. In Canada, there are gas stations, convenience shops, and rest-stops where you should stop by to take a break. Washrooms are also free to use in gas stations here. 

2. Rushing, and not allowing enough time 

Road conditions are good in Canadian highways, but it is a good idea to enjoy the trip and go slow (of course no speeding and adhering to traffic rules). Soak in the views, stop if needed to take a break. Eat, stretch your legs, enjoy – that is the fun part of embarking on road trips.

3. Follow a loose itinerary – don’t plan everything to the T

To enjoy a road trip to the fullest, don’t plan everything to the T. Have a rough idea about the route, attractions covered, but don’t be afraid to stop at a place longer if you like. 

4. Not booking hotels or camp reservations in advance 

Imagine embarking on a road trip with high spirits (and gear/bags) and when you arrive at the city or park, you realize that a hotel or camp-site is not booked. You might be able to find a hotel, but room rates could be expensive. Campsites are hard if you don’t reserve ahead of time.

5. Not grabbing snacks or good music

Healthy snack items are a good idea if you are not planning for a meal stop on your road trip. Don’t forget water! And a good playlist is key!

Typical Road Trip in Canada: Our version

We LOVE taking road trips in Canada – that is our favorite way to explore cities, small towns and national parks here. We start pretty early on our trips. Here is how we do it

Few weeks to a month

• Decide where, and when we want to go. Usually, we opt for long weekends (or Friday + long weekends)
• We book hotels, attractions or camp reservations
• If you are traveling from overseas, reserve car rental around the same time

A week prior to roadtrip

• Mayuri: Ready with her weekend bag, all packed 🙂 Starts plotting Instagram spots for photography
• Salil: Takes the car for servicing, prepping for the road trip

A day before the road trip

• Salil: Fills up gas, and packs his backpack. Checks weather.
• Mayuri: Doesn’t sleep, she is super excited about the trip. Does her nails, finishes small tasks around the house
• We start as early as possible. During summer/autumn months, we start around 5:30 am or 06:00 am
• Stop by Tim Hortons for coffee/tea (SUPER IMPORTANT)

• We take breaks every hour or so. Stop by attractions.
• Have brunches together 
• Late evening, we check-in to our hotel. Wander around the national park or the city
• Repeat, next day (2,3,4….)
• We return the day before, we have to start for work, preferably by late afternoon/evening. This way we have enough time to prep for the next day, or relax at home

This is how we like to do our road trips, and have been doing it together since 2011. Having lived in 3 different provinces in Canada, we are lucky to see such gorgeous landscapes year after year, without going too far. 

We hope you found this guide to planning a road trip in Canada useful. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!

Pin: Planning a road trip in Canada

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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We LOVE road trips, and I dream of driving from my home in Oregon, USA up through Canada and all the way to Alaska. It’s not happening this year but I can’t wait to do it someday!!!

YAY! Hopefully, you can visit next year. I love road trips in Canada!

We did it! Left Huntington Beach, CA 2023/Aug-30 and returned Sep-27. Straight up Interstate 15 into Canada, through Banff and Jasper Parks, to Dawson Creek for the start of the AlCan Hwy. Up to Whitehorse, then to Dawson City, ferry across the Yukon River to the Alaska border. And it closed the day before we got there, 2 weeks earlier than normal; bummer! Back to Whitehorse, up to Fairbanks, then took the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle. Back down to Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Whittier and onto the ferry to Valdez and into the Alps of North America; an amazing area! Basically back-tracked after that: the highways through BC were closed due to the smokey fires. All in a Diesel-powered auto. No reservations made ahead: got into a town and started calling or visiting hotels; never had a problem. Almost 11,000 miles round trip! Next trip: the Trans-Canada Hwy to the eastern terminus: St. Johns, Newfoundland. (At least, that is the “plan.”)

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Road Trip Through Canada’s National Parks

Canada is a vast country with endless beauty spanning many diverse landscapes. With one lake for every 18 people in Canada, there’s no shortage of pristine wilderness and outdoor adventure.

A road trip through Canada is one of the best ways to see the changing landscapes of the county. And Canada’s National Parks are the best spots to explore along the way. Let’s dive into exactly what you need to know to plan the ultimate Canada road trip—one that thoroughly explores Eastern Canada , a popular region of the country, but an itinerary to also cross Canada’s 10 provinces , taking in the best national parks along the way.

Although this road trip route runs east to west, you could also plan your itinerary to easily drive it in the reverse direction.

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Newfoundland.

Spend a few days getting acquainted with the charming city of St John’s , then start your road trip towards Gros Morne National Park . Along the way, you’ll drive through Terra Nova National Park. This is a perfect place to break up the drive, as Gros Morne is about seven hours away. Spend the night in Terra Nova , and soak up Newfoundland’s wild beauty.

Gros Morne National Park is stunning. If you love to hike, challenge yourself up 800 meters to the summit of Gros Morne mountain. This is no easy feat, as the last two hours of the hike involve climbing up steep rocks, but the views at the top are worth it.

For a less strenuous activity in the area, take a boat tour through the fjords and marvel at the beauty carved out by the work of glaciers over thousands of years.

Nova Scotia

Once you arrive on the mainland of Canada, head to Cape Breton Highlands National Park . The park is home to the Cabot Trail , which has been continuously named one of the most beautiful drives in the world .

Prince Edward Island

It’s possible to drive through PEI in one day, and it’s well worth a stop. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches alongside red cliffs and wind-sculpted sand dunes. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to stay a couple of days longer and soak up more of the East Coast Canadian charm and fresh lobster.

New Brunswick

Opt for a stop further South in Canada’s largest city, Toronto , where you can explore Canada’s only urban National Park—Rouge Park. Or continue driving west and your road trip will take you to Algonquin Provincial Park .

Covering over 8000 square kilometers of rugged Canadian Shield, Algonquin is home to lakes, rivers, forests, and a diverse wildlife population. It’s one of the best places in Canada to go canoeing, with over 1600 km of canoe routes that follow lakes, streams, and portage trails.

Ontario is large, so get ready for a long drive ahead to the next national park. But the scenery will continue to impress, as your road trip takes you through stunning alpine forests and some of the largest lakes in the world.

The next stop will be Pukaskwa National Park , located on the beautiful Lake Superior in Northern Ontario. Explore the backcountry coastal hiking trails, where you can walk over a Suspension Bridge overlooking Chigamiwinigum Fall. This park is also a great opportunity to see the culture and heritage of The Anishinabe First Nation.

Saskatchewan

From Banff, take the scenic way to Jasper National Park through the Icefields Parkway. National Geographic named this one of the best road trips in the world, and it lives up to its reputation. You will pass through ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and emerald lakes. The drive has many points of interests along the way including Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls , and the Columbia Icefield.

Once in Jasper, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains . Jasper is one of the best places to visit in Alberta , and a great place to witness the Northern Lights. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife in Canada. Bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and elk are all common in the area.

From Jasper, you can either continue your way down to British Columbia via Mt. Robson Provincial Park, or return to Banff via the Icefields Parkway—the drive is so beautiful you won’t mind doing it twice.

British Columbia

After all the fun in the Rocky Mountains, your Canada road trip heads through BC to Swartz Bay. There, you can board the ferry to take you to Victoria Island. The island will be your last stop— Pacific Rim National Park Reserve . There, you can enjoy a completely different side of Canada. Hike through the magical rainforests, kayak with killer whales, or surf in the Pacific water.

Where to Stay

If you don’t have your own equipment or want to try a night of glamping, Parks Canada offers some unique options. Try renting a yurt or OTENTiks , a cross between a tent and a cabin. Check the website to see what accommodations are available in the park you’re visiting. If you’re after a more luxurious experience, many of the parks offer high-end hotels nearby you can stay in at night.

Transportation

With the nature of a road trip, you will need a car to complete this journey. An economy car is fine for getting around Canada’s 10 provinces, as the roads are generally in good condition. Of course, renting a larger car or campervan will give you more comfort during the trip. Use RentalCars.com to find the best rates for your trip .

How Long to Road Trip

While it is possible to drive across Canada in one week, if you want to stop at all these parks and enjoy what they have to offer, I recommend a minimum of three week. Ideally, the longer the better, as there is no shortage of outdoor adventure and fun to experience throughout the parks. This road trip would be the perfect way to spend a summer in Canada.

By the end of the journey, you will have gone from the Atlantic Coast to Pacific, through the Maritimes, Lakes, Prairies, and the Rocky Mountains. It will take you through almost half of Canada’s National Parks , and give you a true sense of Canada’s wild beauty and diversity. So grab a Canada National Geographic Map to to help guide your trip, then get traveling.

By Lora Pope

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Canada Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Canada?

• How much does a one-week trip to Canada cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Canada cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Canada cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Canada

Visitors to Canada usually spend between $62 and $520 per day on average for one person and $123 to $1,041 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $171 (CA$236) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Canada, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $62 (CA$85) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $171 (CA$236) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $520 (CA$717), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Canada from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Canada .

How much does a one week trip to Canada cost?

Most visitors spend between $432 and $3,642 for a one week trip to Canada, with the average being $1,199. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Canada, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are Toronto , Montreal , and Vancouver .

How much does a two week trip to Canada cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $863 and $7,284 for your trip to Canada. The average price for a two week trip is $2,397. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Hope, Vernon, and Kamloops.

How much does a one month trip to Canada cost?

With a month-long trip to Canada, expenses can be anywhere from $1,850 to $15,609 with the average being $5,137. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Canada

With more than 60 hostels in Canada, the average price is $28 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Canada not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Canada here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Canada.

• $21 for a dorm bed at M Montreal in Montreal more details
• $34 for a dorm bed at Planet Traveler Hostel in Toronto more details
• $36 for a dorm bed at Samesun Banff in Banff more details

Hotel Prices in Canada

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Canada. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Canada .

A La Carte Bed & Breakfast

Auberge saint-antoine.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Canada?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Canada. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Canada

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Canada?

Organized tours average $411 per day in Canada, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $171 (CA$236) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Canada here .

Here are a few sample tours in Canada:

• Yukon River: The Classic ( Lake Laberge to Carmacks) ($1,560) 8 days, 2 destinations more details
• Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival ($4,573) 13 days, 18 destinations more details
• Inside Passage & Rocky Mountains Tour ($3,705) 12 days, 18 destinations more details
• Majestic Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer ($6,201) 13 days, 14 destinations more details
• Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Small Group, 12 Days, Halifax Airport And Post Trip Hotel… ($6,195) 12 days, 10 destinations more details

More for Canada

If you're planning a trip to Canada, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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The Best 10-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

The East Coast of Canada is packed with amazing places to visit, from Prince Edward Island to Peggy’s Cove to Newfoundland. One of the best ways to see all of the coolest spots is by taking a fantastic East Coast Canada road trip.

Once upon a time, we actually lived on the East Coast of Canada – more specifically, in Halifax – so we know this part of the country inside and out! We can confidently say that there is so much to see on an East Coast Canada road trip.

It’s important to note that this guide is just a structured suggestion of a 10-day East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. It is by no means the only acceptable option out there. So feel free to adjust this guide to fit your preferences, whether that means taking stops out, putting some in, or switching up the order.

Days 1-2: Gaspé Peninsula

This fantastic East Coast Canada road trip itinerary begins on the gorgeous Gaspé Peninsula. Most people completely overlook Gaspé Peninsula and instead head to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. And that’s a shame, because Gaspé Peninsula is such a gem!

Between the incredible mountains, stunning seaside views, little Quebecois towns, and four national parks, there’s so much to see on the Gaspé Peninsula. In other words, you’ll have to narrow down your list of things to do to fit it all into two days! If we had to pick a few favorite things to do, we would recommend checking out Percé Rock, popping by Forillon National Park, and saying hello to the birds at Parc National de l’Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.

Day 3: Kouchibouguac National Park

There are quite a few stunning national parks in this part of Canada, so we’d be remiss to leave them out of this East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. This first national park we’ve decided to dedicate an entire day to is Kouchibouguac National Park.

Kouchibouguac National Park is a 238 square kilometre area known for its various ecosystems, including salt marshes, sand dunes, forests, barrier islands, and more. And since there are so many different types of ecosystems, there is a lot to explore.

If you’d like to head to the water, you can canoe your way towards a wonderful grey seal colony. Just remember to respect their space! If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can picnic on the picture-perfect sand dunes. And if you happen to visit during the winter, you can even put your skiing skills to the test.

Days 4-5: Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province – and this little area is one of the best stops on an East Coast Canada road trip. Despite the fact that Prince Edward Island is an island, you can easily drive your way into this Canadian province.

Many visitors spend a week or more exploring everything that Prince Edward Island has to offer. But since you’ll only have a couple of days before continuing on your road trip, you can pick your favorite spots.

Literature lovers will enjoy a trip to Green Gables Heritage Place, which is a recreation of the home in Anne of Green Gables . If you’re more of a history buff than a fiction reader, you’ll want to visit Charlottetown. In 1864, this small city hosted the Charlottetown Conference, which eventually led to the official formation of Canada.

And last but certainly not least, if you’d prefer to head out into nature, Prince Edward Island doesn’t disappoint on that front either! One of the most beautiful sights on the island is the red sandstone cliffs. You can find these all around the island, including at Prince Edward Island National Park, Cape Tryon, and Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site. And don’t forget to visit Cavendish Beach, which boasts gorgeous red sand!

Days 6-7: The Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park, and Saint John

Located on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park has so much to offer. The Bay of Fundy is most well-known for having the highest tides on earth. At low tide, you can walk along the ocean floor, but at high tide, it soars up to 16 metres! This makes for some incredible white water rafting opportunities, which we highly recommend.

But there’s more to Fundy National Park than just the Bay of Fundy. You can take a weird food tour by foraging for ocean edibles, try your hand at geocaching, and hike to Third Vault Falls.

Once you’re done at Fundy National Park, you can spend some time in Saint John. While you can certainly opt to rest and recover from the first few days of this amazing East Coast Canada road trip, you can also head out on the town. After all, there’s no shortage of things to do in Saint John either! Zipline across the Reversing Falls Rapids, explore Irving Nature Park, and pop by Saint John City Market.

Day 8: Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, and Halifax

Day 8 of this East Coast Canada Road Trip is packed with a few different stops that are close together. First up, Lunenburg.

Lunenburg is such an underrated little town in Nova Scotia. With its friendly people, historic buildings, and adorable shops, it’s the epitome of small town charm. And that’s certainly something that you’ll want to experience if you get the chance! As a matter of fact, one of the best things to do is simply walk around the adorable town center, pop into cute shops, and dine at local eateries. And if you have a little bit of extra time, you can also visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, hop aboard Bluenose II , and stop by Blue Rocks.

Then, there’s Peggy’s Cove. This lovely small town and natural landscape are unlike any other place in Canada. With colorful boats, smooth boulders, foggy skies, and a towering lighthouse, it looks like it was plucked straight out of a painting!

And last but certainly not least, there’s the city of Halifax. When we lived in Halifax, we were always finding new things to do. But some of our favorites were the calm, easy activities, like walking along the waterfront and listening to live music at one of the city’s exciting pubs.

Days 9-10: Cape Breton Island

Your second-to-last stop on this East Coast Canada road trip itinerary is the lovely Cape Breton Island. Like Prince Edward Island, you can easily drive your way onto Cape Breton Island.

Once you arrive on Cape Breton Island, you’ll be astounded by its beauty. With the sparkling waters, stunning ocean cliffs, and sleepy fishing villages, it looks like it belongs in a storybook! But luckily for you, this picture-perfect island is real and ready for you to explore!

The best way to explore Cape Breton Island is by following the Cabot Trail. This trail loops around the majority of Cape Breton Island, and, along the way, there are loads of wonderful things to see and do. As a matter of fact, most of these wonderful stops are perfect for nature lovers. You can walk to Uisge Ban Falls, go kayaking in the North River, and hike the famous 7.5-kilometre Skyline Trail.

If nature isn’t your top priority, don’t worry! There’s so much more to see on Cape Breton Island. Foodies can take a captivating tour of The Glenora Distillery and stop for a scoop at the adorable Lighthouse Ice Cream Parlour. And animal fans can take a whale watching tour from Neil’s Harbour.

Days 11-13: Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large island off the coast of Eastern Canada. But this island actually isn’t connected by roads, like the other two islands on this itinerary. So you may be wondering, how can I get to it on my East Coast Canada road trip? There are ferries!

There are two ferries to Newfoundland, both of which depart from North Sydney on Cape Breton Island. One ferry takes you to Argentia, Newfoundland, and the other takes you to Port aux Basque, Newfoundland. Both of these ferries allow you to take your car along for the ride.

When you reach Newfoundland, there is so much to do. If you like the outdoors, you’ll definitely enjoy hiking through Gros Morne National Park. If you’re a sommelier in the making, take a tour of the Auk Island Winery. And if you’re an animal lover, keep an eye out for awesome wildlife, including whales and seabirds.

To round out your road trip, you have a couple of options. First, you can head back to the mainland via the same ferry you took to get to Newfoundland. This is the best option if you’re using your own car. But if you’ve rented a car, you can return it in Newfoundland and take a flight out of Gander International Airport instead.

If you’d like to stick around in Newfoundland a bit longer, check out this longer Newfoundland road trip itinerary!

So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to hit the road and take this amazing East Coast Canada road trip? Let us know how your adventure goes in the comments!

Looking for other bucketlist destinations in Canada? Check out our guide!

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Driving Across Canada

How to Plan a Canadian road trip: After a 6-week trip across Canada, these two Roadies have insider’s tips you'll find extremely useful. Additional text by Eric Fletcher.

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With images of “Easy Rider” and freedom dancing in our heads, my husband Eric and I had fun planning then enjoying a six-week Canada road trip from Quebec to British Columbia this summer. Driving across Canada is a great way to explore the country and road-tripping in Canada is perfect for active travellers. 

We paddled, hiked, and horseback rode, taking our Toyota RAV4 with our home-built canoe, Windigo, secured on the roof.

We stayed in historic B&Bs, funky Parks Canada oTENTiks (hybrid tent-cabin lodgings) and a few motels but this was primarily a camping trip.

Apart from our two-week remote horseback riding expedition in northern British Columbia, by choice, we were online regularly while driving across Canada. 

As a writer-photographer team, this enabled us to incorporate some work into our normal “busman’s holiday” while we saw some fantastic Canadian landmarks and discovered many wonderful things to do in Canada . 

Many of us want to do the grey-nomad thing, where we pack a vehicle and take off exploring.

Here are our tips to assist you in planning hassle-free road trips driving across Canada, including five very different Canadian destination recommendations. 

Besides taking the train across Canada , there’s no better way to feel the heartbeat of Canada than to go driving in Canada.

1- Pre-planning your drive across Canada route

2- online tools for a canada road trip, 3- driving across canada using a gps, 4- mobile phones and calling home, 5- banking and credit card smarts, 6- passports, 7- electronic stuff, 8- planning for your canada road trip, 9- wildlife in canada, 10- planning your house sitting team, 1- the cross-canada drive, 2- the gentle isle: prince edward island, 3- the cowboy trail: calgary to waterton lakes national park, 4- klondike gold rush: whitehorse to dawson city, bc road trip itinerary, where to stay, canada road trip tips.

We always pack paper maps and not only provincial road maps: if we’re venturing into the backcountry, topographical maps, too.

World of Maps has a good selection, while Natural Resources Canada is the creator-dispenser of Canadian “topo” maps.

We also use websites and apps to plan and track our routes while driving across Canada. 

Online tools will show you accurate distances and driving times.

You can divide the total by the number of days to get a sense of how much driving you’ll need to do each day.

Although “all-nighters” are doable, we usually drove four to six hours, to allow for paddling Windigo, hiking, visiting with friends and family and other serendipitous happenings.

From experience, we found that a long day of driving in rain could give us a spare day further along. 

We used Google Maps to plan and track our route because it runs on both our iOS and Android mobile devices.

And, most handily, it can work offline if map data is pre-loaded. 

This is essential for operating in areas with no data connection and to reduce internet costs on our cross-Canada drive.

Useful iOS and Android road trip apps to download are:

• Google Maps to plan your route
• Waze (for planning routes under 1,600kms)
• The Weather Network  for weather forecasts
• Gas Buddy (for finding cheap fuel nearby)

Check to see if your credit card gives you extra points for patronising specific brands of fuel stations.

Consider bookmarking sites that will give you ready access to the information you may need on the fly.

As news junkies, we relied on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio’s frequency lookup page to know where to tune the dial for the hourly news.

GPS devices (SatNavs) come installed in most rentals but do check and do take the time to learn how to change the settings to fit your driving preferences.

For example, if it is set to calculate the shortest route, you may want to turn on the “avoid unpaved routes” option to prevent it from including shortcuts using gravel roads.

Canada road trip tip: Learn how to record the current precise location coordinates on your GPS (or on your mobile device).

This proved crucial as while driving across Canada, we arrived at a serious motorcycle accident on a mountainous stretch of highway. 

We captured the precise coordinates, then drove on to the first area with a signal to dial 9-1-1 (Canada’s emergency line) to provide the precise location for an ambulance and police assistance.

Your home cellular provider may have roaming plans that can work in Canada but do check before you leave home as costs may be prohibitive. 

North American mobile services operate at different frequencies than most of the world.

If you have an unlocked tri- or quad-band GSM phone , a better alternative may be to purchase a SIM card .

Some can be purchased before you arrive but you can also purchase pay-as-you-go cards at 7-Eleven convenience stores and Petro-Canada gas stations.

Canada has reasonable data and telephone coverage along our highway systems and free WiFi is often available in places such as Tim Horton’s, Canada’s coast-to-coast coffee and doughnuts shop (which also has good WCs, incidentally).

However, reception on backroads is iffy and in the mountains, well, good luck! Before you leave home, learn how you may be able to pinpoint the location of your device if it is lost.

For most devices, entering *#06# will display the unique IMEI number that identifies your mobile device.

You will need it to activate a SIM or to have the device blocked for use on Canadian wireless networks.

Most jurisdictions in Canada prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving.

Even if you are able to sync your device to your vehicle for hands-free operation, plan to let your passenger manage it while you focus on the road. 

Check with your home bank to learn which of the Canadian banks have reciprocal arrangements to minimise transaction costs for your debit and credit cards when driving across Canada.

Figure out how your GPS or mobile device mapping tools can locate banks with ATMs (they’re called ABMs or Automated Banking Machines in Canada).

If you use online banking, understand how your security works and refresh your passwords.

Tip: To avoid missing bill payment dates, consider pre-paying accounts before you leave.

Ensure your credit cards are activated for Canada (contact your bank) and advise the credit company so they know you’ll be making purchases abroad.

Put a limit on the amount you will accept on your card in case it is stolen.

Are they current?

Also, ensure the name you book flights with is exactly the same as it appears in your passport.

Regardless of whether you pack a smartphone or a DSLR, laptop or GoPro, battery power is a huge deal – read: being without juice is more than a pain, for some of us it’s a non-starter.

What to do?

Packing a cheap 12V plug to USB adaptor isn’t a great idea as most are limited to 1A output, so can take a long time to charge a device.

Instead, opt for a charger with >1 USB outlet able to deliver 2.1 amps each to charge your devices more reliably and more quickly.

The  Aukey charger we used kept both of our devices topped up as we drove.

For extended power when we were not driving, we packed two external battery packs chargers with USB outlets. 

They were used to keep our cameras and smartphones powered up during our 12-day wilderness horseback trek.

You might also want to consider a portable solar charger to carry with you while in the wilderness.

Canada road trip tip: Take a box to contain your charging gear and keep them out of sight.

Although a winter road trip is doable, unless you’re a keener for snowstorms and ice, plan to come during summer when roads are clear.

Canadian road trip tip In Canada’s North , light (or its absence) needs to be considered. Our northern latitudes aren’t known as “Land of the Midnight Sun” for nothing, where during summer there’s no lasting darkness and in winter, no sunshine.

For useful information, while driving across Canada, check out websites for the Trans-Canada Highway, which lists current weather warnings and maps.

Browse Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites , National Marine Conservation Areas, and Parks. And discover private campgrounds, too, by Googling. 

Finally, no one wants to injure wildlife and Canadians know to be careful at dusk and night particularly during summertime when deer, racoons, skunks, moose and other critters roam.

More unappealing wildlife, such as biting insects, can be fierce while camping so pack repellant sprays and mosquito coils.

Here are some places to see wildlife in Canada . 

Of course, hunting and fishing are a big draw to some but make sure you have the proper licenses, which are different for each province.

Police or game wardens will check and will confiscate your catch plus fine you if you do not comply.

Before leaving home do you have pet sitters, plant sitters or house sitters organised?

Do you have a house manual with emergency numbers?

If you rent your home, create a Letter of Understanding that your tenant and you co-sign, and advise your insurance company or neighbours or friends.  

Best Road Trips in Canada

6,521 km /4,025 miles

Want to get a sense of Canada’s vastness by road and ferry?

At a minimum, take a summer’s three-to-four months and explore Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

From a Newfoundland kitchen party to whale watching off Victoria  – and everything in between – you’ll experience Canada’s culture and wilderness.

Plan for several months (or Gap Year adventure) so you can relax, meet locals, experience fabulous festivals and perhaps First Nations Pow Wows and more.

218 km / 135 miles

Sometimes known as “Anne’s Island”, PEI is a dream-come-true destination for a family vacation because of beaches and genuinely laid-back, warm welcomes visitors receive everywhere.

Who doesn’t love Anne of Green Gables?

If you haven’t discovered this red-headed imp of a Canadian heroine, read the book, then visit author L. M. Montgomery’s (and Anne’s) charming farmhouse museum.

Visit Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts and learn about how the capital of PEI was the birthplace of Canada in 1867. Then, discover uniquely on-island (or on-ocean) authentic experiences such as “I dig, therefore I clam kayaking adventure .”

258 km / 161 miles

Explore your inner cowboy in Calgary or “Cowtown.”

Visit in early July during the Calgary Stampede to get into the mood, watching roping contests, bucking broncos (horses are bred for this) and country music shows.

Live like a local first by visiting the Alberta Boot Company to buy an authentic Stetson (cowboy hat) and a pair of boots.

Don’t miss the Glenbow Museum to learn about First Nations culture.

Then? Drive Highways 1A west then 22 south of Calgary to visit a host of Canadian cowboy and First Nations sites.

Favourites include Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (the Sundance Kid spent time here hiding from The Law. Remember Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?

Once world-renowned for its Percheron horse-breeding program, today the 1882 site showcases ranch life in Canada.

Waterton Lakes is a national park where we thoroughly enjoyed exploring on horseback on a two-night camping trip, riding sure-footed steeds from Alpine Stables.

Finally, return to Calgary via Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump to learn about the bison (buffalo) and how early peoples of the plains stampeded them over precipices to gather meat, hides, bones and seemingly everything from these sacred creatures.

525 km / 328 miles

Whitehorse, named for the Yukon River’s white rapids coursing past the city, is a bustling northern city full of the hopes, vim, and vigour of Canada’s north.

Read this post for things to do in Whitehorse .

Visit the Beringia Centre to learn about the migration of ancient peoples to North America during the last Ice Age and the MacBride Museum of Yukon History to brush up on the Gold Rush.

Then drive the 400 km Dempster Highway to Parks Canada’s National Historic Site of Dawson City – where you can pan for gold, and listen to the “Bard of the Yukon,” Robert A. Service’s poetry… including the renowned poem, “Cremation of Sam McGee ” where you’ll learn: “There are strange things done in the midnight sun/By the men who moil for gold…”

5- BC Road Trip

~2,000 km / 1,250 mi of driving + ferries

• Vancouver to Prince Rupert (~1,500 km/ 940 mi)
• Prince Rupert to Port Hardy via BC Ferry Inland Passage
• Port Hardy to Victoria on Vancouver Island (500 km)
• Victoria to Vancouver via BC Ferry

Vancouver’s lights and excitement drop away while you drive north, north, north to the deep harbour port of Prince Rupert.

The drive is one of Canada’s most magnificent, taking you north through Central Interior historic towns such as 100 Mile House en route to Prince George.

Then northwest, cutting across the Northern Rocky Mountains to Hazelton, Terrace and finally, the port of Prince Rupert.

Insider’s tip: Visit Ks’aan at Hazelton, a First Nations museum for aboriginal culture . Just outside of Prince Rupert, don’t miss the North Pacific Cannery to glean the flavour of what the salmon run once was, with the fishy catch that kept First Nations, Japanese and other workers busy in the now-historic cannery. Once in Prince Rupert quaff a craft beer at funky Wheelhouse Brewing Co.

To complete the circuit, catch the rightly renowned BC Ferry, voyaging southward down the Inland Passage to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, docking at Port Hardy.

We saw humpback whales, osprey (fish hawks) and bald eagles so be sure to pack binoculars.

On-island, visit Port McNeil, leave your car for this day trip, and walk on to the ferry to Alert Bay, a First Nations village where iconic Canadian artist Emily Carr visited and painted village life and totem poles.

Nowadays we can stroll an ecological boardwalk through wetlands and view U’mista Cultural Centre.

Also interesting, south of Port McNeil is Telegraph Cove , right on the ocean.

Camp, hike rainforest paths to the lighthouse (Blinkhorn Trail) or take a guided kayak paddle of the cove.

Highway 19 takes you south for the five-hour drive to Victoria – which is just so English.

Stroll the inner harbour while sailboats’ masts create their merry jingling backdrop and visit the Fairmont Empress for High Tea.

Catch the BC Ferry from Schwartz Bay to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and your mega-wonderful roadie trip of BC is done. 

Katharine and Eric Fletcher are freelance writers and photographers who live in Quebec and love exploring Canada by road.

Book your accommodation in Canada here.

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Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

Things to do in Canada

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An Adventure-Packed East Coast Canada Road Trip | 14-Day Itinerary | 2024

East coast canada road trip itinerary summary, st. john’s, newfoundland, signal hill, st. john’s newfoundland, cape spear lighthouse, st. john’s newfoundland, terra nova national park, newfoundland, day 3: east coast canada road trip itinerary – iceberg hunting, tablelands, gros morne national park, water-based eco tour, gros morne national park, newfoundland insectarium, reidville, nl, day 7: corner brook, newfoundland to port aux basques, day 8: port aux basques to north sydney ferry, fortress of louisbourg, sydney, nova scotia, staying overnight at the fortress of louisbourg, sydney, nova scotia, cape breton highlands national park, ingonish beach national park, cape breton highlands, cheticamp national park, cape breton highlands, pei national park, top knotch fishing tour, where to stay in pei – shaw’s hotel, best time to visit canada’s east coast, where to stay on canada’s east coast, getting around canada’s east coast, how do i plan a road trip to the east coast of canada, how many days do i need to spend on canada’s east coast, how much money do i need for 14 days in canada’s maritimes, what to pack for an east coast road trip, what is the parks xplorers program, do i need a discovery pass to visit the national historic sites and national parks, how many times should you stop on a road trip, final thoughts: 14 days on canada’s east coast.

Are you looking to plan an East Coast Canada road trip? 

Since 2017 our family has been exploring Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and PEI, discovering all the hidden gems and best adventures on Canada’s East Coast! As a Travel Writer, I’m excited to share the best places to see and can’t-miss stops to help you plan your epic road trip across Canada’s East Coast! (I’ll even include all the mom hacks for planning a cross-country adventure, where to splurge, where to save, and more!) 

Fun Fact: In celebration of Canada’s 150th, we decided to go to Eastern Canada for a 2 week East Coast Canada road trip in the Maritimes. The trip was in partnership with Parks Canada , as we wanted to stay in as many national parks as possible and visit as many National Historic Sites in honour of this special celebration.

Here’s a day-by-day itinerary outlining our East Coast Canada road trip as well as some of our favourite tips to make the most out of your adventure!

Day 1: St. John’s, Newfoundland  Day 2-3:Terra Nova National Park  Day 4-6: Gros Morne National Park  Day 7: Cornerbrook  Day 8-9: Fortress of Louisbourg  Day 10-12: Cape Breton Highlands National Park  Day 13-14: Prince Edward Island

Day 1: East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary: St. John’s, Cape Spear Lighthouse, and Signal Hill

Start your adventure off on Canada’s East Coast city of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and colourful culture of Newfoundland’s capital city, from the bustling streets to the stunning views that surround the city.

This coastal town is known for many things including its colourful buildings, which are perfect for photographers, its fresh-off-the-boat catches, perfect for the foodie, and lots of historic sites and national parks that are easily accessible, perfect for the historian. 

Walking around town gives you a unique sense of the Canadian culture and what life as a Newfoundlander is like. From the huge icebreakers that hover over the downtown streets, to the joy-filled shop owners welcoming you in to come and stay for a while, Newfoundland is a magical bustling little city that needs to be explored. 

Give yourself at least 2 days in St. John’s. There were a lot more things we wanted to check out that we didn’t get to such as The Battery, George Street, Victoria Park, and local hikes around town.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the oldest street in Canada is located in St. John’s? Be sure to take a stroll along Water Street and pose for a photo. If that road could talk, the stories it would tell! 

Click here to check out our full article on what to do in St. John’s.

Signal Hill in St. John’s Newfoundland is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves breathtaking views and historical landmarks. Located only a 12-minute drive from downtown St. John’s, this iconic location is home to Cabot Tower, which sits atop the hill, offering an unparalleled view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. 

But the Tower isn’t the only thing to see and do on Signal Hill. Visitors can take in military reenactments and explore the Battery, a collection of historic buildings that once served as garrisons during wartime. For those seeking out the best views, hiking trails wind through the hill’s rugged terrain, providing the perfect opportunity for a trek with your camera. If you’re planning on visiting Signal Hill check out this feature article showcasing more photos and tips to plan your experience.

Do you want to visit the most Eastern point in all of North America? Cape Spear Lighthouse is a quaint and picturesque lighthouse, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, which has stood watch over the coastline for over 180 years, and learn about its rich history and importance in protecting ships from the treacherous waters of the Newfoundland coast. 

My children loved taking part in the Xplorers Program which helped them connect with the lighthouse and take their learning to a new level (plus made the experience more fun for the whole family). 

Once you’ve visited the lighthouse head out on one of the rugged coastal trails where you can see breathtaking vistas, and even spot whales or icebergs in the distance (we saw both!). Take a moment to reflect and immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of the area. A visit to Cape Spear Lighthouse is a must for anyone seeking adventure and a glimpse into the past.

If you’re planning on visiting Cape Spear Lighthouse check out this feature article . 

Day 2: Canada East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Terra Nova National Park

Day 2 and it’s time to hit the road and drive 3 hours north to Terra Nova National Park. This stunning park boasts almost 400 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, including forested trails and white sandy beaches waiting to be explored. 

This beautiful park boasts amazing coastlines that wrap through the fingers of Bonne Vista Bay. We stayed in an oTENTik which gave us more time for exploring the region, and a deeper connection with the environment in which we were spending our time. 

Mom Tip: Booking for the National Parks opens in January / February so if you’re wanting to stay in one of Parks Canada’s accommodations be sure to plan ahead and book early! 

When visiting Terra Nova National Park be sure to stop at the Discovery Center, where the whole family can explore the hands-on touch tanks! Also, pack a lunch and spend uninterrupted time on the shores of Sandy Pond Beach.

Learn all about it and everything else to see in Terra Nova here .

Terra Nova Ti p: Give yourself at least 3 days in Terra Nova and try to get out on the water at least once. Whether you’re going hunting for icebergs (locals will be able to tell you if they are around, and there are a lot of great websites that track them) or you’re wanting to go whale watching, to truly experience Terra Nova you need to see it from the water.

If you’re looking for a unique and awe-inspiring experience, taking an iceberg tour in Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland should be at the top of your list. By far one of the most memorable days on our East Coast Canada road trip was when we set out on the ocean to find an iceberg! 

With our captain leading the way we were led out to discover an amazing 80-foot-tall iceberg. Heading out on a tour will not only will you witness the natural beauty of icebergs in their majestic glory, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about their formation and history from knowledgeable guides. As you glide through the pristine waters, keep an eye out for wildlife such as whales, seals, and seabirds that call the area home. On our tour, we could hear the ice melting and it sounded like it was raining! 

Don’t Forget: Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and keep an eye out for the dazzling blue colours that light up the interior of the icebergs. 

For more pictures of the Newfoundland icebergs and how to plan your own adventure click here . 

Day 4-6: Canada East Coast Road Trip Itinerary – Gros Morne National Park, Tablelands, Water-Based Eco Tour, Insectarium

After seeing a single image of Gros Morne National Park I spent four years dreaming up this East Coast Road Trip Canada, and when the day finally came to explore the park with my own eyes it exceeded every expectation! 

Gros Morne is a UNESCO world heritage site as it is one of our planet’s most significant natural areas. With diverse landscapes ranging from towering coastal cliffs to dense forests and winding fjords, this park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of eastern Canada.

In this photo, I felt like I was standing on the planet Mars, but I was actually in the  Tablelands , in Gros Morne National Park. This incredible location is known for its unique landscape of barren, rocky terrain, unlike anything else found in eastern Canada, let alone on planet Earth. 

Fun Fact: When I turned around in this photo I was looking out on a typical East Coast Forest, making the complete opposite difference in a matter of 180 degrees, unlike anything I had ever experienced.

If you’re visiting Gros Morne I highly suggest you get out on the water and explore the region from a different perspective. Whether it’s a boat tour or a self-guided kayaking trip, there’s more to see and learn out on the water. We loved the guided Eco tour with Bon Bay Tours as we got to see different animals and learn more about the region, and also be entertained with local music on the way home!

Check out all of our recommendations for planning your Gros Morne adventure here .

Gros Morne Tips: I knew Gros Morne was a large park but I didn’t realize how HUGE it was. Unfortunately, with travel and commuting times we only ended up with two full days there, and we easily could have doubled that time and explored more, like heading North up the Viking trail. 

Gros Morne Musts: In terms of “musts” be sure to see the tablelands and get out on the water in some shape or form!

Visiting the Newfoundland Insectarium is an experience that will exceed your expectations, guaranteed.  From the moment you step foot inside this unique living museum, you are transported to a world that is buzzing with excitement (pun intended).

You can expect to see more butterflies than you can count, with my young daughter at the time overwhelmed at moments by all of the fluttering about. If you’re looking for more of a hands-off experience you can head to the museum side of the Insectarium where you can see butterflies from all over the world where the collection of thousands of species is on display. 

The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide insightful commentary on the different species. Overall, a visit to the Newfoundland Insectarium is a unique and unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly spark an interest in the world of insects for any visitor. Check out more pictures of the butterflies and the exhibits in our full article here .

After your week in Newfoundland, it’s time to start to traverse from Gros Morne National through Corner Brook to Port Aux Basques, where you will catch your ferry to Sydney, Nova Scotia . Be warned: Google Maps will report that the drive from the National Park to Port Aux Basques is just over three hours, but we were fortunate to have local insight who warned us about road delays. 

Moose. 

Yup, that’s right. Moose delays! If you leave the park early in the morning you may come across a herd that is on the highway, with no rush to move anywhere fast… meaning you can experience significant delays when leaving the park. While we never came into contact with this, we did book a night in Cornerbrook, allowing us to do laundry, stock up on groceries and enjoy our early morning drive to Port Aux Basques to get our ferry.

Embarking on the Port Aux Basques to North Sydney Ferry promises not only a breathtaking journey across the Cabot Strait but also the opportunity to explore the alluring province of Nova Scotia. Visitors can expect panoramic views of the rugged coastline and pristine waters as they sail toward Cape Breton Island.

Traveller Tip: When you are booking your reservation you can upgrade to a private room for your journey. I chose to upgrade for an approximate cost of $125, which allowed us to have a private suite with four beds and our own bathroom (of which we all showered!) With the cross-Atlantic commute being 6 hours it was amazing to have our own suite to lay down, get comfortable, and enjoy the journey in! 

Day 8 – 9: East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary- Nova Scotia – Fortress of Louisbourg, Beggars Dinner

The Fortress of Louisbourg in Sydney, Nova Scotia is an incredibly unique and historically rich place to visit . As you step back in time to the 18th century, you’ll be transported to a French colony that once thrived in North America.  The Fortress is one of Canada’s original settlements dating back to 1719. It is filled with a rich history including a fishing port, a major commercial port, and a strongly defended fortress. In the 1960s, the site was reconstructed and stands as the largest historic site reconstruction project in North America. 

Upon arriving, visitors can explore the vast grounds, marvel at the impressive fortifications, and learn about the daily life of soldiers and civilians during this time period. Click here for more adventures in the fortress, including videos and pictures of my husband firing off a musket and my kids “working” for the day.

Visitors can watch artisans and interpreters bringing the past to life through demonstrations of traditional crafts and cooking techniques. Additionally, for those looking to get hands-on with history, you can sign up to fire off the cannon, shoot muskets, dress in period costumes, or take part in arts and crafts projects. Get the daily schedule when you arrive and register for programs that suit your interests (additional fees may apply).  We spent two full days at the Fortress and didn’t even see it all! For more pictures and stories from the Fortress click here .

Did you know that you can actually stay at the Fortress of Louisbourg, overnight? Guests are invited to book a unique “behind the scenes” experience, where you can sleep in an 18th-century tent, or bed down in one of the many houses on site. These experiences are a unique way to extend your visit at the Fortress of Louisbourg and to connect deeper with the history and significance of the historic site. 

Fortress of Louisbourg Tips: Take part in some of the enhanced experiences… whether it’s firing off a cannon or booking a stay, they offer a variety of opportunities for every member of the family to explore the park as if it were the 18th-century. Advance booking is required for overnight stays.

Day 10 – 12: East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary- Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Cheticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Nestled in the east of Nova Scotia , lies the world-renowned Cabot Trail, one of the most beautiful and scenic-filled drives in the world. You’ll be invited to a road trip through 300 kilometres of picture-perfect scenery, bringing you and the family alongside the ocean overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. 

Be sure to plan plenty of stops along the way as locals will be excited to welcome you into the many small towns. From stopping for fresh-off-the-boat seafood to hiking one of the 20 hiking trails, to packing a picnic and spending an afternoon beachcombing, the 300 km drive is meant to be savoured at every turn. 

A visit to the Cabot Trail promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Nova Scotia’s beauty. Here’s a more in-depth article showcasing what to expect in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 

Our first overnight stop on the Cabot Trail was in Ingonish Beach National Park. Our oTENTik was tucked into the tree line while looking out over the long sandy beach and a kids’ playground. After a traditional camp cookout , we walked along the beach to see the sunset and settled into our oTENTik for the night. However, I peeked out just before bedtime to discover that the whole field in front of the oTENtik was lit up with light bugs! This was new for us West Coasters and a really neat thing to see for the first time! Families could stay for a week at Ingonish Beach, with lots of programming, hiking, and beach activities to be explored! One day wasn’t long enough! For more pictures and park recommendations click here .

Cheticamp National Park in Cape Breton Highlands is a great place to finish up your tour of the Cabot Trail. Located on the opposite side of the trail, it’s another National Park that offers oTENTik accommodations, as well as traditional campsites for road-tripping explorers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the park’s fascinating wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and black bears. 

Make sure to take the time to learn about the park’s history and the local Mi’kmaq culture at the park’s visitor center, where you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people who have called Cheticamp home, and for the ways in which they continue to protect and preserve it today.

Day 12-14: Canada East Coast Road Trip Itinerary- PEI National Park, Top Knotch Fishing Tour, Shaw Hotel, Prince Edward Island

Drive 3 hours from Cheticamp, Cape Breton Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia where you will catch the ferry to Woods Islands, PEI. This 75-minute crossing is a great way to transition from Nova Scotia over to PEI, on the Atlantic Sea (although if you’re looking to extend your Nova Scotia Road trip here’s a full 2-week itinerary showcasing a full circle drive around Nova Scotia ). 

Once you’re in PEI be warned that you may experience the same feeling I had, where PEI stole my heart within four hours of our arrival. From watching my kids run down its red sandy beaches, to seeing my husband soak in all the history at the historic sites, I knew this was the perfect place for us to end our East Coast Canada road trip.

PEI National Park invites you to stay and stroll the endless kilometres of stunning beaches, walking trails, and scenic views. The red sand beaches offer the softest sand between your toes all while walking on bright red sand. The beaches are surrounded by sand dunes, a whole ecosystem in themselves that has been formed due to the strong Atlantic winds as they hit the shores. 

We spent a lot of time at PEI National Park and from this picture, I’m sure you can tell why…we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves! With the giant sand dunes watching over us, our children were free to play in the ocean, running back and forth between the waves.

After visiting Charlottetown, PEI be sure to climb aboard with Captain Mark where you can head out on a fishing boat for a tour of the town from the water. Captain Mark taught us that maybe sharks aren’t the king of the sea and introduced us to the lobster industry, including some huge monsters like this fella Larry! 

It was an excellent way to connect with the locals and learn about the fishing industry hands-on.  My kids still talk about their Top Notch experience , years after we’ve returned from our adventure on the sea!

PEI is the mecca for family adventures and the perfect place for a family vacation. Give yourself at least a week and you’ll be able to explore the parks, attractions, and historic sites, as well as meet locals in the small towns along the way. 

The perfect place to stay in PEI is Shaw’s Hotel, a unique multi-facility resort offering guests a variety of accommodations and activities as well as direct access to PEI National Park. Imagine driving down a road that once only welcomed guests by horse and buggy. As family vacations became popular in the 1860’s the Shaw family opened the doors to their inn and started hosting guests from near and far. The iconic sandy beaches combined with the open fields for kids to frolic in kept guests coming back year after year. While a few things have changed over the last 162 years, one thing that hasn’t… Shaw’s Hotel PEI is welcoming and the perfect place for family vacations.

Summer is the typical answer when people think of visiting the East Coast. From June to August the region is in peak season, with warmer weather, attractions and accommodations near peak capacity, as well as lots of festivals and events happening. 

If possible though I encourage you to research off-season for a road trip to the East Coast. The fall offers incredible world-class views as the fall foliage comes into season. Spring and Fall tend to provide guests with lower rates and less crowded trails, although some experiences may be closed. Winter, from December to March, offers opportunities for winter sports, snow-filled scenic drives and possibly viewing the aurora borealis, but temperatures can dip below freezing so you need to be prepared. This RV company has winter packages that will allow you to stay warm and get to experience the Atlantic in the winter!

We opted to do a glamping road trip, where we rented a car and then drove from one glamping spot to another, with a focus on staying in Parks Canada’s accommodations as much as possible. We love the low-cost and unique accommodations, situated right in the middle of some of the East Coast’s most special places. 

Tip : Parks Canada accommodations can book up fast so be sure to reserve your accommodations when reservations open at the beginning of the year (typically January / February). 

When staying in PEI I recommend hands down, Shaw’s Hotel . With over a century of experience welcoming guests, this unique property is a great way to have an authentic PEI stay all while being able to head out to explore the region easily.

There are two primary ways to traverse Canada’s maritime provinces:

Car Rental: On this trip, we used Avis and were very happy with our rental car. It was clean, in great shape and got us everywhere we wanted to go.

Click here to book your rental car for your East Coast Canada Road Trip!

RV: You can rent an RV which comes at a higher cost than a car, but typically allows you to save a bit on accommodations as your travelling with all your things. It also allows for a slower style of travel as you’re not constantly checking in and out of properties and having to play the pack-and-unpack game.

East Coast Canada Road Trip FAQs

Planning a road trip to the East Coast of Canada can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s important to create a detailed itinerary before hitting the road. Start by deciding on your route and the specific destinations you want to visit along the way. Research accommodations, restaurants, and attractions in each location to ensure you make the most of your trip.  Be sure to also consider the time of year you’ll be travelling, as weather can play a big role in your trip. Make a packing list and don’t forget essentials like proper clothing for the climate and any necessary documents for border crossings. Above all, allow yourself some flexibility in your plans; some of the best experiences on a road trip come from unexpected detours and discoveries.

While this itinerary was built around our 14-day road trip, it really depends on your own schedule, budget, and interests. I could easily see spending 5 weeks in the Maritimes, spending 2 weeks in Newfoundland, 2 in Nova Scotia and 1 week in PEI. We’ve gone back several times, allowing us to explore the area at a slower pace and see more on our trips.

Flights: varies based on departure location 

Accommodations : $100 – $200 per night for a total cost of $1800

Car Rental and Gas : LEARN FROM ME… if you choose to drop off your car in a different spot than you start you will pay a significant “drop fee” which can cost you as much as double your rental. If you have the time, I’d recommend starting and finishing your trip in the same spot to save money. If you were to do Newfoundland pick up and PEI drop off it would cost about $3600, whereas if you drop back off in Newfoundland, it would cost about $1700. 

If you have the time I’d recommend starting and finishing somewhere more central, like Halifax. 

Meals : We typically budget $150 per day for a family of four, with the assumption that breakfast and lunch will be on our own and then we will eat out somewhere for a nice dinner. This includes the necessary car snacks as well as treats along the way. 

Adventures : This can vary wildly based on your interests, your time, and your adventure style. We opt to take part in as many free (or low-cost) adventures as possible, like exploring the National Historic Sites, hiking, and beach combing. Then we save up for the bigger experiences like guided kayak tours and eco-tours. Typically we budget $1000 – $1500 per trip for adventures.

So in summary – Accommodations: $1800  Car Rental and gas: $2500  Meals: $2100  Adventures: $1500

Approximate total for a two-week trip: $7,900 (plus the cost of flights to and from where you live, which can vary).

We are a West Coast family and packed up and flew across the country for this trip, so we know how to pack! Here’s a detailed list of how we packed all of our camping equipment up and bring it across the country with us. This meant we had to bring less stuff, which was a great challenge for us and yet somehow, in the end, we still had way more than we needed!

The Parks Canada Xplorers Program is a hands-on interactive program that teaches children about the National Parks and Historic Sites that they are visiting. Each site has its own customized Xplorers book where kids can pick from a variety of activities including on-site research tasks, arts and crafts, drawing, search and finds, and more. When they complete the task they can earn their very own site-specific dog tag… which can become collector items in families like mine!  Learn more about the free Parks Xplorers Program here .

You don’t have to have one but you should, as if you’re visiting a lot of places in one year it’ll save you money! Otherwise, you’ll have to pay each time you enter one of the Parks Canada sites, so research how many places you’re going to and if a family Discovery Pass is the right fit for you.

While my husband likes to “drive hard” and “make good time,” over the years our travel style has changed and we now move a little slower and take time to stop and see the scenery, knowing how special these places like the East Coast are. 

If you’re travelling with children I’d recommend centring your stops around their needs. When will they need to get out and exercise? When is a good time for car naps and pushing through to get some kilometres under the car? And if in doubt… ask them!

A road trip to Canada’s East Coast is a trip that will welcome you to this unique area of Canada and have you planning your return visit long before you’ve left! From hunting icebergs in Newfoundland to firing off cannons in the Fortress of Louisbourg, to running along the red sandy beaches in PEI, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

A road trip allows your family to bond over new experiences and the beauty of Canada’s great outdoors and ensures some fun and unexpected highlights along the way. So whether you’re driving to the East Coast or flying cross country, start planning and get packing and embark on an unforgettable adventure that will bring your family closer together. The east coast is waiting for you!

Is this a sponsored post?: Our trip was made possible with support from Parks Canada as well as the local tourism boards who were excited to help us showcase their region. However, my experiences and thoughts are my own!

Are you working on your next road trip plans? Here are some ideas to add to your list!

• Interested in the newest camping trend? Try Glamping in Canada !
• Discover 5-Star Camping in National Parks
• See why Jasper National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park should be on your bucket list!
• Not sure what to take with you? Here are our Family Camping Checklist and Tips on Packing blogs!
• Here are some Tips and Tricks on helping you get everything you need into your car for your road trip!
• We are coming into very popular travel seasons of the year, check out my Top Travel Tips for Families segment that was featured on CTV!
• Check out tips to secure your house before you head out!
• Canada's east coast
• canadian road trip
• east coast Canada road trip
• east coast road trip
• family friendly Canadian road trip

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Hi We love to make a road trip to Eastern Canada, we have been reading your article, but nothing in depth for Newfoundland, would you have any point for us to make the trip in 3 weeks to that part of Canada. Would appreciate your feed back Thank You

Thanks for the message Andy. Are you considering spending 3 weeks in just Newfoundland? Or 3 weeks in Eastern Canada? 3 weeks in Eastern Canada would be a wonderful amount of time!

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Full Time Travel Writer, Mom who is passionate about empowering and educating travelers on how you can use your own tourism dollars as a catalyst for positive change worldwide. Click here to learn more about us, our family, and how we lead an adventure filled life!

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East Coast Canada Road Trip | 2 and 4 Week Itineraries

A trip to Canada’s East Coast is all about sea breezes, fresh lobster, colourful fishing villages, sweeping swathes of sandy beach, weathered lighthouses and majestic ocean panoramas.

Connecting them all are winding coastal roads, sometimes only a crash barrier away from the water itself.

A road trip on Canada’s East Coast is an exciting and unforgettable adventure, with beautiful views and interesting experiences almost everywhere you go.

Read on and create your own perfect East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. Here’s what to expect:

Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 – Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore

• Day 5, 6,  7 and 8 – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Day 9, 10 and 11 – Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Day 12, 13 and 14 – new brunswick, days 1 to 6 – new brunswick, days 7 to 13 – prince edward island, days 14 to 19 – cape breton island, days 20 to 30 – mainland nova scotia.

• General road trip advice
• Essential items to bring
• History and culture of the Canadian Maritimes

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. 

Planning the perfect East Coast Canada Road Trip

Spending the best part of five months exploring the Maritimes gave us plenty of time to reflect on what would be the ‘ultimate’ East Coast Canada road trip.

The truth is, there’s no such thing. It completely depends on your time limit and personal interests.

For that reason, I have created a two week East Coast Canada road trip itinerary that features all the highlights  and a four week beyond the beaten path route with more suggestions of things to do.

See which of the beyond the beaten path activities peak your interest. Then chop, change and add to the standard itinerary as you like according to your own interests and time restrictions.

The key to making the most of your East Coast Canada road trip is to not overload your itinerary.

Despite the provinces on the East Coast being some of Canada’s smallest, the driving distances are probably longer than you may expect. We spent a week driving Prince Edward Island from coast to coast and our mileage topped 2000km. 

Please note – Newfoundland is not included in any of the following suggested East Coast Canada road trip itineraries.

Two Week East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Road trip length: Approx 2200km

Ideal length of time:  Two weeks

This road trip is ideal if: You want to visit all of the iconic places shown on social media and talked about by family and friends. It’s also a great route for those short on time. This road trip can be condensed to ten days if necessary with the removal of a few activities and sights. 

Road trip overview: For a varied, fun and beautiful overview of the Maritime provinces, concentrate your time in these four areas – Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore (3 nights), Cape Breton Island (4 nights), Prince Edward Island (3 nights), New Brunswick (3 nights). This road trip itinerary starts and ends in Halifax. 

The first destination of this East Coast Canada road trip is Halifax. A compact city situated on a picturesque harbour, Halifax is a great place to visit even if you don’t usually like cities. It’s also an ideal base for a wide range of day trips in the area. 

What to do in and around Halifax

• Halifax’s waterfront is a joy to walk and features several world class museums ( Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum ). Just behind downtown is the Halifax Citadel , a 19th century star shaped fort. Raise a glass and enjoy some local music on the excellent Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour .
• Just south of Halifax are two of East Coast Canada’s most quintessential sights – the granite rocks and lighthouse of Peggy’s Cove and the colourful port town of Lunenburg . The latter is ideal for an overnight stay. If you don’t have wheels, consider a guided day trip .
• If you have time, continue on along the South Shore to see more authentic fishing villages and rugged coastline.
• The artsy yet regal small town of Wolfville is another welcome overnight or day trip excursion. Whether you choose wine tasting or history ( Grand-Pré ), be sure to see the beautiful view from nearby Look Off .

Where to stay in and around Halifax

The Prince George Hotel – Fabulous downtown location

Granville Hall Residence – Great value for summer visitors

Smugglers Cove Inn – Ideal location in Lunenburg

Micro Boutique Living – Modern and comfortable lodgings on Wolfville’s main drag

Day 5, 6, 7 and 8 – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island, and specifically the Cabot Trail, offers some of the most magnificent views in the Maritimes.

Here, Nova Scotia’s highest mountains meet the sea. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. After exploring Cape Breton Island, head to Pictou to catch the ferry to Prince Edward Island. 

Things to Do on Cape Breton Island

• The Cabot Trail is a East Coast Canada road trip highlight for many. This scenic roadway across the Cape Breton Highlands may only be 298km in length but you’ll want at least a couple of days to take it all in.
• From the Cabot Trail, you can go whale watching, hiking, camping, kayaking and also try local Acadian, Canadian and Scottish cuisine .
• Other popular activities on Cape Breton Island include attending a cèilidh  in the Mabou area and visiting Alexander Graham Bell’s adopted home in Baddeck. 
• Fortress of Louisbourg , a living museum portraying French colonial life in the 18th century, with costumed actors and restored barracks, shops, restaurants, blacksmith and bakery.

Where to stay on Cape Breton Island

Gillies By the Sea – Comfortable waterside B&B in Port Hood

Auberge Doucet Inn – Good value option in Chéticamp

The ZzzzMoose & Zzzz Moose 2.0 – Cute cabins with private beach, south of Ingonish

Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Six frontcountry campgrounds and one backcountry option

Read Next: 7 of the Best Road Trips in Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island is the East Coast’s archetypal sun, sea and sand holiday destination. Enjoy the slower pace of life on the island and short driving distances plus fresh, local cuisine and friendly locals. 

Things to Do on Prince Edward Island

• One of the highlights of visiting PEI has to be the white sand beaches of  Prince Edward Island National Park. Situated along the northern coast of the Island, there are various access points to this national park.
• A quieter sections of the park is Greenwich , featuring unique dune formations.
• For culture, head to quaint Charlottetown and discover the birthplace of Canadian confederation. Consider a guided bus tour to learn more about the city’s history from a local guide ( walking tour also available)
• Back towards the coast, visit the the house that inspired Anne of Green Gables in Cavendish

Where to stay on Prince Edward Island

1 West Inn Waterfront – Beautiful location in central Charlottetown

Around the Sea Rotating House – Unique property by the ocean not far from Cavendish

Prince Edward Island National Park – Camping and oTENTiks available at two large waterside campgrounds

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province and is best known for its coastal attractions.

The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world and is simply awe inspiring. 

On Day 14, leisurely drive back to Halifax to finish your epic East Coast Canada road trip. 

Things to Do in New Brunswick

• After crossing the Confederation Bridge from Prince Edward Island, check out the Giant Lobster in Shediac (welcome to Lobster country!) and have a swim at beautiful Parlee Beach, home of the warmest saltwater in Canada.
• Cape Enrage is your next stop. Take in the panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy and visit the light station that has been in operation since 1838.
• Just a little further south is Hopewell Rocks , where it is easy to see the power of the huge Bay of Fundy tides (the world’s biggest). Time it right, and you can walk on the ocean floor next to the unique ‘flower pot’ rocks.
• Fundy National Park is something of a condensed version of New Brunswick, offering both dramatic coastal scenery and dense forest landscapes to explore. Take a day hike in the woods or along the beach. Check out the cute coastal village of Alma and cross an iconic covered bridge at  Point Wolfe.  

Where to stay in New Brunswick

1854, the Maplegrove Inn – Great location half way between Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park

The Artisan Suites – Close to Hopewell Rocks, highly rated on Booking.com

Fundy National Park – Choice between four front country campgrounds plus wilderness campsites

Four Week Beyond the Beaten Path East Coast Canada Road Trip

Road trip length: 5000km

Ideal length of time: Four weeks (28-30 days) minimum, six weeks is more relaxed

This road trip is ideal if:  You want to see beyond the highlights of the East coast Canada, get a deeper experience of the area and also get away from the crowds. This offers a little bit of everything for a well rounded East Coast Canada road trip at a slower pace than the two week itinerary. 

Road trip overview:  The required month may sound exaggerated but trust me, it is needed to truly give justice to this beautiful area of the world. Included in this East coast Canada road trip is hiking, paddling, panoramic lookouts, caves, boardwalks, beaches, historic sites and offbeat places. 

In addition to the previously mentioned sights, consider adding these destinations and activities to your itinerary – 

• Choose between exploring the lagoons and forests of Kouchibouguac National Park  or the Irving Eco-Centre coastal boardwalk at Boutouche. Or just do both!
• Head to northeast New Brunswick and take a drive on the Acadian Coastal Drive and discover a culture that many people have never heard about. Travel through quiet fishing towns, marsh, beaches and peat moss, spotting the distinctive Acadian tricolour flag (with yellow Stella Maris star) as you go.
• Be sure to check out the Village Historique Acadian which brings the 19th century to life with costumed actors, period food and interactive exhibits.
• Inland from the Acadian Peninsula is Mount Carleton Provincial Park , home of Atlantic Canada’s highest mountains. New Brunswick’s 5.8km Mount Sagamook Trail offers views of 10 million trees and the highest peak, Mount Carleton (820m).
• Make a stop at seaside resort town St Andrews By the Sea for waterfront cycling trails, cute boutiques, vibrant art galleries and general genteel feel. 

In addition to the previously mentioned sights on the two week East Coast Canada road trip itinerary, consider adding these destinations and activities to your route – 

• Travel to Prince Edward Island’s  most easterly point via gorgeous beaches and laid back country roads. Basin Head is a particular highlight, nicknamed the ‘singing sands’ beach. No, really, the sand actually squeaks when you walk on it! The water is also fairly warm here, making it an ideal place to have a beach day.
• Over on PEI’s west coast, explore more about Acadian culture at the Village Musical Acadien in Abram Village. There are two free music shows every day in the summer, performed by local Acadian artists. You can even try some authentic Acadian cuisine too, available in the on-site cafe at very reasonable prices. 
• When driving around the Island, be sure to keep an eye out for lobster suppers being served. These are a PEI tradition and usually include chowder, mussels, lobster, potatoes, bread rolls, salad and a dessert. The latter is often a piece of home baked lemon meringue pie.

For the ultimate beyond the beaten path adventure, consider a side trip to the gorgeous Magdalen Islands . Part of Quebec, this interconnected group of tiny islands sits in the Gulf of St Lawrence, a five hour ferry from Souris

Cape Breton is a surprisingly large island. It is easy to fill road trip days with historical sites, day hikes, live music, local cuisine and lookouts. 

• One of the day hikes you should not miss is the Skyline Trail on the Cabot Trail. This 6.5km out and back route culminates in epic ocean and highland panoramas. Moose are often seen in the area so have your camera ready.
• Consider camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s only wilderness campground at Fishing Cove. This waterfront campground is reached by the short but sweet 12km return  Fishing Cove trail.
• The adventurous should definitely not miss a detour to Meat Cove , almost at the very northern tip of Cape Breton Island. A rustic campground perches on a cliff above the ocean, providing panoramic views along the rugged coast and onto the pebble beach below. 

Mainland Nova Scotia has an incredible amount to offer travellers who are looking to go beyond the beaten path.

The easiest way to do so is to take a circular drive from Halifax along the Southern Coast and then back up along the Bay of Fundy, exploring the bountiful Annapolis Valley on the way back to the city. 

Here are some of my top recommendations along this circular route of mainland Nova Scotia, plus a few others within each reach. For even more suggestions, check the map above. 

Interesting towns

• Only accessible via two car ferries (unless you happen to have a boat that is), Brier Island sits at the end of a long peninsula striking out into the Bay of Fundy. This isolation provides a wonderful environment for migrating birds and whales watching. Nature lovers looking to get firmly off the beaten track will love Brier Island.
• Hidden just off the highway in a river valley, Bear River is a tiny tidal village with a distinctive feature. Many of the rustic houses and shops are on stilts. It’s a lovely little place for a drive or a walk, perhaps even a tasting at North America’s oldest winery . 
• When driving along Nova Scotia’s coastline, be sure to leave the main highway and explore the small roads connecting tiny fishing communities. Cape Sable Island was a favourite and we also loved the LaHave Islands area (especially the local fishing museum in the latter). And, of course, seafood is usually plentiful in these areas. 

Read More: Brier Island, Nova Scotia’s Hidden Gem

Outdoor adventure

• The Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail  is the Maritimes’ premiere backpacking route. The 51km circular trail leads hikers along the Bay of Fundy to the top of towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, to sandy beaches and rocky coves tinged with red. You’d definitely need to extend your four week East Coast Canada road trip to include this hike
• Much like the Skyline Trail on Cape Breton,  the Cape Split trail  (16km return) has a similarly dramatic finale, with the rugged tip of the cape falling into the Bay of Fundy

• The rugged coastline of Nova Scotia is particularly interesting for paddling, especially when as untouched as the 100 Wild Islands region   on the Eastern Shore
• Inland, canoeists can explore quiet, interconnecting areas of lakes and rivers. The most easily accessible in Kejimkujik National Park , where canoe rentals and guided tours are also available

History and culture

• Found at the very end of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, Canso is the site of the oldest fishing port in North America. Due to the strategically important location, the area was subject to numerous raids and used for as a base for preparation in the 18th century.
• The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy continually reveal new geological wonders, including an incredible variety of fossils. Geologists have long been flocking to the Joggins Cliffs to make new discoveries, even before the fossil of the earliest known reptile (the Hylonomus lyelli) was found here. 
• A visit to the  Grand-Pré National Historic Site in Wolfville is an essential stop to help comprehend the devastation of the Acadian deportation.

• The Port-Royal National Historic Site with replica Habitation building recreates France’s first settlement in North America. Nearby Annapolis Royal played a pivotal role during the early colonisation of Canada. The town still features many historic buildings and a fort.
• Located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore is the Black Loyalist Museum , one of the most eye opening places we visited anywhere on Canada’s East Coast.
• Closer to Halifax is the Oak Island Visitor Centre , a must visit for anyone fascinated by the famed ‘money pit’ on this tiny island (reservation required tours).

General road trip advice for travelling Canada’s East Coast

Slow down . In general, the pace of life on the East Coast is relaxed.

• Though it may be tempting to try and rush around to see everything, take a lesson from the locals and take things slow.
• This is also important to remember when driving. While there are some high speed highways, many of the roads on the East Coast are winding and fairly narrow coastal routes. 
• Short on time? If you only have a week to travel Canada’s East Coast, consider limiting your trip to just one province or two at a maximum. You’ll probably have way more fun not rushing about!
• Large animals (such as moose) may be on the road at any time, but more likely at dusk and dawn.

The locals are friendly. It may sound like something strange to point out but most Canadians on the East Coast are genuinely considerate and obliging folks. You may experience this in a few different ways.

• We were regularly offered warm welcomes, road trip advice, destination tips and even free food and overnight hosting.
• Something else we noticed was vehicle drivers stopping to let pedestrians (or other vehicles) cross roads, even in busy places. 

The peak season is short.  The main tourism season on Canada’s East Coast is only two months long – the summer months of July and August.

• Even then, in some areas of Nova Scotia only five weeks of that period (late July and August) is actually considered ‘the busy time.’
• This does mean that June and September are great months to visit with generally good weather and fewer visitors. On the other hand, some attractions and accommodation will not be open yet. 
• If you’re planning to camp in any of the East coast National Parks, make a reservation early. 

Read Next: 27+ of the Best Beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

Essential items to bring on your East Coast Canada road trip

• Bug spray.  The East Coast is a favourite with mosquitoes. Alongside insect repellent , it is also a good idea to bring or buy some kind of after bite lotion too . It’s never fun to be driven crazy with itching. If camping, I’d suggest a Thermacell repellent applicance or at least some mosquito coils to burn
• A Parks Canada Discovery Pass.  To get the most out of your visit, I’d recommend getting Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This offers free entry into all National Historic Sites and National Parks in the Maritimes. It pays for itself pretty quickly when travelling Canada’s East Coast. 

• Backroad Mapbooks . The most comprehensive guides I have found for navigation and travelling across East coast Canada are the Backroad Mapbooks series. They feature ALL the local roads (gravel ones included) as well as trails, camping spots, must see sights and more. The Nova Scotia edition is particularly useful.
• Ferry or bridge fares.  The Confederation Bridge is located towards the western side of Prince Edward Island and crosses over to eastern New Brunswick. The ferry to PEI  leaves from just north of Pictou in Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, on the western side of PEI. Ferry and bridge fares are only charged when leaving Prince Edward Island by whichever means you choose (the bridge is cheaper). 
• Canadian dollars.  Some of the more remote places in the Maritimes will only accept cash. My second related piece of advice may seem more obvious, but we noticed quite a few American visitors trying to use American dollars in Canada. A few shops will take them begrudgingly, but trust me, you won’t get good value for money at all. 

History and Culture of the Canadian Maritimes

The history of the Maritime provinces is probably more varied than you may expect. Here’s a brief lowdown; it will undoubtedly help put some of the experiences on your East Coast Canada road trip in perspective. 

The Mi’kmaq were the predominant residents on the East Coast until they were joined by the French in the early 17th century.

Fertile areas in Nova Scotia were quickly claimed by French immigrants. They called the land Acadie ( idyllic place) and themselves Acadian . The British eventually deported the Acadians, fearing their tentative alliance with the French ( click to read more about Acadians )

The French and British fought over this land for over a century, with the latter eventually succeeding to drive the other out.

The revolution in America brought thousands of Loyalists to the shores of the Canada’s East Coast, including a large continent of former black slaves (Black Loyalists) , who were promised freedom in exchange for fighting for the British. 

Scottish and Irish immigrants arrived in huge numbers in the 19th century, attempting to escape famine, overcrowding and discrimination. The Gaelic influence is particularly obvious in Halifax and around Cape Breton – think bagpipes, fiddles, tartan, whiskey, céilidhs and bilingual signs. 

Planning an East Coast Canada road trip? Tell me your plans in the comments below!

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Check out these recently published posts:

Sunshine Coast Trail Huts Guide: The Best Places to Stay

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Monday 29th of January 2024

Really helpful ideas and tips. Planning a 3-4 week trip fall of 2024 with 4 other sisters (ages 51-74). Mostly interested in seeing how people live, quaint villages, trying seafood everywhere. Should be interesting and lots of laughs (if we don't kill each other). Thanks for sharing!

Hi Jackie, sounds like a fun trip! I hope you have a great time. I'm glad you found this guide useful (and let me know!)

Krista Hall

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

Looking to spend 4-5 days in PEI or New Brunswick with four Seniors(me included). Any thoughts or suggestions mid Septmeber 2023?Thanks so much, Krista Maryland USA

Friday 18th of August 2023

Hope you have a good trip! I suggest three days in New Brunswick and three on PEI in the two week itinerary, so for five days, I'd suggest three on PEI and two on New Brunswick. I personally think PEI has more to offer and with three days, you'll be on 'PEI time' for longer! I'd stay along PEI's northern coast and explore from there. In New Brunswick, I'd stay along the Bay of Fundy coastline.

Monday 15th of May 2023

Hello Gemma My husband and I plan to do the east coast, for 4 weeks, leaving the Toronto area around May 29th. We have a 45 foot RV. Can we do your 4 week trip, in a 45 foot RV? Look forward to hearing from you!

Monday 22nd of May 2023

That is a good question. We have never travelled in anything close to a 45 foot RV so I wouldn't want to mislead you or give you inaccurate information. I know for sure that many people travel the Cabot Trail (on Cape Breton Island) in RVs, including larger ones.

Choosing campgrounds that would accommodation your rig is, of course, very important. I don't believe you would be able to stay at Meat Cove Campground, as mentioned in this itinerary (it is very compact). Brier Island does not have a campground.

The national park attractions usually have larger parking lots with space for RVs, so I would prioritise them. Some hiking trails on Cape Breton Island will be inaccessible due to the smaller lots.

Sunday 16th of April 2023

I would like a 3 week rv itinerary for 2 in a 20 fy camper with our small dog starting mid august to the end of September.

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Sounds like a great trip! We don't currently put together custom itineraries but I would suggest looking at our 2 week itinerary as mentioned in this post and then choosing 2/3 places you'd like to spend additional time at.

Sunday 26th of March 2023

Hi Gemma I am looking to do a road trip from Peterborough Ontario to the east coast. leaving around the 14th of May to mid June. Any suggestions?

thank you for your time.

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

@Lori, it seems that Gemma is helping a lot of us.

I would be interested in that information as well.

From Toronto for a month. Be back in Toronto fist week of June.

Tuesday 28th of March 2023

I received the email from you and have now replied :)

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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 .

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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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Travel Cost Calculator

Quick links, trip pricing calculator.

Travelmath provides an online cost calculator to help you determine the cost of driving between cities. You can use this data to figure out a budget for a road trip. The driving calculation is based on the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and you can change the gas mileage in mpg or L/100 km to match your exact make and model. Gas prices are automatically estimated based on current fluctuations, and again you can adjust these to fit your local gas station prices. Both U.S. and international units are available to make the calculations easier to use, and the output is given for both one-way and round trip travel routes.

Check the driving distance for your planned route, and see if the total driving time requires an overnight stay. If it's a long trip, you may want to research some hotels along the way . Or compare whether it's better to fly or drive to your destination.

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Top 10 Canada road trip apps for your next adventure

Essential road trip planner: unleashing canada's wonders with top travel apps and gas cost calculators.

Setting out on a road trip across the sprawling landscapes of Canada requires thorough preparation and a hefty dose of wanderlust. Whether you're looking to trace the edge of the majestic Rocky Mountains, navigate the bustling cityscape of Toronto, or take a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Quebec City, the vastness of Canada promises an unforgettable journey. Technology is your indispensable co-pilot in this venture, turning a simple drive into a cross-country adventure packed with unique experiences and scenic attractions.

Forget about the basics like Google Maps, Spotify, or Waze. These are assumed constants in the toolkit of the modern explorer. We are here to shine a spotlight on some lesser-known but extremely effective road trip-specific apps. Each of these digital aids is designed to facilitate every aspect of your journey, from carving out your path through the breathtaking Canadian wilderness, leveraging a gas cost calculator to find the most affordable refuelling stops, to unearthing hidden gems and offbeat attractions in every corner of this diverse nation.

In the following sections, we'll delve into the top 10 apps that you need to download before embarking on your great Canadian road trip. Ready to hit the road, eh? Let's dive into the digital landscape that will transform your Canadian exploration into a captivating tale of discovery and adventure.

See the fuel price from A to B

Roadtrip provides a super clever way to budget for the fuel costs for your journey from point A to point B.

The app uses the make and model of your exact car to estimate the fuel cost! Perfect for deciding which car to take or splitting the costs with friends. It also has helpful links to find accomodation at your destination, all in one place.

Find cheap gas prices and rewards

The perfect companion app to Roadtrip, GasBuddy helps you locate the cheapest gas prices along your route, potentially saving you a significant chunk of your travel budget. Plus you can unlock rewards and discounts!

GPS based audio tours

This awesome apps uses the GPS on your phone to guide you through different scenic locations across the USA, Canada, Australia, and Hawaii. You can individually buy each tour, and the app will intelligently tell see you are along the route and point out popular sights – just like a real tour guide!

PlugShare is the #1 App for EV drivers

• Key Feature: User-contributed insights on charging stations.
• Why It's Essential: PlugShare provides invaluable user-generated content on EV charging stations worldwide, offering real-time updates and reviews from the EV community.

Roadtrippers

Planner, map, & travel guides.

We all know and love Google maps, but Roadtrippers takes things to the next level for road trips! It shows you all the exciting places you might want to stop and see on a road trip, including offline maps.

Bathroom, Loo and WC Finder

Splitting bills with friends and family

While apps like Roadtrip are great for splitting the cost of fuel, often there are other expenses like accomodation or dinner that you want to easily split with friends or family. That's where Splitwise comes in – everyone in the group can add expenses and the app with automatically figure out how much everyone owes. Genuis!

Weather on the way

Road trip weather conditions.

Having a typical weather app is great, but it can be really hard to plan what the weather will be like when driving across country. That's where Weather on the way comes in. It cleverly shows you the weather in every town you pass through on your road trip.

Itineraries, budgets & packing

We love this lesser-known app because it's super well designed. It's especially perfect for budgeting and packing for a longer road trip. Used in conjunction with apps like Roadtrip for fuel budgeting you can get a great estimate for the trip costs.

The best app for finding great walks

Alltrails is an awesome app that caters specifically to those who like to go off the beaten track, with millions of trails all around the world, you can see ratings and reviews from other travellers who have done the walk. It's super useful for seeing the true time to explore some of the great walks across the country!

As we draw the virtual map of our cross-Canada road trip to a close, it's clear that technology has revolutionized the way we plan and experience our journeys. No longer do we rely solely on hefty travel guides or outdated maps. Today, a host of innovative road trip planner apps equip us with the tools to turn every journey into a tailored exploration, steeped in discovery and adventure.

The ten apps we've shared here are game-changers for any intrepid explorer looking to dive into the breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural tapestry of Canada. From gas cost calculators ensuring your journey remains budget-friendly, to crowd-sourced advice leading you to lesser-known scenic spots, your Canadian road trip is poised to be a memory-rich adventure of epic proportions.

Let these apps be your virtual travel companions as you traverse the vastness of Canada, discovering its many wonders. As you embark on this journey, remember that every kilometer traveled, from the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland to the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the rolling prairies of Manitoba to the multicultural buzz of Toronto, unfolds a new chapter in your travel diary.

Beyond their practical applications, these apps foster a sense of community among road trippers. They allow you to share your discoveries, learn from fellow travelers, and contribute to an ever-growing knowledge base of Canada's hidden gems. This interactivity adds a whole new dimension to your road trip, transforming it from a personal quest into a shared adventure.

In essence, the road trip across Canada is more than just a travel plan. It's a journey of discovery, of connecting with the diverse landscapes and communities that make up this great country, and of creating stories that you'll carry with you long after the journey is over. So fuel up, plan your route, and let the adventure begin. With these road trip apps in hand, every day is sure to be a thrilling new chapter in your ultimate Canadian exploration.

Remember, the open road of Canada awaits, filled with surprises and wonders at every turn. And in the age of technology, you're better equipped than ever to dive in and explore. So let's hit the road, eh? Your unforgettable Canadian adventure starts now.

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