us canada road trip

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

Last updated . 28 February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Canada and USA your way with your own motorhome

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

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

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

MUST STOP: Fuel up in New York City

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

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

MUST STOP: Sample the chargrilled oysters in New Orleans

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

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

MUST STOP: Cool down in Austin

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

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

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

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

MUST STOP: Appreciate art in Prada Marfa

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

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

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

MUST STOP: Visit Santa Fe’s Ghost Ranch

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

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

MUST STOP: Make sure you see Utah

Exploring incredible Utah by car.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sail from Vancouver and spend a glorious day in Victoria.

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

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

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

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

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

The Arctic Circle side-trip

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

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

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

MUST STOP: Choose your own adventure in British Columbia

Driving through the mountains of British Columbia.

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

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

MUST STOP: Take a float along Lake Louise

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

MUST STOP: Grin and bear it – Roadtripping Manitoba

See them in their natural habitat

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

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

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

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

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

By Caleigh Alleyne

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

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

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

Ontario's Niagara Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Parkway: Buffalo, New York to Toronto, Ontario

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

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

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

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

Lake Louise, Banff

Icefields Parkway: Montana to Banff National Park, Alberta

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

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

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

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

Mulholland Lighthouse, Campobello Island

Fundy Coastal Trail: Maine to Saint John, New Brunswick

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

Steph Koyfman

Alex Erdekian

Laura Walsh

Jamie Spain

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

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

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

British Columbia's Highway 99

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

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

Quebec City's Old Town

Autoroute 73: Maine to Quebec City, Quebec

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerald Lake, South Klondike Highway

Alaska-Canadian Highway: Alaska to Haines Junction, Yukon

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

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

Yellowhead Highway #16

Yellowhead Highway: North Dakota to Winnipeg, Manitoba

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

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

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

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

Red Coat Trail Saskatchewan Badlands: Montana to Saskatchewan

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

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Canada & USA Road Trips for Families: Our Best Itineraries

Are you planning some road trips this year? Both Canada and the USA have miles of roads that allow for road trips to be perfect and offer the opportunity to explore these countries and their hidden gems.

For this reason, we’ve listed our favorite Canada & USA road trips from families, from east to west.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

Our Best Itineraries for Families: Canada & USA Road Trips

1. road trip across canada.

If you are looking for an epic road trip, why not drive across Canada? You’ll need to plan a few weeks or long driving days to do this 5,000+ km (one-way) road trip, but you’ll enjoy it.

For a more detailed itinerary and lots of fun things and activities to discover, make sure you get our Ultimate Canada Road Trip Guide for Families .

First, you will start your trip in Ottawa , the capital city of Canada. In Ottawa , you’ll want to visit the Parliament, grab lunch at the ByWard Market, walk along the Rideau Canal and test a delicious Beaver Tails treat.

Next, you’ll drive to Sault Ste-Marie making sure to stop at Marathon Beach (North Bay) and the Big Nickel sign (Sudbury). In Sault Ste-Marie, don’t miss the locks!

After a good night’s sleep, drive towards Thunder Bay . The drive is beautiful along Lake Superior. Make stops in Wawa, Marathon and Terrace Bay and enjoy the views. 

If you can, spend a day in Thunder Bay. Go to Terry Fox memorial, visit Fort William Historical Park, admire the view from Hillcrest Park and explore Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Then, you’ll make your way to Winnipeg with a stop at the beach in Kenora . Spend at least one full day in Winnipeg to go to The Forks, the Museum of Human Rights and maybe up to Winnipeg Lake. 

The next day, you’ll drive to Regina where you can walk around Wascana Center and visit Scotty the T-Rex at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. You can easily spend an entire day in Regina.

You’ll then start your start day in the Prairies heading to Calgary . On the way, you might want to stop in Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat and Brooks. And by the end of your day, you’ll see the Rockies afar. 

Calgary can be your home-base for a few days to explore the Canadian badlands and the Kananaskis Country. From then, you can spend as many days as you want in the Canadian Rockies , hiking and visiting Banff, Lake Louise, Golden and Revelstoke.

From Revelstoke, you’ll have another long driving day to reach Vancouver. You can stop along the way in Kelowna and Hope.

2. Northern Ontario, Canada

Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, and it has so much to offer. If driving across Canada is not an option at the moment, but you still want to explore the country, you may want to consider visiting Northern Ontario along the trans-Canada highway. You can pick and choose from doing activities in the nature such as hiking or camping to visiting museums or historical sites. There is an activity for everyone in the family!

Known as the “Gateway of the North”, North Bay is located 358.5 km from Ottawa. Some of the highlights are:

• Marathon Beach,
• Heritage Railway & Carousel Company,
• Duchenesay Falls

Thunder Bay is a very popular area in Ontario. You can drive along Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest by volume.

You can stop by Harmony Beach to admire the beauty and size of Lake Superior followed by a visit to Chippewa Falls. Some other locations you can visit are:

• Amethyst Mine Panorama,
• Fort William Historical Park,
• Terry Fox Memorial Lookout,
• Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

These are only a few places and ideas you can use for a fun road trip to Northen Ontario with your family.

3. Kananaskis Country, Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

If you’re looking for an outdoor-centric adventure suitable for the whole family, look no further than a road trip through the esteemed Canadian Rockies. Driving under the shadow of towering alpine peaks, past winding riverfronts and alongside plentiful wildlife is an experience all ages can revel in and enjoy; therefore, consider a scenic, multi-day route from Canmore to Banff and the famed Lake Louise. 

Furthermore, while there’s certainly no shortage of things to do to keep you busy for longer, should time permit, a 7-day itinerary is considered the perfect amount of time to tick off all the “must-sees” in the region, starting in the heart of Kananaskis Country and the town of Canmore .

It’s here – amidst the first day or two – that you’ll find ample kid-friendly activities, such as horseback riding at the quaint Cross Zee Ranch or a visit to Elevation Place (and indoor playground known for its massive climbing wall and aquatic center, complete with waterslides and a lazy river!). 

From there, continue west towards the charming mountain town of Banff . En route, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot some remarkable wildlife creatures such as bears, elks or mountain sheep. It’s in Banff that you’ll spend a few days unwinding at the steamy Banff Upper Hot Springs, walking vibrant main street or riding the Sulphur Mountain gondola up to arguably one of the best viewpoints in Banff. Just ensure to carve out some time to spend at the hidden gem of Cascade Ponds , a dreamy day-use area idyllic for some light kayaking, paddleboarding, or a waterfront picnic with the family. 

Finish off with a day or two spent at the stunning Lake Louise . Marvel at the turquoise waters, hike up to the notorious Lake Agnes tea house or stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise to end your week with some pampering; with none other than the most photographed lake in the entire country as a backdrop to your once in a lifetime road trip.

3. Victoria, Canada

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located on Vancouver Island, on the extreme west side of the trans-Canada highway. Victoria is a very popular city amongst tourists that are looking to enjoy the natural beauty, the temperate climate as well as the British heritage and architecture.

During our cross-Canada road trip , when we visited Victoria, BC, we enjoyed some fish & chips at Fisherman’s Wharf. The kids loved the colorful vibe and the playground by the parking lot.

In addition, if your kids are old enough, you can enjoy the whale watching tours offered in Victoria. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you may not want to miss!

If you and your family enjoy hiking, you can hike up to Mount Douglas and appreciate the 360° views of Greater Victoria. There is just so much to do with your kids when visiting Victoria, BC. If you’d like to read our complete blog post about 23+ things to do in Victoria with the family , click here .

4. Coast New England, USA

Recommended by Brit from Travel by Brit .

If you’re looking for a family road trip that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sightseeing, and tons of great food, you’ll love traveling along the coastline of New England. 

Follow this ten-day road trip itinerary , summarized below for the perfect family vacation! 

Day 1: Fly into the Boston Logan International Airport and walk the historic Freedom Trail in Downtown Boston. 

Day 2: Then, stroll around the Boston Public Garden, play a part in the Boston Tea Party at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum , and cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway Park . 

Day 3: Eat your way through Boston on a North End Food Tour and try a Boston Cream Pie at the Omni Parker House Hotel . 

Day 4: Continue your road trip to Plymouth, where you can tour the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and learn what life was like for the Pilgrims in the 1620s. 

Day 5: Drive south to Newport, Rhode Island. You can play and relax at Easton’s Beach if the weather is nice or go shopping on Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue . 

Day 6: Spend the day touring the historical Newport Mansions , like The Breakers and The Elms, and enjoy a nice seafood dinner at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen . 

Day 7 : Drive north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and spend the day exploring the outdoor Strawberry Banke Museum and shopping in Market Square before heading to Portland, Maine. 

Day 8: Spend the morning playing in Fort Williams Park while marveling at the Portland Head Light, then enjoy the shopping and dining in Old Port.  

Day 9: Start your morning with a walk on the Eastern Promenade , spend the afternoon on a boat tour in Casco Bay , and end the day with French fries for dinner at Duckfat . 

Day 10: Enjoy a potato donut from The Holy Donut before you head back to Boston to fly home. 

5. Coast of Maine, USA

Recommended by Melissa from Navigation Junkie.

Undoubtedly, with some of the most stunning views in the United States, the coast of Maine is the perfect destination for your next family road trip. The drive along the coast from Kittery in Southern Maine to Acadia National Park is filled with historic lighthouses, rocky coastlines, ocean views, and countless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

It should be noted that a road trip along the coast of Maine will require at least 7 days, but if you can plan for a longer stay, it will be even better. When planning your road trip along Maine’s coast be sure to plan some downtime with the kiddos. The coast is full of outdoor adventures that will surely tire them out!

Day one of your road trip will take you to Kittery, Maine , where you can explore the historic ruins of Fort Foster and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Then, for day two, you will head to Oquinquit to explore the streets of Perkins Cove, go for a relaxing stroll along Marginal Way, or hit the beach.  The next day will land you in Kennebunkport , home of the Seashore Trolley Museum. For the adventurous, you can enjoy kayaking on the Kennebunkport River.

Cape Elizabeth is next and will introduce you to some of the most stunning views found on the road trip. Cape Elizabeth is perfect for taking a stroll along the coastline and lighthouse hunting , with the Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, and Twin Lights within close proximity to each other. Day five will take you to Portland, where you can enjoy the Old Port and visit the Portland Observatory.

Finally, days six and seven will take you to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park . With the scenic Park Loop Drive and plethora of family-friendly hikes, Acadia National Park is one of the most family-friendly national parks and the perfect conclusion to your road trip. You will also want to visit Bar Harbor to do some shopping and get a taste of some of Maine’s local seafood dishes. 

6. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway

Recommended by Erin from Go Hike Virginia .

The iconic Blue Ridge Parkway that meanders across Virginia and North Carolina has the makings of an epic one-week road trip for outdoor-loving families. All along the way you’ll find hiking, biking and paddling, even disc golf. That’s not to mention waterfalls, scenic vistas and rock scrambles.

Moreover, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins where Skyline Drive ends, at the south entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Afton, Virginia . Make Humpback Rocks at milepost 5.6 your first stop for spectacular 360-degree views across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Stay a couple of nights in nearby Charlottesville .

From here, continue on for the Peaks of Otter in Bedford , including Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Pop in the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at milepost 86 to get your bearings, then hike one, two or three of these gram-worthy summit hikes. Make a stop at Johnson Farm, a family farmhouse built in 1854.

Stay two nights at Peaks of Otter Lodge, which has an on-site restaurant and bonus views of Sharp Top. Enjoy easy walks around Abbott Lake and make time to splash in nearby waterfalls, including Apple Orchard Falls and Fallingwater Cascades.

Continue on to Roanoke for two to three days. Stop on the way at Explore Park at milepost 115 for biking, tubing, kayaking and disc golf. It’s easy to spend a full day at Explore Park. In-town, kids will love Center in the Square, which is home to the Roanoke Pinball Museum and Kids Square Children’s Museum.

Finally, make one last stop at the Mill Mountain Star , the world’s largest man-made star that stands at 100 feet tall. Hike or drive to the overlook for views across the Roanoke Valley. From here, turn the car around for the return drive to Afton on this road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. 

7. Grand Teton, Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

Recommended by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bags .

The best road trip for families is hitting 3 National Parks in one vacation: Grand Tetons National Park to Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park. Bonus points if you trek along in a RV.

Please note that you will need to allocate 2 weeks for this trip, and there are so many things to see and do along the way that maybe even that will not be enough. This trip is the perfect family bonding, smores burning, memory-making experience you should do at least once in your lifetime. The kids will spend 2 weeks unplugged and exploring nature. Bring your bug spray, buy some bear spray and start making some amazing stories to tell for the rest of your lives!

Day 1: Fly into Jackson Hole Airport and explore Jackson, Wyoming .

Day 2: Drive the loop through Grand Tetons.

Day 3: Choose your favorite hikes.

Day 4: Spend time around Jenny Lake, and hike Inspiration Point.

Day 5: Drive the southern loop in Yellowstone .

Day 6: Explore Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Day 7: Drive the northern loop in Yellowstone, Mammoth Springs , and the boiling river.

Day 8: Drive to Glacier . This is 6.5 hours, so consider this a full day of travel.

Day 9: Drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and stop at wherever strikes your fancy.

Day 10: Wake up super early, and hike to Grinnell Glacier .

Day 11: Spend the day exploring Lake McDonald .

Day 12: Drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road from east to west during the evening and watch the mesmerizing sunset over the mountains.

Day 13: Do some hiking by Two Medicine area.

Day 14: Drive to the airport and fly home from Kalispell Glacier Park International Airport (FCA).

If you have more time, you can add more stops along the way. Helena Montana is a great spot to stop and explore the capital building. You can also see where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers begin just a little north of Helena.

This trip is for the adventurous crowd, and with all the hiking and exploring it might be better for older kids , but seeing these three national parks will be the highlight of a lifetime!

8. Route 66 Road Trip

Recommended by Kirsty from Lost on 66 .

Route 66 is a classic road trip that is popular with all ages. It’s always been good for kids because there’s a whole load of quirky attractions along the road that kids love, but lately it’s also got the added attraction of being a real-life Radiator Springs from Disney’s Cars movie!

You’ll likely need 2 weeks to fully explore Route 66 with kids . There are 2448 miles to discover so that means an average of 175 miles per day to drive. My tip is to leave a couple of days at the end to enjoy some downtime in Los Angeles. If that feels like too long of a road trip with kids, then you can quite easily do a smaller portion of the route and still have a great time.

Day 1: Spend the day in Chicago .

Day 2: Drive from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL. You’ll want to stop at the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and Pontiac Automobile Museum.

Day 3: Drive from Springfield, IL to Cuba, MO. Make sure to stop in St Louis for a day to see the Gateway Arch and for a paddle steamer cruise.

Day 4: Drive from Cuba, MO to Carthage, MO. Spend the morning at Meramec Caverns . Then, try the Drive-In Movie Theatre at Carthage.

Day 5: Drive from Carthage, MO to Tulsa, OK. Stop in Galena, Kansas to see the original Mater and in Catoosa, OK to see the Giant Blue Whale.

Day 6: Drive from Tulsa, OK to Shamrock, TX. Stop in the Rt 66 museum in Clinton, OK. You’ll want to see the inspiration for Ramone’s Garage in Shamrock, TX. Be sure to take an evening walk to see it lit up with neon colors.

Day 7: Drive from Shamrock, TX to Tucumcari, NM. Stop to see the Cadillac ranch in Amarillo .  Tucumcari is another good spot for seeing neon colored lights in the evening.

Day 8: Drive from Tucumcari, NM to Gallup, NM. Check out the Sandia Peak and trails for a day exploring and riding the cable car.

Day 9: Drive from Gallup, NM to Holbrook, AZ. Spend the day at the Petrified Forest National Park . Stay at the Wigwam Motel at night.

Day 10: Drive from Holbrook, AZ to Kingman, AZ. Stop to see Seligman which some say is the original Radiator Springs .

Day 11: Drive from Kingman, AZ to Barstow, CA. Stop at the old ghost town of Oatman to see the wild burros.

Day 12: Drive from Barstow, CA to Santa Monica, CA. See the pier and enjoy some time outside. This would be the official end of the road.

Day 13 & 14: Explore Los Angeles.

9. Utah’s Mighty 5

Recommended by Daria from The Discovery Nut .

Utah National Parks also known as “The Mighty 5” make for one of the best road trips in the United States thanks to their remarkable scenery. 

Unquestionably, many travelers spend weeks exploring Utah’s landscapes. Although if you are short on time, you could spend 7-10 days touring Utah National Parks. 

You can begin your adventure in Las Vegas, home to a big international airport with connections from across the country. You can rent a vehicle in Las Vegas and make your way towards Utah, starting with Zion National Park , one of the most popular national parks in the United States. 

After stopping in Zion and spending at least 2 days there, proceed towards Bryce Canyon National Park and from there, take Utah Scenic Byway 12 to arrive to Capitol Reef, the least visited national park in Utah that is located in the heart of a remote red-rock country that boasts unparalleled scenery. 

You should plan to spend about 2 days in Bryce Canyon and 2-3 days in Capitol Reef. 

 From Capitol Reef, it takes about 2 hours to reach Moab , the adventure capital of Utah that is the home of Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

For a better and less rushed experience, spend anywhere from 10 to 14 days touring Utah national parks if you want to hike and explore the many hidden gems that they have to offer.

The Moab area alone boasts many spectacular hikes and hidden spots, and you could easily spend a few weeks there; although if time is short, you could visit Arches and Canyonlands in just a few days.

10. California, Nevada, Utah & Arizona

Recommended by Urvi from Urvi’s Travel Journal.

It is not news that toddlers and kids usually prefer to walk and jump around; it can therefore be challenging to make them sit in the car for a more extended period of time. But try a 7-day road trip starting from California – Nevada – Utah – Arizona and back to California. They will love it!

Day 1: Magic Mountain – Valley of Fire state park – Hotel in St George.

Magic Mountain is located just outside of Las Vegas. This is an open place for kids to play and take pictures with colorful rocks. Take a scenic drive in the Valley of Fire state park, an excellent spot for enjoying a picnic and a short hike. 

Day 2 : Zion National Park Visitor center- Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel – Bryce visitor center – Rainbow bridge – Yovimpa point – Black Birch Canyon – Poderosa canyon – Hotel.

The Zion visitor center has a ranger program for small kids and enough space to take a walk along the creek. Zion National Park doesn’t allow private vehicles; hence, you need to park cars around the visitor center and take a bus. Otherwise, you can drive through and enjoy the view from afar. 

Day 3 : Bryce natural bridge – Fairview point – swamp canyon overlook – Powell point vista – scenic byway 12 – Green river.

Bryce has multiple family-friendly trails like the Navajo loop trail and the Queens Garden Trail that kids will love. After Bryce, we headed to escalate, and it’s the scenic route. We made multiple stops like the head of the rock overlook, the hogback, homestead overlook, and stayed in the green river town. 

Day 4 : Green river – Arches national park – Moab.

Families with young kids who balance rock and double arch trails are perfect for fun. These trails are easy and take around an hour. You should note that parking is limited. 

Day 5 : Moab – Dead horse point state park – Canyonland National Park – off-roading to Moab.

West rim trail at dead horse point is scenic, don’t miss it. Canyonland has multiple trails, but Mesa arch is a very popular and moderate trail and can be done with kids. 

Day 6 : Moab – Wilson Arch – Monument valley – Flagstaff.

I recommend taking the Monument valley tour as this is one of a kind to explore the valley. Flagstaff downtown is full of restaurants and cafes and has live music on Friday nights in summer.   

Day 7 : Flagstaff- Sedona – California.

Sedona is like a hill station for locals due to pleasant weather and natural beauty. Our favorite trails are Fay Canyon, West Fork, Deadman’s Pass, Baldwin Trail, Sugarloaf Loop.

11. Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Recommended by Emily from The Mandagies .

Do you love the ocean? A Pacific Coast Highway road trip is the perfect choice for families of all ages! This route spans 1,650 miles between Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. It is also one of the most iconic American road trip routes you can experience with your kids!

The entire drive will take anywhere from one week to ten days. You can make it as fancy (hotels + resorts), as rugged (campgrounds), or as mixed as you want it to be. Starting northbound or southbound doesn’t matter. Just make sure to check the forecast and start driving in the direction of good weather!

In Washington, you’ll experience rugged beaches, solitude, and a vast temperate rainforest among the Olympic National Park . This is a great time to go beachcombing, discover tide pools and low tide, and spend time in the quiet nature of the rainforest. In addition, plan stops at Hurricane Ridge, Rialto Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest.

Along the Oregon Coast, you’ll find a ton of walkable beaches and lots of family-friendly coastal towns. The north shore will provide lots of opportunities to get outside on Cannon Beach, the Seaside Promenade, and Hug Point . Furthermore, the central coast provides opportunities for learning and discovery. You can purchase tickets to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, and don’t forget to stop by the Sea Lion Caves near Yachats!

Moreover, the southern coast is a great spot for hiking and camping. Stop by Samuel H Boardman state park for views on views (and easy trails), and see colorful dinosaur sculptures at the Prehistoric Gardens.

In California, you’ll hit some iconic and famous stops! Drive under trees and wander off the groves of the Redwood National Park . Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on your way through Big Sur . Finally, stop at some dreamy coastal towns on your way to sunny San Diego .

It’s definitely the trip of a lifetime!

A few things to know when planning a road trip in Canada & USA

Here are a few things to know when planning a road trip in Canada & USA with your kids.

🚗 Prepare your car or rent a campervan

You can drive your own car for your road trip in Canada & USA. You should always make sure that your car is in good working order: look after the tires; verify that the brakes are in good condition; change the oil, etc. However, if you prefer to have more space and enjoy the features a campervan or an RV offer, you may consider renting one for your road trip!

On that account, you can check out Outdoorsy or Escape Campervans . They have many options depending where you’re departing from. You should note that most car and RV companies charge a one-way fee if the drop-off location is different than the pick-up location. Keep that in mind when planning your road trip in Canada & USA.

If, for some unfortunate reason you can’t drive you own car and you have to rent one, I recommend you compare pricing on  DiscoverCars .

📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your road trip with your kids  

The  GoWhee app  is the perfect app for finding fun kid-friendly activities regardless of where you are going. Roadtripppers  will help you plan any road trips. It helps you add stops along the way.  AllTrails  is our go-to app to look at trails’ reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.

Final Thoughts: Canada & USA Road Trips for Families

There are so many epic family road trips to do across Canada and the USA. With miles and miles of roads, you’ll find one road trip suited for your family. You may also want to check this post on winter road trips in the USA.

Which road trip will you do?

Related Articles

Here are some resources that can help you plan your next Canada & USA road trips with your family:

• Driving Across Canada Tips
• Best Road Trip Games

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

Canada Road Trip Planning + 12 Epic Itinerary Ideas

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

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Planning Guide

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

Decide where you want to go in Canada

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

What to see on your Canadian Road Trips?

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

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

Budget for your Canada road trip should be as follows 

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

When are you planning to travel for your road trip?

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

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

Where to stay on a Canada road trip?

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

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

Pin the spots on Google Maps

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

Important Driving Tips in Canada Highway & Parks

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

What to pack on a road trip in Canada?

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

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

12 Canada Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Canadian rockies road trip itinerary, alberta .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Icefields Parkway, Alberta 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Christina from Travel2Next

Sea to Sky highway – Vancouver to Whistler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Rachel from A City Girl Outside

Vancouver – Kelowna – Banff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Michelle from Intentional Travelers

Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lindsay from Uncovering British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Gemma from Off Track Travel

Saskatchewan Road Trip 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

East Coast City Delights – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Erin from Three is Us

Quebec City to Gaspésie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Slavka from On2Continents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lori from Maps, Memories and Motherhood

Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Cabot Trail East Coastal Drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts on Road Trips in Canada

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

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

Where will you head to first? 

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

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

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

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• 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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An American's Guide To Road-Tripping Through Canada

A road trip is a fantastic way to travel across North America and for those of us nature-inclined travelers, there's no better trip than a road trip through Canada! While there are buses and trains that travel the country, the routes aren't as comprehensive as those you can take by car. Additionally, traveling distances in Canada via public transportation, whether that be across a province or across the entire nation, can be expensive and take a long time. Not to mention, in order to access the best activities, sites, and adventures in Canada (such as hiking the Rockies, beaches, wildlife viewing, etc.) a vehicle is required. Thus, the best way to travel and see the beauty of our northern neighbor is on a road trip!

Before you set off on an epic drive, you'll want to take note of a few things. Canada is similar to the U.S. in that they do drive on the same side of the road (unlike our friends in the U.K. and the rest of the commonwealth) and there are similar laws regarding drinking and driving and cell phone usage. However, there are quite a few differences and quirks regarding laws, signage, and more that could spoil a trip if you don't do your research. Lucky for you, this guide has everything you need to know about road-tripping through Canada.

You have numerous route options across Canada

The first decision and area of research you'll need to complete prior to hitting the great open road is where exactly you want your Canadian road trip to take you. The route options nearly have no end in the Great White North so you'll need to consider your priorities for activities and sightseeing. Do you want to stick to a single province and really explore the area in-depth? Then perhaps drive Alberta's Icefield Parkway through the Rockies, Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail, or Ontario's Lake Superior Loop. Or perhaps you're more inclined to drive from the south to the north on the Yukon's isolated and gravel Dempster Highway for a true wilderness escape.

Cross-country options include, of course, the expansive Trans-Canada Highway. The journey on this road stretches from the far east to the far west of Canada, covering 10 provinces and connecting many of the biggest Canadian cities. The road only skips Yukon, the Northern Territories, and Newfoundland. Along the way, you'll have easy access to stop at great Canadian sites like Jasper, the Prairie Badlands, Toronto, Montreal, Gros Morne National Park, and more. Additionally, sections of this journey can still be completed if you don't have a month plus to spare and just have a few provinces in mind you'd like to visit. Whatever you decide, make sure to consult a map and estimate drive times to make sure your chosen route is logical for your timeframe.

The regions and provinces provide very different road trip experiences

When considering different route options, remember that Canada is a very large country, and the landscape, climate, wildlife, and even language vary across the regions. So if you hope to have a particular experience or see something specific keep all that in mind. The western part of Canada around British Columbia and Alberta is the place to head if you're keen on mountain roads, elevation changes, and epic scenery. If you crave coastal routes where the ocean is never far from view, stick to Vancouver Island or the Atlantic Provinces like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.

If you're looking for easy driving, the prairies will be very flat with good visibility. However, the endless wheat fields and blue sky can lull even the most alert driver to sleep, so stay aware (and maybe hit up Tim Hortons for coffee and a snack along the way!) Québec and Ontario will have some of the more brutal winter driving conditions so make sure to check local weather stations. However, both provinces have amazing cottages and lakes, and Québec is home to the lovely Fjord de Sageneuy. The Northern Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon are entirely different kinds of journeys. The roads are often not paved, sometimes covered in ice (and thus only passable in winter), very remote, and have limited services — i.e. not for the faint of heart!

Travel times vary and distances can be deceiving

The worst congestion on your road trip will always be in cities, the largest ones in particular. The worst bottlenecks can mostly be found in Toronto . Montreal's Highway 25 between Avenue Souligny and Rue Beaubien Est can be particularly bad, as this city and the entire province of Québec are infamous for constant construction that never seems to end, due to having what has been called some of the worst roads in the country. In Vancouver, avoid Granville St at SW Marine Dr and W Georgia St between Seymour St and W Pender St if possible.

If you're not driving much in cities, you can still run into obstacles and literal roadblocks. You might think to yourself "Oh Vancouver to Kelowna, that's about four hours" and then run into construction, rock falls, or downed trees that result in road closures that add a couple of hours to your drive. The mountains are famously unforgiving in this respect and so are the unpaved roads up in northern Canada, so always make sure to monitor local news for the most up-to-date information.

Rental cars, gas, and other costs

Like most of the U.S., you'll need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Canada. However, those between the ages of 21 and 24 will often be charged an additional 'young driver' fee and may be restricted to the type of car that they can rent. It's simpler and often much cheaper to rent a car if you're 25 or older, so if you're a duo or group and someone is older, consider having them be the driver. Additionally, you'll need to have held a license for at least a year in order to rent a car in Canada, so if you just passed your test six months ago (no matter what age you are), you'll need to wait. A credit card is mandatory at all car rental agencies and typically needs to match the name of the driver. It's also a good idea to bring your passport as well, as you may be asked for additional identification.

Rental car costs are on par with the U.S., so don't expect any surprises there. However, gas can be a bit more expensive in Canada. So if you're plannig a route that takes you across the border at all, consider refilling the tank in the U.S. Tolls aren't very common in Canada, so don't stress about factoring those into your budget.

Driving laws vary across the country

Just like various road and driving laws that vary from state to state in the U.S., regulations can be different in Canada and across the provinces. Similar to the U.S., you must come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, pedestrians have the right of way, and seat belts must be worn. If you wish to use a cell phone, you must have a hands-free device. One important tip is, in general, you can take a free right turn at red lights, except in Montreal, where it's not allowed. However, in the rest of Québec and Canada, it's completely legal. Another Québec-specific quirk is that stop signs in the province won't typically say "stop" but rather the French word, "arrêt", or occasionally you'll see a bilingual sign.

In British Columbia, a flashing green light indicates that the pedestrian crossing has been activated. However, in Ontario, the flashing green light is to direct drivers turning left, so make sure to double-check when switching provinces. And in most major cities, pay attention to parking signs, as there are often different rules for winter and summer seasons due to snow removal. Additionally, remember the speed limits are in kilometers (the speedometer will be too if you're renting a car), and frequently monitored by radar. You'll also be required to have insurance when renting a car in Canada. Many U.S. policies will also cover you in Canada, but if not, you can purchase a policy with the rental company.

Drivers also vary across provinces

By now, you're likely aware that the landscape, weather, language on road signs, and traffic lights can differ widely across Canadian provinces. Another aspect you might want to factor in is who you're sharing the road with while traveling throughout the country. Just like the U.S. has stereotypes regarding those behind the wheel across the states, Canada does too. Those in British Columbia have been deemed the worst and are considered the Canadian equivalent of LA drivers. They are frequently cited as not being good about signaling and frequently tailgating and speeding, so keep that in mind if you're planning a west coast trip. 

Additionally, rolling through a stop sign is referred to as a "Quebecer-stop" rather than a "California stop. While the French Canadians aren't as aggressive as those out west, be prepared for extra vigilance, especially in Québec winters. Those in the Atlantic provinces are considered to be much more passive and may drive actual California drivers crazy with their relaxed approach. The Northwest Territories and Yukon can be a free-for-all with the lack of paved roads and lack of population.

Activities and sites across Canada to consider when planning

Another factor you may want to consider on your Canadian road trip are what you want to do and see when you're not actively driving. Canada is a nature-oriented country in general, but if you want to prioritize the best hiking over city visits or fjords and beaches, it's best to pass through the appropriate provinces. British Columbia and Alberta hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, and other outdoor activities will take place among the best mountains in the country (and arguably some of the best on the continent.) If you want lake time, much of the country will work, just maybe avoid the southern prairies. If you want to hit small coastal towns, stick to the Atlantics. If big cities are your thing, aim to visit Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, as most other Canadian cities are quite small. If you want to see where the famous Canadian maple syrup is produced, stick to Québec. If wine tasting is a priority, try Eastern British Columbia, Prince Edward County, or the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario.

Whale-watching and fishing can be done wherever there's water. But, if you have particular types in mind you want to see, plan accordingly. Orcas can be seen out west, as Vancouver Island is particularly good viewing. Newfoundland and Labrador are great places to see Humpback whales and Tadoussac, and Québec is home to about 13 species. Belugas (and polar bears) are found in Churchill, Manitoba.

Important tools and supplies

Google Maps is great (except when it isn't and you end up on a road to nowhere), but you'll also want to consider other helpful tools on your Canadian road trip . Waze can be very helpful in avoiding congestion and finding new routes on the fly. It's also a good idea to bring a paper map (or two) with you as large parts of Canada, particularly in parks and remote areas, won't necessarily have cell service or GPS reception. There's nothing worse than getting lost somewhere without good road signage (or in Québec, when you don't read French) and having no idea which way to go. TransCanadaHighway.com is a great resource for those traversing the country for up-to-date traffic. If you have more of a regional trip, check local provincial news stations.

It's also recommended to keep a small snow shovel and windshield scraper in the car for most months barring summer. So, if you're driving on your own across the border, make sure to purchase both if you don't already have them. If you're renting a car in Canada, they'll likely provide these, but make sure to ask. Additionally, if you are traveling between October/November and April, you'll want winter tires or chains. If crossing mountain passes one or the other will be required. Again, rental companies should provide the necessary equipment but always double-check. Also, main highways can have large stretches without service, so make sure you have spare tires, a gas tank, plenty of water, and a car or portable charger for electronics.

The weather can be a huge factor and changes on a dime

Canada is typically thought of as a winter wonderland, and for over half the year in most of the country, that's pretty accurate. The cold and snowy season can begin as early as November in many places and last through April. It's not unheard of to have a beautiful spring day and then wake up the next morning to a late spring snowstorm. So, if you're coming from California and Texas and just assume the snow will have all melted by early March, think again. 

The weather really becomes a factor if you're heading far north or driving through the mountains, so make sure to check the weather and road closure reports vigilantly. In the spring, you'll want to keep in mind that some parts can see very heavy rain and are at risk of flooding and road washouts. In summer, the western part of the country can erupt in wildfires (and more so as climate change intensifies). Not only do the fires pose a safety concern, but air quality can deteriorate significantly from the smoke — even hundreds of miles from the burns. Make sure to monitor local news and weather in the province and/or the region you're traveling in, no matter the season.

You'll need to mind the wildlife in much of Canada

Similar to how the country is typically thought of as a snowy paradise, it's also considered the epitome of nature and wilderness for many. And while wildlife viewing is definitely one of the main highlights on any road trip through Canada, you'll need to keep a few things in mind regarding animals. Depending on where you travel within the country, you'll encounter different creatures. 

Bears roam through most provinces, but Grizzlies are primarily found in British Columbia and the western providences. Polar bears are found much further north in the Territories and Churchill, Manitoba, although neither of those is really a road-tripping destination. Black and brown bears can be found in most provinces bar Prince Edward Island. The iconic moose of course is widespread, especially in Newfoundland, although they aren't found on Vancouver Island or the Arctic. Buffalo can still be found in the prairies and skunks are found all over Central and Eastern Canada. Remember dawn and dusk are the prime times for animal activity, so be extra careful during those times.

In a country this expansive, rest stops will be your best friend

Whether you're driving across Saskatchewan, across the Atlantic provinces, or across all of Canada, remember that the country is huge. Drives will take a while and often longer than you may think due to construction, road closures, wildlife, or the weather. So, road fatigue can quickly set in. If you're driving as a pair or group, try and switch drivers every few hours and make sure passengers check in with the one behind the wheel frequently. Another good tip is to map out the rest areas you'll pass by in advance, as they're plentiful and frequent on most major highways. While you won't find any luxury facilities, there are usually bathrooms (any road-tripper through Canada's holy grail!), and a few picnic tables. Depending on where you are there may be a nice view, too, such as in the Rockies or coastal routes.

Planning ahead is always a good idea in case there's a long stretch where you won't encounter any stops. That way, you can plan to exit and find a gas station or cafe to pull over, rest, maybe swap drivers, and ideally refuel with some caffeine! Also, don't forget to take note of the service station signs, which will often tell you how far until the next rest area. On more remote highways (particularly in the north) you'll want to fuel up as frequently as possible and consider filling up an extra canister for emergencies. And always have plenty of water and a few snacks as well.

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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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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

How could I not start an article about Canada’s best road trips without first mentioning the Icefields Parkway, which has often been ranked as one of the best road trips in the entire world? Stretching 232 kilometres through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, this highway invites you into a journey of mind-blowing scenery, including mighty mountains, waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and rivers, and glaciers too. While the drive from Banff to Jasper really only takes upwards of three-four hours, you’ll probably want to budget an entire day for all the stops you’ll be making to take photos, short hikes, or even full-on tours at the Columbia Glacier. Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls, just to name a few. For those coming from Calgary to Banff , you just continue towards Lake Louise and then head North on highway 93.

Best time to go: This Alberta road trip is best from June to September, although May works as well. October is also good if you don’t mind a higher chance of rain in exchange for much fewer tourists. From November until April, you should expect snow and ice. This is also a beautiful time to do the road trip, but you’ll need to be much better skilled at driving and expect delays. In addition, many things such as the Columbia Icefield tour are closed.

Bonus: Due to the popularity of this area, it’s also a great place for delicious food. There are so many restaurants in the area and we’ve made some extensive guides, such as our guide to the best Banff restaurants and the best Canmore restaurants .

Cowboy Trail, Alberta

If you’re looking for some prairie and mountainous “wild west” scenery, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail is the road trip for you. Primarily located just south of Calgary, you could start your experience in the province’s biggest city, taking time to explore the many things to do in Calgary such as the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park, Studio Bell, or the new central library. If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth. You could even stop by the Alberta Boot Company and grab yourself some authentic Cowboy boots or other Western-style clothing.

While the actual “Cowboy Trail” refers to Highway 22, which travels all the way from the Edmonton area down into the USA, our favourite part starts around Bragg Creek and takes you down past Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River, Longview, and down towards Pincher Creek. You’ll pass a lot of stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as well as a number of Western-style towns before winding up in the Rocky Mountains such as the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. If you’re not wanting to continue into the USA, you could return to Calgary via Highway 2, stopping to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump .

Best time to go: This is one of the best road trips from Calgary and is best done between May and October.

Banff to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway

While the Trans-Canada Highway can take you across the entire country, the most beautiful part, in our opinion, is from Calgary to Vancouver . After just an hour or so, you’ll arrive in Banff with nothing but gorgeous scenery for the remainder of the drive. This 900-kilometre slice of the Trans-Canada takes you through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and finally into Vancouver, which is nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. While this drive can be done in one very long 12-hour day, you’ll obviously want to take as long as possible to make use of the incredible national parks you’ll be driving through. There are also a number of side trips you could take, such as highway 93 down into Radium Hot Springs, and Highway 97, which will take you down to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour Offer .

Best time to go: This largely depends on what you aim to do. The safest time to go is during the warmer months when the highways are clear. However, if you’re into skiing, this is one of the best places in the world to shred powder, which is typically best between January and March.

For more tips on what to bring on a road trip, check out our Road Trip Essentials article.

Road Trip around the Okanagan Valley, BC

While the Okanagan Valley isn’t really known as a specific “road trip”, it is home to one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, a gastronomic hot spot, and beautiful Lake Okanagan. There are all sorts of beautiful towns to visit, such as Kelowna , Penticton, and Vernon. There are all sorts of award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and sandy beaches as well. This also happens to be one of Canada’s warmest regions, which can hit 40 degrees Celcius in the summer months.

Best time to go:  June to September for the warmest temperatures. April, May, and October are also great and a bit cooler.

Sea to Sky Highway, BC

This is the shortest road trip mentioned in this article but a great one to take if you’re in the Vancouver area. The Sea to Sky Highway links Vancouver to Whistler, which are less than two hours apart, making this one of the most popular road trips from Vancouver. Driving along the coast, this is a great place to see the beautiful west coast. Popular stops include Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, Shannon Falls, and the Britannia Mine Museum. There’s also the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which provides unforgettable views and a suspension bridge and of course, Squamish and Whistler, which provide all sorts of adventurous activities. In addition, don’t forget to experience Vancouver whale watching while in the city as well as all the other fun things to do in Vancouver .

Tour Idea: Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip Tour .

Best time to go:  July to September is Vancouver’s dry season, but if the rain doesn’t bother you, almost any time of year is good. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, January to March is best.

Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and is home to some of the best things to do in British Columbia . Not only does it have one of the mildest climates in the country, but it’s also home to a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, rugged coastlines, and scenic towns and cities, making it a great place for a BC road trip. It’s also home to beautiful gardens, epic hikes, surfing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours. Two of the most popular places to visit include Victoria and Tofino, which are on opposite sides of the island. While driving between the two, don’t forget to stop at Cathedral Grove to marvel at the massive trees as well as the many other parks and towns along the way. Finish the trip with one of Tofino’s stunning sunsets.

Best time to go: a West Coast road trip is best between March to May and September to November. Summer is great too but is very busy and expensive.

Before you go, check out our article about things to do in Victoria BC .

Dempster Highway, Yukon

As Canada’s only all-weather road that goes past the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway has become one of the most unique road trips in Canada. However, this is not your average highway. The Dempster Highway is a 700-kilometre extremely isolated dirt road with only one service station (they also offer accommodation and a restaurant) option along the way in Eagle Plains. This road trip takes a little more preparation than the others and will be much harder on your vehicle than any other road trip mentioned in this article. However, for those who choose this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible arctic scenery and the chance to drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

Best time to go: The best time to go would be in the warmer months between May and early October. The road is open year-round but the driving becomes much more dangerous in the winter. Spring will bring a lot of bugs, summer will bring a lot of tourists, and the fall has no bugs and beautiful fall foliage (hint: our favourite time is the fall). However, if you time your arrival in Inuvik for mid-July, you might be able to experience the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

Looking for one of the best road trips from Toronto? With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay from Toronto and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s largest freshwater beach.

In addition, you could also extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, which is comprised of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River. Basically, it goes from Toronto to Amherstburg, which makes this one of the most popular road trips from Toronto. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls Canada .

Best time to go: Summer is great but also busy. Shoulder season in late August to mid-September or in the spring from May to June is also great. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Ontario .

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Ontario

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and just stay on the Canadian side. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive and a really cool place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It’s home to some incredible scenery as well as some interesting history from the war between Canada and the USA. In fact, you can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. This is one of those places where you should plan to spend at least a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

Best time to go: The warmer months from May to October. July and August will be the busiest. Before going, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many awesome things to do in Toronto !

Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

For those wanting to experience a world-class city like Montreal, followed by a scenic road trip, the Gaspe Peninsula is the one for you. This 9-hour trip takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City, and up to the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its pine forests and looming cliffs, the Gaspé Peninsula is a stunning place to visit. Some of the highlights include visiting the pierced rock in Percé, spending some time at the Parc de la Gaspésie, and taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island. Obviously, the cities of Quebec and Montreal aren’t so shabby either. This is a great road trip for those wanting to mix urban and rural fun.

Best time to go:  June to mid-September. Want more? Here are other things to do in Quebec as well as the top things to do in Montreal .

Prince Edward Island Coastal Drives

With so many beautiful coastal drives, the hardest thing might be picking the right one. Then again, you could always do all three. The tourism board has three road trips they recommend, which include the North Coast Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive. The North Coast will introduce you to its Mi’kmaq culture as well as some unique stops, including a potato museum and a college for the Highland arts. The Central Coastal Drive includes the Red Sands Shore and the Green Gables Shore region. This area is great to experience the beautiful red sand that PEI is famous for as well as the historical landmark of Anne of Green Gables. Lastly, there’s the Points East Coastal Drive, which is characterized by its parks, trails, and lighthouses. Either way, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning coastal views and delicious seafood along the way.

Best time to go:  The Eastern Canada road trip is best in the warmer months, as many attractions close in the winter. Want more ideas? Here are other things to do in Prince Edward Island .

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

For those visiting the East Coast, don’t miss a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia . Cradling the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail has become one of the most famous road trips in Canada and the most famous East Coast Canada road trip. At 300 kilometres in length, most of which hug the coastline, this road trip is perfect for those who love the ocean and incredible views. Traversing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are all sorts of places to stop off and go for a hike as well. One of the most popular hikes is the Skyline Trail, which takes you up to the peak of the highlands for jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some small communities of Celtic and Acadian descent, which are also home to many artisans. This is another road trip that only takes 3-4 hours to complete but is better done over one day or more.

Tour Idea: Click here to learn about a low-cost Smartphone Audio Driving Tour .

Best time to go: June to September is best for good weather but October is great to see the fall foliage.

Spending more time in Nova Scotia? Don’t forget to enjoy some of the best things to do in Halifax !

The Viking Trail and Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Known to locals as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is one of the most unique and beautiful provinces in Canada. It has its lively music, food, culture, and a really friendly laid-back charm. It’s also a great place for a Canada road trip thanks to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. In fact, there are many great road trips in Newfoundland but this one stands out as the best. If you’re looking for incredible scenery, wildlife, adventure, and ancient history, there’s no better place to go. It all starts with Gros Morne National Park, which is home to landlocked fjords, mountains, forests, barren cliffs, and the sea. It’s also home to the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. There’s also loads of wildlife, including moose and caribou. Then there’s the Viking Trail , which takes you from Gros Morne National Park up to St. Anthony’s. This is the tip of Newfoundland and home to the thousand-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Both Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Best time to go: June to early October is the best time for good weather. It’s also the only time L’Anse aux Meadows is open. For more, check out our article on the best things to do in Newfoundland

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver, Banff National Park , the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fundy National Park, and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. In fact, there are far too many highlights to include here. Just make sure you have a lot of time. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. Personally, I’d want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going North to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Best time to go:  April to October for optimal weather coast to coast. However, some parts of Canada still get snowstorms up until May.

We hope this list has inspired you to take a Canada road trip somewhere in this country, if not all the way across.

If you’re exploring Canada, we have many other articles you might enjoy as well, including:

• Things to Do in Drumheller
• Things to Do in Jasper
• Whale Watching Canada
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Camping in Alberta

Happy Travels!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

Traveling by car can get you places which can be very difficult to reach by public transport or tour. It gives you the convenience of going your own way, in your own time, and it can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or a group. Many car rental services are giving comfortable rides at affordable rates Here, some top road trip ideas to inspire you : 1) The Trans-Canada Highway 2) Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia 3) Icefields Parkway, Alberta 4) Country Routes, Quebec 5) The Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories 6) Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

I mentioned above places are when I visited last time in Canada by ReRyde ride share service. It is easy for me to travel all the places at affordable rates within the scheduled hours. I enjoyed my trip happily by seamless ride To get more information: https://www.reryde.com/

June 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

I am especially interested in the Dempster Highway drive. Could you send me a guide please?

Mike Richins 325-660-8904

5058 Oaklawn Drive Abilene, Texas 79606

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We don’t have any guides to sell. We might create a digital one, but it wouldn’t be ready anytime soon.

June 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

I’m looking for some good road trips as I’m RVing from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver Island in September and taking a month to do it.

June 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Oh awesome, that sounds like a great trip. So much to see along the way. Riding Mountain NP, Grasslands NP in Sask, Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, etc 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 6:37 pm

My wife and I are planning to drive from Surrey BC to London Ontario. Leaving October 9th, or 10th 2020. wish me luck. we are hoping for good weather.

September 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Very cool! That’s a big drive! Just going for fun?

January 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

There is the Northern Woods and Water Highway road trip that is the furthest North people can travel east west in Canada. See the website http://www.NWWR.ca As an Association we promote a different view of the prairies. It can be connected with the TransCanada or Yellowhead for a circle tour of Western Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver and return. Get on anywhere and experience woods, water and wildlife.

February 1, 2021 at 3:56 pm

Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Are you like a Tourism Board for the area? We’d love to feature this one day on the channel

April 28, 2021 at 5:12 pm

just got some new wheels so anxious to hit the road….when we can once again do that! thanks for the great ideas!

April 3, 2023 at 9:01 pm

Do you have suggestions for renting a car that would allow you to rent the car on the west coast and leave it on the east coast?

April 4, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Not really. Some do allow that though for a fee. Sometimes you can book it this way through a site like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, etc.

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If you’re seeking to blend multiple incredible destinations into a single unforgettable holiday, then a North American road trip is the ultimate choice for you. With expansive open roads stretching across vast and scenic landscapes, wild and rugged coastlines, deserts adorned with scattered cacti, and awe-inspiring national parks as the canvas for your self-drive adventure, the USA and Canada beckon road trip enthusiasts.

Whether you’ve dreamt of traversing America’s iconic Mother Road, Route 66, leisurely meandering through the charming byways and secluded back roads of New England, exploring the rich tapestry of the Southern states, savoring the breathtaking beauty of Canyonlands, or cruising down the picturesque coastline of California’s Highway 1, there’s an abundance of remarkable self-drive adventures awaiting you in the USA.

From the North Atlantic to the North Pacific, from vibrant cities to pristine wilderness encompassing the Great Lakes, the Prairies, and the Rockies, Canada offers a plethora of road trip opportunities. Its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, lively cities, and iconic wildlife, paired with well-maintained roads and generally light traffic, make it an idyllic road trip destination. Embark on a journey of a lifetime through towering mountain ranges, culturally diverse cities, and along the gracefully curved coastlines on an epic Canadian road trip holiday.

Why Choose Us for USA and Canada Road Trips?

At Discover North America, we understand that planning the perfect road trip across the USA and Canada can be a daunting task. That’s where we come in. Our passion for crafting extraordinary journeys and our in-depth knowledge of North America set us apart as your ideal travel partner. Here’s why you should choose us for your USA and Canada road trips:

Expertly Crafted Itineraries

Our team of travel experts meticulously plans every aspect of your road trip. From iconic routes to hidden gems, we curate itineraries that showcase the best of the USA and Canada. We take the time to understand your preferences, ensuring that each journey is tailored to your interests, whether it’s exploring national parks, immersing in cultural experiences, or savoring culinary delights.

Handpicked Accommodations and Experiences

We believe that where you stay and what you do can transform your travel experience. That’s why we handpick accommodations that offer comfort, authenticity, and a true sense of place. Whether it’s charming boutique hotels, cozy lodges, or unique stays, we ensure that your accommodation enhances your adventure. Our curated experiences, from local guided tours to immersive activities, provide a deeper connection with the destination.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

While others may stick to the main interstate highways, we’re committed to getting you off the beaten path whenever possible. Our itineraries often include scenic byways and backroads, allowing you to discover the real America and Canada. You’ll have the chance to explore charming small towns, untouched landscapes, and connect with local communities that make each journey truly exceptional.

Insider Knowledge and Recommendations

Our travel experts possess insider knowledge of the destinations you’ll visit. We provide recommendations for hidden gems, local eateries, and authentic experiences that most travellers miss. This insider perspective adds depth and authenticity to your road trip, ensuring you have an unforgettable adventure.

24/7 Support

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. With our 24/7 customer support, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that assistance is just a call away, no matter where your journey takes you.

Start Planning Your North American Road Trip Today

At Discover North America, we take immense pride in the exceptional services and extensive knowledge we offer when it comes to booking your dream holiday. We understand that every client is unique, and we believe that your journey should reflect your individuality and needs. That’s why we craft bespoke holidays designed around you, ensuring an experience that exceeds your expectations.

Over the years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading tour operator, renowned for our knowledge, helpfulness, and first-class service. Our customer reviews speak to our commitment to creating unforgettable adventures for every client.

To maintain the high service levels we’re known for, we’ve made a deliberate choice not to offer a bookable website or provide quotes via email or social media messenger without any interpersonal contact. We believe that by engaging in direct conversations with you, we can better understand your desires, preferences, and expectations, resulting in a tailored itinerary that’s truly extraordinary. You can find out more about the process we follow here .

Contact a Discover North America Travel Specialist today, and let’s begin planning the road trip of your dreams. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

View our Road Trips

We believe that your road trip should be as unique as you are. The itineraries featured on our website are not set in stone; they merely provide an excellent starting point. Whether you dream of exploring national parks, indulging in culinary delights, or diving deep into local culture, we'll work closely with you to design a road trip that aligns with your interests and preferences.

Places to visit in Road Trips

American southwest, american west, capital region, eastern canada, georgia and the carolinas, great lakes, new england, new york & beyond, pacific northwest, western canada and the yukon road trips.

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North America

• Albuquerque
• Fort Lauderdale
• Indianapolis
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Palm Springs
• Philadelphia
• Salt Lake City
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• Santa Monica
• Virginia Beach
• Washington, D.C.

Latin America + The Caribbean

• Buenos Aires
• Dominican Republic
• Grand Cayman
• Mexico City
• Panama City
• Puerto Rico
• Puerto Vallarta
• Punta de Mita
• Rio de Janeiro

Asia Pacific

Africa + middle east.

• Johannesburg
• Couples + Family
• Culture + Style
• Eat + Drink
• Health + Fitness
• Tips + Trends

Take the road (trip) less traveled in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo: Getty Images)

8 Must-Stay Hotels in the U.S. & Canada Worth Planning a Road Trip Around

Unbelievably scenic road trips come with the territory when you hit the highway around the United States and Canada. And with them comes the chance to stay at any number of fantastic hotels along the way. In fact, some hotels are so great they merit planning a road trip around.

So, with a wonderful hotel with a deep sense of place as your base, set out to explore wildernesses that include spots like the Everglades in Florida and Utah’s iconic red canyons, as well as Hawaii’s lava fields, the shimmering glacial lakes of the Canadian Rockies and more landscapes — and routes through them —to remember.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Florida

For a southwest Florida road trip that mixes wild nature at your doorstep and peak relaxation in a gorgeous beachfront setting, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort beckons.

You’re within a short drive of epic forays into Florida nature here, including Everglades National Park and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary , where you might spot alligators and the elusive ghost orchid.

Oceanfront rooms at the hotel bring awe-inspiring Gulf of Mexico views sweeping in, there are lounge chairs waiting for you on the sugar-fine sands, and the hotel’s Spa by JW is one of the finest wellness oases in the entire state. And if golf is your thing, two championship courses are yours for the taking.

SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park, Utah

For exploring one of the most legendary national parks in Utah, it’s impossible to choose a better road-tripping base than SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park , located right along the Virgin River and just a mile from Zion National Park’s entry gates.

From March through late November, you’ll need to use the park’s shuttle bus to access the breathtaking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that winds past popular trailheads at Emerald Pools (where waterfalls plunge into a deep green pool) and Weeping Rock.

Outside of those peak months, you can road trip on your own into the park — as well as to other spots farther afield, like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim — from the hotel.

Make time to kick it in the hotel’s hot tub and pool, surrounded by canyon and red rock views that ground you firmly in this beautiful place.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection; Hawaii

Road trips into Hawaii ‘s ranch-rich paniolo (cowboy) country served up with spectacular Kohala Coast views are on the adventuring itinerary when you make Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection your base on the Big Island.

While it would be easy to never leave the property thanks to all of the resort’s amenities — championship golf, tennis, a stunning beach and an oceanfront pool among them — you’re surrounded by beach parks for snorkeling and bodysurfing (Spencer Beach Park and Hapuna Beach State Recreation area) and other tempting Hawaiian landscapes.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park , a two-hour road trip south, is a fascinating place, with frequent eruptions from Kilauea and Mauna Loa and hiking trails that cross lava fields where you might see petroglyphs.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, Georgia

A road trip into coastal Georgia’s Lowcountry comes with comfort food and killer local seafood plus historical sites and sandy beaches.

What could be better? Check into the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District , right on Savannah’s historic riverfront and easily walkable to shopping, bars and restaurants, and you’ll be ensconced in luxury when you’re not out seeing the sights — maybe nestled in a plush cabana by the rooftop pool.

The golden beaches of Tybee Island are just a half-hour drive from the hotel, and you can venture into South Carolina to visit Hilton Head to sample local shrimp and oysters or play some golf in just 40 minutes.

Drive 1.5 hours south for a fun day trip to Jekyll Island , the southernmost of Georgia’s Golden Isles, where 25 miles of paved biking trails wind through marshes and along the beach

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara; California

A California road trip from Los Angeles or San Francisco with Santa Barbara as your ultimate destination for winding down is full of rewards when you make The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara your end game for pampered relaxation.

Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, to the north, have mellow surf spots for beginners, and monarch butterflies migrate en masse through the area from October through February. For deeper forays into nature, consider day tripping by boat to Channel Islands National Park , 22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Back at the hotel, which sprawls across 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s all about basking in more glorious coastal views. Rooms that come with private fire pits are especially cozy after a long day out exploring.

Muir, Autograph Collection; Nova Scotia

Lobster dinners, live music at cozy local pubs and a dedicated cold-water surf scene make Nova Scotia a road-tripping haven if you love the great outdoors and fresh seafood options everywhere.

Kick off the fun in Nova Scotia’s lively capital city, Halifax , with a stay at the Muir, Autograph Collection . The stylish and modern wellness-oriented property in the city’s Queen’s Marque district is within a quick stroll of waterfront restaurants and bars. Take time to relax in the hotel’s halotherapy salt room and infrared sauna , too.

Make the property your launch point for road trips farther afield in some of Canada’s most stunning provinces, including to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (known for lobster, mussels, oysters and scallops) in the Maritimes provinces.

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver; British Columbia

One of Canada’s legendary west coast road trips includes island hopping by car and ferry along the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.

Kick off the journey with a ferry trip with your car from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver that travels through the glistening waters of Howe Sound to the coastal hamlet of Langdale.

You can experience the Sunshine Coast’s pretty pockets (galleries, pristine beaches and quaint cafés await) as a day trip from Vancouver or plan to linger longer.

When you’re back in Vancouver, check in for a restful, wellness-focused respite along the waterfront at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver , with a beautiful outdoor pool, breathtaking mountain vistas and the city’s beloved Stanley Park at your doorstep for urban hiking, picnicking on the beach, biking and other outdoorsy pursuits.

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection; Alberta

Turquoise-hued glacial lakes and towering mountain peaks make for an unforgettable backyard playground when you plan a road trip from Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection , an chalet-style resort set in the wilds of Alberta, Canada.

The elegant hotel’s 50,000-square-foot Nordic Spa is a destination unto itself, including the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit of five stunning pools, a true refuge among the alpine surrounds.

Road trip roughly an hour from the property to Banff National Park and Lake Louise, a year-round playground for hiking, skiing, dog-sledding and lake-hopping, depending on the time of year you’re here.

About 40 minutes from the hotel, the quintessential Canadian mountain village of Canmore is worth seeking out for its excellent restaurants ( Crazyweed Kitchen is a favorite for modern Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine) and more outdoor fun along the lines of cross-country skiing, hiking and ice climbing.

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

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Historic Route 66

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

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

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Appalachian Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canada Road Trips

Whether you know them as Canadian road trips, self drives or vacations by car, planning the perfect road trip in Canada can be a tricky task.

Luckily, our team has driven every route in the country, creating the best canadian road trips with sights, activities and accommodation included., our collection of self-drive itineraries vary in focus and duration and can be adapted to suit your individual preferences., the best time to drive is from may to october, when long days and favorable weather conditions allow you to take in fantastic views, delve into local history, uncover hidden gems and spot wildlife..

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"We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. We had such a nice time and everything was great."

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"We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. A Bucket List dream come true!"

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Annabelle - Delaware, United States

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Paul Williams Canada

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"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."

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Ann - Australia

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. "

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Ross - Ontario, Canada

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Road trips in Canada

Western conquest.

Explore the must-sees of Western Canada. The natural beauty of Vancouver Island, the waterfalls of Wells Gray Park and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Rockies will blow your mind!

Explore Toronto, Niagara Falls, the charm of the Eastern Townships and Charlevoix on this captivating road trip through Ontario and Quebec.

The West by RV

From nights under the stars in Rocky Mountain campsites to the beauty of Vancouver Island, come and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Canadian nature.

Legendary landscapes

Embark on an unforgettable escape along Canadian roads from the Rockies to Vancouver. You'll be captivated by the natural treasures at every turn...

West with the family

Embark on unforgettable family adventures from Vancouver to the authentic charm of historic Hat Creek Village. Finish your road trip in style in the heart of the majestic Rockies.

Passionate by nature

Drive from the Rockies to Wells Gray Park, soak up Vancouver Island and taste the delights of the Okanagan. Immerse yourself in the nature of Western Canada !

Legendary splendour

By car! The spectacular roads of this road trip through the varied scenery and must-see attractions of Western Canada are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

The Rockies by train

Cross the majestic Rocky Mountains from Vancouver to Jasper aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Ontario & Quebec

From Toronto to Niagara Falls, experience Ontario's bustling cities and explore Quebec's wilderness. The perfect adventure between culture and nature.

Wonders of Canada

Each stage of this escapade reveals unique wonders, from captivating metropolises to natural splendors, creating an unforgettable adventure in the heart of America.

Dream destinations

Discover breathtaking landscapes and majestic mountains in unspoilt wilderness. Each day offers a new dream destination for an unforgettable experience.

The Maritimes by RV

Discover the tides of the Bay of Fundy and Kouchibouguac and the breathtaking scenery of Cape Breton on this road trip that promises rich experiences and a memorable maritime escapade.

Discover the Lakes Route. From the unspoiled beauty of Waterton to the iconic village of Banff, you'll experience a real immersion in Alberta's dreamy scenery.

Authentik Quebec by the sea

Discover Gaspésie and the Côte Nord, combining ecotourism and maritime discoveries, and stay in eco-responsible accommodation for an authentic adventure in the heart of Québec maritime.

• Eco-friendly

From Toronto to New York, explore the culture of Montreal, the charm of Quebec City and the energy of Boston. Each stop adds a new dimension to this journey to the heart of North America's cities.

The great explorer

Explore unlimited Montreal, the majestic Niagara Falls, the historic streets of Quebec City, and the famous Gaspésie. An unforgettable journey between Ontario and Quebec !

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of Parc des Grands Jardins and Parc du Fjord du Saguenay, and explore Île aux Lièvres. Destinations that invite you to reconnect with nature!

Destination Maritimes

From the city of Halifax to the beaches of Kouchibouguac, via the beauty of Cape Breton Island, experience an adventure rich in coastal landscapes, warm encounters and culinary discoveries.

From glaciers to geysers

From glaciers to geysers, dense forests to endless meadows, this road trip crosses borders, soaking up the majestic grandeur of the Rockies from country to country.

The New World

Travel through Ontario and Quebec by motorhome. From picturesque villages to the calm of nature and the authenticity of the Gaspe Peninsula. A fascinating mix of scenery across our wide-open spaces.

The Green Odyssey

Quebec's ubiquitous nature awaits you on this road trip, where Quebec's most beautiful parks reveal their charms and their finest treasures.

Explore Western Canada aboard the Inside Passage. A delightful blend of fjords, lush forests, typical villages and unique natural scenery, each stop reveals an unforgettable adventure.

Once in the West

Explore Western Canada from Calgary to the majestic Rockies, from Wells Gray to Vancouver, ending at legendary Lake Louise! An epic journey through the heart of Alberta and British Columbia.

Welcome to Canada

Explore Canada with your family from Niagara to Quebec City! Discover the majestic Falls, the excitement of Toronto, the authenticity of Seigneurie du Triton, and the splendor of the Saguenay Fjord.

Back-country roads

Travel the scenic backcountry roads from the comfort of your motorhome. At every turn, the diverse landscapes of the Rockies will leave you in awe!

Indian summer

Travel to the rhythm of the colors of Indian summer. An enchanting journey where each destination reveals the splendor of the vibrant colors of this unique autumn season.

Canadian treasures

Discover Canadian treasures, from Niagara Falls to Forillon National Park. On the road, let yourself be charmed by the wide-open spaces and picturesque villages of Charlevoix and Gaspésie.

Trekking in Quebec

Put on your hiking boots and explore trails with breathtaking panoramas, from National Gaspesie Park to majestic Rocher Percé. Each step will guide you into the wilderness.

Vancouver Island

Explore Vancouver Island, from the charming city of Victoria to the wild beaches of Pacific Rim. You won't remain indifferent to the authenticity of Telegraph Cove and the beauty of Quadra Island.

Nomad spirit

Enjoy a touring adventure through Quebec and Ontario in your motorhome. From Montreal to Niagara, explore the Thousand Islands, Mauricie, Tadoussac and Jacques Cartier National Park.

Large as life

From emerald lakes to the Pacific coast, the majestic landscapes of Western Canada will captivate you on this memorable road trip.

Wild refinement

Between national parks, towns and unexpected encounters, this mountain epic promises moments of pure emotion and wild adventure.

From the Rockies to Yellowstone

From the majestic Rockies to the mythical Yellowstone Park, nature reveals a show without borders, with exceptional landscapes and captivating natural diversity!

Family adventure

Board the Inside Passage, crossing majestic fjords. Discover history-filled villages in Prince Rupert, Stewart and Smithers, before concluding in the heart of the Rockies.

La Belle Province

Explore La Belle Province. Discover spectacular coastal landscapes, picturesque villages and enjoy an authentic adventure in the heart of Québec maritime.

Family vacation in Canada

Discover the treasures of Quebec with your family on this road trip that offers authentic immersion and rejuvenation in an exceptional natural setting.

Gaspesie road trip

Enjoy the ultimate adventure in Quebec: from the forests of Mauricie to the Saguenay Fjord, from the whales of Tadoussac to the Gaspesie National Park, each stage promises an unforgettable experience.

Canada by Motorhome

Travel the roads of Quebec in a motorhome and discover the diversity of the province, from the charms of Quebec City to the natural beauty of Mauricie and the Saguenay Fjord.

Wilderness trail

Discover lakes and forests, where mountains and river intertwine. An unforgettable getaway, revealing the majestic Saguenay Fjord and the unspoiled nature of Quebec !

Heart of Quebec

This convivial trip will let you discover the authenticity of Quebecers at every step, celebrating the beauty, culture and hospitality of Quebec.

Indian summer by RV

Breathtaking panoramas await you in the jewel of Quebec autumn: from the splendor of the Mauricie region to the colorful valleys of Jacques Cartier Park, you'll be amazed by these majestic sceneries.

The nature of Quebec

Explore the diversity of Québec au naturel with this compendium of varied adventures, from the Jacques Cartier trails to the whales of Tadoussac, from Lac Saint-Jean to Parc de la Mauricie.

The grand seduction

Experience the essence of Gaspesie with outdoor activities and rich local cuisine. A perfect fusion of seafood delights and Gaspesian authenticity awaits you.

Family zone

Discover Quebec with your family: its wilderness, wide-open spaces, whales and lush flora and fauna are sure to delight everyone !

Us, ye, and the Islands !

From the beaches of the Islands to the charms of Gaspésie, discover picturesque villages and soak up the rhythm of the waves. A journey that connects us, you and these enchanting islands.

Gaspesie family vacation

Bring the whole family and discover the region's treasures: beaches, picturesque villages and the famous Rocher Percé.

My custom road trip

Authentic quebec: gems to visit during indian summer, the best western canada tour, the best vancouver island road trip, the best 10-day itinerary in canada, the best 2-week road trip for exploring quebec and ontario, the best van road trip in quebec, how to use the google maps gps offline while travelling , western vs eastern canada : which to choose , 5 ideas to entertain the kids on a canada road trip, the best 2-week quebec road trip, the best 10-day itinerary in the canadian rockies, 5 good reasons to opt for an rv for your family road trip, the quebec beer route, the ultimate quebec family road trip, the best road trip to experience indian summer, top 10 scenic routes in western canada (with maps + photos), the ultimate quebec rv road trip, top 10 attractions in banff national park, travel guide to the canadian rockies, faq on road trips in canada, when to go on a canada tour .

The best time to go on a Canadian Rockies road trip or Eastern Canada adventure is during the summer months, between mid-June and mid-October .

The high touristic season is between mid-July and mid-August . There are a lot more travelers and the prices are higher.

From mid-September to mid-October , the trees are adorned with red, orange and yellow to offer quite a spectacle. You can sometimes still get nice temperatures. We call it the Indian Summer.

Whatever option suits your desire, make sure to check out our section " When to visit Canada ? " before booking your travel dates.

Driving in Canada

Before leaving for a road trip aboard your Canada car rental, it is best to be aware of the particularities of the Canadian highway code. We have gathered for you the most important information on our " Driving in Canada " page.

When should I book my Canada tour ?

The best time to book your Quebec road trip or Western Canada tour is to book at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially if you plan to travel in July or August.

Indeed, if you book your Canada road trip at the last minute, you risk limited availability , not to mention that you can expect the most beautiful places to be full.

Finally, the earlier you book, the more money you will save . There is no good reason to wait before booking your trip.

Consult our section " When to book my trip? " to know more.

What is the Authentik roadbook ?

The Authentik roadbook is a fully personalized Canada travel guide tailored to your individual Canada tour . Your Authentik advisor will start preparing your roadbook as soon as you book your trip.

The roadbook can be delivered to your home prior to your departure or given to you upon your arrival in Canada.

See it as your  personal assistant that will help you discover the most beautiful places in the country so that you don't miss a thing on your trip with us.

See our " Roadbook " section for more information.

Which destination to choose between Eastern and Western Canada ?

Are you planning a Canada self-drive holiday  and hesitating between Eastern Canada and its warmhearted Quebec or a Canadian Rockies itinerary  ?

Consult our " East vs West" section to help you see more clearly.

Should I choose a Canada tour by RV or by car ?

You are wondering if you should explore our great outdoors aboard a Canada RV rental or a  car  ?

Both types of travel have their pros and cons.

And contrary to popular belief, it is not always true that an RV trip costs less.

Consult our section " Car or RV " to know more.

See all FAQs on road trips in Canada

Check out our comprehensive road trip FAQs or our practical information FAQs on traveling to Canada in general.

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Canadian Rockies | Open Roads and Tranquil Abodes

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Western Canada | For those who prefer life in the slow lane...

Quebec | Flavours of Eastern Canada

Western Canada | Where Adventure Begins

Our Featured Canadian Road Trips

For the past 23 years our team has been designing dream road trips in Canada. Our team regularly travels from coast to coast discovering new adventures that we can't wait to share with you.

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7 of the best road trips in Canada

Apr 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Take an epic journey in Canada with these top road trip routes © Ascent / PKS Media Inc. / Getty Images

Great road trips define Canada .

Every province and territory can lay claim to a rich selection of magnificent journeys, but at the top of the list are a clutch of big-hitting scene-stealers – epic strips of asphalt doused with glints of only-in-Canada magic. Expect massive glaciers, foraging fauna, stormy coastlines and the kind of raw, uncompromising wilderness that’s rare if you head further south.

In this modern and affluent country, roads are generally wide and well-maintained and drivers are scrupulously polite. However, you can often go a long way without seeing a gas station or decent food, especially in the north, so stock up on supplies and emergency gear.

To sample our favorite road trips in Canada, load up your playlist with Drake, Rush and the Tragically Hip, and kiss the urban traffic snarl-ups goodbye.

1. Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

Best road trip for families Vancouver–Whistler; 121km (75 miles); allow 4–5 hours

From the deluxe, hill-hugging homes of West Vancouver to the neo-alpine ski village of Whistler , the Sea to Sky Highway rarely lets you out of its rapture. Comprising the most spectacular section of Hwy 99, which runs for 377km (234 miles) from the US border to Cache Creek, this drive traverses the steep-sided slopes of Howe Sound before contouring north through the Coast Mountains to Whistler.

If you can take your eyes off the collage of peaks, forests and fjords, this winding thoroughfare has many worthy stops, especially if you're in the market for hiking, climbing or mining history. Horseshoe Bay is the city’s main ferry terminal and the starting point for a tough, rocky hike up to Eagle Bluffs for eagle-eye views over Vancouver.

Further north, Britannia Beach is a one-time company town whose former mining facility – now a  museum and national historic site – concertinas down a steep hill. The small but growing town of Squamish is an obligatory stop for refueling (get gas at the local Shell station and coffee at the funky Zephyr Cafe ) and a ride on the finest gondola in BC.

Planning tip:  Locals fondly recommend an extended stop at Function Junction a few kilometers south of Whistler. You can hike through the forest to a 1950s train wreck that has been turned into an inspirational art project and buy lunch at peerless Purebread , possibly the finest purveyor of baked goods this side of Paris.

Breaking up your drive with a hike or two? Here are 16 of Canada's best trails

2. Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Best road trip for mountains and glaciers Lake Louise–Jasper; 230km (143 miles); allow 5–6 hours

The Icefields Parkway – or the Promanade des Glaciers, as it’s romantically known in French – is the crème de la crème of Canadian drives. This 230km (143-mile) trip links the nation’s two most emblematic national parks, Banff and Jasper , leaving even the most verbose travel writers flailing for adjectives.

Starting near the robin-egg-blue waters of Lake Louise , home to the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel , the route penetrates north through some of the most elemental scenery on the planet. Giant mountains, craning trees and powerful waterfalls are mere supporting acts to the gargantuan glaciers and abundant wildlife, which gets even more copious as you approach Jasper.

You'll pass a litany of potential stops en route, many offering access to superb viewpoints and short interpretive hikes. Headliners include cerulean Peyto Lake , Jasper’s “hanging” Skywalk and the Athabasca Glacier – a frozen tributary of the colossal Columbia Icefield.

Planning tip:  Thundering Athabasca Falls is at its deafening best during the spring snow-melt.

Want to get away from the crowds? Here's where locals go on vacation in Canada

3. Klondike Hwy, Yukon

Best road trip for wilderness Skagway–Dawson City; 708km (440 miles); allow 2 days

Following the same basic route as the 19th-century’s greatest gold rush, this sealed highway starts in Skagway, Alaska , and crosses the Canadian border near the tiny town of Fraser, before passing through Carcross and the world’s smallest desert en route to Whitehorse . Here, you can wise up on territorial history and the nuances of the gold rush at the town’s McBride Museum .

Head north of Whitehorse for unadulterated wilderness. Be sure to stop at the Braeburn Lodge , a rustic roadhouse known for its sweet, soccer-ball-sized cinnamon buns and brusque backcountry service. Blink and you’ll miss the self-sufficient communities of Carmacks, Pelly Crossing and Stewart Crossing. Plan for a longer stop at Five Finger Rapids, where a wooden staircase leads down to a viewing platform over the choppy Yukon River. The rafts of numerous Klondike prospectors upended on this rough stretch of water.

As you approach Dawson City, mine tailings from century-old dredging operations dot the roadside, alongside gravel piles and small ponds. The town is an understated beauty, filled with authentic gold rush history and the literary ghosts of novelist Jack London and poet Robert Service.

4. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Best road trip for a coastal drive St Ann’s Bay–St Ann’s Bay; 298km (186 miles); allow 1 day

One of the main reasons travelers come to Nova Scotia is to drive the Cabot Trail, the looping, dipping roller-coaster of a road that snakes its way around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island .

Offering epic views of rolling seas and thick forests, and – if you're lucky – the chance to spot a moose, eagle or even a whale, this maritime classic traverses the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park . The park is home to the province's grandest scenery, richest wildlife and best hiking trails .

Heading counterclockwise on this circular route, you’ll encounter Ingonish Beach , a long, wide ribbon of sand sheltered in a bay cocooned by gentle hills, and Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia’s premier whale-watching hub. The Skyline Trail, the Cabot’s hiking highlight, meanders through evergreen forests and along windy cliff-tops to a spectacular ridge.

Other favorite stops include Cheticamp, Nova Scotia's most vibrant and thriving Acadian community, and Baddeck, home to a museum dedicated to former resident Alexander Graham Bell, pioneer of the very handy device known as the telephone.

5. Gaspésie Tour, Québec

Best road trip for French-Canadian culture Sainte-Flavie–Sainte-Flavie; 822km (511 miles); allow 3 days

Towering cliffs, freshly-caught seafood and Québécois sea shanties are all on the itinerary as you circle La Gaspésie , the lofty peninsula contoured by Rte 132 on Québec ’s eastern shores. Easing out of Sainte-Flavie, make time to stop near Pointe-à-la-Croix at the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site , where a French-British naval clash in 1760 marked the death knell for French colonial ambitions in Canada.

The Parc National de Miguasha has the world's leading cache of ancient fish fossils, with a museum illustrating how prehistoric sea creatures evolved into tetrapods. The crown jewels of the Gaspé Peninsula are Rocher Percé , a huge offshore limestone rock formation with a seemingly gravity-defying archway, and blustery Forillon National Park , where mountains plunge directly into the choppy ocean and rugged cliffs stand sentinel over spouting whales.

Planning tip:  After rounding the tip of the peninsula, you’ll head back along the St Lawrence waterway where it’s worth scheduling a lengthy stop in the Parc National de la Gaspésie . A short drive inland from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the park is a rough mountainous realm with fine hiking options.

6. Viking Trail, Newfoundland

Best road drive for archaeology Deer Lake–St Anthony; 434km (270 miles); allow 1 day

Imagine ancient indigenous burial grounds, 1000-year-old Viking remains, monumental icebergs, breaching whales and an almost supernatural national park whose trippy tablelands are a textbook guide to plate tectonics. Welcome to Newfoundland’s epic Rte 430, which links a patchwork of fog-cloaked coves, snow-capped mountains and stormy fjords.

Starting inauspiciously in the town of Deer Lake, the route plunges into Gros Morne National Park pausing at its waterside hub, Rocky Harbour, a nexus for trails and boat trips with a fun wildlife museum .

Further north lie two important archaeological sites: Port au Choix , a national historic site dedicated to the 5500-year-old burial grounds of three different indigenous groups, and L'Anse aux Meadows , where Leif Erikson and his Viking buddies arrived approximately 1000 years ago – the first known European settlers in the Americas.

Planning tip:  The trail ends at St Anthony, a small fishing village with a rough-hewn charm that makes a perfect stop for whale- and iceberg-watching.

7. Lake Superior Coastline, Ontario

Best road trip for lakes Sault Ste Marie–Thunder Bay; 700km (435 miles); allow 2 days

Even Canada’s most populated province can seem positively remote as you motor along the northern shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake, following a quiet segment of the Trans-Canada Hwy through a necklace of provincial parks.

Pancake Bay Provincial Park hides one of Canada's finest stretches of sugary sand, and if you pull up off-season, you might have it all to yourself. Lake Superior Provincial Park protects a more precipitous coastline punctuated with the exposed rock of the Canadian Shield.

There are indigenous pictographs in the area and fabulous opportunities for stargazing (the park was designated a dark sky preserve in 2018).  Similar solitude awaits at Rocky Neys Provincial Park , where Lawren Harris of the Group of Seven came to paint amid craggy beaches and roaming caribou.

Approaching Thunder Bay, you'll pass the jagged Sleeping Giant Peninsula – a series of flat-topped ridges that resemble a large reclining man. The rugged, forested terrain here is characterized by cliffs, hiking trails and plentiful fauna, including moose, wolf and lynx.

This article was first published Jul 14, 2020 and updated Apr 12, 2024.

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