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Toronto to Vancouver DRIVE Through Canada: MAP + Stops

Planning a cross-Canada Toronto to Vancouver road trip? So am I! Here are itinerary ideas for your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada, including a route map. Find the best road trip stops, things to do, where to stay, and side treks you might want to take.

The driving distance from Toronto to Vancouver is a whopping 4,400 kilometers (2,735 miles). Without dipping into the United States, the shortest and fastest Toronto to Vancouver drive will take you 46 hours. Whew! 

My recommended Toronto to Vancouver road trip route is slightly longer at 4,650 km, which will take 51 hours and seven days of driving. This route takes you through BC’s pristine Okanagan Valley. 

Plus, consider five mini road trips. One in Southern Ontario through Niagara-on-the-Lake. An 11-hour loop through Alberta’s Badlands and gorgeous mountain drive. BC’s Rocky Mountain hot springs. And then two road trips near Vancouver: Sea to Sky Highway and Vancouver Island. 

• MAP of Toronto to Vancouver Drive
• Toronto + Drive to Niagara Falls
• LEG 1: Toronto to Sault Ste Marie
• LEG 2: Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay
• LEG 3: Thunder Bay to Winnipeg
• LEG 4: Winnipeg to Calgary via Regina
• LEG 5: Alberta Road Trip (Badlands, Edmonton, Rocky Mountains)
• LEG 6: Banff to Kelowna
• LEG 7: Kelowna to Vancouver
• Road Trip Ideas NEAR VANCOUVER

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MAP of Toronto to Vancouver Drive Through Canada

Here’s a map of my recommended Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada. The blue lines show your cross-Canada road trip route from Ontario to BC, plus side trip ideas. Red icons mark things to do. And grey icons mark great places to stay along the way.

To view map details: Click the top-left arrow to open legend. 

To customize the map: Click the top-right box “View larger map,” click three circles and “copy.” Add/delete places you’re planning for your cross-Canada road trip. 

Toronto to Vancouver Drive: Best STOPS, Things to DO, Where to STAY

This Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada has seven driving legs. Each leg highlights the best stops, things to do and where to stay along the way. Sprinkled in are awesome little road trips you might want to include, too.

We’ll start with my favorite spots in Toronto, and end with my favorite spots in Vancouver. 

TORONTO + Road Trip to Niagara Falls

If you’re starting your Ontario to BC road trip in Toronto, chances are you’re from here. But if not, definitely give yourself a couple of days to enjoy the city before your Toronto to Vancouver drive.

We stayed outside of downtown for cheaper hotel rates, but the most convenient place to stay would be right downtown.

My favorite things to DO in Toronto:

• Medieval Times : SO much fun for all ages! Your ticket includes a large delicious dinner and two hours of medieval jousting. Come at least 30 minutes early to browse the shops, have a drink and get in the spirit. Be sure to wear your medieval best!
• Ripley’s Aquarium : A fantastic aquarium, with a shark tunnel, gorgeous jellyfish gallery and hands-on experiences. Buy your tickets online that morning to skip the line. For a quieter experience, come before lunch or after 7pm. We just parked in the parkade across the street. 
• CN Tower : A classic site to visit in Toronto, and for good reason! Take a glass-fronted elevator up to three observation decks, including a floor-to-ceiling lookout floor and glass floor walk. The world’s highest outdoor walk on a building. Award-winning dining at the revolving 360 restaurant.
• Toronto Island Park : This park has an excellent amusement park for young kids, splash pad, beautiful beaches, trails and restaurants. Take the ferry or hire a boat taxi at the port.

For Toronto tours or packaged trips nearby, check out Get Your Guide .

Where to STAY in Toronto:

• Chelsea Hotel (downtown): A lovely downtown hotel with two indoor pools, sauna, hot tub, onsite dining, wine bar and games room. Also excellent for families. Gongs, treasure chest prizes, waterslide, supervised Kid Centre, Club 33 Teen Lounge and onsite Market Garden with kid-friendly buffet options. 
• The Ritz-Carlton (next to Aquarium): An ultra-luxurious hotel with onsite dining, spa, indoor saltwater pool, hot tub and sauna. Rooms have deep soaker tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows with views. Also fun for families, with packages including in-room movies, tent and a liquid nitrogen ice cream-making class! Families get access to the Club Lounge with breakfast, lunch, snacks and board games. 
• Hotel X (waterfront): Luxury hotel in Toronto with a gorgeous rooftop pool, elegant restaurant, beauty boutique, spa and exclusive theaters. Rooms have oversized windows with amazing lake or city views. Some have balconies, too. For families: cribs, mini robes, age-appropriate bath products, and supervised Play Centre at Ten X Toronto Athletic Facility.

BONUS ROAD TRIP from Toronto to Niagara Falls:

If you haven’t been to Niagara Falls, consider squeezing it in as a day trip from Toronto.

The driving distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls is 130km, taking just over 1 hour. Niagara-on-the-Lake is about 30 minutes north of Niagara Falls. You could either return to Toronto for the night or stay in the Niagara area.

Things to DO on a road trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls:

• African Lion Safari : This safari gets fantastic reviews for things to do near Toronto! Some guests prefer driving through the safari in their own vehicles, and others on the bus where you get a guided experience. Includes a lake tour, terrific splash pad and eating options. Or, bring your own food. Plan for 2-3 hours.
• Niagara Falls : Of course I have to include this spectacular waterfall in Canada! Although it’s very touristy, you can get a quieter experience on the riverside walk. Horseshoe Falls is the most impressive of the three waterfalls. Check out the virtual tour .
• Niagara-on-the-Lake : Known for its vineyards, breweries and excellent drinks. Need I say more?! Plus, beautiful resorts and private places to stay right on a vineyard. 

Places to STAY near Niagara Falls:

• Vittoria Hotel & Suites (Niagara Falls): An elegant 3-star hotel with an onsite pool and restaurant, and an easy walking distance to Horseshoe Falls. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large walk-in showers.
• Best Western Plus Cairn Croft (Niagara Falls): A basic but comfortable hotel option for families. Features a large indoor courtyard with pool, play area and arcade games. Plus, onsite dining.
• Riverbend Inn & Vineyard (Niagara-on-the-Lake): A brilliant Georgian mansion … right on a private vineyard. All rooms feature a cozy fireplace, private bath and sitting area, and some have a balcony. Onsite dining and 1890s salon bar.

For more places to stay in the Niagara area including private cabins, check out Romantic Getaways in Ontario .

LEG 1: Drive from TORONTO to SAULT STE MARIE

This is the first leg of your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada. Driving west from Toronto through Northern Ontario gives you plenty of gorgeous scenery. You mostly hug the northern shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior. And there are plenty of dramatic cliffs courtesy of the Canadian Shield to keep us happy!

Now, I will warn you: Plan in some patience. Much of the highway from Toronto to the Manitoba border is single-lane traffic. Which means it has Ontario’s painfully slow 90km speed limit. And it’s a main shipping route. 

The first leg of your cross-Canada road trip from Toronto to Sault Ste Marie is 700km and about 7 hours. I suggest a quick stop at Blue Mountain Village, which adds about 80km and 50 minutes to the drive. 

North of Barrie, stay on Highway 400 for the quickest and most scenic route. This hugs the lovely Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, and takes you through Parry Sound, Pickerel and French River. Enjoy the divided highway until Sudbury, where it narrows to single-lane traffic. 

Where to STOP on the drive from Toronto to Sault Ste Marie:

• Blue Mountain Village : A beautiful mountain ski resort community about two hours from Toronto. Stroll in and out of cute shops. Grab a bite to eat. Go on a short hike or start that road trip with a massage. It’s perfect for stretching your legs!
• Science North (Sudbury): An impressive hands-on science center with four floors. Includes an IMAX(R) 3D, nocturnal room, butterfly gallery and a roaming porcupine.
• Scenic stops : Killarney Provincial Park hiking and French River Provincial Park waterfalls. Both parks have excellent paddling options, too.

What to DO in Sault Ste Marie:

• Agawa Canyon Tour Train : Spend a day exploring the scenic Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park. It’s a 4-hour train ride in and 4 hours back, with a 1.5 hour stop for hiking to waterfalls and lookouts.
• Canadian Bushplane Museum : Coming from northern Alberta, I laugh at how Canadian this is! Reviewers love it, saying all ages could spend a few hours here. Fly in the simulator. Radio in fires from the fire tower. Followed by a waterfront picnic outside.
• Sault Ste Marie Boardwalk : A lovely place to stroll along the river. The boardwalk connects nice restaurants, pretty parks, a mall and the historic locks.

Where to STAY in/near Sault Ste Marie:

• Cabin at Big Basswood Lake : The perfect lakefront cabin in Northern Ontario! A quintessential Ontario experience to include on your Canada road trip. This cabin includes a large deck, gentle-sloping beach, sauna, fireplace and canoes. Just over an hour east of Sault Ste Marie, so you’ll need to add this to the next leg of your trip.
• Delta Waterfront : We had a great experience here, and it’s right on the waterfront and boardwalk. Has an indoor pool and restaurant. Rooms are clean and comfortable.

LEG 2: Drive from SAULT STE MARIE to THUNDER BAY

Driving from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay is 700km and just under 8 hours. This scenic drive follows Lake Superior’s northern shore, with lots of beautiful parks to stop and enjoy the views on your Toronto to Vancouver drive.

I absolutely love Northern Ontario’s landscape. Dramatic cliffs and massive boulders of the Canadian Shield combine with thick woods and tumbling water for incredible waterfalls. This is camping, hiking and paddling country! If you don’t have a lot of time, my favorite hikes are at the Sleeping Giant and Silver Falls. 

Where to STOP on the drive from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay:

• Hiking along Lake Superior : Lake Superior Provincial Park cliffs, waterfalls, pictographs, swimming, and incredible hiking and paddling. Pukaskwa National Park with towering cliffs, secluded beaches and a swaying suspension bridge over a waterfall. 
• Short stops : Pretty Rossport to stroll along the lake and get a snack at Serendipity Gardens Cafe . Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park for a nice short hike, and nearby Eagle Canyon for a suspension bridge and zipline adventure.
• Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is spectacular! There are SO many hiking options here. Some short and easy. But the best hikes are half- or full-day and challenging, so plan to stay here for the night. There’s a pretty lakefront campground with a decent beach and cabins, too.
• Terry Fox Monument commemorates where Terry Fox ended his cross-Canada run for cancer awareness. A short stop off the highway with panoramic views and a nice visitor center.

Things to DO in Thunder Bay:

• The Marina is a pretty park right on Lake Superior. Wander the pretty pathways past sailboats and fountains. Watch the boats go by at one of the onsite restaurants.
• Fort William Historical Park : Certainly one of the best preserved and presented historic forts in Canada, this is a fantastic stop for anyone who likes history. We loved the climb to the tower lookout, throwing an axe (don’t ask how well I did!), re-enactments and petting the farm animals. Good onsite restaurant and canoe rentals available. 
• Incredible hikes : Thunder Bay is surrounded by incredible scenery, and it’s easy to access! Favorite nearby hikes include Pigeon River overlooking Lake Superior (30 minutes south of Thunder Bay) and The Cascades (right in Thunder Bay).

Where to STAY in/near Thunder Bay:

• Yurt at Rossport : An elegant and super cozy glamping experience, with fireplace and access to sauna, hammock, gazebo, firepit and BBQ. Rossport is 2 hours east of Thunder Bay. It’s the perfect overnight stop before for hitting the trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and then continuing onto Thunder Bay.
• The Courthouse Hotel : An elegant historic hotel overlooking the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Bay’s waterfront. Excellent service (I can testify!) and high-ceiling rooms. Upgrade to a room with a view! Many cute shops and restaurants within walking distance. Price includes wifi, breakfast and parking.
• Delta Waterfront : A lovely hotel right at Marina Park overlooking Lake Superior. Onsite restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor patio with views of the Sleeping Giant.

LEG 3: Drive from THUNDER BAY to WINNIPEG

Driving from Thunder Bay Ontario to Winnipeg Manitoba is 700km and about 7 hours. If you take the detour to explore Quetico Provincial Park’s back-country, it’s 760km and 8.5 hours from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg.

Where to STOP driving from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg:

• Silver Falls Provincial Park probably has my NUMBER 1 favorite waterfall ever ! You first get a taste of the dramatic cascading Dog Falls from a lookout. Then the trail wraps around and you can dip your toes … wherever you dare! I LOVE the drama of these waterfalls. Trail access is only 30 minutes from Thunder Bay and it’s about a 2-hour hike, so you could also do this hike while staying in Thunder Bay.
• Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is the second highest waterfall in Ontario, and it’s a beauty! It’s easy to access right along Highway 17. The small visitor center is excellent, as are the wooden boardwalks. Has camping onsite and short easy hikes. Plus, the nearby town has excellent ice cream!
• Quetico Provincial Park is perfect for those wanting a back-country experience on a cross-Canada road trip. It’s world-famous for backcountry canoeing with over 2,000 lakes.
• Kenora is cottage country, with beautiful lakefront homes you can rent. Just passing through? Stop for lunch at 901 Westside, pick up some Lake of the Woods craft beer for later, and stretch your legs on a short hike in Rushing River Provincial Park . Need some in-car entertainment? Check out an audio tour guide .

Things to DO in Winnipeg:

• The Forks : A great hub for food, shopping and short walks along the river. Order food-to-go and enjoy it with a picnic blanket at the park.
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights : A moving, “carefully done” museum covers human rights issues in Canada and around the world in a beautiful 8-level building.
• Riel House National Historic Site : An insightful tribute to a significant part of Canadian heritage. A small building and quick stop, but worthwhile.
• Assiniboine Park : Spend the day exploring the zoo (complete with polar bears!), English gardens and paths, playgrounds, miniature train, museum, restaurants and theatre. In the summer, the park hosts free concerts and ballet!

Where to STAY in Winnipeg:

• The Fort Garry Hotel & Spa : Near The Forks and the waterfront, this super-elegant historic hotel and spa is the ideal place to stay in Winnipeg. Features an onsite restaurant with daily live jazz (LOVE this!). Plus, a spa, gym, indoor pool and bathrobes.
• Victoria Inn : Dinosaur-themed pool area with waterslides, onsite restaurant, and rooms with bunk beds. My kids love bunk beds! Only 15 minutes to the Assiniboine Park.

LEG 4: Drive from WINNIPEG to CALGARY via Regina Route

As much as I love my provincial neighbours of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, your Western Canada road trip from Winnipeg to Calgary will be rather boring. But the good news is that it’s mostly divided highway with a maximum speed of 110km/hr, so you zip along pretty well. Just get those playlists and audio books ready!

Driving Winnipeg to Calgary is 1,335 km and about 13 hours 20 minutes. I recommend stopping in Regina to break up the drive, which is 6 hours from Winnipeg and 7.5 hours from Calgary. Regina has some wonderful places to stay and interesting things to do on your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada.

Pass the time with audio driving tours for Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta .

Things to DO in Regina:

• Stone Hall Castle Tours : A labour of love, culminating in a surprisingly fun lesson in history. This beautiful building is decorated with a thousand-year-old Greek limestone, tapestries, original Old Masters oil paintings, and furniture between the 16th and 18th centuries. Stop for a tour or spend the night. Guests love it!
• Saskatchewan Science Centre : A decent science centre with three floors of interactive exhibits. Experiments, stage shows and 3D IMAX theatre. Explore topics like space, light, gravity, nature, electricity, math and engineering.
• RCMP Heritage Centre : Explore the rich history and contributions of our Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) since 1873. 

Where to STAY in Regina:

• The Hotel Saskatchewan : This beautiful hotel has an onsite restaurant, fitness centre and hot tub. Rooms are comfortable, but I think I’d just want to sip coffee in the lobby and marvel at the elegant surroundings!
• Atlas Hotel : Comfortable and super-fun for kids! Water park has 2 water slides, hot tub, pool, toddler area and spray pad. Plus, an onsite pub.

Things to DO in Calgary:

• Calgary Zoo : A fantastic zoo, with proceeds helping to protect endangered animals. Visit almost 900 animals from around the world, including giant pandas, giraffes and penguins (my favorite!). Beautiful gardens, decent food and playgrounds.
• Explore Calgary’s beautiful parks : My favorite three are Prince’s Island Park downtown with Shakespeare in the Park and lots of buskers, Bowness Park with a boating lagoon, and Riley Park’s pretty gardens, large wading pool and fun playground.
• Wander Stephen Avenue shops and cafes, and have a picnic at the fountains of Olympic Plaza. Check out the incredible architecture of Studio Bell and the new Calgary Public Library. Then head to the old Simmons Building for a drink overlooking the beautiful Bow River.

Where to STAY in Calgary:

• Le Germain (downtown Calgary) and Hotel Arts Kensington (overlooking the river) are my two favorite places to stay in Calgary. Both are classy and very comfortable, have excellent onsite restaurants, and in excellent locations for seeing the best of Calgary on foot. 
• Sheraton Cavalier (NE just off the Highway) is a comfortable and fun place for families to stay in Calgary. It has a great pool and hot tub area with a waterslide, and it’s just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Plus, an onsite steakhouse, bistro, pub, Starbucks and fitness center.
• Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (1hour west of Calgary): If you’d rather head straight for the mountains, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is pretty amazing. It has 5 restaurants, a spa, indoor heated pool and children’s area with activities. Also, the Lodge can arrange various activities, like cycling the nearby paths, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and ski trips. 

LEG 5: ALBERTA ROAD TRIP to Alberta Badlands, Edmonton + Rocky Mountains

Alberta has SO much to see and do on a cross-Canada road trip from Ontario to BC. The drive from Calgary to Banff is lovely, but you’d definitely be missing out if you didn’t do this Alberta loop.

This Alberta road trip from Calgary takes you north through the Alberta Badlands (aka where the dinosaurs roamed). Up to Edmonton (and the famous West Edmonton Mall). Over to Jasper (a quiet mountain town). And down the incredible Icefields Parkway route through the mighty Rocky Mountains.

If you take this Alberta road trip route down to Banff, it’s 1,085 km and about 12 hours. Plus many stops.

I recommend staying in Edmonton, Jasper and Banff. Then you’ll be ready to start the BC leg of your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada.

Things to DO on the drive from Calgary to Edmonton:

• Royal Tyrrell Museum : One of the world’s largest collections of dinosaurs, including those that walked Alberta’s Badlands. Well curated and laid out. 
• Hiking in the Badlands : Check out Horseshoe Canyon on your way to Drumheller. Head south a bit to marvel along the short Hoodoos Trail . Then, after visiting the Tyrrell Museum, check out Horsethief Canyon before heading north to Edmonton.
• Canadian Badlands Passion Play : If you time your visit right in July, I certainly recommend experiencing “the greatest story ever told.” When the angel chorus surrounds you from above the natural amphitheatre, it’ll take your breath away.
• Sylvan Lake beach : If you crave beaches and lakefront activities, Sylvan Lake Park is perfect! The beach is beautiful and has boardwalk huts selling ice cream, burgers and beach clothes. You also have nearby go-karts and pedal boats!

Things to DO in Edmonton:

• West Edmonton Mall : A massive mall with more than 800 stores, nine world-class attractions, two hotels, over 100 places to eat and drink, tons of unique shops and tons of things to do. Waterpark. Amusement park. Theatre. Shooting range. Golf range. Skating rink. Yep. It’s pretty great!
• Whyte Avenue : Cute area for boutique shops, restaurants and pubs.
• Legislature Building : Built in 1912 in the Beaux Arts style. Tours and the visitor centre are great, but locals come for the pretty gardens and fountains with river valley views.
• Muttart Conservatory : Four biome pyramids in the river valley with more than 700 plant species. Three are climate-regulated, home to arid, temperate and tropical. And the fourth changes 5-7 times during the year, with fun seasonal features, too.

Where to STAY in Edmonton:

• Metterra Hotel (Whyte Ave): Stay in the prettiest area of Edmonton, right next to the cute boutiques of Whyte Ave and near the river valley. Chic and lovely, featuring a library with fireplace and rooms with a spa bath and bathrobes. 
• The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (downtown): An elegant historic hotel from 1915 overlooks the river valley, with luxurious rooms, spa, indoor pool and afternoon tea on weekends.
• Fantasyland Hotel (West Edmonton Mall): You can’t really beat the access to the massive West Edmonton Mall, by staying right in the mall. Plus, it’s right next to the theatre. I also love the theme rooms. Sure, some are rather cheesy. But the jacuzzi tub is fantastic, and the pirate ship looks so fun for kids! Price includes parking. 

Things to DO in/near Jasper:

• Miette Hot Springs with two hot pools and two cold plunge pools. Not too busy, good food onsite and surrounded by amazing mountain peaks. I stayed in the nearby bungalows, which were comfortable and cozy with a wood stove.
• Maligne Canyon is just 15 minutes east of Jasper. It’s a mossy limestone canyon with well-groomed trails past incredible waterfalls. And in winter, my uncle and aunt love ice climbing here.
• Athabasca Falls is 30 minutes south of Jasper and a gorgeous waterfall on the Athabasca River. If you take the highly recommended Rocky Mountain road trip from Jasper to Banff on Highway 93, you can add it as a stop then. But don’t miss it!

A helpful resource for visitors to Jasper National Park is the Parks Canada website .

Where to STAY in Jasper:

• Pyramid Lake Resort : A beautiful lakefront resort with a private beach, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Also has onsite dining, gym, hot tub and rooms with a fireplace. You’re across the highway from Maligne Canyon and 5 minutes from downtown Jasper.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge : A luxurious hotel overlooking Beauvert Lake with a spa, outdoor pool, 8 restaurants and an award-winning golf course. Onsite activities include horseback riding in summer and skating and cross-country skiing in winter.

Things to DO on the drive from Jasper to Banff:

• Icefields Parkway road trip : Simply take your time driving the breathtaking Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) through the Rocky Mountains. In my humble opinion, this is the BEST Canada road trip (and I’ve taken a LOT!). It’s a slow-go, especially if you get stuck behind a camper, but you should go slow so you can quickly pull over to take in the zillion amazing views. 
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise : The perfect stop for high tea, lunch, spa therapy, a hike or gondola ride up a mountain. It’s after most of the jaw-dropping lookouts you’ll be stopping at along the way, so you’ll need a break! 

For more specific stops in the Rocky Mountains, check out my Solo Road Trip from Calgary to Jasper .

Where to STAY in Banff:

• Hidden Ridge Resort : Features a gorgeous outdoor hot tub area and private cabins with real wood fireplaces, balconies and lofts. Just on the outskirts of Banff, with a free shuttle into downtown. We loved staying here with our beagle.
• Fairmont Banff Springs : Built in 1888, this gorgeous National Historic Site is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle. Features a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, 11 restaurants and 14 shops. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth stopping for tea and to marvel at its beauty!
• The Rimrock Resort : Another fantastic property in Banff with unbeatable views. The suites are incredible, with a fireplace and large decks. But even standard rooms include a sitting area with views. Features a spa, indoor pool, hot tub and restaurant. Near the Upper Hot Springs.

Things to DO in/near Banff:

• Banff Gondola : Marvel at the six surrounding mountain ranges from the rooftop observatory. Enjoy a world-class meal at Sky Bistro, watch the sunset and gaze at the stars. Tip: If you take the Banff Gondola up after 5pm, you pay 20% less.
• Johnston Canyon : This short, easy and beautiful hike takes you along a pretty creek through a wooded canyon, filled with squirrels and chipmunks. At the end, you’re rewarded with a refreshing waterfall. I’ve only been to the first waterfall, but hikers say it’s worth it to continue to the upper falls and ink pots.
• Banff Via Ferrata Climb : This looks so fun… and slightly terrifying?! Make your way up the cliffs of Canada’s highest mountain range, with fixed anchoring cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. Up to phenomenal views of Banff. No experience necessary!
• BC hot springs road trip: Love Banff Hot Springs and want more? Take Highway 93 south to visit Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs and Lussier Hot Springs! They’re within an hour of each other and the farthest (Lussier) is under three hours from Banff. Each one is unique and special. Lussier is remote and completely natural. Fairmont is a lovely resort. And Radium is surrounded by towering peaks. Start at Lussier and work your way back, spending the night at Bighorn Meadows Resort near Radium.

You may also like:

• EDMONTON to VANCOUVER Road Trip: 3 Best Routes
• More things to DO near Banff: Romantic Getaways near Calgary
• More places to STAY near Radium and Golden: BC Getaways for Couples

LEG 6: Drive from BANFF to KELOWNA BC

I’ll start this next leg of your Toronto to Vancouver drive in Banff Alberta. But depending on your cross-Canada road trip route, you might start this leg in Calgary (add about 1.5 hours) or Golden (subtract about 1.5 hours). 

Driving from Banff to Kelowna is 480km and just under 6 hours. This route is incredibly beautiful, and incredibly busy . Plan for a lot of patience!

Before you leave Banff, check for road closures between Lake Louise and Golden. Temporary closures for avalanche control are fairly common. If it’s closed, detour along Highway 93 through Radium Hot Springs. This detour will add an hour to your drive (but it’s beautiful, too!).

Where to STOP on the drive from Banff to Kelowna:

• Golden : A mountain town for the adventurous! Golden is surrounded by three mountain ranges, at the point where two heritage rivers meet, and has easy access to FIVE national parks. Yep, you know it’ll be busy. Superb hiking, climbing and skiing. Incredible whitewater rafting and heli-skiing. 
• The Enchanted Forest : A fun family road trip stop in BC, perfect for kids to get rid of some energy. Climb BC’s tallest treehouse. Row a boat through beaver ponds. Spy fairies on your magical walk through a lush forest.

Things to DO in Kelowna:

• Kelowna Boardwalk : My favorite part of Kelowna! At the north end, enjoy quiet walks through Rotary Marsh Park and Tugboat Beach. Stroll past pretty parks, lakefront resorts, restaurants and marina. And then take in the action at Kelowna City Park , which often hosts buskers and festivals. The downtown shops and restaurants are fun, too! A special shout-out to Lost Together , a fantastic second-hand clothing consignment shop.
• Winery tours : Our favorite tours are Mission Hill and Summerhill. And while they both have excellent restaurants with amazing views, Quails’ Gate is really excellent!
• Kangaroo Creek Farm : I was surprised by how much I loved hanging out with kangaroos! Especially feeding those babies… Lots of friendly staff around to give you snacks to feed the kangaroos and to take pictures. Cash only.

Where to STAY in Kelowna:

• Delta Grand Okanagan Resort : A terrific resort right on the boardwalk, with easy walking distance to the best of Kelowna. Features in indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, spa, fitness centre, excellent restaurant, wine bar, lounge and adjoining casino and marina. 
• Manteo at Eldorado Resort : A more private resort experience, 10 minutes south of downtown Kelowna. Features a private beach, boardwalk, movie theatre, indoor pool, sauna, steam rooms, games room and restaurant. Enjoy meals and views from the lakefront patio. Variety of room options, including fireplace, balcony and 3 bedrooms. Price includes parking.

Find more awesome BC hotels, spas and cabins at BC Romantic Getaways .

LEG 7: Drive from KELOWNA to VANCOUVER

Welcome to the final leg of your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada!

The fastest driving route from Kelowna to Vancouver is 390km and just over 4 hours. This takes you through Merritt and down to Hope, where you meet up with the Trans-Canada Highway.

But if you can, head south of Kelowna through the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The views are breathtaking, with lovely towns, vineyards and orchards along the way. Ideally go all the way to Osoyoos before heading west, which is 520km and just over 6 hours to Vancouver. Or, shave off some time by taking Highway 3A just past Kaleden, which is 450km and 5 hours 20 minutes to Vancouver. 

Where to STOP on the drive from Kelowna to Vancouver:

• Penticton : Beaches on two lakes, and a canal in between for floating. Orchards and award-winning wineries. Skiing, hiking and art galleries. Penticton’s long, hot summers and dry winters make it a fun place to explore.
• Osoyoos : A small community of 5000 in the deep south of Okanagan Valley, known for its warm waters, orchards, vineyards and impressive peaks. 
• Harrison Hot Springs : Soak in the mineral pools and views of mountains and gardens. Or, stop for a quick walk along the lake and a bite to eat. Either way, it’s a great BC road trip stop before getting to Vancouver.

Where to STAY in/near Vancouver:

• Shangri-La Hotel (downtown): My favorite hotel in Vancouver, with a spa, outdoor pool and hot tub, private yoga and excellent restaurant. You’re right next to luxury shopping on Robson Street, and 3 blocks from Vancouver waterfront.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia (downtown): An exquisite luxury hotel, with excellent family-friendly perks. Features the Rose Bud children’s program, 52-foot heated indoor saltwater pool, spa, dining and lounge. Beautiful spacious rooms include heated bathroom floors and bathrobes. Families can select connecting rooms or a family suite.

Things to DO in Vancouver:

• Stanley Park : 1,000-acre park at the west end of downtown Vancouver, with 5.5 miles of pathway right along the ocean. Also home to the Vancouver Aquarium, beaches, pools, restaurants and more. The perfect place for a picnic.
• Shopping , including luxury and boutique shops on Robson Street (downtown) and eclectic shops, galleries and tours on Granville Island . Both have a variety of great cafes, perfect for people-watching.
• Take a road trip up the northern coast to spectacular coastal and mountain scenery. And then hop on a ferry and explore Vancouver Island, the perfect place for all-things ocean getaway. See details in the next section!

Road Trip Ideas NEAR VANCOUVER BC

What’s the perfect way to end your Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada? With two mini road trips near Vancouver! These two bonus road trip ideas from Vancouver offer some of the most stunning scenery you’ll see on your cross-Canada road trip from Ontario to BC.  

NORTH VANCOUVER: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip

Follow the gorgeous coastline north of Vancouver for spectacular waterfalls and peaks that plunge into the ocean.

The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) takes you through Squamish and onto Whistler. Driving from downtown Vancouver to Whistler is 120km and just under 2 hours. 

You can either return to Vancouver for the night or stay in Squamish or Whistler. Find beautiful places to stay in BC Romantic Getaways .

Things to DO on the drive from Vancouver to Whistler:

• Shannon Falls (Squamish): The third tallest waterfall in BC at 1,099 feet (335 meters) and easily accessible from the Sea to Sky Highway. Take the 200-meter paved path to the waterfalls and nearby hikes.
• Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish): Take a year-round gondola up to spectacular views of Howe Sound, walking and hiking trails, a suspension bridge and restaurant. 
• Whistler Village : A pretty mountain village with incredible facilities from hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In winter, it’s all about skiing, ski jumping, snowshoeing, skating and sledding. In summer, you have hiking, biking, beaches, ziplining, mountain-top dining, and gondolas, including a glass-bottom and peak-to-peak ride!

Curious about Shannon Falls? Check out the video on Best Waterfalls in Canada .

VANCOUVER ISLAND BC Road Trip Idea

You won’t be disappointed if you add a Vancouver Island road trip to your Toronto to Vancouver drive.

Vancouver Island has Canada’s warmest climate. It’s known for its beaches, whale watching, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing and perfect sunsets. Plus, stunning gardens, giant trees, epic rainforests, caving and golf. And its spa resorts, treehouse cabins and enchanting inns will make you want to stay forever!

It’s the perfect place to conclude your cross-Canada road trip from Ontario to BC.

Access Vancouver Island by plane or ferry, to either Victoria or Nanaimo. Find incredible places to stay on Vancouver Island in BC Romantic Getaways .

Things to DO on your Vancouver Island BC road trip:

• Ucluelet and Tofino : A popular spot for all-things ocean, including beaches, surfing and rainforest hikes. Ucluelet has a variety of water tours, including sea kayaking (my favorite!). A 4-hour drive from Victoria and 2-hour drive from Nanaimo.
• Sooke : A beautiful coastal area with beaches, hikes and treehouse cabins! Plus, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Victoria.
• Victoria : Tour the boutiques in Fan Tan Alley. Soak in its maritime culture at Fisherman’s Wharf. Roam the beautiful parks, including Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill and Abkhazi Garden’s tea house. And afternoon and high tea at the luxurious Fairmont Empress. 

So, what do you think? If you take this ULTIMATE cross-Canada road trip from Ontario to BC, it would take about 7,650 kilometers (4,753 miles) and 87 hours of driving. Wowee!! 

My recommended Toronto to Vancouver drive through Canada breaks this epic road trip into 7 days of driving (at minimum). Plus mini road trip ideas: 1 day to Niagara Falls, 3 days through Alberta, 1 day to BC hot springs, 1 day Sea to Sky drive near Vancouver, and 2 days on Vancouver Island.

Have you done the Toronto to Vancouver drive? Do you recommend other places to stop and things to do? Please share in the comments below!

• How To PLAN a Road Trip You’ll Love in 7 Steps
• EAST COAST Road Trip CANADA: Toronto to Nova Scotia
• Romantic Getaways in ONTARIO   and  BC Getaways for Couples

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8 Responses

We are intersted in coming back to Barrie ON, after our son s convocation at the trinity university. will start our journey on 7th november. so like EDNA said in November last year…we want to do pretty much the saame 4 adults and 2 sall children . We are scared that winter will have started and we might face too difficult driving conditions. in any case we do not want to drive more than what you have recommended per day. Will you kindly guide us privately on this trip. It will be so much better to be able to speak to you . thanks nooruddin daud XXX XXX XXXX cell

Thanks for your comment, Nooruddin! (Note: I edited out your cell number – I don’t want you getting any spam calls!)

It’s hard to predict what the weather will be like in early November, but often it’s still quite nice at that time. If you’re able to, shorten your driving time each day, especially as sunlight hours get shorter. You have a few narrow, single-lane drives to prepare for: from Sault Ste Marie to the Ontario-Manitoba border, and in the Rocky Mountains (Alberta-BC border). The prairies (between Winnipeg to Calgary) have a fast, double-lane highway, but because there are no trees, be prepared for blowing snow.

If you’re concerned about doing this drive safely on your own, I recommend reaching out to Intrepid Travel. They have an office in Toronto and may be able to arrange for a private option. I traveled with them in Southeast Asia and they were fantastic.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!

I’m on the west coast, so I want to start in vancouver. Is the described course easy to reverse?

Yes, it sure is! Each leg is a day’s drive and stops at the best places along the way, no matter which direction you’re heading. Enjoy your trip!

My son took the offer from UBC, so this year we wanted to take this chance and have a long road trip (had a train trip from Vancouver back to Toronto years ago). Your guide is REALLY REALLY helpful! Thank you so much for all the suggestions. We planned 15 days for this trip in Aug. Since we have been to Banff and Jasper before, this time we will focus on Yoho. Heard that’s a place well worth for a visit. Thanks again for your efforts in creating such an amazing and detailed guide.

Thank you for your comment, I’m so glad the post is helpful. It’ll certainly be a looong road trip lol, but I hope it’s a fun one!

Yes, Yoho is spectacular, and especially if you like whitewater rafting. Though you really can’t go wrong with any of the Rocky Mountain national parks!

Very helpful! About to embark on a trip across Canada in July 2021 (relocating to Vancouver from Toronto)

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Hopefully you get to enjoy a few spots along the (very long!) drive. All the best in Vancouver!

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The Ultimate Road Trip in Canada: Driving from Ontario to BC

Will you be driving from Ontario to BC on the ultimate road trip across Canada, and you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the planning? We’ve been there.

In August 2020, we packed our car and started this crazy road trip across Canada with our two toddlers . A road trip that would take us more than one month (one-way only), with more than 5000 km to drive.

In this post, you’ll discover an itinerary to make an amazing Canadian road trip with kids. The post includes the first part of the itinerary, from Ottawa, ON, to Victoria, BC, for a total of 4,369 km .

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 .

GETTING READY FOR CROSS-CANADA ROAD TRIP

🧳 Pack the right gear . When traveling with kids, you’ll want to pack light (as much as you can). Having a good  carry-on suitcase  and  packing cubes  are a lifesaver. Depending on the age of your kids and the type of travel, you might be better with a  kid’s carrier  (perfect for adventure trips) or a  travel stroller  (ideal for city trips).

📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your trips . The  GoWhee app  has unique recommendations for kid-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants.  AllTrails  is our app to look at trail reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail. 

Cross Canada Road Trip Map: Best Route from Ontario to BC

The best route to drive from Ontario to British Columbia by car travel across Canada is along the Trans Canada highway . Of course, if you have more time, it’s always a good idea to go off the beaten path (aka getting off the Trans Canada Highway) and explore the smaller communities. Here are a few maps to show you the itinerary we did.

There are more details on each leg of the Ontario to Vancouver trip drive in the sections below.

👉🏻 NOTE: If you want to explore the East Coast, check out our 14-day itinerary from Toronto (Ontario) to Halifax (Nova Scotia) , where you’ll be driving into Quebec City, the Bay of Fundy and Halifax.

Driving From Ontario to BC: A 30-Day Sample Itinerary

No time to read? Driving from Ontario to BC takes you across Canada’s vast and varied landscapes. Start in Ottawa , then head to North Bay , where you can relax at Lee Park. Next, drive to Sault Ste. Marie , and don’t miss the Big Nickel in Sudbury. From there, it’s on to Wawa , with a stop at Chippewa Falls. Terrace Bay, Thunder Bay, and the Kakabeka Falls are next. In Manitoba, explore Winnipeg ‘s Human Rights Museum. Then, Saskatchewan’s open roads lead you to Regina and its Royal Museum. Alberta’s highlights include Calgary’s towers and Banff’s mountain views . In BC, Kelowna’s wineries and Vancouver’s Stanley Park await before you end with Victoria on Vancouver Island. It’s a trip full of Canadian icons from start to finish. 👉🏻 Traveling to Canada? Get your Canada Road Trip Guide for Families

Day 1: Ottawa to North Bay, a 358 km Drive

🚗 Driving distance : 358 km ⭐ Main highlight : Lee Park and Shabogesic Beach in North Bay

When driving from Ontario to BC, start your day one from  Ottawa . You’ll be heading  North . It’s  358 kilometers  to reach  North Bay , the Getaway of the North. On your way, stop in  Pembroke . You can also stop at Mattawa River Provincial Park for a picnic or a splash in the river.

In North Bay, you don’t want to miss Lee Park with the Getaway of the North sign . You might also want to enjoy the lake at Shabogesic Beach (which used to be named Marathon Beach).

🏨 Where to Stay in North Bay: Homewood Suites By Hilton North Bay

Day 2: North Bay to Sault Ste-Marie, a 436-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance : 436 km ⭐ Main highlight : The iconic Big Nickel in Sudbury and Bootleggers Bay Beach.

From North Bay, it’s a 436-kilometer drive to arrive at Sault Ste-Maire . On your way, stop at Duchesnay Falls , Sudbury , where you can see the iconic Big Nickel , Bootleggers Bay Beach , in Algoma Mills to stretch your legs and enjoy Lake Huron before arriving in Sault Ste-Marie.

During our trip, we made a quick stop at Bruce Mines. The mine museum was sadly closed, but we walked around the marina and grabbed a coffee.

When you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, if you still have some energy, you can take a Self Guided Walking Tour of Waterfront Attractions . The kids also loved Bellevue Park .

We took an extra day in Sault Ste Marie on our second road trip across Canada. Marie to do the Agawa Canyon train ride . It was pretty cool.

🏨 Where to Stay in Sault Ste-Marie: Microtel Inn & Suites Sault Ste. Marie

Day 3: Sault Ste-Marie to Wawa, a 227-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 227 km ⭐ Main highlight : Chippewa Falls and the Trans-Canada Highway mid-point.

The drive from Sault Ste-Marie and Wawa is about 227 km . You’ll want to stop along the way at Chippewa Falls . The waterfalls are just right next to the highway. You can see them from the car or stop in the parking lot and walk on the pedestrian bridge. It’s also where the Trans-Canada Highway mid-point is. Then, you might want to stop at the Old Woman Bay, the “Scenic High Falls,” and the big Wawa Goose statue .

Day 4: Wawa to Terrace Bay, a 260-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 260 km ⭐ Main highlight: Winnie the Pooh statue in White River and Pebble Beach in Marathon.

On this day, you’ll drive for 260 km to arrive at Terrace Bay . On your way, stop in White River to see the iconic statue of Winnie the Pooh. Then you can make a few more stops including:

• Pukaskwa National Park,
• Pebbel Beach inMarathon, and
• Mink Creek Falls.

End your day in Terrace Bay, where you can walk up the Terrace Bay Lighthouse .

🏨 Where to Stay in Terrace Bay: Drifters Motel & Restaurant

Day 5: Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay, a 224-km drive

🚗 Driving distance: 224 km ⭐ Main highlight: Aguasabon Falls and Rainbow Falls Provincial Park.

From Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay , you’ll have to drive for 224 km. There are many stops to do, so I would recommend waking up early.

The first stop will be at Aguasabon Falls . A short 0.3-km out-and-back walk will bring you a fantastic viewpoint over the canyon. Then, you can stop at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park . At the gate, you can ask for a Discovery book for the kids. It’s another short 1.8-km out-and-back hike to the falls. Make sure to stop at the bridge. The trail continues past the bridge, but you’ll want to turn around.

The Paddle-to-the-Sea kids’ playground in Nipigon is a great stop for kids to burn off some of the extra energy. Before arriving in Thunder Bay, don’t miss the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout .

Day 6 and Day 7: Enjoy Thunder Bay

After 5 consecutive days of driving, it’s time to relax a bit and enjoy Thunder Bay . Thunder Bay is a beautiful town and has plenty to offer. We recommend visiting:

• Amethyst Mine Panorama,
• Fort William Historical Park,
• Prince Arthur’s Landing,
• Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and
• Alexander Henry Icebreaker .

Also, make sure to stop at Hillcrest Park . There is a great natural kids’ playground. Plus, the view of the bay is beautiful.

🏨 Where to Stay in Thunder Bay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

Day 8: Thunder Bay to Kenora, a 488-km drive

🚗 Driving distance: 488 km ⭐ Main highlight: Kakabeka Falls and the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge in Dryden.

Today’s a long day, with 488 km to drive from Thunder Bay to Kenora , but … it’s your last day driving in Ontario (almost).

Stop at Kakabeka Falls, just outside of Thunder Bay. Then, you can grab a quick coffee at The Beaver Post in Upsala. The Kinsmen Park kids’ playground nearby is also a fun stop. Plus, there is a nice nature trail with interpretive signs about fire lookouts and fire safety.

Don’t miss the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge in Dryden. In Kenora, check out Husky the Muskie or enjoy Norman Park beach and playground. Or book a Kenora and Winnipeg: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour here.

🏨 Where to Stay in Kenora: Super 8 by Wyndham Kenora

Day 9: Kenora to Winnipeg, a 210-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 210 km ⭐ Main highlight : Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Centre of Canada Park.

There are 210 kilometers separating Kenora from Winnipeg .

A little after the Ontario-Manitoba crossing, you’ll enter the Whiteshell area. I highly recommend spending a few hours in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. There are a few hiking opportunities. But it’s also nice to simply enjoy the lake and the sandy beach.

Then, you’ll want to stop at the Centre of Canada Park . It’s the center point of Canada. There is a parking lot and some picnic tables.

🏨 Where to Stay in Winnipeg: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Winnipeg

Day 10 and Day 11: Explore Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great city to explore with kids . On your first day, you’ll want to visit a few places:

• Human Rights Museum,
• Asisboine Zoo & Park (Don’t miss the Winnie the Pooh museum ),
• Mennonite Heritage Village , and
• The Forks .

On the second day, you can drive to Lake Winnipeg to discover the Icelandic and Viking heritage around Gimli. Or you can visit Saint Boniface, Winnipeg’s French Quarter, and FortWhyte Alive, a lovely outdoor area.

➡️ Explore and book your Winnipeg Tours here!

Day 12: Winnipeg to Regina, a 573-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 573 km ⭐ Main highlight: Delta Beach in Brandon and the Swinging Bridge in Wolseley.

It’s a long driving day in the Prairies , with more than 570 kilometers . On your way to Regina, enjoy the beach at Delta Beach in Brandon and walk on the Swinging Bridge in Wolseley. You can also make a stop at the Bell Barn in Indian Head .

🏨 Where to Stay in Regina: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Regina

Day 13: Explore Regina

Regina is a fun city to enjoy. Most attractions are located near the Wascana Center. Don’t miss:

• the Royal Saskatchewan Museum,
• the Wascana Center,
• and the RCMP Heritage Center .

You can end the day at the Sandra Schirler Leisure Center playground and water park .

Day 14: Regina to Maple Creek, a 380-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 380 km ⭐ Main highlight: Tunnels of Moose Jaw and Chaplin Lake.

This 380-km driving day will be your last one before hitting Alberta. You’ll want to make a few stops:

• A tour of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw in Moose Jaw ,
• Chaplin Lake , where you can see salted lakes ,
• and Doc’s Town Heritage Village in Swift Current.

🏨 Where to Stay in Maple Creek: Cobble Creek Lodge

Day 15: Maple Creek to Brooks, a 209-km Drive

Today, you’ll be entering Alberta. On your way to Brooks, there are many stops you can make:

• explore the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, at the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta
• the World’s Tallest Teepee in Medicine Hat, and
• the Brooks Aqueduct .

🏨 Where to Stay in Brooks: Heritage Inn & Suites – Brooks

Day 16: Dinosaurs Provincial Park

Spend the entire day exploring the Canadian Badlands at Dinosaurs Provincial Park. There are five short hikes to choose from and an excellent little museum. If your kids love dinosaurs, it’s a great place to go. Plus, the landscape is so unique.

I really recommend going on a guided hike. That way, you can see unique dinosaur fossils like the one above.

📝 NOTE: If you have an extra day or two, drive to Drumheller , the Dinosaur Capital of the World . There are many things to do in Drumheller with your kids as well.

Day 17: Brooks to Banff, a 314-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance : 314 km ⭐ Main highlight : Calgary Tower and Policeman’s Creek boardwalk in Canmore.

From Brooks to Banff , you’ll drive for 314 kilometers. Try to leave early so you can spend some time in Calgary (don’t miss the Calgary Tower, Stephen’s Avenue, and Bowness Park), but drive to Banff in Daylight to admire the views. Stop in Canmore to walk downtown and maybe do the Policeman’s Creek boardwalk , one of the easiest hikes in Kananaskis , before heading to Banff.

🏨 Where to Stay in Banff : Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Day 18, Day 19, and Day 20: Explore Banff National Park

You can easily spend a week in Banff National Park , but three days will give you plenty of time to do some hiking and discover the beautiful park. With kids, do the following:

• Upper Banff hot springs,
• Johnston Canyon hike,
• Johnson Lake hike,
• Cave & Basin National Historic Site,
• Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
• Garden of Time , …

🚀 Looking For More Things to Do in Banff with Kids? Add this item to your list ! Or Check out this 2 days Fun Banff Itinerary with kids here!

Then, spend one entire day driving along the Icefields Parkway . It’s a 230 km drive from Lake Louise to Jasper. If you have extra time, spend a few days in Jasper . Otherwise, you can drive through the Icefields Parkway and turn around after visiting the Columbia Icefield glacier .

➡️ Here is a 7-day sample itinerary for a road trip from Calgary to Jasper .

Day 21: Banff to Revelstoke, a 283-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance : 283 km ⭐ Main highlight: The drive through Yoho National Park and the natural beauty of Emerald Lake.

This is a wonderful drive where you’ll drive through 4 National Parks: Banff National Park , Yoho National Park , Glacier National Park , and Mt. Revelstoke National Park . On your way, stop at the Spiral Tunnels , Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge , Takakkaw Falls , Golden BC , and the Giant Cedars boardwalk trail.

🏨 Where to Stay in Revelstoke: Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke

Day 22: Explore Revelstoke

In Revelstoke, you’ll want to go to Revelstoke Mountain Resort and ride the Pipe Mountain Coaster and the Aerial Adventure Park . Then, you can enjoy the water at Lake Williamson .

Day 23: Revelstoke to Kelowna, a 198-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 198 km ⭐ Main highlight: Enchanted Forest and the Malaka suspension bridge

From Revelstoke to Kelowna , you’ll have to drive for 198 kilometers. On the way, stop at the Enchanted Forest and Malaka suspension bridge in Sicamous .

🏨 Where to Stay in Kelowna: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites – Kelowna

Day 24: Explore Kelowna

Kelowna is in the heart of the Okanagan Valley . You’ll want to visit a family-friendly winery, enjoy the Okanagan Lake, say Hi! to Ogopoyo , and visit the Kangaroo Farm .

Looking for the Best Things to Do in Kelowna With Kids? Add this item to your list! or Book your Kelowna Tours here !

Day 25: Kelowna to Vancouver, a 390-km Drive

🚗 Driving distance: 389 km ⭐ Main highlight: The scenic Coquihalla Highway and the Othello Tunnels near Hope.

Only 390 km left on this ultimate Canadian road trip before reaching the West Coast. On your way to Vancouver , you’ll want to stop in Merritt , Coquihalla Canyon , Alexandra Bridge , Clayburn Village in Abbotsford , the 1001 Steps in Surrey, and Fort Langley National Historic Site .

🏨 Where to Stay in Vancouver: Hampton Inn & Suites, by Hilton – Vancouver Downtown

Day 26 and Day 27: Vancouver

With two days in Vancouver, you can explore downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Kitsilano Beach, and Granville Island . Then, on your second day, you can drive to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge . Or if you’re planning to go back for a vacation in Vancouver, check out this 3 days Vancouver Itinerary, perfect for a family.

➡️ Explore and Book your Vancouver Tours here!

Day 28: Vancouver to Victoria

You’ll need to take the ferry to reach Victoria on Vancouver Island . The ferry takes about 3h-3h30. You should book your ticket in advance if possible (if traveling during the busy season).

The port in Victoria is a 45 drive outside of the city. On your way downtown, you can stop in Sidney-by-the-Sea.

If you have time in the late afternoon, wander around downtown Victoria . But there are so many things to do .

🏨 Where to Stay in Victoria: Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour

Day 29 and Day 30: Explore Victoria

Start your day with a hike at Mount Douglas . Then, relax by the ocean at Cadboro-Gyro Park (there’s a nice kids’ playground). After lunch, visit Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site and end your day at the Fisherman’s Whaft .

Looking for Fun Things to Do in Victoria with Family? Include this item to your list! or Book your Victoria Tours here!

F.A.Q Ontario to BC Road Trip

How long to drive from ottawa to vancouver through canada.

Driving from Ottawa to Vancouver through Canada is a total of 4363 km, of 43+ hours of driving non stop. I would take approximately :

• 5 days if you drive more than 1000 km per day
• 6 to 7 days if you drive more than 700 km per day
• 9 days if you drive more than 500 km per day
• 17 to 18 days if you drive approximately 250 km per day

How long does it take to drive to BC from Ontario?

Ontario to British Columbia by car for a non-stop drive can range from approximately 43 hours , depending on each starting and ending point. Please note that this estimate is based on ideal driving conditions and does not include rest stops, traffic, or road conditions, which can affect travel time.

How long does it take to drive across Ontario?

It depends on the route taken and the driver’s speed, but it would take approximately 24 hours to drive (nonstop) across Ontario.

Final Thoughts: Driving from Ontario to BC – A Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

The great thing about cross-country road trips is that you can tailor the journey to suit your interests and curiosities by adding stops, detours, and side trips.

To plan your own Ontario to British Columbia drive:

• take some time to research destinations of interest,
• create a realistic timeline and budget for the trip, and
• enjoy every unique twist and turn along the way.

There’s nothing like embracing Canada’s spectacular topography while exploring this country from one coast to another! So what are you waiting for?

Get in the car and go down the highway; driving from Ontario to BC will be an experience like no other.

Related Articles

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:

• Driving Across Canada Tips
• Banff in Winter: Activities To Do With The Family
• The ULTIMATE Northern Ontario Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

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.

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Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip: 24+ Great Places to Stop

Moving back home, to university, relocating a car or heading to the West Coast for a summer trip?

This Toronto to Vancouver road trip guide highlights the top roadside stops on the 4,400km long journey across Canada.

A contrast of landscapes awaits on this transcontinental adventure, starting with the forested lakes of Ontario, the endless fields of the Prairies, the rugged Rocky Mountains and the temperate rainforests of British Columbia.

JR and I have driven across Canada four times in the last few years, with each journey taking place during a different season.

With this first-hand knowledge in mind, this post shares our favourite places to stop when driving between Toronto and Vancouver.

Published March 2024. This post includes some affiliate links – if you make a purchase via one of these, we may receive a percentage of the sale.

Toronto to Vancouver road trip: Essential details

Via the fastest route (within Canada), Toronto to Vancouver is a 4,400km long road trip.

Without any stops at all (and zero traffic/construction delays), driving the full distance in one go would take around 47 hours.

But I certainly wouldn’t recommend doing that! This post suggests six places to stop overnight.

This breaks up the journey into a relatively approachable 7 day summer road trip:

• Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie – 700km
• Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay – 700km
• Thunder Bay to Winnipeg – 700km
• Winnipeg to Regina – 570km
• Regina to Calgary – 757km
• Calgary to Revelstoke – 407km
• Revelstoke to Vancouver – 565km

If you have the time, I would suggest double the time (two weeks) to make the most of the trip.

In a rush? Some people drive from Toronto to Vancouver in five or six days instead (even four with multiple drivers!) Long daylight hours and favourable weather make this easier.

A winter road trip from Toronto to Vancouver is a whole other story. I would suggest seven days at an absolute minimum .

Toronto to Vancouver road trip map

What to expect when driving between Toronto and Vancouver

As mentioned, this post features the fastest and most straightforward route between Toronto and Vancouver.

• The journey utilises major highways , with most of the itinerary following the Trans Canada Highway (TCH).
• Expect single or double-lane highways (two or four-lane total) , with divided sections in flatter areas. Some sections even have triple lanes (six lanes total).
• Speed limits vary from province to province . Some sections of the Trans Canada have a maximum speed of 90km/h (Ontario) while most others are 110km/h. The Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia has the highest speed limit (120km/h).
• Rest areas are reasonably frequent , though facilities range from developed (flush toilets, manned Visitor Centre, picnic areas, electric charging stations, Wi-fi) to basic (outhouses, picnic benches, bins).

• Gas stations are easy to find in urban areas but are less common in more rural areas , especially along Lake Superior in Ontario and in the mountainous regions of Alberta and British Columbia. Plan your next gas stop carefully.
• Phone service can be spotty (or non-existent) in rural areas as well, specifically those mentioned above
• Be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to check in next.
• Bring extra food, water, clothing and First Aid supplies in case of construction/accident delays or closures.
• There are multiple time zone changes along the route – when driving west, you will change one hour each time. When driving east, you will lose one hour each time
• Watch for wildlife , especially when driving at dawn and dusk. It is possible to spot moose, elk, deer, bear and more

Toronto to Vancouver road trip: 24+ great places to stop

It’s time to share our favourite places to stop when driving between Toronto and Vancouver!

The majority of the following destinations are located close to the route or within 10 minutes drive of the main highway.

Of course, this is not a definitive guide of possible places to stop when driving between Vancouver and Toronto. These are just our favourite destinations located very close to the main highway.

I have included some worthwhile detours at the end of this guide. Again, there are so many possibilities but these are our favourite options.

Big Nickel (Dynamic Earth), Sudbury

Let’s start this big journey with something equally big….the Big Nickel in Sudbury!

The Big Nickel is a giant replica of a Canadian five-cent coin. Originally constructed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, the huge coin also represents Sudbury’s rich mining heritage.

Travelling with kids? Be sure to check out this Dynamic Earth science museum. The highlight of this interactive centre is the underground mine tour.

Sault Ste. Marie

A solid 700km drive from Toronto, the waterfront city of Sault Ste Marie is an ideal place to spend the night.

Take a stroll along the waterfront boulevard to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site . The first canal lock was built in this area in 1798. Guided tours are available during the summer months.

Walk across the lock to Whitefish Island , home to Indigenous settlements for more than 2000 years. The 22 acre teardrop-shaped island is crisscrossed by a network of easy walking trails maintained by the Batchewana First Nation.

Before leaving town, be sure to enjoy a meal at the Breakfast Pig . Go traditional or try one of the more inventive Egg Benedicts. As a non-meat eater, I love the Adonis version (goat cheese, red peppers, pesto and balsamic).

Where to stay in Sault Ste. Marie

Budget Camping? Head north of Sault Ste. Marie to Pancake Bay Provincial Park. This campground is located behind a gorgeous golden sand beach on Lake Superior (more details below).

Mid-range The Holiday Inn Express is a dependable choice in Sault Ste. Marie. It is situated a block from the waterfront, opposite a shopping mall.

High-end The Delta Hotel (Marriott) is perfectly located to explore Sault Ste. Marie’s waterfront area. Some of the spacious rooms even have water views.

Pancake Bay Provincial Park

While walking the golden sands of Pancake Bay , you may wonder whether you have left Ontario and arrived somewhere in the Caribbean! On a calm, sunny day, this beach is absolutely gorgeous.

The long sandy beach was a delight for the Voyageurs too, who would have appreciated the ‘flat as a pancake’ landing (just one explanation for the name).

Just before Pancake Bay is the Voyageur’s Lodge and Cookhouse , which boasts the freshest and tastiest apple fritters around.

Heading towards Wawa, look out for the many scenic roadside lookouts over Lake Superior. A great example is the one at Agawa Bay .

The Wawa Goose is one of the most memorable landmarks on the Toronto to Vancouver drive.

The huge 8m high goose heralds the turnoff to Highway 101 and the small community of Wawa.

Take the opportunity to stretch your legs and use the facilities at this iconic roadside stop. The goose is a nod to Wawa’s history as a hub for goose hunting.

Aguasabon Falls & Gorge

This part of Ontario is full of impressive waterfalls! One of the easiest to access is Aguasabon Falls near Terrace Bay.

The byproduct of local hydro development in the 1940s, this 30m waterfall flows over a 2.6 billion-year-old rock face.

As the winter snow melts and rainfall increases, Aguasabon Falls ‘ flow swells and becomes simply ferocious. Spring is the best time to visit but this cascade is impressive during every season.

Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

The star of Rainbow Falls Provincial Park is a series of soothing cascades. There is a boardwalk with multiple viewing platforms.

During sunny weather, you might observe rainbows forming due to the mist generated by the falls.Hiking beyond the main river leads to a pleasant viewpoint above Lake Superior.

A day-use pass is required to visit Rainbow Falls Provincial Park . If you’re on a strict budget and can only visit a few Ontario Park sites, I would prioritise visiting Kakabeka Falls instead (more information below).

Terry Fox Monument and Statue

Pause for a touching moment at the Terry Fox Monument and Statue , just outside of Thunder Bay. This tribute commemorates Terry’s courageous spirit and determination to raise funds for awareness and funds for cancer research.

Terry Fox’s cross-Canada run ended in Thunder Bay in early September 1980. Starting in Victoria, British Columbia, he had covered approximately 5,373 kilometres over 143 days of running.

Not from Canada? Definitely read up on Terry Fox before starting your Toronto to Vancouver journey. It will make this stop much more poignant.

Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is the most convenient place to overnight between Sault Ste. Marie and Winnipeg.

This sprawling lakeside city offers a great choice of hotels, motels and B&Bs. There are many big box stores and local boutiques as well.

Besides these amenities, Thunder Bay is an interesting destination in its own right.

One of the most popular places to visit is Fort William Historical Park , which recreates the fur trading era. Discover more about the area’s Indigenous history at the Thunder Bay Museum .

Where to stay in Thunder Bay

Budget Choose between three campgrounds in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park (see below). The Fern’s Edge and Riverside campgrounds are very close to Kakabeka Falls

Mid-range The trendy Superior Shores Hotel is situated very close to Lake Superior. The property has a boutique feel. Breakfast is included with each stay.

High-end The Delta Hotel enjoys a waterfront location on Lake Superior, with walking trails leading along the shoreline. Rooms are spacious, with some offering water views.

Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls is a must-see when driving between Toronto and Vancouver!

This wide roadside waterfall is Ontario’s second highest as it plunges 40m into the Kaministiquia River. The resulting gorge is studded with 1.6 million-year-old fossils.

A choice of elevated viewing platforms on either side of the river offers excellent vantage points. There are short hiking trails to explore as well.

TIME ZONE CHANGE! Adjust from Eastern to Central time near the community of Raith (northwest of Kakabeka Falls).

Kenora (and Huskie the Muskie)

Kenora is our favourite community in northwestern Ontario. Situated along the shoreline of Lake of the Woods, this friendly small city enjoys beautiful water views.

The downtown area features many late 19th-century red brick buildings. One of the most impressive is City Hall (previously the Post Office).

If you still have an appetite for huge things, be sure to check out Huskie the Muskie . This 12m tall muskellung pike sculpture looks out over Kenora Bay.

Manitoba border sign

It’s finally time to say goodbye to Ontario…and hello to Manitoba ! Amazingly, you’re almost halfway to Vancouver at this point. Ontario is a huge province!

Take a second to reflect on your journey so far at the Manitoba border sign. The driving is pretty smooth across the Prairies, with long sections of flat, straight divided highway.

The Centre of Canada

Not too long into Manitoba and you’ll arrive at another major milestone – the longitudinal (east/west) centre of Canada!

This fun roadside stop comprises a small park area with a huge sign. Situated just off Highway 1, the park is very easy to access. There are big plans for development in this area in the coming years.

Home to around 60% of Manitoba’s total population, ‘the Peg’ boasts a rich cultural tapestry. It is an ideal place to stop when driving from Toronto to Vancouver.

The Forks National Historic Site , where the mighty Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, is a must-visit while in town.

With more than 6,000 years of history as a meeting place, the Forks has played an important role in Manitoba’s development and Canada as a whole. Adjacent to the Forks is the cutting-edge Canadian Museum for Human Rights .

If you just want to relax after driving so far across Canada, head directly to Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature . This outdoor Scandinavian-style spa experience features thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. It is open all year round

Where to stay in Winnipeg

Budget The Town and Country Campground is located just east of Winnipeg. It is conveniently located just off Highway 1, on 48 acres of land

Mid-range Modern, clean and comfortable, the Alt Hotel is close to everything downtown. There is parking close by but expect to pay a daily fee

High-end The Inn at the Forks is perfectly placed to explore Winnipeg’s most popular attractions. The impressive  Fort Garry Hotel is a nearby alternative

Saskatchewan border sign

Be sure to make a quick stop at the Saskatchewan border sign before leaving Manitoba! Green is the prominent colour, representing the province’s northern forested areas.

In my opinion, the most scenic and interesting parts of the Prairies are not found on Highway 1. Check out the detour suggestions at the end of this post if you have the extra time to explore beyond the highway.

Named after Queen Victoria, Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan. This approachable city is surprisingly green, with the huge Wascana Lake being a great place to walk and relax.

At the northwest edge of the lake is the Royal Saskatchewan Museum , home to the world’s largest T-rex. Scotty, as the T-rex is known, was also one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found.

Even if you’re not interested in politics, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is worth a look. The imposing structure is made from local Tyndall Stone and is naturally filled with ocean fossils. The grounds are also beautiful.

Where to stay in Regina

Budget King’s Acre Campground is situated just off Highway 1, technically within city limits (15 minutes drive). This RV-orientated campground is open year-round and features large, level campsites

Mid-range The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is a reliable pick located southeast of downtown. There is underground parking (great in winter) but there is an additional fee

High-end We loved our stay at Regina’s historic Hotel Saskatchewan . Built in 1927, the hotel has welcomed numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and notable guests. It is ideally placed for exploring the city

The unassuming small town of Moose Jaw has a secret – an underground network of passageways and corridors. These tunnels date from the late 19th century and were first used for utility purposes for the nearby railway.

This network had a more sordid secondary use during the prohibition days for alcohol smuggling.

Though it’s not yet been proven, Al Capone was rumoured to have had a hand in the bootlegging operations here. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw brings all of this history to life.

Moose Jaw is also home to hot springs . The  Temple Gardens Mineral Pool is the perfect place to warm up during any winter road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

Alberta border sign

Canada’s Wild Rose Country awaits! The landscape remains flat for the first part of the drive through Alberta, with oil pumpjacks visible alongside canola fields and cattle ranches.

Approaching Calgary , the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies start to appear. It is a truly incredible sight and one of the best reasons to drive Toronto to Vancouver rather than Vancouver to Toronto!

TIME ZONE CHANGE! Adjust from Central time to Mountain time when crossing the Alberta/Saskatchewan border.

Nestled between prairie grasslands and the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is a dynamic and vibrant city.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Calgary over the years. Our favourite activities for adults include the Calgary Tower , Studio Bell (National Music Centre) and a float down the Bow River.

Visiting Calgary with kids? The Heritage Park Historical Village or Calgary Zoo are also worth a look. Of course, the annual Calgary Stampede is a must for all visitors in July!

Where to stay in Calgary

Budget The centrally located HI Calgary City Centre is a solid budget option. Breakfast is included. For camping, I would continue towards the Kananaskis Valley or Banff

Mid-range Try the Hotel Elan or Alt Hotel East Village . Modern accommodation close to downtown with a very reasonable price tag

High-end For the best stay in the city, look no further than the Hotel Le Germain. The rooms are spacious, the location is central and breakfast is complimentary

There are so many things to do in the Banff area. This driving day is the shortest to allow some time to explore this spectacular national park ( day pass required ).

The best vehicle-accessible viewpoint is the Mt Norquay Lookout . It’s completely free and offers amazing vistas of Banff and surrounding peaks.

Feel like a hike? The 2km uphill trail to the top of Tunnel Mountain is well worth the effort (300m elevation gain) as it ascends the slopes of this prominent landmark.

Johnston Canyon is a rewarding place to explore, but keep in mind that it is very busy during the summer months between 10am and 3pm.

While Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are some of the most popular destinations in the Banff area, they are a little tricky to visit without planning (or lots of $$).

Shuttle buses must be reserved in advance. Alternatively, take a side trip up the Icefields Parkway to see Peyto Lake instead. This alpine lake is just as impressive and much less planning is required!

BC border sign

Welcome to British Columbia ! Make a quick stop at the border as you enter the final province of your Toronto to Vancouver road trip.

The BC/Alberta border also marks the Continental Divide , the natural boundary separating North America’s river systems. From here on, all rivers flow into the Pacific Ocean.

TIME ZONE CHANGE! Adjust from Mountain time to Pacific time when crossing the BC/Alberta border.

The tiny community of Field is sandwiched between Highway 1, the CN railway line, the Kicking Horse River and huge, snow-capped mountains.

The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is located just off the highway in Field, surrounded by wonderful views of nearby peaks.

Drive into the village proper to enjoy lunch or an ice cream at Truffle Pigs . There are more great views from the parking area.

Emerald Lake/Natural Bridge

Emerald Lake is a gorgeous turquoise-coloured glacier lake in Yoho National Park, 10 minutes drive from Highway 1. While not quite as well known as Lake Louise, I would say it is equally as beautiful.

With parking fees now charged at Lake Louise from May to October, Emerald Lake is a great alternative (national park pass still required).

On the way back to Highway 1, make a stop at the Natural Bridge , where the mighty (and very cold!) Kicking Horse River has carved a natural limestone bridge.

Roger’s Pass

With an elevation of 1327m, Roger’s Pass is the highest section of Highway 1. The are as many as 137 glaciers hiding within the huge mountains above the road.

The free Roger’s Pass Discovery Centre is well worth a stop – it’s one of my favourite small museums anywhere in Canada!

While driving, look for the artillery mounts located by the side of the highway. In winter, the Canadian Armed Forces fire highly explosive rounds from these to control the avalanche danger and keep the road safe to drive.

Giant Cedars Broadwalk Trail

The best place to stretch your legs between Golden and Revelstoke is the short Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail . This easy 500m path leads into the heart of the forest in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Another short trail nearby is the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk . Even if you don’t do the small hike, it’s worth stopping here for the flush toilets (most others in the area offer outhouses only!)

The small mountain town of Revelstoke is surrounded by the Monashee and Selkirk ranges. Take some time to explore the historic downtown area, which hosts a diverse collection of independently opened shops and restaurants.

Train fans should stop by the excellent Railway Museum . If you don’t mind more time in the car, consider driving the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway into the subalpine of Mount Revelstoke National Park (national park pass required).

Travelling with kids? You may want to prioritise visiting Revelstoke Mountain Resort instead, home of the 42km/h Pipe Mountain Coaster .

Where to stay in Revelstoke

Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke Park is convenient for the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Alternatively, consider Martha Creek Provincial Park

We have stayed at the Swiss Chalet Motel several times. The property offers excellent value for families and larger groups. Basic breakfast included and the property is only 10-15 minute walk to downtown

The stylish rooms at the historical Regent Hotel are surprisingly spacious. The complimentary breakfast buffet is the best I’ve had anywhere in Canada

The Last Spike

Our favourite rest area between Revelstoke and Kamloops is the Last Spike , also a historical site celebrating the completion of the railway connecting eastern and western Canada.

Until the Trans Canada Highway was completed in 1962, the only way to travel across Canada was by rail. There is a large parking lot with a monument and rail car. Time it right and an operating train will pass right by!

Heading into nearby Sicamous, consider a stop at D Dutchmen Dairy to pick up locally made ice cream and cheese.

Bridal Veil Falls

The drive between Sicamous and Vancouver is scenic, bordered first by huge Shuswap Lake and then dry desert-like hills.

Highway 5 offers the fastest route to Vancouver, through the legendary Coquihalla Canyon . Mountains soar above the double (sometimes triple) lane highway.

The small town of Hope is the place to go for a break from the road. Before the final push into Vancouver, make a stop at Bridal Veil Falls . The short but steep loop trail to the base of the impressive falls takes just 30 minutes.

Alternative stops and routes

Have some extra time on your Toronto to Vancouver road trip? I’d recommend the following detours.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is situated on a peninsula jutting into Lake Superior. It is best known for the scenic Top of the Giant Trail .

The challenging but rewarding 11km long trail (22km return) culminates at the summit of Ontario’s highest cliffs. The viewpoint offers magnificent views of Lake Superior and the vertical gorge below.

If you don’t have the time (or energy) for the full hike, check out the Kabeyun Trail . This mostly flat hiking path follows the shore of Lake Superior, with access to the beautiful Sea Lion Rock .

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Grasslands National Park stands out as one of Canada’s most distinctive national parks, yet it also remains among the least frequented.

This stunning natural area in southern Saskatchewan protects the endangered mixed-grass prairie, a landscape that once stretched across huge areas of North America.

The park’s West Block (best known for wildlife) is 90 minutes drive southeast of Swift Current. The East Block (renowned for badlands scenery) is a longer detour, two hours and 30 minutes south of Moose Jaw.

Time your Toronto to Vancouver road trip right and you may be able to join a Fossil Fever tour . These are fully hands-on palaeontologist-led experiences that allow guests to dig for dinosaur bones in the park (!!)

Dinosaur Provincial Park/Drumheller, Alberta

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. More complete dinosaur skeletons (150!) have been discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park than anywhere else in the world. 

Hiking trails wind through the badlands scenery to fossil ‘houses’ where it is possible to view bones in situ.

There’s also a huge range of interpretive tours which take visitors beyond the public areas to fossil dig sites and secret viewpoints.

Consider stopping overnight in Brooks (instead of Calgary) and visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park from there. The round-trip drive takes around 90 minutes from Highway 1.

More beautiful badland scenery can be explored around Drumheller . The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a must for anyone with even the smallest interest in dinosaurs.

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Often cited as one of the best road trips in the world, the 230km long Icefields Parkway is lined with towering mountains and immense glaciers, providing jaw-dropping vistas no matter where you look.

The southern half of the Icefields Parkway is located in Banff National Park, with the northern section in Jasper National Park. A Parks Canada day use pass is required to drive this iconic road.

My favourite roadside viewpoints are Crowfoot Glacier , Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake , Weeping Wall , the Big Bend , Tangle Creek Falls and the Goats and Glacier Lookout . Plan for the one-way journey to take around five hours with stops.

Okanagan Valley/Manning Park, British Columbia

Turn off Highway 1 at Sicamous and drive to Vancouver via the Okanagan Valley , BC’s premier wine region. Expect to see long, sparkling lakes, rugged mountains and plenty of vineyards.

Continue to Osoyoos and then head towards Vancouver on Highway 3. This road passes through Keremeos (the fruit stand capital of BC) and follows the winding Similkameen River to Manning Park (excellent hiking trails).

Another option would be to stay on Highway 1 after Kamloops and drive the Sea to Sky Highway via Whistler .

Other resources you may find helpful to plan your road trip:

Highway 17 Road Trip: 10 of the Best Ontario Parks

British Columbia Trip Planning: Essential Travel Tips to Know

2 Week BC Coast and Rockies Road Trip: Detailed Itinerary + Map The Best Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Routes: Highway 1 & Alternatives

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What to See & Do in Canada?

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Road Trip Travel in Canada, on the Trans Canada Highway

Travel & tourism information for travellers across all provinces and all cities.  To help you plan (and enjoy) your road trips, TransCanadaHighway.com also has detailed info and maps of towns & cities, and attractions, festivals. Our TRAVEL TIPS section has tons of pages &  links detailing weather ,  road conditions ,  gas prices ,  speed traps ,   travel info ,   highway history, etc. And to better enjoy our beautiful countryside,  deep-dive info on all the geology , wildlife , flowers and trees , and even  agriculture you might pass along the way.

We NOW HAVE great travel  info and itineraries for the #16 Yellowhead Highway , the #3 Crowsnest Highway , and the #11 Northern Route in Ontario , and the #7 Southern Route in Ontario , with info and history of all the towns and their attractions along the way

Most importantly, we have   detailed itineraries of all segments of the Trans Canada Highway, with the rich history   of each. Our  “ Ultimate Canadian Bucket List ” has over 250 must-see attractions and activities.

What Make TransCanadaHighway.com Unique?

While so many Canada Travel websites and books only discuss the major cities, OUR website and itineraries cover the DRIVE and the scenery (97% of the highway goes through rural areas or wilderness). Because we are not government funded we provide unique perspectives for visitors and travellers. For example, in Sault Ste Marie and Niagara Falls , we cover BOTH sides of the Canada-US  border.

We also cover many worth-visiting communities OFF the Trans Canada Highway , like the Alberta Rockies and BC Rockies ,  the Okanagan Region of BC, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) , and Niagara Falls .

Canada Road Trip Adventure Pre-Trip Planning

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Road Trip from Toronto to Vancouver

A road trip from Toronto to Vancouver is an epic journey taking you almost the entire width of North America, from the shores of Lake Ontario to the coast by the Strait Of Georgia and passing incredible forests, mountain ranges and national parks on the way.

The 4,300-kilometre road trip from Toronto to Vancouver takes at least 40 hours. Key stops include Gary, Seattle, Montana, Rapid City and Banff, as well as Lake Michigan, Great Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park.

This is a truly epic drive with a huge number of attractions to see along the way, so be sure to keep reading until the end to find out more about them - as well as where to stay, and the best time to make the trip.

How far is Vancouver From Toronto and how long will the road trip take?

A road trip from Toronto to Vancouver is an absolutely monumental journey, that covers a minimum of 4,330 km (2,700 miles) and takes at least 40 hours.

To put the distance in perspective, your journey could potentially pass through up to five Canadian provinces and 11 US states along the way.

It goes without saying that this is a trip that has to be broken up across a large number of days to make the very most of the stops. As a bare minimum, we recommend you would need at least a week to complete the journey, giving you a little under 6-hours driving per day.

That said, depending on which route you select and how many attractions you plan to make longer stops at along the way, this journey could comfortably be stretched out over two full weeks.

As all of our recommended routes (except for our Canadian only trip) include crossing the border from Canada to the US, you will need to ensure you have the correct documentation and proof of identification. Always check nearer the time for up to date requirements.

Best Road Trip Route From Toronto To Vancouver

A road trip from Toronto to Vancouver is such an incredible journey that there are multiple ways to tackle it. In fact, there are so many different route options that we have recommenced three trips for you to pick from.

Despite offering very different routes, our three options more or less cover the same amount of miles, with the Direct Route being the quickest and taking just 42 hours of non-stop driving to complete.

That said, the quickest might not be the best. The Lake Route offers a great opportunity to take in the rarely visited upper peninsula and all five of the Great Lakes. Meanwhile if you'd prefer to stay within Canada, our final route options offers fantastic views of Manitoba and Alberta.

Whether you're flying into Toronto or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Toronto to Vancouver, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

The Direct Route

Set out west on Highway 401 and follow it until it merges with Highway 3 and cross into the US. Once across the border take I-96 through Detroit until you have the option to take I-94 west.

You'll follow this road all the way to Gary, Indiana, on the southern point of Lake Michigan, where you could consider an overnight stop, before switching to the I-90, still heading west.

The next part of your journey will be incredibly straightforward, although equally as long, as you'll spend most of the next 3, 425 km (2,128 miles) on the I-90. Consider spending some time exploring Lake Traverse Reservation or Pine Ridge Reservation and an overnight stop at Rapid City.

Once you reach Ranchester a key detour would be to visit Yellowstone National Park. For this, you'll exit the I-90 onto US-14 at the town, near the Wyoming-Montana border, and follow it west to the park.

After your visit, simply take the US-191 north until you re-join the I-90 and pass alongside Kootenai National Forest, before arriving in Seattle. Take I-5 north to the Canadian border, which becomes Highway 99 once you enter Canada and takes you all the way to Vancouver.

The Lake Route

Our second route is one that takes us past all five of the Great Lakes and through Michigan's beautiful, yet rarely visited, upper peninsula.

Once again set out west on Highway 401, but this time switch to Highway 402 outside London and use to cross the border into America. Next follow I-94 for a short way before switching to I-69 and through Flint Township in Michigan, before joining I-75 going north.

Stay on this all the way until you cross the Mackinac Bridge, the 26,372-foot long bridge that connects to the upper peninsula. There's so much to see in this part of the route so consider a short stop to make the most of the nearby attractions.

From here take US-2 west to Blaney Park, before going north a short distance on M-77 to Seney. You'll then go west of M-28 for quite a distance, until it re-joins US-2 in Wakefield. From this stretch make sure you visit Ottawa National Forest, halfway between Seney and Floodwood.

Continue west until just past the town of Floodwood, where you'll switch to MN-200 through some pretty towns before changing to south on MN-34. You'll follow this for 110 km (68 miles) to Detroit Lakes, a city known for its fishing lakes.

Next switch to US-10 and head west to Fargo, on the state line, where you can detour to Sheyenne National Grassland. Once in North Dakota, you'll re-join I-94 and follow it for 625 km (388 miles), the whole width of North Dakota, to Glendive, Montana.

Take exit 211 to MT-200S and follow it its entire length. Turn left in Circle onto MT-200 and follow it to Grass Range, where it merges with US-87, and continue going west.

The road will merge again with US-89, just south-west of Great Falls and another great overnight stop option. Next follow the road to Browning, just outside Glacier National Park, before you will yet again re-join US-2 and take it west all the way to just north of Seattle.

From here it's the simple matter of heading north on I-5 and continuing to follow it once it becomes Highway 99, once you cross the Canadian border, all the way to Vancouver.

The Canadian Route

If you have less of an interest in visiting the American attractions, then our final route is one that allows you to make the entire journey without leaving Canada at any point.

Set out north on Highway 400 until it merges with the Trans-Canada Highway outside Nobel. From here consider a detour to visit Algonquin Provincial Park and La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve.

Next continue on Highway 17 north for a little over 1,000 km (620 miles), until they separate in Nipigon, and you continue on 17 through Thunder Bay and consider visiting Wabakimi Provincial Park for its stunning lakes and wildlife.

When you reach the provincial border, the road will become Trans-Canada Highway 1 and you'll proceed to follow this the entire width of both Manitoba and Alberta, passing Winnipeg and Riding Mountain National Park, the fascinating city of Calgary and Banff National Park. All worthy of a stop and explore.

Continue on Highway 1 until you reach Kamloops in British Columbia. From here you'll follow Highway 5 south alongside North Cascades National Park, until it re-joins Trans-Canada Highway 1, which will then take you the remainder of the way to Vancouver.

Best Places To Stop Between Toronto And Vancouver

During your epic trip from Toronto to Vancouver there are a huge range of cities, quaint towns and fascinating sites to visit depending on which route you take and how many days you decide to cover it in.

Of all the spectacular places to visit on the way, these are our top choices for each route.

Explore and unwind at Rapid City

If you have chosen the Direct Route, then Rapid City is an absolute must stop. This beautiful city, surrounded by some of the most amazing locations in the country, is about halfway from Vancouver and perfectly positioned to visit some spectacular attractions.

With rooms decorated with wooden ceilings giving the impression of a luxurious retreat, balconies and spa baths, you'll find it impossible not to relax and unwind after your long drive. There's even a hot tub, a welcoming lounge and beautiful gardens to explore. This hotel just perfectly combines luxury with fabulous location.

Discover the sites at Great Falls

If instead you have chosen the Lakes Route to Vancouver, Great Falls is another lovely city that benefits from its fantastic surroundings and makes an ideal overnight stop.

With so many beautiful locations nearby, a great choice would be to stay at the Heritage Inn . A hotel with a traditional style, yet modern amenities, the Heritage Inn features an indoor pool, sauna and a hot tub as well as free parking and a restaurant. There's even a casino for those looking for a spot of entertainment.

Set within Great Falls, this is a hotel that allows you to really get into the spirit of your location, without sacrificing the comforts you'll need after a epic road trip.

Be blown away at Banff

There are several fantastic overnight stops on our Canadian Route, including Calgary, but as one of the most stunning locations in the entire world, our top recommendation has to be Banff.

Surrounded by national and provincial parks, Banff is an absolute must visit location for anyone who loves nature or stunning scenery no matter the time of year.

Considering your surroundings, a stay at the Royal Canadian Lodge is the perfect way to complete your visit . Filled with all the luxury you could possibly desire, including an indoor mineral swimming pool and spa services, there simply isn't a better way to feel like Canadian royalty.

Rooms at the Royal Canadian Lodge are just as striking at the fantastic location, as is the stunning vaulted ceiling of the lounge area, complete with roaring fire and the mountain backdrop. Whilst a pricy option, you can't go better than a stay at this breathtaking hotel.

Things To See On A Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

Given the distance and route options between Toronto and Vancouver, there are a huge number of scenic, historical and cultural points of interest to see on the way.

You could easily spend over a month trying to visit them all, but if you are pressed for time, we have come up with a selection of some of the very best:

On two or more routes

• The Great Lakes - The largest group of freshwater lakes on the planet by area, made up in descending size order of Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie. All route options pass at least three, while the Lakes Route takes you past all five.
• Seattle, Washington - The largest and most populous city in the state of Washington and enjoyed on either American routes this city is known for its world-famous space needle and being the birthplace of grunge music.

• Detroit, Michigan - The largest and most populous city in the state of Michigan, known worldwide for its history in the automotive industry and being the birthplace of the Motown style of music.
• Chicago, Illinois - The most populous city in the state of Illinois and the 3rd most populous in America.
• Wall Drug - Tourist attraction with a wild west theme, including shops, restaurants and a drug store, among other things. It also has an art gallery and Brontosaurus sculpture to demonstrate the history of the surrounding area.
• Badlands National Park – An almost 1,000 square kilometre (621 miles) national park, famous for its archaeological sites, full of fossils, wildlife and stunning rock formations.
• Rapid City - The second largest city in the state of South Dakota.
• Wind Cave National Park – One of the longest cave systems in the world, famous for its rare and unique boxwork and frostwork formations.
• Deadwood - The second largest wild west town still in operation today.
• Sturgis Festiva l - The largest motorcycle rally in the world, held annually on the first weekend in August, which just celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020.
• Crazy Horse Monument - Monument to the legendary Native American war chief, it will be one of the largest carvings on the planet upon completion.
• Mount Rushmore -World famous attraction, featuring the faces of former presidents Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and (Theodore) Roosevelt, carved into the Black Hills in South Dakota.
• Devils Tower -Iconic butte that has been utilised in artwork and media for decades.
• Bighorn National Forest -Location of the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark and one of the first areas to be designated protected lands in the country.
• Yellowstone National Park - The oldest and one of the most famous national parks in America, it's also the second largest in the contiguous US. Located in parts of 3 states, it's home to an amazing collection of wildlife, natural beauty spots and historic locations.

The Lakes Route

• Mackinaw City, Michigan - Located on the northern tip of Michigan's lower peninsula, this historic city is a popular tourist attraction and lies just across the water from Mackinac Island.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park - The only national park in the country named after a person, Theodore Roosevelt is honoured by this park, on lands he personally ranched on, for helping to create the national park system as we know it today.
• Great Falls, Montana - The third largest city in the state of Montana.
• Lewis And Clark National Forest - Beautiful, sprawling forest, full of wildlife, named after America's two most famous explorers.
• Glacier National Park - National park on the Canadian border, known for its unique collection of animal species, as well as natural features such as rivers, lakes and the glaciers it takes its name from.
• Pukaskwa National Park - A beautiful national park, located on the northern shore of Lake Superior, known for its forests, wildlife and stunning lake views.
• Isle Royale National Park - The least visited national park in the contiguous US and 4th least overall, it is the largest island on Lake Superior. It's famed for its numerous shipwrecks, collection of smaller surrounding islands and the unique relationship between its wolf and moose populations.
• Winnipeg, Manitoba - The capital and most populous city in the province of Manitoba. Known as Canada's gateway to the west for its history with the railroad and being the last major city until you reach Calgary.
• Calgary, Alberta - The largest and most populous city in the province of Alberta, it also ranks as the 4th most populous in Canada as a whole.
• Banff - The oldest national park in Canada and second oldest on the continent (behind Yellowstone), Banff is located high up in the Rocky Mountains and is world famous for being one of the most naturally beautiful locations on Earth.

Best Time To Go On A Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

A road trip from Toronto to Vancouver is such a monumental undertaking that you're going to want to plan everything down to the last detail, which includes deciding on the perfect time to make your trip.

With Canada being a notoriously cold country, particularly from November to March with average lows of 36 degrees, and many of the attractions along the route being outdoors, it's essential to make the trip at a time when the weather is at its best.

With that in mind, the ideal time of year for making this journey in July or August. Temperatures in Vancouver can reach highs of 70 to 86 degrees, making these easily the two warmest months. Despite this, it doesn't get too hot making it still an enjoyable climate to travel in.

If you did decide to travel outside of the summer months, Vancouver still has plenty to offer. Running from the end of March through mid-April, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival offers the opportunity to witness the stunning pink blossoms that dominate the streets. There's also art events and traditional Japanese festivities held alongside.

If music is more to your liking, one of the city's biggest summer celebrations is the Vancouver International's Jazz Festival. Set in late June and early July, this festival takes over the city for 12 days and brings musicians from all over the world.

Be warned though, hotels are very likely to be busy and at a premium during the summer months, especially during popular festival weeks - so make sure you plan ahead and book in advance.

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18 Places To Visit On A Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip

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A driving vacation from Toronto to Vancouver along the Trans-Canada Highway is a 4265 km journey across Canada through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. It’s 42 hours of non-stop driving – five days of non-stop driving during daylight hours – but with majestic landscapes and so many iconic attractions along the way, you’ll be tempted to spend weeks exploring the cities, towns and wilderness areas along the way. 

Once you pass Winnipeg, the TransCanada Highway splits into the Northern Route through Saskatoon and Edmonton, and the Southern Route, which goes through Regina and Calgary. Both offer amazing places to visit and things to see. We follow the Southern Route and go through Regina, Calgary, Banff and other areas close by. Any route you take, you’ll encounter untouched forests, majestic mountain ranges, amazing cities, national parks, crystal clear lakes, monuments and magical landscapes that will take your breath away.

Option: An alternative is to cross the US-Canadian border and travel to Vancouver through the USA. The most common route through the USA passed through Detroit, Chicago, Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Billings through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Washington and finally to Vancouver via Seattle .

2- Bruce Peninsula, ON

3- algonquin provincial park, on, 4- sudbury, on, 5- sault ste. marie, on, 6- thunder bay, on, 7- winnipeg, mb, 8- regina, sk, 9- moose jaw, sk, 10- head-smashed-in buffalo jump world heritage site (ab), 11- drumheller, ab, 12- calgary, ab, 13- banff national park (canadian rockies, ab), 14- jasper national park (canadian rockies, ab), 15- kelowna (wine region near okanagan lake, bc), 16- kamloops (bc), 17- whistler (bc), 18- vancouver, other ways to travel from toronto to vancouver, toronto to vancouver.

Looking to save $$ on a rental car? Compare prices here . 

Don’t want to drive? You may like:

• The Canadiana (21-day) – a 12-destination coach tour that includes accommodation, flights, tours, meals and transport.
• Canadian Train Odyssey (15 days ) – by train, coach and ferry. It includes the Via Rail train journey aboard The Canadian from Toronto Jasper, a coach tour from Jasper and a ferry crossing from Victoria to Vancouver. 

20 Places To Visit On A Toronto To Vancouver Road Trip

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a central hub for several industries, including finance, technology, education, healthcare and it also has a thriving culinary and nightlife scene.

Canada’s largest banks and financial institutions are headquartered in Toronto.

This vibrant and multicultural city has a lot of things to do, like visiting the Royal Ontario Museum, the iconic CN Tower, the Distillery District and the islands.

If you are visiting in summer, the city comes alive with activities, including many festivals.

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, take a 7-minute helicopter tour over Toronto .

The Bruce Peninsula is a stunning natural peninsula in Lake Huron, Ontario, combining two national parks (the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park) and other nature reserves.

The peninsula is popular for its geological features like rugged cliffs, turquoise water and an extensive network of limestone caves attracting adventure seekers throughout the year.

The peninsula also has diverse flora and wildlife, including rare orchids, black bears and timber wolves.

You can hike along the Bruce Trail, swim in Georgian Bay, explore the Grotto caves, visit the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory, camp and do many other nature-related activities here.

Distance from Toronto: 255 km (158 miles) Time from Toronto: 3 hours 

Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in Canada and about a three-hour drive north of Toronto.

The park covers an area of over 7,600 sq km and is home to numerous lakes, rivers, forests and a unique diversity of plant and animal species like moose, black bears, wolves and beavers.

A fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, the park offers a range of activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing and wildlife photography. Active travellers looking for a challenge may like this six-hour canoe tour through Algonquin Provincial Park .

If you’re short on time, enjoy the park’s beauty by taking a scenic drive along Highway 60, which winds through the park and offers stunning views of the landscape.

A unique feature of the park is its extensive canoe routes, which wind through its interior and create an unparalleled wilderness experience.

Distance from the Bruce Peninsula: 362 km (225 miles) Driving time from the Bruce Peninsula: 4 hours 30 minutes

Sudbury’s official name is the City of Greater Sudbury), a former mining city located on the TransCanada Highway.

Known for its rich mining history, the city has a thriving culture and arts scene, with festivals, museums and galleries to explore.

The Scenic North interactive science museum, Dynamic Earth geology museum, the Killarney Provincial Park, Onaping Falls are places to visit near Sudbury.

The massive Five Cents Big Nickel statue near the Dynamic Earth museum is a unique landmark to snap a selfie. 

Distance from Algonquin Provincial Park: 316 km (196 miles) Driving time from Algonquin Provincial Park: 3 hours 30 minutes

Sault Ste. Marie is one of Canada’s oldest communities and is right at the US-Canadian border.

The city is located on St. Mary’s river, which connects Lake Huron with Lake Superior, making it a hub for transportation and trade for many centuries.

Sault Ste. Marie is also home to several cultural and historical attractions, including the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site.

Take a scenic train ride through the Canadian wilderness in the Agawa Canyon Tour Train or a guided boat tour through Soo Locks or the St. Mary’s River.

Go hiking or camping in the Hiawatha Highlands or Pancake Bay Provincial Park, or camp and swim along the shores of Lake Superior.

With its blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Sault Ste. Marie is a great stopover on your journey from Toronto to Vancouver. Download this app and go on a self-guided walking tour to discover its history.

Distance from Sudbury: 306 km (190 miles) Driving time from Sudbury: 3 hours 30 minutes

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Banff in Winter

Thunder Bay is in North-western Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior on the TransCanada Highway.

The stretch of road between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay is lined with lookouts like the Alona Way, Agawa Bay, Red Chair, Kama Bay, Nipigon and many others.

Once you reach Thunder Bay, you will be welcomed by the brightly lit twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William.

Thunder Bay is an excellent place for an overnight stop while travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, with Winnipeg almost a full day’s drive away.

The region has stunning natural scenery, including lakes, forests, parks and is also home to several cultural and historic attractions like Fort William Historical Park and Terry Fox Monument.

The city served as an important transportation hub connecting Western Canada with the east coast through the Saint Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes to the east coast. A fun way to explore is to download this app and go on a family scavenger hunt adventure.

Distance from Sault Ste. Marie: 704 km (437.5 miles) Time from Sault Ste. Marie: 7 hours 37 minutes

Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, sits at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. 

Eight hours driving from Thunder Bay, this city is lovely to spend some time at.

It’s the sixth-largest city in Canada and is the “Gateway to the West” as it lies almost exactly between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

If you are interested in arts, the city is home to several cultural institutions, including the Manitoba Museum, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

You can visit the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, The Forks National Historic Site and the Manitoba Museum for insights into Canada’s past.

Assiniboine Park Zoo is a must-see for polar bears and if you’re travelling with kids.

An iconic landmark in Winnipeg is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which is in a futuristic building that houses intriguing and thought-provoking displays. The best way to get your bearings is to hire a local tour guide .

Distance from Thunder Bay: 702 km (436.2 miles) Driving time from Thunder Bay: 8 hours

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan and is in the southern part of the province and a good lesser-known stopover for an overnight break after driving from Winnipeg.

Situated on the shores of Wascana Lake, the city has wide-open spaces, parks, hiking and biking trails and a few cultural and educational institutions.

The Saskatchewan Legislative Building is a historical landmark with impressive architecture and a stunning dome, one of North America’s largest.

Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Saskatchewan Science Centre, the MacKenzie Art Gallery and the RCMP Heritage Centre.

Stretch your legs outdoors at the Wascana Centre and check out the European medieval-style castle tour at Stone Hall Castle.

Distance from Winnipeg: 596 km (370 miles) Time from Winnipeg: 6 hours 22 minutes

An hour’s drive from Regina on the TransCanada Highway, Moose Jaw and it’s tunnels are an intriguing stop.

The underground tunnels were used for various purposes, including as a hiding place for Chinese railway workers and are rumoured to be connected to Al Capone.

Moose Jaw is also home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the Western Development Museum, where you will get the chance to learn about the history of the Canadian West.

The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery showcases the artistic side of the region and the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre is where you can watch shows, concerts and even visit an art gallery.

The giant ‘Mac the Moose’ statue is next to the highway and is a perfect stopping spot to photograph. 

Distance from Regina: 71 km (44 miles). Download this smartphone driving tour between Moose Jaw and Regina. Driving time from Regina: 48 minutes

Another short drive day trip from Calgary towards the US border will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

One of the windiest areas of Canada in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the site is a cliff used by indigenous people to kill buffalo for over 50 centuries using a unique method.

Employing their knowledge of topography and buffalo behaviour, they hunted by chasing their prey over a precipice.

The buffalo carcasses were carved up in the camp below.

The site’s name came from a tragic story of a young boy many years ago.

This large centre is similar to a museum where you can learn about the history and cultural significance of the site and a place to remember the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the indigenous people who lived there for thousands of years.

Distance from Moose Jaw: 626 km (389 miles) Driving time from Moose Jaw: 6 hour 30 minutes

Northeast of Calgary, Drumheller is a small town in Alberta’s badlands known for its ancient history of dinosaur fossils and unique geological formations such as hoodoos, canyons and ancient fossils.

If you are interested in fossils, visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils.

The badlands of Drumheller are best explored by hiking, biking or horseback riding.

You can also learn about the region’s mining history by taking guided tours of the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.

Drumheller’s World’s Largest Dinosaur, a 26m tall statue that visitors can climb inside for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding badlands.

Distance from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: 288 km (179 miles) Time from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: 3 hours 

Calgary is Alberta’s most populated city and is a great place to break your drive from Regina.

The city is also close to the Canadian Rockies and makes for an excellent base to explore the mountains on day trips.

Calgary is known for its beautiful skyline, outdoor activities, vibrant and diverse cultural scene and is a city that balances the modern with the traditional.

Visit the Glenbow Museum to learn about the art and history of Western Canada or the Heritage Park Historical Village, where you can explore over 180 exhibits, including historic buildings, antique cars and enjoy a vintage amusement park.

The glass-floored observation deck from Calgary Tower is a must-visit here.

If you are travelling with kids, the Calgary Zoo makes for a great stop with its tigers, pandas, gorillas and more than 1000 other animals.

If you are travelling in July, prebook tickets to the Calgary Stampede as it’s a huge rodeo event where you can enjoy various activities, including rodeo shows, concerts and parades.

Calgary’s weather is also influenced by Chinooks – a weather pattern that brings warm winds to the city from the slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Stretch your legs on the Best of Calgary Walking Tour .

Distance from Drumheller: 136 km (84.5 miles) Driving time from Drumheller: 1 hour 30 minutes

In the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Banff National Park is a stunning national park and one of the oldest in the world.

The park is famous for its various geological formations, including mountains, canyons, glaciers, icefields, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, hot springs and some of the country’s best skiing and other outdoor adventures.

If you are a nature lover and like to spend time in the mountains, Banff National Park has so many activities you’ll want to stay forever. 

Take a ride of the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or take in the history of this beautiful place at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

In the heart of the national park, Banff is a charming resort town that offers accommodation, galleries, cafes and bars. 

If you want to explore the National Park, you can stay in Banff overnight and explore the region but don’t miss the stunning Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which offer opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing and other activities.

Distance from Calgary: 127 km (79 miles) Time from Calgary: 1 hour 30 minutes

The drive between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park takes you through one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Icefield Parkway.

Although both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park have an abundance of nature-related sights and activities, Jasper National Park is less crowded.

The town of Jasper is a calmer and more peaceful sibling of Banff and serves as a base for exploring the park.

Jasper is connected to Vancouver by VIA Rail train, which has a glass dome observation car that is a great way to explore the Canadian Rockies.

The Miette Hotsprings, Jasper SkyTram, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, and the beautiful Maligne Lake are some sights and activities to tick off your to-do list. 

Distance from Banff: 295 km (183 miles). Download this Icefields Parkway Smartphone Audio Driving Tour. Driving time from Banff: 3 hours 19 minutes

Kelowna is a beautiful city located in the southern interior of British Columbia on the eastern shore of Lake Okanagan.

Picturesque mountains and valleys, provincial parks, vineyards and orchards surround this stunning wine country.

The city has dry and warm summers and cool, cloudy winters with many sunshine hours throughout the year.

Its relatively mild winters and proximity to parks and mountains make this city a hub for various outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, golfing and water sports.

The downtown area features a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theatres, and music venues that feature regular shows.

With over 40 wineries, you could spend days wine tasting and stock up on wine you enjoy. 

Distance from Jasper: 541 km (336 miles) Driving time from Jasper: 6 hours 30 minutes

Located on the TransCanada Highway, Kamloops is surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, and pristine lakes at the confluence of the South and North Thompson Rivers.

The city is a well-connected transportation hub called the “Tournament capital of Canada” for hosting more than 100 sporting events annually.

With over 100 lakes in the area, Kamloops is a significant destination for outdoor activities like boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking.

Visit Kamloops Art Gallery, The Western Canada Theatre and the riverside Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park, which features the remains of a 2,000-year-old village.

The city is also a popular foodie and wine destination, with many local wineries offering tasting tours.

Distance from Kelowna: 167 km (104 miles) Driving time from Kelowna: 2 hours

Whistler is a famous ski resort in British Columbia and only a couple of hours’ drive from Vancouver.

This resort town is famous worldwide for its world-class skiing, snowboarding and vibrant après-ski scene.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains attract skiers worldwide in winter and is a popular destination for summer activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, golfing and ziplining adventures .

It has cool arts and culture scene, a range of accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities.

If you have time, visit the town of Squamish for its world-class rock climbing, Cheakamus Lake or the Garibaldi and Brandywine National Parks for hiking, camping, and exploring the wilderness.

Distance from Kamloops: 302 km (188 miles) Driving time from Kamloops: 4 hours 10 minutes

The monumental road trip from Toronto finally ends in the amazing city of Vancouver.

Known for its stunning natural scenery, diverse cosmopolitan culture, and world-famous culinary scene, Vancouver never fails to impress.

The city has several attractions and neighbourhoods you can visit, like the historic and trendy Gastown and the waterfront district of Granville.

If you are interested in museums, the Science World Museum, Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Art Gallery, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Burnaby Village Museum and many more offer a glimpse into the city’s history, culture and art.

Vancouver is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the mountains, forests, and the ocean and offers many outdoor activities within the city and close to the city.

Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Lynn Canyon Park are popular places to enjoy the outdoors close to the city.

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or take a whale-watching tour in the Pacific to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.

Distance from Whistler: 121 km (75 miles) Time from Toronto: 1 hour 30 minutes

Distance from Toronto: 4,403 km (2,736 miles) Time from Toronto: 47 hours (non-stop)

If an epic drive is not on the cards, there are a few ways to travel from Toronto to Vancouver. Here are some options:

By Air: Air is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Toronto to Vancouver. Direct flights are available from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Vancouver International Airport, with flight times of around 4.5 hours.

By Train: VIA Rail offers a scenic cross-country train service called “The Canadian”, which runs from Toronto to Vancouver. The journey takes around four days and is a relaxing way to see the country. 

By Car: Rent a car and drive from Toronto to Vancouver on a scenic road trip through the mountains and forests, taking several days of driving. Compare rental car rates here. 

By Bus: Several bus companies offer services between Toronto and Vancouver, with direct and connecting options. The journey typically takes three to four days and may include transfers in cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton. 

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Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the best route to drive across Canada?

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

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

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

10 Must-have road trip car accessories for epic summer drives

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

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

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

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

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How do i plan a road trip across canada.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrD0K2j3XI/

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

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

Where should I go on a road trip in Canada?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQnfKwp-yX/

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

How much does a road trip across Canada cost?

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

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

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

Can you rent a car to drive across Canada?

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

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

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Toronto to Vancouver Roadtrip Route

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In my previous blog, I shared how we suddenly have to move from Toronto to Vancouver in September 2020. My husband and I only have less than a month to prepare for this long road trip. I for one, was nervous as I’ve never traveled 4800km by car in my whole life! The longest long roadtrip I could recall was back in the Philippines when I traveled from Manila to Baguio and Manila to Isabela. That’s it!

If you asked me, If I would choose to travel a few days on a road, I would definitely say NO! I was scared to travel on the highway, much worse travel for days! But I had no choice. It’s the safest option to travel during Covid (at least that was my husband’s reasoning). And of course, he was able to convince me. So there you go…the next thing I know, we were having the most amazing times of our lives as a family! Thanks to my husband patience and great effort!

If you are planning on a cross-country travel from Toronto to Vancouver, hope you’ll find this route useful. Read my previous blog HERE for some tips on what you need to prepare before the long trip.

Our route from Toronto to Vancouver: Toronto > Sadbury, Ontario > Sault Ste.Marie,ON > Thunder Bay,ON > Winnipeg, Manitoba > Swift Current, Saskatchewan > Banff,Alberta > Vancouver, British Columbia

First stop: sudbury, ontario.

This was our first stop and we rested for a while here to have lunch at Orby’s

2nd Stop: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario 

We slept overnight here at the KOA campsite . The best campsite in all the three we had been.

The campsite fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 60.46 (including taxes). 

If you have ample time, stay at the campsite for a day to enjoy the facilities. This site is mesmerizing during autumn. The site toilet is super clean and they even have shower rooms and hair dryers.

3rd Stop: Thunder Bay, Ontario 

We slept overnight here at the KOA campsite . Opted to stay at the cabin instead of setting up our tent. The toilet here was a little old and not as clean as the KOA Sault Ste Marie and there was no hairdryer. I would book a full cabin with an attached toilet if there was or I would look for other accommodation around the area.

Daily site charge plus additional child daily charge ($5.00) – CAD 135.60 (including taxes)

4th Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba  

We set up a tent at the KOA campsite. It was drizzling and very cold then. I would find an alternative accommodation for the night that has a heater. 

The campsite fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 38.85 (including taxes). 

5th Stop: Swift Current, Saskatchewan 

I got lucky and found a small inn that’s affordable and has room facilities much like in a 4-star hotel. I would check out this inn called Widus Inn. We spoke to the owner who assisted us with the check-in. He is very accommodating and friendly. As for the room, it’s nicely decorated, very clean, has a super comfy bed with a complete en-suite toilet and hot shower facilities, hairdryer, and towels. They also offer free coffee and tea. 

Widus Inn (Superior Queen room with two Queen) fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 75.00.

6th Stop: Banff, Alberta 

We stayed here for two nights at Best Western which is situated in downtown – a great location that’s near to all tourist places, fast foods, and restaurants.  The hotel was recently renovated with a modern look and that’s the reason why I chose to book this hotel. The room rate comes with breakfast. It wasn’t a buffet but the management was thoughtful enough to think of packing the breakfast meals for hotel guests. Tip: Request for a room overlooking the mountains  We would have stayed for another few days if we could. There are just so many beautiful tourist places to explore and 2 days is not enough!

Best Western Hotel, Banff (Queen Room with 2 Queen Beds incl. breakfast for 2 adults and 1 kid (2 nights) is CAD 278.00

7th stop: – Vancouver, British Columbia

This is our final destination. Beautiful British Columbia! We left Banff a little late and it was already dark when we arrived at our destination. Nevertheless, the trip from Banff to BC was one of my favorites. Lots of greeneries, mountains, and lakes! 

Have you experienced traveling cross-country in Canada? What are the funniest and most memorable moment you have? Please share in the comments below. 🙂 Would love to read them.

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Road Trip from Toronto to Vancouver – The Ultimate Itinerary to Explore Whole Canada

I searched for the same title – itinerary for road trip from Toronto to Vancouver, when we were planning our road trip for driving across Canada.

I was deeply curious just like you for the places to stop on Toronto to Vancouver road trip.

This article may be helpful for the people looking for,

• Toronto to Sault Ste Marie Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Thunder Bay Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Winnipeg Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Regina Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Calgary Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Banff Road Trip Guide
• Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip Guide

To be honest, I hardly found any satisfactory results. With that being said, I know what you are looking for and you’ll find everything you need for such an amazing road trip from Toronto to Vancouver without entering USA.

Update: I feel flattered by the response this post has received from people planning for the same road trip. Thank you for all the comments, emails and Instagram DMs. If you manage to read this Toronto to Vancouver post in one sitting, I salute to you. Or else, consider bookmarking it and prefer exploring this post as you travel on road. I understand, it’s bit long (around 20 minutes read) but my goal was to be as much informative as possible. My next post is going to be on Toronto to Nova Scotia Road trip. Stay tuned. You can watch my Instagram highlights for video stories of all the provinces and amazing places I visited on this particular road trip.

The only thing I would like to suggest is, just go for this trip. There are some phenomenal places in Canada which makes your drive a worthwhile and memorable experience.

This is just for students planning to come to Canada:  https://unnitmetaliya.com/sop-sample/

While the route from USA saves you around 4 hours of time, it almost doesn’t have anything to explore. I would say that route is suitable for log truckers and transportation.

Saving those 4 hours will cost you the wonderful scenic drive of Canada. Go with the Canada route without thinking twice. You won’t regret it for sure.

And, the Google Maps don’t count the time required for immigration check at border. So, at best, you’ll be saving 3 hours counting at least 1 hour for border check. Mind that there’ll be two border checks. This should be enough to convince you for the Canada route.

You will have the chance to see and explore the beautiful lakes of Canada, the rocky mountains of Alberta, coast to coast driving in Ontario, some amazing roadside attractions in Saskatchewan and Alberta, numerous wonderful waterfalls in Ontario and British Columbia, canyons, peaks, beautiful views, horizons in Saskatchewan, some world’s largest landmarks, national parks, cheap campsites, free campsites, dams, Northern lights in Saskatchewan if you get lucky and many more amazing things which will make you feel awestruck.

I will present you with the ultimate itinerary for driving from Toronto to Vancouver. After all, you surely don’t wanna reach the Vancouver without visiting some awesome places which were 2 or 3 kms away from the highway you’ll be driving on.

I’ll try to cover things such as places to visit on TransCanada Highway, detours which are worth taking, exploring some hidden places which you wouldn’t find by Google search term – “places to see near me”, good and bad experiences we had, places to stay, free campsites and so on. Basically, everything which may make your Toronto to Vancouver trip a convenient and worthwhile experience.

Let’s begin our journey.

Day 1: Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie – 688 kms – 7 hours 21 minutes

I have never carried excitement like this for any of my adventures . None of us did. We were extremely excited for our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

We loaded the trunk with camping tent, clothe bags, blankets, winter jackets (Yes! In summer because it’s Canada my friend), and lots of snacks.

There were 3 of us so the rear seats also had some extra space to put few things. Basically, we tried and converted the car into a room. We even prepared meal items which may cover us for initial few days and save some dollars on restaurants.

We started early in the morning around 6 A.M in Toronto, Ontario. As per our plan, we were  going to take car-cool-down or lunch-break in Sudbury, Ontario.

Around after 50 minutes we took our first coffee break in Barrie OnRoute. That’s the last OnRoute we had seen on our whole trip. There’s no such thing as OnRoute in any other provinces except the Ontario. At least, not on the highway we took or you’ll be taking. However, Tim Horton’s and alike places were conveniently available.

We continued our journey after small break in Barrie. We researched about some places to see in Sudbury and decided to go to Lake Laurentian Conservation Area after seeing the reviews and photos of the place.

One of the must see places between Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie: Lake Laurentian Conservation Area in Sudbury, Ontario

The park entry as well as the parking are free at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. This was the first place on our trip where we felt awestruck. The morning time was amazing and it felt like some portrait picture became live in front of us.

The lake was partially frozen. That’s something you don’t get to see usually. The water was flowing which made the ice on the water surface look mesmerizing.

We arranged our lunch on the bench right beside the lake. What an ambiance it was! The natural beauty of the place added some extra taste in our food and made the overall experience delightful.

After the lunch, we saw one look out area on the hill and decided to go there. It involved bit of hiking and trailing but was totally worth it. When we reached the lookout spot on the hill, the view was incredibly beautiful.

Lake Laurentian Coservation Area

Highly recommended to get some photographs when you are there.

After spending some time, we continued for Sault Ste. Marie.

We kept searching for free campsites near Sault Ste. Marie. Just be mindful that when you’ll be searching for free or cheap campsites, you will get suggestions for campsites in USA as you’ll be driving near to border all the way to Vancouver. Don’t put anything you get on GPS and proceed without confirming.

After some research on internet, we found out about one place named Shaw Dam Lake which could have been dangerous experience of our lives.

It was said by one person on the internet that it’s a free campsite. We put it on map and continued for it. After taking a right turn from highway, the road was totally graveled and dirty. The GPS was saying 10 minutes to reach the destination. After around 5 minutes, we arrived into nowhere in the jungle with no cell-phone coverage.

There were a couple of vacation homes and a cemetery in the beginning, but nothing except the jungle after sometime. With heart pumping crazily, we continued with a hope to find some people at the destination. During last 3 minutes, there was small dig on the road which I am sure our car was not able to pass without damage.

So, I and the other friend came out and filled it with stones making it passable by our car. We continued and when we were two minutes away, there was a right turn which was full of mud and water all over the area. Only I can imagine what could have happened if the car would have stuck in that mud.

Gravel Road in Jungle

We took the U-turn and decided to leave that jungle as soon as possible. No one was around and it was damn scary evening for all three of us. Don’t go for the Shaw Dam Lake free campsite. Don’t believe blindly what someone on the internet is saying just like we did. Always check your facts before going.

I guess that was the only bad experience on our whole trip from Toronto to Vancouver and coming back.

We searched for other campsites near Sault Ste. Marie and found out about KOA campground which seemed trustworthy.

We called them and inquired about the rates. It costed us 52$ to camp there for one night and the experience was totally worth it. We booked tent site as we had brought the tent along with us.

Me being excited for setting up the tent

It took a while to setup the tent. If you really wanna enjoy the camping, bonfire, the talk, the overall environment, then, it is recommended to arrive at your campsite early before it gets dark.

Camping at KOA Campground

Our Camping Tent

That was everything about the first day of our trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

Day 2: Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay – 700 km – 7 hours 44 minutes

After an amazing tent camping experience at KOA campground in Sault Ste. Marie, we continued our journey for the second day. KOA campground had all the facilities to get refreshed in the morning. We got freshened up and took breakfast-come-lunch there before leaving.

View from the Tent in Morning

We started the journey around 11 AM in the morning. For the second day, we were not worried about the places to stay at night in Thunder Bay as one of my good friend living in Thunder Bay was going to host us for the night.

Our first stop after leaving the Sault Ste. Marie was going to be Wawa Goose Statue in an Ontarian town, Wawa.

Tourist attraction between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay: Wawa Goose Statue, Wawa, Ontario

We didn’t stop anywhere in between except the gas and arrived to Wawa Goose Statue after two and a half hour of drive. While the place was officially closed, we parked our car roadside just like the other visitors did and proceeded to check out world’s largest Goose statue. It’s huge. And, the people living in town are trying everything they could to protect the Goose from legal obligations.

Wawa Goose Statue is visited by thousands of tourists around the world every year and it’s literally by the side of TransCanada highway. Wawa Goose Statue is one of the must see tourist attractions between Sault Ste Marie and Thunder Bay.

Wawa Goose Statue

After spending some time and clicking lots of photographs with the big Wawa Goose Statue, we pulled over in Tim Horton’s near by to have some coffee.

Around 3:30 PM, we were all set to continue for Thunder Bay, Ontario. We didn’t stop anywhere except the gas and little washroom break at KFC near Terrace Bay, Ontario. The strange thing I found in that washroom was the bathroom door was full of signs of hitchhikers, travelers, road trippers, log truckers saying they have been there. Crazy!

Roadside hotel near Terrace Bay (– KFC is inside)

We wanted to inform my friend about the time of our arrival, but, there was no cellphone coverage for around 3 hours as the highway passes through the mountains and hills and makes you drive coast to coast of Lake Superior.

After five and a half hour of drive, we arrived to my friend’s place in Thunder Bay at 9:15 PM. The great guy had already prepared delicious dinner for all three of us. We were crazily hungry to directly jump on the dinner without wasting much time.

As we were meeting after months of time, we spent some time chit chatting and called it a night around 11:15 PM.

The Day 2 of our trip from Toronto to Vancouver was really really wonderful.

Day 3: Thunder Bay, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba – 703 KM – 7 hours 40 minutes

We woke up early in the morning around 7 AM. Prepared breakfast and cooked noodles to bring with us for the later time of the day. Got freshened up just like we do when being at our own home and were ready to continue our journey again.

We searched about places to see near Thunder Bay and found two places near Thunder Bay. Sleeping Giant and Kakabeka Falls. You must stop at Kakabeka Falls while leaving the Thunder Bay for the Winnipeg.

One of the must see places in Thunder Bay: Sleeping Giant

Sleeping Giant is not a particular place like Kakabeka Falls where you need to go and check it out. It’s a provincial park.

However, when you’ll be driving, keep your eyes on left side across the lake. You’ll find formation of rocks and mountains which will resemble like a giant is sleeping.

That is the reason behind the place being called Sleeping Giant.

Sleeping Giant is the wonder of Canada and it has beaten the Niagara Falls in the list.

Truly a wonder. But, you do not need to go there. If you want, you can pull over right beside the road. Keep staring across the lake and sooner, you’ll get the Sleeping Giant formation in your mind.

So, don’t forget to checkout Sleeping Giant before leaving Thunder Bay.

One of the must see places near Thunder Bay: Kakabeka Falls, Ontario

Kakabeka Falls is considered as the Niagara of the North and being just 30 minutes away from Thunder Bay, a beautiful place to see.

We left for the Kakabeka Falls around 9 AM in the morning and arrived at Kakabeka Falls after 30 minutes.

Just to let you know that parking at Kakabeka Falls is not free. We paid 5$ for 2 hours.

To get to the viewpoint for the falls, there’s no hiking or trailing. Just follow the stairs and you’ll arrive to the viewpoint within two minutes distance from parking.

Kakabeka Falls – the Niagara of the North

The falls was truly wonderful. It stood out as per its name – the Niagara of the North. There wasn’t much water flowing, still the beauty of the falls didn’t seem to be affected. There were two view points at the Kakebaka Falls and we had enough time to checkout the falls from both the view points.

One of the must visit places in Ontario – Kakabeka Falls

For the second view point, you’ll have to cross the bridge by walking for 4 to 5 minutes. There’s some arrangement of benches and a picnic area if you wanna take the lunch you brought with yourself.

Kakabeka Falls from the second view point across the bridge

If you find the washrooms on the first side of the falls be closed (which we did), there’s washroom on the other side of the falls which you can reach by crossing the bridge.

After spending 2 hours at Kakabeka Falls, we continued our journey for the Winnipeg. We were aware about the fact that we were going to cross our first of the three time zones in our whole trip to Vancouver. We were going to cross the Eastern Standard Time Zone and be in Central Standard Time Zone.

It’s amazing to get one more hour for your day, isn’t it? We noticed the hour going back on our phones and felt happy like kids. When it was about to be 12:57 PM, it became 11:57 and we arrived to the board of Central Time Zone and Eastern Time Zone. We pulled over our car as the Ontario government has made nice picnic area around the timezone to let the people enjoy their gifted one hour.

Extra hour for the day! Yayy!

Click as many photographs as you want with the board. You won’t be getting the same board with any other time zones you’ll be crossing on your way to Vancouver.

We took lunch at the time zone picnic area and made some changes on our initial itinerary of the third day.

Before, we planned to reach the Brandon, Manitoba at the end of the day. However, there wasn’t much to drive on 4th day, so we decided to stop at Winnipeg, Manitoba which eventually became the luckiest decision we made on our trip. Keep reading. 🙂

We continued our journey after the lunch keeping in mind the Kenora (the last city of Ontario) as next stop for a small coffee-break. We stopped at Dryden Tim Horton’s as one of us couldn’t hold the…. yes, you guessed it right!

The thing we noticed at Dryden Tim Horton’s and are still wondering to this date was, the place was fully filled with senior citizens. And, there were lots of them. Almost every single table of that Tim Horton’s. We couldn’t find a single young guy in whole Tim Horton’s. We don’t complain, but, this was certainly a strange thing. Let me know if you experience the same thing on your trip.

After having some poutine and coffee, we continued.

Two and a half hour later, it was time to celebrate our first milestone of our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. The Ontario – Manitoba Border.

It’s on that moment you realize the Ontario is huge! Very huge!

Yes. It took us 2 and a half days to reach the border of Ontario from Toronto. It was an achievement on its own.

Good place to stop between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg: Ontario Manitoba Border

We pulled over the car near to Welcome to Manitoba board and jumped out with hefty amount of excitement. We were literally jumping and mind my words, you’ll do the same. Crossing the whole province by car is big deal.

Ontario Manitoba Border

We clicked lots of pictures in front of the welcome to the Manitoba board and were ready to continue again.

Drive for two more hours and you will reach the beautiful city on whole planet, the Winnipeg.

Winnipeg felt like a boon after leaving Toronto. The infrastructure, the people, the atmosphere. Everything was more than excellent.

Just like we did on our all the days of trip, we searched for free campsites near Winnipeg, but, there weren’t any options available this time.

And, in addition to that, we wanted to be on budget, so were least interested in any motels, hotels or lodges.

However, when you’ll be searching for free campsites near any place, you’ll get suggestions about Walmart parking lot, which is just right. People have been car camping at Walmart Parking Lot and they don’t care unless your luck is not in favor on that day.

If it’s just one person who is mentioning about Walmart Parking Lot then, that might not be trustworthy. But, there are numerous people in numbers of forums mentioning about camping in Walmart Parking Lot for free.

We decided to find the cheap parking in Winnipeg downtown and found something which costed us just 2$ for night. We parked our car and went to explore the night life in Winnipeg downtown.

And, sometimes you are just meant to be at right place on right time. Yes. It was the luckiest day for us to make the luckiest decision to stop in Winnipeg instead of Brandon.

Why? You ask.

There was a street party for the Hockey match between the famous Winnipeg Jets and Predators. Huge crowd dressed in whites and blues. I have never seen such a huge crowd coming out on street and cheering for their home team. The whole downtown was secured by police and paramedics because of the crowd. This street party is also known as Winnipeg Whiteout.

Winnipeg Street Party

Later, I got to know that the total cost for the Winnipeg Whiteout street party exceeded $2.1 million and attracted 120,00 Winnipeg Jets fans. How lucky we were on that day, man? Wow!

Winnipeg Whiteout

The people were happy like they were celebrating some festival. The city seemed beautifully wonderful. I & both my friends felt like, God! Where did you bring us? It’s crazy!

Street Screening of Winnipeg Jets and Predators

I will never forget the street party experience I had in Winnipeg. It was one of its own. It seemed like they were breathing for their team. They were passionately following their team and the sadness on their faces when the opposite team scored a goal was the living proof.

Winnipeg! Wow! Wow! Wow!

If you don’t get lucky just like we did, then, you do not need to worry. The reason is the downtown Winnipeg is just beautiful. You can roam around in night and feel extremely safe without worrying. The city is known for its friendly and humorous people.

After cheering for Winnipeg Jets for around one or two hours, we headed back to the Parking.

We took the dinner being half asleep as we were totally exhausted.

We prepared nice bed-alike structure on back seat and made the front seat fully reclined. It was more than a perfect setup to sleep conveniently.

I was writing my journal till late night while the other two friends of mine were in deep sleep. I called it a night at around 2-3 AM.

If you are thinking about car camping throughout the trip just like we did, this should be your rule.

The Golden Rule for going on Long Road Trip:

If it’s a sedan or an SUV car, at max 3 people.

If it’s a 7 sitter Van, no more than 5 people.

If anything above than this limit, be prepared for the motels or lodges. Alternatively, you can arrange an extra car.

That was all about our Day 3.

I will remember the Day 3 like it’s yesterday for the rest of my life.

Day 4: Winnipeg, Manitoba to Regina, Saskatchewan – 573 KM – 6 hours

The parking pass was valid for 6:00 AM in the morning. I woke up in the morning, paid parking fees and took our car to Walmart while my buddy was sleeping in back seat. The Walmart was going to open at around 7 AM. So, we parked the car and slept again for another 3 hours.

Around 9 AM, we woke up, got freshened up and were ready to start the drive. We were planning to take our brunch (breakfast+lunch) in Brandon which was 2 and a half hour drive from Winnipeg, around 215 KM.

We arrived in Brandon at 1 PM and pulled over in Tim Hortons along the TransCanada Highway. We brought lots of instant ready food packets with us which saved us lots of money on food and filled our tummies for the rest of the day. After having nice coffee and breakfast, we left for the Saskatchewan.

It was going to be 4 hours straight drive from Brandon, Manitoba to Regina, Saskatchewan. The road from Winnipeg to Saskatchewan is very flat and boring.

There are endless horizons on both sides of the roads and there’s almost nothing to see or pull over. Straight 4 hours.

Endless Horizon in Saskatchewan

If you are the one who is not going to drive, but going to be seated on front-seat, be ready to have some interesting conversation topics for the roads in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It’s very easy to fall asleep on this particular route from Saskatchewan to Manitoba.

Good place to stop between Winnipeg and Regina: Manitoba Saskatchewan Border

At 4 PM, we arrived to Manitoba – Saskatchewan border. Our second milestone. There’s big picnic kind of area at Saskatchewan border and we pulled over to click some pictures with “Saskatchewan, Naturally” board. The weather was windy but not bad.

Manitoba Saskatchewan Border

After spending some time at Saskatchewan border, we left for Regina. We were going to experience the timezone change and were going to get one more hour before we reach Regina, Saskatchewan. When it was going to become 4:33 PM, it became 3:33 PM and we cherished the extra hour.

Arrived in Regina downtown at 6 PM and parked our car in the cheapest parking available. We roamed in Cornwall Mall in Regina Downtown when it was the closing time. Roamed here and there in Regina downtown and entered in to Burger King to have some dinner.

Regina Downtown

After the dinner, the friend who was driving was all exhausted and wanted to sleep, while the other two went for wandering and exploring in Regina downtown.

Near Cornwall Mall – Regina Downtown

The weather was cloudy and the city was all empty. It was the peak hour and it was hard to feel we were in downtown of the capital of the province – Regina, Saskatchewan.

Best place to see in Regina: Victoria Park

Really, there weren’t many people and the ones we came across were threatening and drunk (No offence, Regina! Just an experience).

Meanwhile, the other friend of mine read some bad reviews about the city and we became more frightened as we were experiencing the same things which were mentioned.

However, if you have some time, spend it at Victoria Park which is at the heart of the Regina Downtown. You will get to know about the history of the Regina. If you want to feel the peace and think about your life, any bench at Victoria Park is recommended.

Victoria Park – Regina Downtown

Victoria Park at Night – Regina Downtown

I sat on the bench and wondered how beautiful my life is. We traveled all the way from Toronto to Regina and it was hard to believe my nerves. It was a big deal for me. 4 days of being in a car taught me some lessons which no book or teacher in any grade was capable of.

I was being emotional for our road trip.

We went back to parking and called it a night. The day four was relaxing as there wasn’t much to travel. We started the driving around 10 AM in the morning and reached the Regina at around 6 AM, even after taking numbers of washroom breaks and coffee breaks.

Day 5: Regina, Saskatchewan to Calgary, Alberta – 760 KM – 7 hours 40 minutes

The morning of day 5 was quite similar to that of day 4. We woke up at the end of parking hours, drove our car to Walmart parking lot and slept again for another two hours.

We woke up around 8 AM, got freshened up, bought some apples from Walmart and left for Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan.

One of the must see places between Regina and Calgary: Mac the Moose – World’s largest Moose

At Moose Jaw, we were going to see Mac the Moose, which is world’s largest moose. Being 32 feet tall and having weight of 10 long tons, it’s surely one of its kind and one of the must see places between Regina and Calgary.

World’s Largest Moose – Mac the Moose

70 KM from Regina, we arrived in Moose Jaw. Pulled over a little bit and, we were in front of giant, fat sculpture of Mac the Moose. The weather was way too windy, so we were not able to spend much time with Mac the Moose.

Mac the Moose Sculpture

We spent some time with Mac the Moose for a while, clicked pictures and went to near by Tim Horton’s to have some breakfast.

The wind was blowing all over the Moose Jaw and it was driving people crazy. The construction workers were helpless and continued their work regardless of heavy wind. I have never seen such a crazy wind.

After a while, we left for Alberta. Our next stop was going to be Medicine Hat in Alberta. It was 4 hours drive from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The drive from Saskatchewan to Alberta is not that boring.

You’ll find numbers of things on your way taking from Mooses wandering in the filed to oil factories and salt farms.

Moose Spotting in Saskatchewan

Moose wandering in farms of Saskatchewan

You’ll be seeing the hay farms which we usually see in Movies.

Hay Farms – Saskatchewan

Good place to stop between Regina and Calgary: Saskatchewan Alberta Border

My buddy drove for continuous 4 hours without any breaks and we arrived to Alberta – Saskatchewan border at around 2:30 PM. The border at Alberta was also huge and they made nice picnic area around the welcome board.

Alberta Saskatchewan Border

We spent some time at border, clicked lots of pictures and continued our journey for Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The other thing which we experienced right after entering into Alberta was, our iPhones kept prompting us with Emergency Alerts. We never experienced such thing in any other provinces. It was not something to worry about anyway. So, just keep going.

Emergency Alerts after entering into Alberta (to be ignored)

One of the Must see places between Regina and Calgary: Medicine Hat Tepee (also known as Saami’s Tepee)

After half an hour of drive, we pulled over to see world’s largest Tepee in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Medicine Hat Tepee, also known as Saami’s Tepee, it is a must see place between Regina and Calgary. If you got some time, read the history written on boards under the Tepee. The structure is huge enough to make you feel flabbergasted.

World’s largest Tepee – Medicine Hat Tepee

Don’t get confused between Saami’s Tepee and Medicine Hat Tepee. They both are same.

Medicine Hat Tepee – also known as Saami’s Tepee

It was nice to spend some time at Saami’s Tepee and we were yet to explore one more place near Medicine Hat, Alberta. The name of the place was Echo Dale Regional Park in Bow Island, Alberta. It was recommended by many people on travel forums and we decided to give it a shot.

We pumped up the gas and continued for Echo Dale Regional Park also known as Echo Dale Recreation Ranch.

One of the Must see places between Regina and Calgary: Echo Dale Regional Park

After some time, we arrived in rural area with speed limit of 30 kmph. The road was empty and zigzag. After some time, we recalled the feeling of Shaw Dame Lake experience in Ontario and got a thought to make a U-turn when the map was saying 10 minutes to reach. We continued anyway as it was the proper developed road and not jungle. 5 minutes later, we started seeing the views which we’ll not forget for lifetime.

Echo Dale Regional Park, Bow Island

The rocks, farms, lake, river and the over all driving experience was one of its kind. We also started coming across vacation homes and arrived into nicely planned tourist area.

There was no-one at the Echo Dale Regional Park apart from us and that made our experience more awesome. You would be surrounded by trees, mountains and there would be nothing but ultimate peace. The weather, the peace, the location, everything got combined and provided us an amazing experience to never forget.

Touching nature at Echo Dale Regional Park in Bow Island, Alberta

After spending some quality time in Bow Island, we left for Calgary. It was 3 and a half hour drive to reach Calgary from Bow Island.

The drive was good allowing you to pass through some mountains and jungles. The weather was also accompanying us on that day.

We took a little coffee break in Brooks, Alberta at around 6 PM and continued for another 3 hours to reach Calgary.

Why Calgary is the must see place in Alberta?

What can I say about Calgary? It was wonderful. I instantly fell in love with Calgary. You can consider the Calgary as a replica of Toronto.

Toronto have CN Tower, Calgary has Calgary tower. We have Harbour Front, Calgary has Prince’s Island Park. Toronto’s downtown is beautiful, Calgary’s is wonderful.

First thing, you’ll be checking out right after stepping in Calgary downtown is, Calgary Tower. The tower is similar to CN Tower except being lesser in height.

Beautiful Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta

I wish I could go on top to check out the night view of Calgary, but, after going on the top of CN Tower, we were not that much interested.

Calgary Tower

Some buildings in Calgary downtown seemed to have British infrastructure. The Calgary tower also seemed amazingly wonderful during night time.

Calgary Downtown

We roamed in Calgary downtown for like 2 hours in search of public washroom. We really were having hard time to find public washroom in Calgary downtown. Tim Horton’s – closed. Mac Donald’s didn’t have one. Starbucks – closed. Five star hotels – no luck. We tried everything and ended up at one bar which allowed us to feel free.

I don’t know but I was in love with Calgary already. It is one of the most beautiful city I have ever visited. One can definitely plan to live there if they need to. People seemed classic and the city was providing the pure Canadian feeling.

What exactly is the big head sculpture near The Bow building in Calgary?

While you’d be roaming around in Calgary downtown, you would find the gigantic face mask sculpture of some kind near The Bow building. It’s called Wonderland Sculpture.

Wonderland Sculpture in Calgary

This 12-meter tall sculpture head is named after a young girl called “Wonderland”. It was designed by the very famous Spanish sculptor, Jaume Plensa, who has also designed similar sculptures in other parts of the world like New York, Dubai, London, Brazil.

Wonderland Sculpture near The Bow building

After that, we wandered in streets of Calgary downtown, spotted some exotic cars in Courtyard Marriott five star hotel, explored beautiful buildings in downtown Calgary.

Beautiful Buildings – Calgary Downtown

Can’t get over with Calgary

One with the University of Alberta campus in Calgary Downtown

We headed back to the parking around 11 PM.

We ate apples and instant ready food as a dinner. We were exhausted enough to fall asleep at next moment. However, I was in mood to write some pages before calling it a night.

I started writing from where I left and arrived to describing the scary Shaw Dam Lake experience. Mind that the parking was all empty on that day and both my friends were in deepest sleep of their lives. I started getting haunting thoughts and got through describing the experience as fast as I could. I called it a night around 2 AM.

Our sleep got disrupted by the continuous noise of one cleaner’s floor cleaning machine. We changed the floor at around 4 AM and slept for another 2 hours.

That was all about Day 5. It was our last night in car as on our 6th day, we were finally going to reach the Vancouver.

5th day of our trip was amazing. We got to see some beautiful places and world’s largest landmarks, such as Saami’s Tepee in Alberta and Mac the Moose in Saskatchewan.

Day 6 – Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia – 1000 KM – 11 hours 30 minutes

The day 6 was the most memorable day of our trip. It was a long drive to reach Vancouver, but it was totally worth it. If you want, you can split the day 6 in two days as there are so many places to see and explore on your way to Vancouver from Calgary. You can spend one whole day at Banff in Alberta.

We wanted the Vancouver or the British Columbia as a whole to be our first priority on our road trip, so, we decided to reach Vancouver at the end of the day. But, if I do this trip again, then, I’ll surely spend at least two days at Banff National Park if not more. Or at Jasper National Park if you take the Edmonton route, which we did while coming back from Vancouver to Toronto.

Let me narrate the day 6 of our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

We didn’t go to Walmart after waking up like the previous days of our trip. We needed to start early in the morning as we were aware about the long drive to reach Vancouver.

We woke up around 6 AM and went to Tim Horton’s near by. Got freshened up and took breakfast.

Coffee was a bliss on whole road trip. I was the French Vanila with Coffee guy and the other two were steeped tea people. Fixed. Every single time.

We also brought instant ready Indian-tea packets along with us on our road trip. Just get warm water from anywhere, add the packets, and you’ll have the nice, tasty tea to drink and feel fresh.

You can get such kind of instant ready beverage packets of your choice from any grocery store. That may help you save some money on hot drinks or beverages.

The Main Tourist Attraction in Alberta: Rocky Mountains

We left Calgary for Banff at around 7 AM in the morning. The weather was foggy. While the other two of us were feeling heavenly, the other friend was having hard time driving through foggy atmosphere. But, we have seen worse on our Quebec road trip , so, it wasn’t a big issue for us.

Actually, we realized. It wasn’t fog. We were driving through the clouds.

Clouds so close that you can touch them. Wow!

Our car was going normally making us pass through normal mountains with jungles and trees. But, after a while…

WE BECAME MAD..

The most awaited part of our trip finally arrived. THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN ALBERTA.

Rocky Mountains in Alberta

Wow, Man! What a feeling! We were literally out of our minds when we saw the first rocky mountain on our way from Calgary to Vancouver.

It’s impossible to not exaggerate the beauty of the drive through rocky mountains. Trust me, the rocky mountains will make you feel detached from your normal life and will bring yourself into totally new world.

It should be law in Canada making people drive through rocky mountains in Alberta at least once in their lifetime.

It was 11 hours drive without any stop. We were very well aware about the fact of reaching Vancouver lately. I did not want to reach my friend’s place later in night causing him inconvenience.

However, we thought, let it be! We are never going to experience such beauty again for the first time.

We pulled over.

Came outside of car.

Became Mad.

Just pull over and get that shot. You ain’t gonna come here everyday.

Wow. Rocky Mountains You Beauty!

What a view! What a view! What a view!

Luckily, the weather was in our favor. And, the place where we pulled over was particularly designed to let people experience the beauty of Rocky Mountains. And, there was no one apart from three of us.

We spent considerable amount of time there being lost in the world of Rocky Mountains.

We have never been excited like we were on that day. The Rocky Mountains were surely one of the best experience of our lives.

If I or any of us three are given a chance to drive into Rocky Mountains, we will surely do it again and again.

Hey, Vancouver! I am almost there.

We shot films (..starring me) and clicked lots of pictures at Rocky Mountains.

You can check out the film we released on my Facebook profile.

Click here to watch  the film with Rocky Mountains .

Major Tourist Attraction in Canada: Banff National Park, Alberta

After enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, we left for Banff National Park where we were going to see the Lake Louise and the Moraine Lake.

Two of the most beautiful lakes in whole Canada.

The Lake Louise and the Moraine Lake are not only Canada’s beautiful lakes, but they are considered as the world’s most beautiful lakes and, are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists from all around the world every year.

Lake Louise is known as the bluest lake of Canada and one of the major tourist attractions of the whole world.

We continued our drive after enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

We arrived at the entry gate of Banff National Park.

Banff National Park was nicely structured and maintained by the Alberta government. There was toll plaza kind of setup where you are supposed to purchase the park pass. You may bypass the Banff National Park if you want, but, hey, I wouldn’t if I were you.

It’s only 19.60$ for the group of 2 to 7, and, I would say it’s under priced. Because, there are so many places to see and the Banff National Park is known as the number 1 national park of Canada.

Personally, I would say, one day is not enough for Banff National Park. You may spend one whole week doing activities such as camping, hiking, trailing, rock climbing, cliff jumping etc. If you are a wild-life lover, then, you may spend spotting wild-life anywhere in the Banff National Park.

However, we were determined about two must see places in Banff National Park. The Lake Louise and the Moraine Lake.

Must see place between Calgary and Vancouver: Lake Louise

We arrived at Lake Louise around 10 AM in the morning and God! The place was crowded like anything.

It was a weekday and you may see the number plates from Minesota, Montana, Yukorn, Ontario and even California, Georgia and Florida.

Lake Louise is the  very famous place in whole world.

Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait much for the parking as we were early in the day. But, when we left after two hours, it was the rush of cars, RVs, tour buses and trucks.

It is advised to arrive as early in the morning as possible to avoid being stuck in traffic for no reason.

We parked our car and proceeded to checkout the very famous, Lake Louise.

Lake Louise in May

Again, WOW!

Totally worth it!

The lake is situated between the high Rocky Mountains and the jungle. The view was amazingly wonderful.

Lake Louise – the most beautiful place in Banff, Alberta

The lake wasn’t blue and it was frozen even early in the May. However, it was undoubtedly wonderful.

Every season has its own reasons to let you experience the beauty of the nature.

What is the perfect time to visit Lake Louise?

I would say the perfect time to visit Lake Louise is June to August. Because, during this time, the lake will be in the bluest color possible.

If you are particularly interested in seeing the blue color of the lake during summer, then it is advised to go there in later May or early June. The best blue colored lake in Canada, the Lake Louise is not blue throughout the year.

Many tourists regret it after arriving to the Lake Louise. We didn’t as we were aware about the fact of lake being frozen.

As a suggestion, I would recommend you to add the time of year when you are searching about the pictures of any place you are planning to visit. Especially, when you are in Canada, my friend!

For example, don’t search for “Lake Louise Images”. Instead, search for “Lake Louise in May”.

Same way, don’t search for “Niagara Falls”. Search for “Niagara Falls in January” or “Niagara Falls in Winter”.

You’ll get different results and it will help you decide the right time to visit that particular place.

You may thank me for this tip in the comment section if you want. Ha Ha!

Back to describing Lake Louise.

While the Lake Louise was frozen, it didn’t fail to show its beauty to the numerous visitors watching it on that day.

We noticed travelers from numbers of countries enjoying the most bluest lake in whole Canada – the Lake Louise.

It’s like those who visit the Lake Louise during summer envy the ones who visited it during winters and the ones who visited it during winters envy the ones who did it in summer.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta

After all, there’s no perfect time to feel the nature. Ironically, correct!

I & my friends spent considerable time enjoying at Lake Louise and it was time for us to leave in order to reach the Vancouver on time.

We wanted to visit the Moraine Lake, but got to know it was closed for some reasons. Moraine Lake usually stays closed for some reasons and it’s advised to confirm the availability before visiting it. It’s the second most beautiful lake of Canada after the Lake Louise.

We took lunch at Lake Louise and left for British Columbia.

Good place to stop between Calgary and Vancouver: Alberta – British Columbia Border

We drove for one hour or less and arrived to Alberta – British Columbia border. We were about to complete our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. But, wait. Not yet.

Alberta British Columbia Border – The Final Milestone

The picnic area at BC border was closed for maintenance, but there was nice area where we pulled over and went to click picture with Beautiful British Columbia board.

View at the British Columbia Alberta Border

It’s good feeling to click pictures with board when you cross the border and enter into different province, isn’t it?

One of the must see places between Calgary and Vancouver: Spiral Tunnels in Big Hill

After half an hour, we arrived at Spiral Tunnels in British Columbia.

Spiral Tunnel is also one of the 7 wonders of Canada.

There are only few spiral tunnels on the world and very few which are actually in use. It’s the proof of how awesome the engineering in older times was.

With that being said, Spiral Tunnel at Big Hill is a must see place between Banff and Vancouver.

Spiral Tunnels at Yoho National Park in British Columbia

Demo of Spiral Tunnels in Big Hill, British Columbia

It is said that train comes at every 20 minutes and it will take around 15 minutes to pass from the whole tunnel. People in past waited for 40 to 60 minutes with no luck.

However, it’s worth wasting one hour there if there are chances of getting luckier to see the train. If you do not, I have posted the full video on YouTube of Spiral Tunnels at Big Hill in British Columbia .

Spiral Tunnels – British Columbia – Yoho National Park

After two hours of drive, we stopped at Tim Horton’s in Golden, British Columbia (It’s name of the city!).

We continued our drive while passing through Rocky Mountains in British Columbia and enjoying the roads on the hills.

The driving in BC gets dangerous when you enter from Banff, Alberta. Be mindful for your surrounding and avoid driving during night time anywhere near to Vancouver or in whole British Columbia.

However, the drive is ultimately scenic. You’ll get to see the lakes, aggressive rivers passing through, peaks of mountains and alike. The legal speed limit in British Columbia is 120 kmph.

Scenic drive between Banff and Vancouver

But, I would like to mention it again. Be mindful while driving. If you are few people in Car, let the most experienced one drive on the roads of British Columbia.

Driving through the clouds in British Columbia, Canada

We continued our drive for another 4 to 5 hours and stopped at Kamloops, British Columbia for gas and coffee.

Rested for a while at Tim Horton’s while enjoying the coffee and steeped tea.

We were just 3 and a half hour away from our final destination, THE VANCOUVER.

We were recalling our whole trip and wondered about how far we made.

We informed my friend in Vancouver about our arrival time and continued the drive.

3 and a half hours later, we were finally in Vancouver.

Vancouver, British Columbia – The Final Destination – We made it!

Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip: Done

Seeing the Vancouver on boards of highway was the ultimate feeling all three of us experienced.

It was hard to believe for a while that we finally made it to Vancouver… by car.

6 days in car. 5000 KM. Places we stayed. Nights we spent. Views we saw. Everything.

Everything was totally worth it.

I would not trade this for trip for any flight with any class. Neither of us would.

Not even for billions of dollars.

This road trip taught me some unforgettable lessons.

This road trip taught me the importance of life.

And, I will surely do this trip again and again in future.

If you are too broke to fly to Vancouver from Toronto, go by car.

It took us 3 minutes on dinner table to decide to go by the road trip and 6 days to reach the destination, Vancouver.

We stayed at my best buddy’s place in Vancouver for 7-10 days and then returned back with slightly different route. Going to Jasper, Edmonton and Saskatoon instead of Banff, Calgary and Regina.

Don’t spend much time planning. Just get on that car, make the tank full and take the highway.

Everything will start falling into right place once you are on your way.

We weren’t sure about all the places to visit and we weren’t sure about where we will be staying. We just went for it and made it possible.

Canada is beautiful and it wouldn’t disappoint you no matter in which town, city or province you are in.

Go explore Canada.

Further Reading:

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53 Comments

Nice article. I drove Toronto – Vancouver every week for years as a long distance truck driver. My wife and I will hopefully be doing the trip at the end of this year with our 5th wheel. I found some interesting details in this article that I was never aware of. Thank -you

I’m glad Rick you liked this article.

To be honest, I envied the life of log-truckers and long distance drivers. Especially those who drive on TransCanada Highway. On the other hand, it’s risky as well. So, I respect them.

I wish best trip to both of you. Prefer June-July month as glacier lakes would be turning blue during that period of time.

Thanks for the interesting read. Will be planning this trip with the wifey and infant. I would just go to Banf and come back.

Awesome. Yes. That alone is worth it. I wish we had spent at least a week in Banff.

I single woman start april 1-22 the same route with a camper and may 1 -22 Toronto HALIFAX. Love your story

That’s really amazing. Hope you had a great trip!

That’s great!

From where are you planning to start?

If starting from Manitoba or Saskatchewan.

I would suggest to go from Regina to Calgary to Banff Route.

And, while coming back. Go from Banff to Jasper. And, then Jasper to Edmonton to Saskatoon Route.

There’s nothing much to see in Saskatoon unless you get lucky and see Northern Lights somewhere. However, in Edmonton, there’s North America’s biggest shopping mall.

Did you drive or fly back?

We did roundtrip. So, yes, drove back. Covering 10,000+ KMs.

Epic dude! I’ll be doing this trip with my gf this September. We have a bit more time so I need your advice. I have a feeling that the area between Thunder Bay and Calgary is not as epic as the rest. Would it make sense to spend more time at the places not between TB and Calgary? We won’t be camping, but using motels/Airbnb instead by the way!

Thanks man!

Yes. That totally makes sense and I 100% agree with what you said.

There’s almost nothing to see between Thunder Bay to Calgary. However, there’s a lot from Toronto to Thunder Bay.

Near to Thunder Bay, I wouldn’t miss out on checking Kakabeka Fallls. Once that’s ticked off, I would try to reach Calgary as soon as possible (while trying my luck during nights in Saskatchewan to see Northern Lights).

Have a great trip!

I’ll be doing this trip this August with my better half, adding the Vancouver Island to the itinerary. Thanks for the hints!

Sounds awesome!

Initially, Vancouver Island was in our plan and itinerary. However, giving ferry charges for taking our car to the Island was bit high and affecting our budget. Also, local friend suggested there are tonnes of other places you surely shouldn’t miss near Vancouver. For example, Squamish, Whistler etc.

Other than that, if I had time and little more budget, I would surely go to Vancouver Island. It’s pretty awesome I heard.

I am planning to do a return road trip (May 2020) from Vancouver – Toronto – Boston & vis-a-versa. Reason for choosing the road trip is to experience the Trans Canada 😊 Will be with my family (6 ppl). Shortlisted Ford Expedition for the trip…

You have really penned your trip fabulously well. Felt as if I have experienced the trip. Kudos…

We will require to be put up in lodges / vacation home at various locations. Would it be advisable to reach the locations & then search for a place to stay or book in advance?

Is there a way to search online for budget stay for a night at different locations of the route. Which all places will you suggest for overnight halts?

We may try & drive for 10 – 12 hrs per day. Starting time between 7-8 am from each location. Would like to reach the halt location by 7-8 pm.

Starting from Vancouver, we will halt at : Kamloops – 1night Banff – 2 nights Rest overnight halts for rest… Locations to be decided.

Look forward to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Thanks Surajit Mukherji [email protected] Instagram: Soulful.Dreamz

Hi Surajit,

Thank you very much for your kind words and I’m glad you liked my article. I’ve put great amount of efforts for drafting this 9,000 words article.

When we did the roadtrip, our simple idea was to go “unplanned”.

However, we were three reckless like-minded young friends. If I were with my family, I would also think like you are thinking.

As far as your “book in advance or just walk-in” thing is concerned, I would say it depends on the popularity of location. Banff for example is visited by not only people around from Canada or USA, but also people from around the globe. Same with Whistler, British Columbia. So, it might be a luck-game for walking-in the motels. For Banff, I would definitely book something in advance if I am with family.

Apart from Banff, you can walk in to motels near Trans Canada higway in Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. You will get something for sure. All other places than Banff will get you something on arrival for sure.

Other than that, I would also suggest bringing high-quality tents and sleeping bags with you. There are countless camp sites by the side of Trans-Canada highway and the experience would be unforgettable while with family. Just check for the rain forecast if you plan on camping at site. If there’s rain, go for motels.

Ford Expedition is a great choice I must say. Given options, I would also go with that car for such a long family road-trip. The thought just came in mind that, be mindful about gas between the Manitoba and Saskatchewan. There’s almost nothing for 200-300 kms. Just plain horizons and fields. I would highly recommend getting gas(petrol) containers especially for Manitoba to Saskatchewan road. Also, for Manitoba to Northern Ontario border road. Just don’t ignore the gas-station-en-route fact. Be mindful about the E-F dial. We always fully filled the tank wherever we stopped.

Also, you mentioned May-2020. I would highly recommend if you can do June end or July beginning. It’s pure summer and you won’t have to deal with cold at night. During May, some places are still bit colder. And, Lake Louise won’t be as blue as you see in pictures. It becomes so in mid-June to July time period. I would suggest mid-June just for the wonderful marvelous glacier blue color of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

You are gonna enjoy this trip and it is going to be such a wonderful experience for you and your family. If while on trip, you feel any trouble or need any help anywhere, feel free to comment here. I get comment notifications instantly and would provide any help I could.

All the best!

My daughter is leaving 1 Oct 19 for Vancouver from Toronto. She is unsure whether to go by plane or car.Her friend is going by car for sure from Quebec to Vancouver. What is your advice.

By leaving you mean, moving from Vancouver to Toronto?

Is she alone? Does she like traveling and exploring?

It’s 5000 KMs of distance. And, it will take her 5-6 days to reach Toronto by Car given that she will be resting at night and doing some exploration during day.

If I was at her place, I would definitely go by Car if I had time. It’s not easy but worth it.

i will forward your suggestion to her. She is going with her fiance. They have been given 10 days by their employer. They are starting a new job.

Thanks. She has already gone by car with fiance and dog. She should be in Calgary 5 PM today Sunday

That’s awesome to hear! They must have loved it. This time of year is perfect for this roadtrip.

hi I just wanted to ask how much money was used in this trip because me and my friends are planning a similar trip.

Hi if ur renting a car it means im ur dad

My daughter and her fiance (now a husband) took seven days to reach Victoria BC from Toronto. I did not ask how much it cost. But their cost would be higher as compared to Unnit Metaliya. They stayed two nights in a hotel in Banff Alberta. I plan to post their entire trip on Internet.

We have to make this journey from Toronto to Vancouver in December. Do you think it is safe and doable for 2 people in a sedan ? Any tips? We would be using motels for stays, but want to minimize the cost in other ways if possible.

We did a sedan and three people. It was more than comfortable for us.

Great read .Very informative . Thank you

First of All thank you very much for sharing your trip. It will be very very helpful.

I am planning a round trip with wife to Vancouver from Toronto for almost a month in my RV by 1st week of July. I am planning not to drive more that approx 400 km in one day. You really planned the trip very well, if you Can give me some idea that where and how to plan. Where should I spend more time (How many days). That will be appreciated.

Heyyy …. how much did you spend on this trip on the whole ?? Gas ( especially)

thank you so much for all the details about the trip. I went to Vancouver and Alberta two times and I did road trip between two provinces. This will be my first time to go to west coast from Toronto. I am so excited about my road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Your post is perfect guide for my road trip. I will follow your instructions. I hope to write about my experience after I return. I know because of Covid 19 situation, it will be little bit harder. I still want to complete my dream trip. Thanks again.

What fabulous post! Just what I was looking for. I am planning this roadtrip from Toronto to Vancouver in July. Although we have just 4 days to cover the distance – Camping at night for rest and average of 11-12 hours driving in a day. I’m excited and scared at the same time. Hopefully on the drive back to Toronto I can go to all these wonderful places you’ve mentioned. Great suggestions on the jerry cans for extra fuel. Did you get a gas card for this trip? Also, how far in advance did you have to book the campsites for stay? Thanks for your input, someday I shall write such a post 🙂

Hi Ajoshi, Please reply here how was your trip. I planned to go in July but I changed my mind to go in Aug. I would like to know your experience in Corona time.

Hello Ajoshi,

If you have had a trip as per your plan of 4 days. However, in my opinion, that’s bit challenging. It’s certainly doable if you are in a rush to reach your destination. However, I think there’s a lot to see and explore on the way that 4 days won’t be enough. I would target minimum 6 and max 7 if possible.

Unless you have high end newer car, driving longer duration at once is bit risky. Sorry for jinx though but trust me you don’t want anything to happen to your car on roads of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Also, you would save 2 days for sure on your trip but at what cost? Some amazing sceneries, waterfalls, parks, campsites and some landmarks as well.

I found the story of your journey very interesting, I will be driving from Toronto to Vancouver with my husband in September, camping along the way , it seems the only way to visit with the grandchildren due to Covid travel and flight concerns. I liked that you put on the time and mileage achieved each day most helpful. Thankyou

I will write to you later. Currently I am in car. I haven’t seen myown article. Where is it?

I have been doing some on line research for an upcoming road trip ( my husabnd and I ) from Toronto to Vancouver. Yours is by far, the happiest, cheerful and most helpful trip report I have read yet. I am happy to report that we will be starting our journey at the end of June, so will likely get to see a blue Lake Louise ( did not know it wasn’t always blue and frozen in the winter) We will be stopping to camp or enjoy a hotel/motel along the way. Thanks for a such a detailed report full of great tips, excitement and good natured humour. Well done. Cheers and happy travels.

Hello Kerry,

Thank you for your kind words.

Yes. I do understand and feel every single word you said.

When we decided to do this trip, we searched for same thing all over internet, “Toronto to Vancouver road trip” and couldn’t find much details.

We didn’t let that be an obstacle though. We just checked in Google Maps, it was showing 48 hours if we drive straight to Vancouver and we said whatever, let’s just go and left on very next day.

Yes. Not seeing the Lake Louse in turquoise blue color was the only bummer in our trip. However, as they say “half visit is the excuse to visit second time” so credit to frozen lack. I will be doing the next similar trip in June or better yet in July-August time. Remember, June also doesn’t have guarantee for the Blue color, but July and August has full chances of blue colored Lake Louse and Moraine Lake.

Remember to full up the tank between Manitoba and Saskatchewan. If low economy car have a can full of gas in reserve. Always a good idea.

Have a safe trip!

Hey! Really nice and informative article.

Me and my husband are moving to Vancouver from Toronto and we are planning to go by road. We will have a small Uhaul trailer attached o our car (Honda accord). We haven’t ever done such a long trip amd I am a bit scared about the part you said that the roads in BC are dangerous…… why would you say that? Is it too dangerous?? As we will also be pulling a trailer

Hello Biya,

That’s great to hear you liked the article.

Also, talking about roads, I might have exaggerated on that part.

It’s not that dangerous to be honest. Little zigzag and steep. Don’t worry about it too much though. Depending on driver, it can actually be fun driving in BC.

Especially, the scenery will make you forget everything.

I might have mentioned as our personal experience because of the intensity of fogg on that day along with rain. If the weather is similar, I would be cautious. If it’s clear, it’s not that hard. As I have said, I exaggerated on that part a little bit.

Have a safe and great trip.

This Travel Journal is wonderful. Planning on doing this in May this year. Can I just ask if the travel time between destinations you posted included time for site seeing? Thank you in advance.

wow.. im so glad i found your article, I am moving from toronto to vancouver on april and we are also doing long driving with my dog. how much did u spent for the gas? we will be using rent a car ford edge, Im hoping it is not too much consuming for the gas. we are planning to stop for sure at banff and lake louise. is it possible to get to vancouver in 5 days?

Hello Sally,

Glad you found value in my article!

I don’t remember on top of my head but we had a Chevrolet Cruze and we took some detours to explore around.

It was roughly around 900$ for the roundtrip for us. Not bad actually since we were three! 😉

Also, 5 days would be slightly unrealistic if you want to explore like we did. Consider 6-7 days given you won’t be driving at night (I do not recommend night driving unless you are professional driver, maybe a truck driver or cab driver).

You will also have to encounter the poop & pee stops for your good boi! 😉

I would highly suggest not rushing this trip with 5 days in mind as it is one of a kind and there are so many places to see in between. And, you won’t be doing such trips regularly.

Hello UNNIT METALIYA, Thanks a lot for posting this wonderful experience. I’m planning to do Toronto to Vancouver trip by stopping around 450 to 500 Km each day and staying in hotel or motel in evening or night. Especially during CV19, what is the best way to find motel or hotel before hand on the way. Trying to start around Apr 26th. For me if it takes 10 days to drive, I don’t mind it . Will be having another driver too. Roughly can see bunch of motels/hotels as below, need to find out if it will be good to stay with family here in CV19 conditions.

1. Can see “Quattro Hotel & Conf. Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection 229 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Z2 ” with in 700 Km from Toronto like you mentioned for first day.

2.For second one “Ramada By Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel 698 Arthur St W, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5R8” – which is again around 8 hours drive from #1 – most likely do-able for us

3. Lakeview Inns & Suites – Brandon 1880 18th St N, Brandon, MB R7C 1A5 is more than 900 km from #2

Maybe check if “Super 8 by Wyndham Kenora 240 Lakeview Dr, Kenora, ON P9N 0H2” is open during CV19 then it will be 487 Km from #2.

will continue to look for better hotels along the hwy 17

4. Need to check the status of these motels/hotels – as with current situations, these may be open or ?.

Days Inn by Wyndham Moose Jaw, 1720 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1L4

Ramada by Wyndham Brooks, 1319 2 St W, Brooks, AB T1R 1P7 or “Super 8 by Wyndham Calgary Shawnessy Area, 60 Shawville Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2Y 3S6”

will continue to check about this one too “Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke 1750 Trans-Canada Hwy, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0”

Glad the post was helpful about your Toronto to Vancouver journey.

I wish I could help you with selecting motels, however, we literally didn’t stay in any hotels or motels along the way.

Back in time 2018 COVID-19 wasn’t even a thing and we tent-camped and car-camped in car. Budget was a thing for us!

I would definitely recommend hotels/motels if budget is not a concern for you. Otherwise, experience sleeping in car. It’s joyful experience. Especially when you prepare your car that way before you leave for this journey. 😉

Thank you for this! My dad and I have been planning this trip, and its good to hear your experience with tents/sleeping in the car. We’re also going on a budget and I’ll be sure to visit all these places!!

You did a great job of articulating your travel and I could feel the excitement and joy that you had along your trip.

I moved to Vancouver in January of 1997 for work then in September of 1998 I moved back to Toronto. For the move back I shipped my things but I drove back. I did the trip on my own and like you thought it was an amazing trip. I will never forget the drive from Banff to Jasper through the mountains. At one point while up in the clouds I had to stop in the middle of the road as there were some mountain goats who decided it would be a good idea to hang out in the middle of the road. So all the cars had to wait for them to move on.

I did find the drive from Edmonton to the Winnipeg border long on my own as there really isn’t a lot to see on the Saskatchewan part of the drive except for big wide open spaces. It did give one the feeling of being very small in such vast open space.

I have done the drive from Toronto to Nova Scotia many times, but that it such a short drive by comparison, I usually do it in about 16 hours so really just an overnight drive. It has some really nice sights on the drive even at night when it seems like you can see every star in the universe shining down on you.

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. And, yes. I agree. Those ultra wide open spaced in Saskatchewan and Winnipeg are unique experiences on their own. Those drives need some country side music and you are all set to enjoy it.

Let me know if you are interested in writing a guest post on this website about Toronto To Nova Scotia drive experience. I would love to give you a platform to share the experience. You can reply to this comment if you are interested.

HI, Really liked your post and found it useful. My daughter is relocating and I am planning to help her by driving from Vancouver to Toronto – over 10 days allocated at the end of April/early May. I need to be in Toronto by 6th May. I cannot do tents/camps so will definitely look to hotels/motels. Still researching on potentially going partially via USA but not entirely sure. I also need to look at one way car hires.

If they are contacted at the right time for the right purpose, then it can reap a lot of benefits. Honestly, there are so many of them. Again and again, I will be reading this blog to get the tips in a good way. They seem to be pretty valuable.

Hey Buddy! It was an amazing trip and very beautifully written, I was surfing Facebook and in random Gujrati group I saw your comment and started following the links and see I ended up reading each and everything. Personally, I am exactly the same kind of guy as you (as per what I felt about you from this article) and it’s superb and very helpful!

Haha. Sounds awesome. please connect with me on instagram in that case. my insta is @unnitmetaliya

Hello I’m so glad i found your article. I want to do a cross country trip too and this gives me all the information i need. Kudos.

But i want to know more about the route coming back. The Jasper-Edmonton route. Kindly let me know as i will like to take that route back to Ontario.

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Many Great Stops On Our Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

Our fall trip to Western Canada started with a long road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. We had many interesting stops along the way.

We did the trip between Toronto and Vancouver before. On our first trip we travelled through the U.S.A. in the late summer. And returned on a similar route as winter set in.

On this trip west, we planned our travel through the Canadian provinces – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia (BC). We did a mix of one and two night stops until we arrived for our extended stay in BC . Our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver by the numbers:

Days:                            10 Stops:                           3 one night, 3 for two nights Distance:                    4,500 km (~2,800 miles) Hours Travelled:   62 hours (includes driving and stops along the way)

We Started Our Road Trip Through Northern Ontario

The alarm went off at 5am. So we were on the road by 6am and escaped the Toronto rush hour traffic. We had our first break when we were well out of the city.

The forecast for our stay in Sault Ste Marie was rain and thunder storms. On our first visit to Sault Ste Marie , we drove through blinding rain for much of the drive. And did not want a repeat adventure. So all of our stops along the way were quick ones.

While we hit some rain on the drive north, we arrived at the Delta Sault Ste Marie earlier than planned. And even managed a walk along the waterfront before rain came again. We knew when we planned just a one night stop that we would not do much exploring.

Not every stop on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver was a fun one.

The Waterfall Route Out Of Ontario

It was another early start the next day. We planned an 8 hour drive and several waterfalls stop along the way to Thunder Bay . On our first visit to the Sault Ste Marie area, we enjoyed several of the waterfalls close by .

On this trip, our first waterfall stop was along the Magpie River in Wawa. We saw Silver Falls from the hiking path. And then wandered along the shore for another view of the lower falls.

Our research showed us the spot to park to view the Mink Falls. This local spot was not easy to find. But we were glad we did our research before we arrived.

Our final waterfall stop on the way to Thunder Bay was at the Aguasabon Gorge and Falls. We walked to the viewpoint and got a view from above of this steep canyon.

We were so glad we planned the waterfall route from Toronto to Thunder Bay . So many great outdoor spots along the way. We were sure that these stops would be even more spectacular with fall colours. But heading out on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver, we were still a bit early for fall colours in Ontario. But we sure got some great fall colour displays on our travels when we explored BC in the fall !

A Great One Night Stop In Thunder Bay

We planned only one night stops on the three day trip out of Ontario. When we checked into the Delta Thunder Bay and got a large suite that overlooked Lake Superior, we wished we planned a longer stay on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. This was the first of many great sweet suite upgrades our loyalty status got us on this trip.

With a late arrival and early departure, we enjoyed the hotel and the great restaurant on-site. It was a lovely rest from being on the road.

But we never explored the area around Thunder Bay. It was a good nudge to plan a longer stay on our return trip from Western Canada .

A Short Stop In Winnipeg

The next day we finally left Ontario and arrived in Manitoba. Winnipeg was the first of our two night stops. We enjoyed our upgraded suite at the Delta Winnipeg . But we had a full day planned for our short stop in Winnipeg .

We wandered to the Manitoba Legislature Building and enjoyed the sights along the way.

From there we followed the walking path along the Assiniboine River to The Forks in Winnipeg. We found a large area with food markets, walking paths and much to see.

We got a quick view of the sights on our short stop in Winnipeg . Although we did miss out on enjoying the vast open spaces at the Assiniboine Park ,

A Luxury Break In Regina

We planned another two nights stop in Regina in the next province of Saskatchewan. We had a couple of options for accommodations but chose the elegant Hotel Saskatchewan . There was little planned for our luxury stop in Regina . We fully intended to enjoy the upgraded suite and beautiful hotel.

But when the sun came out, we headed off and explored a little of Regina. We headed for Wascana Lake and the Saskatchewan Legislative Building . The Queen Elizabeth gardens and the various statues decorated the space.

Green spaces and gardens in bloom greeted us as we wandered along the path by the lake. Statues and even a totem pole gave us stops along the path.

When we wandered around Regina, we were delighted when we found such an interesting display of street art and murals.

We had a great road trip break in Regina and left refreshed.

First Mountain View On Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

We left Regina and the path continued west on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. The flat plains changed to rolling hills and oil rigs appeared in the fields with the cattle.

We arrived on the outskirts of Calgary and stopped for one night at the Element Calgary Airport . There was a steak house on the property. So of course we had Alberta beef for dinner.

It was a quick trip through Calgary and into the Rocky Mountains. The sun shone on the great mountain views. Banff was our coffee stop. Everywhere we looked the town was ringed with mountain views. A short walk worked out the driving kinks before we headed back on the road.

The mountain scenery drew us forward on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

A Great Outdoor Stop In Revelstoke

The mountain views and bright sunshine continued until we crossed the border into British Columbia. By the time we went through the Rogers Pass, clouds started to gather.

Our 2 night hotel stop at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Revelstoke gave us a great view of Mt Revelstoke. When the weather cleared, we headed up to the summit of Mt Revelstoke . We got amazing views at the lower viewpoints. And then ran into a snowstorm as we climbed.

We waited out the snow and went for a walk to the summit with snow on the ground. Our persistence was rewarded with great views. And when the sun set, we got an even better show.

The mountain views in Revelstoke were stunning. We were so glad we headed high to the summit of Mt Revelstoke and got that different perspective.

Revelstoke  Waterfalls  On  Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

We had four waterfalls sights on our list of things to see in Revelstoke. Advance research provided us with maps and some idea of where to find the waterfalls around Revelstoke . Not all of them were well marked.

First we headed towards the Revelstoke Dam. We watched for a small dirt road and found the Moses Creek Falls. We were glad we had our SUV for the drive down the dirt road.

Next we headed back south towards Blanket Creek Provincial Park. We drove down through the park and found a sign that got us to the Sutherland Falls.

The last waterfall on our plans for the day was at Begbie Falls. We found the hiking path and set off for many different views of these waterfalls.

We missed the chance to visit the Akolkolex Falls on our tour of the waterfalls in the Revelstoke area . It would be a new treat if we went back to Revelstoke.

Checking out waterfalls was something we did a lot of on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

Heading Into Vancouver

We were not yet finished with waterfalls. When we passed by Bridal Veil Falls on our drive into Vancouver, we did not resist the chance to see yet one more waterfall .

As we drove through British Columbia, we got more great mountain views in all directions. Gradually they got rounder and lower. By the time we hit the Fraser River Valley, we were finally back down to sea level.

But as we approached Vancouver, the peaks along the coast appeared. And we even saw Mount Baker in the U.S. at a distance.

On the back end of our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver, we got so many amazing mountain views.

Finishing Our Road Trip From Toronto To Vancouver

It was a long drive from Revelstoke with stops along the way. But we finally arrived at our AirBnb in Port Moody outside of Vancouver.

Port Moody was the first of many stops on our extended visit in BC . We had a mix of places planned – enjoying the False Creek area , North to Whistler on mainland BC, over to the Sunshine Coast and from north to south on Vancouver Island . And we were excited when we began our explorations.

Have you done a road trip from Toronto to Vancouver? What did you discover along the route?

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76 Comments

This is super cool. I’m first gonna send this to my friend living in Toronto. It is a good idea indeed to start that early to avoid peak hour traffic. A road trip with so many waterfalls on the go? The Waterfall route of the trip sounds awesome. Love those mountain views as you reach Vancouver. Perfect finishing touch.

There were indeed so many amazing sights on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. A long trip but worth it.

This looks like a neat 10-day road trip with a lot of waterfalls and different weather conditions. Blue skies in Winnipeg and snow in Revelstoke. I love the architecture of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights – I bet the exhibition is quite interesting too!

We loved all the different things we saw on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Overall we were surprised at how great the weather was on the way to Vancouver. And most of our trip back home later in the fall. So many places to stop along the way.

I have travelled small parts of this 10 day route on a trip to Canada in the 1980s (as a kid, with my parents) but I really want to do those bits again plus the rest of it , with my husband. I suspect it’ll take us a few different visits to cover the whole route, along with off-shoots! I’d love to self drive it though so it’s rally helpful to read your suggested overnight stops and info on distances, and your accommodation choices too.

I hope you do get back to do this road trip one day. We sure loved all the stops we found along the way.

Wow, what an ambitious road trip! It certainly looks like a great way to experience so many beautiful stops along the way. I really loved that you stayed in better hotels – I bet that would be rejuvenating after a long day on the road without creature comforts. I especially liked your accommodations in Delta Thunder Bay with the view to Lake Superior.

We were glad we picked better hotels to really relax when we stopped. A great way to enjoy the many lovely stops along the way.

This is a part of the world I am totally unfamiliar with. It is breathtaking! Someday….

I am glad to introduce you to some views of road tripping through Canada.

We haven’t gone all the way to Vancouver, but made it out as far as Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan last summer. It was incredible watching the landscapes change. We also drove from Calgary to Jasper to Edmonton, so we have enjoyed the mountain views as well.

All of the sections of this road trip from Toronto to Vancouver were interesting. And the different segments can be done on multiple trips. Lots to see all along the way from Toronto to Vancouver.

Great pics and destinations. If you can, I think any trip should be planned along a waterfall route. Thunder Bay looked amazing.

We were definitely amazed with all the natural beauty we found on our stops along the route from Toronto to Vancouver. And there were indeed so many amazing waterfall stops!

While the whole trip seems amazing, my favorite is the nature and waterfalls near the beginning. Sadly I have only been to the Niagara Falls area of Canada, but the whole country looks so beautiful.

There is so much to discover in Canada. We loved all the new spots we found on our road trip across the country. Hope you get to see more one day.

What a fun Canadian road trip! I’ve been to Toronto before, but have no explored much of Canada other than that. I’d love to visit Vancouver, this seems like a great itinerary for seeing Canada between the two spots. Thanks for sharing!

The last time we did this trip we travelled through the US. So this time it was great to road trip from Toronto to Vancouver in Canada. Lots of great spots found along the way.

Whoa – what an amazing road trip! I love seeing all your photos and how the terrain changed as you travelled across the country. I would love to take a road trip like this through Canada one day, I still haven’t even visited. I feel like this would be a great way to see the country. Thanks for sharing!

Taking a road trip across Canada is definitely a great way to see the diverse nature of the country. We were glad we had the time to do this trip.

We are actually planning to go on a road trip in this route. We’d love to take the Waterfall Route as this is really beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful idea. Will check family if we can do 10 days. It would be nice to maximize the trip and have these stopovers. Bookmarking your as reference.

A road trip is always a great way to see so many new sights. Hope you get a fun one planned for the summer.

What a beautiful road trip! Definitely I enjoyed all the waterfalls stopped you made along the road. My favorite are the Aguasabon Gorge and Falls and Sutherland Falls. And the towns around the Rockies reminded me of mountain towns in Colorado.

It was great to see such a variety of sights and natural beauty on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. We sure did find some amazing waterfalls along the way.

I haven’t been to Canada yet but once I go, I’ll probably go on a road trip. I think that’s the best way to explore such a huge country full of amazing nature and sceneries. Your itinerary is such an amazing inspiration – it shows that it comes from a couple – literally – of experts 😉

A road trip is a great way to explore Canada and see the variety of sights and natural beauty that we have. We do love to explore!

An impressive road trip of 4,500 km. I was also thinking about a similar route. I would gladly use your tips because I do not know Toronto and this part of Canada.

If you had more time – and energy – there are so many other stops along the route from Toronto to Vancouver going through Canada. Our trip home was a faster one so we did not pick up many new spots. But lots to discover along this great route.

I love road trips and this one sounds great! I love that it begins and ends with waterfalls, Aguasabon Falls and Bridal Veil Falls look gorgeous. It is nice to see information about Winnipeg, I don’t know much about the city.

It was indeed fun to start and end this trip with waterfalls. So many lovely stops along the way that we got to learn more about.

So many beautiful waterfalls and amazing architecture! You make me want to pack my bags and start a road trip!

It was indeed a great road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Loved all the stops along the way.

Another great itinerary! I loved Winnepeg and would like to visit again but now you have me interested in the Thunder Bay area! Looks amazing. I love Vancouver too, being from Seattle have visited many times and expect to again soon. Thanks for the great tips.

We loved all the great stops on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. We too need to go back and spend more time in Northern Ontario. Sadly the weather was really bad there on our return visit and we did not hang around. Hope you get to do some parts or all of this trip one day.

This was such a beautiful journey. Haven’t been to Canada as yet but when we do we would certainly plan for this road trip. Waterfalls are so beautiful anyways and a route with so many just can’t be missed. Thanks for this guide.

I hope you do get to plan a long road trip when you finally get to Canada. It is a wonderful way to see the vast diversity across this country.

Wow, I would absolutely love to do this road trip. Canada is definitely on my travel bucket list but I never considered doing a road trip. Great idea stopping in nice hotels along the way, that would definitely break up the journey a bit.

Canada is a great place to do a road trip. But they are often long road trips. A great way to see how different the country is. We loved stopping along the way to enjoy some of the places along the path.

This is a lifetime adventure! A fantastic road trip! I had the chance to make some road trips but not so long! Canada has so many gems and places to discover! very inspiring!

I hope you get to visit Canada and explore by road. So many amazing spots. But it is a large country so you can even break the trips up for more than one trip.

Oh my goodness 60+ hours in the car, but what a cool experience to see SO much! All those waterfalls alone would be enough motivation for me. I’d love to do a cross country trip sometime. It’s truly the best way to see everything and take your time to really enjoy it. Beautiful post!

It was indeed a great trip and a wonderful way to see Canada. We were glad we planned a slower pace with shorter days and some longer stops.

You have so many amazing photos! I loved the details you provided about this trip. It sounds incredible 🙂

Thank you so very much 🙏 We sure loved our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver and the great stops along the way in Canada.

Wow, that is a lot to pack into 10 days! Revelstoke looked stunning, especially the sunset. We are going in about a month and are super excited. We should be arriving in town in the late afternoon and we will see how tired we are, but we might have to see if we have time to make it up there for a sunset. Only one night there, so makes sense to make the most of it.

One night will be a short time to visit. But if you get in and have time, the drive up to the summit is lovely. The waterfalls in the other post all need a bit longer to see. But that will be a tease for a longer return visit.

Wow the trees along the Waterfall Route are stunning – this is a great roadtrip itinerary! Thanks for sharing 🙂

This was indeed an amazing road trip itinerary. We were glad we planned so many great stops. And left enough time to add new ones as we drove along.

Woooah that is a road trip and a half! What an epic (and long) adventure! I have also visited a lot of those waterfalls along the way (on various road trips) it looks like you found so many good uns! I love your style of stopping off for mini adventures along the way.

It was great to have the time to do some stops along the way on our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Lots of great small detours that made each day fun.

What a fantastic road trip this looks! So much packed into 10 days! I love the mountain views you get as you cross into BC – stunning! I’d love to do a roadtrip in Canada one day and this certainly sounds like a great itinerary so I shall be saving this to refer back to 🙂

Doing a road trip in Canada is a great way to see so many different things. We were glad we planned to drive for this visit to the west coast of Canada.

Wow! What an epic road trip! I read with interest as I am returning to Canada next year. Skiing with friends in Vancouver & looking for tips on what else to do while I’m there. Your photos are stunning as always & got me excited to plan my trip. And obviously some of those waterfalls will be included too!

I am sure you will have an amazing visit to Vancouver. Lots of new blog posts coming up about our most recent visit to BC and much more on the site as well. Waterfalls and outdoor sites are everywhere in BC!

Great post and details on your road trip, very helpful. We used to road trip from Victoria to Edmonton every month, but haven’t done this in about 4 years. We’re road tripping to Calgary in the next two weeks (via Edmonton to see family and hockey playoffs hopefully) and are really looking forward to it. There’s something about the casual nature of driving, stopping every so often to take in the lovely views all over Canada. Thanks for sharing!

We were definitely happy that we chose to drive for our longer visit to the west coast. The trip out was quite peaceful. The trip back a little more challenging as winter approached. But it was great to meander and stop when something interesting was on the path. Enjoy your road trip to Calgary. So many great spots to enjoy on that trip.

Your trips are always so interesting! I was actually contemplating doing a cross-Canada road trip at some point this year, so this post has made me very excited!

I hope you do plan a cross Canada road trip. We did the east coast on one trip and then headed west a few weeks later. Our visit to BC was in the fall so we left before the snow hit. But the trip home was still a little rougher.

One of my favorite things about your blog are your photographs, and this article is no exception! You make it so easy and inviting to imagine taking a similar journey. And wow what a journey this 10 day road trip is. I would love to get to see Canada like this, especially your stops at waterfall and gardens. Thanks for another helpful and inspiring article!

I am glad this post gave you some great ideas (and images) about travelling across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver. We sure were glad we chose to drive for this visit.

I love all the waterfalls you got to see on your stop! How was the availability in the hotels? Ideally it would be nice to be able to book as you go then you wouldn’t have to worry as much about weather.

On the way there and most of the way home we booked all our hotels in advance. On the way home we left a few open bookings because we were worried about weather.

Great article this has given me lots of ideas for a road trip we want to do across to New Brunswick from Vancouver. We can’t wait to go through Vancouver and revelstoke to enjoy the waterfalls and views. Especially bridal veils

It would be an awesome road trip from Vancouver to New Brunswick. So many amazing things along the way.

Every time I read your posts, I feel the urge to head to Canada! There are so many great places on your road trip from Toronto to Vancouver! I’d love Thunder Bay, Banff and Revelstoke for sure!

I hope you do get to visit Canada one day. A long road trip is a great way to see the country.

We have roadtripped in both eastern and western Canada’s but not the middle. So it is Winnipeg and Regina that are the stops. And there is nothing to see between these two?

There were indeed more detours and stops to do in the middle of Canada. If we planned a slower trip we would have tried to see more of the prairie treats.

I would love to get to Toronto one day to do this road trip as I love seeing lots of different things in one trip. The waterfalls, gardens and street art would definitely seal it for me and as for those mountain views, well they speak for themselves.

We sure loved our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. It was great to plan enough time for some great stops along the way.

Wow, 10 days to do this road trip, looks so rugged and wild and all those amazing waterfalls. I would love to try doing this some day since i haven’t really gotten a chance to see the middle part of Canada and nature there looks spectacular.

I hope you do get to visit Canada one day. A long road trip is a great way to see so many different aspects of the country.

With such postcard-perfect scenery, this road trip is something to die for. I am super excited to take this road trip from Toronto to Vancouver.

We sure did love our road trip across Canada!

This is a fabulous road trip itinerary between Toronto and Vancouver. And love his you broke it down by number of stops and nights. So much to do and see in those 6 Canadian provinces.

We were so glad we planned to travel between Toronto and Vancouver … and then back after a stay on the West Coast. So many great stops indeed along the way.

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Incredible Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip Across Canada

Are you driving from the Greater Toronto Area to the West Coast and need help planning the ultimate trip across the country? We are here to help guide your trip!

Some families hesitate to take a road trip across the country as they feel it can be overwhelming. However, remember that life is short, so why not make the most of it and enjoy this road trip worthy of many bucket lists?

It can be a great gift to give to your kids as they will remember the memories that are made for life, and Toronto to Vancouver is one of the Best Canadian road trips you can take!

Distance on Drive from Toronto to Vancouver:

How long do i need to drive from toronto to vancouver:, best time of year to drive from toronto to vancouver:, day one toronto to sault ste marie – 700 km (8 hours driving time), day two sault ste marie to thunder bay – 700 km (7.5 hours driving time), day three thunder bay to winnipeg – 700 km (7.5 hours driving time), day four winnipeg to regina – 572 km (6 hours driving time), day five regina to calgary – 758 km (7 hours driving time), day six: calgary to revelstoke – 408 km (4.5 hours driving time), day seven: revelstoke to vancouver – 565 km (6.5 hours driving time), more tips for road tripping from toronto to vancouver.

It is a long journey from Toronto to Vancouver as you will drive the Trans Canada Highway for approximately 4,265 km, passing through 3 provinces. Along the route, you will pass through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta before reaching your destination of British Columbia. 

Route 1 – Trans Canada Highway

There is only one route from Toronto to Winnipeg, which takes about 22 hours and navigates around the Great Lakes until you reach Manitoba.

Once you reach Winnipeg, you have the choice to take the Northern Route and explore Saskatoon and Edmonton or take the more scenic Southern Route that takes you through Regina, Calgary, and Banff.

Along the scenic Southern Route, you can explore lots of untouched natural areas, visit National and Provincial parks, and enjoy the views of the mountains and lakes.

Route 2 – US Route via I-94 W and I-90 W

An alternative route is to cross the Canada-United States Border to Seattle and then pass across the border again to reach Vancouver. Some key locations to include in your road trip are Detroit, Chicago, Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Billings through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, and Seattle. Be prepared that there are tolls on this route. 

The total trip is about 42 hours of driving time, which ideally should be split up into a minimum of 5 days to avoid fatigue and to enjoy the beautiful Canadian landscapes, natural areas, cities and towns, as well as a variety of fun attractions.

There are so many beautiful places along this Canadian route that you will want to stop and enjoy and visiting attractions is a great way to get out and stretch your legs. 

A good goal is to plan to drive between 5-8 hours a day, depending on the age of your passengers. An important part of this road trip is the destinations between Ontario and British Columbia, not just the final destination.

Realistically, to make memories and enjoy the Canadian road trip across the country, you will want to plan to take a week. You can definitely take longer to truly enjoy all of the amazing Parks Canada spots, unique landscapes, attractions and cities.

The most popular time of year to drive across Canada is in the summer, from June to August when the roads are clear and dry. However, this is peak tourist season, so it will be very busy with tourists.

If you have some flexibility, you may enjoy viewing the fall foliage along the Trans-Canada Highway during the early Fall (September to October), or you may enjoy the awakening of nature and wildlife in the Spring (Mid-April to May) due to rapidly changing weather and road conditions you want to avoid driving the Trans-Canada Highway from November until Mid-April.

Best Stops on a Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip:

Start your day exploring all the typical Toronto attractions found in our things to do in Toronto guide , and then hit the road to begin your road trip. As you head north from Toronto, you will head towards the beautiful cottage country in the Muskokas.

Muskoka is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and paddling. If you are looking to enjoy the area by hiking, then check out Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve , Hardy Lake Provincial Park , or the Muskoka Wharf Trail, which offers various difficulties of hiking. Enjoy fishing or water sports on the scenic lakes of Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph.

If you’re travelling in the summer, then be sure to check the dates as Muskoka hosts various festivals and events throughout the summer, such as the Gravenhurst Dockside Festival of the Arts , Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival, and the Muskoka Ribfest.

If you love the outdoors, then you may want to stop and check out all the amazing things to do in Algonquin Park , including lots of wilderness areas and wildlife viewing. On the way to Sault Ste Marie, the largest city you will pass is Sudbury. 

Sudbury has so many cool attractions to visit, including the Big Nickel, which is great for photographs, an interactive science museum called Dynamic Earth, where you can experience underground mining, and lastly, kids will love the hands-on exhibits at Science North.

As you get closer to Sault Ste Marie, you will enjoy the beautiful rugged coastline along Lake Superior, and you can stop to watch the boats pass through the Soo Locks. 

Northern Ontario has a vast array of beautiful landscapes, so plan to stop multiple times along the way and take some breathtaking photos. If you have some extra time before leaving Sault Ste Marie, then take the Agawa Canyon Tour and enjoy taking photos of the natural areas in the canyon.

Along this stretch of the drive, you will want to stop at the halfway point of the Trans Canada Highway at Chippewa Falls , which is a famous waterfall that was painted by the famous Canadian painters The Group of Seven.

Continue further and stop at Pancake Bay Provincial Park and enjoy the sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior. The landscape in the North of Ontario is beautiful including the cliffs of Old Woman Bay.

If you are travelling with kids, you may want to stop at Paddle-to-the-Sea kids’ playground in Nipigon to give the kids a chance to burn some energy.

While it is a detour to the east of Thunder Bay, if you enjoy hiking, the outdoors and spectacular views you can’t miss stopping at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park . Hike to the Top of the Giant Trail and Thunder Bay Lookout and enjoy viewing the geological features and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

Along this route, there are some unique sculptures, including the Winnie the Pooh sculpture in White River, as well as a museum in the birthplace of this famous children’s character.

On the outskirts of Thunder Bay, you may want to stop to see the famous sculpture of Terry Fox, who was a Canadian hero who ran a Marathon of Hope to raise awareness for cancer.

The drive from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg takes you through a scenic portion of northwestern Ontario and southern Manitoba known as the Canadian Shield . A small town along the route that you will want to stop at is Atikokan, which is home to Quetico Provincial Park .

In the park, you can enjoy canoeing on the pristine lakes, hiking rugged terrain, or viewing the scenic railway trestle bridge.

Once you reach Manitoba, enjoy a day at Falcon Lake by spending the afternoon swimming, boating or fishing and then spend the evening viewing the shops and restaurants at Falcon Lake Townsite.

Another cool attraction to visit is the Pinawa Dam , which you can explore as you walk along the dam and learn more about hydroelectric power and how it’s used in Manitoba in the visitor center. Those who enjoy history may want to stop at the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site to see a fur trading post and learn more about the area’s past fur trading history. 

Enjoy the Canadian prairies and all the interesting stops along the way, although there are some long stretches of highway between Winnipeg and Regina, so stock up on snacks before hitting the road.

A major attraction in Winnipeg is Assiniboine Park . Kids will love visiting the zoo, and parents can enjoy the beautiful walking trails and gardens. Another unique stop along the route is the small town of Ste. Agathe has a cool artsy vibe as you can stretch your legs, stroll through town and enjoy the murals that teach about the history of the area.

There is not much to see between these two locations other than the Doll Museum in Brandon, the heritage Swinging Bridge and walking trails in Wolseley. 

Before leaving Regina, head to Sandra Schmirler Leisure Center playground and spray pad if you are travelling with kids. After leaving Regina, one of the first stops you can make on this leg of the trip is the Tunnels of Moose Jaw which is an hour-long tour that gives you insight into the prohibition era in Canada.

The Tunnels of Moosejaw has three different guided theatrical tours to choose from including Chicago Connection, Bunker 24 and the Passage to Fortune.

A few other great stops before leaving Saskatchewan include the interpretive nature trails at Chaplin Nature Centre, the historic museum in Swift Current and the sand dunes at Great Sandhills Ecological Reserve.

As you enter Alberta and head towards Calgary, there are a few stops along the way that you will want to make, including the Medalta in the Historic Clay District , which is a ceramics factory, the interpretive trail at the Brooks Aqueduct, and the tranquil Japanese gardens in Lethbridge at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden .

Learn more about the true history of the area at the Unesco World Heritage Site (Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump), where you can learn about the buffalo hunting techniques used in the past by the Plains People.

The best part of this entire drive is this section of the trip that takes you from Banff to Calgary, as the landscape is one of a kind, featuring the natural beauty of mountains, wildlife, historical sites and clear turquoise lakes.

Check out our detailed guide on the drive from Banff to Vancouver , however, some major stopping points include the popular tourist attraction of Moraine Lake which is a beautiful glacial-fed lake that has a magnificent view but is always super busy during the peak tourist season.

If you or the kids are not in the mood for hiking, consider riding the Banff Gondola to the upper boardwalk, where you can enjoy the fantastic vistas of Banff town and the nearby mountains.

There is so much to do in Banff with kids, including Upper Banff hot springs, Johnston Canyon hike, Johnson Lake hike, Bow Falls, and Cave & Basin National Historic Site . At the summit, you’ll discover a restaurant offering delightful food and beverage choices. If you are looking for some quiet lakes to visit then checkout Peyto Lake and Lake Minnewanka.

Some stops you will want to make as you travel through the Canadian Rockies include Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and the Spiral Tunnels at Yoho National Park , as well as Glacier National Park. All of these stops offer scenic views, hiking trails, and lots of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

If you enjoy history you may want to stop at the Rogers Pass National Historic Site to see the exhibits that explain the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and its impact on Canada before stopping in at Revelstoke for the night.

• See our favourite winter destinations in Canada – including the magic of Banff & Lake Louise covered in snowy glory

Revelstoke has rugged mountain summits, tumbling waterfalls, picturesque lakes, and lush cedar woodlands. It offers numerous exciting, family-friendly adventure opportunities to explore. 

Revelstoke is a small town with a thriving outdoor tourism scene, as you can enjoy hiking and biking some of the popular trails, including Mount Revelstoke Summit Trail , Eva Lake Trail, and the Frisby Ridge Trail for biking. 

Make sure if you’re travelling with kids to check out the two different mountain coasters at Mount Revelstoke . Kids will also enjoy becoming a River Pirate as they experience a pirate adventure on the Columbia River with Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures , where you will experience pirate stories sing-along-song, all while floating down the river and taking in views of the wildlife.

Lastly, don’t miss seeing the Enchanted Forest , which is home to British Columbia’s tallest treehouse. 

Arriving at your destination of Vancouver which has an extraordinary setting, surrounded by mountains and the sea. Vancouver offers an experience for families of all ages, providing a blend of breathtaking scenery, exciting tourist attractions, and vibrant city life.

Check out our guide to spending a day in Vancouver .

• If you can’t decide which route to take, then take the shorter route on the way to Vancouver and then take the scenic route on the way back to Toronto.
• Travelling from Central Canada to the West Coast means changing time zones, so be aware that Vancouver is 3 hours behind Toronto.
• Book your attraction tickets ahead of time, as during peak season, activities can fill up early, and you don’t want to be disappointed.
• Need help deciding what to pack? Use the printable Road Trip Essentials List .

© Family Road Trip 2024

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Experience the best of summer in Ontario

Soak in the summer vibes with sandy beaches, refreshing lakes and crackling campfires.

It’s the season for ice cream, cold drinks, barbeques and chilling on docks, patios and picnics. From epic fishing trips, scenic trails and outdoor fun to lively festivals and farmers’ markets, Ontario offers endless fun for day-trippers, travellers, families and friends.

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Ontario to Vancouver drive

Ontario to vancouver road trip planner.

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

9:00 am  start in Ontario drive for about 3 hours

11:59 am   Solvang eat at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:59 pm drive for about 5 hours

5:55 pm   Modesto stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:55 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 9.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Bardessono drive for about 3 hours

11:52 am   Redding eat at Wilda's Grill stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:52 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:11 pm   Ashland (Oregon) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:11 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from Eugene drive for about 2 hours

9:57 am   Portland stay for about 4 hours and leave at 1:57 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

4:41 pm   Seattle stay for about 4 hours and leave at 8:41 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

11:04 pm  arrive in Vancouver stay at Yaletown

day 3 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Solvang   (47 answers)     Firestone Vineyard   (3 mentions)     Fess Parker Winery   (3 mentions)     R Country Market   (2 mentions)     Blackjack Ranch   (2 mentions)     Saarloos And Sons Tasting Room   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Solvang:         Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe         Olsen's Danish Village Bakery & Coffee Shop         Industrial Eats         Panino         Petros     questions about Solvang:         What to do in Solvang... good places to stay, eat, etc. Modesto   (8 answers) Napa   (85 answers)     Domaine Carneros   (14 mentions)     Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ   (11 mentions)     Artesa Vineyards & Winery   (9 mentions)     Napa Valley   (9 mentions)     Oxbow Public Market   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Napa:         ad hoc         Domaine Chandon         Redd         Morimoto         Pine Ridge Vineyards     hotels around Napa:         Bardessono         Embassy Suites Napa Valley         Cottages of Napa Valley     questions about Napa:         Other foodie things to do besides wine tasting         Searching for an inexpensive and nice inn in Napa area         Restaurants in Napa for girls outing?         Limited time in Napa, help with my itinerary!         Sightseeing in Napa? Redding   (16 answers)     restaurants around Redding:         Wilda's Grill         Market Street Steakhouse     questions about Redding:         Best free things to do in Redding?         What is your favorite restaurant in Redding? Ashland (Oregon)   (31 answers)     Ashland   (15 mentions)     Oregon Shakespeare Festival   (3 mentions)     Lithia Park   (2 mentions)     questions about Ashland (Oregon):         Best free things to do in Ashland (Oregon)?         Spas in the Ashland area? Eugene   (24 answers)     questions about Eugene:         What is your favorite restaurant in Eugene? Portland   (275 answers)     International Rose Test Garden   (20 mentions)     Powell's City of Books   (17 mentions)     Japanese Gardens   (15 mentions)     Portland Saturday Market   (13 mentions)     Timberline Lodge   (12 mentions)     restaurants around Portland:         Voodoo Doughnuts         Tasty N Sons         Lardo         Potato Champion         Pok Pok Restaurant     questions about Portland:         What is your favorite restaurant in Portland?         Mid July: 1 week with wife and kid - what should we prioritize?         Best coffee shops in Portland         Visiting in July for 5 days with my boyfriend, where and what must we do?         Artsy area with fun little shops Seattle   (303 answers)     Pike Place Market   (113 mentions)     Space Needle   (54 mentions)     Experience Music Project   (25 mentions)     Pioneer Square   (25 mentions)     Kerry Park   (24 mentions)     restaurants around Seattle:         Serious Pie         Cafe Campagne         Piroshky Piroshky         Original Starbucks         Matt's in The Market     questions about Seattle:         Is the Space Needle worth seeing?         Best free things to do in Seattle?         2-day solo trip to Seattle - What to do?         Where are the most photogenic areas in Seattle?         What are the best restaurants in Seattle?

Where's the best place to stay in Vancouver?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Vancouver .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Yaletown , which was mentioned 7 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Vancouver?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Vij’s , which was mentioned 10 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Vancouver?

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

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

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

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Vancouver. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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

Do I really have to go back home?

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

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

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

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

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

More info on this route:

road conditions from Ontario to Vancouver

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Google driving directions

The driving time from Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia is:

37 hours, 31 minutes.

Average driving speed: 60.6 mph Kilometers per hour: 97.6 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada

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Driving time from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada

How long is the drive from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada? The total driving time is 37 hours, 31 minutes .

Your trip begins in Ontario, Canada. It ends in Vancouver, Canada.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Ontario and Vancouver, Canada .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Ontario to Vancouver, Canada.

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10 of the best beaches in Canada

Jan 22, 2024 • 7 min read

From a popular beach in Toronto to remote sands on Prince Edward Island, here are Canada's best beaches © Cavan Images / Getty Images

In Canada , a visit to the beach doesn't just mean ice cream, basking in the sun and a bracing dip in the ocean.

If you're lucky, it might also include a bear encounter, a windswept walk amid driftwood and a chance to lob a snowball rather than a pebble into the surf.

Depending on where you are, the incoming ocean tide won't necessarily destroy your sandcastles. With only six of Canada's 13 provinces and territories enjoying ice-free access to open ocean, many of the nation's sandiest beaches abut large freshwater lakes. 

Narrow down your waterside options with our guide to the best beaches across Canada.

1. San Josef Bay, British Columbia

Best beach for wilderness

With a reputation for tempestuous weather and tricky access, northern Vancouver Island  in British Columbia excels in wild, lonesome beaches. The 1.6-mile (2.5km) trail to San Josef Bay starts at the end of a 43-mile (70km) unpaved logging road from Port Hardy. When the forest finally parts, you'll be delivered onto a windswept expanse of crashing surf and forested sea stacks where bushes and trees have been contorted by fierce Pacific storms.

Planning tip: Bring a tent and binoculars. You can camp right on the smooth sandy beach and spy on the resident wildlife, including eagles and ospreys.

Wondering where locals go in Canada? Check out some of our writers' favorite spots .

2. Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island

Best beach for avoiding the crowds

The huge, dune-rimmed beach at Stanhope , on the north shore of Prince Edward Island , sees far fewer tourists than neighbors like Cavendish Beach . For a quiet ramble, free of bustle and bounding dogs, head to the boardwalk that traverses the park's marram-grass dunes, an important nesting site for the piping plover.

Continue west, and you'll encounter the Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, a white clapboard structure that exudes PEI charm. Track east, and you'll end up at Dalvay by the Sea , a handsome Queen Anne revival-style hotel built in 1895.

3. Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Best beach for swimming

Canada may be less known for its beaches than for its stupendous  national parks or cosmopolitan cities , but it can legitimately claim to possess the longest freshwater beach in the world.

Wasaga Beach, in the Ontario town of the same name, is an 8.7-mile-long (14km) expanse of soft sand that kisses the shores of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. The beach is part of a provincial park , meaning it's equipped with trails and opportunities to spot owls and woodpeckers. Since this is the closest full-fledged beach resort to Toronto , thousands of visitors pile in every summer, and the elongated strip can get rowdy. 

Planning tip: The sand is split into six zones. Areas 1 and 2 are the most heavily trafficked, 5 is best for families, and 6 is the one to go to if you are looking for some space. All have warm, shallow water that's safe for swimming.

4. Chesterman Beach, British Columbia

Best beach for surfing

Choosing your favorite beach in Canada's surfing capital, Tofino , is like choosing your favorite deluxe sports car: they're all ridiculously good. Most surveys list Long Beach at No. 1 because it's, well, long – but many Tofitians (locals) rank the surfer's hub of Chesterman as the most complete scimitar of sand. Ringed by rock pools, islets and a narrow sand spit, it's beautiful in both early-morning mist and fiery orange-ripple sunset. The surfing, of course, is sublime.

Planning tip: Unlike Long Beach, Chesterman is close enough to town to reach by bike (with your surfboard clipped to a special bike rack) and firm enough to cycle on if you need some leg exercise before cresting the Pacific waves.

5. Kitsilano, British Columbia

Best urban beach

Kitsilano  is arguably Vancouver's (and Canada's) best urban beach and feels like a freewheeling nugget of Southern California transported 1000 miles north. Backed by cool cafes and an attractive park, Kits (as the locals call it) exudes a sporty, laid-back vibe, especially in summer.

Beach volleyball is the game of choice, although there are also enough grassy expanses to spread out and toss a frisbee or football. The yellow arc of sand is sugary and clean, with views across the water toward Vancouver's glass skyscrapers and the North Shore mountains opposite.

Planning tip: If swimming in boat-filled English Bay doesn't entice you, Kits also has an enormous nearly 450ft (137m)-long saltwater pool, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

6. Shallow Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

Best beach for kayaking

The bay is shallow, the beach long and the sunsets spectacular. This gentle swathe of sand protected within the boundary of Newfoundland 's  Gros Morne National Park  has a mellow Caribbean feel – at least until you dip your toes in the 59ºF (15ºC) waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence. 

Kayaking is a popular activity here. You can cast off from the beach and navigate the sheltered waters of Belldowns Islands, where arctic terns nest before undertaking their marathon migration south. Whales can sometimes be spotted out at sea, and when the weather turns chilly, beachside paths turn into cross-country skiing trails.

7. Annette Lake, Alberta

Best beach for wildlife

Landlocked Alberta  relies on its lakes to entertain summer beachcombers. While the province has plenty of watery escapes to lure the sand-starved, few are as perfect as tiny Annette Lake in Jasper National Park , with its forested shoreline, dramatic mountain backdrop and invigoratingly cold glacial waters. Short and narrow, Annette's patch of sand is barely the length of a frisbee throw – yet this makes for some special quirks.

Planning tip:  This is one of those rare beaches where you might want to pack some bear spray alongside your blow-up raft: grizzlies are sometimes spotted in the area. Elk and mule deer provide more innocuous company.

8. Plage de la Grande Échouerie, Québec

Best beach for kitesurfing

Administratively, the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is in Québec ; geographically, it's much closer to the Maritimes. Possessing an astounding 217 miles (350km) of beaches juxtaposed with iron-rich red cliffs, its pièce de la résistance is this 6-mile (10km) sweep of pale sand on the Anglophone island of Grosse Île .

Extending northeast from Pointe Old Harry into the wetlands of the 1690-acre (684-hectare) East Point National Wildlife Reserve, Grande Échouerie invites hours of uninterrupted meditation amid tufted dunes frequented by horned grebe and piping plover.

Planning tip: The archipelago's stiff winds make it one of the best places in Canada for kitesurfing or, for the less athletically inclined, kite-flying.

9. Dunes Beach, Ontario

Best beach for dunes

The aptly named Sandbanks Provincial Park , a 2.5-hour drive east of Toronto, juts into eastern Lake Ontario, forming the world's largest bay-mouth barrier dune formation. There are three fabulous beaches here.

The two most popular, Outlet and Lakeshore, face west onto the main body of Lake Ontario. A little quieter and a lot more interesting is Dunes Beach, which abuts the cleaner, calmer waters of sheltered West Lake. Here, giant dunes dotted with trees and bushes rise steeply from the shore. While most beaches invite rest and relaxation, Dunes tempts you to indulge in short, sharp hill climbs before tumbling at full pelt back down into the lake. 

10. Parlee Beach, New Brunswick

Best beach for families

With the warmest sea water in Canada and International Blue Flag certification proclaiming its safety, accessibility and environmental credentials, Parlee  is far and away New Brunswick's finest beach, its ribbon of sand soft and golden and the water shallow and positively balmy. In high summer, lifeguards patrol at all hours, making it a favorite among families. Commercialization is kept to a minimum, and grassy dunes buffer a manicured strip of showers, change rooms and poutine-plying spots to eat. The Beach Boys once played a concert at Parlee, which is still reflected in the beach's carefree rock' n' roll spirit today.

Planning tip: Locals in the know save their appetites for the nearby lobster capital of Shediac. 

This article was first published Mar 30, 2021 and updated Jan 22, 2024.

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