road trip vancouver to winnipeg

The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Canada road trip FAQs

Is canada good for road trips.

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

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

How long would a road trip across Canada take?

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

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

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

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

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

When is the best time for a Canada road trip?

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

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

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

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

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

Car vs RV: How should you drive across Canada?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The most popular activities in Stanley Park

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

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

Cross Canada road trip map

The ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary

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

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

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

Ready? Let’s drive across Canada!

West coast and Rocky Mountains: BC & Alberta road trip

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

• Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, BC

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

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

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

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

Must do on Vancouver Island :

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

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

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

Vancouver, BC (3 hrs from Victoria)

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

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

Must do in Vancouver :

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

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

The Okanagan, BC (4.5 hrs from Vancouver)

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

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

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

Must do in Kelowna & the Okanagan:

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

Jasper, AB (7 hrs from Kelowna)

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

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

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

Must do in Japser:

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

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

Banff, AB (3 hrs from Jasper)

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

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

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

Must do in Banff:

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

Calgary, AB (1.5 hrs from Banff)

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

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

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

Must do in Calgary:

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

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

Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba road trip

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

• Riding Mountain National Park
• Whiteshell Provincial Park

Drumheller, AB (1.5 hrs from Calgary)

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

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

Must do in Drumheller:

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

Saskatoon, SK (5 hrs from Drumheller)

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

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

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

Must do in Saskatoon:

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Riding Mountain National Park:

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

Winnipeg, MB (3 hrs from Riding Mountain)

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

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

Must do in Winnipeg: 

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

Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB (1.5 hrs from Winnipeg)

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

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

Must do in Whiteshell Provincial Park: 

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

Eastern Canada: Ontario & Quebec road trip

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

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

Thunder Bay, ON (6.5 hrs from Whiteshell)

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

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

Must do in Thunder Bay: 

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

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

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

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

Must do in Sault Ste Marie:

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

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

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

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

Must do on Manitoulin Island: 

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

Tobermory, ON (2.5 hrs from Manitoulin Island)

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

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

Must do in Tobermory:

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

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

Toronto, ON (3.5 hrs from Tobermory)

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

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

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

Must do in Toronto: 

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

Day trip to Niagara Falls!

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

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

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

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

Prince Edward County, ON (3 hrs from Toronto)

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

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

Must do in Prince Edward County:

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

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

Ottawa, ON (3 hrs from Prince Edward County)

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

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

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

Must do in Ottawa: 

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

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

Montreal, QC (2.5 hrs from Ottawa)

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

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

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

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

Must do in Montreal: 

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

Eastern Townships, QC (1.5 hrs from Montreal)

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

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

Must do in the Eastern Townships: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Quebec City: 

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

Tadoussac, QC (3 hrs from Quebec City)

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

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

Must do in Tadoussac: 

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

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

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

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

Fredericton, NB (6 hrs from Tadoussac)

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

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

Must do in Fredericton:

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

Fundy National Park, NB (2 hrs from Fredericton)

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

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

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

Must do at Fundy National Park: 

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

Charlottetown, PE (2.5 hrs from Fundy)

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

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

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

Must do in Charlottetown and PEI:

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

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

Annapolis Valley, NS (5 hrs from Charlottetown)

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

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

Must do in the Annapolis Valley:

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

Halifax, NS (2 hrs from the Annapolis Valley)

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

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

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

Must do in Halifax:

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

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

Cape Breton Island, NS (5 hrs from Halifax)

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

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

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

Must do on Cape Breton Island:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Gros Morne National Park:

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

Gander, NL (4 hrs from Gros Morne)

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

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

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

Must do in Gander:

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

Elliston, NL (2.5 hrs from Gander)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in St. John’s:

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

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

Where to go after you finish driving across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s missing from this Canadian road trip planner?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 week Canada road trip: Vancouver to Banff road trip

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

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

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

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

3 week Canada road trip: East coast Canada road trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 month Canada road trip: Toronto to Vancouver driving trip

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

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

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

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

Wrapping up: 10 cross Canada road trips tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out more adventures across Canada:

• 10 Things You Must Eat in Montreal
• How to Spend a Weekend in Penticton, BC
• Camping at Porteau Cove, BC
• 5 Day Cabot Trail Itinerary on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• 22 Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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

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

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24 comments.

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

-Lyn |www.ramblynjazz.com

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

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

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

Thanks for this wonderful trip itinerary! live in Winnipeg & my husband & I are retiring this summer. We plan on driving east next spring and west probably the year after. I’m looking forward to my planning and will definitely take some of your “to do” recommendations into my planning!

So glad you liked the itinerary and hope it inspires some amazing travels for you!

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

Enjoy the trip and safe travels,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for checking it out! Glad it was helpful.

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

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

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

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

Good day Riana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The driving time from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Vancouver, British Columbia is:

23 hours, 4 minutes.

Average driving speed: 61.7 mph Kilometers per hour: 99.3 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

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

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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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Some Jasper residents begin making trip home

By Sean Amato

Posted August 16, 2024 12:22 pm.

Last Updated August 17, 2024 10:11 am.

Jasper residents started going home Friday morning — 25 days after a raging wildfire forced everyone to flee . 

The gates opened at 7 a.m. and there wasn’t much traffic at all, two hours later. It’s residents, workers, and support people only, that are allowed in Jasper for now. 

No lineup for #Jasper residents at the east gates this morning. There is a firetruck with a large Canada flag to greet people, like was done in Slave Lake & Fort Mac. Most of the traffic is in the through lane, people headed for BC. #abfire pic.twitter.com/UH4cmVDOzP — Sean Amato (@JSJamato) August 16, 2024

Anyone making the trip will be arriving to a much different hometown.

The fire destroyed more than 350 buildings and caused an estimated $238 million in damages. 

One of the homes destroyed was that of Amy Fellows and her family. She also works in tourism, so it’s not at all clear when she’ll return to Jasper. Still, she’s pleased to see this day arrive. 

Officials say the plan to reopen the fire-ravaged Jasper townsite will go ahead Friday as planned, but only to residents for now. Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says they are acting on concerns they heard…

The town of Jasper says early numbers indicate last month’s wildfires destroyed $283 million worth of property. The town also reports that while 358 structures were destroyed, mostly businesses and…

The 5,000 residents of Jasper, Alta., chased out of their homes three weeks ago ahead of a devastating wildfire, can go home Friday. Officials said essential services have been restored to the point where…

It’s the day everyone from Jasper has been waiting for. Starting Friday morning thousands of residents will be able to go home, for the first time since a wildfire devoured about a third of their town.  The…

The public school district for Jasper says it is racing against time to clean up and fix schools damaged by smoke and soot from last month’s wildfires in time for the start of classes.

“I think this is the first steps to getting that really strong community back. People are so willing to help each other in Jasper, almost to a fault sometimes, so I know in town there will be a lot of helping hands, and it’s wonderful to see,” said Fellows.

The wildfire is still listed as out of control, but officials say they’ve built containment lines to keep it out of town. 

Residents who still have a home are allowed to stay, but officials warn it will not necessarily be easy. 

Starting this morning thousands of residents will be able to return home to Jasper, Alberta for the first time since a wildfire destroyed roughly a third of the town. Our @JSJamato is just outside of Jasper and provided an update this morning @CityNewsVAN @CityNewsYEG … pic.twitter.com/KeuoeWWhl4 — Adrienne South (@AdrienneKS) August 16, 2024

Some places still have utilities out and a boil water advisory. There may be smoke or water damage, and the town and hospital have essential services only. 

Barret Sheeshka also lost his home to the fire. He’s staying in Hinton and says he’ll go back when the time is right. 

“I think right now it’s very important that if you don’t need to be there, to not be there. And leave the space for the people that need to be there, whether it’s the residents or the cleanup crews, the professionals doing an amazing job,” said Sheeshka.

One bright spot, this gloomy weather. It’s chilly and rainy and that’s expected to continue for a couple of days, no doubt a help in the ongoing firefight.

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Woman and child fall to their deaths from North Vancouver balcony, homicide team called in

Homicide investigators have been called in after a woman and child fell to their deaths from an apartment building balcony in North Vancouver early Tuesday morning.

The North Vancouver RCMP says officers were called to an apartment complex the 100 block of East Esplanade Avenue in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood at 4:30 a.m., after reports that two people had fallen off a balcony.

"Officers arrived and located two females suffering from injuries sustained from the fall,” Mounties wrote in a news release.

Firefighters and paramedics performed life-saving measures on the pair, but they were later pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case and will work with the North Vancouver RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section and the BC Coroners Service to investigate the tragic incident.

In its own statement, IHIT confirmed the deceased were an adult woman and a school-aged child.

“Police believe the two were known to one another and are not looking for any other suspects at this time,” said Cpl. Esther Tupper in the statement. “There is no ongoing risk to the public and this is an isolated incident.”

“Anyone affected by today’s tragedy who wishes to speak to the North Vancouver RCMP’s victim services can do so by calling 604-969-7540,” the release reads.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call homicide investigators at 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected]. 

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Springer helps homer-happy Blue Jays rout Reds 10-3

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'Detrimental impacts': Ontario announces closure of 10 supervised drug consumption sites

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Somerset West supervised drug consumption site to close under new Ontario rules

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Renfrew, Ont. man credits good karma with Lotto Max win

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Income needed to buy a home in Ottawa drops in July

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'Horrifying and terrifying': Victims of knife attack at Halifax-area school deliver impact statements

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Kitchener, Guelph drug consumption sites to close due to Ontario ban

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Thousands evacuated as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba

By Cole Fortner

Posted August 14, 2024 7:14 pm.

Thousands in northern Manitoba have reportedly been evacuated due to a large wildfire south of Oxford House.

Officials say the wildfire is around 10 kilometres south of Oxford House First Nation, and winds were expected to push it closer.

At the time of the province’s wildfire update Wednesday afternoon, the fire was estimated to be 5,747 hectares.

With the help of local fire departments, a protection line has been established near the community.

According to the province, additional resources have also been deployed to help with the firefighting efforts.

The Canadian Air Force was also on hand to help with evacuation efforts from the Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

The first aircraft departed this afternoon and evacuations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/bAvxB5I8I7 — Canadian Joint Operations Command (@CJOC_COIC) August 14, 2024

Manitoba Wildfire Services says there are currently 71 active wildfires within the province, and heat and dry weather linger.

Some of those fires are close to communities in various parts of Manitoba, and are listed below:

• A fire is roughly 11 km northeast of Manto Sipi Cree Nation and is estimated at approximately 1,500 ha. The province says suppression has been concentrated on the south side of the fire to limit its spread towards the community.
• A fire is roughly four km east of Marcel Colomb First Nation remains within established control lines and currently about 3,020 ha in size.
• Another fire is roughly eight km northeast of Marcel Colomb First Nation, is approximately 1,851 ha.
• A fire is roughly 60 km northeast of Thompson and 55 km west of Split Lake, and is estimated at 18,000 ha in size. The province says fire continues to be assessed for targeted response options as required.
• A fire is roughly 35 km north of Garden Hill, 22 km south of God’s Lake Narrows and 40 km west of Red Sucker Lake, is over 35,000 ha. The province says some residents of God’s Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Wasagamack First Nation, Red Sucker Lake First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation have been evacuated due to smoke in the area.
• And a fire is located roughly 23 km east of Pukatawagan and is approximately 21,900 ha. The province says smoke may be an issue in the community depending on wind direction.

Due to the fires, visibility along some roads is reduced, including Provincial Road (PR) 391 and PR 280.

So far the province has battled 233 fires in 2024, with most of them being lightning or human-caused.

Heat advisory

In addition to the wildfires, northern Manitoba has also been placed under an extreme heat advisory.

The province says the communities of Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Gillam, Island Lake, Shamattawa, Churchill and York, are expected to experience daytime temperatures of 29 C or higher and overnight temperatures higher than 16 C.

Due to this, Environment Canada advises people stay indoors, or cooler locations as much as possible, and make sure they stay properly hydrated.

The province also notes that the heat may impact the wildfires.

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64 Canadian fiction books to read in fall 2024

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Here are the new Canadian novels and short story collections we are excited about this fall.

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Seventh Veil of Salome is set in 1950s Hollywood and centres around a big-budget movie about the legendary character of Salome. When Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican actor is cast in the lead role, she starts to turn heads, particularly that of Nancy Hartley, another actor who thinks she deserves a chance in the spotlight. As the two attempt to dodge scandal and gossip, the novel also explores the story of Salome herself.

When you can read it: Aug. 6, 2024

• Gothic horror on Canada Reads? Breaking boundaries is the norm for Mexican Gothic author Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a Canadian author who was born and raised in Mexico. She is also the author of the novels Mexican Gothic , which was on Canada Reads 2023, Signal to Noise , Gods of Jade and Shadow , The Beautiful Ones , Velvet Was the Night , Untamed Shore  and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau .

However Far Away by Rajinderpal S. Pal

At his nephew's wedding, Devinder Gill will be in the same room as his wife and the mother of his two kids, Kuldip, and his first love Emily who he's been secretly having an affair with. However Far Away details what happens when a secret threatens to unravel and how the three main characters found themselves in this situation.

Love, music and culture collide in new novel set in Vancouver

Rajinderpal S. Pal is a writer and stage performer based in Toronto. He has written the poetry collections pappaji wrote poetry in a language i cannot read and pulse.

The Plus One by S.C. Lalli

When a successful couple is murdered in their villa the day before their lavish wedding in the novel The Plus One , unwanted plus one Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor is unconvinced by the police's theory of a drug cartel hit. She must unravel the true reason of their murder before her own secret agenda comes to light. 

• Sonya Lalli reflects on the 'good Indian girl' trope and the joy of writing in different genres

S.C. Lalli is the author of  Are You Sara? which was a bestseller and named one of NPR and Apple's Best Books of the Year. She has also written five romance novels under her full name Sonya Lalli, including Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat , A Holly Jolly Diwali , Grown-Up Pose and The Matchmaker's List . She lives in Vancouver.

Peggy by Rebecca Godfrey, with Leslie Jamison

Peggy  tells the story of Peggy Guggenheim and her rise to making her name synonymous with art and genius. From her early beginnings in New York as the daughter of two Jewish dynasties to her adventures in the European art worlds, she is forced to balance her loyalty to her family and her desire to break free from conventions and live her own original life. 

When you can read it: Aug. 13, 2024

Rebecca Godfrey was an author and journalist known for her books The Torn Skirt , which was a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, and the true crime story Under the Bridge , which was adapted into a Disney+ series. She grew up in Canada but lived in upstate New York. Peggy is her final novel, completed by Leslie Jamison after she died. 

Jamison is the Brooklyn-based author of The Empathy Exams , The Recovering , the novel The Gin Closet and the memoir Splinters.

Layman's Report by Eugene Marten

Layman's Report is a fictionalization of the story of Fred A. Leuchner, an inventor who improved the efficiency and humanity of the electric chair. Because he's the best in his field and feeling under-appreciated, the neo-Nazi movement capitalizes on his expertise and asks him to help a Holocaust denier who's on trial in Toronto and prove the gas chambers never existed. As media coverage picks up, Fred becomes disgraced and discredited, but he doesn't stop working. First published in 2013, this is Layman's Report 's reissue with a major publisher. 

Eugene Marten is a writer born in Winnipeg who grew up in Cleveland and is currently living in Albuquerque. In 2014, Marten won a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for an excerpt of Layman's Report .

Hair for Men by Michelle Winters 

Struggling with trauma from her teenage years, Louise lives a life of punk violence until she gets a job at a men's hair salon in the novel Hair for Men . There, she builds relationships with her clients and begins to feel more settled. But when that sense of calm is destroyed, she runs away to the East Coast to escape her past, which she does successfully until a man from the Bay of Fundy arrives and gives her the opportunity to right her wrongs. 

When you can read it: Aug. 20, 2024

Enjoying the ride: Michelle Winters on the roller coaster that is being a Scotiabank Giller Prize finalist

Michelle Winters is a writer, painter and translator from Saint John currently living in Toronto. Her novel debut novel, I Am a Truck , was shortlisted for the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize . She also translated Kiss the Undertow and Daniil and Vanya by Marie-Hélène Larochelle.

Oil People by David Huebert

Oil People weaves together two narratives and timelines to unravel family secrets and the toxic yet powerful nature of oil. The first narrative is the story of 13-year-old Jade Armbruster in 1987, who is living on the family's oil farm, a deteriorating property built by an ancestor, as her parents decide what to do about the land and their business. The other story is that of Clyde Armbruster in 1862 who built the oil farm and the rivalry he fell into with his neighbours — the reverberations of which are still felt by Jade and her family. 

Past winner David Huebert shares 5 reasons to enter the CBC Short Story Prize

David Huebert is a Halifax-based writer who has won the 2016 CBC Short Story Prize and The Walrus Poetry Prize . He is the author of short story collections Peninsula Sinking , which won a Dartmouth Book Award and was a runner-up for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award , and Chemical Valley , which won the Alistair MacLeod Short Fiction Prize.

Blackheart Man by Nalo Hopkinson

Blackheart Man is a fantasy novel about the magical island of Chynchin. It follows Veycosi who is training as a griot (historian and musician) and is hoping to score a spot on Chynchin's Colloquium of scholars. But when a turn of events prevents him from going to check out the rare Alamat Book of Light, he finds himself in over his head as he offers to help when 15 Ymisen galleons show up hoping to force a trade agreement. When children start disappearing and tar statues come to life, it's clear that sinister forces are at play — the demon called the Blackheart Man is causing trouble. 

Being a leading Black voice in sci-fi writing is a 'joyful' responsibility: Nalo Hopkinson

Nalo Hopkinson is the author of many novels and short stories, including Brown Girl in the Ring , which won the Warner Aspect First Novel Contest and was defended on Canada Reads in 2008 by Jemeni. Her other books include Sister Mine , Midnight Robber , The Chaos , The New Moon's Arms and Skin Folk . In 2021, she won the Damon Knight Grand Master award, a lifetime achievement award for science fiction. 

In Winter I Get Up at Night by Jane Urquhart

In Winter I Get Up at Night tells the story of music teacher Emer McConnell who lives in rural Saskatchewan. One day, as she heads to work in the early morning, she takes a trip down memory lane, taking us on her life's journey, from the prairie storm that left her in a children's ward when she was 11 to family secrets and distant love affairs. 

When you can read it: Aug. 27, 2024

• Jane Urquhart: 8 books that changed my life

Jane Urquhart is a novelist and poet. In 2005, she was made an officer of the Order of Canada. Urquhart has written seven critically acclaimed novels. In 1994, she received the Marian Engel Award, now known as Writers' Trust Engel/Findley Award. Her debut, The Whirlpool, received Le prix du meilleur livre étranger (Best Foreign Book Award) in France. The 1993 speculative fiction novel Away won the Trillium Award, was a finalist for the prestigious International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and a contender on Canada Reads   2013, when it was defended by Charlotte Gray. 

Moon Road by Sarah Leipciger

In Moon Road , estranged divorcees Kathleen and Yannick come together after news from the other side of the country sends them on a road trip from small-town Ontario to B.C. After 19 years of not speaking since something happened to their daughter, their history and bond are revealed and an unexpected future calls. 

Sarah Leipciger is lecturer and writer, whose other novels include The Mountain Can Wait and Coming Up for Air. Her short fiction has been shortlisted for the Asham Award, the Fish Prize and the Bridport Prize. Originally from Toronto, she now lives in London, U.K.

Monster by Jowita Bydlowska

In Monster , a work of autofiction, Yoveeta is a woman struggling with her quiet rage, which she calls "Monster" that festers deep inside. Her fury started when she left her home country and dealt with sexual and romantic trauma and begins to resurface on the night she's about to launch her memoir when she meets an interesting man. 

When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2024

Jowita Bydlowska on avoiding books with long descriptions of water

Jowita Bydlowska is a writer and journalist based in Toronto. A professor at the Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, she's known for her memoir, Drunk Mom and novels Guy and Possessed . Bydlowska has written columns on popular culture and mental health for the National Post, the Globe and Mail and CBC.

Bad Land by Corinna Chong 

When Regina's brother shows up on her doorstep with his six-year-old daughter after seven years, her quiet loner life is never the same. The longer they stay, the clearer it becomes to Regina that something terrible has happened — and once the secret is revealed, they're sent on a fraught journey from Alberta to the coast of B.C. 

When you can read it: Sept. 3, 2024

How Corinna Chong wrote the story that won the 2021 CBC Short Story Prize

Originally from Calgary, Corinna Chong lives in Kelowna, B.C. and teaches English and fine arts at Okanagan College. She published her first novel, Belinda's Rings , in 2013. In 2023, she published the short story collection The Whole Animal which includes Kids in Kindergarten , the winner of the 2021 CBC Short Story Prize . 

May Our Joy Endure by Kevin Lambert, translated by Donald Winkler

In May Our Joy Endure , Céline is a celebrated architect and icon. When her first megaproject in her home of Montreal is met with harsh criticism for bringing on gentrification, she is fired as CEO from her firm. She must try to understand what exactly she is being accused of and figure out what to tell herself so that she can continue to justify her world of privilege. 

• Kevin Lambert's novel Querelle of Roberval is an erotically tragic look at class struggle and sexual politics

Kevin Lambert is a Montreal-based author who grew up in Chicoutimi, Que.  May Our Joy Endure  won the Prix Médicis, Prix Décembre and Prix Ringuet. His novel Querelle de Roberval was a finalist for numerous prizes in Quebec, Canada and France. His first novel, You Will Love What You Have Killed , won a prize for the best novel from the Saguenay region.

Donald Winkler is a Montreal-based translator. He has won three Governor General's Literary Awards for French-to-English translation.

Every Night I Dream I'm a Monk, Every Night I Dream I'm a Monster by Damian Tarnopolsky

Every Night I Dream I'm a Monk, Every Night I Dream I'm a Monster is a short story collection that transports readers through time and place, from 1980s England to Renaissance France and current Canada. While each story stands alone, connections can be found in the most unexpected ways. 

• Books by past CBC Poetry Prize winners and finalists being published in 2024

Damian Tarnopolsky is a Toronto-based writer, editor and teacher. His novel Goya's Dog was shortlisted for the Amazon First Novel Award and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book (Canada/Caribbean). His short fiction has appeared in The Puritan, The Antigonish Review, Prairie Fire, subTerrain and Audeamus. Tarnopolsky has twice been nominated for the Journey Prize.

In 2007, his story You Guys , featured in Every Night I Dream I'm a Monk, Every Night I Dream I'm a Monster ,   was shortlisted for the CBC Short Story Prize .  

This Bright Dust by Nina Berkhout

This Bright Dust takes place in 1939 in the small prairie town of Grayley. With the Great Depression still affecting the community, Abel Dodds is desperately searching for the gold his late father buried. When his neighbour leaves and asks him to take care of his sister, her son and grandfather, he reluctantly agrees. Tensions rise when the king and queen announce that they're coming to visit to boost morale. 

Nina Berkhout is a poet and novelist who currently lives in Ottawa. She is also the author of the novels The Gallery of Lost Species and Why Birds Sing and five poetry collections . Her young adult novel  The Mosaic  was nominated for the White Pine Award and the Ottawa Book Awards.

real ones by katherena vermette

Following two Michif sisters, lyn and June, real ones examines what happens when their estranged and white mother gets called out as a pretendian. Going by the name Raven Bearclaw, she's seen success for her art that draws on Indigenous style. As the media hones in on the story, the sisters, whose childhood trauma manifests in different ways, are pulled into their mother's web of lies and the painful past resurfaces. 

katherena vermette's next novel examines ownership of identity and family bonds, will be released in fall 2024

vermette is a Métis writer from Winnipeg. Her books include the poetry collections North End Love Songs and river woman and the four-book graphic novel series A Girl Called Echo . Her novels are The Break , The Strangers , The Circle .  North End Love Songs won the Governor General's Literary Award for poetry. The Break was a finalist for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and the Governor General's Literary Award for fiction. It was defended by Candy Palmater on Canada Reads 2017. The Strangers won the 2021 Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and was longlisted for the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize .

All Hookers Go To Heaven by Angel B.H.

In All Hookers Go To Heaven , Mag falls for a girl while training to become an evangelical missionary. Ashamed and regretful, she leaves the Church and becomes a sex worker, hoping to break free from her repressed past and change her life. The novel details all the challenges and danger she faces as she tries to come to terms with herself, her sexuality and her faith all while trying to make a living.

Angel B.H. is a writer from Nova Scotia currently living in Europe. All Hookers Go To Heaven is her first novel. 

Thyme Travellers: An Anthology of Palestinian Speculative Fiction edited by Sonia Sulaiman

Thyme Travellers is an anthology of speculative fiction that brings together voices from the Palestinian diaspora, both new and veteran, from all around the world, to tell stories that venture into history and folklore.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2024

Sonia Sulaiman is a writer and editor based in Ontario. Her writing has been published in Arab Lit Quarterly, Beladi, FANTASY, FIYAH Magazine, Xenocultivars: Stories of Queer Growth, Seize the Press, Lackington's Magazine and Ask the Night for a Dream. Her stories have been nominated for Pushcart, Lammy and Best New Weird awards. She also edited the collection Muneera and the Moon: Stories Inspired by Palestinian Folklore.

The Wedding by Gurjinder Basran

In a Bollywood-inspired family drama, The Wedding transports readers to Surrey and Vancouver, B.C. in the lead-up to the lavish Sikh wedding between Devi and Baby. Offering glimpses into the lives of the wedding party, guests and the event staff making it all happen, the novel is all about community, tradition and the union of two people. 

'It wasn't a joyful process.' — Gurjinder Basran discusses writing her sophomore novel

Gurjinder Basran is a writer living in Delta, B.C. Her novels include Everything Was Good-bye , the winner of the BC Book Prize and the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, Help! I'm Alive and Someone You Love is Gone . 

A Way to Be Happy by Caroline Adderson

A Way to Be Happy is a short story collection that follows various characters as they try to find happiness. Ranging from mundane to extraordinary, the stories feature everything from a pair of addicts robbing parties to fund their sobriety to a Russian hitman dealing with an illness and reliving his past. 

When you can read it: Sept. 10, 2024

Three-time CBC Literary Prize winner Caroline Adderson shares how to write a great short story

Caroline Adderson is the Vancouver-based author of five novels, including The Sky is Falling , Ellen in Pieces and A Russian Sister . She has also published two short story collections, including the 1993 Governor General's Literary Award finalist Bad Imaginings . 

Adderson's awards include three B.C. Book Prizes, a National Magazine Award Gold Medal for Fiction. She has received the 2006 Marian Engel Award for mid-career achievement. She is also a three-time winner of the CBC Literary Prizes .

The Capital of Dreams by Heather O'Neill

The Capital of Dreams  is a dark fairytale set in a small European country during a period of war. Fourteen-year-old Sofia is the daughter of the revered writer, Clara Bottom. When their country is invaded, Clara bundles Sofia onto the last train evacuating children out of the city. Clara gives her daughter her latest manuscript to smuggle to safety.

When the children's train stops in the middle of the forest, Sofia senses they are in danger. She manages to escape, but loses her mother's beloved manuscript. Soon Sofia finds herself alone in a country at war on an epic journey to find all that she has lost. 

• Canada Reads champion Heather O'Neill publishing next novel in fall 2024

Heather O'Neill is a novelist, short story writer and essayist from Montreal. She won  Canada Reads  2024, championing  The Future  by Catherine Leroux, which was translated from French by Susan Ouriou. O'Neill   is the first person to win  Canada Reads  as both an author and a panellist. Her debut novel  Lullabies for Little Criminals  won  Canada Reads  2007 when it was defended by musician John K. Samson. Her other books include  Scotiabank Giller Prize  finalists  The Girl Who Was Saturday Night  and her short story collection  Daydreams of Angels .

Countess by Suzan Palumbo

In Countess , Virika Sameroo is the first lieutenant on an interstellar cargo vessel serving the Æerbot Empire. When her captain dies, she is charged for murder and treason even though she's always been loyal. This sets her on a quest for revenge against the empire. 

Suzan Palumbo is a Trinidadian-Canadian author based in Brampton, Ont. She is also the author of short story collection Skin Thief. Her stories have been nominated for the Nebula, Aurora and World Fantasy Awards.

Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari

In Songs for the Brokenhearted , Zohara is a 30-something Yemeni Israeli woman living in New York City, a life that feels much simpler than her childhood growing up in Israel. When her sister calls to let her know of their mother's death, she gets on a plane with no return ticket and begins the journey of unravelling lost family stories.

Ayelet Tsabari is always leaving things behind. So she wrote a book about it

Ayelet Tsabari is the author of The Art of Leaving , which won the Canadian Jewish Literary Award for Memoir and was a finalist for the Writer's Trust Hilary Weston Prize, and The Best Place on Earth , which won the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award. Her short story Green  was shortlisted for the 2018 CBC Short Story Prize . She teaches in the MFA creative writing program at the University of Guelph, the MFA in Fiction program at the University of King's College and the Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Bar-Ilan University. She lived in Toronto for a number of years and currently resides in Tel Aviv. 

The Unweaving by Cheryl Parisien

The Unweaving tells the story of one Métis family in 1869 as surveyors arrive in Red River to negotiate joining Confederation. Each member of the family reacts in their own way, but all are hoping to protect their way of life. 

Cheryl Parisien is a Winnipeg-based Red River Métis writer. The Unweaving is her first novel, which is loosely based on her own family's history. 

Other Maps by Rebecca Morris

In Other Maps , Anna can't wait to leave her hometown after visiting for her dad's retirement party. When she runs into her ex-best friends, she's forced to confront her past and figure out if there was truth behind the rumours about the New Year's party back in high school — and only then, can she move forward into a better future. 

When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2024

Rebecca (Atkinson) Morris is a Montreal-based writer whose short stories have won the Malahat Review Open Season Award and the Humber Literary Review Emerging Writers Fiction contest. She is an alumna of the Banff Centre, winner of a Canada Council Arts grant and an active member of the Quebec Writers' Federation.

Juiceboxers by Benjamin Hertwig

In Juiceboxers , Plinko is a 16-year-old undergoing basic training before finishing high school. When he moves in with an older soldier, he and the other roommates, people from all different backgrounds, build an unlikely friendship. After 9/11, the military plans to go to war in Afghanistan so the young men are sent to the battlefields of Kandahar and are forever changed. 

When you can read it: Sept. 17, 2024

Why Benjamin Hertwig sees parallels between pottery and poetry

Benjamin Hertwig is a writer, painter and ceramist who spent time as a soldier. His book Slow War was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for poetry. Based in Edmonton, he owns Paper Birch Books, a second hand bookstore, with his partner. 

The Pages of the Sea by Anne Hawk

The Pages of the Sea tells the story of Wheeler and her older sisters on a Caribbean island after their mother moves to England to find work. As she waits for her mother to send for her, Wheeler feels alone and must navigate the tensions between her aunts who took her and her sisters in. 

Anne Hawk is a writer who grew up in the Caribbean, the U.K. and Canada. The Pages of the Sea is her first novel.   She previously worked as a journalist, paralegal and school teacher. She is currently based in London, U.K.

Dry Your Tears to Perfect Your Aim by Jacob Wren

When a depressed writer visits a war zone, he finds a small feminist collective living on a small strip of land. The more he learns about the society they've created, the more he grapples with the idea of writing about it and the ethical concerns that would come up if he did. 

Jacob Wren is a writer, artist and performer based in Montreal. His books include Revenge Fantasies of the Politically Dispossessed , Polyamorous Love Song, Rich and Poor, which was a finalist for the Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction, and Authenticity is a Feeling . He is the artistic co-director of PME-ART, an interdisciplinary group. 

I Never Said That I Was Brave by Tasneem Jamal

I Never Said That I Was Brave recounts the lifelong friendship of two women who immigrated from Uganda to Canada as children. As adults, their dynamics are constantly shifting as they grow yet feel stifled by expectations of their South Asian community. 

She ditched it all to follow her dreams, then reality came crashing in

Tasneem Jamal is a Kitchener, Ont.-based writer who was born in Uganda. She also is the author of Where the Air is Sweet and was named one of CBC's writers to watch in 2014 . Her work has appeared in Chatelaine, Saturday Night and the Literary Review of Canada. Jamal is The X Page Storytelling Workshop's writing coach and an editor at The New Quarterly. 

Hi, It's Me by Fawn Parker

In Hi, It's Me , Fawn returns to her mother's farmhouse after her death — one that is also inhabited by four other women with interesting and strange beliefs. As she lives in her mother's room and tries to figure out what to do with her possessions, she becomes obsessed with archiving her mother's writing and documents, teaching her more and more about the woman she thought she knew so well. 

Lisa Alward and Fawn Parker among winners of the 2024 New Brunswick Book Awards

Fawn Parker is an author and current PhD student at the University of New Brunswick. Her novel What We Both Know was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2022 . Her poetry collection Soft Inheritance won the Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize.

Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro

The second book in the Talents Trilogy, Bringer of Dust follows Charlie and the Talents as they discover a body covered in the corrupted dust of the drughr — and realize that a new drughr has arisen. They must work together to stave off the world of the dead and save their friend. 

• 12 Canadian sci-fi and fantasy novels to escape into this summer

J.M. Miro is a Canadian author based in British Columbia. His book Ordinary Monsters was an international bestseller and the first book of the Talents Trilogy. 

Proof by Beverley McLachlin

Criminal defense lawyer Jilly Truitt is taking some well-deserved and needed time off with her new baby when she's asked to take on the case of Katie, a high-profile mother accused of kidnapping her own child. Katie's prospects aren't looking good and police begin to suspect that her daughter, Tess, is dead — and she's one the responsible. Jilly must quickly solve the case to save both Katie and Tess. 

Beverley McLachlin wins $25K Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing for memoir Truth Be Told

Beverley McLachlin was the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She held the position for nearly 20 years. After McLachlin retired from the court, she became a writer, publishing the memoir Truth Be Told , which won the Writers' Trust Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing and the Ottawa Book Award for Nonfiction, and the thrillers Full Disclosure  and Denial .

The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley

In The Lightning Bottles , an unlikely duo of fallen rock star Jane Pyre and sullen teenage superfan Hen take a road trip to find out what happened to Elijah, Jane's bandmate and soulmate. A love letter to music and female artists who deserve the same powerful legacies as their male counterparts, Stapley wrote The Lightning Bottles to give a voice to both them and the teenagers listening to music, waiting for their lives to begin. 

Marissa Stapley's latest takes readers on a road trip to solve a rock 'n' roll mystery — read an excerpt now  

Marissa Stapley is a Toronto writer, journalist and author of romance, thrillers and romantic comedies. Her books include Mating for Life , Things To Do When It's Raining , The Last Resort , Lucky and The Holiday Swap , which was co-written with Karma Brown under the pen name Maggie Knox.

I Left You Behind by Nazneen Sheikh

I Left You Behind is a striking short story collection that spans decades and countries, largely drawing on the author's own experience. They explore dislocation, relocation and the highs and lows of lives lived. 

Nazneen Sheikh on the power of bedtime stories

Nazneen Sheikh was born in Kashmir and studied in Pakistan and Texas. She has written three young adult books as well as several books of nonfiction and fiction including Moon Over Marrakech , The Place of Shining Light and Tea and Pomegranates: A Memoir of Food, Family and Kashmir , which won second prize in the English and French special interest food and beverage book category from Cuisine Canada and the University of Guelph. She lives in Toronto. 

What I Know About You by Éric Chacour, translated by Pablo Strauss

In What I Know About You , Tarek is on the right path: he'll be a doctor like his father, marry and have children. But when he falls for his patient's son, Ali, his life is turned upside-down as he realizes his sexuality against a backdrop of political turmoil in 1960s Cairo. In the 2000s, Tarek is now a doctor in Montreal. When someone begins to write to him and about him, the past that he's been trying to forget comes back to haunt him. 

When you can read it: Sept. 24, 2024

Éric Chacour is a Montreal-based writer who was born to Egyptian parents and grew up between France and Quebec. In addition to writing, he works in the financial sector. What I Know About You is his first book and was a bestseller in its French edition, winning many awards including the Prix Femina. 

Pablo Strauss has translated 12 works of fiction, several graphic novels and one screenplay. He was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for translation for The Country Will Bring Us No Peace , Synapses and The Longest Year . His translation of Le plongeur by Stephane Larue called The Dishwasher won the 2020 Amazon First Novel Award. He lives in Quebec City. 

The Nowhere Places by Susan LeBlanc

The Nowhere Places is a novel set in 1979 North End Halifax that revolves around two women, June and Lulu, and the chaos that transpires when Gerald, a developmentally disabled adult, goes missing. June is his mother, who raised him alone and unwed, and Lulu is a teenager who works at the pharmacy with him. The novel brings them together and shares stories of girlhood and womanhood as they both try and figure out what they are capable of. 

Susan LeBlanc is a Dartmouth, N.S.-based writer. She worked as a newspaper and magazine journalist for 20 years and taught journalism at the University of King's College. She was shortlisted for the Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize in 2018 and was selected for the 2022 Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program. 

Celestina's House by Clarissa Trinidad Gonzalez

In Celestina's House , Celestina is desperate to get out of her family's house after a shocking betrayal made the atmosphere too tense to bear. When her Lolo gifts her a property in Manila's bohemian district, she feels at home, even though there are ghosts lurking. As time goes on, she gets a real chance at happiness, but voices from the past threaten to take it all away.

Clarissa Trinidad Gonzalez is a Filipina author based in Toronto. Celestina's House is her first book.

The Tapestry of Time by Kate Heartfield

The Tapestry of Time is a historical fantasy novel that tells the story of the Sharp sisters and their extraordinary psychic powers during the Second World War. Kit lives in Paris and is endlessly fascinated with the Bayeux tapestry that is said to predict the future. The Nazis are also obsessed with the tapestry and believe it will help them continue their conquest of Europe. Ivy joins the Special Operations Executive and is sent to France on a special mission — and the two sisters must use their courage and special gifts to keep the Nazis from using the tapestry and beating the Allied Forces.

When you can read it: Sept. 26, 2024

Kate Heartfield and Fonda Lee win Aurora Awards for Canadian sci-fi and fantasy writing

Kate Heartfield is a former journalist and the author of The Embroidered Book, Alice Payne Arrives, which was shortlisted for a Nebula Award, and The Valkyrie . Her debut novel, Armed in Her Fashion, won the 2019 Aurora Award for Best Novel.

White World by Saad T. Farooqi

White World  imagines Pakistan in 2083 A.D. when a civil war is happening and Avaan finds himself alone with only a gun in his hand. He's living without citizenship and his whole family, including Doua, his one true love, was stolen from him in a military raid. When he finds out that Doua might be alive, he becomes committed to finding her and takes a stand against the army and the mob. 

When you can read it: Sept. 28, 2024

Saad T. Farooqi is a London, Ont.-based writer who spent most of his life as a Pakistani expat in Dubai. His writing has appeared in many magazines and he holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Kingston University London. White World is his first book. 

False Bodies by J.R. McConvey

False Bodies tells the story of monster hunter Eddie "The Yeti" Gesner as he travels to Newfoundland to make sense of a mass death on an offshore oil rig. People are saying that it could be the work of a kraken and Eddie is determined to get to the bottom of it. When he discovers an antique diary, his grasp of reality is called into question and he must face an undersea power that he could have never even imagined. 

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

J.R. McConvey is a writer and documentary producer from Toronto. His debut short story collection,  Different Beasts , was published in 2019 and  won the 2020 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for speculative fiction. CBC Books named him a writer to watch in 2020 . In 2016, McConvey made the longlist for the CBC Poetry Prize . 

An Astonishment of Stars by Kirti Bhadresa

An Astonishment of Stars is a short story collection that focuses on racialized women navigating all the hardships of everyday life. From a wife who uses the name of her white husband in public to the teen girl who watches her rebellious older sister slip away, the stories shed light on those who often remain unseen. 

Kirti Bhadresa is a Calgary-based fiction and nonfiction writer whose work has appeared in The Fiddlehead, Prairie Fire, The Quarantine Review, The Sprawl and Room. She was a finalist for the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association Award in the Feature Writing category. 

Keep by Jenny Haysom

The novel  Keep is a meditation on all the stuff in our lives. Having been recently diagnosed with dementia, Harriet must sell her beloved house. Enter home stagers Eleanor and Jacob who are hired to remove the clutter, but soon find themselves immersed in Harriet's mysterious world while their own lives are unravelling.

Jenny Haysom is a writer from Nova Scotia. Her debut poetry collection, Dividing the Wayside , won the Archibald Lampman Award and was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award . She has published her writing in magazines across Canada. Haysom was longlisted for the 2013 CBC Poetry Prize .

The Diapause by Andrew Forbes

The Diapause is a novel that follows 10-year-old Gabriel and his parents who retreat to an old family cabin to ride out a pandemic. As time passes, tensions between the family members rise and Gabriel will reel with the consequences for years to come. 

• Here are 75 Canadian short stories available free online

Andrew Forbes's first short story collection,  What You Need, was a finalist for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and Trillium Book Award. His stories have been published widely, appearing in publications like The Feathertale Review, Little Fiction, PRISM International, New Quarterly and Maisonneuve Magazine. He is based in Peterborough, Ont. His novella McCurdle's Arm: A Fiction was released this summer.

Remember Me Tomorrow by Farah Heron

In  Remember Me Tomorrow , aspiring investigative journalist Aleeza is drawn to East House, the worst dorm on campus, because of Jay Hoque's mysterious disappearance five months earlier. When she starts receiving texts from him, from the past, before he disappeared, they decide to work together to try and prevent his disappearance — no matter the consequences. But the more Aleeza discovers about Jay, the more she finds herself catching feelings for him, despite not knowing on which plane of the world he exists. 

10 sizzling Canadian romance novels to read this summer

Farah Heron is a writer from Toronto. She is also the author of the romantic comedies Just Playing House , Jana Goes Wild , The Chai Factor , Accidentally Engaged , Kamila Knows Best and the YA novel Tahira in Bloom.

I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong

When Nicola's husband dies in a terrible car crash, he leaves her with one final message, "I'll be waiting for you" in the thriller  I'll Be Waiting . Their final moment was leaked to the press and the person who shared it claimed it was his ghost who actually said those words. Now Nicola is fighting off spiritualists who are promising closure and her friends and family find her a reputable medium with whom to conduct a séance. Almost immediately, strange things start happening and Nicola is haunted by her past as her secrets are revealed.

4 books that influenced YA author Kelley Armstrong

Kelley Armstrong is the New York Times-bestselling author of the Darkest Powers, Darkness Rising and Age of Legends trilogies for teens. She is also the author of numerous thriller and fantasy series for adults, three YA thrillers and the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series. 

Subterrane by Valérie Bah

In Subterrane , Zeynab is working on a documentary on the margins of New Stockholm, a North American city. Cipher Falls is a polluted, industrial wasteland where artists and anti-capitalists are forced to work dead-end jobs to survive. Zeynab focuses her documentary on Doudou Laguerre, an activist who mysteriously died — and the potential that his death had something to do with his dissent against a construction project. 

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2024

Valérie Bah is an artist, filmmaker, documentarian, photographer and writer based in Quebec. Their collection The Rage Letters was translated from French by Kama La Mackerel. Subterrane  is their first novel in English. 

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

The Mistletoe Mystery is a holiday novella featuring Molly the Maid from Nita Prose's earlier books. When Molly and her boyfriend are part of a secret Santa exchange that makes her question her relationship, she's thrown into solving her most personal mystery yet. 

• Toronto author's bestselling novel The Maid started as an idea on a napkin

Nita Prose is a Toronto author and editor. She was formerly the Canadian vice president and editorial director for publishing company Simon & Schuster. Her books include The Maid and The Mystery Guest .

Sugaring Off by Fanny Britt, translated by Susan Ouriou

Sugaring Off follows married couple Adam and Marion who seem to have it all figured out. When Adam causes a surfing accident that leaves a young woman injured, Adam and Marion must face the reality that they've been ignoring their problems.

When you can read it: Oct. 8, 2024

Why Fanny Britt wields her fiction writing as an instrument for conquering real world anxiety

Fanny Britt is a Montreal-based writer, translator and playwright. She has won multiple Governor General's Literary Awards including the 2013 Award in Drama for her play Bienveillance . Sugaring Off won the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for French-language fiction. 

Susan Ouriou is a French and Spanish to English translator, a fiction writer and a playwright. She has previously won the Governor General's Literary Award for translation for her work.

Ouriou also translated The Future  by Catherine Leroux, the winner of Canada Reads 2024 . 

We're Not Rich by Sue Murtagh

We're Not Rich is a short story collection following the lives of neighbours living on one street. Exploring the idea of the North American dream, it highlights the realities of modern life and daily challenges of the housing market, marriage, and illness. The 13 different stories weave through each other, following a married couple's experience at a golf tournament, a grandmother's generational trauma and the impacts of wildfire. We're Not Rich mixes hope and connection with the harsh reality of everyday life and shows that community exists even in the most unexpected places. 

Sue Murtagh is a Halifax-based writer. Her work has been featured in publications including the Humber Literary Review, the New Quarterly, The Nashwaak Review, carte blanche and Grain. We're Not Rich is her first book. 

The Black Hunger by Nicholas Pullen

The Black Hunger is a horror novel that explores human impulses, desires and history. It follows John Sackville who is stuck in a London cell and knows he's about to die. Reeling from the death of his secret lover and desperate to tell their story before it's too late, John sets out to write his last testament. Journeying from mystic ruins in Scotland to the soaring mountains of Mongolia and Tibet, John reveals his own story, and the ancient horrors that haunt it. 

Call of the North : Author Nick Pullen is making his way in his new home of the Yukon

Nicholas Pullen is a writer based in the Yukon. His short stories have appeared in publications including the Toronto Star, Anti-Heroin Chic and the Copperfield Review Quarterly. The Black Hunger is his first novel. 

The Reeds by Arjun Basu

The Reeds follows one family as they navigate a summer of change. Set in Montreal, the novel sees the Reed family each experiencing their own trials and tribulations. Mimi is seeing success with her business while her husband Bobby has just lost his job. Their son Abbie is trying to turn his online fame into a career while daughter Dee attempts to discover who she really is. Reflecting the realities of the modern environmental and political climates, The Reeds depicts a family struggling to find their place in the world and the hope people find in the face of challenge. 

Arjun Basu is a Montreal-based author and podcast host. His novel Waiting for the Man was longlisted for the 2014 Scotiabank Giller Prize. 

This Is It by Matthew Fox

This Is It is a collection of linked short stories exploring love, grief and family through the eyes of Giovanni Zappacosta-O'Hara. Used to his parents' version of their family history, Gio suspects they aren't telling the whole truth. When his boyfriend is diagnosed with cancer, Gio flees to New York to avoid dealing with his reality. Determined to uncover the real story of his own history, Gio unearths secrets that force him to confront his shame over leaving his boyfriend behind and question his own sense of identity. 

Matthew Fox's first short story collection, Cities of Weather,  was nominated for the Quebec Writers' Federation's McAuslan First Book Prize. His work has appeared in publications including Toronto Life, Maisonneuve and the New Quarterly. Fox grew up in Ontario and now lives in Berlin. 

The Elevator by Priya Ramsingh

The Elevator is a romance novel following Aria and Rob as they struggle through the pitfalls of modern dating while living in the same apartment building. Aria, recovering from a toxic relationship with both food and her ex-boyfriend, has had a crush on Rob for years. When she matches with Rob on a dating app she sends him a message, hoping that this might be her chance. Recently divorced Rob has suspended his account and doesn't see her message at first, making things tense when they run into each other. When Rob finally tries the dating app again he sees Aria's message and decides to take a chance. 

Priya Ramsingh is a Toronto-based author. She was formerly a writer for Metroland Media and the Toronto Star. She is also the author of the novel  Brown Girl in the Room .

The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan

The Treasure Hunters Club is a mystery novel that follows three strangers visiting the coastal town of Maple Bay, where tourists believe a pirate treasure is hidden and locals know something more sinister lurks. Peter, Dandy and Cass are all drawn to Maple Bay for different reasons. Peter receives a suspicious letter inviting him to his estranged family's mansion, Dandy is trying to solve the mystery her grandfather dedicated his life to, and Cass is an author searching for inspiration. As the three band together to unravel the secrets of Maple Bay, what they discover will shock them and bring tragedy to the town. 

On telling diverse teen stories, with young adult fiction writer Tom Ryan

Tom Ryan is the author of several books for young readers, including I Hope You're Listening , a YA novel that won the 2021 Lambda Award for best LGBTQ mystery. His novel Keep This to Yourself is being turned into a TV show at Peacock . He spends his time living between Ontario and Nova Scotia.

[non]disclosure by Renée D. Bondy

[non]disclosure  is a novel set in the 1980s exploring the trauma of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church and what it means to keep quiet. After a young girl is abused by her priest she keeps it a secret, pretending to be the perfect girl her parents expect. It's only years later, when he is on trial for his crimes, that she realizes she was not his only victim. Feeling overcome with the realities of her life, she discovers a sense of belonging while working in a secret hospice caring for men with HIV-AIDS. The love and determination she finds there sets her on a path towards finally healing from her past. 

When you can read it: Oct. 17, 2024

Renée D. Brody is a writer and professor living in Chatham, Ont. She has taught courses in Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Windsor. Her writing has appeared in publications including Bitch, Herizons, the Humber Literary Review and Bearings Online. [non]disclosure is her first novel. 

The Queen by Nick Cutter

The Queen is a horror mystery novel that follows lifelong friends Margaret and Charity. Charity Atwater has been missing for more than a month and is presumed dead when Margaret discovers an iPhone on her doorstep containing a text message from her best friend. Set over the course of one impossible day, Margaret must unravel the real story of what happened. As tragedy and disaster follow her pursuit of the truth, secrets are revealed that paint Charity in a whole new light and show Margaret that she never really knew her best friend after all. 

When you can read it: Oct. 29, 2024

Horror master Nick Cutter on his stomach-turning superpower

Craig Davidson writes horror under the pen name Nick Cutter. He has written several novels, including Cataract City , which was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2013, Rust and Bone , which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated feature film, The Fighter and Sarah Court . His memoir Precious Cargo was defended by Greg Johnson on Canada Reads 2018.

The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny

In the 19th installment of the Inspector Armand Gamache series, The Grey Wolf follows Chief Inspector Gamache and his allies as they pursue a deadly threat from Three Pines, Quebec, across the province and beyond. What starts as one murder evolves into a desperate mission to track a creature that has the potential to devastate cities and towns including Three Pines. Dealing with betrayal, suspicion and loyalty, Gamache must rely on his instincts to unravel the mystery before it's too late. 

Louise Penny shares 5 books that inspired her to write the Armand Gamache mystery series

Louise Penny is a former CBC broadcaster and journalist. She is now the author of the Inspector Armand Gamache mystery series and  recipient of the 2020 Agatha Award for best contemporary novel for the 16th installment in the series, All the Devils are Here . She collaborated with former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton to write the political thriller State of Terror . Penny was named to the Order of Canada in 2013 .  

Blessed Nowhere by Catherine Black

Blessed Nowhere explores grief and loss in the late 1990s, following Abby as she turns her life upside down after the sudden death of her son. Buying a car, she embarks on a road trip with only one destination in mind: south. Finding herself in a small Mexican town filled with other outcasts, Abby must work through her pain while searching for belonging. 

When you can read it: Oct. 31, 2024

Catherine Black is a Toronto-based author and associate professor at OCAD University. Her collection of prose poetry, Bewilderness , was nominated for the 2020 Pat Lowther Award. Blessed Nowhere is her first novel and was the 2023 winner of the Guernica Prize. 

Johnny Delivers by Wayne Ng

Johnny Delivers is the standalone follow up to 2021's novella,  Letters from Johnny . Set in 1970s Toronto, it follows teenage Johnny as he attempts to hold his family and their restaurant together when his Auntie calls in the family debt. Johnny turns to delivering weed along with his regular Chinese food all while struggling to manage his emotionally difficult parents and chaotic little sister. Desperate to figure out who he is, Johnny must face unpleasant family secrets and one crucial game of mahjong as he learns that help doesn't always come from where he expects. 

Wayne Ng is a novelist, travel writer and social worker from Toronto, who now lives in Ottawa. His previous books include The Family Code , which was shortlisted for the Guernica Prize, Letters from Johnny , which won the Best Crime Novella at the Crime Writers of Canada Awards, and  Finding the Way: A Novel of Lao Tzu . 

Time and Tide by J.M. Frey

Time and Tide is a time-travelling historical romance. It follows Sam, the only survivor of a catastrophic plane crash over the Atlantic, as she is impossibly rescued by a warship from 1805. Thrown into Regency England, Sam relies on the alluring sea captain to guide her through this unfamiliar world. When she is suddenly betrayed and left at the mercy of the men around her, Sam must rely on the help of the captain's sisters to survive. Eventually moving in with famous author Margaret Goodenough, Sam finds a surprising friend in the rule-breaking writer and maybe something even more.

When you can read it: Nov. 12, 2024

J.M. Frey is a Toronto-based author, screenwriter and actor. Her debut novel Triptych was nominated for a CBC Bookie in 2011 and won the San Francisco Book Festival Award for SF/F. 

Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli 

Tale of the Heart Queen concludes the Artefacts of Ouranos series. It finds Lor running from the tyrannical Aurora King and desperate to fight for Nadir. Suddenly facing a new enemy, Lor must face the reality that she is the key to saving Ouranos. Terrified that her choices are sending her spiralling down her grandmother's doomed path, Lor is forced to reckon with the person she is turning into. When she finally finds herself face to face with the Aurora King, Lor is forced to face yet another deadly test, but this time the fate of the continent rests on her success. As she fights to overcome the trials before her, Lor realizes that maybe she was never meant to escape. 

When you can read it: Nov. 26, 2024

Young female readers, #BookTok fuel spicy romantasy genre's staggering sales figures

Nisha J. Tuli is a Winnipeg-based author. Tale of the Heart Queen is the fourth and final instalment in the Artefacts of Ouranos series which includes Trial of the Sun Queen , Rule of the Aurora King  and Fate of the Sun King . 

A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

A Five-Letter Word for Love follows Emily who is feeling stuck in her small-town life. Living on Prince Edward Island, Emily works as a receptionist at an auto shop while she dreams of working as a creative in a big city. The one bright spot in her day is her obsession with The New York Times' daily game Wordle. When Emily becomes stuck on a word she turns to her irritating coworker, John for answers. Their shared interest in the game fosters a surprising romance as they pursue her goal of a 365-day streak and Emily finds her ideas of love, success and joy completely upended. 

When you can read it: Dec. 3, 2024

Amy James is based on the east coast of Canada.  A Five-Letter Word for Love  is her first novel.

I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman

I Might Be in Trouble follows struggling author David, reeling from his second book flopping after the resounding success of his first. His boyfriend has dumped him and he's fresh out of ideas for his third novel. Desperate to find redemption and some inspiration, David goes on a date with a promising stranger. After a wild night out in New York, David wakes to discover his date dead in bed next to him and the fact that he might have been responsible. In an attempt to uncover just what happened the night before, David teams up with his literary agent Stacey on a mission to figure out exactly what went on and maybe turn the disaster into inspiration for David's next book. 

Daniel Aleman is a Toronto-based author and writer originally from Mexico City. His debut novel, Indivisible , was released in 2021 and his second novel, Brighter than the Sun in 2023. Indivisible  was a recipient of the 2022 Tomás Rivera Book Award.

The Champagne Letters by Kate MacIntosh

The Champagne Letters follows two storylines and characters in both Reims, France in 1805 and present-day Chicago then Paris to unravel the history of Veuve Clicquot. In Reims, Barbe-Nicole Cliquot is reeling from the death of her husband but still wants to work towards their dream of creating a world-renowned champagne house. In the present day, freshly divorced Natalie Taylor escapes her old life and finds herself in Paris, where she discovers old letters written by Veuve Clicquot herself. She's inspired by Veuve Clicquot's reinvention, but when she's shocked by an unexpected turn of events, she can't help but wonder what the widow would do in her situation. 

When you can read it: Dec. 10, 2024

Kate MacIntosh is a Vancouver-based writer and teacher. The Champagne Letters is her first novel. 

Corrections

• The story has been updated to reflect that the publication date of Subterrane by Valérie Bah was pushed to October 15, 2024. Aug 16, 2024 3:56 PM ET

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Road Trip from Winnipeg to Banff

For a peaceful and serene drive which passes through some of Canada's most scenic areas, vast wildernesses and breathtaking natural vistas, as well as visiting bustling cities full of history and culture along the way, the road trip from Winnipeg to Banff is the one for you.

The 1,570 km road trip from Winnipeg to Banff takes about 17 hours to drive. Key stops include Calgary, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Edmonton, as well as Riding Mountain National Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Horseshoe Canyon and Banff National Park.

To help you plan your trip, we've set out the best routes and places to stop overnight, as well as our favorite things to see along the way and the best time of year to make the trip from Winnipeg to Banff.

How far is Banff from Winnipeg, and how long will the road trip take?

There are a couple of different options to drive between Winnipeg and Banff. The quickest of two takes you through Saskatoon and covers a distance of 1,570 km, taking 16 hours and 45 minutes to drive without stopping along the way.

A slightly longer option instead will see you pass through Regina and spans 1,660 km, taking a minimum of 17 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

If you'd like a more urban vibe to your trip, you could include an additional detour to the Saskatoon Route. Adding a little less than 2 hours to the drive, this option would be great for anybody looking to add Edmonton and Red Deer, among other cities and towns, to the trip.

Given the distance and beautiful vistas you'll pass along the way, we would recommend spending a minimum of four to six days on this road trip. Making overnight stops along the way add to your experience, but they'll also give you the opportunity to rest before the next day's drive.

Best road trip route from Winnipeg to Banff

Both route options from Winnipeg to Banff offer great views, culture-rich towns and cities, like the stunning Calgary, and national parks, ideal for hiking, picnics or just enjoying the scenery.

Our Regina Route offers slightly more urban amenities and sights, coupled with natural vistas. You'll get to drive through Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat, as well as Dinosaur Provincial Park, which is a UNESCO heritage sight, and Stone Hall Castle, an old stone mansion.

Taking you slightly further north, our Saskatoon Route is slightly quicker but includes plenty of rugged landscapes, ideal for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the Canadian scenery.

As well as taking you through Riding Mountain National Park, where you can enjoy a wild swim or hike, this route includes visits to Drumheller and Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.

If you follow the Saskatoon Route, you can also include the additional detour to Edmonton, the capital of Alberta and nicknamed "Canada's Festival City". It's also home to the largest shopping mall and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum.

The Regina Route

Begin by taking Trans-Canada Highway/MB-1 West from Winnipeg through Portage la Prairie and towards Brandon. You could take a longer detour to visit Riding Mountain National Park here if you have the time.

Pass through Virden and cross into the province of Saskatchewan. Continue on ME-1 through Grenfell, Indian Head and Emerald Park to Regina, an ideal place for an overnight stop.

Next take Saskatchewan's Highway, stopping at Moose Jaw, before rejoining the Trans-Canada Highway/SK-1 West. You'll pass by Swift Current and then cross into the province of Alberta through Medicine Hat.

Leave the highway by taking a right onto AB-876 North to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a great place for a stop, scenic walk or picnic. Afterwards, turn left onto AB-36 South and rejoin the Trans-Canada Highway on AB-1 West.

Follow the road until you reach AB-901 and then AB-547 West. Take AB-2 South to make a visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, before retracting your steps to AB-2 North, following signs Calgary. Stop here to explore this great city.

You'll leave on Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 west, which you'll continue on through Canmore and the mountains, before arriving at your destination of the stunning town of Banff.

The Saskatoon Route

Our alternative route takes you on the same Trans-Canada Highway west, but when you pass Portage la Prairie, you'll need to exit and join Yellowhead Highway/MB-16.

Follow this road through Minnedosa, where you'll take MB-10 North to explore Riding Mountain National Park. Afterwards rejoin MB-45 West to Provincial Trunk Highway 83 N/MB-16 W before taking SK-16.

Continue on this road through Yorkton, Wynyard and Lanigan. Next, merge onto SK-16 to Saskatoon, a great halfway point for an overnight stop and rest.

To make a detour to Edmonton here, follow SK-16 West through several smaller towns before crossing into the province of Alberta and reaching Edmonton. You'll need to leave the city on AB-2 South which will take you back to Calgary where you can rejoin the route.

If you aren't interested in the Edmonton detour, you'll need to take SK-7 West from Saskatoon through several small towns to SK-44. This road will take you past Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site and Drumheller.

Next take AB-9 West, before taking AB-566 and then AB-2 South to Calgary, Stop here, before joining the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 West all the way to Banff.

Best places to stop between Winnipeg and Banff

With an epic drive from Winnipeg and Banff taking several days to complete, you're going to want at least a couple of awesome overnight stops en route.

Of all the spectacular places you'll be driving past, here are some of our favorites we think you should consider:

A historic stay in Regina

Roughly a third of the way from Winnipeg to Banff on our Regina Route, a stop at the city it's named after is a great option, especially given the contrast between the flat plains surrounding Regina and the city's innovative architecture makes it a must-see.

Once dubbed “Pile O'Bones” for the heaps of buffalo bones left there, Regina has great historical attractions, including Stone Hall Castle and the RCMP Heritage Centre; a museum which tells the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), better known as “Mounties”.

A great base to explore all that Regina has to offer is The Hotel Saskatchewan . Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers easy access to local sights and is very close to downtown shops and restaurants.

The 4-star boutique hotel itself features great architecture and ambience. Some rooms even overlook Victoria Park, which offers an outdoor farmers market on the weekends.

If you are looking to venture out and spend a fantastic day out, you could visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum which opened in 1906 and tells the story of the province's past, present, and future. It even claims to have the largest T-Rex fossil in the world.

After your excursion in this charming city, you will find solace in the comfort of your hotel, which offers a fitness center, spa, hot tub, and fabulous onsite restaurant for a well-deserved meal before calling it a day.

River views in Saskatoon

Ideally located halfway through our alternative route, a stay at Saskatoon is a solid option. Straddling the Saskatchewan River, this city is known as “the city of bridges” and is a melting pot of cultures.

The largest city in the province of Saskatchewan and home to the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon is best known for its many festivals, including the PotashCorp Wintershines Festival and Saskatoon Blues Festival.

There are some great hotels that will provide you that "home away from home" comfort in this part of Canada, but one of the best is The James Hotel . This boutique accommodation is pet friendly and offers a lobby bar, onsite restaurant, and a fitness center with river views.

Situated in the heart of Saskatoon's central business district, this hotel is the perfect location to explore the city on foot. If you are feeling up for a cultural experience, you will find e Mendel Art Gallery and the Persephone Theater within a short distance from the property.

The city is also home to the Western Development Museum, where you can spend an educational afternoon or Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo for something more outdoorsy if the weather is on your side!

A mountain retreat in Banff

Surrounded by the peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, the picturesque town of Banff is best known as being the gateway to the stunning Banff National Park which offers incredible views, hiking trails and the gorgeous view of turquoise lakes.

Banff itself is a popular skiing resort, as well as a year-round destination. Its popular Avenue includes boutiques, restaurants, shops and plenty of hotels.

Located in the center of this shopping area, is Peaks Hotel and Suites, a fantastic 4-star hotel with quiet proximity to the pristine natural surroundings for which Banff is known.

Just a short drive from the entrance to Banff National Park, it's the perfect base to explore the Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise. The hotel is a block from the beautiful Bow River, a short walk to the Cave and Basin National Historic and Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

The hotel offers ski storage and is ideally close to two ski resorts, Mount Norquay and Banff Sunshine Village, for those who love winter sports. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, hot tub and steam room offered at its sister hotel, the Banff Park Lodge.

Things to see on a road trip from Winnipeg to Banff

With so much to see between Winnipeg and Banff, you could easily spend several weeks visiting them all. To help you plan your trip, we've set out some of the highlights that you might want to consider seeing en route:

Both Routes

• Calgary, Alberta - Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is Alberta's largest city. Known for its amazing food scene, this bustling cosmopolitan city blends traditional pioneer charm with modern conveniences.
• Heritage Park Historical Village - Canada's largest living history museum brings history to life with hundreds of exhibits, rides, shops, and dining options. Ride on a steam engine train and wander heritage buildings and homesteads.
• The Calgary Zoo - See 900 animals from around the world at this amazing zoo. Don't miss the world-class butterfly enclosure and adjoining dinosaur park (and the playgrounds if you have kids in your group!).
• Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre - This interactive music museum features Canada's musical icons over five themed floors. The architecture of the building is perhaps as stunning as the music it celebrates.

• Regina, Saskatchewan - This city is the capital of Saskatchewan and home to much of Canada's oil and natural gas production, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) Training Academy.
• Wascana Centre - This gorgeous park surrounds a 120-hectare lake in the middle of Regina and is home to the province's Legislative Building, several government office buildings, the University of Regina, and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.
• Stone Hall Castle - Transport yourself to the Middle Ages at this old stone mansion turn medieval castle. Fun fact, the owner hand-picked each piece of container loads of 16th, 17th, and 18th-century art and furniture and lives in one of the suites of the castle.
• Royal Saskatchewan Museum - Opened in 1906, the museum tells the story of the province's past, present, and future. It even claims to have the largest T-Rex fossil in the world!
• Moose Jaw - The fourth largest city in Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw sit along the Trans-Canada highway and is an important industrial center and distribution point for the province's agriculture. It's also known for its museums, art galleries, and historic downtown.
• Tunnels of Moose Jaw - This year-round attraction brings Canadian history to life through three underground theatrical tours. Learn about Moose Jaw's connection to Al Capone and Chicago during prohibition during your visit.
• Western Development Museum (Moose Jaw) - One of four Western Development Museums in the province, this is a great hands-on learning experience for all ages and a superb way to stretch your legs during a long journey!
• Casino Moose Jaw - Step back into the Roaring Twenties in this downtown Moose Jaw casino. Try your luck on one of the over 200 slot machines and table games and enjoy top-tier entertainment at the on-site theater.
• Saamis Tepee - Constructed for the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, you can't miss this amazing structure as you drive into town. Shaped like a giant teepee, during your visit you will learn about the history and life of Canada's First Nations. Plus, it's free to enter.
• Dinosaur Provincial Park - Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site that offers camping, hiking/walking trails through a spectacular landscape of rock formations and fossil displays (both outdoor and at the visitor center).
• Bar U Ranch National Historic Site - Red ranch buildings dot the sweeping green landscape at this site, which is nestled on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains. Commemorates the importance of ranching in Canada, you will be teleported back in time during your visit.

• Riding Mountain National Park - This huge national park has almost 3,000km of protected forest parkland, where you can swim or boat, along the shores of Clear Lake, or watch wildlife, enjoy fishing, mountain biking or go hiking.
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Stradling the Saskatchewan River, the city is home to the Western Development Museum, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.
• Western Development Museum - This large museum showcases the Saskatchewan province's growth. It includes replicas of historical buildings, complete with a main street with shops you can walk through, and a huge display of antique cars.
• The University of Saskatchewan - Enjoy the beautiful campus' mature trees, beautiful gardens, and museums. The perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
• Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo - See grizzly bears, meerkats, bison, grey wolves, snow leopards and much more! Be sure to check out the monkeys and pygmy goats at the Children's Zoo.
• Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site - Explore one of Canada's most complete historic coal mines. Mining operations ceased on this site in 1956, and you can check out the mining equipment that was used at the time and even go into the tunnel to see the mine itself!
• Horsethief Canyon - Take in sweeping views of Badland's rolling hills and rock formations from the viewing plateau at the top of the canyon, which only requires a short walk to reach. If you get lucky, you may even spot some of the residential prairie dogs.
• Horseshoe Canyon - This is a peaceful place to take in the natural beauty of the Badlands with a hike or a picnic. You can take the trail down to the bottom and walk through the canyon bed to check out the unique coloring and patterns of the rock formations.
• World's Largest Dinosaur - Road trips are just not complete without seeing crazy sights like the world's largest ball of yarn. Located in Drumheller, the World's Largest Dinosaur does not disappoint!
• Royal Tyrell Museum - Housing the world's largest collection of dinosaurs, this museum's ever-changing exhibits with fossil samples and huge dinosaur models offer something for everyone. You can purchase timed entry tickets online and a full visit takes about 1.5 hours.

Best time to go on a road trip from Winnipeg to Banff

With hiking and river options during the summer and skiing and festivals during the winter, the road trip from Winnipeg to Banff is truly a year-round destination.

Banff itself is absolutely stunning in summer. Expect temperatures of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in July and long, sunshine-filled days. Of course, summer will also mean larger crowds coming to hike the nearby national parks, making it tend to be a more expensive time to visit.

In contrast, Banff shines in the winter since it's a ski destination. If you like winter sports, you'll be guaranteed some great skiing in the nearby ski resorts. Expect snow, cold temperatures of 32 degrees and frozen lakes. As with summer, expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices.

If you are visiting in January, you can participate in the Banff Craft Beer Festival, Banff Christmas Market and the Ice Magic Festival for a fantastic and festive time.

While spring and fall are a little chillier than summer, the stunning landscape is equally beautiful making the shoulder seasons an ideal time if you'd like to enjoy the popular parks without the large crowds. It's also the best time to stay if you're looking for less inflated hotel rates.

Another great option is to plan your trip around an event or two. Lucky for you, Banff has no shortage of events and festivals! No matter the season, you can find a way to get your fest on.

If kilts and log throwing is your thing, don't miss the Canmore Highland Games in September. As the weather cools down, you can warm up with some local wine at the Banff Springs Food and Wine Festival in October.

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Road conditions from Vancouver to Winnipeg

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Vancouver (Washington) to Winnipeg drive

Vancouver (washington) to winnipeg road trip planner.

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

10:00 am  start in Vancouver (Washington) drive for about 2 hours

11:51 am   Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:51 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Spokane drive for about 5 hours

1:48 pm   Fernie stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:48 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 9 hours

11:00 am  leave from Badlands Guardian drive for about 2 hours

1:10 pm   Swift Current stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:10 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 4.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Regina drive for about 3.5 hours

1:39 pm   Brandon (Manitoba) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:39 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

5:00 pm  arrive in Winnipeg

day 4 driving ≈ 6 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area   (28 mentions) Spokane   (38 answers)     Riverfront Park   (2 mentions)     questions about Spokane:         What's the best neighborhood in Spokane for a first time visitor? Fernie Badlands Guardian Swift Current Regina   (7 answers)     questions about Regina:         What's the best neighborhood in Regina for a first time visitor? Brandon (Manitoba)

What are some things to do in Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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

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 Winnipeg to Vancouver (Washington) 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 Vancouver (Washington) to Winnipeg . Or get a full Vancouver (Washington) to Winnipeg 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 Vancouver (Washington) well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Vancouver (Washington)!

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