Teaspoon of Adventure

The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

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.

Hands holding a red cup that says "Canada, Strong and Free, 1867"

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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!   

Orange car on the side of the highway with fall foliage behind on a road trip on the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; cross Canada road trip

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!

ULTIMATE CANADA ROAD TRIP: From Victoria to St. John's, discover the ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary with 34+ stops and planning advice! #canada #travel #roadtrip #banff #vancouver #toronto #niagarafalls

West coast and Rocky Mountains: BC & Alberta road trip

West coast and Rocky Mountains, itinerary for a BC & Alberta road trip across Canada

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

Victoria Harbour, Victoria, BC, cross Canada road trip itinerary

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 or a capital city of Vancouver. I know, it’s confusing! 

Vancouver, BC (3 hrs from Victoria)

Vancouver skyline and False Creek from Charleson Park

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)

winery in Penticton, Okanagan, BC overlooking the lake

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)

View of mountains, water and trees on Maligne Lake in Jasper, Alberta

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)

Moraine Lake in Banff, Canada road trip

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)

Calgary skyline, Canada road trip itinerary

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

Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba road trip route through Canada

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)

Rock formations in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

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)

Skyline of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada at sunset with snow on the ground

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)

Fall foliage and trees at Riding Mountain National Park, MB, Canada

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)

Winnipeg, Manitoba skyline with buildings, trees and the Winnipeg sign; visited on a Canada road trip

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)

Dock on Falcon Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Canada road trip

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

Eastern Canada: Ontario & Quebec road trip across Canada

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)

A man sitting on a rock with trees behind him overlooking Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

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)

Historic home in Sault Ste Marie with the Canada flag

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)

The Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island, Ontario

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)

Beautiful blue water and a rocky coastline on the Bruce Trail in Tobermory, part of an itinerary across Canada

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)

Riana and Colin in front of the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillip Square in 2015

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!

Guests wearing red rain slickers on a cruise down to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

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)

Prince Edward County

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)

Parliament buildings and trees in Ottawa, ON, one of the stops on a cross Canada road trip

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)

Colin and Riana posing at the top of Mount Royal, Montreal, Quebec overlooking downtown Montreal on a cross Canada trip

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)

Fall foliage on Mont-Mégantic, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada

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)

View of the Fairmont hotel in Quebec City, Canada road trip

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)

View over Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada with rolling hills, houses, green trees and water

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

Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia & Newfoundland road trip driving across Canada through the Maritimes

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)

Snow covered Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada with bare trees and a tall church in the background

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)

Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

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)

Anne of Green Gables, Green Gables Heritage Place outside Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

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)

Green fields and fall foliage of the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

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)

selfie in front of the Halifax, Citadel on our honeymoon

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)

Lakies Head on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada honeymoon

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!

Sydney to Port aux Basques ferry with Marine Atlantic

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)

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada road trip

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 playbill, musical about Gander, Newfoundland

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)

puffins at Elliston, Newfoundland

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)

colourful buildings and a tall church in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada

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. 

A red bike in front of a fence painted with the Canadian flag, Canada road trip

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!

The ultimate cross Canada road trip map and itinerary

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 skyline with the CN Tower, downtown buildings and Lake Ontario, Canada road trip

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

mountains, forests and water in Banff, Alberta, Canada

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

peggys cove lighthouse outside of halifax, nova scotia, canada

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

Road trip van parked at night with starry sky and trees

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

Canada flag in front of a parliament building, the ultimate cross Canada road trip

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!

ULTIMATE CANADA ROAD TRIP: From Victoria to St. John's, discover the ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary with 34+ stops and planning advice! #canada #travel #roadtrip #banff #vancouver #toronto #niagarafalls

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

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22 comments.

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

-Lyn |www.ramblynjazz.com

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the trip and safe travels,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for checking it out! Glad it was helpful.

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

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

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

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

Good day Riana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Driving Across Canada

How to Plan a Canadian road trip: After a 6-week trip across Canada, these two Roadies have insider’s tips you'll find extremely useful. Additional text by Eric Fletcher.

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With images of “Easy Rider” and freedom dancing in our heads, my husband Eric and I had fun planning then enjoying a six-week Canada road trip from Quebec to British Columbia this summer. Driving across Canada is a great way to explore the country and road-tripping in Canada is perfect for active travellers. 

We paddled, hiked, and horseback rode, taking our Toyota RAV4 with our home-built canoe, Windigo, secured on the roof.

driving across canada

We stayed in historic B&Bs, funky Parks Canada oTENTiks (hybrid tent-cabin lodgings) and a few motels but this was primarily a camping trip.

driving across canada

Apart from our two-week remote horseback riding expedition in northern British Columbia, by choice, we were online regularly while driving across Canada. 

As a writer-photographer team, this enabled us to incorporate some work into our normal “busman’s holiday” while we saw some fantastic Canadian landmarks and discovered many wonderful things to do in Canada . 

driving across canada

Many of us want to do the grey-nomad thing, where we pack a vehicle and take off exploring.

Here are our tips to assist you in planning hassle-free road trips driving across Canada, including five very different Canadian destination recommendations. 

Besides taking the train across Canada , there’s no better way to feel the heartbeat of Canada than to go driving in Canada.

1- Pre-planning your drive across Canada route

2- online tools for a canada road trip, 3- driving across canada using a gps, 4- mobile phones and calling home, 5- banking and credit card smarts, 6- passports, 7- electronic stuff, 8- planning for your canada road trip, 9- wildlife in canada, 10- planning your house sitting team, 1- the cross-canada drive, 2- the gentle isle: prince edward island, 3- the cowboy trail: calgary to waterton lakes national park, 4- klondike gold rush: whitehorse to dawson city, bc road trip itinerary, where to stay, canada road trip tips.

driving across canada

We always pack paper maps and not only provincial road maps: if we’re venturing into the backcountry, topographical maps, too.

World of Maps has a good selection, while Natural Resources Canada is the creator-dispenser of Canadian “topo” maps.

We also use websites and apps to plan and track our routes while driving across Canada. 

Online tools will show you accurate distances and driving times.

You can divide the total by the number of days to get a sense of how much driving you’ll need to do each day.

Although “all-nighters” are doable, we usually drove four to six hours, to allow for paddling Windigo, hiking, visiting with friends and family and other serendipitous happenings.

From experience, we found that a long day of driving in rain could give us a spare day further along. 

driving across canada

We used Google Maps to plan and track our route because it runs on both our iOS and Android mobile devices.

And, most handily, it can work offline if map data is pre-loaded. 

This is essential for operating in areas with no data connection and to reduce internet costs on our cross-Canada drive.

Useful iOS and Android road trip apps to download are:

  • Google Maps to plan your route
  • Waze (for planning routes under 1,600kms)
  • The Weather Network  for weather forecasts
  • Gas Buddy (for finding cheap fuel nearby)

Check to see if your credit card gives you extra points for patronising specific brands of fuel stations.

Consider bookmarking sites that will give you ready access to the information you may need on the fly.

As news junkies, we relied on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio’s frequency lookup page to know where to tune the dial for the hourly news.

canadian road trip

GPS devices (SatNavs) come installed in most rentals but do check and do take the time to learn how to change the settings to fit your driving preferences.

For example, if it is set to calculate the shortest route, you may want to turn on the “avoid unpaved routes” option to prevent it from including shortcuts using gravel roads.

Canada road trip tip: Learn how to record the current precise location coordinates on your GPS (or on your mobile device).

This proved crucial as while driving across Canada, we arrived at a serious motorcycle accident on a mountainous stretch of highway. 

We captured the precise coordinates, then drove on to the first area with a signal to dial 9-1-1 (Canada’s emergency line) to provide the precise location for an ambulance and police assistance.

Your home cellular provider may have roaming plans that can work in Canada but do check before you leave home as costs may be prohibitive. 

North American mobile services operate at different frequencies than most of the world.

If you have an unlocked tri- or quad-band GSM phone , a better alternative may be to purchase a SIM card .

Some can be purchased before you arrive but you can also purchase pay-as-you-go cards at 7-Eleven convenience stores and Petro-Canada gas stations.

Canada has reasonable data and telephone coverage along our highway systems and free WiFi is often available in places such as Tim Horton’s, Canada’s coast-to-coast coffee and doughnuts shop (which also has good WCs, incidentally).

However, reception on backroads is iffy and in the mountains, well, good luck! Before you leave home, learn how you may be able to pinpoint the location of your device if it is lost.

For most devices, entering *#06# will display the unique IMEI number that identifies your mobile device.

You will need it to activate a SIM or to have the device blocked for use on Canadian wireless networks.

Most jurisdictions in Canada prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving.

Even if you are able to sync your device to your vehicle for hands-free operation, plan to let your passenger manage it while you focus on the road. 

Check with your home bank to learn which of the Canadian banks have reciprocal arrangements to minimise transaction costs for your debit and credit cards when driving across Canada.

Figure out how your GPS or mobile device mapping tools can locate banks with ATMs (they’re called ABMs or Automated Banking Machines in Canada).

If you use online banking, understand how your security works and refresh your passwords.

Tip: To avoid missing bill payment dates, consider pre-paying accounts before you leave.

Ensure your credit cards are activated for Canada (contact your bank) and advise the credit company so they know you’ll be making purchases abroad.

Put a limit on the amount you will accept on your card in case it is stolen.

Are they current?

Also, ensure the name you book flights with is exactly the same as it appears in your passport.

Regardless of whether you pack a smartphone or a DSLR, laptop or GoPro, battery power is a huge deal – read: being without juice is more than a pain, for some of us it’s a non-starter.

What to do?

Packing a cheap 12V plug to USB adaptor isn’t a great idea as most are limited to 1A output, so can take a long time to charge a device.

Instead, opt for a charger with >1 USB outlet able to deliver 2.1 amps each to charge your devices more reliably and more quickly.

The  Aukey charger we used kept both of our devices topped up as we drove.

For extended power when we were not driving, we packed two external battery packs chargers with USB outlets. 

They were used to keep our cameras and smartphones powered up during our 12-day wilderness horseback trek.

You might also want to consider a portable solar charger to carry with you while in the wilderness.

Canada road trip tip: Take a box to contain your charging gear and keep them out of sight.

canadian road trip

Although a winter road trip is doable, unless you’re a keener for snowstorms and ice, plan to come during summer when roads are clear.

Canadian road trip tip In Canada’s North , light (or its absence) needs to be considered. Our northern latitudes aren’t known as “Land of the Midnight Sun” for nothing, where during summer there’s no lasting darkness and in winter, no sunshine.

For useful information, while driving across Canada, check out websites for the Trans-Canada Highway, which lists current weather warnings and maps.

Browse Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites , National Marine Conservation Areas, and Parks. And discover private campgrounds, too, by Googling. 

canadian road trip

Finally, no one wants to injure wildlife and Canadians know to be careful at dusk and night particularly during summertime when deer, racoons, skunks, moose and other critters roam.

More unappealing wildlife, such as biting insects, can be fierce while camping so pack repellant sprays and mosquito coils.

Here are some places to see wildlife in Canada . 

Of course, hunting and fishing are a big draw to some but make sure you have the proper licenses, which are different for each province.

Police or game wardens will check and will confiscate your catch plus fine you if you do not comply.

Before leaving home do you have pet sitters, plant sitters or house sitters organised?

Do you have a house manual with emergency numbers?

If you rent your home, create a Letter of Understanding that your tenant and you co-sign, and advise your insurance company or neighbours or friends.  

Best Road Trips in Canada

6,521 km /4,025 miles

canadian road trip

Want to get a sense of Canada’s vastness by road and ferry?

At a minimum, take a summer’s three-to-four months and explore Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

From a Newfoundland kitchen party to whale watching off Victoria  – and everything in between – you’ll experience Canada’s culture and wilderness.

Plan for several months (or Gap Year adventure) so you can relax, meet locals, experience fabulous festivals and perhaps First Nations Pow Wows and more.

218 km / 135 miles

road trip canada

Sometimes known as “Anne’s Island”, PEI is a dream-come-true destination for a family vacation because of beaches and genuinely laid-back, warm welcomes visitors receive everywhere.

Who doesn’t love Anne of Green Gables?

If you haven’t discovered this red-headed imp of a Canadian heroine, read the book, then visit author L. M. Montgomery’s (and Anne’s) charming farmhouse museum.

Visit Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts and learn about how the capital of PEI was the birthplace of Canada in 1867. Then, discover uniquely on-island (or on-ocean) authentic experiences such as “I dig, therefore I clam kayaking adventure .”

258 km / 161 miles

road trip canada

Explore your inner cowboy in Calgary or “Cowtown.”

Visit in early July during the Calgary Stampede to get into the mood, watching roping contests, bucking broncos (horses are bred for this) and country music shows.

Live like a local first by visiting the Alberta Boot Company to buy an authentic Stetson (cowboy hat) and a pair of boots.

Don’t miss the Glenbow Museum to learn about First Nations culture.

Then? Drive Highways 1A west then 22 south of Calgary to visit a host of Canadian cowboy and First Nations sites.

Favourites include Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (the Sundance Kid spent time here hiding from The Law. Remember Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?

Once world-renowned for its Percheron horse-breeding program, today the 1882 site showcases ranch life in Canada.

Waterton Lakes is a national park where we thoroughly enjoyed exploring on horseback on a two-night camping trip, riding sure-footed steeds from Alpine Stables.

Finally, return to Calgary via Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump to learn about the bison (buffalo) and how early peoples of the plains stampeded them over precipices to gather meat, hides, bones and seemingly everything from these sacred creatures.

525 km / 328 miles

road trip canada

Whitehorse, named for the Yukon River’s white rapids coursing past the city, is a bustling northern city full of the hopes, vim, and vigour of Canada’s north.

Read this post for things to do in Whitehorse .

Visit the Beringia Centre to learn about the migration of ancient peoples to North America during the last Ice Age and the MacBride Museum of Yukon History to brush up on the Gold Rush.

Then drive the 400 km Dempster Highway to Parks Canada’s National Historic Site of Dawson City – where you can pan for gold, and listen to the “Bard of the Yukon,” Robert A. Service’s poetry… including the renowned poem, “Cremation of Sam McGee ” where you’ll learn: “There are strange things done in the midnight sun/By the men who moil for gold…”

5- BC Road Trip

~2,000 km / 1,250 mi of driving + ferries

road trip canada british columbia

  • Vancouver to Prince Rupert (~1,500 km/ 940 mi)
  • Prince Rupert to Port Hardy via BC Ferry Inland Passage
  • Port Hardy to Victoria on Vancouver Island (500 km)
  • Victoria to Vancouver via BC Ferry

Vancouver’s lights and excitement drop away while you drive north, north, north to the deep harbour port of Prince Rupert.

The drive is one of Canada’s most magnificent, taking you north through Central Interior historic towns such as 100 Mile House en route to Prince George.

Then northwest, cutting across the Northern Rocky Mountains to Hazelton, Terrace and finally, the port of Prince Rupert.

Insider’s tip: Visit Ks’aan at Hazelton, a First Nations museum for aboriginal culture . Just outside of Prince Rupert, don’t miss the North Pacific Cannery to glean the flavour of what the salmon run once was, with the fishy catch that kept First Nations, Japanese and other workers busy in the now-historic cannery. Once in Prince Rupert quaff a craft beer at funky Wheelhouse Brewing Co.

To complete the circuit, catch the rightly renowned BC Ferry, voyaging southward down the Inland Passage to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, docking at Port Hardy.

We saw humpback whales, osprey (fish hawks) and bald eagles so be sure to pack binoculars.

On-island, visit Port McNeil, leave your car for this day trip, and walk on to the ferry to Alert Bay, a First Nations village where iconic Canadian artist Emily Carr visited and painted village life and totem poles.

Nowadays we can stroll an ecological boardwalk through wetlands and view U’mista Cultural Centre.

Also interesting, south of Port McNeil is Telegraph Cove , right on the ocean.

Camp, hike rainforest paths to the lighthouse (Blinkhorn Trail) or take a guided kayak paddle of the cove.

Highway 19 takes you south for the five-hour drive to Victoria – which is just so English.

Stroll the inner harbour while sailboats’ masts create their merry jingling backdrop and visit the Fairmont Empress for High Tea.

Catch the BC Ferry from Schwartz Bay to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and your mega-wonderful roadie trip of BC is done. 

Katharine and Eric Fletcher are freelance writers and photographers who live in Quebec and love exploring Canada by road.

Book your accommodation in Canada here.

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Driving across Canada How to Plan a Canadian road trip

Plan Your Trip

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

cross canada road trip itinerary

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Things to do in Canada

What is canada known for, banff in winter, 20 things to do in ontario, christmas in toronto, 20 things to do in quebec city at christmas, editor's picks, 101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks.

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Road Trip Through Canada’s National Parks

Canada is a vast country with endless beauty spanning many diverse landscapes. With one lake for every 18 people in Canada, there’s no shortage of pristine wilderness and outdoor adventure.

A road trip through Canada is one of the best ways to see the changing landscapes of the county. And Canada’s National Parks are the best spots to explore along the way. Let’s dive into exactly what you need to know to plan the ultimate Canada road trip—one that thoroughly explores Eastern Canada , a popular region of the country, but an itinerary to also cross Canada’s 10 provinces , taking in the best national parks along the way.

Although this road trip route runs east to west, you could also plan your itinerary to easily drive it in the reverse direction.

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Newfoundland.

Gros Morne National Park

Spend a few days getting acquainted with the charming city of St John’s , then start your road trip towards Gros Morne National Park . Along the way, you’ll drive through Terra Nova National Park. This is a perfect place to break up the drive, as Gros Morne is about seven hours away. Spend the night in Terra Nova , and soak up Newfoundland’s wild beauty.

Gros Morne National Park is stunning. If you love to hike, challenge yourself up 800 meters to the summit of Gros Morne mountain. This is no easy feat, as the last two hours of the hike involve climbing up steep rocks, but the views at the top are worth it.

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

Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Once you arrive on the mainland of Canada, head to Cape Breton Highlands National Park . The park is home to the Cabot Trail , which has been continuously named one of the most beautiful drives in the world .

Prince Edward Island

PEI National Park

It’s possible to drive through PEI in one day, and it’s well worth a stop. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches alongside red cliffs and wind-sculpted sand dunes. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to stay a couple of days longer and soak up more of the East Coast Canadian charm and fresh lobster.

New Brunswick

Fundy National Park

Opt for a stop further South in Canada’s largest city, Toronto , where you can explore Canada’s only urban National Park—Rouge Park. Or continue driving west and your road trip will take you to Algonquin Provincial Park .

Covering over 8000 square kilometers of rugged Canadian Shield, Algonquin is home to lakes, rivers, forests, and a diverse wildlife population. It’s one of the best places in Canada to go canoeing, with over 1600 km of canoe routes that follow lakes, streams, and portage trails.

Ontario is large, so get ready for a long drive ahead to the next national park. But the scenery will continue to impress, as your road trip takes you through stunning alpine forests and some of the largest lakes in the world.

The next stop will be Pukaskwa National Park , located on the beautiful Lake Superior in Northern Ontario. Explore the backcountry coastal hiking trails, where you can walk over a Suspension Bridge overlooking Chigamiwinigum Fall. This park is also a great opportunity to see the culture and heritage of The Anishinabe First Nation.

Riding Mountain National Park

Saskatchewan

Grasslands National Park

From Banff, take the scenic way to Jasper National Park through the Icefields Parkway. National Geographic named this one of the best road trips in the world, and it lives up to its reputation. You will pass through ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and emerald lakes. The drive has many points of interests along the way including Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls , and the Columbia Icefield.

Once in Jasper, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains . Jasper is one of the best places to visit in Alberta , and a great place to witness the Northern Lights. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife in Canada. Bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and elk are all common in the area.

From Jasper, you can either continue your way down to British Columbia via Mt. Robson Provincial Park, or return to Banff via the Icefields Parkway—the drive is so beautiful you won’t mind doing it twice.

British Columbia

Kootenay National Park

After all the fun in the Rocky Mountains, your Canada road trip heads through BC to Swartz Bay. There, you can board the ferry to take you to Victoria Island. The island will be your last stop— Pacific Rim National Park Reserve . There, you can enjoy a completely different side of Canada. Hike through the magical rainforests, kayak with killer whales, or surf in the Pacific water.

Where to Stay

Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park

If you don’t have your own equipment or want to try a night of glamping, Parks Canada offers some unique options. Try renting a yurt or OTENTiks , a cross between a tent and a cabin. Check the website to see what accommodations are available in the park you’re visiting. If you’re after a more luxurious experience, many of the parks offer high-end hotels nearby you can stay in at night.

Transportation

With the nature of a road trip, you will need a car to complete this journey. An economy car is fine for getting around Canada’s 10 provinces, as the roads are generally in good condition. Of course, renting a larger car or campervan will give you more comfort during the trip. Use RentalCars.com to find the best rates for your trip .

Pacific Rim National Park

How Long to Road Trip

While it is possible to drive across Canada in one week, if you want to stop at all these parks and enjoy what they have to offer, I recommend a minimum of three week. Ideally, the longer the better, as there is no shortage of outdoor adventure and fun to experience throughout the parks. This road trip would be the perfect way to spend a summer in Canada.

By the end of the journey, you will have gone from the Atlantic Coast to Pacific, through the Maritimes, Lakes, Prairies, and the Rocky Mountains. It will take you through almost half of Canada’s National Parks , and give you a true sense of Canada’s wild beauty and diversity. So grab a Canada National Geographic Map to to help guide your trip, then get traveling.

By Lora Pope

Laura Pope

Our Epic Cross Canada Road Trip: 4 Week Itinerary

21 Sep, 2021

Cross Canada road trip in 2021

After an entire year of being holed up in my 500 sqft condo, my first reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine was the itch to travel. With all the craziness in the world and so much to explore within Canada, my partner and I set out for a month-long journey driving from Toronto to Vancouver and back. The purpose of our road trip was to learn more about our Canadian heritage and the many ways of life within Canada. Our cross Canada road trip itinerary covered everything we hoped it would and the long drives were not nearly as demanding as we envisioned.

How Long Should Your Itinerary Be?

Four weeks sounds like a long time but it flew by on the road. Our focus was to fully experience all the places we would not normally see. It’s safe to say I’ll visit Vancouver and Banff several times in my lifetime but I don’t know how many times I will spend the night in Saskatoon. With that in mind, we cut places like Vancouver Island which we can dedicate an entire vacation to in the future.

I would recommend a 4 to 6 week itinerary to enjoy your cross Canada road trip. If you cannot get the vacation time, an alternative would be booking a rental car to drive one way and flying back the other way. Not having to drive back should reduce your itinerary by 1 week. Initially, I wanted to drive back through America but given COVID-19 it would have been a headache. I’m glad we drove back through Canada because the highlight of the trip was seeing the northern lights on the way back.   

I have a blog post which goes into detail about several incredible attractions in the prairies and how to budget your trip- we spent less than $5,200!

4 Week Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 – 2: sleeping giant provincial park, a dull drive to thunder bay.

We started our long journey in Toronto at 5am. The drive to the Thunder Bay area was the most lifeless drive of the trip. You’ll pass plenty of winding roads with dead trees. On occasion you’re rewarded with beautiful views but they are far and few.

This drive took us 16 hours, we stopped once for lunch and a few bathroom breaks. If you are a confident driver and have the stamina, aim to do this leg in one day. You will be driving back the same route so you’ll have the chance to do stopovers then. Also, speed with caution; the stretch of highway between Sault St Marie and Thunder Bay is highly patrolled.

Camping At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

We arrived at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park around sunset, setting up camp quickly to enjoy the serenity of our lakeside campsite. After our initial long drive, we planned for an active second day. The following day was spent exploring Sleeping Giant Provincial Park through hikes and an off-road detour. The detour leads to the most beautiful views but it is also a very bumpy and narrow ride. The side trip is reserved for the more adventurous travelers.

We ended our day with a trip to the Terry Fox Monument, a beautiful highway memorial just some kilometers north of where Terry Fox was forced to end his run. It’s also one of the best places to view the “Sleeping Giant”, the namesake of what makes the Provincial Park.

Terry Fox Memorial, our first stop on cross Canada road trip itinerary

Day 3: Culross Farm Stay

Driving into the prairies.

The next morning we started our 9 hour journey to Culross, a picturesque town located one hour west of Winnipeg. This is also where time zones will start to change, meaning you’ll gain an hour to explore (or sleep!). A fun stop on the way is the Center of Canada Park . It’s right off the TransCanada highway and is located on the exact longitudinal centre of Canada. If you miss it like we did, don’t worry as there are many exits you can take to drive on service roads, leading you back to the park.

Blessings at the Creek Farm Stay

I was very excited for our farm stay in Culross because it was my first time in Manitoba and I was eager to learn more about life in the prairies. Talking to people is one of the best ways to learn about different ways of life, plus you might end up with an unlikely friend or two.

Our lovely host Elizabeth welcomed us to her farm and home. She gave us a tour of the land explaining what as in season, how everything worked and introducing us to the farm animals. Elizabeth even offers horse rides for a nominal fee. Sadly there was heavy smoke from wildfires so we could not stay out for long but we did get to feed the horses. One of the many activities to do at a farm stay is sharing a meal. We opted for a home cooked meal with the family and learned a lot! It really gave us a new perspective on farm life and living in a rural community.

The next morning Elizabeth and her husband made an amazing breakfast for us – freshly cooked pancakes, with farm picked raspberries! The best part of the stay was easily our host, Elizabeth. She went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable, happy, and well fed. A farm stay is a must add to your cross Canada road trip itinerary, I would highly recommend Blessings at the Creek. We got a great deal at $75 for one night in private room, you can book here.

Day 4 – 5: Regina

Next on the itinerary was our 6 hour drive to Regina. On route to Regina you’ll find signs for several museums off the highway. They showcase life in the prairies during the late 1800s to 1900s. Admission is generally $5-10 and they can keep you busy for an hour. It was a fun way to break up the drive. A good lunch stop is Brandon, the second largest city in Manitoba, with more diverse food options.

Once in Regina we were taken aback by how well organized the city was. There were lots of beautiful parks, modern infrastructure and best of all – free parking in the downtown core! We spent our day visiting Scotty, the world’s largest T. rex at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Regina is also the “home” of the RCMP (it’s where they train new recruits), the RCMP heritage center is another big attraction in the area. We were lucky enough to find a restaurant serving indigenous cuisine nearby. Moose and Bannock located right outside the city is a small restaurant near a gas station. They serve yummy fusion indigenous food such as Bannock tacos and Bannock pizzas.

Day 6 – 7: Dinosaur Provincial Park

Stopovers between regina and brooks.

The next leg of our trip was making it to Brooks, a city close to Dinosaur Provincial Park. The drive is only 6 hours but it passes through lots of interesting cities; we stopped at Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Medicine Hat. These are mostly old towns with cute downtown cores that are worth checking out.

Our first stopover was at Moose Jaw to see Mac the Moose, the tallest moose in the world. A Norwegian moose recently challenged this claim but Mac won back the title of world’s tallest moose after undergoing renovations in 2019. We also did a tour of the Moose Jaw tunnels which were supposedly used by Al Copone during the prohibition era.

Our second stop was at Swift Current where we found a gem of a restaurant. Nightjar had tastefully curated food and ambiance. The chef had a great grasp of flavours, the experience felt more like a high-end restaurant at Yorkville than a diner in a small town. Our waiter was also the owner and expressed his desire to elevate the food scene in Swift Current, which he certainly did.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Fossil at Dinosaur Provincial Park during our cross Canada road trip

Our second day was fully dedicated to Dinosaur Provincial Park. There are lots of good hikes in the area but come early morning because it gets really hot and parking can fill up fast. It takes about 2-3 hours to see the park properly, plus we did the 2-hour Dino Stomp tour which was a great experience. You can go scavenging for dinosaur fossils and see the remains up close. 

Day 8: Canmore  

We drove to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump in the morning on route to Canmore. We were expecting a small stopover but this UNESCO World Heritage Site was anything but that. Budget at least 3 hours to properly see the area. It does an excellent job at explaining the Plains Peoples tradition of buffalo jumps where they strategically herded hundreds or thousands of buffalo into jumping off a steep cliff to their death. The site has trails around the buffalo jump, an active dig and large interpretive centre. This was by far the best attraction on our cross Canada road trip itinerary.

Another fun stop is a detour to the town of Vulcan which features Star Trek memorabilia. After finally arriving in Canmore, we spent our evening shopping and walking the beautiful Policeman Creek Trail. Canmore is a great gateway to Banff with similar views and a marginally smaller price tag.

Days 9 – 11: Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is said to be the most scenic drives in North America, stretching between Banff and Jasper National Park. We spent a few days exploring the area, despite the heavy smoke from wildfires the Canadian Rockies never disappoint. There is so much to do here that you could stay weeks exploring all the different trails.

The town of Banff is has a charming vibe at night for shopping and dining. During the day there’s a lot to see in the Rockies. You could visit the hot springs, go hiking, canoe, stop at viewpoints for a picnic or indulge in other sports.

Scenery at YOHO National Park during our cross Canada road trip

We did a little bit of everything, one of the highlights was visiting Yoho National Park. Since Lake Louise and Lake Moraine have long lines for canoeing, we decided canoe at Lake Emerald. Not only was it cheaper ($75 per hour) but it was a more relaxing experience with less tourists around. The only downside was that the wind can get pretty strong near the back of the lake.

Canoeing at YOHO National Park

Finding Accommodation on a Tight Budget

The Icefields Parkway spans nearly 4 hours so we we decided to book different accommodation daily as we progressed through it. In retrospect, it would have been nice to stay longer in any given place since the time we saved driving, we ended up spending on packing or setting up camp.

Our first night we stayed at HI Banff Alpine , I’ve stayed in this hostel before and I love it. Most rooms have a beautiful view, it comes with made to order free breakfast and has tons of amenities. There is a full kitchen, lots of common areas to mingle or relax and helpful staff. I’m a backpacker at heart so this was one of my favorite stops on the road trip. We spent two nights camping at the Silverhorn and Whistlers Campsite as well as one night at a Jasper hotel.

Camping is also a great way to experience the natural beauty. There are various hostels and campsites throughout the Icefields Parkway which offer an alternative to the pricey hotels in the area. I would recommend booking one of these if money is a concern.

Days 12 – 14: Vancouver 

We left our campsite early morning to begin our long drive to Vancouver. It was a scenic drive so we stopped on multiple occasions to take pictures. Something we were not expecting was actually seeing the wildfires. Every few hours we would see a fire in the mountains with helicopters encircling it.

Wildfires on our Cross Canada road trip (not part of the itinerary)

The drive took almost 10 hours, you could break it down by stopping at Kelowna or Kamloops. We booked a downtown hotel so after arriving in Vancouver, we visited the Gastown tourist district and explored the city by foot. The highlights of Vancouver for us were walking Stanley Park, lunch at Granville Island Market and the Capillano Suspension Bridge Park.

Days 15: Squamish

The next stop on the cross Canada road trip was Squamish. It’s a great spot for extreme sports and is close to iconic trailheads. Squamish lacked the facilities of a bigger city but I imagine it will look very different after a few years of development. We mainly went to check out the Sea to Sky gondola. The ride up was stunning, boasting views of shimmering water and mountains. There are also a few easy trails to do at the top of the mountain, they can keep you busy for an hour or two.

We booked our tickets through Vancouver Attractions which offers you 20% off or more if you book 2 or more attractions.

Day 16 – 17: Pemberton

Next on the itinerary was a daytrip to Whistler; exploring the lost lake, hiking and visiting the small town. We spent the night at Pemberton which was a much more affordable option. Pemberton is also closer to Joffre Lakes trail and the beautiful North Arm Farm . North Arm Farm is a must see, they have a chic restaurant, fruit picking opportunities and a petting farm. We picked some blueberries, ordered lunch and enjoyed the incredible view.

North Arm Farms during our cross Canada Road Trip

We planned on doing the Joffre Lakes trail and various other active expeditions in the area but the weather had other plans for us. After suffering through smoky skies for weeks, the temperature rose to 37 degrees Celsius. With no cloud coverage it was unbearably hot so we stayed indoors. This was around the same time that BC was breaking world records for hot temperature.

The weather is always a bit of a wildcard. Since we had most of our hotels pre-booked, we took the loss and figured we would come back one day for the adventures we missed.

Day 18: Clearwater

To breakdown the long drive from Pemberton to Edmonton we stopped over at Clearwater. We found a quaint motel on the lake, perfect for an evening dip and relaxing evening.

Day 19 – 20: Edmonton

The drive from Clearwater to Edmonton was packed with lush green mountain ranges, we stopped several times to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. We did not find much to do in Edmonton but we did have fun in the little time we stayed there. We took a guided tour of the legislative building (free but advance booking is required) and visited the famous West Edmonton mall.

Day 21-22: Saskatoon

On the way to Saskatoon is Elk Island National Park. We packed our bags and left early morning to go wildlife viewing, as soon as we entered the park we were greeted by a wandering bison. To our surprise there were many bison walking freely along the road and park, just minding their own business. The park also has a car loop and parking lots in bison dense areas. Considering we did not have many wildlife encounters on our trip, this was a treat.

Saskatoon did not have many attractions but it was a charming city. We visited Kinsmen park, enjoying a ride on the Ferris wheel and train. The university is also a good spot to check out ground squirrels which we found adorable. Our final stop was at Wanuskewin where we saw a traditional Indigenous dance and exhibits about indigenous life.

Ground squirrel

Day 23: Prince Albert National Park

My favorite part of our cross Canada road trip was seeing the northern lights, I’ve written a separate blog detailing the trip here . We drove 2.5 hours north to Prince Albert National Park in hopes to see the northern lights. We spoke to the park rangers who were very helpful in showing us where we would have our best shot at viewing the northern lights. IF you plan a similar trip, ask the rangers for help as different daily conditions impact the lights.

As the sun went down we went from place to place hunting the lights. It took a lot of driving and almost two hours to finally reach a remote body of water with a clearing facing north and there it was! Beautiful as ever, it made all the driving worth it. It was an incredible sight to see. This is also the reason I’d recommend driving back through Canada so you can see the true beauty of the northern side.

Day 24 – 25: Winnipeg

After our surreal experience of viewing the northern lights we had an early morning the following day. We packed up camp and started our 11 hour drive to Winnipeg. Riding Mountain National park is a good stopover if you’re looking to break the drive. Another interesting stopover is Gilmi, one hour north of Winnipeg it was an Icelandic settlement which still brings in some tourist for the beaches and unique history.

The main attractions in Winnipeg were the Forks market and Human Rights Museum. Both are walking distance from each other and can be seen in one day. I would definitely recommend visiting the Human Rights Museum, it shone a light on the darker parts of Canadian history.

Visiting the Human Rights Museum during our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver

Day 26 – 27: Thunder Bay to Salut St Marie

Back in Thunder Bay we simply stayed the night and went to Fort William Historical Park in the morning. The website does not do it justice, the park was a magical little place which took us back to the time of fur trade. The actors were animated and did a fantastic job of re-enacting history. After the park we hit the road, on the way to Sault St Marie we stopped at an Amethyst mine. It was a unique experience where you could buy amethyst which you find in the mine as well as finished products.

Day 28: Toronto

The cross Canada road trip came to an end with the final location on our itinerary being our home in Toronto. We only made one stopover in Sudbury to see the Big Nickel. 

Plan Your Cross Canada Road Trip

This road trip was a once in a lifetime experience for us. We set out to explore our home and learn about our Canadian heritage which we did. There is an incredible amount of life to discover within Canada, from the landscapes to the diverse population. Travelling across Canada is a journey I’d recommend for all who are able to do it, share the blog with your fellow road-trippers and start planning your next big trip!

Epic Canada Road Trip Driving Across Country in 6 Days

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2023

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

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

No speeding tickets :)

Canada road trip map and Moose and Canada Geese

Canada Road Trip

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

I’m strictly a fair weather solo road tripper.

Bright red skeleton of the Peace Bridge which connects pedestrians to downtown Calgary. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava

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

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

READ: 5 Awesome glacial lakes in Alberta and BC

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

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

LEARN MORE: 15 Famous Landmarks in Canada

Goslings galore feeding at Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary AB Canada

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

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

READ: 5 Reasons you must go to Yellowstone

In This Article:

Drive across Canada via USA or northern Ontario route?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Route 1 via Trans-Canada Hwy

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

Route 2 via US-2 E

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

Route 3 via I-90 E

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ferry or drive from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia?

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

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

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

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

This small replica lighthouse next to the Welcome to Nova Scotia sign greets travelers entering Nova Scotia from New Brunswick Canada

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

Planning where to stop while driving across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ: Icefields Parkway itinerary – from Banff to Jasper

Grant Hall Hotel in Moose Jaw SK features burrowing owls atop pillars in the Burrowing Owl Lobby. Owls by artist Gus Froese.

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

How many hours per day do you want to drive?

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

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

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

READ: Pros and cons of a nomadic lifestyle

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

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

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

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

Pristine lakes and wilderness are the constant companion driving through Quebec

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

How many days do you want to drive?

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

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

I wanted time to explore Nova Scotia during summer.

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

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

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

Al Capone's desk in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan - Tunnels of Moose Jaw Tour

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

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

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

READ: Tips for planning solo travel

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

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

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

Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout in Thunder Bay ON commemorating the young cancer research activist and his Marathon of Hope

Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout in Thunder Bay ON

Summer is high season for travel in Canada

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

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

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

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

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

Planning the stops on a cross country road trip

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

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

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

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

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

READ: Cutest cottage in Cape Breton

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

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

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

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

Calgary AB to Bridgewater NS road trip stops

Driving day 1 – calgary ab to moose jaw sk.

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

Driving day 2 – Moose Jaw SK to Ignace ON

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

Driving day 3 – Ignace ON to Kapuskasing ON

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

Driving day 4 –  Kapuskasing ON to Prevost QC

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

Driving day 5 – Prevost QC to Jemseg NB

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

Driving day 6 – Jemseg NB to Bridgewater NS

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

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

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

Driving across Canada pay attention to time zones

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

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

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

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

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

Check sunrise and sunset times

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

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

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

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

What does it cost to drive across the country?

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

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

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

Gasoline cost for cross Canada road trip

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

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

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

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

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

Lodging costs for cross Canada road trip

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

Average $61 USD ($80 CAD) per night

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

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

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

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

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

Food costs for cross Canada road trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My emergency food is sardines and crackers.

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

Meal costs while roadtripping across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seafood chowder with biscuit at Creekview Restaurant in Gagetown NB

Seafood chowder with biscuit at Creekview Restaurant in Gagetown NB

What about Canada highway toll charges?

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

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

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

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

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

Total cost of road trip across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for planning a cross country solo road trip

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

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

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

Get paper maps in case all your technology dies.

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

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

Remember summer is high season for travel anywhere in Canada.

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

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

Tips for driving across Canada on a budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save it for later on Pinterest and SHARE!

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

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

Susan Moore

Friday 29th of July 2022

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

Friday 15th of July 2022

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

I thank you for the article and any other tips.

Sunday 17th of July 2022

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

Saturday 16th of July 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers, Susan

Friday 20th of May 2022

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

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

Friday 8th of April 2022

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

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

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

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

Thursday 7th of October 2021

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

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The Ultimate Road Trip Route Across Canada

Mar 17, 2022

The Ultimate Road Trip Route Across Canada

Whether a road trip across Canada is an adventure you have been dreaming about or are already starting to plan, we are here to help! As a proud, Canadian company, we’re sharing our best road trip routes from the west coast to the east coast, helpful tips to make the most of your holiday, and essential vocabulary to get you by. From west to east, north to south, the 10-million square kilometre landmass known as Canada contains a veritable wealth of culture, history, and natural majesty that will seduce any intrepid explorer who sets out on four wheels intent on discovering its secrets. If you are just such an explorer, this is your lucky day! Shore up to your great Canadian adventure-hungry, curious, and with a full tank of gas … there’s so much more than meets the eye!

cross canada road trip itinerary

Photo: Robin in Banff for Flytographer

Table of Contents:

  • Know Before You Go
  • British Columbia Points of Interest
  • Alberta Points of Interest
  • Saskatchewan Points of Interest
  • Manitoba Points of Interest
  • Ontario Points of Interest
  • Québec Points of Interest
  • New Brunswick Points of Interest
  • Nova Scotia Points of Interest
  • Prince Edward Island (PEI) Points of Interest
  • Newfoundland & Labrador Points of Interest

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The Ultimate Cross-Canada Road Trip: Montreal to Vancouver

cross canada road trip itinerary

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Driving from eastern Canada to the country's west coast is a major undertaking, but a rewarding one that you will not forget.

Even Canadians are shocked by the diversity of the people and landscape when traversing the country. You'll be moving through a range of cultures, languages and dialects, provinces , time zones, and topographies that are all compelling and very Canadian. You likely will enjoy some places more than others, but the fact that they all comprise one nation is part of what makes the journey so appealing. 

Especially if you're coming from Europe, which is a patchwork of different countries easily accessible to each other, Canada's expanse can be surprising. 

The quickest way across Canada is actually heading south in Ontario and continuing through the northern United States. But that would hardly be the Ultimate Canadian Road Trip, now would it? 

The stops included on this itinerary are mostly larger urban centers, assuming they will offer a wide variety of hotels with occupancy. If you have a trailer or RV, be sure to know where you can park it overnight . There are lots of campgrounds across Canada but reservations are recommended for the popular ones. In addition, Walmart Canada allows one-night parking free of charge in its parking lots.

Don't be overwhelmed by Canada's size: Embrace it and tackle it head-on with the Ultimate Canadian Road Trip, driving from Montreal, Quebec, west to Vancouver, British Columbia. 

​The Basics

  • Distance covered: 2,860 miles (4,600 kilometers)
  • Hours driving: About 54 hours, an average of 7 to 8 hours behind the wheel each day
  • Nights: Seven (This number can quite easily be reduced to four or five if you are willing to drive 10 to 12 hours per day. On the other hand, you could also stretch it out by adding more stops or spending more time in your favorite places.)
  • Time zones covered: Four (Beginning in the Eastern time zone, you'll move through Central, Mountain, and end up in the Pacific time zone). 
  • Currency used: All provinces in Canada use the Canadian dollar, though some, especially those close to the U.S. border, may accept American money. 
  • Safety: Canada is generally a safe country, with strict gun laws and a crime rate much lower than in the U.S. That said, keep your car locked when you're not in it and your valuables in a safe place. The emergency number everywhere is 911.
  • Speed limits: Highway speed is between 100 and 120 km/hour (about 60–75 miles/hour) depending on your province. 

Start in Montreal, Quebec

Gregobagel / Getty Images

Steeped in history and infused with French culture, Montreal  is one of Canada's most popular destinations. Chances are you will want to spend at least a night or two here while you explore the unique culture and indulge in the delicious and rich Quebecois cuisine. Old Montreal , especially, is a special chance to stroll cobblestone paths and peruse 17th-century architecture. ​

Don't worry about your French here. Though many people here speak French, shopkeepers and restaurant and hotel staff pretty much all speak English. 

The first leg of your journey from Montreal to Toronto is not a particularly scenic one if you take the quickest route, which is by Highway 401. Nevertheless, there are several nice pit stops along the way, which include historic Kingston or Prince Edward County .

Distance from Montreal, Quebec to Toronto, Ontario: 337 miles (542 kilometers), 6 to 7 hours

First Stop: Toronto, Ontario

Naeem Jaffer / Getty Images

Toronto is Canada's biggest city, its financial center, and the most popular destination for travelers. It is bustling and diverse with no shortage of things to do. But it is a city and if you're not up for tackling the crowds, continue north on Highway 400 past Toronto for about three hours until you arrive in Ontario cottage country, a region of lakes and forest. Here you can find camping or smaller scale motels or resorts in a pretty setting.

Another option is to reach Barrie, a mid-sized city that will reduce the following leg's drive by an hour and a half. 

Recognize that Toronto traffic is a nightmare, so if you stay over, get on the road early in the morning or consider staying on the northern outskirts of the city so you can make an easy morning break for the highway. Highway 400 is the fastest route but if you're interested in seeing some of the pretty farmland north of Toronto, hit the more rural roads that run parallel. 

Distance from Toronto, Ontario to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: 435 miles (700 kilometers), 7 to 8 hours

Second Stop: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

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As you head north of Toronto, your nerves will relax as urban sprawl gives way to the rugged, forested landscape of the Canadian Shield. You'll eventually switch over to the Trans-Canada Highway, which stretches all the way to Vancouver. The route here hugs the giant coast of Lake Huron through Northern Ontario's biggest city, Sudbury, before winding up in Sault Ste. Marie, one of the country's oldest communities. 

Sault Ste. Marie, known colloquially as "the Soo," is a riverside community that borders Michigan and you can even cross the International Bridge to reach American soil. If you see a freight ship coming through the canal, it's worth stopping to watch how the complex lock system moves the vessel across the river. Accommodation is limited to smaller-scale hotels and motels but you will see some familiar chains, like Marriott, Delta, and Super 8.

Distance from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario: 437 miles (706 kilometers), 8 hours

Third Stop: Thunder Bay, Ontario

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There's not a lot to see along the 437-mile stretch between the Soo and Thunder Bay unless you stop at some of the lookouts, where you will witness the craggy beauty of the Canadian Shield. Northern Ontario is relatively unpopulated (most of the province's population lives in the "Golden Horseshoe" region around Toronto). Plus, those Great Lakes just get in the way of everything, making driving "as the crow flies" difficult.

You are now on the Trans-Canada Highway, which is generally single lane. Take care of the transport trucks and wait for passing lanes before overtaking them. Keep your gas tank above half-full as services are limited—especially between October and April—and try to get to Thunder Bay before dark, while always keeping your eyes peeled for moose and deer. 

If you have time for sightseeing in Thunder Bay, the Fort William Historical Park is the most popular attraction of the city. It's a re-creation of the fur trading outpost that was in the same spot during the early 1800s and the frontier feel transports visitors to another bygone era.

Distance from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba:  436 miles (703 kilometers), 7.5 to 8.5 hours

Fourth Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ken Gillespie / Design Pics / Getty Images

Continue on Trans-Canada Highway 17 from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg for the most well-worn route and services. But if you're looking for scenery—and way fewer trucks—take Highway 11, which runs south of and parallel to Highway 17. The scenic route adds about an hour to the drive, but you can even reduce that by cutting through Minnesota and back up to Canada.

You made it to Manitoba! The provincial capital of Winnipeg is a fairly populous city, but it's easy to get around and filled with friendly and down-to-earth locals. If you're visiting in the winter, make sure you are fully prepared with heavy jackets and layers; Winnipeg gets frigidly cold, even by Canadian standards.

There are lots of hotels in Winnipeg to suit any range of budget and thriving cultural and culinary scenes. The Forks is a huge cultural space with a market, shopping, restaurants, and more, and is a great place to start your exploration of the city. The must-see attraction of Winnipeg is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a powerful exhibition exploring human rights abuses across Canada and the globe.

Distance from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Regina, Saskatchewan: 356 miles (573 kilometers), 6 hours

Fifth Stop: Regina, Saskatchewan

Between Winnipeg and Regina, you're in the heart of the Prairies, meaning flat. Police have reportedly pulled over people for reading books while driving here. If you are looking to shave some time off of your trip, this may be a stop to eliminate if you want to get closer to Calgary. It's not that Regina isn't worth visiting, but if you're itching for the dramatic landscapes and picturesque views of the Candian Rockies, you'll need to drive a bit farther.

The drive through the Prairies is scenic albeit a bit monotonous, but you can break up the drive by stopping in some of the province's best sites that are easily accessible from the Trans-Canadian Highway. Moose Mountain Provincial Park and Qu'Appelle Valley are just short detours off the highway and really showcase the beauty of Saskatchewan.

Distance from Regina, Saskatchewan to Calgary, Alberta: 472 miles (760 kilometers), 7.5 hours

Sixth Stop: Calgary, Alberta

John E. Marriott / Getty Images

Like many cosmopolitan centers in Canada, Calgary is multicultural, safe, friendly, and in close proximity to abundant natural beauty. It's also a big city that some may wish to avoid, so you can consider carrying on to Canmore or Banff , both of which are pristine alpine towns with plenty of amenities for travelers. But as far as cities go, Calgary is one of Canada's most charming. The Stephen Avenue Walk in downtown is a pedestrian street with the best restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cafes in town.

For an interesting detour along the route, the town of Drumheller isn't far off the highway and is considered by some to be the dinosaur capital of the world. These rocky badlands are a drastic change in scenery from the rest of the route, and you can see Canada's largest collection of fossils in The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology .

Distance from Calgary, Alberta to Kelowna, B.C.: 382 miles (615 kilometers), 7 hours

Seventh Stop: Kelowna, B.C.

Michael DeFreitas / robertharding / Getty Images

By this point, you'll have already seen some incredible scenery. But the best has been saved for last, and the final stretch through British Columbia will blow you away. The shortest route along the Trans-Canada Highway is incredibly scenic through the towns of Golden and Revelstoke—home to two of Canada's best ski resorts—and perfect places to stop for lunch and photos. 

This route departs from the Trans-Canadian Highway and stops in Kelowna , which is in the heart of the Okanagan Wine Region. If you're not wild about wine, skip it and stay on the Trans-Canada highway. The town of Kamloops is a picturesque town with plenty of options for accommodations and would make a great pitstop before the final leg of the trip. 

Distance from Kelowna, B.C. to Vancouver, B.C.: 242 miles (390 kilometers), 4.5 hours

End in Vancouver, B.C.

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Get out the rain gear and put on your Birkenstocks. You made it to Vancouver, B.C ., Canada's answer to San Francisco and one of the world's most livable cities. Surrounded both by water and mountains, Vancouver is a big urban center with laid-back charm. 

Though you deserve to put up your feet after the big drive, that's the last thing you'll want to do in Vancouver, where the people are always on the move, either kayaking, jogging the seawall, climbing the Grouse Grind , or any number of other ways to enjoy the city. You won't be at a loss for things to do in one of North America's trendiest cities.

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Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

People canoeing on the bright, clear waters of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 1-3: Vancouver, BC

The towering skyline of Vancouver, Canada overlooking the ocean

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

Here is my complete hostel list with even more suggestions!  

Day 4-5: Whistler, BC

A calm lake with a small floating dock near Whistler, BC, Canada

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

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

Days 6-8: Banff National Park, AB

The vivid waters of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 9-10: Calgary, AB

The towering skyline of Calgary, Alberta during sunset

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

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

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

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

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

Days 11-12: Regina, SK

The small city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in the summer

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

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

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

Days 13-14: Winnipeg, MB

The city of Winnipeg, Canada during the warm summer months

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

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

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

Days 15-16: Thunder Bay, ON

The coastal view of Lake Superior from Sleeping Giant Park

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

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

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

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

Days 17-19: Algonquin Provincial Park, ON

A sweeping vista of forests in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada

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

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

Days 20-23: Toronto, ON

The iconic skyline of Toronto, Canada as seen from the island

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

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

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

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

Days 24-26: Ottawa, ON

The Canadian parliament building in Ottawa, Ontario

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

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

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

Days 27-30: Montreal, QC

The skyline of Montreal, Canada in the summer

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some other great hostel suggestions too!

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

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

Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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cross canada road trip itinerary

The Best 3 Month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

This 3 month road trip in Canada is the road trip of a lifetime! When we created our cross Canada road trip itinerary we wanted to see everything, from wild bears to the Canadian Rockies. On our Canadian road trip, we spent 3 months living in a van and saw so many hidden gems. Vanlife in Canada is an experience we’ll never forget after travelling from eastern Canada to western Canada in the summertime. Let’s find out how to plan a road trip in Canada!

The Best 3 Month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Planning a 3 month Road Trip in Canada

Canada is a dream for road trips. It has beautiful long roads, campsites in forests and hikes of a lifetime. If you love adventure, this is the country for you! From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canada has ten provinces and three territories and only borders the United States (with a little bit of Greenland at the top).

Ultimately the best way to road trip across Canada is by using your own vehicle. This will truly give you the ultimate freedom to see places only accessible by vehicle and be completely on your own schedule.

However, even though we recommend travelling by car or van in Canada, there are also other ways of having the best travel experience in Canada, find out more at the end of this post!

Vanlife in Canada

This guide will be based around living in a van in Canada and we’ve included all the places to stay during your cross Canada road trip. We used iOverlander to find our free camping spots whilst living in the van. For a 3 month road trip in Canada, we only paid for 4 nights in campsites! Let us know if you’d like to know more about Vanlife in Canada, you can comment below or find us on Instagram – @thesunrisedreamers

3 month road trip in canada

How to plan a 3 month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary?

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

The best way to plan a cross Canada road trip itinerary is to start adding points of interest to your map! You will start to create your 1, 2 or 3 month Canada itinerary!

Have you always dreamed of seeing Lake Louise in Banff National Park? or have you always wanted to practise your French in Montreal or Quebec City? There is so much going on in Canada. After all, it’s the second-largest country in the world and takes about 60 hours to drive from Halifax to Victoria.

What you need to do:

  • Write down all the places you already know you want to visit and mark them on Google Maps
  • Read our Canadian road trip itinerary and if you find any more places you want to visit add them to your list too!
  • How much time do you have for your road trip? Do you want to travel the east or west of Canada?
  • How will you travel? The best way to road trip across Canada is by using your own vehicle.

Once you’ve worked out a few places you’d like to go, you can find your best route or decide if you want to explore the west, central or east side of Canada. If you’re ready to discover some places to visit on your Canadian road trip, carry on reading! We’ll show you our exact itinerary for a 3 month road trip in Canada.

Can I do this Canadian road trip in 1 month or 2 months?

Yes! You will have to change a few things around, but the majority of this itinerary can be done on a 1 month canada road trip or 2 month canada road trip! The only thing you should keep in mind if you’re trip is shorter is that breakdowns do happen if you’re travelling in your own vehicle. If this happens, you’ll just have to make up time and spend shorter days in other places.

You can drive the whole of Canada in less than a week, but if you want to spend time experiencing the country, a minimum of 2-3 weeks is definitely required! This itinerary also works the other way around if you’re starting on the West side of Canada heading east.

Where to start your road trip in Canada?

Depending on what you want to get out of your road trip in Canada, will determine where you start your trip. We started in Montreal as we were living there at the time, after exploring Quebec we headed west aiming for Vancouver Island and our end goal was Vancouver .

If your time is flexible you can head in one direction with a rough plan of places you must see!

Our cross Canada road trip itinerary starts in Quebec and ends in British Columbia. We started in Montreal and ended our road trip in Vancouver where we lived on a working holiday visa.

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The Ultimate canadian road trip full route

3 month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

We have created this itinerary based on our own experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit all the provinces and territories in Canada, although they are definitely worth a visit if you have an extended amount of time.

A brief summary of our cross Canada road trip itinerary: We visited Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba (briefly), Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. We travelled at the end of June – September from Montreal to Vancouver living in our Dodge Ram 2500 Campervan!

2 week Road Trip in Quebec

Montreal – 2-3 days.

Our starting point was Montreal as it was our home for a year. Montreal is definitely worth a visit if you’re on the east coast. A few things to do in Montreal: Explore Mont Tremblant, visit the underground mall, shop in mile end, discover downtown and Montreal’s china town. Where to eat in Montreal: Fairmount Bagels, La Banquise, Yuan, and grab yourself a falafel pitta from Yoni’s ($8).

As Montreal was our starting point, we packed up everything from our apartment into our van and hit the road!

Montreal graffiti

Eastern Townships – 1 day

Fo our first day of vanlife in Canada and the beginning of our cross Canada road trip itinerary, we explored part of the Eastern Townships.

We walked a small trail in – Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises and headed into Magog. Things to do in Magog: Plage de Magog, Pointe-Merry Park. 1.5 hours drive from Montreal to Magog.

Where to sleep: Magog Truck Stop (Free wifi and a toilet)

Levis (Outside of Quebec City) – 1 day

In the morning we drove to Sherbrooke and parked up at Parc Jaques-Cartier and had a walk and skate around! It’s possible that you could park here overnight too.

It takes around 2-3 hours to drive from Eastern Townships to Quebec City and we actually chose to visit Quebec City on the way back as we got there pretty late. We visited Montmorency Falls and walked across the bridge before parking in Levis for the night.

Where to sleep: near Parc de l’Anse Tibbits, on the road in our stealthy van (toilets nearby)

Montmorency Falls in Quebec

Rimouski – 1 day

It rained all day! So this was a good opportunity to drive more into the Gaspesie. It was a 3.5 drive to Site Historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père which is where we also found an awesome place to sleep! The Submarine Quay has beaches, a lighthouse and of course a submarine! There were lots of other campers there so it felt like a free campsite.

Where to stay: Submarine Quay (with lots of campers)

Gaspesie National Park – 1 day

It’s a 2 hour drive to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts before turning off into the Gaspesie National Park. The drive really starts to get beautiful now as you follow the coast and enter the area of the National Park. We chose to hike up to Mont Ernest-Laforce, which was a short trail with a high chance of seeing moose! You can also stop at Saint-Anne Waterfall on the way through the park.

We stayed overnight in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and spent the evening on the beach, it really made us think ‘how is this Canada?!’

Where to stay: Not a popular car park (not sure if 100% allowed) As it was near to the beach there was a toilet and outdoor cold shower

Road trip in the gaspesie

Forllion National Park – 1 day

It’s a 2.5 to Forllion National Park. We parked at Grande-Grave and followed a trail to the stunning Cap-Bon-Ami viewpoint! Forllion National Park is one of the best places to see whales in Canada. We didn’t get so lucky whilst we were here but there are chances of seeing them from Gaspe – Perce.

It costs CA$15.80 to enter Forllion National Park for 2 people and you also have to pay or reserve a campsite if you want to stay here. Tip: If you have a National Park pass (which you’ll need for the Canadian Rockies) this park is included!

Where to stay: A car park at a community centre near Gîte Pétales de Rose (outside of the national park)

Gaspe – 1 day

It’s only a 30 minute drive to Gaspe and there are many lovely stops to make on the way. We managed to spot some seals in the ocean! Gaspe town is worth a visit on your Canadian road trip itinerary, especially if you’re visiting the Gaspesie. There’s a lot of Canadian history to learn about in this cosy town. There are also a few more shops here and restaurants if you’re interested in trying out some Quebec cuisine!

Where to stay: La Commune-de-Douglastown – Beach area it was quite bumpy to get here on this long strip of sandy dirt but very isolated and you can make a fire! You can also walk along the beach here!

Coin-du-Blanc – 1 day

After half a day relaxing on the beach near Douglastown we headed to Sentier de la Chute Rivière du Portage, a beautiful waterfall! It’s a short hike down to the waterfall but once you’re there you can swim and it’s also a good chance to refresh your body (Vanlife in Canada problems). It’s less than an hour drive to Coin-du-Blanc!

Where to stay: Sentier de la Chute Rivière du Portage – Beach area ( toilets nearby)

Forllion National Park

Perce – 1 day

Cap Mont Joli and Perce rock are two highlights of visiting Perce. Perce Rock is also iconic for travelling the Gaspesie Route! There are a few things to do in Perce and you can find out about more of them here – Perce Toursim. In the summer it’s also possible to catch a boat trip to see Northern Gannet Colonies on Bonaventure Island!

After Perce, we headed to Newport Chandler to find a place to free camp and chill on the beach.

Where to stay: Plage des Beaux Sables (Small beach parking lot, sleep to the sound of the waves)

Quebec City – 1 day

From Newport Chandler, we chose to make the long 7-hour drive back to Quebec City. We could have done this in two trips by spending some time in Carleton-Sur-Mer and Parc régional du Mont Saint-Joseph, however at the time we were happy to continue driving to carry on with our 3 month road trip in Canada!

We reached Quebec City at 8 pm and spent the evening admiring the capital of Quebec. We had actually already visited the city in the wintertime so we just ran around seeing all the hot spots again. We’d definitely recommend spending another day here if this is your first time in Quebec City.

Where to stay: Walmart (free wifi and toilets in Walmart)

Fairmount hotel in Quebec

Montreal – 1 day

Stopped back off in Montreal for one last time, before heading west for the rest of our cross Canada road trip. It’s a 3 hour drive from Quebec City to Monreal and we then headed to a Walmart in Vaudreuil-Dorion to stay for the night.

Ottawa – 1 day

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and it’s actually in Ontario. It’s not as big as Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal but it’s still the capital! After a 1.5 hour drive, we spent the morning here walking around the city and then headed to Gatineau Park which is back in the Quebec province. Ottawa lies on the border between both provinces. We then drove 1 hour to Shawville to find a free campsite.

Where to stay: Mill Dam Park (a hidden gem!! free toilet & electricity)

That’s officially the end of our 2 week Quebec road trip, but only the beginning of our long cross Canada road trip itinerary!

10 day Road Trip in Ontario

Ontario surprised us so much! It’s full of lakes, hills and very friendly people!

We don’t actually visit Toronto on this Canadian road trip route. If you do want to go to Toronto this would be done at the beginning straight after Quebec, before continuing the rest of this itinerary. We have a 3 days in Toronto guide if you’re interested in visiting this urban city!

Niagra Falls in Ontario

Golden Lake – 1 day

After a lot of driving over the last week, we decided to have a very chill day. We came across Golden Lake at 2pm, and when we realised it was named Golden Lake due to its sunsets it made us want to spend the day! It was amazing to enjoy Canadian nature in the best way. Here’s the exact location for the rest stop at Golden Lake , near Golden Lake Chinese.

From Shawville to the edges of Algonquin Provincial Park it’s about a 2-hour drive.

Where to stay: Tom and Mick Murray Millennium Park (We stayed next to a lake, looked like a locals free camping spot with pit toilets

Golden Lake vanlife in Canada

Algonquin Provinicial Park – 1 day

We arrive at Algonquin Provincial Park early to explore in the quieter moments. We picked up a map and chose a few of the shorter hikes. There were SO many mosquitoes at 7 am, mosquitoes are pretty bad in Canada especially in the east. One of the trails we did was the Two Rivers Trail.

In total, we drove 2 hours through the park and to Huntsville where we luckily found a spot to stay.

Where to stay: Huntsville – in one small spot next to a lake, nearby there were lots of parking spots that say no overnight camping, so luckily we were okay!

Algonquin Provincial Park road trip in ontario

Huntsville – 1 day

We explored Huntsville for a couple of hours and enjoyed the walk near the lakeside. They have big outdoor shops here along the high street if you need any extra gear for your van or camping set up. After wandering around Huntsville, we drove 3 hours and stayed near Lorne.

Where to stay: near Lorne – ( a remote lake near the highway , very bumpy to get to but beautiful! The exact location is on iOverlander)

Sault Ste Marie – 1 day

From Huntsville, we headed to Sault Ste Marie which took under 3 hours drive. Sault Ste Marie is on the border for Canada and the United States. There’s lots of shopping to do here, but we mainly stocked up on our supplies and walked along the boardwalk

A short drive north and you’ll reach Pancake Bay and also Lake Superior, one of the worlds largest freshwater lakes! It actually holds 10% of the world’s surface freshwater. In total, we drove 3.5 hours to get to Lake Superior and Pancake Bay

Where to stay: Free spot near Pancake Bay (near a lodge that serves food and groceries)

Chippewa Falls Waterfalls in Canada

Lake Superior Provincial Park

When we woke up, we headed back over to Batchawana bay to The Voyageur’s Lodge and Cookhouse which we passed on on the way to Pancake Bay yesterday evening. They boast about their world-famous apple fritters , so we had to give them a try! They were actually pretty good, but beware they are HUGE.

Next, we headed to Lake Superior Provincial Park which cost CA$7.50. We recommend seeing Katherine Cove and the Agawa Rock Pictographs! There are lots of spots to swim in the lake here and there will be more opportunities over the next few days as Lake Superior is so big. From Pancake Bay, it’s less than a 2 hour drive to Wawa.

Where to stay: Sandy Beach (lots of free spots in Wawa)

Wawa – 1 day

The only driving we did today was to a new ‘camping’ spot next to the lake. So this is another one of our chill days and actually one of our favourite days of the whole road trip in Canada. We chilled to the max and blew up our rubber ring. It was a super hot day so we did our laundry in a bucket and hung it out to dry on a thick rope we brought with us.

Where to stay: Dr Roses Beach (we spent the whole day here and there’s a toilet block)

Relaxing in Wawa Lake

Nipigon – 1 day

After a relaxing day, we drove from Wawa to Nipigon which is a 4-hour drive.

On the way, we visited the hometown of ‘Winnie the Pooh’! In White River, there’s a very sweet Winnie the Pooh Memorial that explains the story of Winnie the Pooh.

A black bear cub in White River was named Winnie after the person’s hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was taken to London Zoo, which is where Christopher Robin saw the bear! They also have a monument and gift shop/museum. After White River, we stopped at Aguasabon Falls and saw the sunset at Nipigon Marina.

Where to stay: Carpark at Nipigon Lookout

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – 1 day

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located on the west side of Lake Superior. It cost us CA$15.50 to enter Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and we hiked up to Top of the Giant. It was long but very rewarding! They do actually have a campground inside the provincial park if you’re interested in staying there.

We then drove to Thunder Bay and in total Nipigon to Thunder Bay with a stop in the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park will take 2.5 hours.

Where to stay: Walmart (free wifi and toilet)

Top of the giant hike in ontario

Kakabeka Waterfall – 1 day

After arriving in Thunder Bay the night before all we did was sleep, so we decided to check out a few things to do in Thunder Bay. Kakabeka Waterfall was a highlight and cost a small price of CA$5.25.

From Thunder Bay, we drove 1.5 hours to an area near Raith. When we reached the Truck Stop there were so many beavers!

Where to stay: Central Time Zone Truckstop (toilets)

Driving day – 1 day

We took the day very chill and sorted a few things out, there weren’t as many things to do in western Ontario so we drove a lot on this day. We did stop by Dryden to see the huge Moose statue and also visited Kenora for some lake views and deer! From Raith, it’s a 5-hour drive to the Ontario Border.

Where to stay: Ontario border stop (toilets)

Just like that, we’ve finished our road trip in Ontario! Ontario is a very long province to road trip through, but it does honestly have some hidden gems and so many places to just unwind next to a lake.

2 days in Manitoba

Important information about Manitoba – we travelled in the year 2020 and Manitoba were asking travellers not to stay in the province and to just drive straight through. It is possible to drive through Manitoba in one day as it only takes a few hours. However, as we were set up in our van we decided to stop over in a park once to sleep.

Winnipeg – 1 day

From the Ontario border, we drove a total of 5 hours to Russell.

Even with the travel restriction, it was actually raining for the whole day that we arrived in Manitoba. We drove through Winnipeg and had a look at the city from the inside of our van. We then carried on driving to a spot we found on iOverlander that claimed to have free electricity.

Once we got to Russell Peace Park it felt like a campground, however, it was free! We don’t think the toilets were working anymore but free electricity when you’re in a van is awesome. Manitoba holds a very special memory for us as it’s the first time we’ve ever seen the Northern Lights! (they were magical).

Where to stay: Russell Peace Park (free electricity)

Russell Peace Park free camping

Russell – 1 day

After the surprising experience of seeing the northern lights, we chose to hang around the free campground the next morning and also cooked lunch here! We drove 3 hours across the border to Lanigan in Saskatchewan.

Where to stay: A parking lot just off the highway

2 days in Saskatchewan (plus 7 days broken down)

We drove into Saskatchewan in the evening and were blessed with views of these yellow fields.

Canada road trip through saskatchewan

Saskatoon – 1 day

Leaving Lanigan we headed straight for Saskatoon, we were more interested in visiting Saskatoon over Regina and we also chose this as our Canadian road trip route because we wanted to visit Jasper first.

Saskatoon was a small city and we actually had our first meal out on the road trip so far (and also in a few months due to restaurants being closed in 2020). From Saskatoon, it was only a 1 hour drive to North Battleford where we chose to stay for the night in a Walmart and also grab some supplies. Overall we drove a total of 2.5 hours from Lanigan to North Battleford

Where to stay: North Battleford Walmart

The Big Vanlife Breakdown – 7 days

Unfortunately, road trips in Canada aren’t always smooth sailing. When we tried to leave North Battleford our van wouldn’t start! 🙁 We were stuck and had to call our breakdown service to come help! This turned out to be a stressful process and a very stressful day of travel.

We’re including these days in the total of our road trip because within a 3 month road trip in Canada you really never know what’s going to happen. After making it to a garage we stayed in North Battleford for 6 more nights and even slept in a tent for two of those nights at a house (when our van was in the garage). Thankfully the van was fixed and we were able to hit the road again!

The positive part about this breakdown is that we reached the Rockies for the most perfect rain and cloud-free weather which apparently can be quite uncommon! We also had a lot of laptop time in Tim Hortons and booked a volunteering project to do in the next few weeks.

Vanlife breakdown in Canada

Saskatchewan fields – 1 day

From North Battleford, it’s a 3 hour drive to the outskirts of Edmonton, Elk National Park.

After a very long week, we were SO excited to be in our ‘working’ van and on the road again continuing our Canada road trip. We knew how close we were to the Canadian Rockies and the mountains. Here’s the next part of our cross Canada road trip itinerary!

Where to stay: Rest stop near Elk National Park

2 Week Road Trip in Alberta

We spent a total of 15 days in Alberta on our Canadian road trip and could have spent much more! If you’re on a road trip from east to west, Alberta is going to be your first glimpse of the beautiful Canadian Rockies! Get ready for the amazing views!

2 week road trip in Alberta Canada

Elk National Park – 1 day

Our first stop in Alberta was Elk National Park, we highly recommend visiting Elk National Park on your Canadian road trip because you’ll have the opportunity to see bison! From Elk National Park it’s around a 1 hour drive to Edmonton where we stayed for the night.

Where to stay: Walmart in Edmonton

Neon light museum in Edmonton downtown

Edmonton – 1 day

A visit to Edmonton isn’t complete without visiting the largest mall in Canada and North America – West Edmonton Mall , they even have a water park inside! You can spend hours browsing even if you don’t need anything!

We parked our van in West Edmonton Mall for free and took a local bus into the city centre. Edmonton city will only take 2 hours to look around. Honestly, we were much more excited about the mall. After finishing up in Edmonton we hit the road for 1.5 hours to a rest stop near Nojak.

Where to stay: Rest stop in Nojak area

1 Week Road Trip in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are a must-visit on a cross Canada road trip itinerary! A lot of travellers in Canada only visit because of the Canadian Rockies and they are so worth it.

Jasper East – 1 day

After staying near Nojak, we drove 1 hour to Hinton, a smaller town in Canada. Hinton is a great base for campers to explore Jasper National Park. There are lots of free camping spots opposite Jasper East Cabins . A local grocery store – Freson Bros – also lets you sleep in the car park and they have free wifi, a cafe and fresh food!

It’s important to note that it’s illegal to camp in any national park in Canada unless you have a dedicated spot at a campsite which you have to pay for. Usually, these camping spots book up really fast, but it’s possible to get walk-in spots. Double-check your options before turning up at a campsite in Canada.

After arriving at Hinton, we met up with a friend and had a fire in the evening. This was the first time we ever saw shooting stars! It was the perfect conditions to star gaze as there were no clouds and it was very dark at 1 am.

Where to stay: Hinton (forest spots opposite Jasper East Cabins )

cross canada road trip itinerary

Jasper National Park – 4 days

Jasper National Park is one of the main highlights of a Canadian Rockies road trip, you can definitely spend a few days here.

Hiking & Jasper Town – Day 1

Our friend took us on our first hike in Jasper National Park, sadly we can’t remember the name of it, but there was a small parking lot and you have to walk through a bush to get to it…very awesome views from the top though!

Later in the day, we visited Jasper town for the first time for an evening meal!

Lake Annette – Day 2

The weather was perfect on this day, so it was a great opportunity to relax in Lake Annette. We spent almost all day in Jasper National Park and Lake Annette but still travelled back to Hinton to stay near Jasper East Cabins for free.

Maligne Canyon & Lac Beauvert – Day 3

To save ourselves the 1 hour roundtrip journey back to Hinton for a free camping spot we decided to stay in our first paid campsite of the trip. The spots were easy to book online and luckily there was availability! (The summer of 2020 was a unique summer for Canada due to low-tourism)

Maligne Canyon is an amazing experience on a road trip through the Canadian Rockies. The Maligne Canyon trail is a single large loop with several optional side trails and can take around 2-4 hours. The water is so powerful here, and there are many waterfalls to prove it!

In the evening we went to Lac Beauvert to admire the views. You can kayak on the lake here, or there’s a circle loop. We chose to stay at our very first paid campsite and it was lovely! The atmosphere of other campers was amazing and the views of the mountains in the Overflow Campground were impressive.

Where to stay: Overflow Campground – CA$16.05

Beauvert Lake

Jasper Town & Hiking – Day 4

In the daytime, we explored more of Jasper Town and did some much-needed laundry. We also tried our first Beaver Tail after many months of being in Canada!

In the late afternoon, we hiked the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail. It’s a beautiful walk that takes around 2 hours and gives you the opportunity to see five lakes all different shades of green and blue. Wabasso Campground is right around the corner from this trail, so we headed over there to make some dinner! It’s located in the forest and we even saw wild foxes in the evening.

Where to stay: Wabasso Campground – CA$21.97

Valley of Five Lakes Trail

Icefields Parkway – 1 day

The Icefields Parkway is one of the best things to do on a trans Canada road trip! The Icefields Parkway is a long stretch of road that joins Jasper National Park and Banff National Park together. It takes about 3 hours to drive but with many stops, it will take you all day!

Seeing the mountains from your car windows is one of the best sights on a road trip in Canada and you’ll definitely want it to be a clear day.

Athabasca Glacier views road trip in the Canadian rockies

Icefields Parkway Itinerary

  • Athabasca Falls (1 hour)
  • Sunwapta Falls (30 mins)
  • Athabasca Glacier (1 hour)
  • Wilcox Pass Trail (1 hour hike)
  • Parker Ridge Trail (2-3 hour hike)
  • Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint (10 minutes)
  • Peyto Lake (30 mins)
  • Bow Lake Viewpoint (10 mins)

We didn’t get to do all of these activities, we missed Peyto Lake due to it being closed in 2020, and we didn’t hike the Wilcox Pass Trail. We also actually stopped at the Saskatchewan River for a night of free camping, but there is no service.

Where to stay: Saskatchewan River Crossing (no service)

Parker Ridge trail - road trip in Banff National Park

Banff National Park – 2 day

Banff is the oldest National Park in Canada and also the most famous one! It’s definitely a highlight on any Canadian road trip and it was definitely our highlight of a 3 month road trip in Canada.

Banff Town & Lake Louise – Day 1

We were a little worried as we hadn’t reserved a paid campsite in Banff and wanted to stay in the National Park. We drove 1 hour straight to Protection Mountain campground as they had first come first serve spots. We were extremely relieved to find had many spots available, so we put our name down for 2 nights. Our friend from Jasper was also joining us for this trip!

After securing our place to stay, we drove to Banff town and explored the village for the first time. There are free spots everywhere to park, and many things to do. Later that evening we met our friend and visited Lake Louise for the first time. It is honestly better than the photos, such a beautiful lake to see and a must on a western Canada road trip itinerary.

Where to stay: Protection Mountain – CA$51.80 for 2 nights with a fire permit with free firewood

Moraine Lake & Teahouse Hike – Day 2

After lots of research on the best time to visit Moraine Lake, we decided to see what the famous sunrise at Moraine Lake was like. So, we woke up at 5 am to drive 30 minutes to the parking lot of Moraine Lake and it was so busy!!! We arrived at 5:50 am and were lucky to get one of the last parking spaces, although it is pretty small.

Another great time to see Moraine Lake is late afternoon. They usually block off the road if there are no spaces at the top of the lake. It’s also possible to hike at Moraine Lake, however, we chose to do a different hike this day.

We then headed to Lake Louise to hike the Lake Agnes Tea House and Big Beehive. This was one of our favourite hikes on our cross Canada road trip route and it was definitely because of the views at the top! It takes about 4-5 hours for a roundtrip hike and you get a beautiful view of Lake Louise from above.

Where to stay: (Mentioned above)

Lake Louise in the day time

Banff Town & Canmore- Day 3

After experiencing some major highlights on our 3 month road trip in Canada bucket list, we explored the village again and saw the Fairmount hotel from a distance on a local trail from the town. We then drove to Canmore for the evening which is only a 30 minute drive away. Canmore is quieter than Banff Town and as it’s not in the National Park anymore it’s not illegal to camp for free!

Where to stay: Safeway Carpark in Canmore (lots of other campers)

Canadian Road Trip in Banff National Park

Canmore – 1 day

The next morning we woke up early to hike the Grassi Lakes trail which takes up to 2 hours. The lakes are such beautiful colours of green and blue! We also spent the afternoon walking around Canmore before driving to Drumheller! As it was quite late we found a place to stay at one of the best sights in Drumheller.

Horsethief Canyon was our favourite place to stay on our 3 month Canada road trip! It was also another place we saw the Northern Lights which were once again, so beautiful. It’s a 2-hour drive from Canmore to Horsethief Canyon

Where to stay: Horsethief Canyon

Horsethief Canyon in Drumheller Alberta

Drumheller – 1 day

In the morning we woke up to the view of the impressive Horsethief canyon and chose to walk down into the lower area. Drumheller is a whole new version of Canada and is actually located in the Canadian badlands and nicknamed the dinosaur capital of Canada.

Popular things to do in Drumheller are Royal Tyrrell Museum (Dinosaur museum), see the statue of the World’s Largest Dinosaur, hike the Hoodoo’s trail, visit Horseshoe Canyon and walk on the Star Mine Suspension Bridge.

These activities can take anywhere between 1 or 2 days in Drumheller, we managed to fit everything in 1 day and even managed to drive back to Calgary as it’s only 1.5 hours from Drumheller to Calgary and we watched the sunset over the city at Scotsman’s Hill .

Where to stay: Walmart in Calgary

Calgary – 1 day

A day in Calgary can be done in many ways! We headed out into the centre of the city to see the Calgary Tower up close, we then walked through Chinatown and chilled in Prince’s Island Park. If you have time check out Mt Pleasant View Point for another view of this skyscraper city.

We also stocked up on some essentials at Dollarama and grocery stores whilst we were in a big city so we could continue our cross Canada road trip route! After Calgary, we headed to Canmore which is only a 1 hour drive. On the way to Canmore, we walked the Grotto Canyon Trail which was a great way to get back into nature.

Where to stay: A parking lot in Canmore

Calgary Sunset at Scotsman's Hill

In the morning we headed to Rundle Forebay to do our very first Sup Boarding. Get there early to grab a sup board as it’s first come first serve. In the morning the Canadian Rockies are actually quite cold, even in August!

After enjoying Alberta one final time, we headed back West to Golden which was a 3-hour drive.

Where to stay: We actually stayed at the house we volunteered at, heading back west.

Sup Boarding in Canmore

1 Month Road Trip in British Columbia

British Columbia is an amazing province to explore and great for vanlife in Canada. There is so much to do in both Alberta and BC on a cross Canada road trip that you can spend 3 months just creating a western Canada road trip itinerary!

Note: We spent 2 Weeks in British Columbia volunteering with a few day trips, plus a full 3 weeks exploring the province. So we’ve made this a 1 month itinerary.

Field – 1 day

From Banff, we said goodbye to our friend and hit the road for Field in the morning before heading to Golden in the afternoon. It was about a 2-hour drive from the Protection Mountain campsite.

Workaway in Golden – 2 weeks

Volunteering is something we really want to do more of on our travels. During our 3 month road trip in Canada, we had the opportunity to do a Work Away!

Back when we were in North Battleford we set up Work Away account and were messaged by a British couple building a house on their newly bought property. We arranged to volunteer with them for 2 weeks helping to build their new sustainable house in exchange for a place to stay and food.

Work Away in Canada

Yoho National Park – 1 day

Another great park on our 3 month road trip in Canada is Yoho National Park! We spent one day here seeing some of the hotspots. We saw Emerald Lake , T akakkaw Falls , Natural Bridge , but we missed out on Wapta Falls and Lake O’Hara (as at the time you needed to reserve spots to see this lake).

Where to stay: Unfortunately we don’t have any recommendations here as we stayed at our Work Away site.

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Thompson Falls Hike – 1 day

Thompson Falls hike was a great way to stretch our legs again after working on the house at our Work Away. It takes about 2-3 hours and we even took a huskie dog with us!

Cedar Lake – 1 day

We hung out with the other volunteers for the day at Cedar Lake! They have floating docks so you can jump into the lake, and on a sunny day, the lake is actually quite warm. Lakes in Canada are amazing!

Tip: All Provincial Parks in British Columbia are free!

Revelstoke – 1 day

We explored a few small trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park and explored Revelstoke town. Then we made our way to Salmon Arm and stopped by Rutherford Beach on the way which has amazing views of the Three Valley lake! We also found a spot to chill near the Rubberhead Trail System that gave great views of the town.

From Golden, we drove a total of 3.5 hours to Vernon!

Where to stay: Vernon (next to a lake)

Kelowna – 1 day

Before leaving Vernon we visited Davison Orchards Country Village for some fresh fruit and bakery snacks! Then headed to Kelowna, which impressed us! Their harbour area is lovely! We parked down a residential street nearby and walked into the city past a local man-made beach on the waterfront.

We arrived in Summerland in the afternoon and met one of our friends who was working there! We parked up along the river and took a dip in the warm Okanagan lake. Sadly, the Okanagan Valley was on fire during the time we were there. It’s around 1.5 hours from Vernon to Summerland

Where to sleep: Summerland campsite parking lot (stealthy)

Okanagan Valley Peaches

Kamloops – 1 day

Before we hit the road, we grabbed some fresh Okanagan peaches to take with us. From Summerland, we drove 3 hours through Kamloops and to the area near Savona to find a spot to sleep. (We always use iOverlander to find out free camping spots) We didn’t look around Kamloops too much as we didn’t need anything from a city, however, Riverside Park is a great place to chill.

On the way to Savona, we stopped at Kamloops Lake View Point which gives you an amazing view of the dry plains.

Where to sleep: Savona area near wild horses

Free Wild Camping in Canada British Columbia

Whistler – 2 days

If you’re on a cross Canada road trip, Whistler has to be on your list! It’s so popular in Western Canada and it actually holds one of the largest ski resorts in the world and is the largest in North America. In the summer those slopes turn into hiking opportunities and Whistler village is always full of good vibes.

Cache Creek & Seton Lake – Day 1

It takes about 3.5 hours to make it to Whistler from Kamloops. We were so excited to reach this point after hearing about Whistler so many times from other travellers. There are a few stops you can make on the way:

  • The iconic view of the U shaped road bend, on the east side of Seton Lake.
  • Duffey Lake Viewpoint for more amazing lake views!
  • North Arm Farm to pick all the fruit you can handle!
  • You can also visit Joffre Lakes which needs around 4 hours of hiking time (however it was closed at the time we were there)

We arrived in Whistler in the evening and walked around Whistler village until finding our spot to sleep. (mentioned on day 2)

Train Wreck Trail in Whistler

Whistler Village & Atla Lake – Day 2

We woke up early and headed into Whistler Village to walk around the Lost Lake! In the afternoon we walked the Train Wreck trail, where you can discover abandoned and graffitied old train carriages in the middle of the forest. In the evening we headed to Alta Lake and watched the sunset.

Where to sleep: Residential street parking in Whistler (Not actually allowed, so we’re not advising this. However we only parked there overnight to sleep straight away after cooking somewhere else). There are free camping spots outside of Whistler Village.

Garibaldi Hike – 1 day

We had been dreaming of hiking at Garibaldi Provincial Park for the whole of our cross Canada road trip. So the excitement was real when we started the hike up to Garibaldi lake! It takes about 6 hours there and back and from Whistler, it’s only a 30-minute drive from Whistler to the Rubble Creek trailhead. If you enjoy hiking, Garibaldi Lake should be on your Canadian road trip itinerary!

Where to stay: Walmart in Squamish

Garibaldi Lake hike

Squamish – 1 day

This day was another big highlight of our dream, we were still so happy from our Garibaldi lake hike, and we were about to hike again! The Chief is a famous hike in Squamish and that’s exactly what we did. It’s only a 1 hour drive from Squamish to Vancouver and Squamish is town is great to explore too!

Where to stay: Walmart in Squamish (we also showered in the Squamish community centre)

Sea to Sky Highway – 1 day

The Sea to Sky highway deserves its own day on a 3 month road trip in Canada itinerary. There are so many things to do in between Whistler and Vancouver. Here’s a few of them:

  • Brandywine Falls (30 mins)
  • Tantalus Lookout (10 mins)
  • Shannon Falls Provincial Park (up to 1 hour)
  • Murrin Park Loop Trail (2 hour hike)
  • Admire the views of the Howe Sound from Portaeu Cove (20 mins)
  • at Horsehoe Bay – Whytecliff Lookout Point (30 mins)
  • Lighthouse Park (2 hours)

Where to stay: Walmart in North Vancouver (there are lots of campers staying around this Walmart too)

Stawamus Chief hike

Vancouver – 3 days

OUR NEW HOME! It’s a strange feeling arriving at a city you’re planning on living in but never visited before…but we actually did this with Montreal too! Vancouver is amazing and definitely worth a visit on your 3 month road trip in Canada. We have a guide on the best things to do in Vancouver, you can check it out here!

One of our favourite things to do in Vancouver is to cycle around Stanley Park. Dan used to cycle this for fun in the morning before work, it’s absolutely beautiful! Vancouver is also filled with amazing restaurants including some of the best vegan restaurants, we’ve also written an ultimate guide to vegan restaurants in Vancouver.

We didn’t drive around too much in Vancouver but we did use public transport, walk a lot and even caught a sea bus!

Where to stay: Walmart in North Vancouver

Where to stay: Spanish Banks beach (free spots next to the allocated parking lot) Cold showers and toilet block open in the daytime

Capilano Suspension Bridge at Christmas

Chilliwack – 1 day

It’s a 2 hour drive from Vancouver to Chilliwack and the main reason we visited was to see a friend. However, it’s a popular place for locals to spend time away from the bustling city of Vancouver. Bridal Falls is a popular waterfall to see in Chilliwack and you can also visit Cultus Lake nearby to walk the Teapot Hill Trailhead. You can even catch a movie at Twilight Drive-In Theatre nearer to Abbotsford and Langley.

Where to stay: Walmart in Chilliwack

Vancouver – 1 day

After spending the day in Chilliwack, it’s another 2 hour drive back to Vancouver where we prepared to catch the ferry the following day.

It’s a short 30 minute drive to Horshoe Bay, but for some reason, we planned to travel on a busy long weekend! BC Ferries has reservable bookings and spaces for first come first serve. We wanted to make sure we grabbed a spot so we aimed to catch the first ferry at 5 am or 6 am, the best way to do this was to sleep in our van at Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

We really don’t know if this is allowed, but there were actually a few others with us! Some of them had missed the last ferry of the day back home so they were stuck in their car anyway!

Where to stay: Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

1 week Road Trip in Vancouver Island

Still part of the 1 month road trip in British Columbia, let’s explore Vancouver Island!

Ferry to Vancouver Island

Nanaimo to Tofino – 1 day

We caught the earliest ferry of the day to Nanaimo to start a 1 week Vancouver Island road trip. The ferry journey from Horseshoe Bay is only a couple of hours.

Once we arrived we drove a total of 3 hours to reach Ucluelet and Tofino, but on the way, we stopped by the Old Country Market in Coombs. At Ucluelet we browsed around the area and walked a trail at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse!

Where to stay: A logging road near Tofino (about a 30 minute drive away)

Tofino – 2 days

The logging road to camp for free is a 1 hour roundtrip from Tofino, but the other alternative is to pay for pricey campsites!

Tofino Village – Day 1

We visited Tofino Village in the morning and Dan tried out surfing in Tofino at Long Beach in the afternoon! You can rent a board at many places in Tofino village. Our only problem was that you have to take the board with you to the beach and it’s a tight squeeze in our van. There are also lots of lessons you can do if this is your first time surfing in Canada or anywhere!

Surfing in Tofino

Surfing in Tofino – Day 2

We spent the morning surfing back at Long Beach before saying goodbye to beautiful Tofino and driving 2.5 hours to Port Alberni.

Where to stay: Walmart in Port Alberni

Victoria – 2 days

Little qualicum falls – day 1.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Port Alberni to Victoria which was our next destination. On the way, we visited little Qualicum falls and made our lunch at Qualicum Beach. In the afternoon we stretched our legs at Chemainus before arriving in Victoria.

A lot of travellers head to Victoria when they’re on a cross Canada road trip as it’s the end of the Trans Canadian highway. When we arrived we parked up near Beacon Hill Park and searched for the totem poles!

Where to stay: Residential area near a park in Victoria

Victoria City Centre – Day 2

The city of Victoria isn’t very big, but there are lots of things to do in Victoria over 2 days. We headed into the city centre to admire the oldest Chinatown in Canada and also checked out Fishermans Wharf Park. The legislative Assembly of British Columbia is a building you cannot miss in Victoria and it’s easy to find in the city centre!

British Columbia Museum

Sooke – 1 day

The next morning we managed to reserve tickets for the British Columbia museum and learnt a lot about Canadian history. We then made our way to Sooke which is less than a 1 hour drive from Victoria. We watched the sunset at Creyke Point and saw wild deer!

Where to stay: Parking lot for a beach on the coast

Port Renfrew – 1 day

Sooke is known for its famous potholes in Sooke Provincial Park. There are a few trails and lots of rocks to climb over, but the best part is that you can get into the water (if it’s safe!).

In the afternoon we drove 1 hour to Port Renfrew and walked down to China Beach, the trees are so big here! We also checked out Sombrio Beach and walked some of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail in search of the hidden waterfall!

Where to stay: Rest Stop in Port Renfrew

The trail to China Beach

That’s actually the end of our 3 month road trip in Canada! There is still so much more you can do in Canada, we feel like we’ve only just scratched the surface with cross Canadian road trip’s. This trip was truly an amazing experience and we wish we could do it all over again, minus the breakdown!

If you have even more time, The Sunshine Coast is another beautiful area of Canada to explore. You can catch a ferry to The Sunshine Coast from Vancouver Island or Vancouver. Check out our guide to The Sunshine Coast and also our guide to visit Bowen Island , another great island to explore on a western Canada road trip.

So after finishing our 1 week road trip on Vancouver Island we headed back to Nanaimo to catch a ferry back over to Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver. It’s only a 2 hour drive.

cross canada road trip itinerary

A few Tips for a Canadian Road Trip

  • Bring a big water container with you and make sure it’s filled along the way! (iOverlander has water locations!)
  • You can wash in bathroom sinks (if you’re quick and it’s quiet!)
  • Tim Hortons Wifi will be your saviour!
  • No Frills is usually the cheapest grocery store (but it’s not in all provinces)
  • If you’re travelling in summer, bring a mini fan!
  • Cities are hard to park in when your van is too tall for underground parking.
  • A 3 month road trip in Canada is never long enough!

Best apps for a 3 month Road Trip in Canada

  • iOverlander – how to find the best free camping spots in Canada
  • Googlesheets (the best way to write down your itinerary and keep it for memories!)
  • GasBuddy – a quick way to find the cheapest gas.
  • Husky – collect points from the gas station
  • Duolingo – learn some french along your travels!
  • GoogleMaps – a very obvious one, but download Offline Maps of areas you’ll be going, it will show you roads and restaurants even if you have no signal.

Other travel methods for a Canada Road Trip

It’s possible to use Canadian railways and catch a Train across Canada – Tickets from Toronto to Vancouver can cost from CA$444, find out more information here ! Megabus can help you to get around the east side of Canada, it can even take you to Niagra Falls! Find tickets for Megabus here ! You can always rent cars wherever you go if you’re staying in a city and want to explore nature. Canadian cities also have their own public transport that can get you to nature parks and lakes nearby.

Flying is another travel method you can use, although you will miss the road trip in Canada part of the journey! Hitchhiking is another way of getting around Canada and it can lead to some amazing adventures! Maybe there’s someone road tripping the same way as you! It’s also extremely budget-friendly.

Thank you for reading our big 3 month road trip in Canada! It’s one of the longest road trip’s we’ve ever been on and the first time we’ve tried out vanlife in Canada. We would definitely travel and live in a van or car again in the future! Please if you have any questions, let us know in the comments or reach out to us on Instagram – @ thesunrisedreamers!

Check out our other Canada posts!

  • The Best 3 Days on the Sunshine Coast
  • 3 Days in Toronto on a Budget
  • The Best Day on Bowen Island
  • Camping at Golden Ears in the Rain
  • 20+ Vancouver Bucket-List Worthy Ideas

Vegan in Vancouver posts

Ultimate List of 100% Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver

Amazing vegan-friendly restaurants in vancouver, the best vegan bakeries and ice cream in vancouver.

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ultimate trans canada road trip full travel itinerary

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Love this 💕 so many beautiful photos (Banff, the lakes, waterfalls and the trail to China Beach) and lots of memories. Great tips and itineraries. Vanlife was an adventure! Can’t wait to go.

Thank you so much!! There’s so much to do in Canada, such a big country haha 🙂 Excited for you to go!

Hey guys.. great information. We are at the start of planning. Would you have any advice about buying / renting a van x 3 months? We are Australians. Assuming our international licenses are allowed, what about the ownership of a vehicle? Look forward to hearing from you when you can.

Hi Julie, thanks for your message! We swapped our UK licences for Canadian driving licences, but buying a vehicle (definitely rent) on an international licence may be possible too. We bought our van through Facebook Market for around $6,000 CAD in Montreal, QC and sold it in Vancouver, BC. When you take a vehicle into a different province, it has to go through an inspection/MOT (double-check, as this could have changed) and ours needed a bit of work (the screen cracked), so we sold it for around $3,000. We had a breakdown mid-trip which we also had to pay for. We would probably still buy a van again if we did this trip again, but if you are on a specific time frame a rental van could work for 3 months.

I’m not sure about rental prices, but definitely make sure you have car insurance in case anything goes wrong! The Rockies are hot & cold throughout the day and night so windows like to crack!

Excited to hear about your adventure! We want to do it all over again 🙂

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

Visit Canada by car: The 5 best road trip itineraries

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

You’re at the right place!

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

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

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

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

Which airport to choose to start a Canadian road trip?

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

Canada boasts several international airports .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On their website, you can:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day One : Discovering the city of Montreal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toronto

Day Five : An excursion to Niagara Falls

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

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

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

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

Here’s what I’d suggest you explore:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montreal Mount Royal view

Road Trip in Canada: 10 days

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve summarized the main stages for you below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vancouver

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

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

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

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

Don’t miss out on:

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

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

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

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

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

Jasper National Park

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

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

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

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

Moraine Lake is also a must-see!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calgary Canada

Canada road trip: Two weeks

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

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

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stages:

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

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

First and second day – Things to do:

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to book well in advance by clicking here:

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

Victoria Vancouver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wells Gray Park Helmcken Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Banff National Park

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

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

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

Calgary

Canada road trip: 3 weeks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 and 2 – Vancouver

Day 3 – Victoria , the capital of British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vancouver view from Granville Island

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

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

Day 15 – Cruise to the Thousand Islands or helicopter ride

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

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

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

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

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

Niagara Falls

Canada road trip: One month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montreal-by-night

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

Day 3 – Boat trip around the Thousand Islands

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

Day 6 – Day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls

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

CN Tower

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

Day 8 – Visit the Omega Park and Mont-Tremblant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gaspé Peninsula Quebec

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

Where to stay at each stage of your Canadian journey?

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

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

For Western Canada:

  • Pacific Rim

For Eastern Canada:

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

The Château Frontenac

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

It all depends on the activities you fancy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canada road trip itinerary

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

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

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

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Alberta Road Trips in the Kananaskis

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.

icefields parkway canada

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 .

things to do frank slide

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.

Parque Nacional de Banff

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.

There are so many things to do in Kelowna, which is why it makes such a great Canada road trip.

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.

best things to do in bc

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.

things to do on vancouver island

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 .

One of the most adventurous Canada road trips is the Dempster Highway and this is how to drive the Dempster highway

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.

These are the best views of niagara falls Ontario Canada. Located close to Toronto and Ottawa, Niagara Falls is a great place to visit during a Canada road trip.

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 .

If you like lakes, the lake superior circle tour is a great Canada road trip.

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 !

things to do in quebec

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 .

best things to do in prince edward island

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

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 !

Gros Morne National Park Hiking

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

icefields parkway canada

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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13 Canada Road Trip Ideas

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

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March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

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

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

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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

' src=

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.

' src=

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 🙂

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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?

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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

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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!

' src=

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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cross canada road trip itinerary

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Travel across Canada

Travel across Canada; many Canadians add it to their bucket list.  A -once in a lifetime- cross Canada road trip; from the Wild Pacific to the North Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa.

It takes quite some effort to optimize your travel plans. This page is for those who do not have the time and energy to create a cross Canada road trip itinerary themselves.

The most scenic road trip across Canada

Road book to travel across Canada

Road book reviews

Cross Canada road trip movie

travel across canada

The designed route is -in my opinion-, the most scenic and interesting route to cross Canada by car.

If I would be in the position to join you on your trip, I would guide you exactly the same way as presented in this road trip itinerary. 

I created this specific cross Canada itinerary to refine my own cross Canada road trip (2012), and in order to pass my expertise as a driver/guide for travel tours in Canada. Read more about my travel expertise .

The best of Canada

The selected route uncovers the best of Canada such as

  • rumbling waterfalls,
  • the majestic Rocky Mountains including world famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ,
  • Alberta’s badlands,
  • Saskatchewan’s prairies and endless skies,
  • friendly Manitoba,
  • First Nations culture,
  • Ontario’s Great Lakes including roaring Niagara Falls ,
  • the Rideau heritage route and historical Kings Road, 
  • Capital city Ottawa, and
  • charming Quebec City
  • world’s highest tidal fluctuations at the Bay of Fundy and much more...

Use the itinerary as a guideline for your road trip across Canada.

Interactive E-Road book to Travel across Canada

The interactive   E-R oad Book to Travel across Canada  is a PDF file containing 27 travel days. Your trip starts in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

You can easily add extra destinations and days to extend your journey.  This drive across Canada covers 7250 km/4500 mi.

Included in the ‘Road Book to Travel across Canada’

The E-road book PDF includes:

  • 27 day itineraries, each day itinerary offers - a selection of sights of interest - one or more interactive maps - driving directions
  • web links to - related Provincial Parks & Parks Canada brochures or maps (inserted in the online map) - tourism websites for local destinations
  • an accommodation schedule for planning your stays 
  • 59 maps including links to their online version
  • relevant additional information such as - Canadian federal taxes explained as well as taxes per province - instructions how to use the road trip maps - time zones

preview the Road Book to Travel across Canada

About the sights included in the road book

It is not my intention to include every single activity or sight along the route. Presented sights and activities are carefully selected, based upon quality and feasibility within the day schedule. 

Within your road trip across Canada  there are opportunities to

go out on a hike – paddle – enjoy boat trips –view magnificent wildlife  – ride a gondola - visit  National Historic Sites, World Heritage Sites – explore Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec City –immerse in hot springs – experience the history of fur trade – study petroforms – absorb native culture – witness world’s biggest tidal fluctuations

Cellphone reach and internet along the proposed travel route

In general, a majority of accommodations offer WIFI. Cell phone coverage is poor while travelling across Canada.  I recommend bringing your mobile device (tablet) while travelling. Internet connection makes it possible to use the interactive maps on your mobile device. The latter allows you to open added links and interactive maps. 

Purchase the E-book to  Travel Across Canada

travel across canada

Road Book Reviews

Road book to travel across canada reviews.

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In October 2012, my husband and I drove from our hometown Clearwater, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

My friend Ken Matheson/KM Documentaries, helped me creating this short impression of our cross Canada road trip.

Note: The road book route deviates at several stretches from the road trip in the movie.

You might like these

Wondering how to spend your Canadian Vacations? About train tours, road trips, and guided group travel.In winter try dog sledding during a ski vacation!

Explore various Canadian Vacations

Wondering how to spend your Canadian Vacations? About train tours, road trips, and guided group travel.In winter try dog sledding during a ski vacation!

a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver for the independent traveller. The most scenic -self drive- road trip from the Rockies to the West Coast.

Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver for the independent traveller. The most scenic -self drive- road trip from the Rockies to the West Coast.

Itineraries for self-drive travel British Columbia Canada

Travel British Columbia Canada

Itineraries for self-drive travel British Columbia Canada

cross canada road trip itinerary

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cross canada road trip itinerary

Nova Scotia Cross Canada Road Trip

Route - 5860 km / 3641 mi

Halifax, ns to fredericton, nb, fredericton, nb to quebec city, qc, quebec city, qc to montreal, qc, montreal, qc to ottawa, on.

Welcome to the capital of Canada, Ottawa, where grand Victorian architecture meets the stunning park-lined Rideau Canal.

Ottawa, ON to Mattawa, ON

Mattawa is the place where travellers from all over the world call home for sometimes just a night – and other times for weeks on end.

Mattawa, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Sandstone buildings and a 19th century Canal welcome you as you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie. This border town is home to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, world-class fishing and offers a diverse range of acitivities for the visitor.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Marathon, ON

Today you’re travelling to the north shore of Lake Superior, landing in Marathon. This area is known as the heart of the Canadian Shield.

Marathon, ON to Ignance, ON

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance, home of the eccentric Canadian woodsman, James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat.

Ignance, ON to Kenora, ON

Kenora, on to winnipeg, mb.

Leaving lake country, you’re heading to the city of Winnipeg - the beginning of your adventure across the Canadian Prairies.

Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK

Regina, sk to medicine hat, ab, medicine hat, ab to calgary, ab.

Welcome to Calgary, the home to the greatest outdoor show on earth, the "Calgary Stampede".

Calgary, AB to Banff, AB

Leaving the city of Calgary, begin your trip by driving through rolling foothills towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Banff, AB to Lake Louise, AB

The short drive from Banff to Lake Louise promises big mountain landscapes and emerald-coloured lakes. Find the perfect picnic spot or take a detour to Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

Lake Louise, AB to Kamloops, BC

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops.

Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver. How will you celebrate?

Trip Details

We know it’ll be hard to leave the vibrant port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia – but you have quite the adventure ahead of you and lots to see. Your first stop is Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Visit the historic Garrison District, located right downtown. Or visit a craft brewery, as Fredericton is home to the highest concentration of craft breweries in all of the Maritimes. If you desire some exercise, walk or hop on a bike and take advantage of the trails along the Saint John River. There’s over 90 km to explore and discover.

CanaDream Club Partners:

  • Atlantic Superstore
  • Inn on the Lake
  • Ambassatours Gray Line – Harbour Hopper Tours
  • Kings Landing Historic Settlement
  • I Heart Bikes - Bike Rentals & City Tours
  • Fredericton Military Compound National Historic Site of Canada
  • Tourism Fredericton - Walking Tour
  • Mactaquac Provincial Park 
  • Kings Landing Historical Settlement

Driving north in New Brunswick you’re on your way to the Province of Quebec, landing in Quebec City. Located on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is romantic, charismatic and truly charming piece of Canada. Stroll the walkable, cobblestone streets of Old Québec, the only walled city north of Mexico.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an incredible array of art, food and architecture.

Be sure to check out our CanaDream App to find places to stay so you can receive discounted rates through our partners across Canada.

If you’re travelling in February, plan ahead and take part in Carnival de Quebec. Known simply as Carnival in both English and French, this is a pre-Lenten festival held every year. From a masquerade ball, to snow sculpture events and incredible maple syrup treats, visitors from all over the world attend to take part in the celebration.

CanaDream Club Partners:

  • Croisieres AML
  • Domaine de la Chute
  • Camping Transit
  • Traditional Huron Site
  • Mont-Sainte-Anne: Golf Le Grand Vallon
  • Mont-Sainte-Anne: Hiking and Mountain Biking
  • Mont-Sainte-Anne: RV Site and Skiing
  • Stoneham Mountain Resort
  • Camping Jacques Cartier National Park
  • Camping du Quai
  • Camping du Lac Témiscouata National Park
  • Reford Gardens
  • Pointe-au-Père Site Historique Maritime 
  • Quebec Adventure Tours
  • Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
  • Plains of Abrahams Museum
  • Old Quebec Tours - Unitours 
  • Quebec City KOA Holiday  

From one great city to the next, today you’ll arrive in Montreal. You can’t go wrong taking a food tour of Quebec’s largest city. If eating your way through Montreal’s famous smoked meat and poutine isn’t your thing, why not hike up Mont-Royal and getting a bird’s eye view of the city? Old Montreal is a must-visit - be sure to take a stroll along Saint-Paul Street.

Consider spending the night at Parc National des îles-de-boucherville, just 20 minutes north of the city centre. We also have lots of connections through our CanaDream App so be sure to download it and take advantage of savings on your trip.

  • Camping Plaisance National Park
  • Camping Lac Lafontaine-Parkbridge
  • IGA Extra Famille Girard St. Janvier
  • Metro Plus Blainville
  • Le Bateau Mouche
  • Sandman Montreal-Longueuil
  • Camping Iles-de-Boucherville Parc National
  • Camping Allouette
  • Camping Lac du Repos Resort
  • Domaine de Érables Cottage & RV Resort
  • Borealis History Center
  • Arbraska Rawdon 
  • Arbraska Mont Saint-Gregoire 
  • Saint Lawrence River Shrines 
  • Fort Chambly National Historic Site 
  • Quartier DIX30  

In the centre of Ottawa is Parliament Hill, an impressive grand Victorian building. Visit the National Gallery of Canada or head to ByWard Market for specialty foods like Canadian cheese and the oh-so-famous Canadian maple syrup. The Rideau Canal is another must-see – whether winter or summer, there’s always something going on here. And, if you have an extra day to spare, consider going to Gatineau Park and camping there for the night - it’s just outside the city and across the border in Quebec. Staying Ontario side, the Wesley Clover Parks Campground in Nepean may also be a good choice.

  • Wesley Clover Parks Campground
  • Canadian War Museum
  • Haunted Walks Inc .
  • National Gallery of Canada
  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Camping Oka National Park
  • Les Promenades Gatineau
  • Ottawa City Rafting
  • Camp Fortune
  • Canadian Museum of Nature
  • C’est Bon Ottawa   

Known to host voyagers for centuries, you’ll find plenty of hospitality, home-cooked food and local secrets for your journey ahead. Check out our CanaDream app for nearby camping.

  • OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
  • Madawaska Kanu Centre
  • Bonnechere Caves
  • BeaverTails - Killaloe  

On the shore of the Great Lake Superior, and just along St. Marys River, is the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Home to world-class fishing and original Group of 7 paintings at the Art Gallery of Algoma, there’s a diverse offering of things to do and see here. Get up early and fit in a round of golf or take advantage of the walking trails before hitting the road again. Check out our CanaDream app for near-by camping.

If you're travelling during 'train' season (mid June to mid October), make sure you book a seat on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. This one-day wilderness excursion will transport you 114 miles north of the "Soo" into the heart of the Canadian Wilderness.

  • Sault Ste. Marie KOA
  • Sturgeon Falls KOA 
  • Mississagi Provincial Park 
  • Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA  

It’s rumored the best place to capture a panoramic view of Lake Superior is from Hawk’s Ridge. The area offers four-season activities so, no matter the time of year you’re stopping in here, there’s sure to be something for you to do after a day on the road. Hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities that keep the locals busy year-round.

  • Wawa RV Resort and Campground

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance. According to locals, a must visit while you’re here is the White Otter Castle located on White Otter Lake. It’s a three-story castle built at the turn of the century by an eccentric hermit named James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat. He lived off the land and built his dream home – being recognized as a Canadian frontiersman. There is no road access to the castle. Check with local operators for access information.

  • Happy Land Park
  • Ojibway Provincial Park
  • Aaron Provincial Park
  • Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
  • Caliper Lake Provincial Park 
  • Thunder Bay KOA

Take a load off when you arrive in Kenora and spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful lake country either on shore or by boat.

Kenora is Ontario’s destination for boating on the incredible Lake of the Woods where there are 14,542 islands to explore. From craft brewery tours to yoga classes, farmer’s markets to having a shoreline fish-fry, you won’t be shy for things to do and places to relax in this wonderful part of the province. CanaDream Club Partners

Visit The Forks, a historic shopping and dining area, or take a west-end walking tour - tasting your way through this neighbourhood while taking in murals and scoping out the latest artist creations. Visit the Royal Canadian Mint, an incredible building that produces coins for over 70 countries, or one of Winnipeg’s museums. Include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (find out how to save on your visit here through our CanaDream Club App) or the Manitoba Museum.

  • Rock Garden Campground
  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights
  • Winnipeg West KOA
  • Royal Canadian Mint - Winnipeg  

This small prairie city has a variety of unique neighbourhoods to visit. Take advantage of the Regina Farmers’ Market and stock up your cooler or spend some your evening on the Dewdney Strip where you can eat, drink and take in local live music after a day on the road.

  • Government House Museum – National Historic Site
  • RCMP Heritage Centre  
  • Buffalo Pound Provincial Park 

The most westerly of the prairie provinces is in sight. Canada’s unofficial home of all things cowboy can be found in the province of Alberta.

CanaDream Club Partners

  • The Tunnels of Moose Jaw 
  • La Reata Ranch

Formerly referred to as "Cowtown", this city of more than a million people has evolved and adopted the city slogan "Feel the Energy". With the Rocky Mountains just a stone's throw away, Calgary is the last prairie stop before you head further west on your Canadian tour. Eat your way through what’s known as 17th Ave., take in a hockey game with the local Calgary Flames or visit the Calgary Tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city and mountains.

Be sure to check out our partners with the CanaDream Club app so you can take advantage of deals and places to stay on your stopover here.

  • Heritage Park Historical Village
  • TELUS Spark
  • Calgary Tower
  • Sandman Hotel Calgary
  • Best Western Plus Port O Call
  • Acclaim Hotel Calgary
  • Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites
  • Wyndham Garden Calgary
  • Save-On-Foods Calgary CrossIron Mills
  • Days Inn Calgary North Balzac
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie
  • Wintergreen Golf & Country Club
  • Save-on-Foods Cochrane

Before you know it, you’re surrounded by towering mountains and greeted in Canmore by the iconic mountains known as the Three Sisters. Further along the highway, you’ll enter the gates of Banff National Park (where you’ll need a park pass) for your overnight stay in the Park.

Endless adventure awaits you in Banff National Park as well as fine dining, art and museums, entertainment and adventure. Banff just might be the greatest outdoor playground in Canada.

  • Alpine Helicopter Tours
  • Canmore Cave Tours
  • Canadian Rockies Rafting
  • White Mountain Adventures
  • Banff Scooter Company
  • Discover Banff Tours
  • Banff Canoe Club

Luxury meets adventure in Lake Louise – from relaxing at dining at the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louse to hiking the well-known Lake Agnes Teahouse and other trails. You can occupy your days surrounded by incredible beauty in every direction. And, for a bird’s eye view that doesn’t require leg power, head over to the Lake Louise Gondola to take in the breathtaking views and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife too.

  • Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift and Gondola
  • Banff Sunshine Meadows
  • Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit 
  • Canadian Rockies Hot Springs 
  • Banff Scooter Company Ltd  

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops .

Here the north and south Thompson Rivers meet. Skiers and boarders might be interested in checking out Sun Peaks Resort – also a place to mountain bike in the summer. This vibrant community offers year-round adventure and incredible live music and entertainment.

We have loads of CanaDream Club partners along this route so make sure to check our app so you can take advantage of savings available along your route.

  • Hydra River Guides
  • Wild Water Adventures
  • Golden Municipal Campround
  • Glacier Raft Company
  • Canyon Hot Springs
  • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
  • Apex Rafting Company
  • Great Canadian Tours
  • 3 Valley Gap Heritage Tours
  • SkyTrek Adventure Park
  • Crazy Creek Resort
  • Beardale Riverside Camping
  • Hidden Valley Campground
  • Pinantan Lake Resort
  • Hitch n Rail Resort
  • Pinegrove Campground

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver . How will you celebrate?

Along your drive today, stop in at Spences Bridge and learn about the slide in 1905 that demolished the town prior to the Goldrush. Today the population is just 138 people. And, if you have an extra day to spare, a visit to Harrison Hot Springs is always some welcome relaxation after a long journey.

If you’re looking to stop and refuel along this leg of the journey, the town of Hope is a great place to do just that before arriving in Vancouver.

Vancouver, British Columbia’s most iconic city, is situated alongside the Pacific Ocean. There’s no limit to what you can see and do here. Since you’ve just travelled across the country, a celebration is most definitely in order. And, if you feel like a bird’s eye view of Canada, head down to Canada Place and watch FlyOver Canada for another perspective.

  • Hells Gate Airtram
  • Coquihalla Campground
  • Bridal Falls Camperland
  • Eagle Wind RV Park
  • Pacific Border RV Park
  • Peace Arch RV Park
  • Real Canadian Superstore
  • Burnaby Cariboo R.V. Park
  • Metropolis at Metrotown
  • Coast Hotels
  • Steveston Seabreeze Adventures
  • Vancouver Whale Watch
  • Quality Hotel Airport
  • Accent Inn Vancouver
  • Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver
  • Landsea Tours & Adventures
  • Off The Eaten Track – Olympic Village Food Tour
  • Off The Eaten Track – Railtown Urban Eats Tour
  • Sandman Vancouver City Centre
  • Vancouver Lookout
  • Cycle City Tours and Rentals
  • Harbour Air Seaplanes
  • Harbour Cruises Ltd .
  • Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
  • Vancouver Aquarium
  • Talaysay Tours
  • Capilano River RV Park
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge
  • Grouse Mountain

Other Itineraries in Nova Scotia

cross canada road trip itinerary

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Road trips in Canada

Western conquest.

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

Wonders of Canada

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

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

The West by RV

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

Legendary landscapes

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

West with the family

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

Passionate by nature

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

Legendary splendour

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

The Rockies by train

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

Ontario & Quebec

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

Dream destinations

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

Us, ye, and the Islands !

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

The Maritimes by RV

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

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

Authentik Quebec by the sea

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

  • Eco-friendly

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

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

From glaciers to geysers

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

Family vacation in Quebec

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

The New World

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

The Green Odyssey

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

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

Once in the West

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

Warm Canadian Welcome

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

Back-country roads

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

Indian summer

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

Canadian treasures

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

Trekking in Quebec

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

Vancouver Island

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

Nomad spirit

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

Large as life

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

Wild refinement

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

From the Rockies to Yellowstone

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

Family adventure

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

La Belle Province

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

Destination Maritimes

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

Gaspesie road trip

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

Quebec by Motorhome

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

Wilderness trail

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

Heart of Quebec

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

Indian summer by RV

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

The nature of Quebec

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

The grand seduction

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

Family zone

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

Gaspesie family vacation

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

My custom road trip

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Canada

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

When should I book my Canada tour ?

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

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

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

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

What is the Authentik roadbook ?

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

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

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

See our " Roadbook " section for more information.

Which destination to choose between Eastern and Western Canada ?

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

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

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

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

Both types of travel have their pros and cons.

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

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

See all FAQs on road trips in Canada

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

Love Life Abroad

Canada & USA Road Trips for Families: Our Best Itineraries

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

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

canada-usa-road-family-road-trip-feature

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

Our Best Itineraries for Families: Canada & USA Road Trips

1. road trip across canada.

Canadian Rockies in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Northern Ontario, Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Kananaskis Country, Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

Sunrise at Lake Louise

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

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

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

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

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

3. Victoria, Canada

Colorful Boats at Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria, BC

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

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

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

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

4. Coast New England, USA

coast-new-england-road-trip

Recommended by Brit from Travel by Brit .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Coast of Maine, USA

coast-maine-road-trip

Recommended by Melissa from Navigation Junkie.

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

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

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

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

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

6. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway

virginia-road-trip

Recommended by Erin from Go Hike Virginia .

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Grand Teton, Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

yellowstone-grand-teton-glacier-road-trip

Recommended by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bags .

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

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

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

Day 2: Drive the loop through Grand Tetons.

Day 3: Choose your favorite hikes.

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

Day 5: Drive the southern loop in Yellowstone .

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11: Spend the day exploring Lake McDonald .

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

Day 13: Do some hiking by Two Medicine area.

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

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

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

8. Route 66 Road Trip

route-66-road-trip-1

Recommended by Kirsty from Lost on 66 .

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

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

Day 1: Spend the day in Chicago .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 13 & 14: Explore Los Angeles.

9. Utah’s Mighty 5

utah-np-road-trip-1

Recommended by Daria from The Discovery Nut .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. California, Nevada, Utah & Arizona

utah-arizona-road-trip

Recommended by Urvi from Urvi’s Travel Journal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7 : Flagstaff- Sedona – California.

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

11. Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

pacific-coast-road-trip

Recommended by Emily from The Mandagies .

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s definitely the trip of a lifetime!

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

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

🚗 Prepare your car or rent a campervan

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts: Canada & USA Road Trips for Families

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

Which road trip will you do?

Related Articles

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

  • Driving Across Canada Tips
  • Best Road Trip Games

Emilie Brillon

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

Happiest Outdoors

How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

By: Author Taryn Eyton

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

If you think of National Parks in Canada, you probably think of the famous National Parks in Canada’s Rocky Mountains near Banff. And yes, the mountain parks are spectacular. But… Canada is a REALLY big country with a REALLY varied landscape. And we have dozens of National Parks spread all the way from sea to sea, to sea. (That last “sea” is the Arctic if you weren’t sure.)

I have visited a lot of Canada’s National Parks. Recently I wanted to figure out how many parks I had left to visit, and the best way to see them. I’ve also driven across Canada twice, and I know it’s a beautiful trip.

I had a look at a map and figured out that while some Canadian National Parks are fly or boat-in only, most of them are easy to reach on a road trip. And actually, you could design a really epic road trip from coast to coast that includes most of the National Parks plus lots of Canada’s major cities.

So I sat down with google maps and worked one out for you! Here is my guide to the ultimate Canadian National Parks road trip. Enjoy!

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian national parks gifts

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Table of Contents

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Planning

As of 2019, Canada has 48 National Parks. Thirty-one of them have road-access. (You have to fly or boat into the others.) I’ve used Google maps to design a cross-Canada road trip that visits all 31 of those parks with the least amount of backtracking possible. In most places, the route stays close to the trans-Canada highway, so it’s easy to take short detours off the cross-Canada route to visit National Parks.

This road trip visits every single Canadian province and two territories. (Nunavut isn’t connected to the road network. That means it’s not even possible to road trip there!) It includes 31 National Park and also visits lots of major Canadian cities and provincial capitals, since you’ll have to to eat some great food and soak up some culture now and then.

Peyto Lake in Banff National Park

The entire Canadian National Parks road trip involves over 19,000km (11,800 miles) of driving. And lots of the parks are REALLY big. For example, Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than the entire country of Denmark! (For more fun trivia, check out this list of 155 crazy facts about Canada ).

At a minimum, it would take about a month or two to complete the entire trip, but it would be REALLY rushed. Ideally, I would set aside at least 4 months for this epic road trip, but ideally closer to 5 or 6 months to really spend time in each place.

Of course, that’s a lot of time off for most people, so if you don’t have that much time, take a few weeks to just do a section. Some of the areas I’ve enjoyed the most are the Rocky Mountain parks in BC and Alberta, and the Atlantic Canadian provinces, especially Newfoundland.

Weather in Canada is no joke. By far the best time of year to do this road trip would be the summer months of June to September. May and October are also nice unless you are in the north. Theoretically, you could do this trip at any time of year with good snow tires and some winter driving experience, but many of the parks have reduced services in the winter or close completely. 

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Map

Here’s the custom google map of Canada’s National Parks I’ve made for you. Click to explore the map. The National Parks you can visit by car are in green. Parks you have to fly or boat into are in red. The blue line is the epic Canadian National Park road trip route.

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Google Map

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a list of every single National Park in Canada visited on the road trip, in order from west to east. It also includes important cities and provincial capital cities. I’ve listed every National Park and city I have visited in bold. That means I’ve been to 17 of the 31 parks on this road trip already! Just 14 to go!

  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Pacific Rim National Park  (Read about the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim)
  • Gulf Islands National Park
  • Vancouver, British Columbia ( Read Vancouver area posts )
  • Mount Revelstoke National Park (Read my guide to Mount Revelstoke National Park )
  • Glacier National Park
  • Kootenay National Park (Read about the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park)
  • Waterton Lakes National Park
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Banff National Park (Read about h ow to visit Banff in the fall and what to do in Banff in the spring )
  • Yoho National Park ( Read about Lake O’Hara in Yoho )
  • Jasper National Park
  • Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
  • Kluane National Park
  • Wood Buffalo National Park
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Elk Island National Park
  • Prince Albert National Park
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
  • Grasslands National Park
  • Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Riding Mountain National Park
  • Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Pukaskwa National Park
  • Georgian Bay Islands National Park
  • Bruce Peninsula National Park
  • Point Pelee National Park
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Rouge National Urban Park
  • Thousand Islands National Park
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • Montreal, Quebec
  • La Mauricie National Park
  • Quebec City, Quebec
  • Mingan Archipelago National Park
  • Forillon National Park (Read my friend Josanne’s guide to hiking and camping in Forillon National Park )
  • Kouchibouguac National Park
  • Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • Fundy National Park
  • Prince Edward Island National Park
  • Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
  • Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Keijimkujik National Park
  • Cape Breton Highlands National Park
  • Gros Morne National Park (Read about the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne)
  • Terra Nova National Park
  • St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park

Canadian National Parks Without Car Access

While they are difficult to get to, and in many cases pretty expensive, I’d love to visit some of Canada’s more remote National Parks. Here are the other 17 National Parks that require charter flights or boats to reach. I’ve included info on their location and how to get there if you’re curious.

Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve: Located in southeastern Labrador, the only way to reach this park is to fly in from the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Aulavik National Park: This park is on the north end of Banks Island, an arctic island in the North-West Territories. To get there, you’ll fly in from Inuvik, NWT.

Auyuittuq National Park: To get to this park on the southern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut, you charter a flight from Iqaluit, NU.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: This national park is located in the southern end of Haida Gwaii (also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the west coast of British Columbia. To get to Haida Gwaii, drive your car onto the passenger ferry in Prince Rupert, BC. Once you’re on the island, you can take a boat or a float plane from Queen Charlotte City into the park. Read my guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve .

SGang Gwaay heritage site - one of the best things to do in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Ivvavik National Park: This park is located along the Arctic Ocean in the northern part of the Yukon Territory. The only way to get there is to charter a flight from Inuvik, NWT. 

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve: This Canadian national park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Yukon Territory. To get there, you’ll need to fly to the remote communities of Norman Wells, Tulita, or Fort Simpson, NWT, and then charter a floatplane into the park. 

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the southwestern part of the North West Territories, you can only reach Nahanni National Park by floatplane. Charter one in Fort Simpson or Yellowknife (NWT), Watson Lake (YT), or Muncho Lake (BC).

Qausuittuq National Park: This park is located on Bathhurst Island in Nunavut’s high arctic. To get there, you can fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Quttinirpaaq National Park: Canada’s northernmost National Park, this park is located on Ellesmere Island. To get there, you’ll have to fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut to Resolute Bay, then into the park.

Sable Island National Park Reserve: Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a giant sand bar with a population of wild horses. The only way to reach it is by charter flight from Halifax, NS.

Sirmilik National Park: This arctic National Park is on the northern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut. To get there, fly from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then snowmobile or boat into the park.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve: This brand new National Park was just created in 2019. It’s located on the eastern end of Great Slave Lake in the North West Territories. The only way to get there is by boat or floatplane from Yellowknife. 

Torngat Mountains National Park: Located in northern Labrador, the easiest way to get there is to take a charter flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador to Saglek airstrip at the southern end of the park. From there you can take a boat or helicopter into the park.

Tuktut Nogait National Park: This northern park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Nunavut. To get there, book a charter flight from Inuvik, NWT.

Ukkusiksalik National Park: Located in Nunavut near Hudson’s Bay, the only way to reach this park is by charter flight from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, or Naujaat, Nunavut then boat or fly into the park.

Vuntut National Park: This National Park is located near the Alaska border in Yukon Territory. To get there, fly to Old Crow, Yukon, then fly or paddle into the park.

Wapusk National Park: Located in the heart of polar bear country on Hudson’s Bay in Manitoba, this park can be reached by boat, snowmobile, plane or dog team from the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

Canadian National Parks Resources

  • Parks Canada’s website is your best source for up to date info on the parks. You can also buy National Parks passes online . For an extended trip, the best deal is the Discover Pass, which gets you in to all parks for a year. 
  • To help plan your trip (and get excited about what you’ll be seeing) the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada is a great choice. National Geographic also has a great bundle of maps of Canada . They’re waterproof and tear-resistant so they’re great on the road or for at-home planning.
  • For general Canada travel advice, Lonely Planet’s Canada Travel Guide is great. We used an older version of this guide on our drives across Canada.

So there’s my itinerary for the most epic Canadian National Parks road trip. If you are planning a road trip across Canada, these 31 National Parks should be on your list. 

Don’t have enough time for a full cross-Canada road trip? Here are some ideas for shorter Canadian road trips :

  • Drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
  • Explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
  • Take a hot springs road trip in BC and Alberta
  • 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
  • Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
  • The Best Canadian Adventure Books
  • Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
  • Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
  • Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
  • Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park
  • Hiking the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park
  • Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park: Everything You Need to Know
  • Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
  • Latest Posts

Taryn Eyton

  • Dehydrating Food For Backpacking: A Beginner’s Guide - March 15, 2024
  • St. Mark’s Summit Hike in West Vancouver - March 8, 2024
  • High Falls Creek Hike in Squamish (By a Local) - March 4, 2024

Saturday 23rd of March 2024

Very well done and I really like the fact that you admit that this itinerary will take at least 4 months. People do not always understand how big Canada is. Thanks!

Saturday 25th of June 2022

I have two questions: 1. What are A, B, C, .... meanings on the map? The map cannot be linked to the google map. 2. I plan to visit Acadia NP and across the border to visit Canada NP nearby. Would you please advise on the best road trip? James

Taryn Eyton

Tuesday 28th of June 2022

Sorry about that - the link is fixed now and you can click through to see everything in Google Maps now. The closest Canadian National Park to Acadian National Park is Fundy National Park in New Brunswick.

Monday 31st of January 2022

Hello Taryn!!! My name is Barbara and my family and I are planning a 38 days epic road trip through national parks in the Northwest United States and Southwest Canada. I would love to talk to you about some of the planning logistics with you if you can reach out to me via email.

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

Hi Barbara, That sounds like an incredible trip. Feel free to email me: taryn [at] happiestoutdoors [dot] ca if you're looking for help planning. I offer travel consultation services and custom itineraries.

Saturday 10th of July 2021

Can you please explain your map that has indexed A to I three different times on the map. Are they the same repeated or… please help I’m planning to go across Canada in the fall and like your site.

Sunday 11th of July 2021

That's just a function of how google maps works - it has a limit on how many stops you can include in one trip. So I had to split it up into several segments. If you click through to the map you can see the entire route.

Thursday 1st of April 2021

You can’t drive through wood Buffalo national park. There is no road in summer. You can only do that route via arc or canoe.

You should publish advice on things that you haven’t done and are inaccurate.

Friday 2nd of April 2021

Hi Kate. You're right - I haven't done this route. As I say in the post, I've done portions of it and the rest is for inspiration only - It's a dream route that I'd love to do some day. And you're right - can't drive through Wood Buffalo National Park. But the Google maps route that I suggest recommends driving paved roads (highway 5) to Fort Smith NWT (the gateway to Wood Buffalo), then taking turning around and taking the same highway back to connect with the 35 down to Edmonton. In the post I haven't suggested driving through the park or driving on roads that aren't open all year.

Canada Crossroads

Epic 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary & Road Trip

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Canada’s showstopper mountains await you in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park. In this post, we will share an EPIC 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary in a road trip format. 

At these national parks located primarily in Alberta, you will see the Canadian Rockies in all their glory. Living in Edmonton, the Canadian Rockies have been our weekend getaway for years, and we really enjoyed all of our road trips here, and continue to do so!

Table of Contents

Canadian Rockies Itinerary: An epic 10 day Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

cross canada road trip itinerary

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

Banff National Park was recognized as a national park in 1885. In Banff, you will be mesmerized by stunning mountain views, pristine lakes and rivers, outdoor activities, slow traveling, good food, and great hospitality. 

There are five national parks located within the Canadian Rockies. Four of them are adjacent to each other and make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. 

Best hikes in Banff National Park

These four parks are 

  • Banff National Park, 
  • Jasper Banff National Park, 
  • Kootenay Banff National Park, 
  • Yoho Banff National Park,
  • Waterton National Park 

We will explore the 3 national parks (and at least five lakes or more) in 10 days. Here are quick planning tips for your Yoho, Banff, and Jasper itinerary 

Entry fees:

There are entry fees required at all the National Parks in Canada including at Banff, Jasper, and Yoho. You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass for an individual or family/group. It’s payable at the gate. Make sure to tape the entry pass on your vehicle’s windshield.

The fee is calculated based on the number of days you spend at the park. If you are staying in Banff for 1 to 24 hours, regardless of your accommodation, you will pay for a 1-day entry fee. Similarly, if you stay for additional nights, you pay per day for park entry fees.

All the national parks have the same entry fee and the same rules. For example, let’s say you are driving from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, and you have paid for your park entry in Banff; so long as the time/day/date are covered, you will not need to pay again. 

Canadian Rockies Roads

Just show your pass at the gate. If you are not entering the national parks but are traveling via the Trans-Canada Highway, you do not need to pay any park fees.

  • Entry fee for individual parks is $19.60 CAD/day for a vehicle. Parks Canada offers free entry for youth – 17 years and under for National Parks only.
  • You can also purchase The Discovery Pass, for unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada, valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary Canada and drive to Banff

If you are traveling or flying from the United States or the east coast of Canada, you will most likely arrive in Calgary. Calgary is one of the largest cities in Alberta and is also the nearest airport to Banff National Park.

One day in Calgary Itinerary

On day 1 of your Canadian Rockies Itinerary, arrive in Calgary . 

To drive to Banff, you can rent a car from Calgary International Airport or from anywhere in the city. Purchase insurance and track the kms that you travel. Many rental companies operate in Calgary, Alberta, including at the airport.

Note you can also hop on a bus to reach Banff town from Calgary. Buses are available to take you from the Calgary airport or major hotels to Banff. Shuttle bus tickets range from about $69 to $169 CAD. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter at the airport.

Driving time from Calgary to Banff is 1 hour 30 minutes. And you can travel via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. 

Top Hotels/Airbnbs to stay in Banff : 

  • Rimrock Resort Hotel: Located in Banff town, Rimrock Hotel is a nice 4-star property, with beautiful suites, restaurants on site. For breathtaking views, opt for a room with mountain views. Check out reviews and photos here
  • Juniper Hotel : Based a little further away from Banff town, but Juniper Hotel has a gorgeous bistro to die for. We love staying here for amazing morning breakfast views. Click to check prices and availability
  • Find Airbnbs in Banff

Restaurants to try out in Banff:

  • Magpie and Stump
  • Park Distillery and Bar
  • Nourish Bistro Banff
  • Other eats: Boston Pizza, Good Earth Cafe, Balkan Restaurant

Day 2: Explore Banff town  

Next morning, wake up to a warm breakfast in the downtown area . Our pick is Touloulou’s. Today’s itinerary will be an easy one, and will revolve in and around Banff Avenue. So it is a good idea to hang out at a breakfast cafe and enjoy a mountain staycation. 

View of Banff town - Alberta towns

Wander Banff town and explore its beautiful streets. At Banff Avenue you will find tons of photo opportunities as well as souvenir stores to buy goodies back home. 

There are tons of free parking lots available in the downtown area. We recommend that you park your car and walk around the downtown area, before driving to the Banff Gondola.

After breakfast and time at Banff Avenue, drive to the Sulphur Mountains Sightseeing area. The Sulphur Mountains are a mountain range in the Canadian Rockies. They are best-known for the 8-minute Banff Gondola ride to the top. 

There is free parking available at the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Washrooms, gift shops and Starbucks Cafe are also located in the complex. Gondola rides start at $59 CAD, and includes a trip to the mountain top and back. 

Banff Gondola Ride

You can easily spend a couple of hours here checking out the valley and soaking in mountain views. There are various levels to explore the scenic views from an 360 degree observation deck to stunning boardwalks and a Sky Bistro! 

Our favorite is the boardwalk, where you can enjoy a lovely stroll (2 km) to Sanson’s Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station—a National Historic Site of Canada.

Sulphur Mountain Gondola is open all year round. During winters, they also organize special events like ‘Christmas on Mountaintop’, Stargazing and festive dining at the Sky Bistro (restaurant). 

Banff Gondola Views

If you do not wish to pay for a Gondola ride, you can also hike/walk the Sulphur Mountains in about 2 hours. 

From Banff Gondola, head to the Bow Falls . The falls are located right by the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (which has parking and is completely accessible without hiking).

Spend 30 minutes or so at the Bow Falls. And then opt for a Castle Food Tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It is a perfect way to relish culinary delights from a master chef, and also learn about the history of this heritage hotel and food in Alberta. 

In the evening, it’s time for a walk at the Cascade of Time Gardens. This place is super stunning and it looks like a fairy tale, with the gorgeous mountains and a Tudor Gothic Revival-style administrative building. 

Cascade of Time Gardens

The Cascade Gardens are my absolute favorite best photo spots in Banff. They are located not too far from downtown Banff, so you can easily walk to this photo spot. 

During summers the daylight hours will be longer, so you can even have a nice stroll as late as 08:00 pm. Gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. Access is free.  

Day 3: Explore Lakes and Banff Hot Springs

On day 3, drive inside Banff National Park and stop by beautiful lakes. Start the day early to make the most of this drive to 3 lakes – Minnewanka Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Moraine Lake.

Lake Minnewanka is located 11 kilometers from Banff town. The lake is easily accessible by road, with parking spaces available. Not only is it one of the best photo spots in Banff but it is also a great place to kayak or take a cruise to Spirit River, tasting some wine and cheese on the go. The stunning mountains and beautiful lake make for more picture-perfect moments.

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park

At the Lake Minnewanka Loop, you might be lucky and see bighorn sheep. You can also take a leisurely cruise on the lake. 

Activities in and around Lake Minnewanka

  • Walk or stroll the beautiful lake Minnewanka boardwalk and sightseeing areas. 
  • A variety of Lake Minnewanka Cruises are available from June to September. More information on cruises, schedules and current prices  
  • If you wish to hike in Banff , you can go on a 40 minute Stewart Canyon Trail (easy to moderate level hiking). 
  • If you have additional time on your hands, embark on Aylmer Pass (23.4 km round trip). The trail includes a climb to 560 meters, to reveal a stunning panoramic view of “The Lake of The Spirits.”

Up next is the Two Jack Lake – a pristine lake located on the Lake Minnewanka Loop. Two Jack Lake is perfect for swimming and kayaking. During the summer, it’s a great place to sit back, picnic, or read a book. 

Two Jack Lake is where Salil and I got married. It is definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the Canadian Rockies (and one that is not overly crowded)!

10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Speaking of crowds, Moraine Lake is notorious for that! The stunning site of the mountains, lake, and colorful kayaks at the dock is one of the most iconic images of Banff National Park. It is just so pretty! 

It is not difficult to take this shot; the problem lies in finding parking and making your way to the lake. 

During the summer months, especially in the afternoons, you might find yourself stuck in traffic (i.e., lining up to find a parking spot). To avoid this, head to the lake in the morning before 09:00 am or after 05:00 pm. 

In 2020, even with restrictions on international travel the parking lot at Moraine Lake was filled as early as 5:00 am. We have been lucky to find parking in the evenings (with a 5 to 10 minute wait). 

Note that access is closed in the winters, starting from Canadian Thanksgiving day in October.

You can opt for a full day at Moraine Lake too if you like. Come early at 4:30 am or 5 am, find a parking spot and take your sunrise Instagram shots taken, and then spend the entire day outdoors.

Hiking Trails in and around Moraine Lake 

  • Larch Valley: The Larch Valley hike is one of the easiest hikes in the Moraine Lake area. It lasts for 1-2 hours.
  • Sentinel Pass: Sentinel Pass is a continuation of the Larch Valley hike and will take you higher above for incredible views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of 732 meters. It’s a 12-km hike (round-trip).
  • Consolation Lakes: Another easy hike at 60 meters’ elevation and a duration of 1-2 hours

After a day of hiking (or lake sightseeing) soak in hot thermal waters, while sipping a drink and taking in those gorgeous mountains views. 

The Upper Banff Hot Springs are a delight after a long day of hike, or sightseeing. These thermal waters were discovered in 1883, and have been pulling tourists since then. Imagine soaking into warm waters and looking over at the Mount Rundle. 

Banff Upper Hot Springs admission fees are $8.30 (adult), $6.30 (youth), and children under the age of 3 are free. Don’t forget to carry your swimwear! If not, you can rent one at the Hot Springs Complex . 

Day 4: Day trip to Lake Louise

Lake Louise is THE most recognizable image of the Canadian Rockies. It is located about 90 minutes outside Banff town, in the hamlet of Lake Louise, Alberta. 

You can embark on the Trans Canada Hwy and reach Lake Louise (quickest way). There are parking areas, washroom close to Lake Louise. 

Lake Louise views

A glacial-fed lake, Lake Louise sparkles a pristine blue turquoise hue in the summertime, making it perfect for memorable holiday shots, nature photography, and outdoor activities. 

The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located near the lake, and the town centre of Lake Louise is an excellent area to have a meal, buy souvenirs and candy! 

  • The most popular activities in Lake Louise include horseback riding day trips during the summer season and sleigh rides in the winter. Read our entire guide to visiting Lake Louise in winter 
  • Lake Louise Ski Resort is also a popular spot for winter activities in the mountains
  • You can rent a canoe from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Boathouse to go deeper and closer to the scenic mountains. Rentals start at $85 CAD per hour. 
  • For a romantic staycation and celebrations, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise . Book one of the deluxe spa treatments whilst enjoying amazing views.

We recommend starting early and staying here for a day. During summers, you can hike the 2.2 mile to the Tea House, which starts on the shores of Lake Louise near the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. It is a moderate trail and takes about 1.50 to 2 hours. You can relax at the tea house, and then embark on a return trip. Keep in mind it is seasonal, and is only open during summer months. 

NOTE: Finding accommodation in Lake Louise in the summer is difficult. But if you are lucky we recommend staying here for a few days and continuing to Yoho National Park as a day trip, and then head to Jasper National Park. 

If accommodation is an issue, you can still keep your Banff hotel as base, and drive to Lake Louise and back (Day 4), and do the same on day 5 for Yoho National Park.

Day 5: Head to Yoho National Park British Columbia

Yoho National Park is located in the province of British Columbia and forms a part of the Canadian Rockies mountain range. It is a phenomenal place—a protected alpine paradise—and it deserves at least one day on your road trip itinerary.

Driving Distance

  • Banff to Yoho National Park : 1.25 hours 
  • Lake Louise to Yoho : 40 minute

You don’t have to pay any entry fees at Yoho National Park, if you have already pre-paid for 10 days at the Banff entrance. 

Viewing areas - Natural Bridge

There are tons of things to see in Yoho National Park, but we will stick to a few for a day trip itinerary. We highly recommend stopping by the Takakkaw Falls, the Kicking Horse River, and the ever-so-beautiful turquoise-colored Emerald Lake. You can certainly cover the highlights in a day, as well as fit in a short hike or leisurely canoe ride.

While road tripping from Banff/Lake Louise to Yoho National Park, you will arrive at Lower Spiral Tunnel. This viewpoint is located 7.4 km east of Field on the Trans-Canada Highway (your first stop for the day).

There are informative displays on the Spiral Tunnels and the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site of Canada . These tunnels were created when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation and a railway network was constructed. A quick stop is all you need, but if you wish to capture the trains pass through you will have to wait for a while. (About 25 to 30 trains pass through the Spiral Tunnels every day).

Next on the Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary is the Natural Bridge – a convenient spot to capture the nature-scape of the Canadian Rockies. This is a unique phenomenon in which 2 rocks create a bridge-like structure. 

cross canada road trip itinerary

The turquoise blue water that passes through it makes this bridge quite unique. You don’t have to hike or spend hours to get to this beautiful spot. The bridge is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway and parking is available right in front of it. 

When heading west, you will come to the turn off for Yoho Valley Road (to Takakkaw Falls). Instead of heading to the falls, continue west on the highway (past the town of Field) and make a turn at Emerald Lake Road. Near the start of the road is the spot from which you can admire Natural Bridge. 

From Natural Bridge, continue on to the end of the road to reach the Emerald Lake . The Emerald Lake is enclosed by mountains—President Range, Mount Burgess, and Wapta, and is one of the prettiest places in the Canadian Rockies. 

Although accessible in winters too, the lake looks different and has different activities for each season. The area is great for cross country skiing in the winter. Rain is frequent in the summertime, and in June and July you can canoe and hike in and around the lake shore.

Lake Emerald Yoho NP

There are accessible hiking trails near the lake (first half of 5.5-km circuit). Parking is available nearby and you can also find a gift shop, cafe and restaurant, and the beautiful Emerald lodge for overnight stay. 

For lunch, head to the town of Field. It is a small town in British Columbia and is home to only 300 residents. This is an excellent spot for lunch. Eat at the Truffle Pigs Bistro – our favorite!

After lunch, drive to one of the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies. About 4 km from the town of Field is the Yoho Valley Road, located off the Trans-Canada Highway are the Takakkaw Falls. 

Note that the access to the falls are open from mid-June to mid-October. Also when you are driving it is important to know that the Yoho Valley road is steep and narrow, with a set of switchbacks that makes driving both challenging and interesting. 

Once there the Takakkaw Falls will take your breath away! It is one of the highest waterfalls in North America, and it creates a powerful cascade that tumbles 830 feet into the river below.

Takakkaw Falls waterfall and footbridge in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada

The scenic drive to the Falls takes about 30 minutes. You can also see wildlife along the way. We recommend not stopping for pictures here; as the roads are steep and narrow, you can easily cause traffic congestion here.

After parking your car, you have to walk a short trail and a wooden bridge to see the Takakkaw Falls. The water rushing down to the edge of the barren cliffs and the surrounding sea of coniferous forest make Takakkaw Falls one of the most picturesque scenic points in the Canadian Rockies.

After a fun-filled day at the Yoho National Park, return to Banff or Lake Louise Hotel.

Day 6: Jasper National Park for 2 days   

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. You can arrive in Jasper town via Banff or Lake Louise, either way, get ready to be mesmerized as you drive the ever stunning Icefields Parkway!

Driving Time

  • Banff to Jasper Town: 3 hours, 29 minutes (287.9 km) 
  • Lake Louise to Jasper Town: 2 hours, 57 minutes (233.0 km)

Use day 6 to drive to Jasper town and really take your time to enjoy the scenic view. We have taken the routes in summer as well as in winter – great views each time! But if you have never driven on winter roads, we recommend that you visit in the summer or early fall months. 

Jasper national park sunsets in downtown

If you drive while stopping at a few lookout points, you can easily spend 5 to 6 hours on the road. Always find a safe place to stop by and take in views. Please do not go slow while driving as it could lead to traffic congestion. 

For the purposes of his itinerary, we recommend exploring the 2 highlights 

Johnston Canyon – Johnston Canyon is located 25 km from Banff and it takes about 2-3 hours to explore, so ensure you add that to your itinerary. 

Bow Summit/Peyto Lake – Peyto Lake is one of the most stunning and photograph lakes in Canada. It is located about 100 km from Banff and 188km from Jasper. To enjoy some scenic views, embark on the 2.9-km hike to capture the stunning turquoise-coloured lake. 

Peyto Lake - Most beautiful Lakes in Canada

You will arrive in Jasper town in the evening. So pack some snacks for your (almost) day long road trip. The good thing is that the road to Jasper National Park from Banff is lined with wildlife corridors along with scenic views and watching them is a real treat.

Stay in Jasper National Park for the next 2 nights.  Book your stay at Jasper Inn & Suites

Day 7: Jasper Sightseeing 

Start your day with breakfast at the heart of Jasper town. You will find cute local cafes to kick start your day! 

After breakfast, it’s time to start exploring. Jasper is home to a couple of lakes that are located pretty close to the downtown area. First off, let’s start with Pyramid Lake. This is a kidney-shaped lake located about 5 to 7-minute drive from Jasper town. 

Pyramid Mountain and Lake

This is the prettiest area in Jasper for unwinding and admiring the natural beauty of the Rockies. Pyramid Lake lies at the foothills of Pyramid Mountain—hence, the name. The lake is located at an elevation of 1,180 meters.

During the summer, you can join a canoe tour or go kayaking at the Pyramid Lake.Or hike – the Pyramid Lake Hike is an easy hike (5.2 km one way). It begins near the Jasper Activity Centre parking lot and ends at the end of the Pyramid Lake road, near the wooden foot bridge. 

Patricia Lake is another lake, located very close to Pyramid Mountain and lake. During the summer months, you can also swim, canoe, or picnic here and be mesmerized by the stunning mountain backdrops. The lake has a resort with boating facilities (Patricia Lake Bungalows).

Activities at Patricia Lake are similar to its next door neighbour Pyramid Lake. It is a great spot to view wildlife in Jasper National Park. 

During summers, you must visit the Jasper Skytram . It is the highest and longest tramway in Canada and located at a height of 2,277 meters above sea level. You can take the Jasper Skytram to the summit lookout area, to enjoy stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

During the peak summer months, the Skytram opens at 8:00 a.m. During the fall, the Jasper Skytram opens its doors at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. It is closed in winter. Fees are $52 CAD for adult entry. Feel free to skip the Skytram, if you have already taken the Banff Gondola (and save some cash).

Athabasca Falls

From the Skytram, drive to the Athabasca Falls . The Falls are located about 15-20 minutes from downtown Jasper. These stunning falls are about 23 meters high and are on the west side of the Icefields Parkway—Columbia Icefield. It receives water from the glaciers of the Icefields Parkway, making it the largest river system in Jasper National Park. (We will be heading to the Icefield on day 8)

Athabasca Falls is a great place to hike and capture some of the stunning mountains and waterfalls. While hiking in and around Athabasca Falls, be mindful of slippery surfaces such as the boardwalk, rocks, and the trail in general. During the winter, trail access is closed for safety reasons.

To see the waterfalls up close, you do not need to hike. A short walk along the trail to the boardwalk will take you to these majestic falls. 

Close to the falls is the Maligne Canyon . (located about 12-15 minutes away from downtown Jasper). Maligne Canyon is stunning. So over the years, the lake’s waves have beat against the rocks and walls of the hills to create beautiful craters. 

cross canada road trip itinerary

The canyon area contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds, and flora and fauna and has hiking trails for all levels. Maligne Canyon Loop Trail is a 3.4-km trail along which you can see waterfalls and go bird watching. 

Other things to add to your itinerary 

Maligne Lake – One of the most picturesque locations in Jasper National Park is Maligne Lake. The lake is beautiful, with rare turquoise waters and a small islet called Spirit Island.

The drive to Maligne Lake is also one of the most scenic routes in the Canadian Rockies. The drive starts near the town of Jasper and ends at Maligne Lake. Along the way, you can stop at Maligne Canyon and the popular Hanging Valley viewpoint.

The scenic road to Maligne Lake is built along the glacier valley that runs between the Maligne and Elizabeth mountain ranges. This is why you will see stunning mountain peaks, glacier lakes, and tons of wildlife on your way.

Medicine Lake – This is a 7-km picturesque lake located approximately 20 km southeast of downtown Jasper. Medicine Lake is shallow and forms part of the Maligne Valley watershed. 

Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

Day 8: Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield Discovery Center 

We highly recommend reserving a FULL day to enjoy and explore the Athabasca Glacier. The glacier is best explored as a day-long tour to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, located in the Canadian Rockies. 

As you might already know, the Columbia Icefields are the largest glaciers in Canada. Athabasca Glacier is one of the distributions of the Columbia Icefields.

Guided tours, with glacier walks and skywalk services to the Athabasca Glacier, are offered to visitors which commences at the Icefield Discovery Centre. Entry to the Discovery Centre is included in the park admission fees, but tours are priced separately. 

The Banff Jasper Collection tour collective offers Athabasca Glacier tours. These guided tours include a trip to Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk. You will be taken to the glacier in a special vehicle and will be allowed time on the glacier surface. Take pictures, walk the surface, and live the experience.

The Sunwapta River is a tributary of the Athabasca River. The Sunwapta Falls is a pair of waterfalls in the same river. The falls are accessible via the Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. Note that the Icefields are far from Banff (185km from Banff), than Jasper (103km). 

Day 9 Hiking in Jasper National Park

Spend your final day in Jasper National Park hiking. Here are a few popular trails

  • Edith Cavell Meadows Trail –  This is a 6.1-km loop trail in Jasper, of moderate intensity. This trail offers a number of activities, such as hiking and bird and nature watching. Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most prominent peaks within Jasper National Park. 
  • Sulphur Skyline Trail – The Sulphur Skyline Trail offers some of the most stunning views of Jasper National Park. The Sulphur Skyline trail road is closed for the winter and usually opens in May as the temperatures rise. 

After an eventful day at the Sulphur Skyline trail ride, head to Miette Hot Springs . The springs are located right at the trailhead of the Sulphur Skyline hike, which is about 61 kilometers northeast of Jasper.

Whether or not you hike, you must head there to soak in the amazing views and the warm waters of the Rockies. Miette Hot Springs is an outdoor pool, offering a great view of the Fiddle River Valley. 

Day 10: Jasper to Calgary via Canmore for lunch

Today’s the day to drive back to Calgary and fly out. We recommend that you start early and make a stop at Canmore before reaching Calgary Airport. 

Jasper to Canmore is about 3.50 hours drive. Canmore is a small town located 20 minutes outside of Banff town. If you start at 8:00 am ish, you will be in Canmore by lunch time. There are tons of cafes and restaurants here to relax and have a delicious meal (we actually prefer walking in Canmore town more than Banff, as it’s less commercialised). 

Canmore Policemen's Creek

  • Top Restaurant Picks : Spice Hut, J Bakery, Mexican Aroma Restaurant
  • Activities: Canmore Nordic Centre, Grassi Lakes Hike, Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk,  Big Head Sculpture, Yoga and recreational centres

From Canmore, you will arrive in Calgary in about an hour. For an overnight stay in Calgary near the airport, stay at our favorite Hampton Inn Suites. 

We hope you enjoyed our 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary. You can easily adjust this itinerary and make it longer or shorter than 10 days. 

Have questions about Canadian Rockies, ask us? 

cross canada road trip itinerary

Pin: Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

cross canada road trip itinerary

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

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

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10 Comments

This looks like a magical trip! Lake Louise has been on my list for a while, but I would love to turn it into a 10 day adventure and visit all of these other amazing spots that you’ve shared!

The views from the gondola look amazing! I love anywhere with that turquoise, glacial water.

Absolutely beautiful. Canadian Rockies have been on my wish list for a very long time, especially a visit to Banff. This gives me motivation and ideas.

Love this itinerary! I really want to go on a road trip here so I’m saving this for when I plan it so I can refer back to these stops and tips.

I would love to return to Canada and explore the Rockies, especially Banff. Yoho National Park looks pretty spectacular as well.

I hope you visit us soon!

Your photos are amazing – that pic of the Banff Gondola was just

You are very kind! Thank you so much 🙂

We followed this intinerary in July 2022 and had a fantastic trip, thanks for all of the suggestions. The scenery was spectacular. For our first trip to Canada it was one of our best vacations and we felt this allowed us to see the majority of attractions and sights. I would highly recommend using this itinerary.

YAY! I am so glad Dave! Thank you for sharing 🙂

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cross canada road trip itinerary

  • How to Best Prepare for a Cross-Country Road Trip with Your Family

I share my essential tips when preparing for a cross country road trip you won’t want to miss!

Are you getting ready for a cross-country road trip with your family ? If so, then you know that keeping everyone safe and comfortable is of the utmost importance. Planning ahead can be the difference between an enjoyable journey and a stressful one.

In this article, we’ll explore tips and strategies to make sure your family has a great time on your cross-country adventure!

Road Trip Preparation Tips

So, to get started, let’s begin with helpful advice for pre-trip planning, which can save you a lot of hassle and stress down the line.

Budget Your Route

Before leaving on your trip, take some time to set up a road trip budget and research the best routes and attractions along the way. Look for interesting sights, great restaurants, and fun activities that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Remember that the journey is often just as important as the destination, so take some time to plan out your route and budget accordingly.

If you are looking for road trip ideas, read:

  • 15 Cheap Midwest Road Trip Ideas
  • Everything You Need to Know About Balloon Festivals in Texas
  • Best Texas Beaches
  • 5 Cheap East Coast Road Trips to Take with the Family
  • Make the Most of Your Outer Banks Family Trip With These 20 Things to Do

If you’re planning on taking your young dog with you on your cross-country road trip, you’ll want to check out this article on everything you need to know about road-tripping with your puppy .

Prepare Your Car

Before you head out on any long road trip, you should spend time ensuring the car is prepared. That means performing maintenance checks before you begin your journey, such as checking the oil, battery, and tire pressure, and ensuring you have an emergency car kit in your trunk in case of a breakdown . As a general rule, if my vehicle will need an oil change before the trip, I will also have a mechanic check my brakes and rotate the tires. This can save you money in the long run if you have an issue during your road trip.

While preparing your vehicle is crucial, ensuring you have the right  car insurance  is equally important to protect your journey from unexpected events. Be sure that your car insurance policy covers everything you need for a road trip, such as towing and roadside assistance. It is also important to check with your insurance provider if there are any specific requirements or restrictions when it comes to traveling out of state or internationally.

Emergency Car Kit

At a minimum, your emergency car kit should include:

  • tire pressure gauge
  • jumper cables
  • flares or emergency reflectors

Remember the First Aid Kit

When driving cross-country, you could find yourself driving off the beaten path. If you should break down and any of your family members have an accident, it’s crucial that you have a first aid kit with you that includes all those basics like band-aids, bandages, ointment, tweezers, sterile gloves, and so on. 

Consider Avoiding Certain Routes, e.g. Busy Trucking Routes, or Driving at Less Busy Times

When driving long distances with your family, you’re sure to be even more cautious about driving safely. 

In addition to always employing safe driving methods and paying attention to the road, you can reduce your chance of being caught up in an accident if you drive at less busy times to avoid congested traffic and avoid certain routes, such as busy trucking routes. 

For instance, if you’re driving along the Courtney Campbell Causeway around Tampa, it’s best to avoid driving in rush hour. The last thing you want is to be hit by a car or truck. 

Safety Strategies for a Road Trip

Once you have prepared the car for your cross-country journey, it’s time to make sure that everyone in the vehicle is safe.  Here are some tips that will help you stay focused on safety while driving.

Get Plenty of Sleep Before Driving

Driving when you’re tired is a surefire way of increasing the risk of being involved in an accident. While you should always be in a good state to drive and avoid accidents, it’s even more important when you have the whole family with you. So, never drive if you haven’t had enough sleep. 

Ideally, you should share the driving between you and your partner to avoid driving while feeling sleepy. If you are the sole driver and you don’t get enough sleep, you should avoid starting on the next leg of your journey until you have had enough rest. 

It’s better for your itinerary to run late than to risk involving yourself and your family in an accident. 

Invest in Roadside Assistance Plan

There’s no telling when you might run into trouble during your cross-country road trip. To make sure that your family is safe and well taken care of, it’s a good idea to invest in roadside assistance. Some auto insurance companies may offer this service at an added cost, or you can look for independent providers. 

Set Boundaries and Expectations

Before you set out on a road trip, make sure to talk with your family about expectations for the trip. Set ground rules that everyone in your family agrees to abide by and communicate those expectations before beginning your journey.

Comfort Tips To Ensure Happy Travelers

Finally, you want to make sure that your family is as comfortable as possible when driving cross-country. Here are a few tips to help keep everyone in the car happy and content during your road trip.

Take Snacks and Drinks with You

It’s important that the whole family has access to plenty of snacks and drinks during a long cross-country road trip. Moods and energy levels can unexpectedly drop after spending time on the road, so make sure you pack lots of snacks and drinks that are suitable for long trips and will keep energy levels high. Here are some of our favorite road trip snacks .

You should never presume that you will always be in a location where you can purchase snacks and drinks. You could even break down. Therefore, it’s essential that you pack lots of food and drink to keep the whole family comfortable. 

That includes taking bottles of water with you. Everyone should drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated. We like to pack large gallon jugs of water and refill our bottles as needed. It’s a great money-saving hack.

Take Lots of Breaks

Taking lots of breaks will enable you to be more focused when driving as well. You should also incorporate lots of breaks into your cross-country road trip because your kids are sure to become irritable after spending long periods cooped up in a vehicle. 

By planning your itinerary ahead of time, you can factor in breaks and stop at places of interest along the way. We always look for parks, rest stops, or roadside attractions that our kids can explore and enjoy during the stops.

If you and your family become restless, you’ll enjoy your cross-country road trip less, so don’t underestimate how important it is to stop frequently and recharge your batteries to be ready for the next leg of the journey.

Pack Appropriately for Weather Conditions

You should pack appropriately for the weather conditions. If you’re going to be driving through wintery conditions, make sure your vehicle is prepared and that everyone has warm clothing to wear. It also near hurts to pack extra clothes for you and the kids. Accidents happen, and you don’t want to be left unprepared if something unexpected happens and everyone needs to change their clothes.

Don’t Forget Cushions and Blankets

If you’re planning on camping, you’ll want to take lots of blankets and pillows with you, as well as your camping gear, to ensure everyone stays warm and snug at night. 

But even if you’re planning on staying at hotels and other accommodations, it’s important that you pack blankets and cushions to keep everyone comfortable during the drive; especially if you’re driving after your children’s bedtimes.

Pack Activities for the Kids That Adults Will Also Enjoy

Sure, you can play road trip games with your kids, and for much of the time, your children will love watching the varying beautiful scenery that you pass through as you cross the country. But, seeing as most of your time will be spent in the car, it’s important that you pack plenty of activities for the kids to do. 

You could pack things like games, books, road trip bingo cards , and electronic devices. You could also prepare things like playlists that have been made specifically for the long trip. 

You know your kids best. So, make sure you pack plenty of things to keep them occupied during a lengthy drive.

Maximize Meal Planning Options

Unless you want to eat fast food every day, it’s important that you plan your meals out in advance. You never know where you will be when it comes time to eat dinner or have lunch.

Try meal prepping and get creative with what foods can be cooked over a campfire or using an electric skillet. You can also opt for no-cook camping meals that double as road trip meals that don’t need to be reheated.

There are lots of cross-country road trips you could embark on. But before you do so, it’s crucial that you prepare for your journey. These cross-country driving tips will certainly help!

That not only means working out your rough itinerary, deciding on places of interest to stop at, and choosing your accommodation. It also means taking the right steps to ensure your family stays safe and comfortable throughout the duration of the road trip.  

Though, if you are unfortunate enough to be injured in a truck accident that isn’t your fault after you have sought medical attention, you should contact a specialist truck accident lawyer who can help you gain compensation. 

By taking the tips and advice discussed in this article into account, you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable and memorable cross-country road trip that will stay with your family for years to come. Good luck!

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

  • Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog , Skyscanner , and  WayAway.com .
  • Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
  • Book your plane ticket with   Expedia  or  Kayak
  • Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
  • Take the scenic route and rent an RV from  RVShare
  • Get packed for an  epic road trip  and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com .
  • From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with  Hotels.com  or  booking.com.
  • For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot .
  • Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from  Away and Eagle Creek .
  • For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher .
  • Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
  • For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
  • Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
  • CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
  • Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
  • Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
  • Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
  • Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours .
  • Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App .
  • We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
  • Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my  travel resources page  for more trusted partners.

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

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The post How to Best Prepare for a Cross-Country Road Trip with Your Family appeared first on Little Family Adventure .

I share my essential tips when preparing for a cross country road trip you won’t want to miss! Are you getting ready for a cross-country road trip with your family? If so, then you know that keeping everyone safe and comfortable is of the utmost importance. Planning ahead can be the difference between an enjoyable […]

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On a Road Trip through Oman, Navigating Grief and Parenthood

  • Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

I was three weeks out from a 23-day travel itinerary with my toddler, Julian, when my dad died suddenly. The trip was something I had planned months earlier, determined to prove to all the face-palming naysayers (and myself) that you don’t have to give up traveling after having a baby; you just have to find new ways to move through the world. Due to grief, I considered canceling, but ultimately I decided against it. My father was a textbook agoraphobic who shut himself off from the world and at the end was leaving his house only once or twice a year. But travel was how I learned who I was and who I wanted to be. I’d been to more than 80 countries and spent four years traveling full-time with a 35-liter rucksack and a tiny hatchback. If I could bestow any qualities onto my child, I hoped they’d be my strongest ones: insatiable curiosity, relentless optimism, fiery resilience, and a willingness to bend to my environment rather than expecting my environment to bend to me.

Our journey took us from swish Dubai to the safari camps of Tanzania, but the stretch that most unpacked both my grief and my maternal ambitions was the week we spent in Oman navigating the beach, desert, cities, and mountains by eerily empty highways. On a sweltering afternoon in Muscat, the mellow seaside capital accented with looming minarets, I chased Julian across the glossy marble and stone promenades at the grand mosque of Sultan Qaboos, where fawning congregants greeted him with sweet dates. Children under 10 are not permitted in, but a female guard noticed me steaming in my hijab, sticky toddler glued to my hip, and discreetly ushered us through a side door to cool off under a large air-conditioning unit.

At sunset we strolled along the buzzing Mutrah Corniche and past the rainbow cordilleras of fragrant spices at Mutrah Souq, the city’s oldest bazaar. Julian’s eyes lit up when he sampled the slow-cooked lamb shuwa with spiced rice at Bait Al Luban, a restaurant where the only free seats were on the sun-blasted balcony. I laughed as Julian guided my fork to his mouth and announced, “Num!” Food was one of the few pleasures my dad allowed himself. If he were there, he’d have beamed with pride.

From Muscat, we drove through the rugged Al Hajar mountains toward the Gulf of Oman, passing the beige blur of cliffs and canyons to a soundtrack of khaliji music on Omani radio . I glimpsed my son in the rearview, babbling to himself as this new old world streamed by. Would he remember any of it? Did it matter? The point was we were out here doing it. We were living.

With its karst-flanked shoreline and tranquil water, the Jumeirah Muscat Bay beach resort looks like a screensaver. If Julian were older, we could have gone kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, but we settled for splashing in the surf and sipping freshly squeezed watermelon coolers by the pool. (Not that I minded.) The staff bent over backward for the “little sultan,” who in turn flirted shame­lessly with a comely Indonesian waitress. Later, we moved to the citadel-like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, atop a 6,500-foot massif, where the crisp mountain air felt great after so many 100-degree days. Julian toddled intrepidly along a glass-bottomed observation deck over the Jabal Al Akhdar canyon, gawking at the groundskeepers shaking meaty green olives from the trees.

Naturally, Oman’s punishing heat spawned some ferocious tantrums. Nowhere was my patience tested more than at Bimmah Sinkhole, a teal saltwater lake formed by the collapse of an underground cavern, which is accessible only via a steep staircase. Julian insisted on climbing back up himself before collapsing halfway in a fit of hot tears, forcing me to scoop up this sweaty 27-pound sack of potatoes and lug him a quarter mile back to the car. As the waterworks continued, a trio of teenage boys approached us with bottles of water, concern etched across their faces.

The hospitality in Oman, like other Islamic countries I’ve visited, was unparalleled. Young men leaped into traffic to help us cross the street. At souks, old men in ankle-grazing dishdasha high-fived Julian and tousled his blonde hair. Restaurant servers distracted him with balloons and goofy dance moves. More than one stranger insisted on buying our snacks at gas stations. The warmth and graciousness of the Omani people reminded me why I decided to this trip in the first place. More than anything, I want my son to believe what I believe: that 99.9 percent of humans are kind and that we’re far more alike than we are different. Karmically speaking, you get out of life what you put in. Good vibes only.

The trip came full circle at a rustic tent camp in Wahiba Sands, an undulating desert three and a half hours from Muscat. For toddlers, deserts are basically giant sandboxes, and one of my happiest moments was watching Julian coast down the dunes on his tuchus. He squealed in delight at the golden sand streaming through his chubby fingers and cackled hysterically when a camel flashed him a toothy grin.

Sipping tea on our tent’s wraparound terrace, stars winking in a vast Cimmerian sky as Julian dozed against me, I recounted our adventures for my dad. I imagined him up there in the Milky Way, everywhere and nowhere at once, shaking his head the way dads do—thrilled he didn’t have to experience any of it himself but grateful to have raised a daughter who embraces it all with gusto.

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler

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A Middle School Crush Becomes More, Thanks to Mom’s Nudge

Colton Elliott went to great lengths — including a same-day trip from Memphis to New York — to make Allie Hill his wife.

The bride and groom embrace on top of a hill outdoors. She is wearing a white wedding dress with lace arm sleeves. He is wearing a cream colored turtleneck sweater, a navy blazer and gray slacks. They are standing in snow.

By Julia Carmel

The first time Colton Dakota Elliott asked out Allie Londyn Hill, it didn’t go particularly well.

“In seventh grade he asked me to be his girlfriend for the first time,” Ms. Hill said. “And I was like, ‘No, I’d really like to be friends.’”

He tried again in eighth grade, making an unsubtle post about his crush on Facebook, but Ms. Hill still wasn’t interested.

Ms. Hill, 27, and Mr. Elliott, 26, both lived in Lexington, Tenn., at the time, but they fell out of touch when Ms. Hill’s family moved to Jackson, Tenn., just before she began high school.

They always remained friendly on social media, liking each other’s Instagram stories and occasionally messaging. She moved to Memphis to get a bachelor’s degree in biology at Rhodes College, and he went to N.Y.U. and received a bachelor’s degree in politics, rights and development.

But when Bernie Sanders dropped out of the presidential race in April 2020, Ms. Hill replied to some of Mr. Elliott’s Instagram stories about the news. Mr. Elliott had plenty of time to post on social media since he lost his bartending job to the pandemic, and Ms. Hill messaged him that they were probably the only Sanders supporters to ever live in the small conservative town of Lexington.

“It turned into ‘How have you been? What are you doing?’” Ms. Hill said.

“And then it became much more personal very quickly,” Mr. Elliott added.

Their direct messages turned into texts and FaceTime calls, with Mr. Elliott in New York and Ms. Hill in Memphis studying dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

With no job and no idea when the pandemic would end, Mr. Elliott didn’t have a reason to continue paying rent in New York City, but he was holding out hope that Ms. Hill might visit. After a few weeks of talking, Mr. Elliott took his mother’s advice and asked Ms. Hill to help him move to San Diego, where his brother and fiancée lived.

“She was like, ‘Don’t stay there waiting around for someone to be able to make a trip. Why don’t you just move to your brother’s house, and she can go with you on the road trip?’” he recalled. “We both liked that idea enough that we turned it into a 12-day camping adventure.”

[Click here to binge read this week’s featured couples.]

Mr. Elliott packed up and drove to Memphis in May 2020 for their first date. They spent a weekend together, which affirmed that both of them wanted to go on this cross-country road trip.

The road to California was filled with challenges and detours: they were mostly camping to adhere to social distancing, but that meant they spent a few sleepless nights listening to howling coyotes and trying to reinforce their tent against windy rainstorms. They told each other they were falling in love on the second night of the trip, as they camped under the stars in Estes Park, Colo.

“We were just happy to be together,” Ms. Hill said. “And we were laughing the whole time.”

By the time they made it to San Francisco — where Ms. Hill would fly back to Memphis — they were official.

Mr. Elliott spent less than three weeks living with one of his older brothers, Cory Elliott, in San Diego before moving back to Tennessee.

Ms. Hill and Mr. Elliott moved in with each other in Memphis during August 2021 and soon adopted two cats named Leo and Victor. Since Ms. Hill is doing her dental school through a special Army program, they decided to get married before she graduates in 2024.

Mr. Elliott, a bartender at a craft cocktail bar called Cameo, still wanted a surprise marriage proposal. He flew to New York and back in one day to get her engagement ring, and planned another trip to Estes Park during Ms. Hill’s fall break in September 2023. He made a decoy itinerary for a fake camping trip and brought four bags of camping gear that they wouldn’t need to keep his proposal a secret.

They started their trip with a sunrise hike on Kruger Rock Trail, and Ms. Hill jokingly proposed to Mr. Elliott as they looked out over Estes Park. As she stood up, a photographer emerged from the bushes and Mr. Elliott dropped to one knee. They spent the rest of the trip celebrating with 16 friends, who had flown to Colorado to surprise Ms. Hill.

Ms. Hill and Mr. Elliott celebrated their engagement with 60 friends and family members at a Memphis brewery in October, and planned an intimate wedding during Ms. Hill’s spring break. After she graduates, they’ll move to her first station: Oahu, Hawaii.

The couple had a self-uniting ceremony on March 5 at Sawmill Reservoir in Breckenridge, Colo. (Self-uniting ceremonies are legal in Colorado, along with a handful of other states.)

Guests included Ms. Hill’s parents, Matt and Shelley Hill, and Mr. Elliott’s parents, Jeff and Stacey Elliott, and two siblings: Ms. Hill’s younger brother, Hayden Hill, symbolically led the ceremony and Mr. Elliott’s brother, Cory Elliott, led the ring exchange.

“The only people that were required, legally, to bind us, were just us,” Mr. Elliott said. “We did it the way that we wanted to do it and it felt very ceremonious and official and lovely.”

Julia Carmel is a native New Yorker who reports on nightlife, culture and queer communities. More about Julia Carmel

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Itinerary review - July 7th to 20th 2024 - London Forum

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Itinerary review - July 7th to 20th 2024

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' class=

Hello everyone!

I wanted peoples thoughts on this possible itinerary for my trip in July.

-Arrival at 11:50-ish AM via Heathrow from Toronto.

-Get breakfast foods from Grocery store

-Grab Dinner at some point

-Visit Abbey Road Crossing

-British Museum

-Waddle around London

-Visit Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus

-Visit Tim Hortons at Park Royal Tube Station

-Visit V&A to see the Elton John Exhibit

-Visit Harrods

-Stroll through Hyde Park

-Visit Tower of London

-Visit Borough Market

-Possibly visit St Paul's if time permits

- Windsor Castle (already booked)

-Dinner out

-Visit Westminster Abbey

-Walk through Little Venice

-Possible visit to Primrose Hill

-Hidden London Tour of Charing Cross (already booked)

-Maple Leaf Pub for Lunch

-Possible visit to the National Gallery

-Sunday Roast

-Possible visit to Westfield (Shepherds Bush)

-Possible day trip outside London (Oxford or Cambridge)

-Wicked (Theatre) in the evening (already booked)

-Dinner at Il Posto near theatre

-Possible walk through Covent Garden and Central London

- Kensington Palace

-Possible visit to the Tate Modern

- Buckingham Palace tour (Already booked)

Thoughts on this itinerary folks? Anything I should add, remove etc?

I am looking at the Ceremony of the Keys but tickets for that have not been released yet so I am not sure what day that will be done. In any case, it will be in the evening when there is not much else to do.

27 replies to this topic

cross canada road trip itinerary

Tim Hortons in Park Royal? I know it’s Canadian, but I wouldn’t bother.

Noted. The Canadian aspect is why I thought about visiting.

It is not about the budget persay but more curiosity. To put this into perspective, I go to Tims at least once a day here.

It may not matter to you but on a Monday the biggest museum in Cambridge , the Fitzwilliam , is closed whereas the big museum in Oxford, the Ashmoleon ,is open on a Monday.

Good to know. Thank you!

' class=

Very odd after all these years.

Ceremony of the Keys is interesting and unique. Tickets go on sale online for the whole 'subsequent' month " at 16:00 on the first working day of the month, unless it is a Friday, then it will released be the following Monday ". So 1600 UK time on Mon 3 June in your case. They sell out very quickly, in minutes, and the website cannot cope so sometimes crashes; it's a frustrating scramble getting those tickets.

I think a ride on River Thames with City Cruises on just the simple 30 mins trip from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier is worth doing.

A day in Greenwich would also be on my shortlist (Observatory, Meridian, Park, Cutty Sark etc etc, science, history & art all in one place).

And a walk past HorseGuards on Whitehall is good, especially if you are at HorseGuards at around 10 mins to each daytime hour, you get to see the mini-change on the hour, and very closeup.

Nothing really wrong with your plans. Have a nice holiday

5 mins in Picc Circus. Why so long? Maybe the traffic lights were red.

Seriously if you are walking from Oxford Circus (on Oxford St) along Regent St to Picc Circus - I’d stop in at Liberty. Enormously expensive, but it’s lovely to look at - beautiful silk scarves and shawls etc.

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cross canada road trip itinerary

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  3. The Ultimate Canadian Road Trip, As Determined By An Algorithm Road

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

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  1. The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

    Save my cross Canada road trip itinerary for your future trip planning. Pin it! Riana Ang-Canning. 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 ...

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  8. The Ultimate Road Trip Route Across Canada

    Know before you go. For up to date information concerning tourism in Canada, rules and regulations, as well as helpful tips and information, visit Destination Canada.; Consider pre-purchasing a 12-month Canada Parks pass to access all 80 national parks so you don't have to worry about it while on the road. You can also buy day passes for specific parks if your route is more set.

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  10. How Long Does it Take to Drive Across Canada (+ Itineraries)

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    Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary. Spanning 9,306km (5,780 miles) and six time zones, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. It's home to rugged coastlines, vast prairies, dense boreal forests, towering mountain ranges, and upwards of two million lakes. But what makes Canada special is its people.

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    1) Western Canada (13 days) Start your 21-day Canadian road trip in the West for the first 13 days. Day 1 and 2 - Vancouver. Day 3 - Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Day 4 - Whale watching, an essential part of your 3-week Canadian road trip! Days 5 and 6 - Whistler, one of Canada's top ski resorts!

  14. Driving Across Canada: 40 Places You Shouldn't Miss

    40 Stops You Shouldn't Miss Driving Across Canada. The Trans-Canada Highway runs from Victoria to St. John's, a distance of 7,821 km. While it's a fairly direct route, do plan to drive some of the scenic byways so you see the country properly. Allow a minimum of two weeks though really three to four weeks would be ideal.

  15. 13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

    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.

  16. Travel across Canada

    The interactive E-Road Book to Travel across Canada is a PDF file containing 27 travel days. Your trip starts in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You can easily add extra destinations and days to extend your journey. This drive across Canada covers 7250 km/4500 mi.

  17. 30+ Road Trip Itineraries Across Canada

    Driving the Dempster Highway: Road Trip from Whitehorse to Inuvik. The Dempster Highway, begun in 1959 as Yukon Territorial Road No. 11, was first officially opened in 1979 and is Canada's first all-weather road to cross the Arctic Circle. Today, it is considered one of the world's most unique driving experiences.

  18. Nova Scotia Travel Itinerary

    Explore Nova Scotia Travel itineraries as you embark on a cross Canada Road trip leaving from Halifax. Travel at your own pace to your final destination in Vancouver. Toll Free: 1-800-347-7126; Intl: 1-403-259-5447; ... This itinerary has a leisurely pace and can be shortened should you have fewer days to explore. Please note that a northern ...

  19. Cross-Canada Road Trip: 4 Itineraries To Inspire You

    Courtesy of Amélie. This itinerary is for a 30-day cross-Canada road trip from Quebec (QC) to Vancouver (BC), via Canada, then back from Vancouver (BC) to Quebec (QC), via the USA. It was taken by a family with two (2) school aged kids (7 and 9 years old) Distance traveled: 10 855 km. Type of Road Trip: RV travel across Canada.

  20. Canada road trip planner

    Authentik Canada is a canadian custom road trip specialist based in Canada. Customize your 2 or 3 weeks itinerary with map and planner for your all-inclusive holidays packages with a local agent. 10, 14 and 15 days road trips ideas from Toronto, Montreal , Calgary or Vancouver are available in May, June, July, August, September and October.

  21. Canada & USA Road Trips for Families: Our Best Itineraries

    Amethyst Mine Panorama, Fort William Historical Park, Terry Fox Memorial Lookout, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. These are only a few places and ideas you can use for a fun road trip to Northen Ontario with your family. 3. Kananaskis Country, Banff & Lake Louise, Canada. Sunrise at Lake Louise.

  22. How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

    Canadian National Parks Road Trip Planning. As of 2019, Canada has 48 National Parks. Thirty-one of them have road-access. (You have to fly or boat into the others.) I've used Google maps to design a cross-Canada road trip that visits all 31 of those parks with the least amount of backtracking possible.

  23. Epic 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary & Road Trip

    Share it! Canada's showstopper mountains await you in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park. In this post, we will share an EPIC 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary in a road trip format. At these national parks located primarily in Alberta, you will see the Canadian Rockies in all their glory. Living in Edmonton, the Canadian Rockies have been ...

  24. How to Best Prepare for a Cross-Country Road Trip with Your Family

    Take Lots of Breaks. Taking lots of breaks will enable you to be more focused when driving as well. You should also incorporate lots of breaks into your cross-country road trip because your kids ...

  25. On a Road Trip through Oman, Navigating Grief and Parenthood

    On a Road Trip through Oman, Navigating Grief and Parenthood. Ashlea Halpern. Tue, March 26, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT · 5 min read. I was three weeks out from a 23-day travel itinerary with my toddler ...

  26. A Middle School Crush Becomes More, Thanks to Mom's Nudge

    Colton Elliott went to great lengths — including a same-day trip from Memphis to New York — to make Allie Hill his wife. By Julia Carmel The first time Colton Dakota Elliott asked out Allie ...

  27. Itinerary review

    Itinerary review - July 7th to 20th 2024. Mar 22, 2024, 3:01 PM. Save. Hello everyone! I wanted peoples thoughts on this possible itinerary for my trip in July. DAY 1: -Arrival at 11:50-ish AM via Heathrow from Toronto. - Heathrow Express to Paddington (already booked) where our hotel is located. -Get breakfast foods from Grocery store.