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Saskatoon to Vancouver via Edmonton

Saskatoon to vancouver road trip planner.

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

10:00 am  start in Saskatoon drive for about 3 hours

12:47 pm   Lloydminster stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:47 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Edmonton drive for about 1.5 hours

11:40 am   Drayton Valley stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:40 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

4:04 pm   Jasper (Canada) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:04 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Blue River drive for about 2.5 hours

12:36 pm   Kamloops eat at The Noble Pig Brewhouse & Restaurant stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:36 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:59 pm   Harrison Hot Springs stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:59 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:19 pm  arrive in Vancouver eat at Vij’s stay at Yaletown

day 3 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Lloydminster Edmonton   (26 answers)     West Edmonton Mall   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Edmonton:         Tres Carnales Taqueria     questions about Edmonton:         What's the best neighborhood in Edmonton for a first time visitor?         What is your favorite restaurant in Edmonton?         Cool stuff to see, restaurants and places to stay in Edmonton         Alternate ways of getting from EDTN to YYC Drayton Valley Jasper (Canada)   (18 answers)     Maligne Canyon   (4 mentions)     questions about Jasper (Canada):         Accommodation Blue River Kamloops   (5 answers)     restaurants around Kamloops:         The Noble Pig Brewhouse & Restaurant Harrison Hot Springs

Where's the best place to stay in Vancouver?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Vancouver .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Yaletown , which was mentioned 7 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Vancouver?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Vij’s , which was mentioned 10 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Vancouver?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Vancouver. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Vancouver to Saskatoon drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Saskatoon to Vancouver . Or get a full Saskatoon to Vancouver flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Saskatoon well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Saskatoon!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Saskatoon to Vancouver

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Travelmath

The driving time from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Vancouver, British Columbia is:

16 hours, 20 minutes.

Average driving speed: 60 mph Kilometers per hour: 96.6 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Saskatoon to Vancouver with full directions.

More trip calculations

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Driving time from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada

How long is the drive from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada? The total driving time is 16 hours, 20 minutes .

Your trip begins in Saskatoon, Canada. It ends in Vancouver, Canada.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Saskatoon, Canada and Vancouver, Canada .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Related links.

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Vancouver, British Columbia

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Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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Spellbound Travels

helping you explore the world

BC Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

spellbound travels bc road trip itinerary

Driving through the beautiful and scenic roads of British Columbia is a dream for most. With stunning snow-covered trees during the winter and amazing weather in the summers, why wouldn’t you want to go on a road trip there?! I just got back from a 10-day road trip around BC where I spent just over $1000 including flights, so I definitely know how to make the most of budget travel in Canada . This BC road trip itinerary is around 2 weeks in length but you can always stay longer at some places or skip some destinations altogether.

Let’s jump into it!

Vancouver to Vancouver

spellbound travels vancouver to vancouver road trip itinerary

I’ve structured this BC road trip itinerary as a loop starting and ending in Vancouver! When planning my 10 day trip I was looking for routes that started in Vancouver and went up north and to the east. I was planning on visiting my cousin who had moved out to Revelstoke and was looking for a route that could lead there. While searching online I couldn’t seem to get my hands on any itineraries that did this sort of loop, so I put this one together.

If you have more time, there are so many other places you include in your itinerary such as Tofino. You could even make it to a few spots in Alberta before heading back to Vancouver! I’d recommend using Rome2Rio to map out your route like I did in the photo above.

Where to Rent a Van in Vancouver

spellbound travels wicked camper van british columbia

If you’re flying into Vancouver, chances are that you won’t have a car or van to explore the province. Here are a few places you can check out for transportation:

  • Wicked Campers – I’ve used Wicked Campers three or four times now. I’ve rented from them a few times in Australia and this was my first time using them in Canada! They offer extremely low rates for campervans that come equipped with just about everything you’ll need for your trip. PRO TIP: Wait till they have a sale to save extra! I got this van with my friend Emilie for $660 total for 8 days.
  • Outdoorsy – Not having personally rented from Outdoorsy, I can’t vouch for them yet but they have really cool RV rentals and all sorts of campervans to choose from! Definitely a little more expensive than Wicked Campers but you may come across a sweet deal.

When you’ve chosen a van, don’t forget to add extra mileage if you think you’ll need it. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay on top for each extra mile you drive!

VANCOUVER (1-3 days):

spellbound travels vancouver harbour

While a lot of cities aren’t always worth exploring, Vancouver has a lot to offer so you can easily spend a few days wandering around. My favourite stop was Siwash Rock (pictured above) in Stanley Park! You could spend an entire day walking through Stanley Park but don’t forget to check out a few other spots. The harbour, Granville Island and all of the unique neighbourhoods throughout the city are a great place to start.

You can easily walk the city or take the train/bus to get around!

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is also a cool place to check out for the day and it’s just outside of Vancouver!

SQUAMISH, GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK & WHISTLER (2-3 days):

When you’ve had enough of the city and you’re ready for the real road trip to begin, the mountains are within arms reach! Your first stop will be Squamish, which is just about an hour from Vancouver. You’ll be driving along the Sea to Sky Highway which has some of the most breathtaking views in Canada!

There are many beautiful hikes you can do in Squamish. I’d recommend checking out AllTrails to find one that works with your schedule, skill level.

If you’re somewhat active and after a day hike in Squamish, The Stawamus Chief will be right up your alley! It’s about 6km long and took me roughly 3 hours to return back to the car park. It’s rated as a difficult hike and it certainly was no walk in the park. I’d suggest going for sunset but make sure you have a flashlight for the way back down!

spellbound travels the stawamus chief hike squamish

Just about half an hour north of Squamish is Garibaldi Provincial Park. Again, this is a magnificent place for hiking! I got up early to do the Garibaldi Lake Trail which was about 19km and took about 6.5 hours to return. It’s a moderate skill level so most people will be able to do this hike. With that being said, but be sure to check AllTrails ahead of time to check out the conditions! We went in early November and encountered a few icy sections and weren’t exactly prepared for the weather.

The views are spectacular and definitely worth it but make sure you’re wearing lots of layers because it can get really windy by the lake! (See photos below for what NOT to wear while hiking in the winter👇🏽)

spellbound travels garibaldi lake hike bc

Whistler is another beautiful place to check out on your way up North. If you’re big on skiing and snowboarding the season is typically from the end of November till end of May each year, providing you with heaps of time to hit the slopes. During the warmer months, there are many hikes, waterfalls and other spectacular sites to see nearby!

JOFFRE LAKES PROVINCIAL PARK (1-2 days):

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park was a spot I heard nothing but great things about! Due to COVID-19, it was closed so we were unable to check it out for ourselves but I’d recommend camping there for a night or two and doing some hikes. Be sure to check out the park details before you plan on heading there!

There are many places to check out when driving from Whistler. Nairn Falls was a quick stop and pretty empty as well.

REVELSTOKE (2 days):

The drive from Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to Revelstoke is about 6 hours so account for a full day of driving! Along the way, there are many places you can stop to check out. You’ll pass through the mountains and reach a very barren area and watch as the mountains and snow (if you’re travelling in the winter months) disappear before your eyes!

Revelstoke is a small ski town with a population of about 10 000 people. Before the resort opens, it’s known for its wide range of trails to choose from. We completed a small hike known as Big Eddy right outside of town. We pulled over by the bridge pictured below and followed the trail up. It took around 1.5 hours to complete the hike but you’ll want to check out the views of the town from above. It’s also not unusual to run into bears in Revelstoke so keep your eyes peeled along the way and always keep bear spray with you!

spellbound travels revelstoke bc street

YOHO NATIONAL PARK (2-3 days):

Driving from Revelstoke to Yoho National Park will take you about 2.5 hours. If you don’t have a full two weeks (I didn’t 😓), then you might not have time to make it all the way to Yoho. If you do, you’ll be right around the corner from Banff. You may even consider heading further east into Alberta if time allows.

When originally planning to see some of Yoho, I was adamant about doing a few day hikes. Here are some day hikes to consider:

  • Iceline Trail – A challenging 14.2km trail
  • Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit – This 10.6km hike is marked as moderate
  • Emerald Lake Trail – Another moderate hike that’s 10.8km long

KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK (2 days):

Kootenay National Park is another 2.5 hour drive from Yoho. While there are many beautiful trails to explore, what drew me in was the natural hot springs. I’m so sad I wasn’t able to find any natural hot springs during my 10 day road trip but it was simply too much to fit into a short amount of time!

Here are some amazing natural hot springs and other sights to check out:

  • Lussier Hot Springs
  • Ram Creek Hot Springs

Kootenay is about as far east as you’ll be able to make it if you only have two weeks in BC. From there you’ll have to head back towards Revelstoke before hitting Kelowna. You may need to spend another night in Revelstoke to break up the drive.

KELOWNA (2 days):

If you didn’t make it to the hot springs near Kootenay, don’t give up just yet! Depending on the time of year you’re travelling, you should head to Nakusp Hot Springs while driving from Revelstoke to Kelowna. Due to the time of year I was travelling (and per my cousin’s advisement), I wasn’t able to make it to the Nakusp Hot Springs either. Whenever there’s snow on the ground, there’s a good chance of getting stuck and I wasn’t willing to risk it with the campervan!

spellbound travels bc road

With that being said, Kelowna was a beautiful town to explore. It’s a wine region with MANY wineries to choose from. We made our way to Quail’s Gate Winery for a tasting and some appetizers afterwards.

If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s one of the warmest places in BC and has a few beaches to spend the day at as well!

spellbound travels osooyoos desert bc

On your way out of Kelowna, drive towards the Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley and you’ll watch as the landscape transforms once again! There’s a beautiful spotted lake you can check out as a quick roadside stop during warmer months (it was frozen over when we went to check in November). It was truly amazing to see such a unique and desolate landscape.

As you continue to drive out of the Okanagan Valley, the mountains will reappear.

CHILLIWACK (2 days):

spellbound travels elk mountain trail chilliwack

I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that Chilliwack was a bit of an afterthought when planning this BC road trip itinerary. I never really considered even stopping there until a day or two beforehand but I’m so happy we did before returning to Vancouver!

As you drive down from the Okanagan and right before you reach Chilliwack, stop at Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a quick walk through a trail and is absolutely stunning. There were only a handful of people around when we went close to sunset but it may be busy during peak season.

Again, there are many hikes in the area but we only had enough time to do one – Elk Mountain . The full trail is 14.6km and quite challenging. It ends at Mt. Thurston but if you can just as easily end once you get to Elk Mountain and it should only take you about 3.5 hours to return.

This was the snowiest hike we did so come prepared if you’re hiking in the winter! During the spring/summer it’s riddled with colourful flowers and we could only imagine how beautiful it would be. You also have a good chance of running into a bear on this trail. We saw a few bear paws along the way and there weren’t many people around. Once again, always have bear spray on you just in case!!

BACK TO VANCOUVER (1 DAY):

spellbound travels sunset at kistilano beach

The drive from Chilliwack to Vancouver is only about an hour long. If you have some extra time to spare in the city, I’d head to Kitsilano beach. Even though I was there during the beginning of winter, it was beautiful and a great spot to see the sunset!

You’re Ready For Your BC Road Trip!

spellbound travels bc road trip

That just about concludes my BC road trip itinerary. Did I miss anything? Leave a comment below if you’re travelled through BC and if there are any other spots worth checking out.

If you want to see the cost breakdown for my 10 days in BC stay tuned. I’ll be sharing that blog post next week!

P.S. Follow my adventures on Instagram & TikTok !

Are you travelling to Canada soon? I never travel without SafetyWing’s Travel Medical Insurance ! It’s perfect if you’re a digital nomad because it covers you as you move from place to place.

saskatoon to vancouver bc road trip

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4 thoughts on “ bc road trip itinerary (2 weeks) ”.

  • Pingback: British Columbia Travel on a Budget ($100/day) - Spellbound Travels

Hello, Nice post. Small question: Were you allowed to stop everywhere to sleep for the night in the van? Thanks

Thanks! We parked the car in wal mart parking lots for the night or found free/cheap campsites on the wiki camps or ioverlander app 😊

  • Pingback: Best Airbnbs in Canada: The Most Unique Vacation Rentals for 2023 - Spellbound Travels

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Canada Crossroads

Canada Road Trip Planning + 12 Epic Itinerary Ideas

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

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Planning Guide

saskatoon to vancouver bc road trip

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

Decide where you want to go in Canada

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

What to see on your Canadian Road Trips?

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

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

Budget for your Canada road trip should be as follows 

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

Canada Road Trip Planning: Canmore Alberta

When are you planning to travel for your road trip?

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

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

Where to stay on a Canada road trip?

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

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

Pin the spots on Google Maps

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

Maps Canada road trips

Important Driving Tips in Canada Highway & Parks

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

What to pack on a road trip in Canada?

Maligne Lake Road in winter

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

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

12 Canada Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Canadian rockies road trip itinerary, alberta .

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

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

How to plan a road trip in Canada

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

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

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

Pocahontas Cabin in winter review

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

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

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

View of Banff town - Alberta towns

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

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

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

Icefields Parkway, Alberta 

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

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

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

Jasper winter wildlife

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Sunwapta Falls

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

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

By Christina from Travel2Next

Sea to Sky highway – Vancouver to Whistler

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

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

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

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

Seton Lake Lookout Hiking British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Rachel from A City Girl Outside

Vancouver – Kelowna – Banff

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

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

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

Vineyard overlooking a subdivision Okanagan Lake Kelowna British Columbia Canada in the fall

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

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

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

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

Vancouver Kelowna Banff Canada road trip

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

By Michelle from Intentional Travelers

Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

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

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

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

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

Tofino Sunset Views

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

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

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

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

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

By Lindsay from Uncovering British Columbia

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

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

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

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

View of Scenic Road Leading to Tombstone and Mountains in Canadian Nature. Dempster Highway, Yukon, Canada.

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

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

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

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

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

By Gemma from Off Track Travel

Saskatchewan Road Trip 

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

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

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

Saskatchewan Canada Road trip

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

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

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

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

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

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

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

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

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

Saskatoon - Delta Bessborough Hotel

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

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

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

Esplande Riel at night

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

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

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

East Coast City Delights – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

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

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

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

saskatoon to vancouver bc road trip

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

Montreal Lanes

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

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

By Erin from Three is Us

Quebec City to Gaspésie

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

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

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

Gaspe Canada Road Trips

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

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

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

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

By Slavka from On2Continents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halifax near Peggy Cove

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

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

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

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

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

Hopewell Rocks Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lori from Maps, Memories and Motherhood

Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Cabot Trail East Coastal Drive

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

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

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

Beautiful rugged coastline scenery  in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia along the Cabot Trail on the Atlantic Ocean in Maritime Canada

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

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

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

Final Thoughts on Road Trips in Canada

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

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

Where will you head to first? 

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

saskatoon to vancouver bc road trip

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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7 scenic drives through BC

Vancouver Island Road Trip

Things to do

British Columbia is big and beautiful. Every corner of the province has some outstanding piece of nature, gorgeous panoramic view, or unique cultural experience that makes it worth visiting. But why stop at one?

There are a multitude External Link Title of British Columbia road trips that will bring you from one amazing stop to another. Whether you want to hit the road for a few weeks with friends, or need to cram in as much scenery as possible into a few days, here are seven road trip routes that show off the best of BC.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway

1.  The Sea-to-Sky Highway

That old saying that it isn't about the destination but the journey, starts to make sense as you drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway External Link Title . This stretch of winding road between Vancouver and Whistler really earns its name. With the blue waters on one side, soaring cliffs on the other, and nothing but open skies ahead of you, you really feel like you've left civilisation in your rear view mirror. The Sea-to-Sky passes by waterfalls, rivers, canyons, and mountains, as well as several towns, so keep an eye out for those "Tourist Attraction" signs. Finally, if you want to learn the First Nations history of the area while you're at it, there are also seven interpretive kiosks External Link Title , designed in the shape of cedar-bark hats, where you can read stories about the region's first residents.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 162 kilometres Time : < 1 day Essential stops : Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, the Stawamus Chief, Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

2. The Pacific Marine Circle Route

Have an appetite for a Vancouver Island road trip? A good choice for time-pressed foodies, the Pacific Marine Circle Route External Link Title packs in surf-tossed beaches, old-growth forest, BC's second-largest wine region, some of Canada's best restaurants, and all the delights of the province's capital, all within just a few hours of driving. Starting in Victoria, on Vancouver Island's southern tip, the route heads west, past the culinary hot spot of Sooke, to the big surf beaches of the southwest coast and the rolling vineyard-draped hills of the Cowichan Valley wine country. The panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait alone are worth the drive.

Starting point : Victoria Length : 255 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential stops : Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, BC Forest Discovery Centre, Totem Tour.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Surfing in Tofino

3. Vancouver to Tofino

Rent an old Volkswagen bus, fill the roof with surfboards, and head out on a quintessential  BC road trip from Vancouver to Tofino External Link Title . This scenic drive brings you from the big city to the big waves. You'll leave Vancouver, hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island, and drive right through massive old growth forests on the way to the surf capital of Canada. Along the way you'll want to stop a half dozen times for incredible hikes, the sandy beaches that stretch on forever, and consistently breathtaking scenery.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 300 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential Stops : MacMillan Provincial Park, Ucluelet Aquarium, the Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

4. The Coastal Circle Route

You can look forward to seascapes, beaches, and driftwood all the way along the Coastal Circle Route External Link Title , which takes you up Vancouver Island's eastern shore and back down the famous Sunshine Coast. This trek includes at least four ferry rides -- more if you opt to explore some of the smaller islands on the way -- and can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Visit BC's artists and artisans in the studios where they live, work, and showcase their art. Galleries, funky little artsy towns, stunning gardens, intriguing First Nations sites, wineries, organic farms, and two major cities are all highlights of this seaside odyssey.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 560 kilometres Time : 3 to 7 days Essential Stops : Butchart Gardens, Comox Air Force Museum, Historic Lund Hotel, Sechelt.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Vineyards

5. The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route

The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route External Link Title is really all about indulgence. The drive follows a visit to wine country with a tour of hot springs resorts. Starting in Golden, an outdoor adventure center in the Kootenay Rockies, this drive to BC's southeast takes visitors along the lakes and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, through Canada's only true desert, and past the peaks and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. Championship golf courses, lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking, historic towns, mountains resorts and, of course, hot springs and wineries, will make it tough to get back in the car.

Starting point : Golden Length : 1260 kilometres Time : 7 to 10 days Essential Stops : Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Yoho National Park, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Columbia Gardens Vineyard & Winery.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

6. The Hot Springs Circle Route

Seven days, seven hot springs. The Hot Springs Route External Link Title through BC's Kootenay Rockies region visits a string of natural pools, from lavish resorts to secret dips in the woods. Cruise through some of the world's most stunning lake and mountain scenery, with plenty of railway history, mountain resorts, wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure thrown in.

Starting point : Cranbrook Length : 851 kilometres Time : 7 days Essential Stops : Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

The Northern Lights on the Great Northern Circle Route

7. The Great Northern Circle Route

We saved the longest British Columbia road trip for last. The legendary Alaska Highway is the stuff of many bucket lists. It's also just the beginning of this odyssey through Northern BC and into the Yukon. The Great Northern Circle Route External Link Title is home to stone sheep, moose, grizzly and black bear, a natural hot springs pool, ancient totem poles, legendary fishing, glaciers, the Northern Lights, First Nations culture, and Fur Trade history. The route starts and finishes in Prince George, which has road and air access to the rest of the province.

Starting point : Prince George Length : 3,190 kilometres Time : 10+ days Essential Stops : Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Boya Lake Provincial Park, Bear Glacier, Salmon Glacier, Fort St. James National Historic Site.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Ready for your drive through BC? For maps, directions and more routes to check out, visit the Hello BC website.

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The Ultimate Kootenays BC Road Trip

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Canoeing in Fernie BC

Imagine driving through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, passing numerous small mountain towns along the way, while enjoying delicious food, golfing, rafting, museums, mining tours, spas, and hot springs. This is what a Kootenays BC Road Trip is all about!

Starting in Fernie and moving up Highway 93 to Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park, this is truly one of the top road trips in Canada . The landscapes are unreal, the towns are stunning, and there are activities and attractions for everyone, including golfing, adventure travel, or just kicking back while enjoying a massage.

While the optimum time to see the Kootenays is at least one week (two is better), you can also pick and choose where you want to go based on what you want to do or see. The driving time between all the towns is actually quite short, which makes it easy to navigate.

Having just experienced a 10-day Kootenay BC road trip, we’re going to list out what we did to help you plan your own. In addition, we have travel guides on some of the many destinations in the Kootenays to further enhance your trip.

St. Eugene Resort and Casino Cranbrook British Columbia

Table of Contents

The Kootenays

First off, let’s go over what the Kootenays are.

The Kootenays is a region of southeastern British Columbia . It takes its name from the Kootenay River, which in turn was named for the Kutenai First Nations people. It’s a fairly large area that comprises many mountain towns, most of which offer incredible skiing and outdoor adventure, stunning mountain landscapes, clear lakes, waterfalls, biking, hot springs, and vibrant arts and culture scenes.

Destinations in the Kootenays include Ainsworth Hot Springs, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fairmont Hot Springs, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Kaslo, Kimberley, Nakusp, Nelson, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Slocan Valley, and Trail. You can learn much more about these towns and the travel opportunities at MyKootenays.ca .

For our road trip, however, we’re going to focus on the towns on the Eastern side of the Kootenays, including Fernie, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs. If you decide to do the western side and the north, you should definitely allow two weeks as a minimum.

Downtown Fernie British Columbia Kootenays

Located only 30-minutes west of Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass , Fernie is a great place to begin your Kootenay BC road trip. Fernie is a stunning mountain town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. In fact, it’s the only town in BC completely surrounded by the Rockies. It’s home to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and rafting. It also has one of the nicest mountain towns with lots of delicious restaurants and a vibrant art scene. You can learn more about Fernie in our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Fernie . However, some highlights are below.

Hiking Fairy Creek Falls Fernie BC

Considering its location, it should come as no surprise that Fernie is home to some great hiking options. We’ve done a couple of hikes in the area and can’t wait to do more down the line. One easy trail to get started with is Fairy Creek Falls, which starts just behind the Fernie Visitor Centre , which is also a great resource for planning your trip. This trail is relatively flat all the way to the beautiful waterfall, which is extra powerful in the spring. You’ll walk next to the creek for more of the short 1-hour journey, likely spotting beaver dams and chewed trees along the way.

For more difficult hikes with marvellous views, hike up to Mt. Fernie. This hike goes up the mountain, taking roughly 5 hours for a return trip. It is well marked and simple but is an incline the entire way, so make sure you’re up for the challenge. The reward is outstanding views of both the town and the mountains surrounding it.

Rafting in Fernie is one of the top things to do on a Kootenays BC road trip.

Whether you’re looking for a calm, scenic float down the Elk River or looking to get more adventurous and go white water rafting, Fernie has something for everyone. During our spring visit, we joined Canyon Raft Company for a scenic float through town. Our guide shared lots of information with us as we gently coasted through town, marvelling at all the mountains around us. We saw an eagle, an elk, and lots of evidence of beaver activity.

Explore Historic Downtown Fernie

Fernie’s downtown core is quite beautiful with many historic buildings surrounded by stunning views. There are a few different ways to actually learn about the buildings and the history, including a visit to the Fernie Museum and a self-guided historical walking tour. You can find a map of the walk inside the Elk Valley Cultural guide.

Cranbrook Mini Golf at Elizabeth Lake Lodge.

Located roughly one hour west of Fernie, Cranbrook is another great base for exploring the Kootenays. From multiple award-winning golf courses to hiking and biking, there’s something for everyone. Cranbrook also has a lot of history. Built for the railway, the city grew around the tracks, leading to beautiful commercial buildings and elegant homes.

Some things to enjoy while you’re here include:

Taking a tour of the old trains at the Cranbrook History Centre is one of the Things to Do in Cranbrook

Cranbrook History Centre

While the Cranbrook History Centre is a great place to learn about the history of the town, it’s much more dedicated to the history of trains in the region as well as train history in general. In fact, if you have any interest in trains, this is one place you do not want to miss. Home to a collection of 20 railway cards (17 of which are available to the public), this is a rare chance to see and walk through some amazing rail cars, such as the 1929 “Trans-Canada Limited” (a classic “Jazz Era Art Deco” design), 2 cars of the 1907 “Soo-Spokane Train” (a deluxe example of “Edwardian Art Nouveau Elegance”), and the 1927 executive night car “Strathcona” which has housed many VIP guests during its time in service, including Queen Elizabeth II, John & Jackie Kennedy and Sir Winston Churchill. As of 2022, it has also housed Must Do Canada (haha). To see all of them, you’ll want to sign up for the grand tour. Also notable is the Royal Alexandra Hall, one of the original luxury railway hotels built in Winnipeg back in 1906. The Grand Cafe portion of the hotel, the only remaining piece in existence, is part of the Cranbrook History Centre and is a joy to see.

Biking from Cranbrook to Kimberley in the BC Kootenays

Cranbrook is a great place to go biking and during our visit, we rented e-bikes from North Star Bicycle Co. and peddled halfway to Kimberely, utilizing the North Star Rails to Trails pathway, which is a 28-km paved trail connecting the two towns via an old railway track. This is a very easy, mostly flat pathway suitable for almost anyone and a great way to enjoy the Kootenays by bike. However, Tourism Cranbook lists many other trails in the area as well for those seeking more excitement.

Play Mini Golf

During our visit, we stayed at the Elizabeth Lake Lodge , which is not only a beautiful lodge with lots of murals but is also home to one of the best mini golf courses we’ve ever experienced. Claimed as the most difficult mini-golf course in Canada, we certainly had a challenge trying to hit par. We did well for the first nine holes and then did very poorly on the last nine. It’s just such a unique course to enjoy with so many obstacles and really detailed props and buildings. In addition, they have a bird sanctuary right behind the lodge.

St.Eugene Resort and Casino Kootenays BC Road Trip

St.Eugene Mission

Although St. Eugene Mission is not really a town, it does feel like a destination in and of itself. This is thanks to the St. Eugene Resort and Casino , a beautiful resort located in a former residential school. Transformed by the local indigenous people into what it is today, this is a lovely place to spend a couple of nights, especially if you’re into golfing or gambling. Some of the things we recommend doing here are:

Take an Interpretive Tour

With so much history, albeit a dark one, there’s a lot to learn at the main building, which is known as the Red Brick Schoolhouse. Besides spacious rooms and dining, you’ll also find the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, a small museum where you can learn about the Ktunaxa people and how they moved, lived, and crafted for thousands of years. If you want to dig deeper though, you can take a tour from one of the elders or knowledge keepers, giving you insight into the dark past of this former residential school, the original layouts, some of the disturbing stories, and why they decided to turn it into a resort rather than a demolition project.

Golfing near Cranbrook British Columbia at St.Eugene Resort and Casino

Whether golfing is just a side hobby or something you truly play with passion, the St.Eugene Golf Course is a beautiful place to play. Surrounded by mountain views, forest, and a gushing river, this championship golf course offers a golf experience like no other, including a Par 72 championship course, up to 7,007 yards from the black tees, unlimited driving range access, a full-service “Halfway House”, the 19th Hole Restaurant & Bar, new golf carts with a GPS system for yardage, golf lessons for individuals or groups by PGA-certified professionals, and more.

Casino of the Rockies

For those who rather try their luck at the slot machines or have fun playing poker and blackjack, the resort is also home to the Casino of the Rockies, which is open year-round with a bold, nature-based design concept that pays homage to the Ktunaxa First Nations’ connection to the earth while highlighting the flora and fauna native to the mountains and foothills in their backyard.

Things to Do in Kimberley include walking in the downtown Platzl.

Recently voted as the best small town in all of British Columbia in a fun competition run by the CBC, Kimberley is no longer a Kootenay secret. Located just 30 minutes north of Cranbrook, and connected via the North Star Rails to Trails trail, Kimberely is another beautiful mountain town with lots of outdoor adventure and history.

There are many things that make Kimberley stand out, such as their historic mining tour, their unique pedestrian-friendly downtown Platzl, and their consistent Purcell Mountain powder in the winter, just to name a few.

Some activities we can recommend include:

Kimberley Underground Mining Railway

Kimberley owes its existence to the historic Sullivan Mine and the Underground Mining Railway , which kickstarted this area into the thriving mountain town it is today. Although the mine is not in use anymore, it is owned and operated by the Sullivan Mine and Railway Historical Society, which have created a very popular tour that takes you into the mine on a train where you’ll get to learn about its history from a retired miner.

You’ll start by riding the rails through the beautiful Mark Creek valley as you listen to the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine. You’ll then get to learn about life from an ex-miner while he demonstrates some of the equipment that was used in the Sullivan Mine. Afterwards, you’ll come back out of the mine and into daylight once again as you enter the Sullivan Mine Powerhouse for a guided tour featuring the huge compressors and generators that powered the mine.

You can then continue the experience and explore the Orpheum Theatre, the North Star Schoolhouse, the Miner’s Cabin and the Caboose as part of your adventure into history.

undergorund railway mining tour in kimberley british columbia

Tour the Downtown Platzl

One of the things that makes Kimberely quite unique in the region is their pedestrian-friendly car-free downtown Platzl. This cobblestone area really feels like a slice out of Europe, and in a way, it was designed that way. Although they’re now shedding the image, the Platzl was originally designed to look Bavarian as a way to bring in tourists. Some of this can still be seen in the buildings and some of the features, such as the Happy Hans Cuckoo Clock. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon and you can do your own self-guided walking tour by picking up a map at the nearby Visitor Centre. Some of the stops include the Kimberely Heritage Museum, the Platzl Water Feature, and the Kimberley Veteran Memorial Park.

Visit the Marysville Waterfall

Located nearby in the town of Marysville is the Marysville Waterfall, which is only a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. In the spring, it’s absolutely gushing with water, and the trail snakes alongside the river itself, making it a beautiful and easy walk in nature.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Private Hot Tub

Fairmont Hot Springs

Home to the largest natural hot springs in all of Canada, Fairmont Hot Springs has become BC’s best all-season family destination and has been a legendary attraction for 100 years. With over 1.2 million gallons of fresh, odourless mineral water flowing through the Fairmont Hot Springs pools daily, they’re able to use minimal levels of chlorine, further enhancing their tranquil, calming effect.

But it’s not just the hot springs that make this a great destination to visit in the Kootenays. It’s also home to three beautiful golf courses, incredible views, skiing, hiking, biking, white water rafting, horseback tours, and even a zip-line. Oh, and we should probably mention the spa. It’s also just one hour from Kimberley and less than 30 minutes from Invermere, making it a great addition to your Kootenays BC road trip.

Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge

Although there are other accommodation options in the area, the Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge is the flagship resort, with 140 rooms, fine dining, spa treatments, and the hot springs themselves. Antlers at the Lodge, their fine dining restaurant, was one of the best restaurants we ate at during our Kootenays BC road trip.

Golfing in Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenays, BC.

Mountainside Golfing

Located just minutes from the Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge is the Mountainside Golf Course, which caters to a variety of skill levels while offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. We had a blast while trying to look like golfers as we skirted the many gophers galavanting about and tried not to hit the many houses that back onto the golf course. It’s also very reasonable with pricing, ranging from about $60 to $75 per round depending on the time of year.

The beautiful beaches of Invermere, BC.

Invermere and Panorama

Popular with people from Calgary and only three hours from the major city, Invermere and Panorama are true gems of the Kootenays. Invermere is the town, located in a stunning valley that separates the Purcell Mountains from the Rocky Mountains, whereas Panorama is the mountain ski resort not far away. As if two mountain ranges weren’t enough, it also sits nestled into Windermere Lake, a beautiful lake with jaw-dropping views all around it. North of the lake is also the Columbia Basin Wetlands, one of the largest in North America. I mean, does it get any better? Well, it turns out it does. There’s also Radium Hot Springs, listed below, which is just 15-minutes away. If you can’t tell yet, we love it here.

Ride an ATV with Toby Creek Adventures in Panorama Mountain Resort.

ATV’ing and Snowmobiling

If you’re looking for a unique way to get deep into the Purcell Mountains, look no further than Toby Creek Adventures . Located very close to Panorama Mountain Resort, Toby Creek offers snowmobiling tours in the winter and ATV tours in the summer, allowing you to get behind the wheel for a guided tour up the mountains. We joined them on their flagship Paradise Mine Tour, which takes you all the way from the valley bottom to their alpine cabin at 8000 feet.

kayaking Columbia River in Invermere BC Kootenays Road Trip

Kayaking and Canoeing

One of our favourite activities we did during our visit to the Kootenays was a kayaking tour with Columbia River Paddle . Whether you jump in a canoe or a kayak, this is such a beautiful way to experience one of the largest wildlife wetlands in North America. We paddled through the wetlands and into the Columbia River and all the way to the town of Radium Hot Springs. It was a four-hour one-way trip and we saw lots of bald eagles along the way. This is truly the best way to fully experience what makes this area so special.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, Invermere and the surrounding area is a great place to go for a hike. There are many options, ranging from alpine hiking at Panorama Mountain Resort to easy hikes around the Columbia River. We decided to do the Old Coach Trail, which utilized an old motorcoach road while offering beautiful views of the Columbia Valley. In fact, we could see the trail while kayaking, so if you don’t want to get in a kayak, this is another option for seeing the area and hopefully spotting some wildlife.

Radium Hot Springs is one of the top hot springs in BC.

Radium Hot Springs

Located just 15 minutes north of Invermere and sandwiched between the Purcell mountains and the Canadian Rockies, Radium Hot Springs is a popular idyllic mountain town. With so much natural beauty, Radium Hot Springs is a haven for outdoor adventure, including rafting, hiking, and biking, but is also a refuge for peace and tranquillity, with spas and hot springs nearby.

Whether you drive into Radium Hot Springs from Calgary or from the hot springs themselves, you’ll drive through the iconic Sinclair Canyon, a narrow highway carved through the canyon that opens up into views of the Purcell Mountains. It’s a magical way to enter a magical place.

Some of the things we recommend doing here are:

Relax in the Hot Springs

Also called Radium Hot Springs are the actual hot springs themselves, which are located right at the entrance to town near the Sinclair Canyon. Managed by Parks Canada, these are some of our favourite hot springs. Although the pools themselves are man-made and modern, the water is as natural as natural gets. Plus, it’s right next to a cliff, which gives it a nice natural feel, especially in the winter when everything is covered in snow. The facility has towels and locker rentals, as well as a lap pool with a small waterslide and diving board.

Bighorn Meadows Resort Radium Hot Springs

For those who love golf, Radium Hot Springs is a true paradise. With 13+ golf courses situated in or within 45 minutes of the village, each offering a unique experience, golf is the #1 activity in the area.

If you have your heart set on a golfing getaway, you can’t go wrong with Bighorn Meadows Resort. Then again, if you’re not into golf, it’s still a great place to stay. Although we didn’t golf this time around, we did spend a night in this beautiful resort that sits right next to the ninth fairway of the Springs Golf Course. This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for apartment-style accommodation. We had a massive room, a full kitchen, a living room, a washer and dryer, and a massive deck with stunning views of the golf course and the mountains.

Zip-lining adventures near Radium Hot Springs in the BC Kootenays.

Valley Zipline Adventures

Another fun activity for the whole family is ziplining in the Kootenays. Located between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs, Valley Zipline Adventures offers 1.5 hours of fun spread out over 7 ziplines that take you through the forest. They have a very modern zipline system that really makes you feel safe, and once you’re used to it, you can do some cool things like hang upside down or do the starfish. They also have an Adventure Tower for those wanting to practice their rock climbing skills.

Hiking in Kootenay National Park.

Kootenay National Park

Located just north of Radium Hot Springs and all the way to the Trans-Canada Highway, Kootenay National Park is an incredible place to get into the wilderness. Established in 1920 as part of an agreement to build a new road across the Rockies, Kootenay National Park is a place of unique contrasts, from icy mountain rivers to steamy hot springs. You can enjoy it with a quick 1-hour drive along Highway 93, by hiking some of its backcountry trails, or by camping in one of the many beautiful campgrounds. There are also oTENTiks for those wanting to go glamping instead as well as guided tours to experience such wonders as the Burgess Shale fossils, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Want More BC Travel?

While the Kootenays is truly a spectacular destination, there are a lot of incredible places to visit in British Columbia. From the rainforest of Vancouver Island to the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, below are more BC travel guides to enjoy.

  • Things to Do in Vancouver
  • Things to Do in Vernon
  • Things to Do in Kelowna
  • Things to Do in Golden BC
  • Things to Do in Victoria

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About Matthew G. Bailey

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

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7-Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary (Saskatchewan Travel Guide)

sitting at the Parks Canada red adirondack chairs at Ta Sunka Watogla in Grasslands National Park East Block along Badlands Parkway in Saskatchewan

Looking for a Saskatchewan road trip itinerary to help you plan an epic visit to this highly underrated Canadian province? We got you. After spending a week exploring the cities of Regina, Saskatoon, the gorgeous Grasslands National Park, and stops along the way we came back from our trip in awe at the beauty and unspoiled landscapes.

Scenic drives in Saskatchewan include traversing across its stunning prairies and grasslands. Grasslands happen to be one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet and are home to one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world for those interested in star gazing.

In this Saskatchewan road trip itinerary, we are going to cover Grasslands National Park, which should absolutely be included on your visit and does require a little extra planning as you will be in the more remote areas of the province and will need to bring some of your own meals (more on that later) and potentially camping gear.

In addition, we are including stops in the cities of Regina and Saskatoon along with a few interesting Saskatchewan landmarks and stops along the way including unforgettable and unique stays.

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Tourism Saskatchewan, as always all opinions expressed are our own. This post also contains affiliate links.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Tips:

Megan and Scott taking a photo along the road in Saskatchewan with yellow canola fields

Some of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan and cool places to visit in Saskatchewan are in remote areas, which require a little planning in advance to ensure you have a great visit (that’s where our guide comes in handy!).

While you may pass through towns, not all have restaurants, grocery stores, or even gas stations. So it’s wise to do a little extra planning ahead to make sure you have the supplies and fuel you need! Also, you will encounter spots with no cell phone service, although depending on your provider you will cross pockets of service frequently on the Saskatchewan road trip we suggest.

If you plan on staying in the oTENTik accommodation option in Grasslands National Park , you’ll want to check availability and book these first and plan your Saskatchewan road trip around that availability. Also, be sure to plan for what to bring if you do this option as they do have beds, a grill, fire pit, table, and other amenities but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. We used a sleeping bag.

Based on our guide and places to visit in Saskatchewan, here are our top travel tips to be aware of:

  • When driving through Saskatchewan always have at least a half tank of gas and fill it up every opportunity you have . Gas stations are few and far between AND some are a bit tricky to get fuel if you’re not used to driving here.
  • Many gas stations are not full service , so someone will assist you in filling up your gas. There are gas stations in remote towns that don’t have an attendant on site and require you to call someone who will come and fill you up. We avoided this as we stopped in gas the next town, but you’ll want to check on your Google Maps to see where the next gas station is. This is why you always want to have over a half tank of gas to avoid any emergencies!
  • Be sure to preload your Google Maps with the locations you want to visit saved so it’s easy to navigate when there’s no service. We didn’t have any issues getting directions with TMobile as we always were driving in and out of service pockets.
  • Invest and pack a travel cooler . You’ll need one for when you are visiting Grasslands National Park whether you are camping in your own tent, staying in an oTENTik, or staying at a hotel. There aren’t food options in or around the park and you will need to bring food for this portion of the trip including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Get your groceries in the city before taking off to Grasslands National Park. We planned our meals and got all of our groceries in Regina including any adult beverages we wanted as well as large gallons of water (there are water filling stations at the park).
  • If you’re staying at the campgrounds in Grasslands National Park, be sure to plan your arrival before the offices close at the campsites in both the East Block and West Block! During our visit, they were open until 7 PM. However, when you make your reservation you will want to check and confirm the time for the date of your visit. (PS these offices sell ice if you need to refill your coolers).
  • Bring bug spray with DEET and if you want to hike through the prairies and trails, you’ll want long pants as there are ticks here that hang out in the tall grass, we didn’t encounter any but they are common.
  • If you do plan on stopping at a restaurant outside of the cities, be sure to double-check the restaurants are open the day you are visiting as many are closed on Sundays or only open on certain days of the week! This happened to us and thankfully we packed enough food to cover this meal.

7 Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary

Saskatchewan road trip day 1: arrive & explore regina.

Megan walking through Wascana Park with a view of the Legislative Building in the background in Regina Saskatchewan

Before we started our scenic drive in Saskatchewan, we spent a day in Regina, the capital city of the province.

We arrived in the afternoon and only had a little time for exploring. We recommend taking a scenic walk around Wascana Park which surrounds Wascana Lake and offers great views of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, one of the most famous Saskatchewan landmarks here in Regina.

Our two favorite spots for views were the Wascana Observation Deck that overlooks Willow Island and Trafalgar Overlook Fountain.

This was an easy 10-15 minute walk from our hotel at Hotel Saskatchewan . On your way to or from Wascana Park, be sure to stop in Central Park . This small, manicured park has a cool tribute to Mary Baker, a local who played professional baseball in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II.

I am personally a fan of the film A League of Their Own , so this was a fun little gem to stumble upon while exploring Regina.

Be sure to plan a dinner at Avenue Restaurant and Bar downtown. This is one of the best restaurants in Regina and offers a menu with a French and global influence using local ingredients. They also have excellent cocktails like their tableside martinis.

Since we arrived in the afternoon, this was all we had time for on our visit. However, if you have more time to explore Regina we encourage you to check out MacKenzie Art Gallery , Saskatchewan’s oldest art gallery that features modern and abstract artworks from local and international artists.

Another great museum includes the Royal Saskatchewan Museum featuring collections that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the province including the world’s largest T Rex that was found in the province named Scotty! Be sure to also check out the First Nations Gallery featuring a display of artwork that highlights the history and traditions of Indigenous societies that live in Saskatchewan.

*You also have the option in the evening to get your supplies for the next leg of your Saskatchewan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Regina

inside the room at Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina

We stayed in the beautiful Hotel Saskatchewan , an Autograph Collection property in the heart of downtown. This luxury hotel is one of Canada’s historic grand railway hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1926, the same project that built the famous Château Frontenac in Quebec City .

The hotel offers elegant rooms and has a beautiful lobby and bar area. Grab breakfast and coffee in the morning from Cafe Royale in the morning. There’s also a parking lot here for guests to use for a small fee. Book here.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 2: Fun Stops on the Way to Grasslands National Park East Block

horses just outside of Castle Butte in the Big Muddy Badlands of Saskatchewan

Get ready for one of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan! We loved the route from Regina toward Grasslands National Park’s East Block. Along the way, you’ll pass Saskatchewan landmarks like endless scenes of yellow canola fields, gorgeous barns, silos, and sprawling farmland.

We recommend getting an early start as during our visit we needed to get checked in to our campsite before 7 PM and there are a few cool places in Saskatchewan to visit along the way including the town of Ogema, natural wonders like Castle Butte, and the small community of Willow Bunch.

If you didn’t get your groceries and provisions for this portion of the trip in advance, you’ll want to do this first thing in the morning at hit the road.

Stop in Ogema

Southern Prairie Railway in Ogema Saskatchewan

About an hour into your Saskatchewan road trip is the charming and quaint prairie town of Ogema. If you like historic and scenic train rides, you may want to plan a visit to Southern Prairie Railway which offers 2.5-hour train rides on select weekends.

We didn’t end up doing this as we wanted to make other stops and make it to our campsite in time. If you do plan on doing one of their train rides, you may want to skip the other stops included on this guide. They offer heritage train rides as well as specialty-themed train rides including a craft beer train ride!

We were able to take a look at the historic prairie locomotive before it took off on one of its journeys during our quick stop in Ogema.

Another great reason to stop in Ogema is that this can be one of your last hot meals before camping or staying in Grasslands National Park! Solo Italia Fine Pasta (open Wednesdays through Saturdays only) offers their famous wood-fired pizzas along a menu of other Italian dishes.

If barbecue is more your style, you can also dine at Bud’s Barbecue (open Tuesdays through Saturdays).

Check out Castle Butte

View of the Big Muddy Badlands from the top of Castle Butte in Saskatchewan Canada

Around a 45-minute drive away from Ogema continuing on your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary is the unique formation of Castle Butte in the Big Muddy Badlands. This striking geological wonder is a massive sandstone butte that rises dramatically from the surrounding prairie landscape.

This Saskatchewan landmark is a testament to the millions of years of erosion that sculpted this castle-like natural wonder.

Visitors are welcome to climb Castle Butte, although if you’re not a confident climber you may have to scoot down on your bottom on the way back down. From the top you get sweeping views of the nearby landscape.

Around the base of Castle Butte, you can explore the labyrinth of crevices and trail around the base of the butte which offers a glimpse at the years of erosion in interesting patterns. Plan at least an hour for this stop on your road trip, it’s really one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan!

See the Giant of Willow Bunch

The-giant-of-willow-bunch-in-Saskatchewan-Canada

If time is still on your side, another one of the most interesting places in Saskatchewan to visit on a road trip is the town of Willow Bunch (~1 hour drive from Castle Butte & another ~1 hour to Rock Creek Campground in Grasslands National Park East Block).

This rural community is home to the legendary “Giant of Willow Bunch.” The town celebrates the memory of Edouard Beaupré, who was a circus performer that traveled with Barnum and Bailey due to his exceptional height of 8’3″.

You can pay a visit to the Willow Bunch Museum & Heritage Society which is housed in a former convent to see exhibits that chronicle the history of this community as well as artifacts and belongings that were owned by Edouard Beaupré in his lifetime.

When you’re walking up to the museum you’ll spot a statue of Edouard Beaupré as well as his tombstone as his remains were returned to Willow Bunch and this is his final resting place. Even the local motel and pub named themselves after him at the Jolly Giant Pub & Motel. A local told us the stone erected outside the motel is said to be the same height as Edouard so you can get an idea of his height.

This is also a great place to fuel up before continuing on your Saskatchewan road trip to Grasslands National Park.

Just be careful, there are two pumps here and while one does say diesel fuel, it’s not as obvious as other pumps (or so we thought) and we accidentally put diesel fuel in our car! OOPS! This was obviously a tragic mistake and we were lucky that a local went and found the local mechanic who was able to drain our tank and fuel lines for us. (We all make mistakes from time to time!) Learn from ours!

Most gas stations in Saskatchewan have someone pump the gas for you, but this one didn’t and we just happened to make that mistake. Anyway, that likely won’t happen to you! But a special thank you to the kind folks in Willow Bunch for helping us get back on the road!

Arrive to Grasslands National Park East Block

oTENTIKs at Rock Creek Campground with lightning at Grasslands National Park East Block in Saskatchewan Canada

You will want to carefully plan out all of your activities for the day and journey to the Grasslands National Park East Block to arrive to Rock Creek Campground before 7 PM to check in to your campsite. And make sure to have a full tank of gas .

Rock Creek Campground has campsites for RVs, campers, and tents, along with 8 oTENTik sites which are basically a tent and an A-Frame cabin combined. We stayed in an oTENTik tent at both the East Block and West Block and recommend doing the same and planning your trip around their availability.

These structures are a step above camping and provide a shelter with beds with mattresses that can sleep up to 6 people (you need to bring your own pillow and sleeping bag), table and chairs, electricity, small heater & fan, a front deck with Adirondack chairs, picnic table, fire pit, and grill.

These were incredibly comfortable if you come prepared with food and sleeping supplies. There is no plumbing at these sites, but you can use the campground’s restroom and water station.

If you plan on enjoying the firepit, you will need to secure a fire permit from the ranger station for a small fee. Pay attention to the wind as it typically dies down at night and is safe to have a fire. You can also buy ice here if you need more to keep your food cool.

When shopping for supplies, you may want to pick up a firestarter to help you get your fire going if you plan on using the fire pit along with matches or a lighter.

The Parks Canada ranger at the campsite check-in spot will be able to tell you if it is safe or not to have a fire or when the wind is scheduled to slow down.

During our visit, the ranger station was open 11 AM until 7 PM. However, when making a reservation please confirm when the window is you can check in to make sure you get there on time! If the ranger leaves for the day, you won’t be able to get the key to your oTENTik.

Once you’re settled in, you can enjoy the beauty of the prairies and pop out late at night to see the Milky Way and stars as you’re in one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world ! Also, this can be a great spot for Aurora Borealis too, if you’re lucky you might get to see the Northern Lights!

If you’re here early, consider doing the short and quick hikes around the ranger station , both the Rock Creek Trail (1km loop) and the Creek to Peak Trail (1.5 trail out and back) start right at the green gates at the visitor center. Both are relatively short hikes that offer sweeping views of the prairie landscapes.

Also, since Grasslands National Park is in two sections, the East Block and West Block, make sure you pay careful attention to arrive to the correct side for your reservation as they are about a +2 hour drive from one another!

Another tip: Grasslands National Park can get very windy! Bring a windbreaker and leave the hat at the campsite unless you have a way to secure it to your head. This is a place of extremes it also can get VERY hot, make sure to bring sunscreen and apply it generously and frequently. It also can get cold! Pack accordingly.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 3: Grasslands National Park East Block

couple enjoying the Parks Canada red chairs at Ta Sunka Watogla along the Badlands Parkway in Grasslands National Park East Block in Saskatchewan

Enjoy waking up to the serenity of the prairies! If you stayed up late stargazing you may want to sleep in before embarking on the Badlands Parkway, a scenic 11 kilometers (~ 6.8 miles) of paved road that takes you to 6 scenic stops and overlooks the popular Valley of 1000 Devils hiking trail that takes you through the badlands and where many fossils and dinosaurs have been found!

The East Block is more known for its stunning landscapes and views, along with being one of the richest resources in Canada for finding dinosaur fossils. But you may also encounter some wildlife here.

If you want to do the Valley of 1000 Devils hike , plan for 3-4 hours and try to do this one earlier in the day as it can be 10 degrees hotter on this trail than other areas of Grasslands National Park. The entire trail is 10 kilometers and it passes through the dramatic views of the valley and grass prairies, which you’ll see from above at the overlooks along the Badlands Parkway.

Along the Badlands Parkway , you also have more opportunities for leisurely walking along interpretive trails and enjoy stunning views from the vistas overlooking the valley as well as stops that have the famous red Adirondack chairs found across iconic scenes throughout all of the Parks Canada parks.

Each of the 6 stops offers a stunning vantage point of geological formations and the unique prairie landscape here. The landscape here does remind us of the American Southwest with the buttes and geological shapes, except that these formations and landscapes are covered in grass.

We recommend taking your time to slowly enjoy each of these stops and if you’re wanting to freely roam and explore more, at stop #2 called Crackerjack, the Parks Canada ranger informed us of an interpretive trail here where you can explore the valley down a path (you’ll spot it off the main path that leads to the lookout) and you can wander around looking for fossils (if you find one don’t move it, get its location with GPS and report it to a ranger), quicksand, and see the badlands from another vantage point and perspective.

Each of the stops also has informational signs that teach you more about the grasslands and prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan.

Here are the highlights of each of the 6 stops:

  • Stop 1 – Gateway to the Grasslands: This is a short walk through swaying tall grass takes you to two red Parks Canada Adirondack chairs overlooking the rolling grassland and prairie landscape below. There are also two tower viewer binoculars here to get a closer look too and maybe spot wildlife!
  • Stop 2 – Crackerjack: Another short walk overlooking the badlands of the East Block. This is where you can find the trail that leads down to the valley and do some interpretive exploring looking for fossils, and quicksand, and take your time admiring all of the geological and archeological wonders of the Grasslands National Park.
  • Stop 3 – Zahursky Point: A brief walk will bring you to two more Parks Canada Adirondack chairs, there are more stunning views here as well as a sign explaining how the Zahursky family lived at this point for a period of time in these nearly uninhabitable conditions in 1912.
  • Stop 4 – Kapêsiwin: Another incredible vista and place to take in the view in prairie silence as you look out over the same views as the Indigenous peoples of the Astina, Nakoda, Nêhiyawak, Siksika, Dakota, and Lakota peoples had for centuries.
  • Stop 5 – Mauvais Terres: An incredible viewpoint of the grassy buttes below.
  • Stop 6 – Ta Sunka Watógla: Our favorite scenic vista on the Badlands Parkway and one of the most stunning places in Saskatchewan for views! You’re actually incredibly close to the Western Montana border from here. There are two Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs here to take in the view and this is an excellent place to see the sunset.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 4: Grasslands National Park West Block

View from the Ecotour Scenic Drive in Grasslands National Park West Block in Saskatchewan

We recommend getting an early start to your day 4 on your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary so you have plenty of time to take in all there is to see and do at Grasslands National Park at the West Block. This is just over a 2-hour drive from Rock Creek Campground through farmland and prairie landscapes. Make sure to fill up your gas tank again!

The Grasslands National Park Visitor Centre in Val Marie is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and is a great place to stop if you want to pick up maps. From 11 AM to 7 PM at Frenchman Valley Campground you can check in to an oTENTik or campsite (although double check and confirm this before your visit).

If the East Block is known for the badlands and stunning vistas, the West Block of Grasslands National Park is better known for wildlife spotting. Another one of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan can be found here as well along the Ecotour Scenic Drive . This is a 20-kilometer (~12.4 miles) paved road and driving tour through the Frenchman River Valley with 7 pull-offs and interpretive signs.

Not only will you find sprawling views of the grasslands and prairies, but you’ll encounter the black-tailed prairie dog colonies known as dog towns, opportunities to spot wildlife like the burrowing owl, coyotes, and bison, but also archeological sites like ancient tipi rings which are evidence of life used by Indigenous peoples for shelter and cultural practices, just look for stones that are in a circular arrangement (some of these sites are marked).

The Ecotour Scenic Drive is a bit different than the Badlands Parkway in the East Block. Each stop has an interpretive sign and some stops require more time than others. A few of the stops also offer trailheads too. It takes the average visitor anywhere from 1-3 hours to do the drive, although we took much longer as we also decided to drive part of the Back Country Loop after the 7th stop on the Ecotour Scenic Drive (more on that later).

Here’s a breakdown of the stops on the Ecotour Scenic Drive:

  • Stop 1 – Welcome to the Grasslands National Park: A brief stop at the beginning of the Ecotour Scenic Drive with an interpretive sign.
  • Stop 2 – Top Dogtown Trail: This short loop takes you through a trail in one of the black-tailed prairie dog colonies. We spent alot of time here observing the prairie dogs! During dawn and dusk look out for burrowing owls in some of the burrows too! We saw some across the road from here.
  • Stop 3 – Grasses Reign Supreme: This is where you can find the trailheads for the Bearpaw Sea Trail (10 km in-and-out) that traverses through the prairie landscape passing through more prairie dog colonies (*exercise caution as part of this trail passes through a rattlesnake hibernating spot) and the Timbergulch Trail (15 km loop) traverses through a gulch which a chance to encounter a bison. This is more of an advanced trail as bison do knock over the trail markers and it helps to be savvy with navigational equipment.
  • Stop 4- Coming Full Circle: You can read the interpretive sign here and look for historic tipi rings at this stop.
  • Stop 5 – Ranch Corrals: This is a cool stop, you can see a glimpse into Saskatchewan’s wild west history here. Remnants from an old ranching corral from the 76 Ranch remain here.
  • Belza: This is a day-use picnic area that offers beautiful views of the valley and prairie below along with restrooms and two Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs.
  • Frenchman Valley Campground: Campsite and where the oTENTiks campsite is. There is a small trail here that leads to a tipi ring and a bench that offers views of the creek below.
  • Stop 6 – A Cowboy of Mystery: This stop gives visitors a glimpse into ranching life here as there are still buildings left behind where the Larson family lived as ranchers from the 1920s until 1984. You can walk around the buildings and see where he built shelter for his animals in the hill bank. There is a picnic table here and also the Larson Trail hike (1.5 km loop) starts here.
  • Stop 7 – A Prairie Hot Spot: Between stop 6 and 7 is when you’ll start noticing a long stretch of black-tailed prairie dog burrows and colonies. This is where you might see alot of wildlife activity, we saw a coyote hunting for prairie dogs here.

Once you’re done with the Ecotour Scenic Drive you have the option to also continue driving along the Back Country Loop, a dirt road that takes you through rolling pastures with ranching cattle through lands of transition.

The park ranger told us about the Borderlands Lookout point you can stop at that is very close to the US border of Montana. This is a more rugged area of the park and it’s only open when the conditions are dry. You can also access the Otter Basin Trail hike (15 km loop) which is for more skilled wilderness explorers.

Megan and Scott enjoying camping at an oTENTik campsite in Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan Canada

You have the option of reserving an oTENTik at Frenchman Valley Campground or you can stay in one of the few accommodation options in the town of Val Marie. Unlike the East Block, the town of Val Marie offers more options as it’s around a 20-minute drive to the entrance of the West Block of Grasslands National Park.

Convent Inn in Val Marie Saskatchewan near the entrance of Grasslands National Park West Block

We also stayed at the Convent Inn one night during our Saskatchewan road trip, which is a really unique hotel set in a former convent. They have shared restrooms and serve breakfast in the morning. It’s a great place to sleep if you need a break from camping.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 5: Swift Current & Overnight in a Luxury Grain Bin Stay

view of the fields at Alive Sky Lodge in Rosetown Saskatchewan

Continuing your road trip itinerary and cool places in Saskatchewan to visit, we will encounter a few more small towns and end the day pampering yourself in a grain bin on a farm that’s been converted to a luxurious stay.

Take your time in the morning at Grasslands National Park at the West Block, whether you spent the night stargazing again or want to wake up early for another hike before hitting the road. There is no rush to leave in the morning.

We actually woke up early just to go see if we could spot more burrowing owls and wildlife since the wildlife is most active in the mornings and evenings in the prairie. We weren’t disappointed as we saw a whole family of burrowing owls and the coyote hunting prairie dogs as we mentioned earlier.

It was fascinating watching the prairie dogs communicate to one another letting their colony know that there was a predator in the area.

Have Lunch & Explore in Swift Current

street view of Swift Current Saskatchewan Canada

Enjoy more of the scenic drives in Saskatchewan on your way to Swift Current (~ 1.25 hours from Val Marie). This small southwestern city was one of our favorites as we were delightfully surprised to find cool shops and restaurants here.

We ate lunch at Nightjar Diner Co. which offers a farm-fresh, seasonal menu that’s always changing along with a nice selection of craft beer. The food here was incredible and we highly recommend it!

Take some time to mosey down Central Avenue and explore the cool shops . A few that really caught our eye were The Fill , a sustainable goods and refill station for beauty and home products, Sunny Side Up , a cute stationary store, Fusion a boutique carrying higher-end clothing and beauty products, Farmer’s Daughter Homestead carried a nice selection of home goods, and Bre’s Boutique for more women’s clothing.

And for hockey fans, did you know that Saskatchewan has the highest NHL hockey players per capita from here?! If that’s your thing, you’ll want to check out another cultural Saskatchewan landmark here in Swift Current, the Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame .

Spend the Night at Alive Sky Lodge & BINcredible

Alive Sky Lodge in Rosetown Saskatchewan a luxury grain bin hotel

Scenic drives in Saskatchewan include miles and miles of driving past farmland, so what better way to spend a night during your Saskatchewan road trip than on a working farm in a grain bin that’s been transformed into a luxe stay?!

Located outside of the town of Rosetown, Alive Sky Lodge & BINcredible offers guests a Bed and Breakfast experience in their main lodge or in one of their converted grain bins. We stayed in the Bohemian Grain Bin which has its own front porch, balcony with table and chairs overlooking the fields, and hot tub.

Inside you’ll find a full kitchen, luxury bathroom with heated floors, living area with a small electric fireplace and tv, and then the ladder that goes up to the bedroom which has a queen size bed (that was REALLY comfortable) and a bunk bed if you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends.

Not only do you get a really unique place to stay, but April, the owner goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. We had homemade dessert delivered to our grain bin and in the morning a homemade breakfast is delivered to your door.

There are also a few friendly farm critters too, we really loved Jinxie the cat who followed us around and joined us for a campfire at night.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Days 6 & 7

Delta Hotels Bessborough in Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada

To end your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary, you will spend your last full day in Saskatoon (~1 hour drive from Rosetown) before leaving the following day. We returned the rental car that we picked up in Regina at Saskatoon Airport for an afternoon flight.

Check Out Riversdale

pretty mural in Riversdale District in Saskatoon

If you spent a leisurely morning getting to Saskatoon, the first stop you will want to make for lunch and wandering around is Riversdale. This artsy neighborhood is full of trendy restaurants, cool murals, and fun shops to check out that really showcase the city’s creative spirit.

We actually came to Riversdale more than once and recommend having lunch at Odd Couple , an incredible Asian fusion restaurant that has a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Then come back to Riversdale for the tasting menu for dinner at Primal, an Italian eatery sourced with local ingredients along with organic wines.

Beyond the incredible culinary scene here, there are tons of fun shops too. Nefelibata Arts & Crafts is a really fun shop to explore, they have vintage arts and crafts supplies plus other fun nostalgic finds. If you love stationery stores, check out Soul Paper for fun gifts and paper goods. If you love indie bookstores as much as we do, head to Peryton Books who have a great collection of used books. Hazelwood is another exceptional store to check out. They carry a nice curated selection of vintage clothing.

Don’t leave Riversdale without stopping in Hardpressed Print Studio which carries the COOLEST clothing and accessories all themed around Saskatchewan that they make in-house. They definitely have a lot of talent here as I have never wanted to buy so many graphic tees, sweatshirts, and shorts in my life branded with a destination. We actually both walked out with a shirt and I also got a sweatshirt, so we both will be repping the “Land of Living Skies” everywhere.

Browse the Galleries at Remai Modern

Remai Modern Gallery in Saskatoon Saskatchewan

Another place in Saskatchewan you’ll want to spend a few hours at during your time in Saskatoon is the Remai Modern Gallery. This renowned contemporary art gallery is known for its impressive collection of modern and indigenous artworks.

As a cultural hub, it showcases world-class exhibitions from artists, both Canadian and international, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. It’s worth checking out what their current exhibits are during your visit and join one of their guided tours.

With its stunning architecture nestled along the South Saskatchewan River, the gallery offers breathtaking views of the city.

Its commitment to inclusivity, diverse programming, and innovative art experiences make it one of the best places to explore Saskatoon’s dynamic art scene and embrace the spirit of creativity that defines the city.

Also, it’s worth checking out their restaurant on site, Hearth which has won several accolades including being named one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, and has excellent cocktails.

If you’re still thirsty, walk over to the Shelter Brewing Company nearby for some great local craft beer.

Remai Modern is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays .

Wander Around The Broadway District

view-of-the-Broadway-District-in-Saskatoon-Saskatchewan-Canada

Exploring Saskatoon on your Saskatchewan road trip must include checking out the Broadway District. Not only are there great restaurants here but you’ll also find nice shops and nightlife here as well.

This district is known for its bohemian and artistic vibe. This is actually where Joni Mitchell started her career in the 1960s, she did her first performance at what was once the Louis Riel Coffee House (where the restaurant Calories is today). You can stop by and see a plaque dedicated to her here as she was also from Saskatoon.

You’ll want to plan a meal at Odla , an incredible farm-to-table restaurant that sources all of its food and ingredients from 50 farms within a 2-hour radius of Saskatoon.

Some of the cool shops in the area include The Better Good which sells sustainable products from home goods to beauty products, McQuarrie’s Tea & Coffee Merchants is a haven for tea lovers, Outter Limits sells outdoor and adventure apparel and gear, and be sure to stop in Vinyl Diner CD’s & Records to browse their collection and find that next vinyl you’ve been searching for.

Be sure to pay a visit to Wanuskewin Collective and Wanuskewin Gift Shop , both shops neighbor one another and carry products from the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples along with an art gallery. There were so many beautifully hand-crafted items from jewelry to clothing and artwork here along with product lines that are indigenous-owned.

And two hidden gems off of Broadway on Main Street are Turning the Tide Bookstore , an independent alternative bookstore and Alt Haus Interior Design which carries a mix of new and vintage interior decor and furniture plus really fun clothes! I found the most fun leopard jumpsuit here that I can’t wait to wear.

Drive to Black Fox Farm & Distillery

cocktail tasting flight from Black Fox Farm and Distillery in Saskatoon Saskatchewan

To do a little exploring beyond the heart of Saskatoon, drive to Black Fox Farm & Distillery for seasonal flower picking and tasting their premium award-winning Canadian gin and whiskey.

Founded by a renowned fifth-generation farmer Saskatchewan couple celebrated for their agricultural philosophy and practices, this distillery emerged from their transition from grain farming to crafting fine spirits. With the same unwavering passion that fueled their farming success, they now apply their expertise to produce exceptional spirits, embodying the essence of their heritage and dedication.

They offer great cocktail-tasting flights, which is something I’ve always said I’ve wanted to try when there’s a good selection of cocktails at a place and you can’t quite decide which one to order. Most bartenders would scoff at the idea of having to make tons of mini drinks for one customer, but this is something that Black Fox specializes in and each cocktail I tried on my seasonal flight was phenomenal.

Beyond the seasonal u-pick flowers, they do offer tours of the distillery and farm as well as the occasional cocktail making class .

Shop Around 33rd Street

cool mural at 33rd street in Saskatoon in Saskatchewan Canada

If you find that you still have more time in Saskatoon on your Saskatchewan itinerary, head over to 33rd Street for a few more interesting hidden gems!

Glitch Gifts & Novelties has a fun store full of novelty gifts and quirky items whether you’re trying to find something unique for a friend or loved one or just love browsing random fun finds for yourself like we do. The real hidden treasure is in the back of the shop though where you can find Glitchy’s Oddities , a small museum housing a collection of bizarre and random finds from a haunted doll to weird taxidermy (including a two-headed cow), and mummified mermaids?!

And if you like antique shopping as much as we do, it’s worth doing a lap around Vintage Mall YXE here too!

Where to Stay in Saskatoon

view of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon

End your Saskatchewan itinerary with a bang by staying at The James Hotel in Saskatoon. This is one of the best hotels in the city located along the South Saskatchewan River and provides stunning views.

Not only are you within walking distance to all the Saskatchewan landmarks mentioned in the Saskatoon section of this itinerary, but the hotel offers modern and luxurious rooms. Before staying here everyone told us about how soft the sheets were, and they were not wrong. After a week with camping, it was really nice to have a more luxurious and comfortable stay. Book here.

We also spent the night in Alt Hotel Saskatoon , which is another excellent hotel option located directly across from Remai Modern and within walking distance to just about everything we mentioned in the Saskatoon portion of this guide.

The hotel pairs nicely with the Remai Modern as it’s a contemporary space with a modern design throughout the property and rooms. We also had a cool view of the city from our room that I regrettably didn’t capture. This is definitely another stylish option for where to stay to end off your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary. Book here.

Saskatchewan’s special allure lies in its vast and untamed landscapes, showcasing the beauty of the Canadian prairies. From stunning national parks and dark sky preserves to warm hospitality it offers a captivating blend of nature, heritage, and a rich cultural scene.

Saskatchewan is best known for its expansive prairies, abundant natural beauty, friendly locals, and rich indigenous heritage.

The best time of year to visit Saskatchewan for a road trip is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is generally pleasant, and the roads are clear for easy exploration of the province’s stunning landscapes and attractions.

The most scenic drive in Saskatchewan is the Grasslands National Park’s Ecotour Road, offering breathtaking views of the prairies, wildlife, and unique geological formations.

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saskatoon to vancouver bc road trip

Love Exploring

Love Exploring

Gorgeous Canadian Road Trips You Can Take Over a Weekend

Posted: May 6, 2023 | Last updated: July 6, 2023

When it comes to road-tripping, there’s a lot of ground to cover in Canada. It’s best to discover the world’s second-largest country bit by bit, with short road trips that reveal what makes each of the country’s provinces and territories unique. All 25 of these Canadian adventures can easily be taken over the course of a weekend.

Hit the road

While it’s only 129 miles (207km), this east-to-west drive along the Pacific Rim Highway that cuts across the center of Vancouver Island, takes about three hours to complete due to the windy nature of the road. Even then, travelers may want to give themselves even more time to visit the sandy beaches of Parksville, the fishing town of Port Alberni, and the lush forests and waterfalls found along the way.

British Columbia: Nanaimo to Tofino

Even though it’s on the same island, the rainforest-laden west coast of Vancouver Island feels like a different world, with the ferocious Pacific Ocean attracting surfers and “storm-watchers” who travel out specifically to watch the waves crash in. Both Tofino and Ucluelet to its south are laid-back communities, full of cool restaurants, shops, breweries and relaxing places to stay.

British Columbia: Vancouver to the Fraser Valley

<p>The river valley makes for some of the most fertile farmland in Canada and many local food producers welcome visitors for either formal or self-guided tours. History lovers can also stop at the <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/langley">Fort Langley National Historic Site</a>, an interpretive center that served as a working Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post 150 years ago.</p>

The river valley makes for some of the most fertile farmland in Canada and many local food producers welcome visitors for either formal or self-guided tours. History lovers can also stop at the Fort Langley National Historic Site , an interpretive center that served as a working Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post 150 years ago.

<p>Just the name of the road from Vancouver to Whistler – the Sea to Sky Highway – is enticing. The route, which actually terminates just north of Whistler in Pemberton is only 101 miles (163km) long, but it’s worth slowing down and taking the time to drink in the coastal views and stop to learn about British Columbia’s rich Indigenous history from the Cultural Journey interpretive kiosks posted along the way. </p>

British Columbia: Vancouver to Whistler

Just the name of the road from Vancouver to Whistler – the Sea to Sky Highway – is enticing. The route, which actually terminates just north of Whistler in Pemberton is only 101 miles (163km) long, but it’s worth slowing down and taking the time to drink in the coastal views and stop to learn about British Columbia’s rich Indigenous history from the Cultural Journey interpretive kiosks posted along the way. 

Whistler itself is a world-famous tourist destination beloved by winter sports enthusiasts, but there are other points of interest in between Vancouver and the mountain resort town. The area around Squamish is full of opportunities for mountain biking and other outdoor adventures and the Sea-to-Sky gondola is a great way to get a bird's-eye-view of Howe Sound.

British Columbia: Kelowna to Osoyoos

<p>While the lakes and surrounding desert-like landscapes are beautiful, the geography of the area is also prime for grape growing. The highway is dotted with wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings to the public. The famed Golden Mile Bench, BC’s first official wine sub-region sits on the southern part of the journey between Oliver and Osoyoos, featuring wineries like Culmina Family Estate, Tinhorn Creek and Road 13. </p>  <p><strong>Discover what else to see in <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/news/71007/okanagan-british-columbia-canada">the Okanagan with our guide</a> </strong></p>

While the lakes and surrounding desert-like landscapes are beautiful, the geography of the area is also prime for grape growing. The highway is dotted with wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings to the public. The famed Golden Mile Bench, BC’s first official wine sub-region sits on the southern part of the journey between Oliver and Osoyoos, featuring wineries like Culmina Family Estate, Tinhorn Creek and Road 13. 

Discover what else to see in the Okanagan

Banff is already a nice weekend road trip from the much larger city of Calgary, but one of the most dramatic drives in all of Canada is the 145-mile (233km) journey along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise (which is a short drive west of Banff) to the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Drivers can stop at viewpoints to see the turquoise waters of Bow Lake and Peyto Lake and are likely to also spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife near the road.

Alberta: Banff to Jasper

<p>The Icefields Parkway gets its name from the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. One of the Icefield’s “toes,” the Athabasca Glacier, can be accessed at about the halfway point of the journey, with its edge within walking distance of the main road. The glacier can be further explored via an on-site discovery center, snow coach tours, and the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that juts out 918 feet (280m) over the Sunwapta Valley. Find out more about <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/101213/canadas-most-beautiful-national-parks-for-autumn-and-beyond?page=1">Canada's beautiful national parks</a> with our guide. </p>

The Icefields Parkway gets its name from the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. One of the Icefield’s “toes,” the Athabasca Glacier, can be accessed at about the halfway point of the journey, with its edge within walking distance of the main road. The glacier can be further explored via an on-site discovery center, snow coach tours, and the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that juts out 918 feet (280m) over the Sunwapta Valley. 

Discover more of Canada's beautiful national parks

<p>Alberta’s <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/baru">Bar U Ranch National Historic Site</a> offers a rare hands-on picture of Canada’s Wild West. The ranch dates back to the late 1800s and now offers interactive learning experiences to help visitors understand what life would have been like for Western Canada’s pioneering cowboys and cattle ranchers. The ranch is near the village of Longview, in the heart of Alberta’s still very active cattle ranching country.</p>

Alberta: Calgary to Bar U Ranch

Alberta’s Bar U Ranch National Historic Site offers a rare hands-on picture of Canada’s Wild West. The ranch dates back to the late 1800s and now offers interactive learning experiences to help visitors understand what life would have been like for Western Canada’s pioneering cowboys and cattle ranchers. The ranch is near the village of Longview, in the heart of Alberta’s still very active cattle ranching country.

While Bar U Ranch is a worthy destination, the real treat is the drive along the southern leg of the Alberta Provincial Highway 22, otherwise known as The Cowboy Trail. The picturesque road rolls through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, past towns like Millarville, Bragg Creek and Turner Valley. Each stop is filled with authentic cowboy culture, as well as unique places to eat, shop and visit.

Alberta: Edmonton to Drumheller

<p>Those seemingly extraterrestrial hills also conceal a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils, making Drumheller the dinosaur capital of Canada. The <a href="https://tyrrellmuseum.com/">Royal Tyrrell Museum</a> is a world-class paleontology center, full of awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits. For something a little less serious, the World’s Largest Dinosaur sits at the visitor center in downtown Drumheller. Guests can climb a stairway inside of the dinosaur and stand in its open mouth to get a better view of the town. You can find more <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/101445/worlds-best-dinosaur-destinations?page=1">brilliant destinations for dinosaur fans here too</a>. </p>

Those seemingly extraterrestrial hills also conceal a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils, making Drumheller the dinosaur capital of Canada. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world-class paleontology center, full of awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits. For something a little less serious, the World’s Largest Dinosaur sits at the visitor center in downtown Drumheller. Guests can climb a stairway inside of the dinosaur and stand in its open mouth to get a better view of the town.

Brilliant destinations for dinosaur fans

It’s easy to get just about anywhere by road in the southern part of Canada, but building roads in the Arctic is tricky business. Getting from Inuvik to the Arctic Ocean previously was only possible by plane or a winter-only ice road, but in 2017 the 86-mile (138 km) Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened, allowing visitors to drive directly to the Inuvialuit hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. The road is rugged and somewhat difficult to drive, but it is the first Canadian all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean.

Northwest Territories: Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk

Once in Tuktoyaktuk (or “Tuk” as locals call it), visitors will find a small but friendly community of people who still routinely conduct whale and caribou hunts. The land is cold, but also beautiful, with large ice-cored hills called pingos cropping up in the frigid ocean near the shore. There aren’t many hotels or restaurants in Tuktoyaktuk, so visitors tend to head back to Inuvik after exploring the town and dipping their toes in the Arctic Ocean.

Saskatchewan: Regina to Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw is one of Canada’s more well-known cities, not because it’s particularly big and bustling, but because of its uniquely Canadian name. The municipality leans into its reputation – it actually has dubbed itself “Canada’s Most Notorious City.” The drive from Saskatchewan’s capital city Regina is a fairly quick one at just 44 miles (71km), but it does lead drivers through some spectacular Saskatchewan farmland. 

Even as Saskatchewan’s fourth-largest city Moose Jaw itself is fairly small, but it’s full of friendly Moose Javians, classic prairie architecture, parks and trails, and a series of signature murals. The city also has a series of underground tunnels that were used by Chinese railway workers fleeing persecution and bootleggers running rum during Prohibition. Finally, no visit to Moose Jaw is complete without a glimpse of Mac, who remains the world’s largest moose sculpture.

Saskatchewan: Saskatoon to Great Sand Hills

Situated in the middle of the prairie near the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, the Great Sand Hills are a series of golden sand dunes that look like they should be in the middle of a great desert. The dunes are constantly moving and the area is also a popular spot for bird watching. Those looking to make a weekend trip out of it can stay in nearby Leader, a small and charming prairie town.

Yukon: Whitehorse to Dawson City

Dawson City is worth visiting as the center of the historic Klondike gold rush. Full of museums, historic cemeteries, hiking trails, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to pan for gold, it’s one of Yukon’s key destinations. Located about halfway between the southern edge of Yukon and the Arctic Ocean, just east of the Yukon/Alaska border, Dawson is also an excellent place to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Manitoba: Winnipeg to Gimli

Gimli Harbour is home to a busy marina that serves recreational boats as well as fishing vessels, which both make up an important part of the area’s economy. Gimli is also known for its robust Icelandic heritage, culminating each year in an Icelandic Festival. That Icelandic culture is also represented by the Giant Viking, a 15-foot (4.6M) fiberglass statue that has stood in Gimli since 1967.

Ontario: Toronto to Niagara

Niagara-on-the-Lake is just north of Niagara Falls and is considered to be the official headquarters of Ontario wine country. The historic town is a perfect picture of charm, with plenty of unique shops, quaint inns, renowned restaurants and well-kept gardens. There are also about 40 wineries in the area, many of which are open to visitors who tour by bike or guided bus tour.

Ontario: Toronto to Muskoka

One of Ontario’s many lakeside cottage getaways, Muskoka is just a little more than a two-hour drive north of Toronto. It sits between Georgian Bay, which is part of the Canadian side of Lake Huron, and Lake Couchiching with approximately 1,600 smaller lakes scattered in between. All of that lakeside property gives visitors plenty of opportunities to relax or play by the water. 

Discover Canada's lesser-known lakes

The town of Huntsville is the largest municipality in the Muskoka but most visitors just drive up to the region to experience the quiet of nature. While gazing at the peacefulness of the water from an Adirondack chair or going for a calming paddle in a canoe is enough for most city-dwellers, those who crave a little bit of human interaction can seek out some of the many places in the area to golf, hike, indulge in spa treatments, or go out for a gourmet meal.

Ontario: Windsor to Stratford

<p>Stratford, located on the Avon River (it’s all named after the Stratford in the UK), is best known for its Shakespearean theater festival. The city was first settled in 1828 and its rich history is apparent at every turn. While theater is Stratford’s calling card, visitors can also take in various parks and gardens or hit the self-guided Stratford Chocolate Trail to try some treats. Stratford is also the former home of Justin Bieber and fans can <a href="https://visitstratford.ca/uploads/STA_BiebMap_2019_D2.pdf">download a map</a> of the singer’s childhood haunts.</p>

Stratford, located on the Avon River (it’s all named after the Stratford in the UK), is best known for its Shakespearean theater festival. The city was first settled in 1828 and its rich history is apparent at every turn. While theater is Stratford’s calling card, visitors can also take in various parks and gardens or hit the self-guided Stratford Chocolate Trail to try some treats. Stratford is also the former home of Justin Bieber and fans can download a map of the singer’s childhood haunts.

While city dwellers in southern Ontario flock to the areas around the Great Lakes for weekend downtime, many people from Ottawa head to Lanark County for their weekend downtime. The County’s best-known municipal center is the town of Perth, located just an hour southwest of Ottawa. Originally settled in 1815, Perth is a small town, but one that’s chock full of history.

Ontario: Ottawa to Perth

Today Perth is an enchanting town full of stone buildings, many of which sit on the pretty Tay River. The area is also beloved by outdoor enthusiasts, with the Rideau Trail, a 240-mile (387km) hiking trail network running right through the center of town. Visitors can also canoe, hike, bike or camp at the nearby Murphy’s Point Provincial Park.

Quebec: Montreal to Centre-du-Québec

Visitors will find centers like Drummondville and Victoriaville in the area, but it’s the smaller rural towns that make this trip truly special. It’s easy to find local cheese-makers (like the award-winning Fromagerie du Presbytère, located in a repurposed church) cideries, cranberry bogs, sugar shacks and breweries scattered throughout the countryside, for a literal taste of traditional Quebec culture.

Quebec: Quebec City to La Mauricie National Park

<p>The natural beauty of La Mauricie is enough of an experience on its own, but the park is also near the city of Shawinigan, which sits right on the Saint-Maurice River. It’s also not far from the luxurious <a href="https://www.baluchon.com/en/">Baluchon</a> eco-tourism resort, a secluded property that features a fine dining restaurant, outdoor activities and a Nordic spa.</p>

The natural beauty of La Mauricie is enough of an experience on its own, but the park is also near the city of Shawinigan, which sits right on the Saint-Maurice River. It’s also not far from the luxurious Baluchon eco-tourism resort, a secluded property that features a fine dining restaurant, outdoor activities and a Nordic spa.

The city of St. John is actually right on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, so this weekend road trip is about exploring the Bay itself. The Bay is famous for having the highest tides on Earth, reaching to about 52 feet (16m), far beyond the global average. The Bay touches both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and can be accessed by either province.

New Brunswick: St. John to the Bay of Fundy

The New Brunswick side of the Bay can be easily accessed from St. Martins, a 40-minute drive from St. John. From there, visitors can explore sea caves (at low tide) or go for a kayak. St. Andrews is also a good stop, with opportunities for whale-watching and seaside golfing. The famous Hopewell Rocks are also only a two-hour drive north from St. John.

Prince Edward Island: Central Coastal Drive

<p>The Green Gables Shore features PEI’s most famed sites, particularly those connected to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. The route goes through the Cavendish area, which is home to the Green Gables house as well as some key museums. The Red Sands Shore is a bit quieter and more relaxed, full of small coastal villages and cozy coves. </p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/guides/79391/prince-edward-island-top-things-to-do-where-to-stay-what-to-eat">Explore PEI with our full guide to the region</a></strong></p>

The Green Gables Shore features PEI’s most famed sites, particularly those connected to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. The route goes through the Cavendish area, which is home to the Green Gables house as well as some key museums. The Red Sands Shore is a bit quieter and more relaxed, full of small coastal villages and cozy coves. 

Explore PEI with our full guide to the region

Cape Breton Island, a large island off the north coast of Nova Scotia, has a special place in Canadian culture, largely because of the traditional fiddle music that’s so tied to the island’s way of life. There’s no better way to see the island’s culture and stunning natural beauty than to take a drive along the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile (298km) loop that circles the northwestern part of the island.

Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a spectacularly scenic drive that takes visitors through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the island’s dramatic coastline. The park offers plenty of opportunities to hike, but it’s just as nice to stay in the car and spot the lighthouses, coves and cliffs along the way. The Cabot Trail also attracts art lovers, with a number of small galleries and artist studios on the route.

Nova Scotia: Halifax to Lunenburg

The east coast of Nova Scotia is home to some of the most postcard-perfect towns in all of Canada, including the famously charming fishing village of Lunenburg. Founded in 1753, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its planned layout and traditional wooden architecture. Today Lunenburg is popular with tourists because of its history and delicious seaside seafood restaurants. 

<p>The drive from Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax is about 62 miles (99km) and can be completed in about an hour and 15 minutes, but it’s worth making a detour to Peggy’s Cove in St. Margarets Bay. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is probably the most photographed lighthouse in all of Canada, while the rest of the site offers a glimpse of life in a traditional Maritime fishing village. Find out more about <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/guides/87841/explore-nova-scotia-canada-what-to-see-what-to-eat-and-where-to-stay">what to see in Nova Scotia</a>. </p>

The drive from Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax is about 62 miles (99km) and can be completed in about an hour and 15 minutes, but it’s worth making a detour to Peggy’s Cove in St. Margarets Bay. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is probably the most photographed lighthouse in all of Canada, while the rest of the site offers a glimpse of life in a traditional Maritime fishing village.

What to see and do in Nova Scotia

Newfoundland’s Viking Trail is a 327-mile (526km) route that starts at Deer Lake and stretches northwards up the west coast of the island into Gros Morne National Park. One of Canada’s most spectacularly rugged national parks, Gros Morne is renowned for its fjords, fossil-rich hills and unique geological formations like the Tablelands, which are favored by hikers looking to explore the forces of continental drift.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Viking Trail

<p>If Gros Morne isn’t enough, the Viking Trail continues northwards to <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows">L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site,</a> located at the tip of Great Northern Peninsula. The archeological site is the only confirmed Norse encampment in all of North America, and its artifacts are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Today the site features a recreated base camp and costumed interpreters as well as original artifacts.</p>

If Gros Morne isn’t enough, the Viking Trail continues northwards to L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, located at the tip of Great Northern Peninsula. The archeological site is the only confirmed Norse encampment in all of North America, and its artifacts are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Today the site features a recreated base camp and costumed interpreters as well as original artifacts.

Heading south from St. John’s, drivers can take a circular loop around the bottom part of the Avalon Peninsula. The 194-mile (312km) Irish Loop leads drivers through prime seabird and whale watching territory, where tours take off from the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in search of humpback and minke whales. There are also ample hiking trails in the area, for those who would prefer to stop and explore the craggy shoreline by foot.

Newfoundland: Irish Loop

<p>As they travel towards the bottom of the peninsula, visitors will find Ferryland, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, where archeologists have found remnants of homes built in the 17th century. Fans of more recent history will also want to stop at the Cape Race lighthouse, which received the distress call from the <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/72633/secrets-of-the-titanic-life-onboard-the-worlds-most-famous-ship">doomed Titanic in 1912</a>. </p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/72454/canadas-most-adorable-small-towns-and-villages-to-visit-in-2021?page=1">Discover Canada's most beautiful small towns and villages</a></strong></p>

As they travel towards the bottom of the peninsula, visitors will find Ferryland, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, where archeologists have found remnants of homes built in the 17th century. Fans of more recent history will also want to stop at the Cape Race lighthouse, which received the distress call from the doomed Titanic in 1912 . 

Now discover Canada's most beautiful small towns and villages

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315 Marquis Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7R 1B6, Canada

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1150 Station St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C7, Canada

1110 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R2, Canada

601 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1, Canada

999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada

510 Nicola St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E7, Canada

Frequently asked questions on the trip Saskatoon - Vancouver

How much does a bus ticket from saskatoon to vancouver cost.

The average bus ticket price from Saskatoon to Vancouver is $318. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Saskatoon to Vancouver is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the bus ride from Saskatoon to Vancouver?

The average travel time between Saskatoon and Vancouver is around 1d 1h, although the fastest bus will take about 23h 35m.This is the time it takes to travel the 1203 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily bus connections are there between Saskatoon and Vancouver?

The number of buses from Saskatoon to Vancouver can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 7 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Saskatoon to Vancouver by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

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When taking the bus from Saskatoon to Vancouver, you can travel comfortably and safely with Rider Express.

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To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Saskatoon to Vancouver, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $303 to $323 for a bus ticket from Saskatoon to Vancouver based on the last 1 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $303 which is on 2024-03-31.

About Bus Travel

Bus travel tips.

Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between Saskatoon and Vancouver!

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Saskatoon to Vancouver, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Saskatoon to Vancouver will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Saskatoon to Vancouver, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

Will you be returning to Saskatoon by bus?

You can also go to vancouver by train, top travelled bus routes.

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  • Bus from Regina to Saskatoon
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  • Bus Prince Albert - Saskatoon
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  • Bus Moose Jaw - Saskatoon
  • Toronto - Saskatoon
  • Bus from Red Deer to Saskatoon
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Buses leaving from vancouver.

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Buses Going to Vancouver

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Popular routes in this country

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  • Bus from Fort McMurray to Edmonton
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  • Bus from Quebec City to Montreal
  • Bus Calgary - Vancouver
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  • Edmonton - Saskatoon
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  • Bus Vancouver - Whistler
  • Toronto - Vancouver

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  • Saskatoon to Kamloops Airport

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COMMENTS

  1. Saskatoon to Vancouver drive

    3:40 pm Kamloops. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 4:40 pm. drive for about 2.5 hours. 7:02 pm Hemlock Resort. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 8:02 pm. drive for about 1 hour. 9:15 pm arrive in Vancouver.

  2. 40 Best Stops Between Saskatoon and Vancouver

    The top cities between Saskatoon and Vancouver are Banff National Park, Calgary, Banff, Whistler, Lake Louise, Kelowna, Drumheller, Revelstoke, Penticton, and Bellingham. Banff National Park is the most popular city on the route. It's 10 hours from Saskatoon and 9 hours from Vancouver. Show only these on map.

  3. Saskatoon to Vancouver

    Bus • 23h 59m. Take the bus from Saskatoon, SK - Heritage Inn Hotel to Edmonton, AD - 56 Airport Road. Take the bus from Edmonton International Airport to Calgary, AB Downtown Ticket Office. Take the bus from Calgary, AB - Westbrook Mall to Vancouver, BC. $223 - $328.

  4. Saskatoon to Vancouver via Edmonton drive

    At a Glance. without making any stops total driving distance is 1,046 miles driving time of 17 hours, 16 minutes. 10 Saskatoon travel answers 26 Edmonton travel answers 18 Jasper (Canada) travel answers 5 Kamloops travel answers 169 Vancouver travel answers. VIEW DETAILED MAP.

  5. Driving Distance from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada

    The total driving distance from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada is 981 miles or 1 579 kilometers. Your trip begins in Saskatoon, Canada. It ends in Vancouver, Canada. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada so you can see when you'll arrive at ...

  6. Driving Time from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada

    Your trip begins in Saskatoon, Canada. It ends in Vancouver, Canada. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Saskatoon, Canada to Vancouver, Canada based on current local gas prices and an estimate of ...

  7. Vancouver to Saskatoon

    Bus • 26h 14m. Take the bus from Vancouver, BC to Calgary, AB - Westbrook Mall. Take the bus from Calgary, AB - Westbrook Mall to Edmonton South, AB - Southgate Transit Centre. Take the bus from Edmonton South, AB - Transit Center to Saskatoon, SK - 210 2nd Ave N. $265 - $565.

  8. BC Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

    When originally planning to see some of Yoho, I was adamant about doing a few day hikes. Here are some day hikes to consider: Iceline Trail - A challenging 14.2km trail. Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit - This 10.6km hike is marked as moderate. Emerald Lake Trail - Another moderate hike that's 10.8km long.

  9. Saskatchewan to Vancouver

    The distance between Saskatchewan and Vancouver is 1340 km. The road distance is 1577.7 km. ... Flights from Saskatoon to Vancouver via Edmonton Ave. Duration 4h 39m When Every day Estimated price $170 - $650 ... Granville Island is a peninsula and shopping district in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is located across False Creek from ...

  10. 40 Best Stops Between Vancouver and Saskatoon

    The top cities between Vancouver and Saskatoon are Banff National Park, Calgary, Banff, Whistler, Lake Louise, Kelowna, Drumheller, Revelstoke, Penticton, and Bellingham. Banff National Park is the most popular city on the route. It's 9 hours from Vancouver and 10 hours from Saskatoon. Show only these on map.

  11. Saskatoon SK to Vancouver BC Ideas : r/roadtrip

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! Saskatoon SK to Vancouver BC Ideas. I am planning a trip from Saskatoon to Vancover with my family for summer 2026. I have 3 boys and they would be 3.5, 5.5, and 7 years old. We plan to go through Calgary going ...

  12. Canada Road Trip Planning + 12 Epic Itinerary Ideas

    Budget for your Canada road trip should be as follows. National Park Fees: $20 CAD per vehicles ($15.50 USD) City Attractions: Many museums have entry fees start at $7.99 CAD ($6.20). CN Tower or any type of observation towers in major cities, starts at $30 CAD ($23 USD) Food: Minimum $30 CAD ($23 USD)

  13. 7 scenic drives through BC

    Whether you want to hit the road for a few weeks with friends, or need to cram in as much scenery as possible into a few days, here are seven road trip routes that show off the best of BC. The Sea-to-Sky Highway - Credit: Destination BC. 1. The Sea-to-Sky Highway. That old saying that it isn't about the destination but the journey, starts to ...

  14. Saskatoon to Vancouver Train : Schedules & Tickets

    Beginning of the main content. Next tab will go to the map. Use this link to skip the station map. Train from Saskatoon Vancouver. General schedule information. Number of departures per week 2. Average trip length 1 d 22 hrs. Detailed schedulesView schedulesView schedules for Saskatoon - Vancouver.

  15. The Ultimate Kootenays BC Road Trip

    84shares. Canoeing is just one of the many activities you can do on a Kootenays BC Road Trip. Imagine driving through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, passing numerous small mountain towns along the way, while enjoying delicious food, golfing, rafting, museums, mining tours, spas, and hot springs. This is what a Kootenays BC Road Trip is all about!

  16. 7-Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary (Saskatchewan Travel Guide)

    Saskatchewan Road Trip Days 6 & 7. To end your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary, you will spend your last full day in Saskatoon (~1 hour drive from Rosetown) before leaving the following day. We returned the rental car that we picked up in Regina at Saskatoon Airport for an afternoon flight.

  17. Gorgeous Canadian Road Trips You Can Take Over a Weekend

    Banff is already a nice weekend road trip from the much larger city of Calgary, but one of the most dramatic drives in all of Canada is the 145-mile (233km) journey along the Icefields Parkway ...

  18. Saskatoon → Vancouver Bus: from $289

    The cheapest trip from Saskatoon to Vancouver was searched and found on Mar 24, 2024 with a price of $289. To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Saskatoon to Vancouver, as early as possible. You can expect to pay from $289 to $309 for a bus ticket from Saskatoon to Vancouver based on the ...

  19. Saskatoon to Vancouver Train

    Trip Summary. There is one daily train from Saskatoon to Vancouver. Traveling by train from Saskatoon to Vancouver usually takes around 46 hours and 10 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Distance. 744 mi (1198 km)

  20. Call of the Wilde: Montreal Canadiens fall to the Vancouver Canucks

    Vancouver was stop three on the five-game road trip for the Montreal Canadiens. Vancouver is a high-flying team, and Thursday night the Canucks showed it, posting an easy 4-1 win. If this team is ...

  21. Vancouver to Saskatoon Train : Schedules & Tickets

    Beginning of the main content. Next tab will go to the map. Use this link to skip the station map. Train from Vancouver Saskatoon. General schedule information. Number of departures per week 2. Average trip length 1 d 13 hrs. Detailed schedulesView schedulesView schedules for Vancouver - Saskatoon.