cross canada camping trip

The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Canada road trip FAQs

Is canada good for road trips.

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

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

How long would a road trip across Canada take?

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

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

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

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

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

When is the best time for a Canada road trip?

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

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

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

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

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

Car vs RV: How should you drive across Canada?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The most popular activities in Stanley Park

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

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

Cross Canada road trip map

The ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary

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

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

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

Ready? Let’s drive across Canada!

West coast and Rocky Mountains: BC & Alberta road trip

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

• Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, BC

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

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

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

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

Must do on Vancouver Island :

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

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

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

Vancouver, BC (3 hrs from Victoria)

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

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

Must do in Vancouver :

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

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

The Okanagan, BC (4.5 hrs from Vancouver)

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

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

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

Must do in Kelowna & the Okanagan:

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

Jasper, AB (7 hrs from Kelowna)

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

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

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

Must do in Japser:

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

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

Banff, AB (3 hrs from Jasper)

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

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

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

Must do in Banff:

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

Calgary, AB (1.5 hrs from Banff)

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

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

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

Must do in Calgary:

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

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

Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba road trip

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

• Riding Mountain National Park
• Whiteshell Provincial Park

Drumheller, AB (1.5 hrs from Calgary)

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

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

Must do in Drumheller:

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

Saskatoon, SK (5 hrs from Drumheller)

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

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

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

Must do in Saskatoon:

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Riding Mountain National Park:

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

Winnipeg, MB (3 hrs from Riding Mountain)

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

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

Must do in Winnipeg: 

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

Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB (1.5 hrs from Winnipeg)

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

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

Must do in Whiteshell Provincial Park: 

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

Eastern Canada: Ontario & Quebec road trip

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

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

Thunder Bay, ON (6.5 hrs from Whiteshell)

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

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

Must do in Thunder Bay: 

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

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

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

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

Must do in Sault Ste Marie:

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

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

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

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

Must do on Manitoulin Island: 

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

Tobermory, ON (2.5 hrs from Manitoulin Island)

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

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

Must do in Tobermory:

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

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

Toronto, ON (3.5 hrs from Tobermory)

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

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

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

Must do in Toronto: 

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

Day trip to Niagara Falls!

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

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

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

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

Prince Edward County, ON (3 hrs from Toronto)

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

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

Must do in Prince Edward County:

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

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

Ottawa, ON (3 hrs from Prince Edward County)

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

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

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

Must do in Ottawa: 

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

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

Montreal, QC (2.5 hrs from Ottawa)

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

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

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

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

Must do in Montreal: 

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

Eastern Townships, QC (1.5 hrs from Montreal)

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

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

Must do in the Eastern Townships: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Quebec City: 

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

Tadoussac, QC (3 hrs from Quebec City)

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

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

Must do in Tadoussac: 

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

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

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

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

Fredericton, NB (6 hrs from Tadoussac)

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

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

Must do in Fredericton:

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

Fundy National Park, NB (2 hrs from Fredericton)

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

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

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

Must do at Fundy National Park: 

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

Charlottetown, PE (2.5 hrs from Fundy)

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

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

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

Must do in Charlottetown and PEI:

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

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

Annapolis Valley, NS (5 hrs from Charlottetown)

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

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

Must do in the Annapolis Valley:

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

Halifax, NS (2 hrs from the Annapolis Valley)

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

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

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

Must do in Halifax:

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

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

Cape Breton Island, NS (5 hrs from Halifax)

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

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

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

Must do on Cape Breton Island:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in Gros Morne National Park:

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

Gander, NL (4 hrs from Gros Morne)

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

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

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

Must do in Gander:

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

Elliston, NL (2.5 hrs from Gander)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must do in St. John’s:

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

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

Where to go after you finish driving across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s missing from this Canadian road trip planner?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 week Canada road trip: Vancouver to Banff road trip

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

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

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

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

3 week Canada road trip: East coast Canada road trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 month Canada road trip: Toronto to Vancouver driving trip

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

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

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

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

Wrapping up: 10 cross Canada road trips tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out more adventures across Canada:

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

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

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

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22 comments.

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

-Lyn |www.ramblynjazz.com

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the trip and safe travels,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for checking it out! Glad it was helpful.

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

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

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

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

Good day Riana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Solo Road Trip Tips | Camping Across Canada – Cost, Sleep, Route

So, my solo road trip across Canada was not what you’d expect! I drove across Canada coast to coast in the month of August, 2022, from Vancouver Island to Cape Breton Island in 27 days. I did it affordably , safely and had a wonderful time . I’m still excited to have learned so many things about a life of camping and being on the road, as well as the geography of this amazing country.

Right now, I want to share what I learned with you in a list of tips for roadtripping solo cross country. I’ll share facts like what a road trip across Canada costs, what the best route to take is, what to buy when you’re preparing for the trip, and details like how to live in your car, tips for where to sleep in your car and advice for saving money and making sure you’re safe and comfortable on the road.

After that, I’ll share my own experience itself with a day to day journal and major tips I learned each day, showcasing how well these daily tips worked for me. I hope you learn some important tricks for your own solo roadtrip, and have some fun reading my advice while you’re here.

Tips for Solo Road Trip Across Canada – The Cost, Where To Sleep, What To Buy & The Best Route To Take

Solo road trip across canada cost – what is the cost of driving across canada by yourself.

The cost of driving across Canada by yourself will depend greatly on what kind of trip you want and, funnily, the price of gas at the time. In my case, traveling in August 2022, it was for pleasure as well as intentionally moving to the east coast, so during my cross-Canada travels I wanted to have fun while also saving money for my move. It’s a good thing I enjoy camping because not staying in hotels saved me a ton of cash. If you decide to only sleep in your car and do zero camping, and if you’re driving for an average of 6 hours per day, you may be looking at expenses of $50 to $75 per day , your main expense being gasoline, of course.

I would get a coffee every morning, about $60 in gas every day and around $40 per night for a campsite, totaling about $120 per day including food . When I stopped eating out and began cooking on my own campfire, and buying less expensive coffees and driving more economically (not speeding and using cruise control) I began to cut that cost down to about $100 per day, and sometimes when I decided to sleep in my car I could spend as little as $60 in a day.

So, from coast to coast, my trip was a lot cheaper than you might expect, bringing my total road trip across Canada cost to about $3,000 . If my car wasn’t so good on gas or I had a camper, that cost would be a lot more, but if I hadn’t stayed at nice campsites and had only slept in my car, I probably could’ve driven across the country for as little as $1,500 or thereabouts.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Where to sleep in your car on a solo road trip.

Assuming you have a car, or better yet a SUV or camper, you’ll find you have many options to sleep for free or to rent cheap campsites. There’s an incredible app you should get for your phone called iOverlander which shows all the places on the map you can sleep in your car for free. Ideally, you want to find a place that is safe, quiet, has minimal light and optimally has nearby bathrooms or a free Wi-Fi connection. Unless you have curtains for your windows, which I highly recommend getting for privacy (even a kit of sun screens for each window works), it can be tough to get a peaceful sleep when a street lamp is blaring through your windshield to illuminate you. If you don’t care about people seeing you sleeping in your car, then one of those sleeping blindfolds would do the trick.

But from my own experience, here is a list of places I recommend for sleeping in your car overnight during a solo road trip:

• 24/7 coffee shops like Tim Horton’s and fast food joints like McDonald’s, even if only the drive through is open 24/7
• Walmart parking lots
• Expensive (safe) neighborhoods where it’s legal to park
• Hospital parking lots
• Lastly, if you’re desperate and worried about your safety, you can go to the local police station of any town and ask them if you can sleep in their lot overnight, but I wouldn’t do this without asking

WHAT TO BUY

What to get and how to prepare for solo camping road trip 16 things you should buy before road-tripping by yourself.

If you’ll be camping along the way like I did for the safe-and-affordable option, I put together this nifty list of 16 things you should get to make camping across Canada enjoyable by yourself . I’ve linked to each useful item on Amazon, and please note (disclaimer) I’m an Amazon affiliate so if you shop through my links I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, if you don’t want to wait for these things to ship in the mail before you hit the road, or if indeed you don’t even have an address to ship them too (that’s how ready you are for this trip!) then you can pick them up at Canadian Tire or similar stores as you need them along the way. With that said, and assuming you already have body wash and a toothbrush, here is my list of sixteen items you should buy for a solo road trip in your car:

• Audio entertainment: Get used to the radio in your car unless you plan to get a Spotify or YouTube Music subscription. Although I had lots of fun browsing the radio stations in each city along my travels, having podcasts or audiobooks at hand would’ve served well when driving alone for long periods of time.
• Portable power bank: If you’re going the campsite to campsite route I recommended, you might expect it would be fine to keep your devices like your cellphone and laptop charged by plugging them into your car during the day, but I didn’t find this sufficient and so here’s a great hand crank power bank radio for camping that doubles as a flashlight – shoutout to my friend’s company Gear Up Survival . The radio is great because you can jam out to local radio stations while setting up your tent and cooking on the fire. Honestly, though, the bigger the power bank the better, as the one above only works to charge one device before you need to recharge it in your car. But, indeed, instead of charging your devices in your car during the day, you should be charging your power bank so that you can use it to charge your devices overnight.
• Thermos: No matter if you’re road-tripping in a colder season or the heat of summer, you’ll want a quality stainless steel thermos to keep your coffees hot or your energy drinks cold. That said, zero-sugar energy drinks are a great way to stay alert and pumped-up on the road, as you can buy a case of them to put in your cooler.
• Cooler: Guessing from the recommended item above, you probably know what’s next: a cooler . A larger cooler will serve much better, as it doubles as a seat when you’re making your campfires. Don’t waste money on a small lunch cooler like I did–they don’t even fit bags of ice.
• Water bottle: I found it best to have one large water jug as a back up, but four smaller water bottles that I can reuse and drink from during the day. The large water jug was useful for brushing my teeth when sleeping in my car, and the small ones I kept near me in my cooler while driving for convenience. No need to keep buying new bottles, as most of the water in Canada is safe to drink, even at campgrounds where you can refill your bottles before hitting the road again.
• Car window covers: Get custom curtains or car window sunscreens for privacy if you’re planning on sleeping in your car. It’s much easier to sleep in your car when no one can see you and all the light from traffic and streetlamps is blocked out. The sunscreens also work to keep your car a bit cooler if parked in the sun, of course.
• Tent: Speaking of privacy (and being sick of sleeping in your car), a tent makes a huge difference if you’re camping along your road trip, and it’ll give you greater reason to want to have a campsite each night knowing you won’t have to sleep in your car.
• Inflatable mattress: Whether or not you decide to get a tent, you’ll find it much easier to sleep if you have comfort, for if you have a SUV or truck bed, you can lay out your inflatable mattress to sleep on it. I got sick of sleeping in my car rather quickly and so whenever I got to a campsite at the end of a long day of driving it was a pleasure to roll out and inflate a mattress in my tent, knowing I would be able to sprawl out and sleep comfortably that night.
• Cookware: For cooking right over the fire, I found that a plain stainless steel pot and pan did the trick, with stainless steel ladle, spatula, fork, knife and spoon, because they’re fire-friendly, easy to clean and you can find them cheap at most thrift stores. There’s NO need to get a BBQ, propane or expensive cookware designed specifically for camping if you’re just cooking stir-fries and heating cans of soup for yourself. Also, if you want campfire-cooking to be even easier, a gridiron to lay over the firepit is a good idea, but I typically laid out the fire logs in such a way that I could put my pot or pan on the fire without it spilling.
• Electric fan: If you’ll be making a lot of campfires, get one of these small handheld, battery-powered electric fans to keep your fires stoked and the embers hot for cooking. Having one of these is much better than having to blow with your mouth or fan your fire manually. An electric fan will also serve great if you’re sleeping in your car at night in the summer, because you can cool off while maintaining the security of keeping your windows closed.
• Headlamp: If you’re like me and like to be able to see things, a headlamp is a must-get item for a solo camping road trip, as it frees a hand and doubles as a reading lamp at night.
• Firestarter: Lots of fire starter ! Unless you’re a pro at making campfires without it, fire starter serves great to get a quick fire going for dinner when you’re short on time or it’s raining. Also, if you buy firewood at each campsite, fire starter can replace the need for a wood-cutting axe, as you can collect sticks and random paper nearby for tinder and kindling which easily lights up with the fire starter for you to place your logs on. Most campsites will also sell bags of tinder.
• Bear repellant: Because it’s legal in Canada, so long as you keep it in your trunk and also get the belt holster to wear it exposed, a can of bear mace is highly recommended. If you’re camping alone it gives peace of mind knowing you have the security, because there are lots of bears in Canada, along with other predators, and you never know when you might need to defend yourself. But remember, it’s illegal to use bear mace on other humans in Canada, even for self defense, and you should read the safety instructions that come with it very carefully. Just don’t blame me if your can of bear mace explodes in your car because you left it in the sun or you took the safety clip off. Read the instructions and follow them!
• Roadside assistance: I’m assuming you already have car insurance, but a separate roadside assistance plan can add an extra level of protection for your road travels. My roadside assistance plan only costs $60 per month and although I never had to use it the peace of mind alone was worth every penny. I felt much better knowing I could drive 6 hours straight in unknown territory when I reminded myself that even if the worst thing happened and my car broke down, I was covered across North America because of my roadside assistance plan – which covers towing costs, engine repair and I even pay extra for auto body repairs like minor dents and wheel aesthetics. Plus, you should get an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. On my cross-Canada road trip I had to get 2 oil changes, one in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia because Canada is more than 8,000 kilometers wide.
• Mobile data: I recommend at least 8 gigs or more of mobile data as part of your monthly phone plan. Anything less and you could find yourself without Google Maps on the highway. It’s also nice to watch YouTube videos at your campsite if you’re eating alone. The more data the better. I road-tripped across the country smoothly but I couldn’t have done it without my constant use of mobile data and Google Maps.
• Phone mount: Because using a cellphone while you drive is dangerous and illegal, you’ll definitely need a mount for your phone so that you can easily take peaks at Google Maps while you’re going 110 kilometers per hour down the highway. The phone mount might be the most important thing on this list because it’ll prevent you from taking your eyes off the road when relying on Google Maps to know which turn is coming up for your route.

Best Route For Road Trip Across Canada?

If you’re driving by yourself, here’s a great route to take across Canada, and it’s super simple. Just go from KOA campsite to KOA campsite – 🙂 – Every morning, put “KOA campground (next city)” in Google Maps and boom!

KAO stands for Kamprounds of America , and almost every major city in North America has a KOA campground near by its side (over 500 locations). I’ll get into the reasons why you should choose KOA campsites as your destinations throughout your cross-Canada travels, but first you should know that this franchise also has a phone app in which you can see all their locations and save %10 on all your site rentals if you become a member.

The reasons why I love KOA campsites are also simple: security, laundry, showers, affordability, convenience . Even though KOA sites are often the best, they’re also reasonably priced. You can get a tent site with or without electricity/water for an average of $45 per night (each KOA campground is different and has separate rules), but you only save on average about $7 per site if you want to get the “basic” no electricity, no water campsites, so it can be worth it just to get the tent sites that feature water tap and electric plug, especially if you’re arriving on the brink of nightfall and still need to pitch your tent before starting a fire for dinner.

Ultimately, however, the reason why going from KOA campsite to KOA campsite is the best route for a solo cross-Canada road trip in your car is because, indeed, they have campgrounds near almost every major Canadian city. That means that if you start your travels in Toronto, you can spend your first night camping at the Sault Ste. Marie KOA, then you can spend your next night at the Winnipeg KAO site if you feel like driving for 13 hours straight. After that, it’s still so simple–look at the map to see where the next KOA site is. Boom!

It’s the same if your going from west to east. From Vancouver to Toronto , you have so many options. Just don’t get a cheap motel in Kamloops like I did, lmao . If you’re starting from beautiful British Columbia, you can race over to one of the KOA sites in Alberta, then there’s one in Regina, one in Winnipeg, and so on. It’s so simple: just ask Google Maps where the next KOA campsite is and your route will unwind itself before your eyes.

Lastly, I love KOA campgrounds and recommend them as pins to mark on Google Maps before your cross-Canada trip because, unlike hotels, you don’t need a credit card nor advanced bookings (although you do need a credit card to save %10 on the app). Just show up in person, stroll into the office with cash and a smile and that’s that. Slap! But keep in mind most of their offices close at around 8 PM and it’s always prudent to call to make sure they have tent sites available before arriving.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE – 27 Days = 27 Extra Solo Road Trip Tips

• Avoid cheap motels, because camping is much better.
• Don’t plan too much, and be free.
• Only drive during the day.
• Seek safety for better sleeps.
• Always check the time and your gas levels.
• Extend your stays in locations you love.
• Family is everything.
• Budget well, but don’t be too frugal.
• Know how to bear the undesirable moments.
• Get up early to avoid large crowds and busy roads.
• Stay clean.
• Know what’s important.
• Remember why you started this trip in the first place.
• Follow the laws of the road.
• Stay sober.
• Don’t let yourself get cranky.
• Be careful when running on low sleep.
• Never litter.
• Be a tourist, even if all you can do is pretend.
• Have a mantra.
• Keep your valuables with you at all times.
• Check your vehicle’s fluid levels often.
• Take lots of photos.
• Don’t wait too late to house hunt when you’re trip is almost over.
• Always remember you can solo roadtrip any time you want.
• Share your story to inspire others.

My Own Story Camping Across Canada In 27 Days!

The week before leaving Victoria BC, or the month for that matter (it felt that long), was a volcano of activity I’ll never forget. I had more fun than usual with my friends knowing I wouldn’t see them for a long time. That meant a lot of fishing, a lot of playing pool at the bar and a lot of just hanging out. I miss you guys so much! I wanted to celebrate uniquely to the point that I nearly rented a bouncy castle with all my friends. Having fun with all the old homies, trysting with associates I hadn’t seen in years, only because I was about to hit the road and visit family and might never see some people ever again. Life was superb, practicing living out of my car for the big trip. Then the road hit me squarely… Yup!

Roadtrip across Canada update #1:

“Currently leaving Banff, slept in my car in a random lot. Very quiet. The night before however, in Kamloops, made the mistake of getting a cheap motel and drug addicts kept me up all night. Not doing that again! Next city will be a surprise…”

Day 1 postscript

Looking back at day 1, the greatest lesson I learned to give as advice is: Avoid cheap motels, because camping is much better.

If you’re road tripping alone, it may NOT be worth it to get a cheap motel for the night. Get used to sleeping in your car to save money, or even camping. Hostels are a good choice, too. Personally, for a long road trip I prefer campsites over hostels or sleeping in my car because camping adds to the overall experience of being outdoors and being independent . I actually feel like I’m getting away , so to speak.

Hostels can be $20 a night or even free , but most campsites in Canada will be roughly $40 to $60 per night, and maybe a few more mosquito bites, but that’s still way cheaper than a hotel for $190. But unlike hostels or cheap motels, camping in the outdoors can add an extra spark of traditional outdoor adventure to your trip. If you hate camping even, I’d recommend learning to love it. You’ll save money, be safe and still have the chance to meet new people all the while gaining new skills on how to live off the grid. Camping is what the original European settlers had to do to survive in Canada, it’s what many First Nations tribes did during their hunting trips or as a way of life, and it feels great to get really good at it. I had over a dozen different campsites during my 27-day trip, and not at a single one did people judge me for camping alone. In fact, it was very pleasant to camp alone, as I got to chat with other campers and had a great time reading by the fires at night. At least try it before you spend your whole budget on hotels.

Check out my Instagram for Day 1’s videos .

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tim Eveland (@tim.eveland)

Roadtrip across Canada update #2:

“Passed through Calgary and had a coffee at a very loud Asian tea house of sorts. Then it was a long 7 hour drive to Regina where I cooked steak at a campground (it didn’t drop in the fire and tasted great!). This morning while rushing for my keto coffee (the lady at Starbucks was very confused when I asked for butter in my americano) I decided to stop by Wascana Lake and talk to the birds and rabbits like a crazy person. Now I’m pooping and can’t wait to shower, have no idea what city is next!”

Day 2 postscript

Looking back at day 2, the greatest lesson I learned to give as advice is: Don’t plan too much, and be free.

Unless you know you’re going to arrive to a new city rather late in the day, like after dinner time, don’t stress out about searching for a place to stay. Typically I was able to call and find campsites to sleep at in an hour’s notice. However, if you arrive into a city at 5 PM or later it would be prudent to have plans ahead of time. Just don’t think you have to plan multiple days ahead because if you’re set back a day for whatever reason you’ll have to adjust all those plans you made. Just go with the flow and have fun. I typically didn’t decide what city I would drive to next until I woke up, had a coffee and checked out the map.

Check out my Instagram to see the videos I took that day.

Roadtrip across Canada update #3:

“After stopping in Brandon MB for a stretch, burger and ice coffee, I headed straight for Winnipeg where I listened to jazz and roamed around the city enjoying the sights. It was another long day of driving so I eventually rushed to a campsite to cook some chicken kabobs and pass the heck out. This morning, scratching my 30 mosquito bites as I defog my windows, I’m really hoping the front desk has coffee! Ontario, here I come :)”

Day 3 postscript

Looking back at day 3, the greatest lesson I learned to give as advice is: Only drive during the day.

I’m so glad I decided to only drive during the day. This way I maintained a healthy sleep schedule and also was able to see all the sights on the road while driving. It’s also much safer to stop driving at night, as vision can get poor on the highways once the sun goes down. No need to rush!

To see the videos and more, check out the Instagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tim Eveland (@tim.eveland)

Roadtrip across Canada update #4:

“Left Winnipeg after shaving in a grocery store bathroom and stopped to do some fishing at Falcon Beach before getting an oil change at Kenora, ON. Then it was a race to Thunder Bay to do some laptop work for a client at Montana’s before they closed. Ended the night with a beautiful view of the moon laughably in a Walmart parking lot where I slept for 4 hours and bounced. Now, after brushing my teeth and caffeinating myself at a random gas station, I’m in the hilly, lake-riddled highways of Western Ontario. Today is the day I get to see my mom for the first time in over 10 years. Mom, I’m coming! I’ll be exploring all over Ontario in the next few weeks, visiting family before I continue all the way to the Atlantic – so excited to see Toronto again – so stay tuned for more.”

Day 4 postscript

Looking back at day 4, the greatest lesson I learned to give as advice is: Seek safety for better sleeps.

Feeling safe is a huge factor in sleeping well. When I arrived to Thunder Bay, it was already after dark and I cruised to four different parking lots before I finally slept at the Walmart one. The reason for the tardiness choosing a spot to sleep was my lack of feeling safe as well as the fact there was a circus bumping in town and drunk were people all over the city. I tried the 24-hour gym, I tried the 24-hour McDonalds before I got desperate and tried to find a nice neighborhood to crash in my car, but I kept getting disturbed by people who only seemed to be trying to have fun. It was well after midnight before I tried my hand at sleeping in a Walmart parking lot for the first time and it worked because there were other campers there and I felt safe.

Check out the Instagram feed below to see more videos from day 4.

Roadtrip across Canada update #5:

“It was wonderful stopping at different small lakes along the Western Ontario highways until I nearly ran out of gas and prayed for a miracle. Thank goodness there was an Esso in the middle of nowhere, 300 km from the last gas station… Finally, I reached Sault Ste. Marie where I hugged my Mom for the first time in over ten years. It was so nice to see her smile! Sadly, our visit was short because I have so much work to catch up on and I’ll be in town for a while anyways. Now, this morning (still getting used to the 3 hour time change from BC) it’s “just another day at the office” using the campground Wi-Fi to work and my fire pit to cook breakfast. Ah, I’m loving this.”

Day 5 postscript

Looking back at day 5, the greatest lesson I learned to give as advice is: Always check the time and your gas levels.

If you feel spontaneous on the road viewing beautiful scenery and decide to take an out-of-the-blue stopover at one of the Trans Canada Highway’s many pitstops, just make sure to check the time as well as your gas level. It’s one thing driving across the flat plains of Saskatchewan but you should know the roads start to get hilly again as you enter Ontario or British Columbia and so running out of gas in these parts can feel more adventurous than desirable, especially if you’re relying on GPS like me. I’m not a car guy, and I assume you got your own car situation figured out already if you’re planning a solo road trip (there are thousands of zero-money-down opportunities in this country to get a car) and so I just wanted to say that when the roads start to get hilly is a good time to check your gas levels, because sometimes you might find yourself an hour away from the nearest Esso. I got stuck on the bottom of a hill and had no cellphone service… Thank goodness the fumes in my tank got me to the nearest gas station, but that was a big scare I could’ve avoided.

To see videos from day 5, check it out in my Instagram below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #6:

“Not much adventure of day 6, but for good reason. Since I’ll be visiting Mom a lot in Sault Ste. Marie I decided to book this wonderful campsite (honestly the most clean and friendly campsite I’ve ever been to, it’s like staying at a 3-star hotel) for at least another few nights before I gallop to Toronto. I caught up on a bit of laptop work, at least enough to not feel like a drifter, and will do more so today, so probably won’t be taking many fancy photos. Last night I had the brilliant idea of catching up on my favorite TV show in my new tent, because I was tired of passing out to podcasts in my car. I gratefully watched the last episode of season 9 of Alone. This morning, I made my own coffee for a change, with cream and fatty cocoa for my ketone production. Feeling great! Now time to go try that fancy campsite shower.”

Day 6 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Extend your stays in locations you love.

If you got time to kill and find a campsite you like, you can only judge yourself if you decide to camp a little more. With hundreds of different campgrounds to choose from across Canada, you’re bound to find one you like more than others. I was visiting family in Sault Ste. Marie for several days, but yet I thought having my own tent to crash in made me feel like I even wasn’t on a trip because I loved my campsite that much. If you’re visiting towns and cities for any reason, it doesn’t take much to feel like you’ve had a home all to yourself nearby if you’ve already paid for a campsite in the outskirts (that you set your tent at) while you’re cruising in the heart of the city. Checkout isn’t till 11:00 AM tomorrow, aye-o-silver-away!

More content from day 6 is in the Instagram feed below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #7:

“It’s officially been a week but it feels like a few days since I booked it from BC. Friday was a nice balance of laptop work, self care and visiting family. My Mom and I did some reflecting over dinner and park swings. I’m glad she understands I need to keep working. Last night was somewhat productive at the campsite (still better than a hotel), now I’m in a Starbucks having a poop break hustling my ass off. I can’t wait to peep some museums and finally spend a full day with Mom later. Soon, the adventure across Canada will continue!”

Day 7 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Family is everything.

Spend more time with your family! My one and only regret from the trip that I can think of right now while writing this is not spending more time with people I intended to visit along the way.

Check out the Instagram feed below for more videos from day 7.

Roadtrip across Canada update #8:

“After working at Starbucks on Sunday morning it was back to the camp for a creative keto stir-fry on the fire. Then I napped and didn’t regret it! Feeling refreshed, I picked up Mom to go hike around  #fortcreekhubtrail  before we dined at  #themillsteakhouseandwinebar  to conclude a pleasant evening. When the sun started to lower at the campsite it felt good to do a bit more laptop work and reading while tending the fire. Now it’s morning and the fun part is deciding where to go next, as I got clients to help around Toronto and other family to meet that I haven’t seen in a decade. Toronto, I’m coming!”

Day 8 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Budget well, but don’t be too frugal.

If you spent a bunch of time creating an extensive budget for your road trip and suddenly find that exactly halfway through you have more money than expected because you budgeted so well, then that’s probably the right time to spend it! Then, you can go on your wondrous adventures continuing to believe you always have everything you need when you need it (especially in Canada). Trying too hard to save money on everything sometimes isn’t even worth the time it takes to think about it.

For day 8 videos, check out the Instagram feed below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #9:

“So I left  #saultstemarie  and headed south toward Toronto, another decent day of driving with few stops. There was a really nice boating dock I did some business calls at, before I rushed to Barrie, ON and got another  #koacampground  (love the showers there!). The internet was too slow to get much work done at this campsite but I managed well enough after setting up my little portable office. Now, I’m at a Starbucks yet again where the coffee is good and the internet is fast. Time to hustle before I hit the road again. Where I’ll sleep tonight, only God knows! :)”

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Know how to bear the undesirable moments.

Not every campsite is going to be enjoyable. In this case, my Barrie campsite had people working on their car beside my site until late in the night and they kept me awake. I also didn’t have a lot of privacy as kids would stroll through my campsite as if they didn’t even care I was there. However, I was able to remind myself that this site was only for one night and it’s still much better to have this safe place to myself than be off sleeping in my car at some random parking lot. Besides, me not liking my Barrie campsite meant that in the morning I was even more eager than usual to hit the road and get some driving hours in. So, if you find yourself in a position that is undesirable, stay positive and remind yourself it’s just for one night, and set your alarm happily knowing that soon better things are coming.

Look below to view the videos I filmed from day 8.

Roadtrip across Canada update #10:

“I shouldn’t have to say where I’m currently camping if you watch the videos but I’ll say it anyways – NIAGRA FALLS, SON!!!! Lol, yesterday driving through Toronto to get here was stressful, especially as I had to stop midway for a banking issue that popped up (I whooped its ass in a Starbucks corner). After a peaceful night at a campsite I rose early to shower and see the Falls before the flock of tourists could impede my sexiness and step on my toes (they’re all over the place like roaches as I write this, just barely avoided them). Now, I’m gonna pump out some work on the laptop and think about where I’ll go tonight. I do know for shizzle I’ll be partying in Toronto this weekend to visit my awesome cousin and see the city night lights, but not yet. Can’t wait!”

Day 10 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Get up early to avoid large crowds and busy roads.

If you’re at a place where there are many tourist attractions you wish to see, getting up early to see them at 6 AM will most likely allow you to avoid the swarms of tourists who flood these areas during the day. At Niagara Falls I was able to enjoy the sights nearly all to myself because I got there at 6 in the morning. If large crowds aren’t a problem for you or you enjoy waiting in long lines, by all means sleep in…

More videos from day 10 below!

Roadtrip across Canada update #11:

“Waiting to party in Toronto this Friday, I extended my campsite in Niagara Falls. Wednesday was rather productive, not being on the road. But I did make the mistake of eating slightly too many carbs at an extravagant Irish pub –  #docsirishpub  – which was delicious, then I got overheated. A nap and a cold shower quickly cured my discomfort before I got back to work. Last night I think I made my best campfire yet (getting better at it!). This morning I found the Tim Horton’s Wi-Fi to be way too slow for work, so I hit up a small café under a hotel. Now that all my devices are charged, I think I need a shower before I get back to it. Tomorrow will be all Toronto proper! So excited.”

Day 11 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Stay cool.

If you’re traveling in the summer it’s very important to prevent getting overheated. Even with high quality air conditioning in your car, things can get hot. Being overheated means you’re more likely to make poor decisions. There’s nothing wrong with stopping in the shade to drink some ice water if you’re starting to feel a bit too hot. Once you feel like you’re too hot, take action to cool off before you regret not acting sooner.

Day 11 videos below!

Roadtrip across Canada update #12:

“‘Twas my last night in Niagara Falls when this adventurous young man decided to finally have a relaxing time. I pulled up my inflatable mattress by the campfire to watch the clouds roll over the sky and the birds lark in the trees. This morning was relaxing, too, calmly decamping and preparing myself mentally for the busy Toronto roads. Before departing wholly I decided to check out another precious part of the Falls, this little sanctuary for ducks and geese which reminds me a lot of Beacon Hill Park back home in Victoria, BC. Now, I think I’m ready to hit the highway. Toronto, you’re mine!”

Day 12 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Stay clean.

Keep up with proper hygiene practices. One thing I loved about camping was that all the campgrounds had showers. Even on nights when you sleep in your car you can go to a Starbucks bathroom (they typically have the cleanest ones) to shave and brush your teeth and hair. If you find you’ve gone 3 days without a shower and can’t remember the last time you brushed your teeth, you should wash yourself ASAP, especially in the summer, because the last thing you want is an uncomfortable rash between the legs. When you’re sweating in your car all day on the highway, refusing to shower that night also means you’ll need to do laundry more often and, yeah, like I said, it’ll be easy to develop a rash.

Check out the cool videos from day 12 in the feed below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #13:

“I would like to say I came, I saw and I conquered Toronto, but the truth is I got here and stayed inside and hung out with my amazing cousin all night. It was fun to catch up, but today we’ll be doing more of the conquering stuff, more like just going to the beach because we both dislike large crowds, haha. At least I’m here! I’m also taking a weekend break from keto, which I felt I needed – it feels splendid to eat junk for breakfast and watch Tim Dillon’s new comedy special so I don’t feel like a fatty while I do it. Today, I hope to get more photos of Toronto. For now, though… nevermind .”

Day 13 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Know what’s important .

Make mental lists to separate all the things that are vital from all all the things you know don’t matter. Remember all the things you sacrificed to be right where you are now and laugh whatever cost of it. Mentally prepare yourself for an expansion in your own strength as you reflect on all the reasons why you’re capable of living anywhere in the world you want to. If you give attention to things that don’t matter, the things that matter won’t be as numerous in your adventure. For me what mattered was learning and having fun.

More day 13 content can be found below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #14:

“Saturday was a fun day of walking around and checking out a few cool spots in Toronto. Today is more fun before I get back on the road tomorrow.”

Day 14 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Remember why you started this trip in the first place.

At any given time during your trip, you can remember the original inspiration that made you want to solo roadtrip cross-country in the first place. Then, when you’re sitting nonchalantly on the roadside, it might never feel like you left home at all, if you can see how much you’ve changed since you left home. Your home is wherever you, yourself and your long-lost dream exists. Whatever your dream, it’s way better when you have people to love along the way. And when you start to have doubts about anything related to your travels, remembering your original inspiration can be all it takes to toss your doubts to the curb.

Check out my Instagram update for day 14 here.

Roadtrip across Canada update #15:

“My last night in Toronto was super chill, lounging in an old fashioned English pub with my cousin when the electricity suddenly went out in the whole neighborhood. That canceled our theater plans but we compensated with a movie at home. I slept like a baby and rose early to find a nice view of the city, just barely missed the rain. Today it’ll be back to highways and campfires, heading to visit my beloved aunt near Kingsville.”

Day 15 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Follow the laws of the road.

Never park illegally, even if you think you can get away with it. Remember, you’re doing this alone. Imagine if your car got towed and your phone was in it! Even just an unexpected parking ticket can lead to a series of compounding effects, like reducing your budget and delaying your plans. So, wherever you arrive each day, pay attention to see if you’re parking legally. Wouldn’t it suck if you got your license taken away halfway through your trip for too many violations. On this note, it should be obvious that speeding is a bad idea too. Always pay for your parking and don’t speed. You might save a few dollars by not paying for parking or you might save a few minutes by speeding, but once you make a mistake and get caught for it, you can never go back and you’ll be left to pay the consequences. So do the right thing and obey the laws of the road!

Check out the cool videos for day 15 below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #16:

“On Monday, I said a sincere goodbye to my cousin in Toronto and hit the highway southward. This amazing 100 acre campground full of man-made lakes near Leamington and Kingsville Ontario is so unique from anything I’ve seen in BC. I got the full tour on a golf cart, meeting my dear cousin Sandy and my aunt Julia for the first time in over a decade.

It was nice waking up outside around nature again, but I’ll be gratefully spending the day with my aunt in her modern Kingsville home. Last night I learned a lot about the history of the Evelands and how they settled here in Ontario after their lives were disrupted during the War of 1812. I can’t wait to learn more tonight! I also didn’t know the surname Eveland is actually Dutch and my ancestors are from Holland. So cool! Wednesday I’ll be going to Montreal. For now, it’s so nice to meet and learn about my family.”

Day 16 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Stay sober.

For a solo road trip, this advice is more personal but I’d highly recommend staying sober. Even a few drinks can throw you off the next day. Although it might be tempting to have beers when you’re seeing loved ones, remind yourself that tomorrow is a full day of adventure and you don’t want to spoil how good it’s going to feel just by getting a little tipsy the night before. Trust me, you don’t want to be driving on the sweltering highway with a hangover. Because, what’s the point of having this adventure if you’re just going to feel like crap. So stay sober. You’re trip will be much better.

Amazing day 16 videos below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #17:

“Monday was almost too much family for me but I wouldn’t change a single moment, as I got to learn even more about the historical Evelands and my cousin Sandy who has the best campground in the world. In the afternoon, my aunt showed me around the clean and cultured town of Kingsville Ontario, even visiting a cemetery where some auld Evelands and other family members are resting, before we spent a pleasant evening lounging in a pool and BBQing in my aunt’s backyard. To top off the night, of course, we had to have a campfire, which is always nice even after the dozen I’ve had in the past two weeks. This morning I’m catching up on some important laptop work and laundry, mentally preparing for the road to Montreal!”

Day 17 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Don’t let yourself get cranky.

At all costs, avoid letting yourself get cranky. If you begin to notice your mood waning or you’re getting road rage, start to think intentfully about reasons why you should feel grateful to be on this adventure. I regrettably got a bit snappy when visiting my aunt, because I was having a hard time trying to understand something she was telling me. It left a bitter memory and could’ve been easy to avoid. So, the very moment you realize you’re being rude or cranky with others during your trip, make an affirmed decision to change your behavior before you regret your experience. It’s easy to be in a good mood while traveling alone, but it can be hard to notice sometimes when you’re good mood leaves you and you find yourself swearing under your breath at things you can’t even control, because no one is beside you to point out these things. Stay calm, and raise a smile on that pretty face!

Check out my Instagram feed below for cool videos from day 17.

Roadtrip across Canada update #18:

“I had a great time in Ontario visiting family and the area I was born. After visiting the graves of my grandfathers it was sad to say goodbye, but last night I reached Oshawa late at night to continue my roadtrip eastward. I stopped in London ON along the way to check it out, and slept in my car in a 24 hour Oshawa Tim Horton’s, with my little electric fan to stay cool. Now I’m in Montreal after hitting the highway at 4:30 AM, loving the sexy French people and lettering everywhere. I’m writing this with a gorgeous water view, excited to explore Old Montreal – my next stop! Hopefully I can get a campsite around here tonight because I’m pooped. Yeeeeehaaaaaw!!!

Day 18 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Be careful when running on low sleep.

You might find yourself in a situation where for whatever reason you had a terrible sleep the night before. Leaving Oshawa was one of those days for me, for like Thunder Bay it had taken me a while to find a place to sleep in my car where I felt safe. So, in the morning I knew to be extra careful on the road. Make intentful decisions for safe driving when you’re overly tired, like stopping for coffee more often and sticking to the right lane. I also turned the music up louder when I was tired, which helped to keep me excited.

Day 18 videos below, worth checking out.

Roadtrip across Canada update #19:

“Old Montreal was so beautiful, and people weren’t lying when they said the ladies here are especially attractive. I had a great time visiting the area before I got into my campsite, cooked, showered and did some laptop work for clients. I don’t think the creek behind my camp had any fish, but it was nice to do a few casts and take that cool photo of my rod, lol. Now it’s morning and I already finished up some work at a Starbucks (ladies here are gorgeous) and my campsite in Quebec City is booked. Let’s goooooo! “

Day 19 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Never litter.

Don’t litter! Trust me, you’ll feel way better about yourself when you get to say “I didn’t litter a single piece of garbage on the entire trip!” Otherwise, you’ll be saying “I littered garbage all across Canada.” Especially when you’re in new places, visiting as an outsider, putting your garbage where it belongs will attract respect from locals. Prevent remorse and be welcomed where you go by refusing to litter, even when it gets annoying to maintain your garbage. When your trip is over, you’ll be glad you did the right thing. I enjoyed smoking along my trip, but I can proudly say I didn’t litter a single cigarette butt on the whole trip, and that’s a true statement which earned respect from important people I met.

Some awesome videos from day 19 below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #20:

“I think I’m getting better at this! Either that or Quebec City was just super kind to me. Arriving in Old Quebec had me gawping mouth agape for hours–it’s nothing less than a true European city, with its Renaissance buildings and historical monuments crisscrossing everywhere, not to mention the sexy French Canadians. I had some zero alcohol beer at a pretty diner in the thick of it and meandered around, feeling Iike a real tourist for once. Then, I hit up the campsite where I treated myself to a Jamaican sausage stir-fry with some dark English ale before I smothered the laptop to work for a decent while. Now, only God knows what the winds of the easterly highway will blow my way next!”

Day 20 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Be a tourist, even if all you can do is pretend.

You may only be driving solo across Canada because you’re moving for work or trying to get away from something. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to pretend to be a tourist on your adventure. Just because you’re driving across Canada alone for work doesn’t mean you’re not DRIVING ACROSS CANADA ALONE! Woohoo , you’re supposed to have fun. In my case, Old Quebec was by far the favorite place I visited on the whole trip, and so you shouldn’t be surprised to read I finally felt like a tourist while I was there, and it made me realize I hadn’t been a tourist thus far; hitherto I had just thought myself to be passing through each location. Now, knowing this, I began to change my perspective, to see more wonders at each place I “passed through”. In other words, don’t be in such a rush that you forget to stop and see the sights.

Day 20 videos can be watched below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #21:

“I miss Quebec already but driving into New Brunswick was spectacularly beautiful. Not quite mountainous but very hilly with vistas that stretch over the forests as far as the eye can see. I stopped in Riviere-du-Loupe before I found a campsite in Woodstock, NB. This morning was extremely foggy but I enjoyed the change. I still can’t get over the crazy dream I had last night. It might have been because I watched the new episode of Westworld before sleeping but basically, in my dream, I knew the secrets of the gods and they killed me for it, but then they loved me too much so they wiped my memory and brought back a version of me to life. Somehow, though, deep inside, their secret still lived inside me and I could sense things weren’t as they appeared. Strange, eh! Anyways, off to Moncton!”

Day 21 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Have a mantra.

Have a mantra or positive affirmation to repeat in your mind when things are getting difficult. In my case, it’s hard for me to be trusting of strangers, so I developed the mantra “The world is full of good people and worry is the soul-destroyer.” Whenever I found my mind being idle, or when I found myself camping near people who I assumed weren’t trustworthy, this mantra worked miracles to prevent me from worrying about things I can’t control. You know yourself better than anyone, and so you’ll know what your own mantra should be. It could be something like “I’m very careful and thoughtful and learn from my mistakes.” Or it could be “I practice safe driving and behave kindly to strangers.”

Watch videos from day 21 below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #22:

“I passed through Moncton, NB, which reminded me of Langford, BC before all the development. Nuff said, so I kept up my pace to the wonderful Halifax campsite, by far the best one I’ve had so far as my site is right next to a lake. Once my tent was set up and I showered I checked out the city a bit. I love Halifax so far! It feels like driving in Vancouver a bit, so many trees! This morning I did some more exploring of the city and found a great waterfront park. Now I got to go decamp before checkout. I’ll see what happens next!”

Day 22 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Keep your valuables with you at all times.

I’ve always been very good with never losing my valuables, but some of you reading this might be notorious for misplacing your keys. Either way, it’s smart to be mindful of where your valuables are at all times. For me, that meant my wallet, my laptop, my car keys and my cellphone. I could lose everything, but so long as I had these items I knew I could get everything else back. I would even keep my car insurance papers with me in my satchel at all times, and would sleep with my car keys near at hand in my tent. Even when going for a shower, I would have these things with me in my satchel. By creating this habit, you might even stop misplacing things well after your trip is over.

Videos from day 22 below! 🙂

Roadtrip across Canada update #23:

“I love that feeling in the morning when you hit the highway with a full tank of gas and blast the some hard classic rock. I feel like Mad Max! But then I quieted down, reached peaceful New Glasgow, NS. Then I cranked up the volume again and barely stopped till I reached my sexy campsite near Sydney, NS.

Whoa, the drive across Cape Breton Island is magnificent. Ironically, the campsite here is for sure the best I’ve had yet also the cheapest. It was really quiet, too. I cooked a seafood stir-fry over the fire before getting some laptop work pumped out. Falling asleep was pleasant, but I rose viciously and got to downtown Sydney where I chatted with other tourists.

My goal for today is to check out the historical fortress at Louisburg where the French famously battled the English over the ownership of Canada, then I’ll get more work done so I can keep buying gas. I might extend my campsite and plan for Newfoundland and Labrador either tomorrow or later this week. I love it here that much, and already have some apartment viewings. Thanks for tuning in, I miss all you guys back home! Let’s get it. “

Day 23 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Check your vehicle’s fluid levels often.

Even though I was driving a newer car that had sensors to warn me when fluids are low, I was careful to double check regularly. Especially during the summer you’ll want to make sure your coolant is always at an ideal level. If you’re getting an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, you should also ask the mechanic to top up your fluids. Trust me, you don’t want your car to overheat on the middle of the highway.

The videos from day 23 are pretty awesome. Check them out below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #24:

“As you can see from all the photos and videos, Cape Breton Island is almost as handsome and majestic as me. It’s like a miniature clone of Vancouver Island, which is why I believe my soul loves it here, but it doesn’t have the mountains nor the swarms of homeless people and everything is much more affordable. I would count me as one of the new homeless people in Nova Scotia except today I’m signing a 6 month lease for a fully renovated 2 bedroom basement suite that’s shockingly cheaper than the crappy 1 bedroom apartment I was paying for in Victoria, BC. The roadtrip doesn’t end here however!

Once I’m tucked in with some used furniture, I’ll be exploring Newfoundland and Labrador to cap off the experience. It’s safe to say my fear of travel has been conquered. Next year, when my lease here expires, I’ll be doing a coast to coast roadtrip across the United States of America! Then I’ll be prepared for a similar trip across Europe the year after. So exciting, eh! Anyhow, it’s time to shower and get some work done. See you sexy folks tomorrow.”

Day 24 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Take lots of photos.

I’m not typically one to take lots of photos nor post on social media often, but I killed two birds with one stone by forcing myself to upload photos of my trip onto Instagram each day because this also allowed me to keep my friend’s back home updated as well. Then, when you’re trip is over, you’ll be glad you have so many images to remember it by.

Videos from day 24 below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #25:

“So I moved into my new place in Glace Bay, NS today, hooked up the power and got my internet appointment scheduled. Now, it’s time to unpack and play some funk music!

Last night was a rainy, relaxing time at the campsite – had a lazy day to be honest. I think my body misses the keto diet and didn’t feel the best. But I love the sound of rain falling on my tent and stayed super dry all night.

My updates until I check out Newfoundland and Labrador will just be me exploring more of Cape Breton Island. Ah, but seriously, after nearly a month of camping across Canada it feels so good to be living in modern comfort again. I’ve been smiling all day!”

Day 25 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Don’t wait too late to house hunt when you’re trip is almost over.

Start house hunting well before winter. Trust me, you don’t want to spend a single month of winter living in your car. That’s how people freeze to death, and an unexpected blizzard can put you in a nasty situation. You might be having fun exploring Canada well after summer ended, but you should make sure you have a real home for the winter. I had no idea Glace Bay was going to be my home, but I’m so grateful I found my new apartment in time before winter and the cold weather.

Some interesting videos from day 25 below.

Roadtrip across Canada update #26:

“Not much adventure yesterday unless you count settling into a new town across the country as adventurous. I’m so grateful to be in Glace Bay, NS. It’s a town unlike anything in BC although maybe similar to Metchosin if I had to make a comparison, reason being the houses are old as this part of the country was settled in the 1600s and BC wasn’t until the 1800s, hence the difference in culture, too. It’s much more Christian and old school here, which is exactly what I wanted.

Last night I enjoyed some beers and funk music while unpacking and got a pizza from a local shop – shotout to  #chickiespizza  – and then lounged to some Joe Rogan on my inflatable mattress. It felt strange to put my tent in the washer, as if I won’t be camping again anytime soon, but that’s not true.

I don’t get internet until the 8th but I’m grateful for that, too, for I’ll be able to plan more clearly without distraction. I’m so pumped to resume progress on the book I’m currently writing, which will be traditionally published unlike all my previous self-published books. There’s a local writers festival coming up so maybe I can meet some new friends there, plus I’m excited for a Tinder date – a local is going to show me some of her favorite Cape Breton hiking trails next week – yay!

Today will be catching up on errands, work and getting some new furniture. Since I’ll only be here for 6 months until I start my roadtrip across the US, I’m hoping to get some compactable furniture which I can stow in my car rather than sell when I move. It certainly feels adventurous to settle in a new town, alone with no experience here. Newfoundland and Labrador, get ready for this handsome bloke. I’ll be ferrying to Prince Edward Island soon enough!”

Day 26 postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Always remember you can solo roadtrip any time you want.

Now that you’re trip is coming to an end, don’t get mad when you find yourself living normally in an apartment again. Be grateful you have this amazing travel experience because now you have the ability to get up and solo road trip whenever you want to, or indeed whenever you’re forced to. Writing this in my cozy office, I don’t feel ashamed that I’m not traveling anymore because I’m already planning my solo road trip across the United States for next summer. Then again, you might want to live the road trip life more than for just a single season. In that case, read the previous day’s tip again and make sure you at least have somewhere warm to stay during the winter.

Videos from day 26 below.

Roadtrip across Canada final update:

“I still plan to go further east soon, but I’ve come to accept the fact that the roadtrip ends here. Glace Bay is my new home and I’ve already met some incredibly friendly people and have some events planned with new friends.

Last night I took it easy, watched some Blackadder on my old laptop because it’s saved on there and I still don’t have Wi-Fi. Today I really feel like I’ve slipped into the the flow of life here, buying used furniture from people all over Cape Breton, even stopping at a yard sale in magnificent Sydney Mines. The people here are so nice and although I miss my friends back in BC and my family in Ontario I can safely say the roadtrip was a major success because right now there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Today I’m also hopping back on the ketogenic train because I can tell my body misses it, or I at least miss how much better I felt when I was avoiding carbohydrates.

Thanks for joining me on the trip. Next summer will be a coast to coast roadtrip across the US! Woo!”

Final postscript

Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned that day is: Share your story to inspire others.

It’s my belief that the hard pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 made lots of Canadians either lose faith in their freedom or they began to take our historical freedom here in Canada for granted. One thing I hope to accomplish by sharing my experience is to prove that Canada is still a free country. If I can get up and drive across the country by myself then anyone can. No one but ourselves and our responsibilities can stop us. If you decide to do a solo road trip, please share your experience with as many people as you can in hopes of inspiring others to never take the freedom we have here in Canada for granted. If someone is living a life they hate, knowing they have the freedom to get up and go somewhere else might change their lives for the better. In this wonderful country, you can be whoever you want to be and go wherever your heart desires!

More content from my final update below.

Now here i am across canada.

Indeed, as I tuck my sweaty bandana away and style my hair, looking like Mr. Bean as I take a selfie, it certainly feels fabulous to be working on my book again. I’m now developing a healthy new work routine while I settle in to my new home with all the comforts of modern civilization. Compared to my adventure going from campsite to campsite, being in my comfy home is, well … it’s true as I like to say that “modern is so drab” because I’m a medieval studies nerd. I’m still just so grateful for modern society. I get to finish my book in an efficient manner! With all the latest gadgets! Though, writing with a quill would be cool.

If you’re curious about the book I’m writing and want the count down before it explodes, subscribe to my book launch news letter here . Thanks for coming on this adventure with me!

Don’t take the glorious freedom we have here in Canada for granted, and hit the road with confidence knowing you can do it affordably and safely, even if you’re all alone! This is truly the best country in the world.

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Our Epic Cross Canada Road Trip: 4 Week Itinerary

21 Sep, 2021

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

How Long Should Your Itinerary Be?

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

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

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

4 Week Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary:

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

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

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

Camping At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

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

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

Day 3: Culross Farm Stay

Driving into the prairies.

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

Blessings at the Creek Farm Stay

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

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

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

Day 4 – 5: Regina

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

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

Day 6 – 7: Dinosaur Provincial Park

Stopovers between regina and brooks.

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

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

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

Dinosaur Provincial Park

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

Day 8: Canmore  

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

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

Days 9 – 11: Icefields Parkway

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

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

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

Finding Accommodation on a Tight Budget

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

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

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

Days 12 – 14: Vancouver 

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

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

Days 15: Squamish

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

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

Day 16 – 17: Pemberton

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

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

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

Day 18: Clearwater

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

Day 19 – 20: Edmonton

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

Day 21-22: Saskatoon

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

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

Day 23: Prince Albert National Park

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

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

Day 24 – 25: Winnipeg

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

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

Day 26 – 27: Thunder Bay to Salut St Marie

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

Day 28: Toronto

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

Plan Your Cross Canada Road Trip

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

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Driving Across Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1- Pre-planning your drive across Canada route

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

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

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

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

Online tools will show you accurate distances and driving times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful iOS and Android road trip apps to download are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are they current?

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

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

What to do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some places to see wildlife in Canada . 

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

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

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

Do you have a house manual with emergency numbers?

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

Best Road Trips in Canada

6,521 km /4,025 miles

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

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

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

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

218 km / 135 miles

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

Who doesn’t love Anne of Green Gables?

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

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

258 km / 161 miles

Explore your inner cowboy in Calgary or “Cowtown.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

525 km / 328 miles

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

Read this post for things to do in Whitehorse .

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

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

5- BC Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ultimate Road Trip Route Across Canada

Mar 17, 2022

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

Photo: Robin in Banff for Flytographer

Table of Contents:

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

Photo: Lyndsay in Calgary for Flytographer

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Banff | calgary | drumheller | edmonton | lake louise.

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How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

By: Author Taryn Eyton

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

If you think of National Parks in Canada, you probably think of the famous National Parks in Canada’s Rocky Mountains near Banff. And yes, the mountain parks are spectacular. But… Canada is a REALLY big country with a REALLY varied landscape. And we have dozens of National Parks spread all the way from sea to sea, to sea. (That last “sea” is the Arctic if you weren’t sure.)

I have visited a lot of Canada’s National Parks. Recently I wanted to figure out how many parks I had left to visit, and the best way to see them. I’ve also driven across Canada twice, and I know it’s a beautiful trip.

I had a look at a map and figured out that while some Canadian National Parks are fly or boat-in only, most of them are easy to reach on a road trip. And actually, you could design a really epic road trip from coast to coast that includes most of the National Parks plus lots of Canada’s major cities.

So I sat down with google maps and worked one out for you! Here is my guide to the ultimate Canadian National Parks road trip. Enjoy!

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian national parks gifts

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Table of Contents

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Planning

As of 2019, Canada has 48 National Parks. Thirty-one of them have road-access. (You have to fly or boat into the others.) I’ve used Google maps to design a cross-Canada road trip that visits all 31 of those parks with the least amount of backtracking possible. In most places, the route stays close to the trans-Canada highway, so it’s easy to take short detours off the cross-Canada route to visit National Parks.

This road trip visits every single Canadian province and two territories. (Nunavut isn’t connected to the road network. That means it’s not even possible to road trip there!) It includes 31 National Park and also visits lots of major Canadian cities and provincial capitals, since you’ll have to to eat some great food and soak up some culture now and then.

The entire Canadian National Parks road trip involves over 19,000km (11,800 miles) of driving. And lots of the parks are REALLY big. For example, Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than the entire country of Denmark! (For more fun trivia, check out this list of 155 crazy facts about Canada ).

At a minimum, it would take about a month or two to complete the entire trip, but it would be REALLY rushed. Ideally, I would set aside at least 4 months for this epic road trip, but ideally closer to 5 or 6 months to really spend time in each place.

Of course, that’s a lot of time off for most people, so if you don’t have that much time, take a few weeks to just do a section. Some of the areas I’ve enjoyed the most are the Rocky Mountain parks in BC and Alberta, and the Atlantic Canadian provinces, especially Newfoundland.

Weather in Canada is no joke. By far the best time of year to do this road trip would be the summer months of June to September. May and October are also nice unless you are in the north. Theoretically, you could do this trip at any time of year with good snow tires and some winter driving experience, but many of the parks have reduced services in the winter or close completely. 

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Map

Here’s the custom google map of Canada’s National Parks I’ve made for you. Click to explore the map. The National Parks you can visit by car are in green. Parks you have to fly or boat into are in red. The blue line is the epic Canadian National Park road trip route.

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a list of every single National Park in Canada visited on the road trip, in order from west to east. It also includes important cities and provincial capital cities. I’ve listed every National Park and city I have visited in bold. That means I’ve been to 17 of the 31 parks on this road trip already! Just 14 to go!

• Victoria, British Columbia
• Pacific Rim National Park  (Read about the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim)
• Gulf Islands National Park
• Vancouver, British Columbia ( Read Vancouver area posts )
• Mount Revelstoke National Park (Read my guide to Mount Revelstoke National Park )
• Glacier National Park
• Kootenay National Park (Read about the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park)
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Calgary, Alberta
• Banff National Park (Read about h ow to visit Banff in the fall and what to do in Banff in the spring )
• Yoho National Park ( Read about Lake O’Hara in Yoho )
• Jasper National Park
• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
• Kluane National Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Edmonton, Alberta
• Elk Island National Park
• Prince Albert National Park
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Grasslands National Park
• Regina, Saskatchewan
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Pukaskwa National Park
• Georgian Bay Islands National Park
• Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Point Pelee National Park
• Toronto, Ontario
• Rouge National Urban Park
• Thousand Islands National Park
• Ottawa, Ontario
• Montreal, Quebec
• La Mauricie National Park
• Quebec City, Quebec
• Mingan Archipelago National Park
• Forillon National Park (Read my friend Josanne’s guide to hiking and camping in Forillon National Park )
• Kouchibouguac National Park
• Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Fundy National Park
• Prince Edward Island National Park
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Keijimkujik National Park
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Gros Morne National Park (Read about the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne)
• Terra Nova National Park
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Canadian National Parks Without Car Access

While they are difficult to get to, and in many cases pretty expensive, I’d love to visit some of Canada’s more remote National Parks. Here are the other 17 National Parks that require charter flights or boats to reach. I’ve included info on their location and how to get there if you’re curious.

Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve: Located in southeastern Labrador, the only way to reach this park is to fly in from the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Aulavik National Park: This park is on the north end of Banks Island, an arctic island in the North-West Territories. To get there, you’ll fly in from Inuvik, NWT.

Auyuittuq National Park: To get to this park on the southern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut, you charter a flight from Iqaluit, NU.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: This national park is located in the southern end of Haida Gwaii (also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the west coast of British Columbia. To get to Haida Gwaii, drive your car onto the passenger ferry in Prince Rupert, BC. Once you’re on the island, you can take a boat or a float plane from Queen Charlotte City into the park. Read my guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve .

Ivvavik National Park: This park is located along the Arctic Ocean in the northern part of the Yukon Territory. The only way to get there is to charter a flight from Inuvik, NWT. 

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve: This Canadian national park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Yukon Territory. To get there, you’ll need to fly to the remote communities of Norman Wells, Tulita, or Fort Simpson, NWT, and then charter a floatplane into the park. 

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the southwestern part of the North West Territories, you can only reach Nahanni National Park by floatplane. Charter one in Fort Simpson or Yellowknife (NWT), Watson Lake (YT), or Muncho Lake (BC).

Qausuittuq National Park: This park is located on Bathhurst Island in Nunavut’s high arctic. To get there, you can fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Quttinirpaaq National Park: Canada’s northernmost National Park, this park is located on Ellesmere Island. To get there, you’ll have to fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut to Resolute Bay, then into the park.

Sable Island National Park Reserve: Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a giant sand bar with a population of wild horses. The only way to reach it is by charter flight from Halifax, NS.

Sirmilik National Park: This arctic National Park is on the northern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut. To get there, fly from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then snowmobile or boat into the park.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve: This brand new National Park was just created in 2019. It’s located on the eastern end of Great Slave Lake in the North West Territories. The only way to get there is by boat or floatplane from Yellowknife. 

Torngat Mountains National Park: Located in northern Labrador, the easiest way to get there is to take a charter flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador to Saglek airstrip at the southern end of the park. From there you can take a boat or helicopter into the park.

Tuktut Nogait National Park: This northern park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Nunavut. To get there, book a charter flight from Inuvik, NWT.

Ukkusiksalik National Park: Located in Nunavut near Hudson’s Bay, the only way to reach this park is by charter flight from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, or Naujaat, Nunavut then boat or fly into the park.

Vuntut National Park: This National Park is located near the Alaska border in Yukon Territory. To get there, fly to Old Crow, Yukon, then fly or paddle into the park.

Wapusk National Park: Located in the heart of polar bear country on Hudson’s Bay in Manitoba, this park can be reached by boat, snowmobile, plane or dog team from the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

Canadian National Parks Resources

• Parks Canada’s website is your best source for up to date info on the parks. You can also buy National Parks passes online . For an extended trip, the best deal is the Discover Pass, which gets you in to all parks for a year. 
• To help plan your trip (and get excited about what you’ll be seeing) the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada is a great choice. National Geographic also has a great bundle of maps of Canada . They’re waterproof and tear-resistant so they’re great on the road or for at-home planning.
• For general Canada travel advice, Lonely Planet’s Canada Travel Guide is great. We used an older version of this guide on our drives across Canada.

So there’s my itinerary for the most epic Canadian National Parks road trip. If you are planning a road trip across Canada, these 31 National Parks should be on your list. 

Don’t have enough time for a full cross-Canada road trip? Here are some ideas for shorter Canadian road trips :

• Drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
• Explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Take a hot springs road trip in BC and Alberta
• 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park
• Hiking the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park
• Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
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Saturday 23rd of March 2024

Very well done and I really like the fact that you admit that this itinerary will take at least 4 months. People do not always understand how big Canada is. Thanks!

Saturday 25th of June 2022

I have two questions: 1. What are A, B, C, .... meanings on the map? The map cannot be linked to the google map. 2. I plan to visit Acadia NP and across the border to visit Canada NP nearby. Would you please advise on the best road trip? James

Taryn Eyton

Tuesday 28th of June 2022

Sorry about that - the link is fixed now and you can click through to see everything in Google Maps now. The closest Canadian National Park to Acadian National Park is Fundy National Park in New Brunswick.

Monday 31st of January 2022

Hello Taryn!!! My name is Barbara and my family and I are planning a 38 days epic road trip through national parks in the Northwest United States and Southwest Canada. I would love to talk to you about some of the planning logistics with you if you can reach out to me via email.

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

Hi Barbara, That sounds like an incredible trip. Feel free to email me: taryn [at] happiestoutdoors [dot] ca if you're looking for help planning. I offer travel consultation services and custom itineraries.

Saturday 10th of July 2021

Can you please explain your map that has indexed A to I three different times on the map. Are they the same repeated or… please help I’m planning to go across Canada in the fall and like your site.

Sunday 11th of July 2021

That's just a function of how google maps works - it has a limit on how many stops you can include in one trip. So I had to split it up into several segments. If you click through to the map you can see the entire route.

Thursday 1st of April 2021

You can’t drive through wood Buffalo national park. There is no road in summer. You can only do that route via arc or canoe.

You should publish advice on things that you haven’t done and are inaccurate.

Friday 2nd of April 2021

Hi Kate. You're right - I haven't done this route. As I say in the post, I've done portions of it and the rest is for inspiration only - It's a dream route that I'd love to do some day. And you're right - can't drive through Wood Buffalo National Park. But the Google maps route that I suggest recommends driving paved roads (highway 5) to Fort Smith NWT (the gateway to Wood Buffalo), then taking turning around and taking the same highway back to connect with the 35 down to Edmonton. In the post I haven't suggested driving through the park or driving on roads that aren't open all year.

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Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 1-3: Vancouver, BC

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

Here is my complete hostel list with even more suggestions!  

Day 4-5: Whistler, BC

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

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

Days 6-8: Banff National Park, AB

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 9-10: Calgary, AB

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

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

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

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

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

Days 11-12: Regina, SK

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

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

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

Days 13-14: Winnipeg, MB

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

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

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

Days 15-16: Thunder Bay, ON

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

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

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

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

Days 17-19: Algonquin Provincial Park, ON

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

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

Days 20-23: Toronto, ON

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

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

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

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

Days 24-26: Ottawa, ON

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

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

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

Days 27-30: Montreal, QC

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some other great hostel suggestions too!

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

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

Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nova Scotia Cross Canada Road Trip

Route - 5860 km / 3641 mi

Halifax, ns to fredericton, nb, fredericton, nb to quebec city, qc, quebec city, qc to montreal, qc, montreal, qc to ottawa, on.

Welcome to the capital of Canada, Ottawa, where grand Victorian architecture meets the stunning park-lined Rideau Canal.

Ottawa, ON to Mattawa, ON

Mattawa is the place where travellers from all over the world call home for sometimes just a night – and other times for weeks on end.

Mattawa, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Sandstone buildings and a 19th century Canal welcome you as you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie. This border town is home to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, world-class fishing and offers a diverse range of acitivities for the visitor.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Marathon, ON

Today you’re travelling to the north shore of Lake Superior, landing in Marathon. This area is known as the heart of the Canadian Shield.

Marathon, ON to Ignance, ON

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance, home of the eccentric Canadian woodsman, James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat.

Ignance, ON to Kenora, ON

Kenora, on to winnipeg, mb.

Leaving lake country, you’re heading to the city of Winnipeg - the beginning of your adventure across the Canadian Prairies.

Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK

Regina, sk to medicine hat, ab, medicine hat, ab to calgary, ab.

Welcome to Calgary, the home to the greatest outdoor show on earth, the "Calgary Stampede".

Calgary, AB to Banff, AB

Leaving the city of Calgary, begin your trip by driving through rolling foothills towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Banff, AB to Lake Louise, AB

The short drive from Banff to Lake Louise promises big mountain landscapes and emerald-coloured lakes. Find the perfect picnic spot or take a detour to Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

Lake Louise, AB to Kamloops, BC

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops.

Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver. How will you celebrate?

Trip Details

We know it’ll be hard to leave the vibrant port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia – but you have quite the adventure ahead of you and lots to see. Your first stop is Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Visit the historic Garrison District, located right downtown. Or visit a craft brewery, as Fredericton is home to the highest concentration of craft breweries in all of the Maritimes. If you desire some exercise, walk or hop on a bike and take advantage of the trails along the Saint John River. There’s over 90 km to explore and discover.

CanaDream Club Partners:

• Atlantic Superstore
• Inn on the Lake
• Ambassatours Gray Line – Harbour Hopper Tours
• Kings Landing Historic Settlement
• I Heart Bikes - Bike Rentals & City Tours
• Fredericton Military Compound National Historic Site of Canada
• Tourism Fredericton - Walking Tour
• Mactaquac Provincial Park 
• Kings Landing Historical Settlement

Driving north in New Brunswick you’re on your way to the Province of Quebec, landing in Quebec City. Located on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is romantic, charismatic and truly charming piece of Canada. Stroll the walkable, cobblestone streets of Old Québec, the only walled city north of Mexico.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an incredible array of art, food and architecture.

Be sure to check out our CanaDream App to find places to stay so you can receive discounted rates through our partners across Canada.

If you’re travelling in February, plan ahead and take part in Carnival de Quebec. Known simply as Carnival in both English and French, this is a pre-Lenten festival held every year. From a masquerade ball, to snow sculpture events and incredible maple syrup treats, visitors from all over the world attend to take part in the celebration.

CanaDream Club Partners:

• Croisieres AML
• Domaine de la Chute
• Camping Transit
• Traditional Huron Site
• Mont-Sainte-Anne: Golf Le Grand Vallon
• Mont-Sainte-Anne: Hiking and Mountain Biking
• Mont-Sainte-Anne: RV Site and Skiing
• Stoneham Mountain Resort
• Camping Jacques Cartier National Park
• Camping du Quai
• Camping du Lac Témiscouata National Park
• Reford Gardens
• Pointe-au-Père Site Historique Maritime 
• Quebec Adventure Tours
• Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
• Plains of Abrahams Museum
• Old Quebec Tours - Unitours 
• Quebec City KOA Holiday  

From one great city to the next, today you’ll arrive in Montreal. You can’t go wrong taking a food tour of Quebec’s largest city. If eating your way through Montreal’s famous smoked meat and poutine isn’t your thing, why not hike up Mont-Royal and getting a bird’s eye view of the city? Old Montreal is a must-visit - be sure to take a stroll along Saint-Paul Street.

Consider spending the night at Parc National des îles-de-boucherville, just 20 minutes north of the city centre. We also have lots of connections through our CanaDream App so be sure to download it and take advantage of savings on your trip.

• Camping Plaisance National Park
• Camping Lac Lafontaine-Parkbridge
• IGA Extra Famille Girard St. Janvier
• Metro Plus Blainville
• Le Bateau Mouche
• Sandman Montreal-Longueuil
• Camping Iles-de-Boucherville Parc National
• Camping Allouette
• Camping Lac du Repos Resort
• Domaine de Érables Cottage & RV Resort
• Borealis History Center
• Arbraska Rawdon 
• Arbraska Mont Saint-Gregoire 
• Saint Lawrence River Shrines 
• Fort Chambly National Historic Site 
• Quartier DIX30  

In the centre of Ottawa is Parliament Hill, an impressive grand Victorian building. Visit the National Gallery of Canada or head to ByWard Market for specialty foods like Canadian cheese and the oh-so-famous Canadian maple syrup. The Rideau Canal is another must-see – whether winter or summer, there’s always something going on here. And, if you have an extra day to spare, consider going to Gatineau Park and camping there for the night - it’s just outside the city and across the border in Quebec. Staying Ontario side, the Wesley Clover Parks Campground in Nepean may also be a good choice.

• Wesley Clover Parks Campground
• Canadian War Museum
• Haunted Walks Inc .
• National Gallery of Canada
• Canadian Museum of History
• Camping Oka National Park
• Les Promenades Gatineau
• Ottawa City Rafting
• Camp Fortune
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• C’est Bon Ottawa   

Known to host voyagers for centuries, you’ll find plenty of hospitality, home-cooked food and local secrets for your journey ahead. Check out our CanaDream app for nearby camping.

• OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
• Madawaska Kanu Centre
• Bonnechere Caves
• BeaverTails - Killaloe  

On the shore of the Great Lake Superior, and just along St. Marys River, is the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Home to world-class fishing and original Group of 7 paintings at the Art Gallery of Algoma, there’s a diverse offering of things to do and see here. Get up early and fit in a round of golf or take advantage of the walking trails before hitting the road again. Check out our CanaDream app for near-by camping.

If you're travelling during 'train' season (mid June to mid October), make sure you book a seat on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. This one-day wilderness excursion will transport you 114 miles north of the "Soo" into the heart of the Canadian Wilderness.

• Sault Ste. Marie KOA
• Sturgeon Falls KOA 
• Mississagi Provincial Park 
• Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA  

It’s rumored the best place to capture a panoramic view of Lake Superior is from Hawk’s Ridge. The area offers four-season activities so, no matter the time of year you’re stopping in here, there’s sure to be something for you to do after a day on the road. Hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities that keep the locals busy year-round.

• Wawa RV Resort and Campground

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance. According to locals, a must visit while you’re here is the White Otter Castle located on White Otter Lake. It’s a three-story castle built at the turn of the century by an eccentric hermit named James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat. He lived off the land and built his dream home – being recognized as a Canadian frontiersman. There is no road access to the castle. Check with local operators for access information.

• Happy Land Park
• Ojibway Provincial Park
• Aaron Provincial Park
• Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
• Caliper Lake Provincial Park 
• Thunder Bay KOA

Take a load off when you arrive in Kenora and spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful lake country either on shore or by boat.

Kenora is Ontario’s destination for boating on the incredible Lake of the Woods where there are 14,542 islands to explore. From craft brewery tours to yoga classes, farmer’s markets to having a shoreline fish-fry, you won’t be shy for things to do and places to relax in this wonderful part of the province. CanaDream Club Partners

Visit The Forks, a historic shopping and dining area, or take a west-end walking tour - tasting your way through this neighbourhood while taking in murals and scoping out the latest artist creations. Visit the Royal Canadian Mint, an incredible building that produces coins for over 70 countries, or one of Winnipeg’s museums. Include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (find out how to save on your visit here through our CanaDream Club App) or the Manitoba Museum.

• Rock Garden Campground
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Winnipeg West KOA
• Royal Canadian Mint - Winnipeg  

This small prairie city has a variety of unique neighbourhoods to visit. Take advantage of the Regina Farmers’ Market and stock up your cooler or spend some your evening on the Dewdney Strip where you can eat, drink and take in local live music after a day on the road.

• Government House Museum – National Historic Site
• RCMP Heritage Centre  
• Buffalo Pound Provincial Park 

The most westerly of the prairie provinces is in sight. Canada’s unofficial home of all things cowboy can be found in the province of Alberta.

CanaDream Club Partners

• The Tunnels of Moose Jaw 
• La Reata Ranch

Formerly referred to as "Cowtown", this city of more than a million people has evolved and adopted the city slogan "Feel the Energy". With the Rocky Mountains just a stone's throw away, Calgary is the last prairie stop before you head further west on your Canadian tour. Eat your way through what’s known as 17th Ave., take in a hockey game with the local Calgary Flames or visit the Calgary Tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city and mountains.

Be sure to check out our partners with the CanaDream Club app so you can take advantage of deals and places to stay on your stopover here.

• Heritage Park Historical Village
• TELUS Spark
• Calgary Tower
• Sandman Hotel Calgary
• Best Western Plus Port O Call
• Acclaim Hotel Calgary
• Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites
• Wyndham Garden Calgary
• Save-On-Foods Calgary CrossIron Mills
• Days Inn Calgary North Balzac
• Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie
• Wintergreen Golf & Country Club
• Save-on-Foods Cochrane

Before you know it, you’re surrounded by towering mountains and greeted in Canmore by the iconic mountains known as the Three Sisters. Further along the highway, you’ll enter the gates of Banff National Park (where you’ll need a park pass) for your overnight stay in the Park.

Endless adventure awaits you in Banff National Park as well as fine dining, art and museums, entertainment and adventure. Banff just might be the greatest outdoor playground in Canada.

• Alpine Helicopter Tours
• Canmore Cave Tours
• Canadian Rockies Rafting
• White Mountain Adventures
• Banff Scooter Company
• Discover Banff Tours
• Banff Canoe Club

Luxury meets adventure in Lake Louise – from relaxing at dining at the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louse to hiking the well-known Lake Agnes Teahouse and other trails. You can occupy your days surrounded by incredible beauty in every direction. And, for a bird’s eye view that doesn’t require leg power, head over to the Lake Louise Gondola to take in the breathtaking views and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife too.

• Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift and Gondola
• Banff Sunshine Meadows
• Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit 
• Canadian Rockies Hot Springs 
• Banff Scooter Company Ltd  

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops .

Here the north and south Thompson Rivers meet. Skiers and boarders might be interested in checking out Sun Peaks Resort – also a place to mountain bike in the summer. This vibrant community offers year-round adventure and incredible live music and entertainment.

We have loads of CanaDream Club partners along this route so make sure to check our app so you can take advantage of savings available along your route.

• Hydra River Guides
• Wild Water Adventures
• Golden Municipal Campround
• Glacier Raft Company
• Canyon Hot Springs
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort
• Apex Rafting Company
• Great Canadian Tours
• 3 Valley Gap Heritage Tours
• SkyTrek Adventure Park
• Crazy Creek Resort
• Beardale Riverside Camping
• Hidden Valley Campground
• Pinantan Lake Resort
• Hitch n Rail Resort
• Pinegrove Campground

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver . How will you celebrate?

Along your drive today, stop in at Spences Bridge and learn about the slide in 1905 that demolished the town prior to the Goldrush. Today the population is just 138 people. And, if you have an extra day to spare, a visit to Harrison Hot Springs is always some welcome relaxation after a long journey.

If you’re looking to stop and refuel along this leg of the journey, the town of Hope is a great place to do just that before arriving in Vancouver.

Vancouver, British Columbia’s most iconic city, is situated alongside the Pacific Ocean. There’s no limit to what you can see and do here. Since you’ve just travelled across the country, a celebration is most definitely in order. And, if you feel like a bird’s eye view of Canada, head down to Canada Place and watch FlyOver Canada for another perspective.

• Hells Gate Airtram
• Coquihalla Campground
• Bridal Falls Camperland
• Eagle Wind RV Park
• Pacific Border RV Park
• Peace Arch RV Park
• Real Canadian Superstore
• Burnaby Cariboo R.V. Park
• Metropolis at Metrotown
• Coast Hotels
• Steveston Seabreeze Adventures
• Vancouver Whale Watch
• Quality Hotel Airport
• Accent Inn Vancouver
• Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver
• Landsea Tours & Adventures
• Off The Eaten Track – Olympic Village Food Tour
• Off The Eaten Track – Railtown Urban Eats Tour
• Sandman Vancouver City Centre
• Vancouver Lookout
• Cycle City Tours and Rentals
• Harbour Air Seaplanes
• Harbour Cruises Ltd .
• Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Talaysay Tours
• Capilano River RV Park
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain

Other Itineraries in Nova Scotia

The Ultimate Cross-Canada Road Trip: Montreal to Vancouver

Mortimer Hotton / EyeEm / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

​The Basics

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

Start in Montreal, Quebec

Gregobagel / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

First Stop: Toronto, Ontario

Naeem Jaffer / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Second Stop: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Barrett & MacKay / Getty Images

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

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

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

Third Stop: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Fourth Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ken Gillespie / Design Pics / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Fifth Stop: Regina, Saskatchewan

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

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

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

Sixth Stop: Calgary, Alberta

John E. Marriott / Getty Images

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

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

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

Seventh Stop: Kelowna, B.C.

Michael DeFreitas / robertharding / Getty Images

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

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

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

End in Vancouver, B.C.

Michael Wheatley / Getty Images

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

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

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9 of the Best Ontario RV Parks

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Banff National Park: The Complete Guide

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A Guide to Canadian Provinces and Territories

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Billy Bishop Airport, also Known as Toronto Island Airport

A Guide to Train Travel in Canada

Your Trip to Vancouver: The Complete Guide

Canada in July: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Packing for a Cross Canada Road Trip

Step one – start early, involve the kids, camping bin, ditch the makeup, capitalize your carry on, bring your own water bottles, it’s not going to be perfect.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a cross Canada camping trip? We’re a few days away from our 2017 road trip and I can tell you that it’s been a logistical challenge, but one that is totally do-able with the right planning!

The Challenge…

We will be travelling from Vancouver, BC, Canada, located on Canada’s West Coast to St. John’s Newfoundland, which is on Canada’s East Coast , or a distance of 5020 kilometres from coast to coast. Once we arrive in St. John’s we will be picking up a rental car and then unpacking and preparing to camp across Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and PEI. This means 3 provinces, and 9 different stops over 16 days. We need camping gear that is plane friendly, only essential clothing and equipment, and a detailed list of what we need to purchase when we arrive.

Sound daunting?

Well, this type of logistical challenge is one that I’m up for and if you’re reading this blog, well I am thinking that you are too! So I’ve compiled a list of what and how we’re packing so that you can plan your own cross country adventure!

We started the packing process about a month ago. This isn’t typical for our family, as we travel a lot and can mobilize quickly if we need to head out (perhaps a special thanks to our handy camping checklist !). However, we don’t want to forget anything at home and incur extra expenses or be caught unprepared on the other end of the country, so we cleared our spare room and started putting aside things to pack.

We sat down with the kids and discussed what to pack for a road trip and why. We talk about the different types of clothing we should bring, such as good clothes versus play clothes. For my son, who’s particularly hard on clothing, we’re bringing a lot of items that are on their last legs. That way if we find souvenirs or are running out of space, we can find a donation box for those items and not have to pack them home. Once we’ve decided everything we need, the kids write out their lists and then head upstairs to pack. This way, when we arrive they will know what they have and be happy with the clothing options that they got to choose from.

The lighter you pack the easier your trip will be. Here’s what I’m bringing for our two week adventure, while hoping to do one laundry stop in the middle of our trip:

2 pairs of pants 2 pairs of capris 2 pairs of shorts 4 Canada themed t-shirts 3 tank tops 1 long sleeve shirt 1 pair sandals 1 Parks Canada scarf (Which is great for an eye mask too!)

For the plane ride, I will wear: running shoes, sweater, rain jacket, and bulkier items.

When planning to pack your family camping equipment onto a plane there are a few things you need to remember. The first is to pack only what you absolutely need. You’ll see that we have a small pot and a small pan, but a larger, two-burner grill top that we will use for most meals. We’ve only got one spatula and one spoon, and enough plates and bowls for each of us.

When packing it all up make sure you capitalize on every single inch available. For example, I opened up the stove and put all the utensils, cutting boards, and dishcloths inside, using up what would essentially be dead space. After all of this was packed up it fit nicely inside a Rubbermaid bin. We topped up the bin with sleeping bags and extra clothes so that everything was snug and wouldn’t bang around too much. (And came 6 pounds underweight too!).

As you can see, we have not packed propane for the stove or lighters. These are prohibited items when flying and we will purchase these when we arrive. Make sure you check with the airline you are flying with for their rules and requirements regarding checked luggage weight/size, prohibited items and carry on baggage allowances. You wouldn’t want to be told at the airport that you couldn’t bring something with you or it wasn’t packed correctly.

Here’s the actual set of toiletries that I’ll be bringing on our trip… the absolute essentials. Toothbrush and toothpaste, contact lenses, spare contacts, face cream, deodorant, face wash, nail file, shampoo and conditioner. You’ll see that the nail file and toothbrush are well-loved. On our last day, we will throw those out and have one less thing to pack home.

If you’ve read my step by step guide on How to Pack for a Road Trip you would have seen me emphasize the importance of a prize box. This is a box that sits in the front seat and holds essentials like wet wipes, gum, and hair ties, but also a bunch of treats, games, and activities for the kids. We deconstructed the prize box and stashed all the goods in with our camping gear box, and then stored the basket in our cooler. But so many of you asked, “Are you taking your Prize Box across Canada? The answer – Absolutely!

Don’t forget to bring a cooler on your trip! We had thrown around the idea of just buying one when we arrived but I’d rather save the money and bring our own. The cooler is relatively light weight and doubles up as a great storage container for our goods, so we’ve loaded up the bottom with our dish washing bins and prize box basket. The top will be loaded on the morning we leave with frozen snacks and food for us (such as muffins, turkey meatballs, and other nut free dairy free food for my family – there’s nothing worse than being hungry and not being able to get healthy food so we come prepared!).

We will be checking four items, the cooler, the camping bin, and my husbands and my own bag. We will be carrying on our kids bags, and each of them will be carrying on their own backpack full of activities and meals for the trip. Be sure to think carefully about what you pack where. For example, we’ve got an extra set of our clothes in our kids bags in case something goes missing.

Water is EXPENSIVE and many airports have water refill stations that are perfect for water bottles. Keep your family healthy, happy, and hydrated and bring your own water bottles on the trip. When we land we will purchase a box of 16 litres of water that we will bring camping. There are no excuses for anyone to be thirsty, and I won’t be spending $1-2 at every gas station stopping for drinks!

Let’s be honest. I travel a lot and feel like I’ve got this under control but there will inevitably be something I forgot, something I should have done differently, or a tool or piece of equipment I should have brought. And that’s okay. In those moments we will modify and adapt, or go without, and all of those skills are important things for my family to learn along the way too!

Follow along on our 2017 road trip by liking our Facebook Page ,  following us on Instagram at @FamTravelWriter or joining in on the conversation on Twitter at @FamTravelWriter

Now that you know what to pack for a road trip, are you feeling inspired to plan your own trip? Here are a few blogs to get you started:

• How to Pack for a Last Minute Camping Trip
• Top Travel Tips for Families
• Long Weekend Getaways Under $500
• Family Camping in Local BC Parks
• Where to Get the Best Deals on Outdoor Gear

Is this a sponsored post?: No, we just wanted to share what to pack for a road trip with our followers! 

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Your going to have such a great time we all went last year around the Cabbot Trail in Cape Breton NS, my home town. One of the best family vacys to date. I can make some recommendations when you get there if you like just shoot me a pm on fb 🙂 Julie Sidorak

Thank you so much for the offer! We actually just got back and you’re right, we had an absolutely AMAZING time!!!

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Cross Canada Road Trip

Welcome to the Traveland RV Cross-Canada RVing road trip! We’ve created a guide of stops leading from each of our six locations, all the way to St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Click on the city nearest you to start your journey. Or, scroll down to see all of the spots we think you’d love to see.

Happy Camping!

Choose Your Departure City To See Your First Stop!

Cowichan valley, grande prairie, not sure where you want to go.

Keep scrolling to explore all of the stops along the routes.

Revelstoke, BC

Osoyoos, BC

Jasper, Alberta

Drumheller, Alberta

Lethbridge, Calgary

Lloydminster, Alberta

Lac La Biche, Alberta

Regina, Saskatchewan

Brandon, Manitoba

Kenora, Ontario

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Timmins, Ontario

Montreal, Quebec

Quebec City, Quebec

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Halifax, Nova Scotia

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

You’ve traveled the land in your traveland rv.

Thank you for joining us on our cross-country RVing adventure. We hope you have many great vacations throughout Canada in your Traveland RV. Keep an eye on our road trips page to see other upcoming trips!

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Cross-Canada Road Trip: 4 Itineraries To Inspire You

Are you planning a family road trip and need some inspiration to craft your cross-Canada road trip itinerary? We’ve got you covered.

In 2020, we drove across Canada with our two toddlers. We took our time and drove from Quebec City, BC to Victoria, BC in approximately one month. During our trip, we got to exchange our experience with other traveling families.

So today, we are sharing a few different cross-Canada road trip itineraries for families (including toddler, young children and even teenagers). Three of the four itineraries were part of a RV trip across Canada.

Also, make sure to scroll to the end of the article to find a few tips to help you plan your trip across Canada.

Traveling to Canada? Get your Canada Road Trip Guide for Families

Note: Most itineraries for this Canadian road trip are between Quebec/Ontario to British Columbia, for a detailed itinerary for a East Coast road trip including Prince Edward Island, Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia, check out this 124-Day Itinerary from Toronto to Halifax .

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

Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: 4 Ideas to Inspire You

Below are four (4) unique cross-Canada road trip itinerary to help you plan your epic family road trip. If you are looking for tips on planning a road trip across Canada, you’ll want to read those resources instead:

• The Ultimate Canada Road Trip Guide for Families
• Driving Across Canada Tips

30-Day Itinerary With School Aged Kids

Contributed by Amélie

This itinerary is for a 30-day cross-Canada road trip from Quebec (QC) to Vancouver (BC), via Canada, then back from Vancouver (BC) to Quebec (QC), via the USA. It was taken by a family with two (2) school aged kids (7 and 9 years old)

Distance traveled : 10 855 km

Type of Road Trip : RV travel across Canada

General Itinerary – Where do you stop on a cross Canada road trip?

• Ontario: Deep River (ON), Kapuskasing (ON), Kakabeka Falls (ON)
• Prairies: Winnipeg (MB), Regina (SK), Swift Current (SK)
• Alberta: Drumheller (AB), Calgary (AB), Banff National Park (AB)
• British Columbia: Sicamous (BC), and finally Vancouver (BC)
• USA part: Ellensburg (WA), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Buffalo (WY), Mount Rushmore (SD), Chicago (IL)
• Ontario: Niagara Falls (ON), and finally home.

Cross Canada Road Trip Map: From Quebec to Vancouver (and back)

Things to see across Canada – Highlights of the Trip

• Kakabeka Falls, in Ontario
• Downtown Winnipeg, in Manitoba
• Driving in Saskatchewan and seeing the wide-open sky.

It can be surprising, but it feels good to drive across Saskatchewan and seeing the wide-open sky. After many kilometers in the forests of Ontario, the Prairies are refreshing.

Drumheller is in the heart of the Canadian badlands and the land of dinosaurs. Any kids who love dinosaurs will have a blast in Drumheller. We visited the Royall Terrell Museum and loved the Black Beauty (it’s the most complete skeleton of a T-Rex in the world). We also walked up the 106 stairs of the World’s Largest Dinosaur.

• Banff National Park

Banff is also high on the list, with a special love for Morraine Lake. Most people visit Lake Louise, which is great, but everyone should go to Moraine Lake as well.

• Grand Market and Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia
• Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is a huge park with nearly 3,500 square miles. If you want to see canyons, hot springs, and geysers, as well as bears, bison, elk, and antelope, Yellowstone is the place to explore.

There is so much to see, that it’s important to allow lots of time to explore it. I would recommend to anyone visiting the park to wake up at dawn to see the wild buffalos and walk along with the herd. It’s amazing.

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a huge 60 ft high sculpture of 4 former U.S. presidents, carved into Mount Rushmore. It’s funny because we had zero expectations before stopping at Mount Rushmore.

6-Week Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary With Teenagers

Co ntributed by Amelie

This itinerary is for a 6-week cross-Canada road trio from Montreal (QC) to Vancouver (BC), via Canada, then back from Vancouver (BC) to Montreal (QC), via the USA. It was taken by a family with three (3) teenagers.

Distance traveled : 11 387 km

Type of Road Trip: RV travel across Canada

• Ontario: Petawawa (ON), Upsala (ON)
• Prairies: Sidney (MB), Swift Current (SK)
• Alberta: Dinosaurs Provincial Park (AB), Banff National Park (AB), Jasper National Park (AB)
• British Columbia: Okanagan Valley (BC), Vancouver (BC)
• USA Part: Mt Rainier National Park (WA), Mt. St Helen (QA), Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Lake Michigan
• Ontario: Niagara Falls (ON)

Cross Canada Road Trip Map: From Montreal to Vancouver (and back)

Things to see across Canada – Hightlights of the Trip

• Canadian Badlands

This was kind of a hidden gem in Alberta! It’s beautiful and any kids would love the part about dinosaur fossils. Also, I remember we saw a rattlesnake there and were really impressed.

• Jasper National Park

The highlight of that road trip was  Jasper National Park . Everyone knows about Banff National Park, but I would actually recommend Jasper over Banff since it’s a bit less touristy and even more beautiful in my opinion.

• Stanley Park

I always love to go to Stanley Park when I go to Vancouver. Bike along the park and stop along for beautiful views of the city and boats!

• Kitsilano Beach

Have an evening BBQ or picnic there and enjoy the breathtaking sunset where mountains meet the sea!

• UBC Rose Garden

UBC has a really beautiful campus, but the rose garden is particularly beautiful!

• Victoria on Vancouver Island

Victoria is such a beautiful little city and kids would enjoy the ferry ride! Orca whale watching was a favorite activity during our visit and I would definitely bring older kids (like 7+). Government House Garden was also a hidden gem! It’s a beautiful garden in the middle of the city and the small museum would be enjoyable for kids!

It’s a skier’s paradise! But also fun to enjoy for non-skiers or as a family because there’s just so much to experience! Everything is expensive though. 

2-Month One-Way Road Trip Across Canada

This itinerary is for a 2-month cross-Canada road trio from Quebec City (QC) to Victoria (BC). t’s a one-way road trip that was taken by a family with two (2) toddlers aged 2 and 4 years old. It’s in fact the trip we took in 2020.

Distance traveled : 4 700 km

Type of Road Trip : Regular car road trip across Canada

• Ontario: Ottawa (ON), Pembrook (ON), Sault Ste-Marie (ON) to Thunder Bay (ON), Kenora (ON)
• Prairies: Regina (SK), Swift Current (SK)
• Alberta: Brooks (AB), Calgary (AB), Edmonton (AB), Banff National Park (AB), Canmore (AB)
• British Columbia: Radium Hot Spring (BC) Revelstoke (BC), Kelowna (BC), Nanaimo (BC), Victoria (BC), Vancouver (BC).

Cross Canada Road Trip Map : From Quebec City to Victoria

Things to see across Canada – Highlights of the Trip:

• Participate in the changing of the guard parade at the Parliament ( Ottawa ) 
• Follow a French “voyageur” through time at Fort William (Thunder Bay)  
• Meet Scotty the T-Rex at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (Regina) 
• Discover the badlands at Dinosaur Provincial Park   
• Admire the view from the Banff Gondola (Banff)
• Get transported in a fairytale at the Enchanted Forest (Revelstoke)  
• Get lost in Stanley Park (Vancouver)  
• Eat some Fish & Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf (Victoria)
• Visit the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historical Site

3-Month One-Way Ottawa to Vancouver Road Trip

Contributed by Cyrielle from Together We Meande r

This itinerary is for a 3-month cross-Canada road trio from Ottawa to Vancouver. It’s a one-way road trip that was taken by a family with one young child aged 3 years old.

Distance traveled : 7 320 km

• Ontario: Ottawa (ON), Marmora (ON), Waterloo (ON), St Catharines (ON), Waubaushene (ON), Orillia (ON), Sault Ste Marie (ON), Marathon (ON), Thunder Bay (ON), Dryden (ON)
• Prairies: Winnipeg (MB), Portage La Prairie (MB), Yorkton (SK), Saskatoon (SK)
• Alberta: Lamont (AB), Edmonton (AB), Drumheller (AB), Rosemary (AB), Fort Macleod (AB), Calgary (AB), Banff (AB), Jasper (AB), Lake Louise (AB)
• British Columbia: Golden (BC), Armstrong (BC), Vernon (BC), Merritt (BC), Vancouver (BC), Penticton (BC), Grand Forks (BC) and Creston (BC).

Cross Canada Road Trip Map: From Ottawa to Vancouver, then back to Creston (BC)

• Niagara Falls (ON)

We also had an amazing experience taking the boat to see Niagara Falls (ON). I would totally recommend the experience

• Marmora in Ontario

It was a lovely surprise. We had never heard of this town and found it by accident on our way to Niagara. It’s the halfway point in between Ottawa and Toronto. The main attraction of the town is an old abandoned open-pit iron mine, now filled with hundreds of feet of water. 

• Old Woman Bay (ON)

On our way to Thunder Bay , and it was amazingly beautiful. It’s by Lake Superior, maybe 20 minutes before the town of Wawa, really close to the highway. It’s the perfect rest stop after a long drive.

It wasn’t in our first plan to go to Drumheller, but it was great. This town had the badland landscape, the hoodoos, and the famous Tyrrell Museum where we got to see lots of dinosaurs. This year, visitors had to book in advance to visit the museum and tickets sold out really quickly.

• Elk Island National Park

We were able to see lots of bisons roaming freely in Elk Island National Park. Our daughter loved it! However it was swarming with mosquitoes so we avoided the hikes after the first couple of days.

• The Forks area in downtown Winnipeg

near the Human Right museum. It’s a market and a public place where we can find the Winnipeg sign. 

Who doesn’t like to take pictures for city signs?

• Canadian Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are definitely the highlight of our trip. We got to do a canoe tour on the Bow River and in Lake Louise. We did a few hikes that were amazing, like Lake Agnes (near Lake Louise), Maligne Canyon, and the Valley of the 5 lakes, both in Jasper National Park.

Salmon Arm is the home of the longest inland wooden curved wharf in Canada. It’s definitely worth a stop. 

• Merritt in the Nicola Valley

Walking around the town was nice as the buildings reminded us of Western movies and there was lots of live music on the streets (it is the capital of Canadian country music). 

• Steveston in Richmond, Vancouver

We also enjoyed our visit to the village of Steveston, in Richmond in Vancouver. It’s where the tv show Once Upon a Time takes place.

Where to Stay While Driving Across Canada

There are so many options when it comes to finding the best place where to stay while driving across Canada. For hotels, you can check what is available where you are planning to stay overnight on Booking.com . For longer stays in a city, VRBO or HomeExchange are great options.

If you are planning a family RV trip across Canada, then here are a few of our favorite campgrounds across Canada. Make sure to book your campgrounds in National Parks in advance (if possible).

KOA Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (ON)

We also loved  the amenities  at  KOA Thunder Bay . This campground is opened to RVs and tents, but cabins can be rented. There was a swimming pool, a big kid’s play area, and mini-golf.

When we were not in national parks, we always went with KOA campground s. They even offer a 10% discount to all their members, and they have locations everywhere in Canada and in the USA, so we were able to save there. 

Lamont RV Park and Campground, Lamont (AB)

We loved  the privacy and space  offered by  Lamont RV Park and Campground , less than 60 km away from Edmonton and very close to Elk Island National Park. It also had a great playground for the kids, which is always important. This campground is operating year-round, but only open to RVs, no tents.

Tunnel Mountain Campground in Banff National Park

Tunnel Mountain Campground is a great option when visiting Banff National Park. It’s important to book well in advance if visiting in July and August. The campground offers campsites for RV and tents, in two different locations. There are lots of trees and shade. Plus, firewood is included (when there is no fire band).

Camp-Along Resort, Penticton (BC)

We loved  the view  at the  Camp-along Resort in Penticton , BC. Penticton is in the heart of Okanagan Valley. It’s a campsite for tents and RV trailers. The cool thing about this park is that the land was originally an apricot and pear orchard. It was converted to a campground about 30 years ago.                                                                                         

Black Hills KOA, Black Hills (SD)

One of the best KOA campgrounds is in the Black Hills (SD) , near Mount Rushmore. This is a resort holiday site, so they have everything (camping, hotel, cabins). The site is impressive, the nicest we visited during the trip.

Driving Across Canada in Winter

If you are thinking of driving across Canada in the winter, there are a few precautions to take:

• Plan more time than you would when driving in the summertime.
• Research the local regulation regarding winter tires.
• Check the weather report regularly.
• Prepare your emergency car kit.

For more information on driving across Canada in the winter, read our detailed guide . And if you’re thinking of RVing across Canada in the winter , checkout this great resource and itinerary example.

F.A.Q Cross Canada Road Trip

What is the best route to drive across canada.

One of the best route to travel across Canada is by using the Trans Canada Highway. This highway crosses all Canada and is pretty simple to follow. Of course, if you have more time, you’ll want to get out of the main highway and explore a big more of the off-the-beaten path destinations.

How Long Does it take to Drive Across Canada

It really depends on how many hours of driving you’re planning per day, what you want to see and who you’re traveling with. If you want to enjoy your trip and have time to see some of the cities and national parks, you will need a minimum of one month. But if the goal is simply to drive across Canada with minimal stops, than you could do it a 5-6 days.

Is it worth driving across Canada?

Yes! It is worth driving across Canada IF you have the time. Don’t rush it. If you have limited time for this cross-country road trip and you simply want to hit the Canadian Rockies as soon as possible, you might want to discover flying and renting a car or a camper van in Calgary or Vancouver.

What is the best month to drive across Canada?

The best time to do a trip across Canada is between April and October, when the weather is better and limited chances of snow storm. It’s possible to drive across Canada in the wintertime, but it’s more fun in the summertime.

How much does a trip across Canada cost?

That is a great question and it will vary a lot depending on: the type of car you’re driving, the cost of gas (2022 may not be a cheap year for long road trips), the type of accommodation you’re using and where you get your food.

The cheapest way to drive across Canada would be to use a small camper van and do dispersed camping across Canada.

Final Thoughts: Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary

A big thanks to Amelie, Amélie et Cyrielle for taking the time to respond to our questions, and diving back into their memories and photo albums to share their amazing trip with us.

• Cyrielle from Together We Meander is a French family of 3 (4 if we include their cat), though they’ve been Canadian permanent residents since 2019. They drove for 3 months across Canada in an RV with their 4 year old daughter. You can follow their traveling journey on their  blog , on  YouTube  and on  Instagram . 
• Amelie is a French Canadian mom of two little boys aged 2 and 4 years old, with a third baby on the way. Her husband, from the province of Quebec as well,  and her are raising their family in the beautiful city of Seattle, on the west coast of the United States. That means they get to and explore the Pacific Northwest whenever they get the chance. 
• Amélie is a French Canadian mother of two boys (now 9 and 11 years old), a travel lover, and a french blogger. With her family, they were used to traveling a few times per year outside the province of Quebec. But this cross-country adventure was the first time they experienced a road trip style of travel.  You can (and should) follow her on her  blog , on  Facebook , and on  Instagram . 

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

How to plan the perfect cross-Canada road trip

This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Take the Trans Canada Highway through Banff National Park and keep going east. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Since the closest I've come to a countrywide trundle was a sleepless Greyhound adventure from Vancouver to Montreal when I was 17, I've steered this question to a couple of experts.

Mark Richardson (markrichardson.ca) is the author of Canada's Road: A Journey on the Trans-Canada Highway from St. John's to Victoria . He thinks every Canuck should hit the coast-to-coast trail at least once. "There's no better way to see your country and meet other Canadians than to experience it first-hand," he says.

But before driving off into the sunset – or at least Saskatchewan – planning is vital. First-up: the route . "The Trans-Canada Highway follows a fairly direct course across the country and it's a good road to stay close to. But you'll need to take other roads to see the country properly," Richardson says.

"Duck down to Halifax in Nova Scotia and also hit the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. Whether travelling through Edmonton or Calgary, drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. And in Quebec, leave the wide highway between Quebec City and Rivière-du-Loup and follow Highway 132 instead, hugging the south shore of the St. Lawrence River."

How long will it take? "If you're stopping at roadside attractions and enjoying meals and breaks along the way, plan for 300 kilometres to 400 km a day. Aim to arrive before 6 p.m., leaving comfortable time for dinner and relaxation. At that pace, you can cross Canada (one way) in two weeks." (See roadsideattractions.ca for things to see.)

Richardson recommends joining drivers' clubs such as CAA, to reduce the stress of possible breakdowns; informing your bank of your trip so that it doesn't decline your purchase of a Portage la Prairie fridge magnet; and ensuring you car is up to the job with a service and oil change a week before departure.

After double-checking you've packed essentials – including license, ownership and registration and passports (in case you're taking side trips to the States) – Richardson suggests hiding a second credit card and secreting a spare key in your car. "Keep a record of your wallet contents – I use a smartphone app to keep numbers and photos of my cards secure and confidential in the virtual cloud."

Accommodation-wise, combine planning with flexibility. "Book ahead in the morning so you don't have to find a place at the end of the day. And aim for hotels with generous cancellation policies so you can switch if you find more intriguing places."

But if you're road-tripping with kids, you'll need to add an extra layer of planning to ensure everything runs as smoothly as a newly asphalted highway, according to family travel blogger Claudia Laroye (thetravellingmom.ca). First, though, you might need to persuade them to take part.

"Think about a unique selling feature for each child. Is it visiting a dinosaur museum, a giant nickel or the ocean?" Laroye says. " Engage family members in planning by having each choose a special destination or attraction. Consider sitting around a map to chart your route, then having the kids research interesting spots along the way."

Be sure to pack audiobooks, car games, surprise toys, a cooler of snacks and drinks and even a soundtrack that's like an old-school mix tape. Once you're on the road, "use books, maps and apps to keep kids engaged about the places they're travelling through," she says.

While sharing driving duties is also essential for parents – plus stops where everyone disembarks for space away from each other – a daily treat can give weary passengers something extra to look forward to. "Plan to stop for ice cream each day."

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Cross-Canada Road Trip: Camping in the Canadian Rockies

• July 13, 2020
• 4 minute read

Welcome to the next stop on our virtual cross-Canada road trip – Jasper, Alberta!

Join us as we virtually explore the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, learn about the charismatic creatures that call this area home, and share ways you can support conservation. We also have some family-friendly tips to inspire your next camping adventure – whether it’s in a remote wilderness setting or the comfort of your own backyard!

If you’re just joining the road trip, you can check out our previous stops and explore additional activities.

Pack Your Bag!

To help you virtually experience the magic of the Rocky Mountains from home, we’ve put together a list of items, recipes and activities to bring Jasper National Park to you!

• Map of Canada – If you haven’t done so yet, print off a copy of our road trip map and pin it up so you can mark each Canadian location you visit each week!
• Scavenger Hunt – Download a copy of this week’s virtual scavenger hunt and see if you can find some of these items near your home!
• Word Search – Learn more about Alberta with this fun word search.
• Grizzly Bear Colouring Page – Unleash your artistic side while learning more about one of Jasper National Park’s most iconic residents.
• Camping Gear – Since this week’s outdoor adventure is camping, you can get in the spirit by breaking out your camping gear! Try pitching a tent in your living room or having a campfire in your backyard!
• S’mores – This classic treat is a camping must have! Try making your own s’mores at home this week. All you need is a couple of graham crackers, a roasted marshmallow, and some chocolate.
• Travel Journal – Journals are a great way for your and your family to write about your weekly adventures! Use a notebook or try making your own from a collection of pages.

Ready to explore? Check out the Jasper townsite or travel down the Icefields Parkway to the nearby Columbia Glacier by clicking on the map above.

Learn about Local Wildlife

Jasper National Park is home to a diversity of wildlife, but one of the most iconic residents is the Grizzly Bear. Check out the video below to learn more about this at risk species, and visit Hinterland Who’s Who to take an in-depth look at where they live, what they eat and the threats they face.

Outdoor Adventure

Camping is a great way to enjoy nature as a family! Whether it’s a simple campout at home, or a full-fledged trip to a local park, there are many ways to experience the fun of sleeping outdoors and create special memories together.

There is no one right way to camp. Camping can offer a variety of options for your family’s comfort or experience level, as well as for a range of budgets. Infusing your own traditions, foods, and activities into a family camping experience is also a great way to make it your own!

Visit our WILD Family Nature Club page for some handy tips, videos and resources to help you plan your next family camping adventure. Whether you are new to camping, or a seasoned adventurer, there are lots of ways to enjoy this outdoor activity with your family!

Take Action

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about Jasper National Park, we invite you to take action in support of wildlife conservation! While you may not be able to directly support conservation efforts in Alberta, you can help step up in support of Grizzly Bears and other wildlife with these activities.

• Adopt a Grizzly Bear – By adopting a Grizzly Bear, you can help fund CWF’s conservation and education efforts across Canada.
• Be Bear Smart (English only) – Did you know that people are the biggest threat to Grizzly Bears? With this colouring and activity book kids can help conserve these bears by learning how to avoid encounters.
• Join CWF’s Observation Nation – Help build a living record of life in Canada that scientists and environmental managers can use to monitor changes in biodiversity through iNaturalist Canada.

Share Your Memories

What did you learn on your virtual trip to Jasper this week? Take a few minutes to reflect on what you discovered together as family!

Using your Travel Journal , draw a picture of your experience or write down your answers to the following questions.

• What did you learn about this week’s destination?
• What one thing would you like to learn more about?
• Did you try this week’s activity? If so, what was your favourite part?
• What is one thing you could do to support wildlife near you?

As a special souvenir, you can also send an e-postcard to your family and friends, download this week’s postcard or make your own !

Don’t miss a Weekly Wild update! Sign up for free at the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Reconnecting Canadians.

Ready to visit the next stop on our cross-canada road trip let’s hit the road click here to check out our latest location .

• grizzly bear
• reconnecting canadians
• weekly wild update

Kailey Setter

Kailey is the Experiential Education Manager at the Canadian Wildlife Federation. With over 10 years of experience in conservation and environmental education, she still geeks-out when people ask, “how can I get involved and learn more?”

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Travel across Canada

Travel across Canada; many Canadians add it to their bucket list.  A -once in a lifetime- cross Canada road trip; from the Wild Pacific to the North Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa.

It takes quite some effort to optimize your travel plans. This page is for those who do not have the time and energy to create a cross Canada road trip itinerary themselves.

The most scenic road trip across Canada

Road book to travel across Canada

Road book reviews

Cross Canada road trip movie

The designed route is -in my opinion-, the most scenic and interesting route to cross Canada by car.

If I would be in the position to join you on your trip, I would guide you exactly the same way as presented in this road trip itinerary. 

I created this specific cross Canada itinerary to refine my own cross Canada road trip (2012), and in order to pass my expertise as a driver/guide for travel tours in Canada. Read more about my travel expertise .

The best of Canada

The selected route uncovers the best of Canada such as

• rumbling waterfalls,
• the majestic Rocky Mountains including world famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ,
• Alberta’s badlands,
• Saskatchewan’s prairies and endless skies,
• friendly Manitoba,
• First Nations culture,
• Ontario’s Great Lakes including roaring Niagara Falls ,
• the Rideau heritage route and historical Kings Road, 
• Capital city Ottawa, and
• charming Quebec City
• world’s highest tidal fluctuations at the Bay of Fundy and much more...

Use the itinerary as a guideline for your road trip across Canada.

Interactive E-Road book to Travel across Canada

The interactive   E-R oad Book to Travel across Canada  is a PDF file containing 27 travel days. Your trip starts in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

You can easily add extra destinations and days to extend your journey.  This drive across Canada covers 7250 km/4500 mi.

Included in the ‘Road Book to Travel across Canada’

The E-road book PDF includes:

• 27 day itineraries, each day itinerary offers - a selection of sights of interest - one or more interactive maps - driving directions
• web links to - related Provincial Parks & Parks Canada brochures or maps (inserted in the online map) - tourism websites for local destinations
• an accommodation schedule for planning your stays 
• 59 maps including links to their online version
• relevant additional information such as - Canadian federal taxes explained as well as taxes per province - instructions how to use the road trip maps - time zones

About the sights included in the road book

It is not my intention to include every single activity or sight along the route. Presented sights and activities are carefully selected, based upon quality and feasibility within the day schedule. 

Within your road trip across Canada  there are opportunities to

go out on a hike – paddle – enjoy boat trips –view magnificent wildlife  – ride a gondola - visit  National Historic Sites, World Heritage Sites – explore Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec City –immerse in hot springs – experience the history of fur trade – study petroforms – absorb native culture – witness world’s biggest tidal fluctuations

Cellphone reach and internet along the proposed travel route

In general, a majority of accommodations offer WIFI. Cell phone coverage is poor while travelling across Canada.  I recommend bringing your mobile device (tablet) while travelling. Internet connection makes it possible to use the interactive maps on your mobile device. The latter allows you to open added links and interactive maps. 

Purchase the E-book to  Travel Across Canada

Road Book Reviews

Road book to travel across canada reviews.

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In October 2012, my husband and I drove from our hometown Clearwater, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

My friend Ken Matheson/KM Documentaries, helped me creating this short impression of our cross Canada road trip.

Note: The road book route deviates at several stretches from the road trip in the movie.

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Explore various Canadian Vacations

Wondering how to spend your Canadian Vacations? About train tours, road trips, and guided group travel.In winter try dog sledding during a ski vacation!

Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver for the independent traveller. The most scenic -self drive- road trip from the Rockies to the West Coast.

Travel British Columbia Canada

Itineraries for self-drive travel British Columbia Canada

By Josette Prinsen, copyright ©2012 - 2024 Tourguide Canada

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A beginner’s guide to RVing in Canada: Everything you need to know

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2023

A beginner’s guide to exploring Canada by RV motorhome: All the information you need for your first time RVing in Canada, from choosing an RV and route planning to waste disposal and what to pack.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

AD: My trip was hosted by Explore Canada , but all views are my own.

Two sisters, two weeks, 4500km, four provinces and three time zones – my trip across Canada by RV from Calgary to Toronto was epic in more ways than one. Especially considering neither or us had ever been inside an RV (also known as a motorhome) before. How would this self-confessed camping-phobe cope with life on the road?

RVing in Canada

Setting off from Calgary to Toronto felt like being thrown in at the deep end. But it turns out RVing is a world away from camping, and Canada’s the perfect place to try it out. Travelling by RV gives you all the benefits of camping – beautiful landscapes, nights round the campfire, the feeling of being back to nature – but without the actual tent.

But RVing was a new world with its special terminology (pull-throughs, shore lines, grey water…) and new skills to master. So I thought I’d put together a post for first-time RVers like me, or people who want to find out more about travelling around Canada by RV.

Do you have to rough it?

I’m more budget-luxury than five-star traveller, but there are a few things that are a must wherever I’m staying: comfortable bed, toilet, hot showers, space to unpack and somewhere to keep the wine cold. But my nightmares of freezing nights and mornings spent sweltering at 5am in a tent quickly faded. RV life is a lot more like living in a mini mobile apartment.

It’s surprising how much you can pack into a small space. Our RV was a Cruise Canada ‘Standard’ model – which was 25′ long with two double beds, a bathroom with toilet, shower and sink, and a kitchen with gas cooker, microwave, fridge-freezer and sink. 

The kitchen’s well equipped so you don’t need to rely on campfire cooking; we whipped up steaks and stir fries on board, with plenty of storage space in the fridge and cupboards. And there’s both air con and heating to deal with extreme temperatures.

It’s a good tip to get a bigger RV than you think you need. Ours was listed as sleeping five but was perfect for two or three people. Any more and you’d be tripping over each other. Though you probably want to make sure you travel with someone you get on well with.

You’re going to be in pretty close confines and RVing requires lots of teamwork so there’s not much room for personal space. Luckily my sister and I have spent many family holidays to France in the back of a 1970s VW camper van so we’ve got plenty of experience.

Exploring Canada by RV is also a digital detox, away from TVs, computers and phones. Internet addicts can get their fix with a portable wifi device that works off phone signal. But in large parks like Algonquin the signal doesn’t stretch far into the park so you’ll have to have an enforced technology sabbatical. Leaving more time to spend outside.

The evening campfire was one of my favourite trip rituals. Getting the fire going, searching for the perfect marshmallow stick, making s’mores, talking about what we’d seen that day and where we were off to next. And if it rained, we could stay snug inside the RV, watching films on a laptop and toasting marshmallows on the hob – you can’t do that in a tent.

Isn’t RVing just for retirees?

Canada and the US have a real RV culture. People retire, sell up, buy a big RV and drive south for winter and north for summer, travelling as long as they can. So I was expecting that two British women in our 30s would be an unusual sight around the campsites.

But in general the demographic of our fellow RV travellers was a lot more varied than I imagined. There were a mix of couples, families and groups of friends, with international travellers as well as plenty of Canadians exploring their own country.

Even the long-term RVers were a more mixed group than I expected. As well as retirees we also met families who were travelling with their kids before they started school, as well as people who work remotely so don’t need to have a full-time home base.

Long-term RVers are easy to spot though – they’re the ones with doormats, potted plants and array of collapsible gadgets. They’re also the ones who can help if you need a hand or don’t know how something works. When we arrived at Lake Superior and couldn’t park close enough to the electricity hookup to plug in, our neighbours lent us an extension lead.

All the RVers we met were happy to share their expertise with us newbies. And one of the nicest things about visiting Canada by RV is that it’s much more sociable than a hotel. Everyone spends their time outside so it’s easy to get chatting to your neighbours.

We met some really lovely people from all over the world. We toasted Canada Day around the campfire with a neighbour in Regina Beach and were introduced to ‘hobo pies’ (a kind of toasted jam sandwich) by the lady next door in Aaron Provincial Park.

How do I plan my Canada RV itinerary?

Where to start? Coastal drives, cross-country, mountains, National Parks – the choices are endless. It might be tempting to wing it and see where you end up, but the best campsites get booked up, especially at weekends, in popular areas like the Rockies and during the summer months. So it’s a good idea to plan your route and book overnight stays in advance.

We planned to arrive into our campsites around 4pm while it was still light. That gave us time to set up the RV, light a campfire and stretch our legs with a walk around the site. It’s also recommended not to drive at dawn or dusk as moose and deer venture onto the roads.

When planning how long journeys will take, Google Maps tends to underestimate the time it takes to travel in an RV. We downloaded the free  Navmii Canada GPS app which we found was more accurate. It works offline if you don’t have phone data and you can also get it to show you nearest fuel stations – helpful when you’re in the middle of nowhere. A good old-fashioned paper road map is useful too in case you can’t get a phone signal.

The quickest route from A to B is usually via the highway. But if you get off the main roads there’s more to see, so factor in plenty of time in case you spot something interesting along the way – the Roadtrippers website has some good ideas. The joy of RVing in Canada is you can just pull over and stop and make a cup of tea or have lunch when you feel like it.

What facilities do campsites have?

Canadian campsite facilities vary a lot depending on the location and size of the site – our experiences camping in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario ranged from simple pitches in the forest to full holiday complexes. The larger, privately run sites often come with additional facilities like shops, cafés and swimming pools.

You’re also more likely to get a full hookup where you can connect your power, water and sewage lines directly from your pitch. But most of the time we stayed in Provincial Park campgrounds which were more ‘back to nature’. There was usually a reception building where you check in and can stock up on ice and firewood.

Then there were toilet and shower blocks with laundry facilities (keep a supply of ‘loonies’ – aka one dollar coins, the name comes from the birds which are pictured on them). Most had electrical hookups and filling/dumping stations for water and waste.

The facilities might be simple but the location is what makes these campsites so special. We parked up next to lakes, waterfalls and forests. But my favourite spot was at Lake Superior Provincial Park. The campsite ran along the edge of the lakeshore with just two rows of RVs surrounded by tall pine trees. Within 10 metres of our pitch was a huge sandy beach and a lake which stretched as far as you can see, with a bench perfect for a sunset G&T.

You’ve also got wildlife all around you. We had gophers popping up in Regina Beach and a raccoon who raided next door’s cool box for cereal bars in Killarney Provincial Park. Though you need to be careful not to leave food out in areas where there are bears .

Is it hard to drive an RV?

I delegated this question to my sister as she was the designated driver for the trip, but despite never having driven an RV before she had no trouble with it. Like any large vehicle it takes longer to get going and to stop, so leave plenty of space around you.

Canadian roads are generally fairly wide and straight, and outside the towns and cities it’s not too difficult to navigate (we pretty much joined the Trans-Canada Highway in Calgary and got off it two weeks later when we reached Toronto ).

Do make a note of the RV’s width and height just in case you have to go through a small space or low bridge. The gas tank takes a while to fill up (our record was $200 of fuel) and if you’re going faster, like on long straight prairie roads, you get through fuel quicker.

When you arrive into a campsite your pitch will either be ‘pull-through’ – where you can drive straight in – or you’ll have to reverse in. RVs aren’t the easiest things to reverse as visibility is limited in the mirrors, so we found it easier for me to get out of the vehicle and shout directions (seasoned RVers recommend a walkie talkie if you’re doing this a lot).

It can be hard to find somewhere to park up if you’re stopping in towns and cities. It’s a good idea to research parking lots in advance. Some have extra-large spaces for RVs or otherwise be prepared to practice your parallel parking skills if parking on the street.

What about the dreaded RV waste disposal?

The one thing that strikes fear into prospective RVers is emptying the toilet tank. Not something you normally have to do when you’re on holiday! But it’s really not as bad as I imagined. The RV has two separate waste tanks – one for grey water (from the sinks and shower) and one for black water (from the toilet).

Some sites have a hookup for the sewage pipe where you can leave it connected. But on all of our campsites you had to empty the tank at the site’s dumping station. A control panel inside the RV tells you how full the tanks are. You can go for a few days without emptying them, but it does weigh you down and being heavier means you get through more fuel.

So we went for the ‘little and often’ approach and dumped our waste every day or two. An expandable pipe pulls out from the side of the RV and connects securely into a valve in the ground. Then you pull the handle to release the black water first and then the grey to wash it through. There are a couple of things you can do to make it all a bit less unpleasant.

First buy some heavy duty rubber gloves (we kept ours in a plastic bag in the storage compartment under the RV) and second get some tank cleaner/deodoriser tablets to make things smell a bit sweeter. You can also pay a supplement not to have to empty the tank when you return the RV to the depot, which is worth it if you’re in a hurry on the last day.

What do I need to pack?

One of the bonuses of exploring Canada by RV is having plenty of storage space, so you’ve got room to pack the RV or motorhome accessories to help make your trip easier.

We had a wardrobe, two sets of drawers and cupboards above the bed and table. There’s also a storage area underneath the RV for a folding table and chairs plus firewood and suitcases. Once you’ve unpacked, you don’t need to pack up again until the end of your trip.

If you go out for the day and realise you should’ve worn an extra jumper or need a coat or suncream, it’s all there with you. But if you’re flying internationally you’re not going to want to carry pillows, towels, saucepans and crockery with you (the kitchen sink is included!).

Cruise Canada offer a couple of different equipment kits. We had a provisioning kit ($125) which included cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, a kettle, can opener, knives and chopping board, plus extras like a torch and broom. There’s also a personal kit ($75 per person) with towels, a pillow and duvet. It’s a good idea to reserve these kits in advance.

Nights can get cold so you might want to bring or buy a blanket and pack some thermal pyjamas – I kept a fleece and a pair of socks next to the bed so I could add extra layers if I got cold in the middle of the night. The RV does also have heating if it gets really chilly.

Make sure you pack everything in tightly before you set off. Our last campsite in Algonquin Provincial Park was down a six-mile stretch of unsealed road. Within a couple of minutes of rattling along the road the wardrobe door had flown open, water bottles were shooting across the floor and the drawers had thrown half their contents out.

Even bumps and bends along an ordinary road can send things flying, so make sure everything is stowed away before you set off. The RV’s crockery cupboard has dividers to keep plates and cups safe. But things do slide around the food cupboard above the dining table. So it’s a good idea store your groceries in a box so they don’t get shaken about.

Being outside means you’re exposed to a few creepy crawlies. Canadian mosquitoes can be vicious, especially in the summer, so it’s a good idea to pack mosquito repellent * and bite cream, and pick up citronella candles or mosquito coils *. Cover up your arms and legs up at dusk and you can also get clothing impregnated with repellent to keep them away.

Other bits and pieces we found useful to have were a washing line and pegs * (to air towels and dry clothes if you’re doing any hand washing), a grill if you want to cook outside, matches and firelighters (you can buy these along with kindling and logs in most park shops) and plenty of marshmallows for toasting over the campfire.

Where to next?

The thing with RVing in Canada is that it gets addictive. The freedom to go whenever you fancy, the convenience, the chance to dip your toes in the outdoor lifestyle without having to rough it. So the only question left is where to next? Maybe the Rockies , the Cabot Trail through Nova Scotia or the coast of Newfoundland – who knows where the road will take us?

Save for later

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John Maloney

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Liked your article. We are heading to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon in April 2024. First time renting a conversion van. Looking forward to the experience.

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Thanks – and hope you have a fantastic trip!

Shane Devenish

Tuesday 19th of December 2023

I really enjoyed your article Lucy. Are you agreeable if I share it on our website with credit to you?

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Hi Shane, I don't normally allow reproduction of full articles but very happy for you to publish and extract with a link back to the original for the full post. Thanks!

Monday 24th of July 2023

This article was fantastic. Thank you for sharing

Thanks so much!

Stefania D'Angeli

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Sounds sooooo cool! We are 3 Italians who would like to travel across Canada from Sept 20th for about a month. We have read that we could find some issues with the antifreeze that would NOT allow us to use any water, because looks like from Oct 1st the rentals empty the water tanks and put some antifreeze. Do you know anything about this? We are not planning to go anywhere (too) cold, except the first days in the National Parks and then towards the Great Lakes up to Toronto and Montreal. But we are wondering how could we travelling for more than a month without any water on board.

Thank you in advance for any help you could give!

Sunday 25th of June 2023

Hi, I'm not hugely familiar with winter hire but it seems that winterizing is normally from mid-October to March so you might be able to avoid it with your dates – and there are some RV companies which hire RVs with heated water tanks that can be used all year. Otherwise you would have to access water at campgrounds. But it's speaking to the RV hire company and find out what they say based on your route as dates vary by region.

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi, are you able to "wild camp" in Canada in RV's? Eg not book a campsite and just find a nice spot to park for the night? Obviously leaving the area as you found it/if not cleaner?

Thursday 15th of June 2023

Hi Gemma, wild camping is permitted in Canada but the rules do vary by province so you would need to check depending on where you're going, and it's generally not permitted in National Parks or Provincial Parks.

One-Way RV Road-Trips

With  Cruise America RV rental , you never have to worry about returning your RV to its original location. Instead, you can book a  one-way RV rental  from any of our 132 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP WITH A ONE-WAY RV RENTAL

When you’re planning an RV road trip across the country or down the coast, one-way RV rental is the way to go. See all the sights you want while you hit the road, and never have to worry about driving back home – just catch a cheap flight at your drop-off point, and you’ve got an easy and inexpensive vacation.

If you’re planning to take one of our RV rentals one way, try one of these fun ideas for vacation routes:

Cross-Country National Parks

Some of the most beautiful sights in the country can be seen in our national parks, and what better way to tour them than by RV? Start off in California with a trip through Yosemite , then head east to the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde. From there, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is your destination – after which it’s up to you: Florida’s Everglades or Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave. Either way, it’s sure to be a great trip.

Pacific Coastline

Start out in Vancouver, Seattle or Portland and travel south down the coast to San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego. Watch as the scenery shifts from the rocky cliffs and historic lighthouses of the Pacific Northwest to the sunny beaches and towering palms of Southern California.

Eastern Seaboard

Pick up your one-way RV rental in Boston, New York City or Washington, D.C. and travel south toward the Florida sunshine. Take a stop in Atlantic City, New Jersey for some gaming fun, or relax for a day along the beautiful historic beaches of South Carolina.

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF CROSS-COUNTRY MOVES WITH ONE-WAY RENTAL MOVING

Sometimes a one-way RV rental is good for more than a vacation – like when you’re planning to make a cross-country move. With RV rentals, one-way trips from your old home to your new home are relaxing and fun – not harried and stressful. Plus, you’ll save on hotels and other expenses during your trip. You can even pack some of your household items into your RV. View our article on cross-country moving for more tips and advice.

Want to book a round-trip RV vacation instead of a one-way RV rental? That’s easy, too! Simply visit our online booking page to  rent your RV , and you’ll be on your way in no time. Cruise America even offers  RV sales  at sales centers located across the U.S. and Canada, so you can live the RVing life anytime you want.

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April 16, 2024 , Filed Under: Uncategorized

Canada Incentive Trips: Adding the Wow Factor

Incentive trips are a way for companies to acknowledge and appreciate their team’s hard work and dedication. As well as treating staff members, it cements bonds, which helps with company loyalty. A lot. Canada is a popular destination for incentive trips – for companies from across the world and from the United States, as it promises something a little different but is easy to get to. If you’re planning an incentive trip to Canada, how can you add a little ‘wow factor’ to make sure the trip is genuinely exceptional? Here are some ideas.

Canada’s vast wilderness and cosmopolitan cities already sets the right tone for an incentive trip. And if you need to get a little work done too, there are plenty of plush hotel boardrooms and coworking spaces to help. But let’s face it, the main priority of an incentive trip is not to work. It’s to foster deeper connections among your team so they are ultimately more inspired to do a great job for your company. So what could you do to transform a mediocre incentive trip to Canada into a totally amazing experience? Here’s some inspiration.

A Room With A View To The Game: Toronto’s Baseball Stadium Hotels

When planning your incentive trip to Toronto, consider booking accommodation that offers more than just a comfortable night’s sleep. Sure, your employees will want great Wi-Fi, a good shower and breakfast in the morning (business travelers actually want the simple things done well!) but there is more to an incentive trip than this. Opt for hotels that provide rooms with interior windows facing the Rogers Centre , home of the Toronto Blue Jays. The festive atmosphere among your team members as they witness a live baseball game from the comfort of their hotel room will be electrifying! This unique feature is not just about luxury; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that combines the excitement of the sport with the relaxation of upscale amenities. Such an extraordinary stay in Toronto will invigorate your team’s spirits and strengthen their camaraderie. It’s a great way to start an incentive trip, and if your team is tired from traveling, they don’t need to go far on the first day to have a good time.

Niagara Falls and Beyond: Uncharted Adventures Await

Visiting Niagara Falls is practically a rite of passage when exploring Canada on an incentive trip. It’s a universal draw that leaves every observer in awe. You’ll totally understand why it’s one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, AND why people say the Canadian side is better. You definitely can’t ignore Niagara Falls on an incentive trip to Canada – and nor should you, just because it’s a famous tourist hotspot. A charter bus rental from Toronto is really easy too. But to elevate the experience for your team, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist spots to discover some of the area’s lesser known gems. Embark on a private boat tour that takes you as close as possible to the thundering waters, offering a perspective few get to witness. Then, move away from the crowds to explore the surrounding region’s vineyards for a wine tasting session that highlights the best of Ontario’s wine country. These lesser-known activities will not only complement the iconic visit to the falls but also provide a more intimate, personalized experience, making your incentive trip memorably distinct.

Into the Wild: Hiking, Camping, and Brainstorming in Canada’s Untouched Wilderness

If you think your team would enjoy a touch of adventure, Canada’s stunning wilderness offers the perfect backdrop. Consider organizing a retreat that includes hiking through breathtaking landscapes or camping under the vast Canadian sky. These activities not only challenge and build the team’s physical stamina but also their ability to work together in different settings. Imagine a brainstorming session seated around a campfire, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. This unique setting can stimulate creative thinking, encourage open communication, and foster a strong sense of togetherness. Being in the great outdoors, away from the distractions of daily life, allows team members to focus on strategic planning and creative projects with a fresh perspective. Conquering a challenging trail might be tempting for your team, but it doesn’t all have to involve physical stamina. Cooking together at the campsite can be just as rewarding, and these experiences can significantly strengthen team bonds. You can have an experience like this in almost any region in Canada. For the cooler months of the year, you’ll need to find some warming cabins or a ranch to base yourselves, unless you want to push your team’s resolve to new limits through freezing nighttime temperatures!

Giving Back Together: Volunteering Opportunities in Canada

Volunteering is something that is gaining traction in modern life. Becoming part of something bigger than yourself helps with your connectedness to the world around you. It also boosts mental health and gives you a much needed push outside your comfort zone from time to time. That’s why incorporating volunteering activities into your incentive trip can massively impact your team’s experience and leave a lasting impression. Canada offers lots of community service projects. You might choose to spend a day at a local food bank in one of Canada’s major cities, helping to sort and distribute food to those in need. Getting stuck into environmental conservation efforts, such as tree planting or cleanup projects in one of the country’s beautiful national parks, can offer an outdoor team-building experience that also benefits the planet. Win-win! These volunteering opportunities will enrich your team’s incentive trip with meaningful experiences and spark a sense of accomplishment and togetherness.

Crafting an incentive trip to Canada that is full of adventure and new experiences takes a little planning and creativity. But with these ideas, you can transform a standard trip into an extraordinary one that your team will remember for years to come. If you get the itinerary just right, your employees won’t believe their luck that they’re on a work-sponsored trip.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes —  Marcel Proust

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