road travel to canada

Everything you need to know before taking a road trip to Canada

Canada on July 19 said it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens beginning on Aug. 9.

It will be the first phase of a two-step reopening process.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been fully vaccinated (14 days past the final dose) will be allowed to enter Canada for nonessential travel purposes beginning Aug. 9. Canada also said it intends to open its borders to citizens of other countries as of Sept. 7 if the pandemic doesn't worsen.

The government said it's using a "border testing surveillance program" at its air and land border crossings. Fully vaccinated travelers will not need to take a negative COVID-19 test upon entry unless they've been randomly selected to take one. You will, however, need to pack a negative test result in addition to your proof of vaccination. (More on that later.)

Canada might be a suitable option for Americans who haven't traveled during the pandemic. Because Canada is drivable from many parts of the U.S., it's an excellent option for people who want to get out of the country but aren't comfortable yet flying long distances.

Here's what you need to know about driving to a reopened Canada.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

How to enter Canada from the US

There are dozens of entry points by land into Canada from the U.S. But the most visited include the Windsor-Detroit border, Buffalo-Niagara Falls; Port Huron, Michigan; Maine; and Blaine, Washington, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data .

When you cross into Canada from the U.S. , a border agent will ask the purpose of your trip and whether you feel well. Travelers crossing the border by land must wear a mask, bring a negative test result, use the ArriveCAN app to upload proof of vaccination and follow border crossing procedures.

What documents do you need to drive to Canada?

Driving into Canada from the U.S. is relatively simple compared to other destinations.

Travelers driving into Canada from the U.S. must have a valid I.D., such as a U.S. passport. Unlike most of the world, a passport card is also accepted on the land border . Children under 16 need only show proof of U.S. citizenship. The following forms of identification are accepted for U.S. citizens:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport card (for land and marine travel only)
• Enhanced Driver's License (for land and marine travel only)

U.S. citizens who are members of the NEXUS program show their membership card as proof of identification when arriving in Canada by air (from the U.S.) land or sea. U.S. citizens in the FAST program can use their cards when arriving by land and sea only.

U.S. permanent residents are required to carry an electronic travel authorization (eTA) only when arriving in Canada by air. Their foreign passport must be linked to a valid eTA, and they must also travel with proof of their permanent resident status to qualify for a visa exemption.

Starting Aug. 9, fully vaccinated travelers won't need to take a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to Canada unless they've been randomly selected for testing. However, the pre-travel testing mandate remains in place even for vaccinated travelers. Travelers arriving in Canada by land or air need to take a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Both PCR and RT-PCR tests are accepted , but antigen tests are not.

Unvaccinated children under 12 will be allowed to enter Canada but must submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN and meet all testing requirements. Travelers need to be able to provide a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French, according to the Canadian government .

Use Nexus to expedite arrival

If you're a U.S. citizen who visits Canada often, you may want to consider getting Nexus so you can also enjoy expedited customs processing there. It's a program between Canada and the United States for preapproved, low-risk travelers at designated air, land and sea ports of entry.

Nexus is 50% less expensive than Global Entry ($50 per adult and free for children under 18). However, you must enroll at a center along the Canadian border. Clearing Canadian customs and immigration can take a while, so this would save you a lot of time.

And once you have Nexus, either as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you also get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Nexus is available at 21 land locations when entering Canada. However, the Canada Border Services Agency implemented temporary lane closures that will remain in effect until "further notice."

Global Entry

If you want to expedite your entry back into the U.S., you can also get Global Entry. You can enroll upon arrival at various airports in a handful of states , plus Canada, Ireland, the Bahamas, Abu Dhabi, Aruba and Bermuda.

Global Entry cards are acceptable at land points of entry for expedited entry into the United States via the SENTRI and Nexus lanes. However, you can't use your Global Entry membership to enter Canada through the Nexus lanes.

Coming back to the U.S.

Travelers coming back to the U.S. from Canada by land aren't required to have a negative COVID-19 test. However, travelers flying into the U.S. from Canada must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before departure.

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

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

How could I not start an article about Canada’s best road trips without first mentioning the Icefields Parkway, which has often been ranked as one of the best road trips in the entire world? Stretching 232 kilometres through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, this highway invites you into a journey of mind-blowing scenery, including mighty mountains, waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and rivers, and glaciers too. While the drive from Banff to Jasper really only takes upwards of three-four hours, you’ll probably want to budget an entire day for all the stops you’ll be making to take photos, short hikes, or even full-on tours at the Columbia Glacier. Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls, just to name a few. For those coming from Calgary to Banff , you just continue towards Lake Louise and then head North on highway 93.

Best time to go: This Alberta road trip is best from June to September, although May works as well. October is also good if you don’t mind a higher chance of rain in exchange for much fewer tourists. From November until April, you should expect snow and ice. This is also a beautiful time to do the road trip, but you’ll need to be much better skilled at driving and expect delays. In addition, many things such as the Columbia Icefield tour are closed.

Bonus: Due to the popularity of this area, it’s also a great place for delicious food. There are so many restaurants in the area and we’ve made some extensive guides, such as our guide to the best Banff restaurants and the best Canmore restaurants .

Cowboy Trail, Alberta

If you’re looking for some prairie and mountainous “wild west” scenery, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail is the road trip for you. Primarily located just south of Calgary, you could start your experience in the province’s biggest city, taking time to explore the many things to do in Calgary such as the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park, Studio Bell, or the new central library. If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth. You could even stop by the Alberta Boot Company and grab yourself some authentic Cowboy boots or other Western-style clothing.

While the actual “Cowboy Trail” refers to Highway 22, which travels all the way from the Edmonton area down into the USA, our favourite part starts around Bragg Creek and takes you down past Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River, Longview, and down towards Pincher Creek. You’ll pass a lot of stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as well as a number of Western-style towns before winding up in the Rocky Mountains such as the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. If you’re not wanting to continue into the USA, you could return to Calgary via Highway 2, stopping to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump .

Best time to go: This is one of the best road trips from Calgary and is best done between May and October.

Banff to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway

While the Trans-Canada Highway can take you across the entire country, the most beautiful part, in our opinion, is from Calgary to Vancouver . After just an hour or so, you’ll arrive in Banff with nothing but gorgeous scenery for the remainder of the drive. This 900-kilometre slice of the Trans-Canada takes you through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and finally into Vancouver, which is nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. While this drive can be done in one very long 12-hour day, you’ll obviously want to take as long as possible to make use of the incredible national parks you’ll be driving through. There are also a number of side trips you could take, such as highway 93 down into Radium Hot Springs, and Highway 97, which will take you down to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour Offer .

Best time to go: This largely depends on what you aim to do. The safest time to go is during the warmer months when the highways are clear. However, if you’re into skiing, this is one of the best places in the world to shred powder, which is typically best between January and March.

For more tips on what to bring on a road trip, check out our Road Trip Essentials article.

Road Trip around the Okanagan Valley, BC

While the Okanagan Valley isn’t really known as a specific “road trip”, it is home to one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, a gastronomic hot spot, and beautiful Lake Okanagan. There are all sorts of beautiful towns to visit, such as Kelowna , Penticton, and Vernon. There are all sorts of award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and sandy beaches as well. This also happens to be one of Canada’s warmest regions, which can hit 40 degrees Celcius in the summer months.

Best time to go:  June to September for the warmest temperatures. April, May, and October are also great and a bit cooler.

Sea to Sky Highway, BC

This is the shortest road trip mentioned in this article but a great one to take if you’re in the Vancouver area. The Sea to Sky Highway links Vancouver to Whistler, which are less than two hours apart, making this one of the most popular road trips from Vancouver. Driving along the coast, this is a great place to see the beautiful west coast. Popular stops include Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, Shannon Falls, and the Britannia Mine Museum. There’s also the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which provides unforgettable views and a suspension bridge and of course, Squamish and Whistler, which provide all sorts of adventurous activities. In addition, don’t forget to experience Vancouver whale watching while in the city as well as all the other fun things to do in Vancouver .

Tour Idea: Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip Tour .

Best time to go:  July to September is Vancouver’s dry season, but if the rain doesn’t bother you, almost any time of year is good. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, January to March is best.

Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and is home to some of the best things to do in British Columbia . Not only does it have one of the mildest climates in the country, but it’s also home to a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, rugged coastlines, and scenic towns and cities, making it a great place for a BC road trip. It’s also home to beautiful gardens, epic hikes, surfing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours. Two of the most popular places to visit include Victoria and Tofino, which are on opposite sides of the island. While driving between the two, don’t forget to stop at Cathedral Grove to marvel at the massive trees as well as the many other parks and towns along the way. Finish the trip with one of Tofino’s stunning sunsets.

Best time to go: a West Coast road trip is best between March to May and September to November. Summer is great too but is very busy and expensive.

Before you go, check out our article about things to do in Victoria BC .

Dempster Highway, Yukon

As Canada’s only all-weather road that goes past the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway has become one of the most unique road trips in Canada. However, this is not your average highway. The Dempster Highway is a 700-kilometre extremely isolated dirt road with only one service station (they also offer accommodation and a restaurant) option along the way in Eagle Plains. This road trip takes a little more preparation than the others and will be much harder on your vehicle than any other road trip mentioned in this article. However, for those who choose this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible arctic scenery and the chance to drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

Best time to go: The best time to go would be in the warmer months between May and early October. The road is open year-round but the driving becomes much more dangerous in the winter. Spring will bring a lot of bugs, summer will bring a lot of tourists, and the fall has no bugs and beautiful fall foliage (hint: our favourite time is the fall). However, if you time your arrival in Inuvik for mid-July, you might be able to experience the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

Looking for one of the best road trips from Toronto? With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay from Toronto and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s largest freshwater beach.

In addition, you could also extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, which is comprised of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River. Basically, it goes from Toronto to Amherstburg, which makes this one of the most popular road trips from Toronto. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls Canada .

Best time to go: Summer is great but also busy. Shoulder season in late August to mid-September or in the spring from May to June is also great. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Ontario .

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Ontario

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and just stay on the Canadian side. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive and a really cool place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It’s home to some incredible scenery as well as some interesting history from the war between Canada and the USA. In fact, you can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. This is one of those places where you should plan to spend at least a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

Best time to go: The warmer months from May to October. July and August will be the busiest. Before going, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many awesome things to do in Toronto !

Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

For those wanting to experience a world-class city like Montreal, followed by a scenic road trip, the Gaspe Peninsula is the one for you. This 9-hour trip takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City, and up to the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its pine forests and looming cliffs, the Gaspé Peninsula is a stunning place to visit. Some of the highlights include visiting the pierced rock in Percé, spending some time at the Parc de la Gaspésie, and taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island. Obviously, the cities of Quebec and Montreal aren’t so shabby either. This is a great road trip for those wanting to mix urban and rural fun.

Best time to go:  June to mid-September. Want more? Here are other things to do in Quebec as well as the top things to do in Montreal .

Prince Edward Island Coastal Drives

With so many beautiful coastal drives, the hardest thing might be picking the right one. Then again, you could always do all three. The tourism board has three road trips they recommend, which include the North Coast Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive. The North Coast will introduce you to its Mi’kmaq culture as well as some unique stops, including a potato museum and a college for the Highland arts. The Central Coastal Drive includes the Red Sands Shore and the Green Gables Shore region. This area is great to experience the beautiful red sand that PEI is famous for as well as the historical landmark of Anne of Green Gables. Lastly, there’s the Points East Coastal Drive, which is characterized by its parks, trails, and lighthouses. Either way, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning coastal views and delicious seafood along the way.

Best time to go:  The Eastern Canada road trip is best in the warmer months, as many attractions close in the winter. Want more ideas? Here are other things to do in Prince Edward Island .

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

For those visiting the East Coast, don’t miss a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia . Cradling the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail has become one of the most famous road trips in Canada and the most famous East Coast Canada road trip. At 300 kilometres in length, most of which hug the coastline, this road trip is perfect for those who love the ocean and incredible views. Traversing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are all sorts of places to stop off and go for a hike as well. One of the most popular hikes is the Skyline Trail, which takes you up to the peak of the highlands for jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some small communities of Celtic and Acadian descent, which are also home to many artisans. This is another road trip that only takes 3-4 hours to complete but is better done over one day or more.

Tour Idea: Click here to learn about a low-cost Smartphone Audio Driving Tour .

Best time to go: June to September is best for good weather but October is great to see the fall foliage.

Spending more time in Nova Scotia? Don’t forget to enjoy some of the best things to do in Halifax !

The Viking Trail and Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Known to locals as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is one of the most unique and beautiful provinces in Canada. It has its lively music, food, culture, and a really friendly laid-back charm. It’s also a great place for a Canada road trip thanks to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. In fact, there are many great road trips in Newfoundland but this one stands out as the best. If you’re looking for incredible scenery, wildlife, adventure, and ancient history, there’s no better place to go. It all starts with Gros Morne National Park, which is home to landlocked fjords, mountains, forests, barren cliffs, and the sea. It’s also home to the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. There’s also loads of wildlife, including moose and caribou. Then there’s the Viking Trail , which takes you from Gros Morne National Park up to St. Anthony’s. This is the tip of Newfoundland and home to the thousand-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Both Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Best time to go: June to early October is the best time for good weather. It’s also the only time L’Anse aux Meadows is open. For more, check out our article on the best things to do in Newfoundland

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver, Banff National Park , the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fundy National Park, and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. In fact, there are far too many highlights to include here. Just make sure you have a lot of time. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. Personally, I’d want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going North to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Best time to go:  April to October for optimal weather coast to coast. However, some parts of Canada still get snowstorms up until May.

We hope this list has inspired you to take a Canada road trip somewhere in this country, if not all the way across.

If you’re exploring Canada, we have many other articles you might enjoy as well, including:

• Things to Do in Drumheller
• Things to Do in Jasper
• Whale Watching Canada
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Camping in Alberta

Happy Travels!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

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

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

Traveling by car can get you places which can be very difficult to reach by public transport or tour. It gives you the convenience of going your own way, in your own time, and it can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or a group. Many car rental services are giving comfortable rides at affordable rates Here, some top road trip ideas to inspire you : 1) The Trans-Canada Highway 2) Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia 3) Icefields Parkway, Alberta 4) Country Routes, Quebec 5) The Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories 6) Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

I mentioned above places are when I visited last time in Canada by ReRyde ride share service. It is easy for me to travel all the places at affordable rates within the scheduled hours. I enjoyed my trip happily by seamless ride To get more information: https://www.reryde.com/

June 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

I am especially interested in the Dempster Highway drive. Could you send me a guide please?

Mike Richins 325-660-8904

5058 Oaklawn Drive Abilene, Texas 79606

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We don’t have any guides to sell. We might create a digital one, but it wouldn’t be ready anytime soon.

June 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

I’m looking for some good road trips as I’m RVing from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver Island in September and taking a month to do it.

June 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Oh awesome, that sounds like a great trip. So much to see along the way. Riding Mountain NP, Grasslands NP in Sask, Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, etc 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 6:37 pm

My wife and I are planning to drive from Surrey BC to London Ontario. Leaving October 9th, or 10th 2020. wish me luck. we are hoping for good weather.

September 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Very cool! That’s a big drive! Just going for fun?

January 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

There is the Northern Woods and Water Highway road trip that is the furthest North people can travel east west in Canada. See the website http://www.NWWR.ca As an Association we promote a different view of the prairies. It can be connected with the TransCanada or Yellowhead for a circle tour of Western Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver and return. Get on anywhere and experience woods, water and wildlife.

February 1, 2021 at 3:56 pm

Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Are you like a Tourism Board for the area? We’d love to feature this one day on the channel

April 28, 2021 at 5:12 pm

just got some new wheels so anxious to hit the road….when we can once again do that! thanks for the great ideas!

April 3, 2023 at 9:01 pm

Do you have suggestions for renting a car that would allow you to rent the car on the west coast and leave it on the east coast?

April 4, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Not really. Some do allow that though for a fee. Sometimes you can book it this way through a site like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, etc.

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

Visit Canada by car: The 5 best road trip itineraries

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

You’re at the right place!

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

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

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

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

Which airport to choose to start a Canadian road trip?

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

Canada boasts several international airports .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On their website, you can:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day One : Discovering the city of Montreal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Five : An excursion to Niagara Falls

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

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

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

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

Here’s what I’d suggest you explore:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip in Canada: 10 days

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve summarized the main stages for you below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t miss out on:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moraine Lake is also a must-see!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada road trip: Two weeks

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

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

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stages:

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

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

First and second day – Things to do:

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to book well in advance by clicking here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also provide all the necessary information to visit Calgary in this article: Best things to do in Calgary !

Canada road trip: 3 weeks

For this 3-week road trip across Canada , I suggest dividing your vacation into 2 parts :

• Western Canada for about two weeks featuring Vancouver , Victoria, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park
• A week-long road trip in the East of Canada to uncover the delights of Montreal , Toronto , and Ottawa .

To help you organize your Canadian road trip down to the last detail, I’ve got you covered in my article: 3-week itinerary in Canada !

Simply click on the orange link above to discover: the different stages , travel times, places to visit, hotels for a good night’s sleep and the best activities to get involved in.

I’m still going to give you a quick rundown of the visits planned during these 3 weeks so you get a taste:

Start your 21-day Canadian road trip in the West for the first 13 days.

Day 1 and 2 – Vancouver

Day 3 – Victoria , the capital of British Columbia

Day 4 – Whale watching , an essential part of your 3-week Canadian road trip!

Days 5 and 6 – Whistler , one of Canada’s top ski resorts ! No worries, there’s plenty to do in the summer too.

Days 7 and 8 – Discover the Wells Gray Provincial Park and its many waterfalls

Days 9 and 10 – Explore Jasper National Park by car and on foot

Days 11 and 12 – Continue your three-week Canadian road trip with Banff National Park and the famous Lake Louise

Day 13 – Head on over to Calgary and catch your flight to Montreal!

After 13 glorious days in western Canada, it’s time to continue your 20-21 day Canadian road trip in the east of the country.

Day 14 – Explore Montreal with a stroll around the old Montreal neighborhood and up to Mount-Royal

Day 15 – Cruise to the Thousand Islands or helicopter ride

Days 16 and 17 – Discover must-see places in Toronto and don’t miss out on the view from atop the CN Tower

Day 18 – A day at the Niagara Falls , the major tourist attraction of this 3-week Canadian road trip. Whether it’s on a cruise at the base of the falls , a helicopter ride or by climbing up the Skylon Tower , you’ll get to see the falls from all angles!

Day 19 – Dedicate a day to Canada’s capital: Ottawa .

Days 20 and 21 – Return to Montreal to finish off your 3-week Canadian road trip by exploring the city a bit more .

To read the complete version of my 3-week itinerary , complete with advice and accommodation suggestions, click here !

Canada road trip: One month

Final itinerary for those lucky ones who get to embark on a month-long road trip in Canada !

I’m suggesting you discover a great chunk of the East over about thirty days. You’ll get to visit Montreal , Ontario, home to the famous Toronto , along with the province of Quebec and the Gaspé Peninsula (Gaspésie in French).

All the must-see cities of the east and gorgeous national parks are on the menu for this 1-month Canadian road trip.

 I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details to plan your epic eastern Canadian adventure in this post: A one-month adventure: Exploring Canada . For each day, you’ll get a list of things to do and see, travel times, and the best accommodations to rest at each stop.

To give you a taste, I’ve prepared a summary of the itinerary’s stages :

To kickstart this fabulous one-month road trip across Canada, I suggest landing in Montreal and taking a couple of days to recover from your flight and the inevitable jetlag.

Day 1 and 2 – Get a taste of Montreal , dive into the iconic neighborhoods of Old Port and Mount-Royal .

The second chapter of this 1-month Canadian adventure unfolds in Ontario .

Day 3 – Boat trip around the Thousand Islands

Days 4 and 5 – Explore the marvels of Toronto and its popular neighborhoods like Kensington, Chinatown, The Distillery…

Day 6 – Day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls

Day 7 – Head to Ottawa , Canada’s capital. Don’t miss out on the Canadian Museum of History !

The third act of your 1-month road trip through Canada is entirely dedicated to Quebec .

Day 8 – Visit the Omega Park and Mont-Tremblant

Days 9 and 10 – Engage in varied activities based on the season (hiking, canoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling…) in La Mauricie National Park

Days 11 and 12 – Tour around Lake St-Jean : the Wild Zoo of St-Félicien , the Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh , the ghost town of Val-Jalbert .

Days 13 and 14 – Discover the lovely villages of Fjord-du-Saguenay and take a boat or kayak ride on the fjord

Day 15 – Whale watching cruise in Tadoussac , experiencing whales in their natural environment, one of the most unforgettable experience of your one-month Canadian road trip!

Days 16, 17, and 18 – Journey through Gaspésie National Park

Days 19 and 20 – Your itinerary includes: Forillon National Park, Percé, and Bonaventure Island

Day 21 – Relaxation day at Chaleur Bay that the locals call “Baie des Chaleurs” (litteraly heat bay) that boasts several long beaches

Days 22 and 23 – Hiking or cycling on one of the numerous trails in Bic National Park

Days 24, 25, and 26 – Visit Quebec City and its surroundings . You’ll find all the things to do in my article: Best things to do in Quebec City !

Days 27 and 28 – This one-month road trip in Canada wraps up and you’ll return to Montreal where you can take some time to finish exploring the city.

To make it easy for you, here’s the link to the full itinerary: How to visit Canada in 1 month ?

Now you’re well-equipped to plan your road trip across Canada ! But there’s a final point we can’t ignore: where you’ll lay your head at night .

Where to stay at each stage of your Canadian journey?

Fear not, I’ve got you covered with a selection of the best hotels in Canada, categorized by city and area , and based on your budget, in all the road trip articles I’ve previously mentioned.

You can also find them by clicking directly on the links below :

For Western Canada:

• Pacific Rim

For Eastern Canada:

• The Thousand Islands
• Mont-Tremblant
• La Mauricie National Park
• Lac Saint-Jean
• Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Gaspésie National Park
• Chaleur Bay
• Bic National Park

Good news, there’s no bad time to go on a road trip through Canada.

It all depends on the activities you fancy.

Winter is the best time to visit Canada by car if you want to enjoy a whole range of winter activities: skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

And if you’re doing this Canadian road trip with family , your kids will be thrilled to sled down the slopes or try snow rafting and ice skating .

Driving in winter? No worries, cars are well-equipped, and roads are maintained and cleared. However, some routes in national parks might be closed, but you’ll always find something to do!

If you plan to embark on a Canadian road trip in spring , it’s the perfect season to explore national parks, enjoy nature and go hiking . The crowds are scarce, and the weather is delightful.

As for autumn, this is the time when you can experience the vibrant colors of the trees and landscapes in shades of orange, yellow, and red. A treat for photography enthusiasts!

Summer ? No problem with the temperature, it’s hot and sunny . But as with many destinations, it’s peak tourist season , so expect crowds pretty much everywhere.

Keep in mind, many Canadian companies shut down in July and August for “ construction holiday ” when many Canadian companies shut down. It’s the perfect time for Canadians to hit the road as well!

If you’re hoping to visit national parks (Jasper, Banff, in the province of Quebec and Gaspésie), options can be limited, so you should book your accommodations as early as possible .

For all cities, both in the west and the east, you can discover all the attractions at any time of year .

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Road trip Canada: 5 of the best routes

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• road-trip-canada

written by Stuart Forster

updated 18.01.2021

Rugged and vast, Canada is a road-tripper's dream. Driving gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace – pull over and take in the scenery along the way or break up the journey with hiking and kayaking.

• 1. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

2. Vancouver to Tofino, British Colombia

3. regina to saskatoon, saskatchewan.

• 4. Icefields Parkway, Alberta

5. Montréal to the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec

Whether you’re into mountains, beaches or urban heritage, here are five of our favourite routes, to take with your own car or a rental car .

1. The Cabot Trail , Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail loops 298km around the north of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia . The route winds along the coast for much of its length with viewpoints overlooking the North Atlantic.

Locals tout fall as the best time to travel, but the dramatic landscapes of Cape Breton Highlands National Park look good throughout the year. Moose roam the park, where walking trails give you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp sea air.

Islanders here are proud of their French-influenced Acadian heritage and Celtic ancestry, and love to celebrate it with loud live music in local pubs. Experience it in Chéticamp, a fishing village where you can tuck into locally landed lobster and seasonal seafood.

Be sure to park up in Pleasant Bay and join a cruise to spot whales and seals, and don’t miss the chance to kick off your shoes on the sand close to Ingonish.

Best for: dramatic coastal scenery

How long: 5 days

Not to miss: Discover Cape Breton from Sydney on a small group tour , particularly for those that don't want to drive themselves but still explore the park.

Our favourite accommodation: Ocean View Motel & Chalets - There are around twenty motels and B&Bs in and around Chéticamp with this being one of the best: well-maintained and spacious shingle-clad chalets right by the seashore, opposite Les Trois Pignons.

The Cabot Trail © Cindy Creighton/Shutterstock

This road trip starts with a ferry crossing: board the boat in Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver , and relax for a couple of hours while crossing the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island .

The following 207km drive from Nanaimo to Tofino gives you an opportunity to stop in MacMillan Provincial Park and walk between the mossy trunks of enormous Douglas fir trees, some of which are up to 800 years old. The twisting course of the Pacific Rim Highway makes this a thrilling woodland drive – Kennedy Lake Provincial Park is a popular spot to break for a picnic.

Finally, unwind at Tofino, which is making a name as a surfing destination. Nearby Long Beach stretches for 16km and at Esowista you can meet members of the local First Nations community.

Best for: surfing and woodland walks

How long: 2 days

Your alternative to driving: There's another way to get to Vancouver Island - taking a seaplane ! Incredible views are almost guaranteed, first of the city of Vancouver during takeoff and then the Pacific Rim National Park during the journey and descent.

Our favourite accommodation: Pacific Sands Beach Resort - Designer beach houses and suites sandwiched between tall evergreens and the persistent surf of Cox Bay beach. Guest quarters come with full kitchens and gas fireplaces, and there are thoughtful extras like in-room raincoats and community “s’more roasts” of fire-toasted marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate biscuits (July and Aug). It’s pricey, but breathtaking – worth it if you’re looking to splurge.

MacMillan Provincial Park © Chase Clausen/Shutterstock

Saskatchewan has the reputation for being a flat, prairie province as many drivers experience it only from the Trans-Canada Highway.

Start in Regina , where you can visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre and, on Tuesdays from July to mid-August, view Mounties on parade in the Sunset-Retreat Ceremony.

Then, head to Moose Jaw to learn about bootlegging during the Prohibition era, when mobsters ran booze into the USA from the small town.

Continue west, past colourful barns, to Swift Current then up to Lake Diefenbaker for sport fishing and sailing. Spend a couple of days at La Reata Ranch if you like the idea of horse riding on a working cattle ranch.

Arriving into Saskatoon on a weekend means being able to sample the city’s nightlife at its best.

Best for: mounties and western riding

Our favourite accommodation: Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough - Built for the CNR in 1931, the Bessborough is an enormous turreted and gabled affair, set in Kiwanis Memorial Park, beside the river. It’s been tastefully refurbished in a French château style, which makes it the city’s most striking building; some claim it’s haunted.

4. Icefields Parkway , Alberta

You can motor along the 232km route of the Icefields Parkway in Alberta in just four hours, but that wouldn’t do justice to the magnificence of the woodland wilderness, waterfalls and jagged mountains either side of the highway.

This route runs between Banff and Jasper, cutting through the Rocky Mountains and skirting through two national treasures, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park . They are the home to the vast Columbia Icefield. Learn about the region’s geology during guided hikes on the Athabasca and Saskatchewan glaciers.

Overnighting at one of Jasper National Park’s campsites means being able to stare at constellations in one of the world’s biggest dark sky reserves.

On sunny days, the sight of snow-capped mountains and blue skies reflecting on the surfaces of the Peyto and Waterfowl will have any keen photographer stopping every five minutes.

Best for: stargazing and glacier walks

How long: 3 days

Not to miss: It's a once in a lifetime experience to see the Canadian Rockies from high up a helicopter . These impressive views will remain with you for a long time.

Our favourite accommodation: The Juniper Hotel & Bistro - Boutique hotel that breaks the predictable mould of most mid-range Banff offerings with its chic, simple and contemporary interiors in a series of chalets (the larger two- and three-bedroom ones offer kitchenettes). The mountain views are among the best from any Banff hotel, but at 2km from the town centre at the foot of Mount Norquay, it’s not central.

Icefields Parkway © outdoorimages/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Montréal celebrated 375 years since foundation in 2017. The signposted Chemin du Roy tourist route follows the north shore of the St Lawrence River, via heritage sites in villages such as Deschambault and Neuville, to Québec City . It’s easy to spend a couple of days exploring the old town and fortifications, including the Citadelle of Québec.

Gaspé overlooks the Gulf of St Lawrence, at the tip of the peninsula, almost 700km north-east of the provincial capital. Québec’s residents flock here to escape the city and often relax at fishing camps.

Whale-watching trips run from Gaspé and nearby Percé, where a sheer-sided rock juts from the water. If you’re into birdwatching, take a boat to Bonaventure Island to see the vast gannet colonies and almost 300 other seabird species.

Best for: heritage sites and whale-watching

How long: 7 days

Not to miss: The best way to discover Montréal is with a local, like on this small group tour of Montreal's historic city center .

Our favourite accommodation: Auberge William Wakeham - Set in a historic stone house overlooking the bay, this good-looking inn has plenty of charm and exceedingly helpful owners. The rooms vary in size and furnishings, but all have a/c and queen or king beds; the more expensive choices have fantastic views. Breakfast is included, and the elegant dining room is easily the best spot around to sample regional cuisine, made with local ingredients.

Percé © Pinkcandy/Shutterstock

For a road trip across Canada, have a look at our list of the best things to do in Canada so you don't miss the best parts of the country.

Top image: The road 93 "Icefield Parkway" in Autumn Jasper National park, Canada © i viewfinder/Shutterstock

Stuart is an award-winning travel writer whose work has been published in magazines such as National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust plus Food and Travel. From the north-east of England, he has lived in Germany, India and Portugal. He travels frequently to Canada and the Netherlands. Follow him @goeatdo on Twitter & Instagram .

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How to plan the ultimate road trip adventure in Canada

Whether along polar highways, coastal roads or through the rainforest, taking a road trip in Canada is to encounter some of the world’s most spectacular natural sights 

Canada is one of the rare places on Earth where wide, well-maintained roads carve their way through remote, uncompromised wilderness. Behind the wheel of a car, you can skirt the icy feet of glaciers, wind through forests populated by foraging megafauna, climb Rocky Mountain slopes and explore storm-sculpted coastlines, where ocean waves are plied by migrating cetaceans. Adventurous travellers can even explore the all-season Dempster Highway, which runs from boreal wilderness north through the Arctic Circle and on to the stark polar coastline.

It’s for this reason that road trips are not to be rushed in Canada, a country that’s home to the second-longest national highway in the world. Scenic A-to-B drives are a thrill in themselves, but the joy of making it this far into the wilds is allowing plenty of time to get out and explore. After all, across provinces and territories like British Columbia and the Yukon, there are near-endless opportunities for mountain hiking, wild swimming in remote lakes, white-water paddling in a dugout canoe or back-country cycling under endless skies. In Nova Scotia, meanwhile, lighthouses lead drivers to coastal villages, where roadside inns serve seafood chowders to ancient recipes and words are still spoken in French Acadian and Scottish dialects. To get where your car or feet won’t reach, fly-and-drive opportunities abound. In British Columbia, seaplanes fly low above Pacific temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines, gently setting down on lakes for a spot of bear-watching. Over in the Yukon, small excursion planes access stellar sights like Kluane National Park, which has the world’s largest non-polar ice fields.  

Motorhomes and RVs are another popular travel choice, allowing your accommodation to come right along with you where it may otherwise be scant — and the country’s regions and territories have plenty of campgrounds that supply vehicles with power and water. There’s a lot to be said for camping in Canada, be it with a motorhome, the pre-set tents and cabins often available for rent in national parks, or a simple sleeping bag, as long as you follow local guidelines about wildlife and safety. You can expect evenings entirely devoid of light pollution, lit with a dazzling canopy of stars and — season and northerly latitude depending — a never-setting sun or heavenly displays from the Northern Lights.  

Itinerary 1: British Columbia

Start: Vancouver Finish: Tofino Distance: 410 miles Time: 7 to 10 days

The great outdoors? Make that the greatest. British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada, has all the ingredients to set any wilderness-lover’s pulse racing, from driftwood-strewn beaches to vast forests of evergreen giants, under whose canopies you’ll experience the hush and reverence of a cathedral. It’s here that some of planet Earth’s most charismatic creatures roam: galumphing grizzlies, skittish black bears, cougars and even elusive coastal wolves, which pick their way between glacier-fed inlets to feast on the Pacific’s larder.  

To get into the thick of it you must first pass through Vancouver, the province’s largest city — and surely a contender for the most scenic on the planet, above which floatplanes circle like honeybees over a hive. Amid the totem poles and skyscrapers in and around Stanley Park is one of Canada’s most exciting food scenes, known for innovative fine dining and hyper-local dishes. You can budget a week to take in the city and west coast of Vancouver Island, but it’s worth tacking on a few days to add one of the country’s most scenic routes to the itinerary: the aptly named Sea to Sky Highway, which winds up to the mountain resort of Whistler. After a ferry hop across the Strait of Georgia, island life awaits, with the soaring cedars of Cathedral Grove, windswept beaches and boardwalked trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and pretty Tofino, the laid-back surfer town few ever want to leave.

Six highlights in British Columbia

1. Vancouver Vancouver sits in all its glassy glory between peaks and sea, with the old-growth forests of Stanley Park at its heart. Search for its nine Indigenous totem poles, then the choice is yours: seek out the new constellation of Michelin stars or slip south in search of spicy wontons on the Richmond Dumpling Trail.

2. Whistler The Sea to Sky Highway climbs up from Vancouver with rock walls on one side, the Pacific on the other and nothing ahead but sky. Make for Whistler, home to North America’s biggest ski resort and a hiking hotspot, and visit the Whistler Train Wreck, which has turned the site of a rail accident into a graffiti venue. Time your trip back into town with dusk for the best chance of spotting black bears.

3.   Nanaimo   The rest of the trip is on Vancouver Island, which can be reached via a 30-mile ferry crossing from the mainland to the town of Nanaimo. Stick around to try a classic Canadian treat, the Nanaimo bar (coconut crumbs, custard icing and chocolate ganache). It was invented here, and there’s even a trail to tick off all varieties in town.

4. Cathedral Grove   En route to the coast, the highway runs through MacMillan Provincial Park. Fringing both sides of the road is one of the world’s few easily accessible stands of old-growth temperate rainforest, where you can stroll along fern-lined trails between mammoth trunks and branches draped with lichen.

5. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Head on and through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a protected swathe of evergreens protruding on rocky fingers into the Pacific. Wander by Long Beach, best known for surfing and storm-watching, or head into the forest tracing the pawprints of coastal wolves.  

6. Tofino A town of First Nations art galleries and surf shacks at what feels like the edge of the world, Tofino is as chilled as it is picturesque. End the journey at Long Beach Lodge Resort, where cottages peek out from spruce trees a few steps from the coast. longbeachlodgeresort.com

Itinerary 2: Yukon

Start: Whitehorse Finish: Latitude 66° 33’ Arctic Circle Distance: 605 miles Time: 7 to 10 days

There’s nowhere like the Yukon for feeling like a pioneer-era explorer. Reaching above the Arctic Circle and dotted with gold rush towns, glacier-topped mountains and highways through boreal wilderness, this northerly territory is over three times the size of England, populated with far more creatures of fur and fin than people.  

Start in Whitehorse, the local capital city and travel hub, where the great Alaska and Klondike Highways meet. Then, it’s on to Dawson City, rich in gold rush history, and up the Dempster Highway — Canada’s only all-season public access road to the Arctic Circle — before tracing your route back to the start. Even allowing seven to 10 days for this itinerary, drives between major stops can take up to six hours, so plan ahead to access garages, shops and service suppliers in the larger towns and cities. On the plus side, there will be plenty of spectacular places to stretch your legs. The looped hiking trails at Five Finger Rapids between Whitehorse and Dawson, for example, take in mountaintop panoramas with the chance to kayak and canoe.  

And if all that’s not enough, Haines Junction, just under two hours west of Whitehorse, is a great addition to either end of this itinerary. Here, short flightseeing trips take you over the world’s largest non-polar ice fields: the glaciers of Kluane National Park.

Five highlights in the Yukon

1. Whitehorse   The 1890s encampment on the Yukon River’s White Horse Rapids has grown into the Yukon’s lively capital. Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters has artisan brews and bike hire, perfect for freewheeling the Waterfront Trail spanning the city. Next, explore the SS Klondike , a 19th-century boat-cum-museum revealing the scale of the region’s gold rush, and enjoy the wild game menu at Klondike Rib & Salmon, which is housed in the city’s oldest operating building. Nearby, Yukon Wildlife Preserve , Emerald Lake, Miles Canyon and Takhini Hot Springs offer further action and adventure.

2. Dawson City   Make sure you have a full tank of petrol: it’s around a six-hour drive to the next stop. You can top up on food an hour in at Braeburn Lodge , famed for its delicious, dinner-plate-sized cinnamon buns. Your destination, the atmospheric frontier town of Dawson City, has welcomed both dignitaries and the desperate over the centuries, including pioneer-era author Jack London, whose wood cabin is now a museum . Take in this national historic site’s old theatres, clapboard houses and saloon bars on a walking tour. A must-see is the Sourdough Saloon, located in The Downtown hotel, which serves the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail (a strong alcohol of your choice, with a preserved human toe in it). Just beyond town, the Klondike fields are where Canada’s gold rush began in 1896. Try gold-panning at Discovery Claim National Historic Site and get a view of it all from Midnight Dome lookout; during the colder months, the panorama is often lit by the Aurora Borealis.

3. Dempster Highway   Wind your way along the Dempster Highway through remote tundra towards the dramatic wilderness of Tombstone Territorial Park, about an hour north of the Dempster Corner turnoff. Named for its craggy granite peak, the park is populated by wind-carved mountains and scenic viewpoints like North Fork Pass and Two Moose Lake. Numerous trails crisscross this ‘Patagonia of the North’.

4. Eagle Plains   The road winds along the Ogilvie River Valley then climbs to the Eagle Plains plateau for spectacular views of the region. This is more or less halfway along the Dempster Highway, before it heads into the Northwest Territories. Eagle Plains Hotel , the only one for many miles, is a hub for travellers to exchange tales from the road and refuel (try the double-decker Arctic burger). The town also has an RV park and campground.

5. Latitude 66° 33’ Arctic Circle   You’ve reached the end of your journey — and what an end it is. Just an hour’s drive north of Eagle Plains is latitude 66˚ 33’N, better known as the Arctic Circle, marked by a roadside sign. Despite its icy connotations, it can surprise visitors: in midsummer, the sun circles the sky but never sets; in autumn (August to September), the Richardson Mountains are ablaze with fiery colours. For those keen to complete the route, it’s six hours or more to the town of Inuvik, with the Arctic Ocean a further three hours’ drive away.  

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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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How to Plan a Road Trip in Canada

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Wondering how to plan a road trip in Canada? Well, this step by step guide has you covered. We got everything from road tripping through cities, towns and parks in Canada, plus essential tips and mistakes to avoid.

We are also sharing our road trip style. So here’s the ultimate Canada road trip planning guide.

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Road Trip in Canada – Step by Step Guide

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

Decide where you want to go

Canada is full of stunning destinations, and they are AMAZING for road trips. From coast to coast to coast, there are hundreds of routes to choose from – from one-day trips, weekend getaways, to weeks or even month-long trips.

So, your first step is to make a bucket list of places you want to see or the route you wish to embark on for your Canada road trip. 

Use the following resources to start planning

• Browse through our Canada destinations category for inspiration
• Pinterest is a great option to curate a bucket list. Here is our Pinterest profile/boards
• Prefer Instagram instead? Use that to create a list of scenic spots to discover on your road trip
• Lonely Planet Guide books

Our top pick for Canadian road trips

• Canadian Rockies Road Trip : The Canadian Rockies from Calgary to Yoho National Park, road tripping through Banff National Park , Lake Louise , and Yoho National Park
• A weekend road trip from Edmonton to Jasper National Park
• Or Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world
• Edmonton to Vancouver , with stops at Kelowna, Vancouver Island in British Columbia
• Road trips in Saskatchewan, starting in Saskatoon to Grasslands National Park, Qu’Appelle Valley, Cypress Hills
• Or opt for an all-city road trip from Regina with stops in MooseJaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert
• Head across the province from Saskatoon to Winnipeg in Manitoba for a full day drive, stopping along the way in many border towns – get the road trip itinerary here
• In Ontario, drive the scenic routes leading to many national and provincial parks from Algonquin to Blue Mountain and the Niagara Falls from Toronto
• Enjoy quick drives from Halifax to Peggy Cove, and beyond in Nova Scotia
• Coastal drives on the Maritimes Prince Edward Island, Cabot trail 

From western Canada to the northwest territories to the east coast, there are tons of options!

When are you planning to travel for your road trip

Whether it is a city bound road trip or a journey through our national/provincial parks, it is important to make note of the seasons. Seasonality will determine if road accessibility will be smooth, or if accommodations and attractions will be crowded. 

Here are some quick tips to remember

• Spring and fall – These are off season months in Canada. Finding accommodation in cities and small towns this time will be easy, minus fewer crowds. Fall is our favorite time to visit as the weather is still warm, and attractions not too crowded. Spring is a tricky situation for visiting Parks, as many of the sightseeing spots may not be open.
• Summer – Summers are a great time to embark on a road trip. We recommend choosing the country-side to escape the crowds . If you are hitting the popular national parks like Banff (from Calgary or Edmonton), ensure you start early to beat the traffic rush. When we drive back to Edmonton from Banff on the weekends, there is traffic! Being a peak season, book campsites, hotels and other tours/attractions ahead of time.
• Winter – Driving in winters can be tricky, so ensure you follow winter driving regulations. Although winter is not a peak season, some of the destinations (that are popular winter vacation spots in Canada) can be all filled up really quick from international visitors. 

Winter Road Trips 

As we mentioned winter driving in Canada has its challenges. Think slippery road surfaces, unpaved lanes, blowing snow to name a few. This is not to disencourage you, but after having traveled (for pleasure and work) in Canadian winters, here are some useful tips.

• Winter tires – Super important to have winter tires on, all-seasonal ones are a no go. 
• Winter windshield fluid – Don’t forget car fluid!
• Slow down – While driving in the winter, drive slow, maintain distance. Be very careful when you drive in residential areas or make turns
• Packing – Keep woolens in your car to stay warm, in case you are stranded. In winters you might face road closures (due to accidents or natural disasters), so it is important to keep warm clothes and some snacks in the car
• Check local news before you start – Check the weather and local news to ensure it is safe to embark on road trips, and the route is clear. Any forecasts about the weather and road conditions will help you determine if additional travel time is required
• Travel time – Add extra travel time to your road trip duration

Accommodation: Hotels, RV, Campervan, Camping

When you are road tripping in Canada, there are tons of options for accommodation. Let’s start the obvious,

• Hotels & Lodges : Whether it is a country-side, city or national park, you can book a hotel, lodge or a cabin for your accommodation. Book them ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. Also hotels in popular destinations like Toronto or Banff could get expensive, if you book last minute.
• RV & Campervan: One of the popular ways to explore national parks in Canada is on a campervan or an RV. Almost every city will have an RV renting place, from where you can book an RV and save money on hotel accommodation. It is also a nicer alternative if you do not own a lot of camping gear.
• Camping: If you are planning to camp overnight, ensure you reserve camp-sites when bookings open for the season. And of course, ensure you carry the right camping gear for your trip. You do not need to reserve for day camp sites (like picnics as part of your road trip), especially in provincial parks. 

Plan it on Google Maps

Google Maps are an amazing tool to plan and plot your road trip itinerary. You can create the map on your Google account (on the desktop/laptop) and then view it on your phone. Ensure you have offline maps enabled, as sometimes cell tower connectivity in parks and country-side may not be that great. 

To plot the itinerary, open Google Maps, then save your starting point. Use the ‘direction’ option to get from road A to B, and go from there. Repeat these spots to keep adding all the places you want to visit on your Canada road trip.

Also, add your hotel, any attractions you wish to visit inside a city or national park. When you click the location on your phone or computer, you will see the opening hours, reviews if any.

On your phone, ensure you have GPS settings on. (Settings > Google Maps > Location > select “Always”)

Again, download offline maps on your phone. Once you have the Google Maps downloaded on your phone, search for the route you have created on the desktop. 

Getting Ready: Checklist prior to your trip

Just before you start for your road trip, preferably a few days prior, ensure you do a quick run-through.

• Clean your car prior to your trip
• Get it to the servicing center
• Ensure your license/registration has not expired
• Inform friends/family about your trip
• Don’t forget navigation systems/Google maps

If you are renting a car, the rental company usually takes care of the car maintenance. But it is your responsibility to take note of any dents/scratches to report to the company later, plus record the mileage. 

Road Trip Packing Essentials

While preparing for a road trip to Canada, it is essential to pack the right things (and pack them!). Don’t overpack, but ensure you have the essentials to get you to the road trip and back.

We love to travel light, and our road trips are no different. However we do not compromise on the required items. Of course, if you are on a campervan or RV on rent, the list might be slightly different. 

So here’s the list

• Clothes – Pack essential clothing for the trip. If it is a 2-day road trip, pack 2 sets of shirts/tops, one pant, underwear, light jacket
• Comfortable shoes – Wear comfortable shoes. It is helpful while you are behind the wheel or taking rest stops (for a stroll) or out and about exploring
• Pair of flip flops – Flip flops are useful inside the hotel or at the beach 
• Warm clothes (for winter) – While driving in Canadian winters, don’t forget warm clothing from jackets/ parka, warm socks, gloves, to beanie
• Hand warmers are great little items to keep inside the car. They are cute little pouches that heat up upon friction. Click to buy hand warmers here.
• Travel Mug – Coffee and tea lovers, pack your travel mug, and refill it on the go!
• Water bottle – Super important, carry your water bottle. Stay hydrated!
• Healthy snacks – LOVE this care package , and they are healthy snacks to carry on your road trip. Munch them if you are hungry, whilst feeling light!
• Sunglasses – The sun can be a little harsh while driving in Canada, especially in the afternoon or evenings. Carry and wear your favorite sunglasses. I LOVE my Rayban Ericka and Aviator, which are made of polarized glasses
• Sunscreen – Summer or winter, sunscreen is a must. 
• Hand cream – We keep a hand cream inside our car, cause summer or winter, our hands get super dry on the roads in Canada. Pick up a nice hand cream with your favorite fragrance
• Medications
• Flashlight – Super handy if you are camping or even driving overnight
• Emergency car kit – An emergency car kit is essential should things happen on the road. You can create one from scratch or buy one pre-pack from Amazon . Here is an emergency car kit from the Canadian government site . Either way, ensure you carry it on your road trip. 
• Emergency first aid kit – Check the first aid kit inside the car (check for expiry dates). If you don’t have one, here is one that you can buy from Amazon. 
• Dashboard mount for phone or GPS – Go hands-free while you are driving. Use a dash mount to keep your phone or GPS for navigation. 
• GPS or navigation system – Don’t forget navigation systems or Google maps (offline) on your phone. Prepare it with your routes prior to your trip. It is also important to keep TomToms (or any navigation system) up-to-date. 
• Charging cables – Unless your car has cable-free charging, it is important to pack one for your road trip. We do have wireless charging in our car, but it can only charge one at a time, so we also carry charging cables (to charge the second phone and to charge inside the hotel). Click to purchase yours
• Playlist – No road trip is complete without an amazing playlist. Save it on iTunes, or your iPod. Radio is also a good option for entertainment but it is tricky in certain parks and you may not get a consistent frequency. 
• Camera – We always carry our camera on our trips. Our Sony mirrorless camera is usually the one that comes with us on our quick road trips. It is small, compact, and lightweight to carry around. You can also snap photos from the car (passenger duty!). Click to view our mirrorless camera.
• Cell-phone – Don’t forget your cell-phone. Stay connected with family, let them know where you are heading. Store the hotel or campsite contact information, plus roadside assistance number for emergencies. 
• Car freshener – Refresh your car, using refresher. I LOVE vanilla or lavender based fragrances, super yummy (smells pretty haha). View car refreshers here.
• Small pillow – Salil never forgets to pack a small pillow for me! And I love it, nice when you want to relax whilst soaking in the views.  Click to grab your travel pillow!
• Blanket – An emergency blanket is included in the kit/s mentioned above. This is completely optional and you can pack a proper blanket. We always pack one. I am always cold while the A/C is on, so it is super handy for me.  
• Umbrella 
• Day pack or weekender bag – A day bag or a weekender bag is useful to carry your clothing, day hikes, or sightseeing needs. Or something to store road trip essentials.  Here is a 25L day pack.
• Road trip games – License plate, sing-along, card games (for kids)
• Camping essentials – If you are camping, carry essentials for your overnight stay
• Hiking essentials – Dayhikes essentials list, here is a handy list from MEC Canada
• Travel insurance – Car insurance is essential, so is travel insurance if you are traveling from overseas. For the car, you can also secure insurance with the rental company when you pick up the vehicle. 

Pack a Hygiene Kit  

Keeping in mind, with today’s new normal, it is important to carry a hygiene kit. This is something that you have to create itself, as there is no pre-made ‘hygiene kit’ available to purchase. Here is what you should have

• Reusable face masks – Carry a few reusable face masks, depending on the number of passengers in the car and the duration of the trip
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable gloves

Always maintain 2 metres distance while embarking on sightseeing or walks at local parks. Check local news, to ensure the parks and sightseeing attractions are open, and that there are no restrictions in terms of movement or quarantine regulations. 

Driving in Canada Basic Tips

The most common cars on the road in Canada are left hand drive vehicles. The steering wheel is on the left side of these vehicles as the cars are driven on the right side of the road.

Things to remember:

• Ensure you have a valid driver’s license (Canadian, US, or International)
• Must be at least 21 years of age to rent a vehicle
• Get car insurance
• Canada uses kilometres and metres to measure the distance (unlike miles used in the USA). 1 mile = 1.609 km
• The typical speed limit in most provinces is 100 km/h (62 mph) or 110 km/h (68 mph). 
• Statutory speed limits for school zones tend to be 30 or 40 km/h (19 or 25 mph) in urban areas and 50 km/h in rural areas. 
• 120 kilometers per hour is the fastest you can go on Canada highway. The province of Ontario is especially strict, with a maximum speed of 100 kph.
• When you are driving to national parks speed limits will differ, depending on major routes (90 km/hr max.) and secondary routes (60 km/hr max.)
• Be mindful of wildlife corridors and posted wildlife signs along the highways

Mistakes to avoid while road tripping in Canada

1. Not taking ample breaks 

It is crucial to stop and take breaks on your road trips. In Canada, there are gas stations, convenience shops, and rest-stops where you should stop by to take a break. Washrooms are also free to use in gas stations here. 

2. Rushing, and not allowing enough time 

Road conditions are good in Canadian highways, but it is a good idea to enjoy the trip and go slow (of course no speeding and adhering to traffic rules). Soak in the views, stop if needed to take a break. Eat, stretch your legs, enjoy – that is the fun part of embarking on road trips.

3. Follow a loose itinerary – don’t plan everything to the T

To enjoy a road trip to the fullest, don’t plan everything to the T. Have a rough idea about the route, attractions covered, but don’t be afraid to stop at a place longer if you like. 

4. Not booking hotels or camp reservations in advance 

Imagine embarking on a road trip with high spirits (and gear/bags) and when you arrive at the city or park, you realize that a hotel or camp-site is not booked. You might be able to find a hotel, but room rates could be expensive. Campsites are hard if you don’t reserve ahead of time.

5. Not grabbing snacks or good music

Healthy snack items are a good idea if you are not planning for a meal stop on your road trip. Don’t forget water! And a good playlist is key!

Typical Road Trip in Canada: Our version

We LOVE taking road trips in Canada – that is our favorite way to explore cities, small towns and national parks here. We start pretty early on our trips. Here is how we do it

Few weeks to a month

• Decide where, and when we want to go. Usually, we opt for long weekends (or Friday + long weekends)
• We book hotels, attractions or camp reservations
• If you are traveling from overseas, reserve car rental around the same time

A week prior to roadtrip

• Mayuri: Ready with her weekend bag, all packed 🙂 Starts plotting Instagram spots for photography
• Salil: Takes the car for servicing, prepping for the road trip

A day before the road trip

• Salil: Fills up gas, and packs his backpack. Checks weather.
• Mayuri: Doesn’t sleep, she is super excited about the trip. Does her nails, finishes small tasks around the house
• We start as early as possible. During summer/autumn months, we start around 5:30 am or 06:00 am
• Stop by Tim Hortons for coffee/tea (SUPER IMPORTANT)

• We take breaks every hour or so. Stop by attractions.
• Have brunches together 
• Late evening, we check-in to our hotel. Wander around the national park or the city
• Repeat, next day (2,3,4….)
• We return the day before, we have to start for work, preferably by late afternoon/evening. This way we have enough time to prep for the next day, or relax at home

This is how we like to do our road trips, and have been doing it together since 2011. Having lived in 3 different provinces in Canada, we are lucky to see such gorgeous landscapes year after year, without going too far. 

We hope you found this guide to planning a road trip in Canada useful. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!

Pin: Planning a road trip in Canada

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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We LOVE road trips, and I dream of driving from my home in Oregon, USA up through Canada and all the way to Alaska. It’s not happening this year but I can’t wait to do it someday!!!

YAY! Hopefully, you can visit next year. I love road trips in Canada!

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Tips for getting on the road in Canada

Sep 16, 2020 • 6 min read

Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada © Witold Skrypczak / Lonely Planet Images

Canada is big and beautiful, but climate, distance and the high cost of domestic travel make it a hard country to get to know. Having the freedom to throw your stuff in the trunk and set off as you please makes driving a tempting way to explore this spectacular country.

The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the world's longest roads, spanning 7821km (4859 miles) from St John’s, Newfoundland , to Victoria, British Columbia . The route spans all ten provinces and flirts with the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at its limits. It crosses four islands, passes through tundra, boreal forests, national parks and prairies, glaciers, a few thousand lakes and twists beneath the shadows of vast peaks. But you need more than wanderlust to hit the road; you need a car, a plan and what's that about winter tires? Never fear, this practical guide will see you zooming across Canada in no time.

Editor's note: please check local travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice.

How to rent a car in Canada

This is the easiest way to get on the road, but one-way penalties can exceed hundreds of dollars and rentals between some locations are prohibited. Experiment with your route – returning your vehicle where you collected it will save you money. Most rates don’t include comprehensive insurance, which the agency will coax you to purchase for an additional daily fee. Many credit cards and travel insurance policies do cover rental car insurance.

Clarifying the fine print with all parties could save money and bring peace of mind. Remember to confirm the number of miles included, especially with RV rentals. If you're flexible, you could get lucky with a relocation, where you pay a drastically reduced rate to deliver a vehicle between depots, sometimes with free fuel. Relocation contracts for private vehicles can also be found.

More information: renting and relocation

• www.kayak.com/cars – compares rates
• www.torontodriveaway.com – private vehicle relocations from east to west
• www.canadream.com – RV relocations (under the Hot Deals tab)

Buying a used car in Canada

Long-term visitors on a working holiday might want to investigate buying (and reselling) a used vehicle. Mandatory insurance should be your first concern – it’s expensive. In Ontario , ownership is not transferable until the purchaser's insurance has been issued. In British Columbia, Saskatchewan  and  Manitoba , car insurance is operated by the government. In all other provinces and territories, you're on your own.

Rates vary by location, driving history, vehicle age and type. You can purchase a vehicle without a Canadian license, but you need to have a fixed address for insurance and registration. Regardless of your driving experience back home, you'll be considered a 'new driver', which will elevate your premium and make you ineligible to insure vehicles 15 years or older. Banks have the best premiums for new drivers –  private insurers are reluctant to take on the liability. Be sure to clarify the cancellation penalties if you plan on selling after a few months, as policies are sold on a yearly term.

More information: researching insurance

• www.tdinsurance.com – cheapest premiums for new drivers
• www.rbcinsurance.com – comparison rates for new drivers

Where to buy your vehicle will be dictated by your circumstances and where you plan to travel. Ontario has a huge market for used cars. It may seem like looking for a limo in a lemon tree, but bargains can be found. The Catch-22 is that Toronto has the highest insurance premiums (provinces to the east have the lowest) and if you buy here, you must insure here.

Tips and tricks for buying a vehicle in Canada

Trusting your seller is important. A good dealership will 'do it all for you', but their prices include commission and vehicles may not be what they seem. Many dealers offer 'as-is' vehicles, which usually do not include safety certification – avoid these tempting 'bargains'. They may appear to be priced well and look great, but without certification, cannot be driven from the lot. It is the buyer's responsibility to tow and certify the vehicle elsewhere, at unknown expense, or have the dealer certify the vehicle for an elevated fee. Such vehicles may also harbour undisclosed mechanical problems. When buying privately, try to get the seller to include the vehicle certification in the price. Find out if the vehicle has a maintenance history with a reliable mechanic.

It is mandatory for dealers (but not private sellers) to disclose if a vehicle has any outstanding liens (unpaid debts) against it. Legally, once such a vehicle is resold, the onus on repaying these debts transfers to you, the buyer. Reputable dealers and trustworthy private sellers should provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) outlining the car's ownership, accident and finance history. If they don't, ask for one. You can obtain a UVIP yourself from the Licensing Offices of the Ministry of Transportation for $20.

Searching online for the terms 'one owner' and 'service history' might uncover those harder-to-find, well-loved cars, put up for sale by honest owners. Exercise caution whichever route you take. It is possible to buy a reliable vehicle for around CAD$3000, all in. You should be able to sell it when you’re done and recoup a chunk of your investment.

Post-2000 Toyotas and Hondas are generally fuel efficient, inexpensive to maintain and have good resale potential. Volkswagens and Volvos are noteworthy, but parts are more expensive. Cheap SUVs seem perfect for cross-Canada treks, but may harbor costly problems with the chassis and suspension.

More information: buying a used car

• www.ebayclassifieds.com – free classifieds site
• www.autotrader.ca – largest paid classifieds site
• www.edmunds.com - used and new car reviews
• www.gasbuddy.com - lists gas prices and calculates estimated fuel costs

Winter weather driving in Canada

Canada’s roads are salted in the winter – check your prospective vehicle thoroughly for signs of the demon rust. Most older vehicles need their timing-belt replaced every so often – failure to do so can destroy the engine. Confirm with the seller when this was done. Check the brakes and tire tread. Are winter tires included? Do you need them? Are gear changes smooth? When considering price, remember you have to pay tax on the sale, which can be as high as 13%.

Registering your vehicle in Canada

Once you’ve found your chariot, everything you need to know about registering your vehicle in Canada is below:

• Alberta – www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
• British Columbia – www.icbc.com
• Manitoba – www.mpi.mb.ca
• New Brunswick – www.gnb.ca
• Newfoundland & Labrador – www.gs.gov.nl.ca
• Nova Scotia – www.gov.ns.ca
• Ontario – www.mto.gov.on.ca
• Prince Edward Island – www.gov.pe.ca
• Québec – www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca
• Saskatchewan – www.sgi.sk.ca

Finally, save yourself some heartache by registering for the Canadian Automobile Association’s roadside assistance .

If you're keen to get intimate with Canada from coast to coast, a little research and proper planning will reveal the best means of getting around. Make comparisons, do the math and be sure to explore your options before setting out – it doesn't need to cost the earth.

Planning your dream route

So you've got wheels, now what? Be inspired by one of our favorite journeys around Canada:

• Canada's 10 best road trips
• Coves, cliffs and lighthouses of Canada’s epic east coast
• Craft beer heaven in the Eastern Townships

This article was first written in March 2013 and last updated September 2020.

This article was first published July 2019 and updated September 2020

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Canada Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 21, 2023

Canada is often skipped over on many round-the-world trips owing to its proximity to the US, poor flight connections, and few budget cross-country travel options.

But those people miss out on so much! Canada is one of the best countries in the world for RVing and road trips and it’s brimming with outdoor activities for all levels. Backpacking Canada is an amazing experience.

I love my friendly neighbor to the north and believe Canada is a really underrated destination. There’s a reason everyone around the world loves Canadians after all.

To top it all off, it’s also easy to get a working holiday visa here so you can stay longer and make money while you explore (there are huge seasonal industries across the country).

This travel guide to Canada can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this friendly natural wonderland!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Canada

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in canada.

1. Tour Toronto

Toronto is often considered the most multicultural city in the world, as over half of the city’s population is foreign-born. It’s an awesome, hip, artsy city. Don’t miss Kensington Market for good eats and cool shops, and there are plenty of tasty eats to be found in the city’s massive Chinatown as well. If you want to play tourist, head up the CN Tower for the best views of the city. For a bit of swimming in the summer, check out some of Canada’s easily accessible beaches on Lake Ontario where you can go kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the nearby amusement park Wonderland.

2. Explore Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper in Western Canada and is one of the most scenic drives in the country (if not the world). Stop along the way at the Columbia Icefield, an enormous icefield that feeds into eight glaciers. You can travel onto the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier where you can hike around and even drink from the crystal-clear icy glacial water. If you’re not squeamish about heights, walk out to the cliff-top glass-floored Skywalk to get a spectacular panorama of the entire area. It’s easy to reach via an enormous bus or opt for a hiking tour where you can walk the glacier. There’s even a restaurant at the top that’s a bit expensive but worth at least a coffee for the view.

3. Road trip the Maritimes

Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick make up Canada’s east coast. If you want to spend your days hiking, relaxing by the ocean, and whale watching, this is the place to do it. Nova Scotia is sometimes considered the most beautiful province with rolling hills leading to lush green coastal cliffs over frothy shores. There are colorful little fishing villages like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the “Prettiest Painted Places in Canada.” It boasts delicious fresh seafood and friendly locals to chat with. Be sure to set aside a few days for an incredible road trip on the 298-kilometer (185-mile) Cabot Trail around Cape Breton and spend in the Highlands National Park where you can hike, camp, or fish. The east coast is stunning and sees very few tourists compared to other areas of the country.

4. Hang out in Montreal

Montreal offers a look at the French side of the country. Old Montreal is thriving with culture and a mix of old and new architecture within its European-style cobblestone streets, the Notre Dame Cathedral, museums, and river cruises. The other side of Montreal is extremely modern with an underground city and mall, funky jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine, which make this the hippest and most romantic city in the country. It’s also cheaper than most of the other large cities in Canada. Don’t forget to try the poutine and bagels when you visit!

5. Have fun in Vancouver

Other things to see and do in canada, 1. celebrate the calgary stampede.

During July, over 1 million people descend on Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking festival, and carnival where everyone gets to be a cowboy. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll meet tons of people from around the world. It’s one of Canada’s premier events so book early — prices rise and accommodation disappears fast! Also, wear cowboy boots and a hat if you want to fit in.

2. Hit the slopes

The mountains in Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Banff is a popular mountain town known for its excellent trails. It’s quite busy during the winter as locals and visitors alike hit the slopes, but it’s popular for a reason. While Banff is the most popular place to go, there are tons of other great skiing destinations in the country. Sunshine Village, Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, and Mont Tremblant are just a few to check out (they stretch from British Columbia to Quebec so you’ve got lots of choices).

3. Discover Vancouver Island

Take a few days off from Vancouver to explore nearby Vancouver Island . Eat delicious seafood, hike, spot some whales (lots of orcas live near here), shop, and lounge on the beach. This is a place to just sit and relax. Since it is so close to Vancouver, it’s a popular getaway with the locals during the summer. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the island. It’s a quiet but gorgeous little city worth a couple days of exploring. From here you can also visit places like Tofino, where the bustling surf community has evolved into a fun hippie town. If you’d rather hike an incredible yet challenging trail, the West Coast Trail is famous for its rugged beach and rainforest trails, man-made ladders through the trees, and rare wildlife.

4. Hike the rainforest

Hike the Pacific Rim National Park for a wonderful look at some temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most popular parks in Canada, home to Western Red Cedars, Pacific Silver Firs, and tons of wildlife including deer, wolves, bears, and cougars. The Long Beach area is one of the most accessible places for hiking, but the sand dunes behind Wickaninnish Beach on the South Beach Trail are also worth the trek.

5. Explore Calgary

Often skipped over by travelers since it’s not on the coast, Calgary actually has a lot to offer when it comes to free and low-cost activities. Have a picnic in one of its many parks, go rollerblading, watch a hockey game, or head up to the top of the surrounding peaks. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting, and camping here and you can easily rent a bike and explore the city via its many bike paths. Although it’s been long dismissed as an oil town, it’s one of the liveliest cities in Canada.

6. Visit the galleries of Toronto

Toronto has some of the best museums and galleries in the country, so take a day or two to admire the art of the city. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are the two most famous art museums, but there are a plethora of smaller, specialty galleries too, like the Textiles Museum of Canada and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Galleries often offer discounts on certain days of the week, so check before you go to save some cash.

7. Take a road trip

This huge country is best explored by car or RV. It’s the ideal way to find yourself in tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country. The Trans-Canada Highway stretches from coast to coast, making a road trip relatively easy to plan. Just keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable (especially in the winter). Of course, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and you’ll want to be prepared for long stretches of driving without any rest stops or gas stations. However, it’s worth it — the changing landscapes and scenic vistas are out of this world! you could easily spend weeks or months touring the country and still barely scratch the surface. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

8. Stroll the nation’s capital

Ottawa is a very easy city to explore on foot. Home to museums, art galleries, and plenty of shops, it’s a charming city worth visiting for a couple days. You can take a tour of Parliament Hill (the historic buildings where the Canadian government operates) or cross the Ottawa River and visit Quebec (the great Museum of Civilization is just across the bridge). The Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada are two must-visit museums in Ottawa. Also, don’t miss the busy Byward Market, and be sure to check out the craft breweries in Westboro. Try a beavertail (a sweet pastry with sugary toppings) when you’re here!

9. Get off the beaten path in Nova Scotia

The locals boast that Nova Scotia is home to the friendliest people in Canada. They might be right. That, combined with over 100 beaches, picturesque lighthouses, great sailing, mouth-watering seafood (this area of Canada is the main fishing region), and a marvelous coastline, makes Nova Scotia an amazing place to visit in Canada. Plus, the province doesn’t see lots of tourists so it’s far less crowded and unspoiled compared to other regions. It’s perfect for road trips and camping.

10. Admire Quebec City

Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and the only North American fortress, the Citadel. The historical Quartier Petit Champlain is stunning and gives you an authentic French feeling with little cheese shops, bistros, creperies, and boutiques. It’s especially magical in December as it’s fully decorated with twinkling lights, snow-covered canopies, and lined with beautiful Christmas trees. In the warm weather, you can easily lose track of time wandering the streets admiring the flowers everywhere and colorful window shutters and storefronts. Don’t forget to sample the local ice ciders, head out for drinks on Grande Allée, and explore the streets below the stunning Château Frontenac.

11. Visit Kelowna

Warm in the summer and mild in the winter, this glacial valley has some of the best weather in the entire country. It’s no wonder that this is where many Canadians spend their vacations. There’s a marina and a few golf courses, not to mention that the Okanagan Valley is home to Canada’s best vineyards and wineries (a four-hour wine tour costs around 125 CAD). In the summer, Canadians rent fancy houseboats complete with waterslides to vacation on nearby Okanagan Lake. Overall, this is just a gorgeous slice of the country that shouldn’t be missed.

12. Head north to Churchill, Manitoba

This might be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it also happens to be the Polar Bear Capital of the World, the Beluga Whale Capital of the World, and one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis. You can ride in a tundra buggy (a special bus raised on giant wheels to keep you out of reach from polar bears) and head out on the open plains to see polar bears in their natural habitats. Mother nature is alive and thriving here. Day tours in a tundra buggy during the summer start at around 250 CAD, including lunch.

13. See the iconic Niagara Falls

This is one of the most visited attractions on the entire continent. You can never imagine how big it is until you see it up close (you never envision so much mist either). To see it up close, on a boat tour and head out into the waterfalls (be prepared to get soaked). Walks runs a daily boat tour that has exclusive access to the best spots and includes access to behind the falls (tours are 107 CAD). The town itself is touristy and cheesy so don’t spend more than a day or two (it’s fun for kids though).

14. Get lost in the Yukon

The Yukon is the perfect place to get your nature fix. The chances of seeing a bear, elk, or deer are incredibly high (or you can tour the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’re guaranteed to see them). Go hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, soak in a mineral hot pool at the Takhini Hot Springs, or swing by the Sign Post Forest with its unique collection of over 77,000 signposts. Hardly anyone ever visits the Yukon as visitors tend to stick to the major cities in the south of the country. Because of that, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature.

  For more information on specific cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Canada Travel Costs

Accommodation – Rates vary a lot depending on what city you’re staying in. On average, you’ll end up paying 35-45 CAD per night for a dorm room at a hostel. Expect to pay at least 90-120 CAD for a budget hotel room. Prices rise drastically in larger cities (notably Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa).

Airbnb is available across the country, rivaling budget hotels for price and convenience. Expect to pay an average of 60-90 CAD per night for a private room, while entire homes/apartments start around 100 CAD. Keep in mind that many smaller towns won’t have many options. However, there are usually locally owned hotels or motels that are generally quite cheap. Also, Airbnb prices can double (or triple) when not booked in advance so book early.

If camping is your thing, you’ll have plenty of options across the country. Prices vary depending on the grounds but expect to pay between 25-35 CAD per night for a basic pitch for two people. Many of the major national and provincial campgrounds sell out early in the summer, so be sure to book in advance during the peak season (June-August).

Food – Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. On the coasts, seafood is king while the prairies have more of a meat and potatoes diet. Be sure to sample some of Canada’s famous staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

Overall, food can be inexpensive if you stick to cooking for yourself, eating street food, and dining at cheap fast-food places. Cheap sandwich shops and fast food are your best bet, usually costing less than 13 CAD per meal.

Pizzas cost 15-20 CAD while Asian food is usually 10-15 CAD for a main dish.

A meal out at a casual restaurant costs 20-35 CAD for a main dish and a drink. Casual fine dining costs double that.

Beer is around 7 CAD while a latte/cappuccino is around 4.60 CAD. Bottled water costs 2 CAD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50-75 CAD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Canada Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Canada? Well, it’s complicated. How much you spend largely depends on where in Canada you’re going to visit. For example, Canada’s biggest cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver are considerably more expensive than the smaller ones (like Halifax, St. John’s, and Quebec City). The rural areas are even cheaper but getting around costs more as you may need to rent a car or take expensive buses.

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like hiking and enjoying nature.

On a mid-range budget of 185 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though, the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Canada Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of Canada, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel, but it varies by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help but for specific tips visit our city guides!

• Stay with a local – As Canada is not the most budget-friendly destination owing to its inconvenient size, you’ll be able to cut down on your costs by using Couchsurfing . While not huge in smaller towns, you won’t have a hard time finding a host in the major cities. Just be sure to plan ahead during the summer as that is prime tourist season and it’s much harder to find a host then.
• Enjoy outdoor summer festivals – Since Canadians are stuck indoors all winter, they love to make the most of hot days by packing in lots of festivals into the short summer. Many of these, like Heritage Days (Edmonton), Kits Days (Vancouver), and Caribana (Toronto), are free. Check out upcoming events online by visiting the local tourism board’s website.
• Embrace the outdoors – A vast country with a relatively minuscule population leaves lots of potential for outdoor activities. Rent a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter and enjoy the free use of many trails (versus expensive downhill lift passes). In the summer, you can bike, hike, kayak, or canoe. The cost of most equipment rentals is around 25-100 CAD for a day, and you can explore many areas at no further cost.
• Take the bus – Megabus runs in Ontario and Quebec (with connections into the U.S., including NYC). You can find tickets for as little as 1 CAD if booked in advance. This is the most affordable way to get between Toronto and Montreal (or into the U.S.).
• Use ride-sharing services – If you are going to be traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicles. Craigslist, Couchsurfing, Kangaride, and Facebook all have ride-share pages for most major cities. If you can find someone traveling in your direction you can tag along and share the cost of gas.
• Eat street food – Every major Canadian city has plenty of street vendors selling hot dogs, sausages, and veggie dogs for as little as 3 CAD. You won’t find a cheaper lunch!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in Canada offer free walking tours. They are a great way to explore and get a feel for each location and its history. Most last a couple of hours and don’t need to be booked in advance. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Buy gas on native reserves – If you are driving around the country, keep your eyes peeled for native reserves — they are the cheapest places to buy gas in Canada. With lower taxes, you’ll find gas prices significantly cheaper than anywhere else. They are also great places to stop and experience the vibrant cultures of Canada’s First People.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Canada

Hostels are not that plentiful across Canada, but generally, they’re high quality and clean. Here are my suggested places to stay in Canada:

• The Only Backpacker’s Inn (Toronto)
• The Parkdale Hostellerie (Toronto)
• Cambie Hostel Gastown (Vancouver)
• Samesun Vancouver (Vancouver)
• HI Calgary City Centre (Calgary)
• HI Lake Louise (Banff)
• HI Montreal Hostel (Montreal)
• Alexandrie-Montréal (Montreal)

How to Get Around Canada

Public transportation – Within city limits you’ll find great public transportation networks. Toronto and Montreal are the only two cities in Canada with subway systems (although Vancouver has SkyTrain), but even the smallest Canadian cities have extensive bus routes. It usually costs about 3.25 CAD for a one-way ticket.

Larger cities have passes designed for tourists to make the most of the metro system. For example, Toronto has a daily pass for unlimited travel for 13.50 CAD.

Bus – There’s no singular country-wide bus system here. Instead, regional operators vary per location. Megabus is the cheapest option when it comes to traveling between cities in Ontario and Quebec. Fares can be as low as 1 CAD if booked in advance. Red Arrow is primarily an Alberta coach line. On the east coast, Maritime Bus is the main coach company (except in Newfoundland where it’s DRL Group).

Toronto to Ottawa costs about 30-50 CAD with Flixbus, while Ottawa to Montreal is around 35-50 CAD. A longer ride — like the 13-hour drive from Calgary to Vancouver — costs around 125-165 CAD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There is a train service (VIA Rail) that runs from coast to coast and is very scenic, albeit not cheap. Many train routes are currently suspended or running with limited space due to COVID-19, meaning that journeys take even longer. It takes over 24 hours to get from Halifax to Ottawa, costing about 150-170 CAD. On the other hand, shorter routes like between Montreal and Quebec City (a 3.5-hour journey) are more affordable and start at 36 CAD.

Flying – As your last alternative, you can fly, but since the country has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often high. Round-trip flights from Toronto to Vancouver usually start at around 200 CAD when booked early but they can easily cost triple that price. Round-trip from Ottawa to Calgary is around 270 CAD, but again, this is when booked in advance. Expect to pay at least double that price if you don’t book early.

Overall, flying is worthwhile only if you want to see specific cities and have limited time. For shorter routes (like Montreal to Ottawa) you’ll save a lot of money if you just take the bus or train.

Car Rental – If you’re going between provinces or staying a while in the country, consider renting a car for 35-50 CAD per day. This is one of the best, most convenient ways to get around the country — especially if you’re interested in getting out of the cities and into Canada’s wilderness (ideally if you have someone to share the cost with too).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Ridesharing – If you are traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicle. Check these websites for rides:

• Couchsurfing

When to Go to Canada

Since Canada is such a large country, climate and temperature vary drastically from coast to coast. Canada has very defined seasons, and winter can be harsh and long in some places. For example, winters in the Northern Territories begin early and end late, and places like Newfoundland and Labrador can experience snow until late May.

On the other hand, winter in the Canadian Rockies is epic and people from all over the world flock to British Columbia and Alberta to hit the slopes around Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke. Prepare for cold temperatures, though. In some places, like on the prairies, it can get as cold as -40°C (-40°F). In short, only visit in the winter if you’re planning to do winter sports.

Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of year. June to the end of September is the main tourist season, with inflated prices and large crowds. On the other hand, the temperatures are lovely during this time, often in the high 20s°C (70s°F). There are music festivals galore and it’s a great time to hike, bike, and explore the Great Lakes.

Shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Canada, although spring (March-June) can be quite wet. Fall (September-October) is highly recommended, as temperatures are still warm enough and the autumn foliage is really something special. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces are well worth an autumn trek.

How to Stay Safe in Canada

Canada is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas (generally where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks, though that isn’t super common. Nevertheless, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking public transportation, just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If visiting in the winter, dress warmly. It gets so cold here that people literally freeze to death so take precautions and always keep an eye on the forecast.

If you’re going out hiking, always check the weather beforehand and ensure you have enough water. Bring sunscreen and a hat too. It can get humid here!

Canada’s cannabis legalization has a whole lot of rules and restrictions. The CBC has a great outline on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of consuming cannabis while in Canada.

Scams here are rare, but it never hurts to be prepared. Read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Canada Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Canada travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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Entry requirements by country or territory

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics .

What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

On this page

Canadian citizens, canadian permanent residents, u.s. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the u.s., eta exemptions, visa-required travellers, workers and students.

• Visiting your children and grandchildren in Canada

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport . American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Pitcairn Island
• Saint Helena
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
• Republic of Korea
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania ( electronic passport holders only )
• Solomon Islands
• Switzerland
• Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.

Electronic passport holders only

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents

• Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
• Travellers with valid status in Canada (e.g. visitor, student or worker) who re-enters Canada after only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Foreign nationals in the following situations

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers destined to, or coming from, the United States on a flight that stops in Canada solely to refuel and
• have proper documents to enter the United States, or
• were lawfully admitted to the United States.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program .

Travel and official representatives

• Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators who are or will be working while in Canada.
• Members of Armed Forces (not including the civilian component of an armed forces) of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act coming to Canada to carry out official duties.
• Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.

The following travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.

Note: Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda (Some citizens of Antigua and Barbuda may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Argentina (Some citizens of Argentina may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brazil (Some citizens of Brazil may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon, Republic of
• Central African Republic
• China, People's Republic of
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Congo, Republic of
• Costa Rica, Republic of (Some citizens of Costa Rica may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Israel, must have a valid Israeli “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport”
• Ivory Coast
• Korea, North
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Maldives Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico (Some citizens of Mexico may be eligible for an eTA if they  meet certain requirements .)
• Micronesia, Fed. States
• Morocco (Some citizens of Morocco may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Authority
• Panama (Some citizens of Panama may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Philippines (Some citizens of the Philippines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Romania (holder of a non-electronic passport, such as a temporary passport)
• Sao Tomé e Principe
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Seychelles (Some citizens of the Seychelles may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis (Some citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Lucia (Some citizens of St. Lucia may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent) (Some citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Taiwan, must have a passport other than an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes their personal identification number
• Thailand (Some citizens of Thailand may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago (Some citizens of Trinidad and Tobago may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Turkmenistan
• Uruguay (Some citizens of Uruguay may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)

If you’re a worker or student, you must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

If you’re applying for your first study or work permit

We’ll automatically issue you a visa or eTA if you need one and we approve your application. When you travel to Canada make sure you have:

• your letter of introduction
• if you’re visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it
• if you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that’s electronically link to your eTA.

If you already have a work or study permit

If you’re visa-required, make sure that your visitor visa is still valid if you choose to leave Canada and re-enter.

If you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, make sure you travel with the passport that’s electronically linked to your eTA.

You must travel with your valid study or work permit, a valid passport and travel document.

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit, you’re considered a visitor to Canada. You must meet the entry requirements for travellers from your country of citizenship.

Visiting your child or grandchild in Canada

If you’re the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a  super visa . A super visa lets you visit your child or grandchild in Canada for 5 years at a time. Additionally, this visa allows for multiple entries to Canada and is valid for up to 10 years.

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Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a new option for visiting Canada

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Road Trip Through Canada’s National Parks

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Newfoundland.

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

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

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

Nova Scotia

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

Prince Edward Island

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

New Brunswick

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

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

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

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

Saskatchewan

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

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

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

British Columbia

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

Where to Stay

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

Transportation

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

How Long to Road Trip

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

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

By Lora Pope

What are you looking for?

10 best road trips canada has to offer in 2024.

In March 2021, we set out on what would prove to be the single longest road trip within one country that we've ever done.

Or probably will ever do…

Spanning a combined 4 months of driving, we visited almost every province (at least those that can be accessed in a 2 wheel vehicle).

Covering more than 15,000km this took us from the very eastern coast in Halifax, all across to the Rocky Mountains!

Up through the Yukon (with a cheeky road trip through Alaska ) and then all the way down the west coast to Vancouver.

Along the way exploring and road tripping many of Canada’s best places to visit .

The Yukon, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, Cape Breton and a whole bunch more!

But instead of writing what would end up being an impractical and unending 4 month Canada road trip post; I instead wanted to break things up.

Highlighting what we believe to be the 10 absolute best road trips to take within the country.

Each one broken down into manageable 1 - 2 week lengths!

Let's get started…

Travellerspoint

First up… do you have your vehicle sorted?

For our journey across Canada we had our trusty camper called Helen (who we converted ourselves by the way!).

We shipped her all the way from England, and after finishing in Canada headed south all the way to the bottom of South America.

But if you don't already have a vehicle sorted, you have two main options ...

1. Hire an RV / campervan

There are plenty of fantastic RV rental firms in Canada , offering a whole host of vehicles to fulfil the needs of any camper or road tripper.

The best thing about renting an RV is that you have your vehicle, accommodation and often your meals all in one place.

Which can save a LOT of money on accommodation and eating out.

Plus you have far greater flexibility in where you can stay each night and what you can see, so this would definitely be my top choice.

To rent a camper, your best bet is to head on over to either:

• GoSee Travel - These guys compare all the top RV rental firms in a given area within Canada, great if you want to hire from an actual company.
• Outdoorsy - These guys are the largest and best private RV rental firm in Canada, allowing you to rent all kinds of vehicles directly from individuals. Kind of like the Airbnb of the RV rental world!

2. Hire a car

Some RVs can be large and more difficult to manoeuvre, so people might want to take on a Canada road trip by car.

You can check out our guide to the best car rental sites if you're unsure of who to go with! 

Better yet, we've got an in-depth guide on the best car rentals in Canada which will help you narrow down your search.

Quick answer? Check out Rentalcars , they are always our top pick.

If you want to road trip Canada by car, then you'll need to arrange accommodation. 

To help save time and money I have put together an in-depth guide on how to find cheap hotel rooms all around the world. This will definitely help save you money in a more expensive country like Canada.

Alternatively, if you prefer staying in unique accommodation or even homestays (which can be much cheaper than hotels) then my guide on the best vacation rental sites should be useful.

Especially for finding unique properties in places like the Rockies or Whistler!

10 Best road trips in Canada

The list below is based on when we visited each region (so east to west).

It's not based on what we believe to be best to worst; as making such a list would be very difficult.

Though I can safely say that my top two favourites are numbers 6 & 7.

Okay here it goes…

1. Cape Breton Trail (+ Eastern Nova Scotia from Halifax)

This is where we started!

Cape Breton is an island at the eastern end of the Nova Scotia province .

It’s best known for its Cabot Trail , a roadway encircling the island, taking travellers through dense forests and rugged coastline. 

This has to be one of the most stunning drives in all of Canada.

We visited Cape Breton Island in March/April and were the only ones there. It was a truly magical and unique experience!

It was wild, and the weather got crazy at times, but even at that time of year it was a beautiful and unforgettable adventure.

The drive along the Cabot Trail passes through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park , with amazing views along the way.

There are plenty of stops to camp and hike, as well as loads of other adventure activities such as gold panning, sea kayaking, cycling, or even a whale watching tour.

In the winter months skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities.

For the best experience, why not check out this audio driving tour which will allow you to learn all about the Cabot Trail whilst you're admiring the views! 

There are a total of 26 hiking trails throughout the National Park, the most popular being the Skyline Trail . It’s a 5 mile loop encompassing incredible views of the Gulf of St Lawrence, as well as fantastic opportunities for spotting wildlife including moose, bald eagles and bears.

We only got to see the northern part of Nova Scotia, but nevertheless the 360 km drive from Halifax along the eastern shore toward Cape Breton was wonderful. We saw so much wildlife and the ocean views there are amazing.

You could always take more time to then see the southern end of Nova Scotia too.

You can find more information on the best things to do in Cape Breton here...

2. Halifax to Quebec City

There’s over 1,000 km between Halifax and Quebec City, a journey which passes through New Brunswick and a bunch of National Parks.

Some of the best things to do in New Brunswick include:

• Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
• Whale watching
• Grand Manan Island

Throughout our journey through New Brunswick, we stayed at Dumfries Maple Syrup Farm for the night, and it was amazing!

I’d highly recommend you take part in a similar experience in either New Brunswick or Quebec if you’re visiting in the brief maple season.

Maple season takes place between February and April, so if you’re lucky enough to visit New Brunswick or Quebec during this time, I’d highly recommend you take part in a maple syrup farm experience.

As the capital of the Quebec province, there are lots of great things to do in Quebec City .

Some of our favourites are:

• The Château Frontenac
• A trip to Montmorency Falls
• Visit the Parliament Building
• Wander around the Old Town - this 2-hour walking tour will show you all the best sites

For those with some extra time, you can always head out on a sightseeing cruise which is a fantastic way to see the city! 

If the conditions allow for it, this road trip can be extended to Prince Edward Island and Northern Quebec.

Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, and can be accessed from New Brunswick via the 12.9km Confederation Bridge.

The best thing about this tiny province is, you’re never more than 16 km away from the ocean. This means there’s some great seafood options around, giving PEI the title of ‘Canada’s Food Island’.

Northern Quebec forms the largest part of the Quebec province , stretching over 1 million square kms.

There’s incredible nature in this area, with Arctic tundra in the north where the winters are long and harsh.

3. Quebec City to Toronto

This Canada road trip took us over 800 km through the Quebec Province and into Ontario .

Quebec City lies just over 800 km from Toronto , so of course there are lots of fascinating spots to enjoy throughout this journey.

The first stop of this Canada road trip is Saguenay . 

We opted for a slightly longer route so we could stop at Montmorency Falls on the way.

Although it’s only 7.5 miles away from the city you'll want to allow a good few hours to explore here.

Fun fact: at 83m tall, the waterfalls here are 30 m higher than Niagara falls. To see some of the best views of the park and waterfalls, take the cable car .

The drive from Montmorency Falls to Saguenay will take you via the Laurentian Mountains , which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.

Saguenay is best known for Saguenay Fjord, which leads to the St. Lawrence River. The Fjord is definitely one of the best places to visit in Quebec, with incredible scenery throughout the whole year!

Some of the other great things to do in Saguenay are:

• Visit a museum - there’s loads to choose from including the Musée du Fjord , La Pulperie de Chicoutimi , and the Musée de la Petite Maison Blanche
• Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin - with its 35 km of maintained trails, 7.5 of which are open in the winter for walking, running or cycling
• Go back in time at the The Val-Jalbert Historic Village
• Enjoy some local food
• Skiing if you’re visiting in the winter  

The next stop, and our first big city on this Canadian road trip is Montreal. It’s definitely worth stopping here for a few days. Some people even choose to start their road trips here as there are plenty of RV rental options .

There are loads of amazing things to do in Montreal , and it’s easy to see why it’s a bucket list destination for so many.

Some of our top recommendations for Montreal include:

• Axe Throwing - definitely one of the most unique activities in the city, we did it at a place called Rage
• Food tour around Mile End
• Montreal Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Underground City - Montreal has the largest underground pedestrian network in the world.

You could always explore the city on this guided bus tour which will take you past all the best spots!

From Montreal there’s around a 2 hour drive to Ottawa. This takes us out of the Quebec province and into Ontario, and involves a slight detour from the straight route through to Toronto.

However, it’s a necessary detour to get the Canadian capital ticked off on this Quebec road trip itinerary .

Yes that’s right, neither Montreal nor Toronto are the capital of Canada! It’s Ottawa, which I’m sure is surprising for some of you to hear.

There are definitely some interesting sites and beautiful buildings to see in Ottawa, and as the Canadian capital there are of course some interesting historical and cultural sites, however you won’t need more than a day here.

Some of the best things to do in Ottawa include:

• Byward Market - one of the oldest markets in Canada , the Byward Market consists of main buildings, and open air stalls. It’s the number one tourist attraction in Ottawa. 
• Rideau Canal Skateway - this UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes the longest outdoor skating rink in the world during the winter months. It’s 8 km long and is open 24 hours a day! Make sure you enjoy a Beaver Tail whilst skating here. They are deep fried dough sweets which you can buy at kiosks along the ice rink.
• Visit some of the museums - including the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada , the Canadian Museum of Nature , the Canada Agriculture Museum and the Canadian War Museum
• Enjoy the nightlife - there’s a whole host of pubs, bars, lounges, nightclubs, and live jazz and blues music throughout the city. So there’s something for every kind of night owl!

There's also this fantastic river sightseeing cruise that will take you along the Ottawa River and past many of the city's iconic landmarks.

Here's some information on the best things to do in Ottawa ...

Our final stop before Toronto is the beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park . It’s Ontario’s oldest and most famous provincial park , so it must be worth a visit! This park is 7,635 sq km of maple hills forests, bogs, lakes, rivers and rocky ridges.

There are eight camping grounds to choose from at Algonquin, some of which are open all year round, as well as a wide range of biking and hiking trails , fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing.

Some of the best and most popular hiking trails include Booth's Rock Trail , Centennial Ridges Trail , and Mizzy Lake Trail . 

In the winter , there’s great opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing and skating at the park. 

From Algonquin Provincial Park it’s around a 3 hour drive to reach our destination for this Canada road trip - Toronto!

4. Toronto to Thunder Bay

This road trip encompasses around 1,600 km of some of Canada’s most famous sites in the Ontario province.

Ontario is an amazing road trip destination, with lots of RV rental opportunities .

Your starting point, the provincial capital Toronto, is full of amazing things to do , so make sure you give yourself adequate time to enjoy this incredible city.

Why not take a look at this 'Best of Toronto' city tour which includes transport and entry tickets?

This city is also a great place to start a Canadian road trip as there are lots of RV rental firms in Toronto to choose from.

And better still, it’s just a road trip away from the world renowned Niagara Falls .

It really isn’t a trip to Ontario without a trip to Niagara Falls, so head south from Toronto, then cut eastwards again, and you’re at this famous beauty spot. Also stop at the town of Niagara and surrounding vineyards - it's amazing here!

If you’re planning on spending a little longer in this area, you might want to treat yourself to a night in a hotel with a view of Niagara Falls .

Or, you can just take a day trip from Toronto as there are plenty of fantastic tour options! 

Heading west from Niagara Falls sees you take in lots of the best places in Ontario . 

Manitoulin Island should be a must on this Canadian road trip. It’s a lake island found in Lake Huron, which is one of the Great Lakes of North America, and one of the largest lakes in the world. The island is best accessed by a ferry from Tobermory, which is around 300 km from Toronto.

The island is absolutely MASSIVE, and is in fact the largest freshwater island on the planet. It actually has over 100 lakes of its own!

Another interesting fact about Manitoulin Island is that it’s the first site of European settlement in Canada. The pace on this island is really slow and life is pretty laid back. With amazing scenery, and no crowds, it’s a nature lover's haven. 

The easiest and most popular way to get to Manitoulin is via the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry , with the crossing taking around 2 hours. Of course, the island is an incredible place, but the crossing alone is fantastic.

Fares can vary depending on the time of year, and the type of vehicle you are travelling with, so check their website for a fare estimate. 

Now I’ve mentioned before that Lake Huron is one of the Great Lakes of North America, but there are four more - Lake Superior, Michigan, Erie and Ontario. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world.

The drive from Manitoulin to Thunder Bay is a long and unending road through Ontario. It’s over 1,000 km altogether, and the road runs along Lake Superior. There’s a whole lot of nothing along the route , really Winnipeg is the next major city, and that’s over 2,200 km away!

But if you want to just road trip Ontario, after crossing Manitoulin and driving along the Great Lakes, you could then cut back and take the other road all the way back eastwards. It’s more about the journey than the destination with this one.

Our big recommendation is to rent or buy a kayak and spend days at a time exploring the many national parks in this area.

Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwestern Ontario, but it’s still not big enough to escape the untouched wilderness of this province.

Some of the best things to do in the city are:

• Thunder Bay Historical Museum
• Thunder Bay Art Gallery
• Thunder Bay Military Museum
• Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

Check out this guide for inspiration on the best things to do in Thunder Bay ...

There’s also lots around the city for outdoor enthusiasts including Sleeping Giant Provincial Park , Kakabeka Falls and Cascades Conservation Area .

5. Winnipeg to Calgary

This Canadian road trip takes us from Winnipeg, the largest city in the Manitoba Province , across to Calgary in Alberta.

The 1,300 km route passes through the province of Saskatchewan on the way, so you can say you drove all the way across this vast state!

It's funny, most Canadians we met actually ridicule Saskatchewan for being flat and boring. I quite liked it, but it's very open and you drive for unending hours with the reward being the Rockies. 

A fun fact about Saskatchewan is that it’s home to Mac the Moose , the world’s largest moose and one of the most photographed roadside attractions in Canada.

Winnipeg is a fun city, and as the largest city in the province, there are plenty of great things to do .

Some of our favourites include:

• Shopping and dining at the Forks
• The Manitoba Museum
• Winnipeg Art Gallery

If you're not spooked easily then why not download this smartphone audio ghost tour ? Winnipeg has an interesting history when it comes to ghosts and ghouls, and it's really quite creepy! 

The large flat open plains along this route mean there are clear views of the Canadian Rockies, gradually looming larger.

Instead of just heading straight for Calgary once we reached Alberta , we headed up to Edmonton first.

There’s 300 km between Calgary and Edmonton, but it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Alberta , so well worth adding to this Canada road trip itinerary.

In fact, there's a pretty cool way to explore the city - by Segway tour ! 

As you head southwards from Calgary you suddenly enter the prehistoric landscapes of Dinosaur Provincial Park .

This UNESCO world heritage site is well worth a visit. There’s amazing drives , trails, camping and a visitor centre to enjoy. It's as if you enter a whole new landscape!

‍ And outside of the rocky mountains, it’s the coolest part of Alberta to visit (based on our experience).

Another interesting sight south of Calgary is Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump World Heritage Site . This site showcases 6000 years of Plains Buffalo culture.

Admission costs 15 CAD, and visitors can enjoy vast landscapes, exhibits and programs, which teach visitors about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People.

You could just as easily do this road trip the other way round. Starting the road trip in Alberta is a great idea as there are lots of RV rental options .

6. Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are without doubt one of the best places to visit anywhere in the world .

Covering 4,800 km, the Rocky Mountains are the longest mountain range in all of North America.

Full to the brim of turquoise lakes, mountain peaks and amazing hikes, the whole area is incredible!   But there are definitely some stand-out destinations.

A road trip through the Rocky Mountains will take in some of Canadas most beautiful places, starting in the south with Banff and heading all the way up to Jasper in the north.

There’s a 300 km drive between these two fantastic destinations, but with so much to see and do throughout this Canada road trip you’ll want to take your time to take it all in.

Banff National Park is home to some amazing lakes including Lake Louise , Lake Moraine , Emerald Lake and Two Jack Lake .

Some other must see stops as you head through Banff on this Canada road trip have to be Mount Norquay , Johnston Canyon and Sulphur Mountain , the latter you can reach via the Banff Gondola .

Banff National Park and Jasper National park are linked by the epic 232 km Icefields Parkway .

This route is a road tripper's dream, encompassing stunning views, mountain peaks, blue lakes and 100s of glaciers - including the Athabasca Glacier which you’re able to walk on!

In fact, this glacier hike is definitely one of the best things to do in Jasper and on this Rocky Mountains road trip.

The Athabasca Glacier is thought to be most visited glacier in all of North America.

Ice Walks on the Athabasca Glacier operate from the Columbia Icefield car park, and we’d really recommend you take this unique opportunity to walk on a glacier.

Depending on which way round you do your road trip, Edmonton or Calgary are 2 of your best bets to hire a camper!

Then either drop back at the original depot, or some companies allow you to pay a surcharge drop off fee.

7. Dawson Creek to Delta Junction (Alaska Highway)

There’s one road which takes you from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction , and that’s the Alaska Highway !

This 2,232 km road was constructed during World War II to contiguous America, across Canada, to Alaska .

Yes this Canada road trip ends in Alaska which is the USA, but why drive that far if you’re not going to complete the last bit?!

There are also plenty of awesome places to visit along the way so allow time for lots of stops.

When it was first completed back in 1942 it was around 2,700 km long, but it’s now over 400km shorter due to continuing reconstruction and rerouting of the highway over the years.

It was once legendary for being a rough and challenging drive, but it’s now paved the entire way.

However, there’s no denying that it’s very bumpy, and can cause a lot of damage to vehicles if you don't take it easy.

I blame this road for wrecking the fan in our van , meaning we had to ship a new one to Oregon from the UK, as well as breaking the gas regulator under our van.

But I would definitely recommend it and take it again!

Perfectly doable in a 2 wheel vehicle in my opinion.

If you’re looking for an alternative route to Alaska check out the Top of the World Highway .

This is only open for certain summer months of the year but is the only other way into Alaska by road. 

We took this highway into Alaska, and then did the final stage of the Alaska highway when leaving the state.

So yes, we did the whole Alaska highway , but in 2 different points as passing on Dawson City and our failed attempt at the dempster diverted us off it. It was a great drive!

You literally do feel like you are at the top of the world.

They had tremendous wildfires when we did it (which are perfectly normal) so much of the drive was misty.

We even got booted off one of our wild camping spots because a helicopter landed 20 metres away from us and needed to secure the area as a depot for putting out a fire in the area! We also each got a cool stamp in our passport (will include pic).

The Top of the World Highway runs 127 km from Dawson City to near Jack Wade and is open from mid May to mid October.

8. Dempster Highway

That’s our video.

We actually broke down (kind of) just 100km in and It cost us £800 to get towed back to Dawson. Luckily it was a faulty oil light and the dempster didn't actually cause any damage. But it definitely was scary and worrying!

If you break down further along the Dempster Highway then it will cost thousands to get repaired or towed out.

We're gutted that we didn't make it the whole way as plenty of people do it in vehicles much worse prepared and in poorer condition than ours, but we lost our nerve after the experience, knowing how far we still had to go to reach the bottom of Argentina.

But we managed to do one hike before the disaster, and the views were epic!

We stopped at the Tombstone Territorial Park on our first evening, and the next morning we did a hike in the park.

Even if you weren't planning on driving the full Dempster Highway, it's worth driving to this park for the views and hikes on offer, plus the road is pretty maintained up until here! 

So, how do you drive the Dempster Highway?

Thankfully, we had some friends who DID make it all the way up and back on the Dempster Highway.

Below is written by Gemma from Off Track Travel ...

The Dempster Highway is Canada’s most adventurous road trip.

This epic 735km long unpaved route connects Dawson City, Yukon, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Elevated to protect the permafrost below, the road travels through tundra, alongside dramatic mountains and across the Arctic Circle itself.

If it’s wilderness you’re after, the Dempster will deliver. The views are simply endless, with no signs of civilisation (besides the road) in sight.

Some days, we saw more animals than people! We spotted porcupines, ground squirrels, moose and several grizzly bears.

Most people spend two days driving the length of the Dempster to Inuvik, with the long daylight hours in summer (24 hours above the Arctic Circle!) making this feat easier than it initially sounds.

If you can, however, I’d suggest spending longer. If it rains, the elevated road becomes super slippery and sliding off into the (big) ditch is a real risk.

More time also allows you to explore more places along the route, such as beautiful Tombstone Territorial Park.

The experience doesn’t stop once you reach the end of the highway, however. Spend a day or two in Inuvik, a purpose built town on the banks of the mighty Mackenzie.

One of the best places to visit in town is the Igloo Church, which features an impressive domed ceiling.

Since 2017 it has also been possible to drive beyond Inuvik to the Inuvialuit community of Tuktoyaktuk. The extra 138km is well worth the extra effort as it offers the chance to dip your toes right in the Arctic Ocean!

Due to the isolation and lack of phone signal, Dempster Highway roadtrippers need to be self-sufficient. There are only a handful of gas stations and even fewer shops.

Crowds and traffic aren’t an issue here but you need to be prepared for what you’re getting into.

A good spare tire is absolutely essential to bring as it’s fairly common to lose a tire to the Dempster’s rocky surface. A tire repair kit and portable air compressor can be very helpful to deal with small punctures.

I’d also suggest plenty of bug repellent and bear spray!

You can read more about the road trip in their full guide on how to drive the Dempster Highway .

9. Whitehorse to Vancouver (West coast of BC)

This 2,400 km drive takes us along the West Coast of British Columbia .

It’s full to the brim of unending stretches all the way to Whistler .

If you fancy stopping here on the way you could easily spend a full day in this scenic place, or wait until you’ve reached Vancouver and make a day trip to Whistler .

It’s around a 2 hour drive between the two destinations.

Some of the best things to do in Whistler include:

• Ride the longest gondola in the world - the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
• Cycle along the trails around Whistler town
• Visit the train graveyard
• Drink craft beer at Whistler Brewery

It’s a drive which takes 28 hours altogether, and we drove for 8 hours a day for 5 days straight just to get through it.

The views are incredible and it's shocking how remote some people still live .

‍ It was a strange experience being off the grid with no phone service for this long, but we saw a lot of wildlife.

As you get close south to reality, the mountainous passes winding through Whistler and other towns towards Vancouver are breathtaking.

Definitely worth spending a day or two in the area, or even skiing.

Once you reach Vancouver, allow yourself around about a week to explore and enjoy the city and its surroundings.

There are so many amazing things to do in Vancouver , so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it.

In fact it was recently voted the third most livable city in the world so it must be pretty good.

If you decide to do this road trip the other way around, there are plenty of great RV rental firms in Vancouver .

And plenty of great car rental firms here as well .

Some of our top recommendations for Vancouver include:

• Mount Seymour Provincial Park
• Vancouver Island Day Trip
• Stanley Park
• Vancouver Harbour Town

You can also go on a whale-watching tour if you're visiting at the right time of year (typically between March-October).

Just bear in mind that’s it's a heck of a way to get to Vancouver from Whitehorse so make sure you allow yourself a good few weeks to visit all the sights.

10. Trans-Canada Highway

By far the most epic Canada road trip possible.

This monster of the road winds all the way from east to west (or vice versa) of the country. From St Johns (Newfoundland) to Victoria (British Colombia)

It covers at least 7,100 km (depending on any detours), making it one of the largest routes of its kind in the world.

Even better, the Trans-Canada Highway passes through all 10 provinces of this incredible country.

Surprisingly, Canada is actually only linked by this one major highway, sometimes splitting in two. But often just one road with one or two lanes each way.

We did most of it , but came off and rejoined at different points as it doesn’t visit all the places mentioned in this guide.

As discussed below, we also haven't been as far at Newfoundland (due to weather) so our Trans Canada road trip effectively began in Halifax.

Not to worry, we will use this as our excuse to return to this wonderful country as son as possible!

The highest point of the Trans Canada Highway is Kicking Horse Pass , at 1,627 m above sea level.

Road tripping Canada: Other common FAQs & travel tips

When is the best time of year to road trip canada.

Depending on which Canada road trip you're planning on doing, and where in the country you're travelling, the weather and conditions can vary.

As Canada is such a large country there’s plenty of scope for different weather and temperatures.

June to August are the summer months where the sunniest and warmest weather is guaranteed , however if you're planning on skiing, perhaps around Whistler, you might want to visit during some of the cooler months.

If you’re road tripping across Canada in winter, be aware that the conditions could be icy and treacherous on some of the roads, so always check before you travel.

September through to November is a great time to visit Canada.

The weather has cooled down but it’s still comfortable, and the colours are changing to stunning autumnal browns and oranges.

If you want to enjoy a maple syrup experience like we did at Dumfries Maple Farm , then you’ll need to visit in the maple season which is from February to April.

What is the great Canadian road trip?

The great Canadian road trip takes you from one side of Canada to the other, all by road.

The perfect place to start is the Mile 0 monument in Victoria, BC which marks the start of the epic Trans Canada Highway.

The route then winds the way across the country, through 10 provinces, via brilliant spots that we’ve mentioned like Lake Louise, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Mac the Moose, and the Original Tim Horton’s before finally reaching Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland.

Iceberg Alley is the ‘iceberg capital of the world’, and the icebergs you can see floating here are over 10,000 years old.

How long does it take to road trip across Canada?

Now Canada is the second largest country in the world , so it’s going to be a pretty long road trip! 

Driving across the entirety of Canada, from Newfoundland to the Alaska border, takes 23 days on the road, but to allow yourself time to see the sites, visit cities, enjoy National Parks and really take it all in, you’ll want at least 2-3 months to make the trip.

We spent around 4 months road tripping Canada.

We travelled over 15,000km , which included a trip to Alaska, and lots of other great places to visit .

Having this much time meant we had plenty of time to explore, and take it all in.

If you’re limited on time, we’d recommend choosing one of the Canada road trips above and really getting the most out of that, as opposed to cramming too much in.

Is the drive across Canada worth it?

ABSOLUTELY!

If this guide of the best road trips in Canada hasn’t already convinced you of this, then let me assure you that Canada is one of the best road trips we have ever been on.

Whether you’re after wildlife, mountains, nature, adventure sports, vibrant cities, historical and cultural sites or isolated remoteness Canada really does have it all.

As such a huge country, there’s so much variety on offer. It really is without doubt a bucket list destination!

Is there good service in Canada?

Short answer, no! It's notoriously spotty, especially in more remote parts like the Yukon and much of the Rocky Mountains.

Not only that, but it's also very expensive to get data packages in Canada!

Instead, we used a mobile wifi hotspot all across the country which worked out both cheaper and offered better coverage in all provinces than a single data provider could possibly offer.

Other road trips to take in Canada

As you can see there are plenty of awesome Canadian road trips waiting for you! 

Okay, so here are the province’s we haven’t YET visited.

Extra emphasis on the word “yet”, as we definitely can’t wait to return to Canada.

• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Nunavut (if even possible)
• Northwest Territories (see above!)

Newfoundland & Labrador are two incredible popular van life destinations.

And when heading west across these gorgeous countries, we found plenty of happy Canadians heading eastwards for the summer to tackle these provinces.

Accessing this region is best done in the brief warmer months as snow and ice make them inaccessible for most the year. 

I will be sure to update this post once we make it there!

So for now, I would love to hear your recommendations if you have been to any of the above 3.

And highlight if road tripping Nunavut & the Northwest Territories is practical and even safe (ahem … bears … ahem) .

If you have any other questions about what we covered above, please do drop them below!

If you're traveling through North America here are some other guides you may find helpful:

• Best Hotels in Banff With Private Hot Tubs
• Ultimate USA West Coast Road Trip [4 - 8 weeks!]
• 2 Week Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
• ULTIMATE Utah National Parks Road 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.

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

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

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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.

Book your accommodation in Canada here.

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7 Amazing One Day Road Trips Across The Canada/U.S. Border

These one-day road trips across the US-Canada border visit iconic spots, from Niagara Falls and the Pacific Northwest to Quebec, Banff, and many more.

• Take a break and cross the border for a scenic road trip from the US to Canada - no need for lengthy planning.
• Hit iconic spots like Banff National Park or Niagara Falls for a quick nature escape without a long drive.
• Drive from Buffalo to Toronto, or Seattle to Whistler - don't let limited time stop you from exploring new places.

Thinking of exploring the northern states on a road trip but a little short on time? Why not travel between the US and Canada? A road trip from the US to Canada or vice versa doesn't have to take too much time.

The northern states provide the chance to explore both countries by road; plus, there are even many scenic road trips in Canada within two hours of the US border , offering travelers a chance to explore nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours.

Here are several scenic road trips from the US that go into Canada across the border, each with details on where to start and key stops to allow travelers to enjoy every bit of the journey.

12 Bucket List East Coast Road Trips

7 montana to banff national park, alberta the via icefields parkway, on the way to banff national park, travelers pass several mountain towns like cranbrook, fernie, and kimberly.

A drive through British Columbia is the quickest way to drive from the American border to Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park . The trip starts in northern Montana, heading south on the BC-93 highway. Then, road trippers pass through some of British Columbia's pretty small towns , with outdoor activities such as skiing and waterfall chasing available on the way.

The iconic Icefields Parkway is full of scenic stops and joins Lake Louise to Jasper National Park before taking travelers to the Rocky Mountains, icefields filled with glaciers, and the Continental Divide. There are many places to dine along the route, including Glacier View Lodge or Altitude Restaurant.

6 Portland, Maine, To Quebec City, Quebec, On Autoroute 73

Scenic views await those partaking this route with stops including magnificent falls.

There are several New England states that border Quebec. But Maine is the closest state to the capital city of Quebec City on the eastern side of the province. Those who've visited this city say it feels more like Europe than other Canadian destinations.

Narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets surround the area. Once here, visitors can continue the trip along the St. Lawrence River and reach Baie-Saint Paul in Charlevoix, where they can enjoy country walks and cheese.

8 Scenic Desert Road Trips In Arizona

5 seattle, washington, to whistler, british columbia, on the sea to sky highway, enjoy this short drive to horseshoe bay, squamish, and whistler, offering breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and the coastline.

There are many routes to take when driving from Seattle to Whistler, but the Sea-to-Sky Highway is perhaps the most adventurous route. It takes around 5 hours to complete this US to Canada road trip itinerary filled with stunning vistas. As guests embark on this route, they can take a break from driving at popular attractions like Shannon Falls . Such natural wonders offer an opportunity to stretch your legs, take memorable pictures, and soak up the beauty of British Columbia.

The best time to take this road trip is in June, July, and August because of the favorable weather, clear skies, and comfortable driving conditions.

4 Duluth, Minnesota, To Thunder Bay, Ontario

See several iconic parks, majestic falls, and lush forests on this usa-canada road trip route along lake superior.

Minnesotans who want to cross the border can follow this scenic US-Canada road trip route, which takes only a short time to go from the American border to a scenic Canadian town. Duluth is an excellent place to start the journey, which takes less than 4 hours.

The path displays endless phenomenal views of the north shore of Minnesota, with possible stops in Silver Bay and Grand Marais. Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Superior, which is illuminated during a sunny day. There are many scenic stops on this route where visitors can stop and take a breather.

Some of the activities to try include camping, hiking, and fishing. However, note that during the winter, Lake Superior gets intense, which leads to the closure of some paths along the route. Once in Thunder Bay, guests can participate in hiking or simply gaze at the stunning rock formations.

12 Bucket List National Park Road Trips In The US

3 calais, maine, to fundy national park, new brunswick, drive along the bay of fundy's coast before arriving at raging rapids, towering waterfalls, and high tides.

Driving to Fundy National Park is an ideal USA-Canada road trip idea for people in Maine. With various stops, travelers can enjoy hiking, viewing wildlife, and photography.

The trip begins in Calais, Maine, then heads to Saint John, where visitors can stop at Irving Nature Park before proceeding to Fundy National Park . Here, road-trippers can check out the various marine species during low tides.

7 Scenic Road Trips In The Catskills

2 bar harbor, maine, to yarmouth, nova scotia, via the southwest nova scotia route, stop at adorable coastal towns like digby, lunenburg, and mahone bay.

Once the CAT ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia resumes operations on May 17, travelers are welcome to enjoy a trip from coast to coast on this catamaran that travels at high speed. Passengers can use tour buses, cars, SUVs, and pickups. Motorcycles and bicycles are also allowed. So, road-trippers who want to cross the Atlantic Ocean into Canada can take advantage of this trip.

This one-day US to Canada road trip route starts in Bar Harbor, which offers plenty to do before starting the journey for those with ample time. This beautiful coastal town is also positioned right by Acadia National Park, which boasts amazing hiking trails - again, perfect for those with more time to spend before starting the trip to Canada.

After the ferry and once in the charming province of Nova Scotia, home to lots of things to see , the lovely coastal town of Yarmouth awaits, home to plenty of things to do , including visiting the town's many museums and the scenic Cape Forchu Lighthouse . Travelers with more time or who fancy extending their trip can continue driving along the pristine coastline along the 101 and head to Halifax, then back down the 103.

7 Amazing One-Day Road Trips From New York City

1 buffalo, new york, to toronto, ontario, via the niagara parkway, follow the niagara parkway and see 19th-century colonial architecture, niagara falls, and wineries on the niagara wine trail.

Niagara Falls lies on both sides of the Canada-US border, and there are differences between the two . Why not see both on a cross-border road trip, starting from Buffalo, New York? This is one of the many scenic short road trips into Canada from the US for people who want to enjoy this region's sights but who don't want to spend many hours driving, as it's only about one hour and 40 minutes (or 99 miles).

Upon reaching the Niagara River, travelers will be wowed by the beautiful blue waters contrasted with oranges and reds in autumn if traveling during fall. Still, regardless of the season, beauty awaits those pursuing this route.

For an extension of the trip from Niagara Falls, travel along the Queen Elizabeth Way, which links Niagara to downtown Toronto.

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Entering Canada

On this page, by private boat, required identification, permanent residents, travelling with children, you and the border services officer.

Whether you’re returning home or visiting, you’ll follow the same 3 steps to enter Canada:

Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card

If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate. If you’re landing at an airport without kiosks or eGates, you’ll receive a Declaration Card on board the aircraft or other conveyance. Read the instructions and complete the card before you arrive. Have it ready to present to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your identification and other travel documents. If you're travelling with children, please have their documentation ready as well.

If using a Declaration Card, detach and discard the instructions. To help us serve you faster, do not fold the card.

Everyone arriving in Canada must complete a declaration. You can list up to 4 people living at the same residence on one card, or 8 people per Advance Declaration submission.

The Declaration Card or Advance Declaration submission tells us what we need to know about you, your travels and what you’re bringing into the country.

Connecting to another flight

If you’re connecting to another flight or travelling on to another destination and re-boarding the same plane, follow the signs. At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again.

If you travel frequently our trusted traveller programs can help

If you're a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip Step 2 and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing.

Step 2. Arrival: First CBSA checkpoint

When you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.”

If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to 5 people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.

Next, a border services officer will examine your:

• Declaration Card or Advance Declaration kiosk receipt
• your identification
• other travel documents

The officer may ask you a series of questions to determine:

• your immigration status
• the type of any goods you're bringing with you
• your duty-free allowance
• your personal exemption entitlements

Goods not properly declared that are restricted or prohibited in Canada can, under the law, be seized.

Newcomer or coming to Canada to study or work

If you’re a newcomer to Canada, coming to study or work in Canada, you may need to present further documentation. The officer will help guide you through this process. You may ask the officer for help if you don’t speak English or French well.

Step 3. Baggage and second CBSA checkpoint

Go to the baggage claim area. If you must pay duty and taxes, you can pay at most major airports while waiting for your luggage.

Once you’ve picked up your luggage:

• go to the next CBSA checkpoint
• Declaration Card, Advance Declaration kiosk or eGate receipt
• receipt, if you paid duty and taxes for your goods

The officer may direct you to a secondary inspection area.

Here, officers may ask you:

• for detailed information about your travels
• to present your luggage and goods for examination

This is a normal part of the travelling process. Your cooperation is appreciated and helps us ensure the safety of Canada, its economy and its residents.

If you’re arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration.

Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.

If you’re arriving by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 to obtain clearance.

Private boaters that meet certain conditions may report to the CBSA by calling the TRC using cell phone from their location in Canadian waters.

Learn more about reporting requirements for private boaters.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right to enter Canada. Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for certain international travellers who fly to Canada.

Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport because it’s the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
• NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
• Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.

Note that a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document.

See Canadian Citizenship for further details.

Parents who share custody of their children should bring copies of the legal custody documents to the border when travelling with their children.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

• with only 1 parent or guardian
• in the care of friends or relatives
• with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

Example of a consent letter to permit travel by a child with a single custodian or parent.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who aren’t parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Border officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.

You may occasionally find yourself going through a more detailed inspection. In some cases, this simply means that you may have to complete a form. In other cases, the border services officer will need to identify the goods you’re bringing into the country or examine your luggage.

Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage as part of their responsibility to protect Canada's safety, economy and environment. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage.

By making your goods easily accessible for inspection and having your receipts handy, you will be helping the CBSA to help you. It’s a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodation and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to see them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you disagree with the amount of duty and taxes that you have to pay, please ask to speak with the CBSA superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue quickly and without cost. If you’re still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal appeal.

Border services officers may arrest an individual for an offence under the Criminal Code (for example, impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property, abductions/kidnappings) and for infractions under other acts of Parliament (for example, the Customs Act , the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ).

If you’re arrested, you may be compelled to attend court in Canada. You should note that anyone arrested in Canada is protected by and will be treated in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms .

Related links

• Bringing goods to Canada
• Traveller entry requirements
• Travel documents
• Programs for trusted travellers
• Travelling as a dual citizen

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Love Exploring

In Canada Even Weekend Road Trips Are Epic

Posted: October 6, 2023 | Last updated: October 6, 2023

Hit the road

British Columbia: Nanaimo to Tofino

British Columbia: Vancouver to the Fraser Valley

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

British Columbia: Vancouver to Whistler

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

British Columbia: Kelowna to Osoyoos

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

Discover what else to see in the Okanagan

Alberta: Banff to Jasper

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

Discover more of Canada's beautiful national parks

Alberta: Calgary to Bar U Ranch

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

Alberta: Edmonton to Drumheller

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

Brilliant destinations for dinosaur fans

Northwest Territories: Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk

Saskatchewan: Regina to Moose Jaw

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

Saskatchewan: Saskatoon to Great Sand Hills

Yukon: Whitehorse to Dawson City

Manitoba: Winnipeg to Gimli

Ontario: Toronto to Niagara

Ontario: Toronto to Muskoka

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

Discover Canada's lesser-known lakes

Ontario: Windsor to Stratford

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

Ontario: Ottawa to Perth

Quebec: Montreal to Centre-du-Québec

Quebec: Quebec City to La Mauricie National Park

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

New Brunswick: St. John to the Bay of Fundy

Prince Edward Island: Central Coastal Drive

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

Explore PEI with our full guide to the region

Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail

Nova Scotia: Halifax to Lunenburg

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

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

What to see and do in Nova Scotia

Newfoundland and Labrador: Viking Trail

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

Newfoundland: Irish Loop

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

Now discover Canada's most beautiful small towns and villages

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Solar eclipse 2024: Is it safe to drive during the eclipse? How to stay safe

The eclipse will occur Monday afternoon and roads and highways will be filled with regular Monday traffic.

Is it a good thing to be driving during an eclipse?

Here's some information in case you're stuck in traffic this afternoon.

Eclipse 2024: It's total solar eclipse day 2024! Eclipse time, where to buy glasses & weather in Delaware

Is it safe to drive during the eclipse?

Yes, it's safe to drive, but AAA reminds drivers that there could be more traffic on the road before, during and after the event, so people should use caution.

Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, told the Detroit Free Press driving in an eclipse is not something motorists generally think about.

“Since they are such a rare occurrence, we don’t often think about how an eclipse might impact driving conditions due to the unique challenges it brings to roadway safety,” according to Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. “As the eclipse unfolds, and visibility decreases, drivers and pedestrians should be extra cautious, patient and alert to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

How to drive during the Eclipse

According to AAA.com , you should do the following while driving during the eclipse:

• Keep your vehicle’s headlights on.  
• Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.  
• Don’t wear eclipse glasses while driving.  
• Don’t try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.  
• Don’t pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.  
• Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.  
• Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes on the sky! 

When does the eclipse begin?

Though Delawareans won't be able to see a full eclipse of the sun, the partial eclipse begins at 2:07 p.m. and ends at 4:34 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The maximum eclipse begins at 3:23 p.m.  

Watch CBS News

Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

• New England
• Connecticut
• Earthquakes
• United States Geological Survey
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Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at cbsnews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

4.0 magnitude aftershock recorded in New Jersey, USGS says

From CNN's Brandon Miller

An aftershock of a preliminary magnitude 4.0 has struck just southwest of Gladstone, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey .

It happened at about 5:59 p.m. ET, USGS said.

The aftershock comes nearly 8 hours after the main shock of 4.8 magnitude this morning. There have been at least 10 aftershocks, though most were in the 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude range.

No injuries or major damage in Northeast after morning quake in New Jersey. What to know to get caught up

From CNN staff

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the US Northeast on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City and to Maine.

It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey i n more than 240 years , the USGS said. But with authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives.

Here's what to know:

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy said there are limited reports of damage and "little to no injuries" in the state. The USGS recorded at least six aftershocks in the immediate area of the initial earthquake. In an area more than 30 miles from the epicenter, three neighboring homes in Newark were evacuated after residents reported structural damage, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul said there were no "life-threatening situations" after the earthquake and no reports of damaged buildings . There was one report of a gas line leak, but so far there's no “major” infrastructure impact, state officials said . New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said there have not been any reports of injuries and told people to " go about their normal day ." Additionally, all aspects of the New York City transit system were operating safely, said Metropolitan Transport Authority CEO Janno Lieber.
• Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Police Department received "over 200 calls" from 911 "in a very short period of 20 minutes," following the earthquake, according to Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. But, there were no injuries reported in the city, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
• Connecticut: State officials did not report any significant damage. Emergency management officials said their operations center was partially activated as agencies inspected key infrastructure points.
• Travel: Runways at the three main airports servicing the New York City area were inspected and cleared, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority also said there were no operational or physical impacts to the bridges and tunnels. Amtrak said its trains were r unning at normal speeds after restrictions were put in place for track inspections.
• Widespread impact: The shaking was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles of the Northeast — a phenomenon made more likely by a few factors, including the geology of the region itself, according to the USGS. Rocks in the eastern US are much older, denser and harder, making them more efficient conduits of the seismic energy released by an earthquake, allowing it to travel in a more potent form over longer distances, the USGS says.

Amtrak trains resume running at normal speeds

From CNN's Pete Muntean

Amtrak trains are back to operating at normal speeds after an earthquake in New Jersey on Friday, the company said.

It said it started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region. Amtrak said it has now completed those inspections.

“As of 3:30 PM ET, All inspections have been completed and service has been restored to normal speed. Residual delays should be expected,” Amtrak  posted  on X.

At least 6 aftershocks recorded following New Jersey earthquake, USGS reports

From CNN’s Samantha Beech, Brandon Miller and Taylor Ward

There have been at least six aftershocks in the hours following the New Jersey earthquake Friday morning, according to United States Geological Survey data. 

The initial earthquake was felt in northern New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. ET, and the aftershocks were all recorded in the immediate area of the earthquake, USGS said.

According to USGS, the largest of the six aftershocks was 2.2 magnitude, recorded just after 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a timeline (all times are ET):

• 10:23 a.m.: The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred
• 11:20 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 11:37 a.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 11:49 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 12:31 p.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 1:14 p.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 1:32 p.m.: 2.2 magnitude aftershock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that "aftershocks of these size are normal and are not expected to cause further damage."

The governor said there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

See how people in the Northeast reacted when the earthquake hit

From CNN's Jeremy Moorhead and Sean Clark

When an earthquake rattled buildings across the Northeast Friday morning, stunned residents described initially thinking a passing tractor-trailer or freight train was passing them before they realized it was something more.

There were reports of the 4.8 magnitude quake being felt from Philadelphia to New York City, according to the US Geological Survey.

See how some people reacted:

3 neighboring homes in New Jersey evacuated after reporting structural damage, offical says 

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson and David Goldman

Three neighboring homes in Newark, New Jersey, have been evacuated after residents reported structural damage following this morning’s earthquake, according to the local public safety director. 

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told CNN no injuries have been reported after firefighters responded to reports of damage at the homes in an area more than 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter. 

He said 10 families were relocated from the buildings, including 25 adults and three children.

Fragé added that all Newark city buildings, including City Hall and recreation centers, are closed. He said the city is inspecting buildings for any potential damage and power outages. 

Also in New Jersey’s Essex County, in Montclair, officials believe the earthquake caused a water main break, according to an update from the Office of Emergency Management for the Township of Montclair. The OEM said the water bureau is working to repair the line. 

The Montclair OEM said authorities have conducted a damage assessment of the township and there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure and all schools and municipal properties report no damage.

Today's earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years

From CNN's Elliana Hebert, Sara Tonks and Eric Zerkel

The rare 4.8 earthquake that struck northern New Jersey Friday was the third-strongest to strike the state, according to CNN analysis of US Geological Survey data.

The Friday morning earthquake also marked the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago. Two 5.1 magnitude temblors are the only stronger quakes in the state — one in 1755 and another in 1783. Both happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787, but happened in the geographic area that now comprises the state's boundaries.

The quake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, USGS data shows.

Earthquakes in New Jersey and the region are rare. There have only been 24 earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or greater in New Jersey since 1700.

All aspects of New York City transit system operating safely after earthquake, MTA chief says

From CNN's Samantha Beech

All aspects of the New York City transit system are operating safely following this morning’s earthquake, the Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the city's subway and other forms of public transit, said.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said every part of the transit system operated safely during the earthquake, as well.

He said initial facility inspections have been completed, including inspections of the seven bridges the MTA operate.

“I want to emphasize those were designed to withstand much stronger seismic impact than we experienced today,” he added.

According to the  MTA website , MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) serves more than 900,000 vehicles on an average day. In 2019, it carried more traffic than any bridge and tunnel authority in the nation — more than 329 million vehicles, the MTA says. 

Lieber said MTA frontline staff have been directed to report any abnormalities in the system, but he said nothing had been flagged so far. 

There's a low likelihood of aftershocks following today's quake, New York City's emergency chief says

There is a low likelihood of aftershocks following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled several Northeast cities, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said. 

Iscol, however, urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.

“If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location," he said at a news conference Friday alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Iscol said there were no major impacts or safety events related to the earthquake, and added that New Yorkers can call 311 to report any damage. 

The quake, he said, triggered the activation of the city's emergency response teams and prompted officials to issue guidance to the public. 

“We activated our protocols for this earthquake, we immediately began coordinating with all city, state, federal and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by Notify NYC and our wireless emergency alert system,” he said.

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