Even if you’ve lived in Canada your entire life, you’d still be surprised at all the beauty, diversity, and life you can find when you traverse its old winding roads. Here’s a starting guide to the best—and easiest—way to do it.
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By the numbers
This pared-down version of a cross-country road trip is approximately 4,600 km, which means 54 hours of driving at an average of seven to eight hours behind the wheel each day.
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By the numbers
It crosses four time zones and covers six provinces over the course of seven days, but you should feel free to alter it so you can stick around the places you like and leave the ones you don’t!
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The more adventurous can start on the East Coast
It’ll tack on at least another week to the journey, but you can see the stunning sights of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Cavendish and Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia (pictured), and the Hartland covered bridge in New Brunswick.
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Starting point: Montreal
But we’re starting in Montreal. Stroll cobblestone paths in Old Montreal and indulge in Quebecois cuisine before heading out with a happy belly on your first leg of the journey.
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Montreal to Toronto: 542 km
Instead of eating at a burger chain on the way, stop in historic Kingston for a delicious bite, like at the TripAdvisor-recommended Hoffman House.
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Toronto
Canada’s biggest city is a fantastic experience for newcomers, but the downtown traffic should be avoided at all costs on a road trip. Stay north of the city by the 400 highway, or continue past Toronto to Ontario’s cottage country for a completely opposite vibe.
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Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: 700 km
The road hugs the coast of Lake Huron and you won’t get bored of the view as the dense urban centre unravels into forested landscape. Make sure to stop at an ONRoute for some Tim Hortons to get the full Canadian road-trip experience!
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
One of Canada’s oldest communities, this riverside town borders Michigan and offers parks and boardwalks for relaxed strolls to loosen up those stiff joints.
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario: 706 km
It will seem like Ontario continues on forever on this leg of the journey, but enjoy the ride and stop at as many lookouts as you can. Keep a keen eye out for deer and moose crossings though!
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Thunder Bay, Ontario
Take in the massive Kakabeka Falls, then treat yourself to fine Canadian dining in town at The Silver Birch.
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Thunder Bay, Ontario to Winnipeg: 703 km
The fastest route is along the Trans-Canada Highway 17, but if you don’t like driving around trucks, a more scenic route is available along Highway 11.
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Winnipeg
Winnipeg is known as a big city with a small-town feel, and two sights you should definitely see are Assiniboine Park and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
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Winnipeg to Regina: 573 km
This part of the trip is through Canada’s famous prairies, meaning roads so flat that it’s rumoured the police have had to pull people over for reading books while driving.
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Regina
Visit Wascana Park and stop at the Bushwakker Brewpub for Canadian twists on pub classics like wild boar burgers, bison meatloaf, the Saskatchewan Hot Plate, and an enormous selection of beer.
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Regina to Calgary: 760 km
You won’t feel safer or more in the midst of a friendly, multicultural, and naturally beautiful environment than on this trip to Calgary.
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Alternatively, visit Banff, Alberta
For about 140 km more, you can bypass Calgary and drive through the beautiful little town of Banff.
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Stop at Lake Louise
The gorgeous turquoise water will make that numb butt of yours so worth it.
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If you have even more time, drive through the Columbia Icefields
The path is about 185 km from Banff, and out of the way of your next destination, but the views are the kind of unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience many people spend their lives looking for.
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Calgary to Kelowna, British Columbia: 615 km
Banff to Kelowna is 480 km, but both routes boast stunning views along the Trans-Canada Highway and a good amount of places to stop for food and services along the way.
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Kelowna, British Columbia
Located in the heart of Okanagan Wine Region, Kelowna is surrounded by parks, forests, mountains, orchards, and, of course, vineyards.
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Kelowna, British Columbia to Vancouver: 390 km
If you can, take Highway 3, a meandering road that cuts through dense forest and is far more scenic.
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Try to stop at Osoyoos for a dip in one of British Columbia’s warmest lakes
Located in Canada’s only desert, Osoyoos Lake is the perfect spot for a mid-drive dip. And if you want to learn more about the desert and the First Nations of the area, check out the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
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Pro tip: stop in Keremeos
Commonly known as the “fruit stand capital of Canada,” this is the place to stock up on freshly picked British Columbian fruit, jams, honey, and even some samosas.
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Ending point: Vancouver
Nestled between ocean and mountains, the urban but laid-back vibe of Vancouver is invigorating enough to make you forget you’ve been in a car for the past week.
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Vancouver
There is so much to do and see in the city. Some highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, and the Richmond night market, where you can find the best Asian fare.
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If you’re hungry for more, visit Victoria
The drive is 114 km, but you can also let someone else take the wheel on a ferry, float plane, or helijet to Vancouver Island.
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Victoria
Victoria is known for its wealth of outdoor activities as well as history, and one stop you should definitely make is the Butchart Gardens, a botanical garden with 55 acres of gorgeous and vibrant floral displays among which you can elegantly stretch your legs.
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How to shave off a few bucks and gain an entirely different experience
Hotels, motels, and B&Bs can be very expensive—and camping, the cheapest option, might not be for everyone—but renting a local’s home can give you the full experience of the town, especially if they’re there to host you and show you around.
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Tips to save on gas
It’s good to be flexible on these road trips, but planning ahead can save you a lot of fuel (especially if you go out of your way to get to a closed museum). Then there are the easier things like not speeding, turning off your ignition if you’re stopped for a long time, checking your tires’ air pressure regularly, and refraining from blasting the air conditioning.
So, roll those windows down and blast some oldies for the full road trip experience!
See also: The world’s most spectacular stone forest
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