Canada is the world’s second largest country and its extensive coastline, stunning landscapes, cosmopolitan urban vibe and the backdrop of massive mountains make it ideal for road tripping. From east to west and from west to east, here are the best, most scenic and exciting routes for a mindblowing Canadian road trip.
This country is extremely beautiful and there is so much to do and explore and it is suggested that one of the most effective ways to do this is through one of the many road trips. Yet, you do not have to wait for a bus nor a train and you can from one province to the other as one wishes and at whatever time one wishes to do so. The following are the ways of transportation that can be used when crossing the border if one does not have a car or do not wish to use his or her car; Car Hire Services. Weather you will choose a sedan, coupe, an SUV or a minivan, it won’t be a trouble to move around the tourist places in Canada. It also means that safety for you and the people you are with should not be overlooked; this include checking that the rented car has full coverage rental car insurance.
The Trans-Canada Highway
Viewers who are planning on going on a journey of a lifetime should turn to the Trans-Canada Highway. It will cover the long 4860 miles of the longest national highway in the world to take them from Victoria in British Columbia to St John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Trans-Canada Highway is an amazing journey packed with plenty of instagrammable views. What makes it so special is that the road takes you through all 10 provinces. It’s definitely a long road trip that invites drivers and passengers to take their time to absorb everything they see. In fact, with so many highlights to include, make sure you have plenty of time for this road trip: ideally, you should have at least a whole month to drive from coast to coast.
Because this is such an extensive trip, planning ahead is very important. You’ll cross four islands, pass through prairies, national parks, a few lakes, green forests and cattle ranches. You’ll drive through challenging steep and winding sections of road during some stretches as well. You can drive from coast to coast or since the Trans-Canada Highway is more of a network of roads than a single roadway, you can break it into shorter trips explore some areas more deeply. Its dedicated website suggests some itineraries you can try!
Some of the must-see highlights and natural wonders you’ll encounter across the journey are: the beautiful cities of Ottawa and Quebec; Banff National Park with its otherworldly natural views and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise; the Alberta Badlands with the Dinosaur Provincial Park or the Horseshoe Canyon; the unspoiled forests of Fundy National Park or Gros Morne National Park.
The Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is one of the most famous road trips in Canada. Located on Cape Breton Island in Halifax, Nova Scotia, it’s a 186-mile highway that hugs the coastline. Its privileged location ensures breathtaking views of the sea and incredible hikes, including the Skyline Trail. It’s also a great journey to admire beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans. Whether you jump on the four wheels in October and see the beautiful fall foliage or during the summer times for higher almost unfailable chances of good weather, you’ll have a great time!
In the north, the Cabot Trail hugs Highlands National Park. Its rolling hills, canyons and coastal cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for those who love hiking, kayaking and even whale watching. Beyond the park, you’ll fall in love with the picturesque lighthouses and small fishing villages.
Do you love golf? Then don’t miss the chance to play in some of the most renowned golf links in Canada and the world!
But Cabot Trail is much more than a wonderful drive with lovely scenic views! Discover the beautiful town of Baddeck and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site; watch the lobster fishermen from Lakies Head; go whale watching in Pleasant Bay or MacKenzie Mountain and look out for moose, bears and eagles as you hike the Skyline Trail.
Icefields Parkway
It is a highway that stretches for about 233 kilometers and connects Jasper and Banff and runs through the Canadian Rockies. The tourists as well as the writers and admirers of the beauty of the world have named it one of the most attractive highways of the world. There are falls, glaciers of hundreds of thousands of years, lakes like sapphire, and forests of valleys. The distance is not very great, about four hours by car, but it is better to spend more time on the way enjoying the beautiful taiga and the rocky mountains on the both sides of the highway.
Icefields Parkway runs through the Jasper and Banff National Parks. At any of the campsites in Jasper National Park when spending a night you will be able to look at the stars in one of the biggest dark sky preserves in the world. The thrill seeking tourists can go for the glacier walks on the Saskatchewan or the Athabasca glaciers; the photographers will not find enough time to click the majestic mountains, blue sky, lush green vegetation of the mountains, beautiful lake side view.
Considered the largest frosty patch of icefield in the Canadian Rockies, it’s a world-class road trip that takes you through a nature-rich area. Don’t miss the chance to visit Herbert Lake at sunrise or sunset, hike to the bottom of Panther Falls or take a ride on the Lake Louise Gondola for the best-ever views of alpine wildflowers and dramatic glaciers or to go ice skating beneath the Victoria Glacier!
The Icefields Parkway is open year-round but the road is friendlier during the warmer months. Remember that fuel and accommodation services are not available from November to April.
Sea to Sky Highway
Vancouver and Whistler are only two hours away but traveling by car via the Sea to Sky Highway will show you the spectacular west coast scenery of British Columbia. It has to be one of the most brief road trips that one can take within Canada but it is a fun trip especially if you are around the Vancouver region. It is a naturally rich region that anyone driving or traveling can enjoy from the coastal rainforest to the rocky mountains.
It is not just the best and the most effcient route between Vancouver and Whistler and back, but it is also full of beautiful attractions. Indeed, each bend reveals a new view or a place to rest by the road, which means that the trip may take much more time, even days or weeks.
It’s a perfect route for outdoor lovers and it also includes some interesting highlights for those interested in history and culture. In fact, there’s plenty to see on the Sea to Sky Highway. Amongst the attractions you can’t miss are the 230-foot high Brandywine Falls from the viewing platform, be at awe at the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and climb up the creek bed to the base of Shannon Falls, try mountain biking or windsurfing in Squamish or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for stunning panoramic views of the area. Granville Island has beautiful street art to enjoy and if you hike through Stanley Park you’ll be able to admire incredible totem poles.
Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula
The Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula is a 9-hour journey that takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City and further to Gaspé Peninsula. You’ll fall in love with the looming cliffs and the pine forests! It combines perfectly rural adventure and urban attractions, thus offering interesting things to see and do for all kinds of travelers. It’s probably the best road trip for those interested in experiencing the beautiful city of Montreal and a scenic drive at the same time.
This road trip invites you to discover the rugged shoreline, the coastal towns and the French culture of Quebec City. Drive along the historic road signposted ad Chemin du Roy and visit the heritage sites in villages as Neuville, Deschambault-Grondines or the Citadelle of Quebec. Then, enjoy the scenic views of Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island or Par de la Gaspésie.
The Dempster Highway: Yukon and Northwest Territories
The Dempster Highway is one of Canada’s and the world’s unique driving routes: it’s Canada’s only all-weather road across the Arctic Circle from Dawson to Inuvik in the NW Territories and, needless to say, it’s extremely isolated. There are accommodation facilities that are restaurants and service stations as well only in Dawson City, Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson and Inuvik. That said, don’t forget to bring extra gs, enough supplies for an emergency and a shovel.
It’s a hard and demanding road trip but also an extremely rewarding one: the arctic scenery is incredible and you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean! May to October are the best months to experience this road trip: think of not many tourists and the beautiful fall foliage and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights. Get ready to see moose, caribou, bears and wolves as part of your trip! It’s a good idea to book with an experienced operator for an exciting and safe ride!
It’s a great driving experience and definitely one you won’t forget. Catch a glimpse of the impressive Tombstone Mountain, go canoeing in Blackstone River and grab a snap when you cross the Arctic Circle in KM 405!
Tips for planning a Canadian road trip
As you can see, a road trip through Canada is the ultimate adventure. Now that you have an idea of some of the wonderful routes accessible, have a look at some of our top planning recommendations listed below.
The necessary visas for a Canada road trip
To enter Canada by air, you must first submit an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application. In order to enter the United States, you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip.
Canada Road Trip Planning
For a comprehensive list of guidelines to help you plan your road trip across Canada, please refer to the checklist provided below.
– Select a route
– Knowing the length of the routes will aid in planning.
– Plan your breaks and photographic chances.
– Select the optimal season for your route
– Avoid snowy months. May is ideal since there is less traffic and more daylight.
– Contact a transport company
Don’t forget travel insurance
When planning to travel, it is advisable to ensure that one has travel insurance especially when the trip is to take a long time and this is relatively cheap. It is recommended that if you plan on going rafting, skiing, or any other such activity in Canada, make sure you are well insured. Although thinking about an accident or an illness during your road trip is quite unpleasant, having an accident or an illness and not have travel insurance would be a disaster.
