cross canada bus trip

Cabot Trail in Fall, Cape Breton Island photo credit: CWorthy, Getty Images

Kakabeka falls, ontairo, picnic on lake superior shore, northern ontario, group photo, coach at fairmont le chateau frontenac hotel, niagara falls and hornblower cruise, ontario, lunenburg historic district, lunenburg ns. credit: eric longbottom, cross canada by motor coach, autumn splendour tour.

29 DAYS – MOTORCOACH tour or join group enroute for a 20-Day Fly Option: Eastern Canada and Maritimes Fall Foliage

FEATURING A FREE DAY IN CHARLOTTETOWN

Experience the trip of a lifetime!  

Travelling across Canada by motorcoach offers you the best vantage point to view the beauty of this country!  Pass golden prairie fields, Great Lakes and historical cities to Canada’s ocean playground, during autumn’s spectacular show of colours.

DEPARTURE: Day 1 Edmonton 7:00 am | Red Deer 9:00 am | Calgary 12:00 pm | Fort Macleod 2:00 pm | Lethbridge 2:30 pm Day 2 Medicine Hat 7:30 am | Swift Current 10:00 am | Moose Jaw 12:00 pm | Regina 12:45 pm

• 2024 Departure date
• Saskatchewan:

Edmonton to Calgary to Medicine Hat

An experience to be long remembered begins as you set off on your Adventure to Eastern Canada . Depart Edmonton, travel south via Red Deer to Calgary meeting your travel companions enroute. Arrive in Medicine Hat for overnight.

Medicine Hat to Brandon

Saskatchewan passengers join the tour as you travel through the unique scenery of the Canadian Prairies.  Follow the Trans-Canada Hwy into Manitoba for an overnight in Brandon. Get acquainted at an informal WELCOME MEET and GREET upon arrival.

Brandon to Kenora

A stop in Winnipeg allows time to experience the iconic intersection of Portage and Main. Not far away, delve 6,000 years into the past at Winnipeg’s “Meeting Place” – THE FORKS. This National Historic Site offers an array of culinary, entertainment and shopping options. Continue to Ontario and call Kenora home for the night.

Kenora to Thunder Bay

Drive along a portion of the Canadian Shield and connect to Toronto’s YONGE STREET, considered to be the longest street in the world! Stop to view KAKABEKA FALLS before arriving in Thunder Bay, site of the Lakehead Terminal Grain Elevators.

Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie

Enjoy rugged scenery along the north shore of the great Lake Superior as you travel to the “City of Locks”.  Stops along the way include the TERRY FOX MONUMENT, near where Terry’s heroic run tragically ended, an included lakeside PICNIC along Lake Superior and WAWA, famed as a stopover for Canada geese during their migration.   

Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto

(2 nights) Observe the tallest smokestack in the Commonwealth at the home of the BIG NICKEL in Sudbury.  This is Inco’s largest-producing nickel mine on the continent. Follow the shoreline of beautiful Georgian Bay before arriving in Toronto. FLY PASSENGERS join the Nagel Tours all-motorcoach group.

Toronto/Niagara Area

Visit one of the world’s greatest wonders – Niagara Falls, on a day trip through the Golden Horseshoe to the Niagara Peninsula. Stop at WELLAND CANAL LOCK 3 for a view of the canal. Enjoy free time in NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE and a WINERY visit before getting up close on a “Voyage to the Falls” boat tour by NIAGARA CITY CRUISES. Enhance your view during an INCLUDED DINNER at Table Rock House Restaurant before returning to your Toronto hotel.

Toronto to Kingston

Begin your day with a spectacular view of Canada’s largest city from the CN TOWER. Learn about the city and surrounding area while on tour with a local STEP-ON GUIDE before departing for the historic city of Kingston for overnight.

Kingston to Quebec City

(2 nights) All Aboard! Enjoy your morning BOAT CRUISE through the heart of the 1000 ISLANDS.  Travel along the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River before arriving in Canada’s oldest French settlement for a two-night stay.

Quebec City

Accompanied by a local expert, explore over 400 years of history as portrayed on a GUIDED TOUR of the only walled city north of Mexico. Your afternoon includes free time to independently stroll the narrow winding streets. Enjoy a fun evening featuring an INCLUDED DINNER at an authentic SUGAR SHACK.

Quebec City to Riviere Du Loup

Travel Canada’s oldest road with a stop at an old-fashioned BAKE OVEN renowned for its maple butter on fresh-baked bread. Visit the famous shrine of STE-ANNE-DE-BEAUPRE. Discover CANYON STE-ANNE with its soaring waterfalls and suspension bridges. A FERRY ride across the St. Lawrence River brings you to Riviere du Loup for overnight. 

Riviere Du Loup to Miramichi

The scenic Matapedia Valley route brings you to our first Maritime province, New Brunswick. View fishing villages along the coast before arriving in Miramichi, situated on the banks of the Miramichi River for overnight.

Miramichi to Charlottetown

(3 nights) Test your sense of perception at MAGNETIC HILL and how vehicles coast uphill!  Visit the fishing village of Shediac for a photo opportunity with the WORLD’S LARGEST LOBSTER.  Arrive in Prince Edward Island for a three-night stay via CONFEDERATION BRIDGE, longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water. Experience a true “Island Tradition” at an INCLUDED LOBSTER DINNER. (meal option available)

Charlottetown

With a LOCAL GUIDE see the unique sights of the area including GREEN GABLES Heritage Place and CAVENDISH BEACH.  The evening is free for you to plan on your own. You might choose to relax or take advantage of your location and be entertained at Confederation Centre of the Arts by ‘ Jersey Boys’ – the 1960’s rags-to-riches story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

A FREE DAY to enjoy historic Charlottetown.  Choose to follow the signs and storyboards of ‘tales of old’ while exploring historic Great George Street or watch for cruise ships while wandering the waterfront.  Tickle your taste buds with one of many local flavours along the way.

Charlottetown to Baddeck

(2 nights) Travel to Wood Islands and board the FERRY to Caribou on the Nova Scotia mainland.  Drive across the Strait of Canso, the deepest causeway in the world, onto Cape Breton Island.  Continue to the resort town of Baddeck, nestled along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake for a two-night stay.  Visit the ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL MUSEUM to see the many exhibits of this famous inventor.

The spectacular scenery of Cape Breton Island unfolds during a circle tour of the CABOT TRAIL.  Enjoy picture stops and a PICNIC LUNCH as you travel through CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS National Park with its coastal mountain peaks, quaint seaports and rugged coastline. Share your favourite Cape Breton highlights with fellow friends at tonight’s INCLUDED DINNER.

Baddeck to Halifax

(2 nights) Continue to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital and Atlantic Canada’s largest city.  Be impressed by the natural beauty of this harbourfront setting before an afternoon GUIDED TOUR. Enjoy two nights in this “city on the sea” at your centrally located hotel.

A FREE morning to relax or explore on your own. Options include touching a piece of military history with a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site as it comes to life with the sounds and colour of the mid-1800s, or maybe a visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to research the arrival of your ancestors.  For lunch, let the call of the ocean and beauty of the sea lure you to picturesque LUNENBURG. Enjoy a late afternoon visit to one of Canada’s most popular stops in Atlantic Canada, PEGGY’S COVE. With its lighthouse sitting on a massive granite ledge, this cove is a mecca for artists and photographers alike. Savour the local flavours here, with an INCLUDED DINNER in this very East Coast locale.

Halifax to Saint John

“Spread your tiny wings and tour away” while at the ANNE MURRAY CENTRE in Springhill, hometown of Canada’s famous “Snowbird”.  Re-enter New Brunswick and stop in HOPEWELL CAPE, location of the highest tides in the world.  View the Flower Pot Rocks carved by the Fundy tides.  Travel through FUNDY NATIONAL PARK and arrive in Canada’s Loyalist City, Saint John.

Saint John to Fredericton

Come witness the REVERSING RAPIDS where the Bay of Fundy’s highest tides pour, push and rise into the Saint John River to reverse its direction. Travel to ST. ANDREWS BY THE SEA, Canada’s first seaside resort. While at KING’S LANDING, see what life was like in New Brunswick 200 years ago.  No time like the present to discover the past! Overnight in the capital city of Fredericton.

Fredericton to Levis

Before leaving the last Maritime province, venture across the HARTLAND COVERED BRIDGE, longest in the world.  Visit SAINT-JEAN-PORT-JOLI to see the works of the famous wood carvers.  Enjoy a view of Quebec City from across the river as you overnight in the picturesque city of Levis with its village-like feel.

Levis to Ottawa

(2 nights) Pass through south shore farmlands before arriving in Montreal for lunch. Lots of options to choose from in the OLD PORT district before a driving tour to the iconic landmark of MONT ROYAL. Continue to Canada’s picturesque capital for the next two nights.

Start your day on a GUIDED TOUR of this beautiful city. See the centre of Canada’s government during a GUIDED TOUR of PARLIAMENT. (The ROYAL CANADIAN MINT is offered if parliament is in session) Your hotel is conveniently located to allow time to explore on your own.  Join your travel companions tonight for an INCLUDED DINNER.

Ottawa to Sault Ste. Marie:  Fly Passengers

depart for Ottawa airport to allow for early afternoon flights.  The all-motorcoach group will follow the Ottawa River Valley. Experience some of the best fall color areas in Ontario as you pass through North Bay and Sudbury before returning to the very centre of the Great Lakes, Sault Ste. Marie.

Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay

As Mother Nature continues to amaze, follow the Lake Superior coast northbound. Known to the Ojibwe people as gichigami , views of Lake Superior from here are spectacular. Revisit Thunder Bay for overnight.

Thunder Bay to Winnipeg

Leave the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield and return to the Western Provinces. End your day in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Share tour memories at a HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER.

Winnipeg to Swift Current

Travel through southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan on your way to Swift Current for overnight.  Bid farewell to your fellow travellers from Saskatchewan.

Swift Current to Calgary to Edmonton

As you near home, reminisce with new-found friends.

Included in Your Holiday

• First class transportation on an air‑conditioned, washroom‑equipped motorcoach
• Quality accommodation and tax
• Services of an experienced Tour Director and Driver
• Baggage handling, one average piece per person
• Admission to attractions and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Ferry crossings as indicated
• Welcome Meet and Greet
• Yonge Street
• Kakabeka Falls
• Terry Fox Monument
• Lakeside Picnic
• Welland Canal Lock 3
• Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Niagara City Cruises
• 1000 Islands Boat Cruise
• Sugar Shack
• Old fashioned Bake Oven
• Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre
• Canyon Ste-Anne
• Magnetic Hill
• World’s largest lobster
• Confederation Bridge
• Lobster Dinner
• Green Gables Heritage Place
• Cavendish Beach
• Free day in Charlottetown
• Alexander Graham Bell Museum
• Cabot Trail
• Picnic Lunch
• Cape Breton Highlands
• Peggy’s Cove
• Anne Murray Centre
• Hopewell Cape
• Fundy National Park
• Reversing Rapids
• St. Andrews by the Sea
• King’s Landing
• Hartland Covered Bridge
• Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
• Montreal Old Port
• Guided tour of Parliament
• Farewell Dinner
• Locally Guided City Tours as outlined in the itinerary: Toronto, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Halifax, Ottawa
• Meals Include: Alberta 19 Breakfasts, Saskatchewan 17 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 7 Dinners.

Alberta 2024 Pricing

Cost per person | Prices in Canadian Dollars

GST: $325.95

GST: $383.45

GST: $536.95

Early Booking Discount

twin sharing per person.

Saskatchewan 2024 Pricing

GST: $320.95

GST: $375.95

GST: $524.45

Early Booking Discount

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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24 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!

Thanks for this wonderful trip itinerary! live in Winnipeg & my husband & I are retiring this summer. We plan on driving east next spring and west probably the year after. I’m looking forward to my planning and will definitely take some of your “to do” recommendations into my planning!

So glad you liked the itinerary and hope it inspires some amazing travels for you!

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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Canada's Rockies (7 Days)

Rockies premium tour from vancouver (34 seats), heart of the canadian rockies, canadian rockies & northern lights, wonders of the canadian rockies (10 days) (7 destinations), rockies summer classic tour, wapiti - banff rockies expedition, rockies classic summer tour, caribou - best of the rockies, 6-day rockies special tour | banff & yoho & kootenay national park.

“Stunning scenery and an excellent guide and driver. I highly recommend this tour!” Kathy Ritter, traveled in August 2019

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Embark on an exhilarating ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Delve into culture and say hello to a retired Royal Canadian Mountie in Banff
• Lace-up those skates, hit the ice and learn about being a real hockey player

“This was a super trip! His knowledge of the area and fun personality really added the sparkle to our adventure.” Maureen Hron, traveled in August 2024

• Relax, roast marshmallows and learn to make s’mores’
• Join the Monte Creek Winery tour and visit Spahats Falls
• See wildlife on a tour around the Lake Minnewanka

“Well organised, full of beautiful sights. We felt in safe hands.” Jo, traveled in September 2023

• Take a guided tour of Banff National Park
• Explore Calgary's city attractions and parks
• Cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island

“The guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.” Daniel Maletic, traveled in January 2024

• Northern Lights
• Christmas & New Year
• Discover the natural beauty of Lake Louise and admire its snow-covered banks
• Gaze at the clear night skies of Peace River and witness the Northern Lights
• Navigate the frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations of Maligne Canyon

“The tour was fantastic, lots of interesting information and stops provided on the way!” Beth Morgan, traveled in September 2019

• See quaint mountain towns and their stunning backdrops
• Visit snowcapped mountains and glistening glacial lakes
• Marvel at the wonderful scenery of the National Parks

“Absolutely loved the Rockies Classic. Accommodation was absolutely beautiful.” Janelle Stedman, traveled in August 2024

• Unwind in a range of cosy and handpicked hotels
• Take in views of ice fields and glacial valleys
• Spend the night in stunning resort town, Banff

“This tour was wonderful! Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about providing a unique experience.” Sheila Mason, traveled in October 2019

• Marvel at the aqua-blue Moraine Lake (seasonal)
• Hang out in Kelowna, along Lake Okanagan. Watch out for the Ogopogo lake monster!
• Visit the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies

“The tour guide and driver are all excellent.” Yi Lin, traveled in June 2023

• Tour Banff, ride the Banff Mountain Gondola
• Wine tasting in Kelowna, explore the city
• Depart from Vancouver, explore Fraser Valley

“The tour was amazing. Definitely recommend this tour.” Melissa Johnston, traveled in May 2023

• Walk across Canada’s highest suspension bridges
• Take a dip in the glacier-fed Bow Lake
• Get married at Bridal Veil Falls (marriage optional)

“We are very pleased with our tour experience and would recommend the six day/five night trip to others.” Thomas Hilliard, traveled in September 2023

• Tour Jasper's Icefields and stunning Peyto Lake
• Explore Calgary with a guided city tour
• Relax in Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay Park

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Travel across Canada

Travel across Canada; many Canadians add it to their bucket list.  A -once in a lifetime- cross Canada road trip; from the Wild Pacific to the North Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa.

It takes quite some effort to optimize your travel plans. This page is for those who do not have the time and energy to create a cross Canada road trip itinerary themselves.

The most scenic road trip across Canada

Road book to travel across Canada

Road book reviews

Cross Canada road trip movie

The designed route is -in my opinion-, the most scenic and interesting route to cross Canada by car.

If I would be in the position to join you on your trip, I would guide you exactly the same way as presented in this road trip itinerary. 

I created this specific cross Canada itinerary to refine my own cross Canada road trip (2012), and in order to pass my expertise as a driver/guide for travel tours in Canada. Read more about my travel expertise .

The best of Canada

The selected route uncovers the best of Canada such as

• rumbling waterfalls,
• the majestic Rocky Mountains including world famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ,
• Alberta’s badlands,
• Saskatchewan’s prairies and endless skies,
• friendly Manitoba,
• First Nations culture,
• Ontario’s Great Lakes including roaring Niagara Falls ,
• the Rideau heritage route and historical Kings Road, 
• Capital city Ottawa, and
• charming Quebec City
• world’s highest tidal fluctuations at the Bay of Fundy and much more...

Use the itinerary as a guideline for your road trip across Canada.

Interactive E-Road book to Travel across Canada

The interactive   E-R oad Book to Travel across Canada  is a PDF file containing 27 travel days. Your trip starts in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

You can easily add extra destinations and days to extend your journey.  This drive across Canada covers 7250 km/4500 mi.

Included in the ‘Road Book to Travel across Canada’

The E-road book PDF includes:

• 27 day itineraries, each day itinerary offers - a selection of sights of interest - one or more interactive maps - driving directions
• web links to - related Provincial Parks & Parks Canada brochures or maps (inserted in the online map) - tourism websites for local destinations
• an accommodation schedule for planning your stays 
• 59 maps including links to their online version
• relevant additional information such as - Canadian federal taxes explained as well as taxes per province - instructions how to use the road trip maps - time zones

About the sights included in the road book

It is not my intention to include every single activity or sight along the route. Presented sights and activities are carefully selected, based upon quality and feasibility within the day schedule. 

Within your road trip across Canada  there are opportunities to

go out on a hike – paddle – enjoy boat trips –view magnificent wildlife  – ride a gondola - visit  National Historic Sites, World Heritage Sites – explore Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec City –immerse in hot springs – experience the history of fur trade – study petroforms – absorb native culture – witness world’s biggest tidal fluctuations

Cellphone reach and internet along the proposed travel route

In general, a majority of accommodations offer WIFI. Cell phone coverage is poor while travelling across Canada.  I recommend bringing your mobile device (tablet) while travelling. Internet connection makes it possible to use the interactive maps on your mobile device. The latter allows you to open added links and interactive maps. 

Purchase the E-book to  Travel Across Canada

Road Book Reviews

Road book to travel across canada reviews.

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In October 2012, my husband and I drove from our hometown Clearwater, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

My friend Ken Matheson/KM Documentaries, helped me creating this short impression of our cross Canada road trip.

Note: The road book route deviates at several stretches from the road trip in the movie.

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Wondering how to spend your Canadian Vacations? About train tours, road trips, and guided group travel.In winter try dog sledding during a ski vacation!

Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver for the independent traveller. The most scenic -self drive- road trip from the Rockies to the West Coast.

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Itineraries for self-drive travel British Columbia Canada

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The Ultimate Cross-Canada Road Trip: Montreal to Vancouver

Mortimer Hotton / EyeEm / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

​The Basics

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

Start in Montreal, Quebec

Gregobagel / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

First Stop: Toronto, Ontario

Naeem Jaffer / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Second Stop: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Barrett & MacKay / Getty Images

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

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

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

Third Stop: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Fourth Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ken Gillespie / Design Pics / Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Fifth Stop: Regina, Saskatchewan

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

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

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

Sixth Stop: Calgary, Alberta

John E. Marriott / Getty Images

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

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

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

Seventh Stop: Kelowna, B.C.

Michael DeFreitas / robertharding / Getty Images

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

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

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

End in Vancouver, B.C.

Michael Wheatley / Getty Images

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

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

Related Articles

More related articles.

Accommodations

Across Canada by Train

13 days / 12 nights

Time on train

5 days / 3 nights

Where it goes

May – September

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

• Decide your desired budget
• Choose your own activities and experiences
• Have all the details of your trip arranged for you

Take the train across Canada

Fill your desire for the energy of big cities and the calmness of nature. As you journey by train across the country, you‘ll see how diverse Canada‘s landscape is.

Rail journeys on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

Spend five days in the canadian rockies, choice of activities catered to your interests, unique fresh tracks experiences, stay at the chateau lake louise, see glaciers, emerald lakes, forests and wildlife, top experiences and features.

Enjoy your Sleeper train experience

Exclusive experiences

Discover Toronto

Get close to thundering Niagara Falls

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer

See the iconic highlights of Banff National Park

Your questions answered.

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Frequently asked questions, is this an escorted tour, can i customize this trip, can i modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations, how much does my trip cost, am i on the train the whole time, can i purchase an individual train ticket, where do i sleep on the train, what is the rocky mountaineer experience like, how does sleeper plus class on via rail differ from silverleaf and goldleaf services on rocky mountaineer, what are the excursion options in toronto, jasper, and other stops, and are they suitable for seniors, sample itinerary.

Arrive In Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! The sights and sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in the heart of downtown.

• Private Transfer from Toronto Airport
• Dinner at the CN Tower

Explore Toronto

Spend a day enjoying the quaint and colorful neighborhoods of Toronto or visit Niagara Falls.   

On this full-day small-group tour, get up close to Niagara Falls on a Hornblower boat ride and explore the quaint town of Niagara-On-The-Lake.

• Downtown Toronto Foodie Tour

Experience Toronto from its many vantage points on this small-group sightseeing tour. See the city's scenic waterfront, the CN Tower, Queen’s Park and more.

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Travel north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.     

VIA Rail - Ontario

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba.

Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta.     

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you arrive in Jasper. 

As you step off the train, a friendly local guide meets you at the station. Enjoy an introductory tour of Jasper's highlights before arriving at your hotel.

• Suggested Evening Add-Ons: Wildlife Tour, Skytram Ride, or Hiking Culinary Tour

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper’s wide-open valleys are enticing to a variety of wildlife and are incredibly breathtaking. Spend the day exploring Jasper National Park on your style of tour.   

Admire the stunning alpine landscape on a guided Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour. Explore Maligne Canyon, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, or Mount Edith Cavell. 

Join one of Jasper's most knowledgeable guides for a private nature walk. Discover wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views.

On a small group tour, see Maligne Canyon, where a raging river has eroded the limestone rock for thousands of years. Afterwards, cruise across the tranquil blue-green waters of Maligne Lake to reach Spirit Island.

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel along the spine of the Rockies, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Icefields Parkway — to picture-perfect Lake Louise.   

Travel along the Icefields Parkway on this full-day tour. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

• Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour

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Elk + Avenue Hotel

Conveniently located in downtown Banff, the Elk and Avenue Hotel combines Banff’s alpine history with a sleek modern design. After a day of exploring, unwind in the hotel’s jacuzzi or dry sauna, then enjoy fresh Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Built into the side of a mountain, the Rimrock Resort Hotel sits high above Banff town and provides guests with spectacular views of the Bow River Valley. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola are a short walk from the hotel, while other attractions are minutes away by car.

Azur Legacy Collection Hotel

The Azur Legacy Collection Hotel is the only property in Western Canada to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) portfolio. Situated in downtown Vancouver, the Art Deco-inspired hotel offers a boutique experience. Enjoy dinner at the garden-like rooftop restaurant or in the beautiful lobby lounge.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, a sparkling turquoise lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Explore the area’s outstanding beauty on horseback, or paddle on the lake in a canoe.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Add private experiences

Get away from the crowds on a private guided alpine hike or a private heli-tour — just two of the many activities that can be personalized as private guided experiences. Upgrade one experience or your entire trip, including private transfers and tours. Discover some of the top trips for private adventures.

Celebrate an occasion

Honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or the fulfillment of a lifelong goal, our team is ready to make it a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we're ready to make your dreams a reality.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is a luxury experience. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this spacious double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

Private Icefields Tour

Spend the day with a private guide and explore the Icefields Parkway at your own pace. Along the way, take a helicopter tour from an Icefields base and soar above aqua-green lakes, spectacular glaciers, and graceful waterfalls.

What Our Customers Say

Rocky mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip.

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip. We loved the food, scenery, and the story telling by staff and fellow travelers.

Donald and Jenny

Our trip was delightful

Our trip was delightful. The highlights were the Pan Pacific view of Vancouver harbor; the tours of Victoria, Whistler; Rocky Mountaineer was excellent; and the food and city tour in Toronto.

Louis and Deborah

The experience of the Rocky Mountaineer was amazing

We had a wonderful experience throughout our holiday. The tours booked including meal reservations were amazing. The experience of the Rocky Mountaineer was amazing and has left us...   read more

Katrina and Shane

NSW, Australia

In a word, the trip was great

In a word, the trip was great. The rail journey was smooth and comfortable with delicious food. The two night stays at the Fairmont in Toronto, Lake Louise and Banff were remarkabl...   read more

Susan and Philip

So enjoyable, the stay could have been longer

The train travel, the crews, the food and experience interacting with people from all over the world was illuminating. We loved Jasper, a charming town with the magnificence of the...   read more

Patricia and Nugent

Insider Tips

For me, the cross-Canada trips are the perfect blend of diversion and relaxation. My favorite stretch is the descent from the Rockies' alpine forests into the panoramic vistas of the prairies.

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Our Epic Cross Canada Road Trip: 4 Week Itinerary

21 Sep, 2021

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

How Long Should Your Itinerary Be?

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

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

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

4 Week Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary:

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

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

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

Camping At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

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

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

Day 3: Culross Farm Stay

Driving into the prairies.

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

Blessings at the Creek Farm Stay

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

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

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

Day 4 – 5: Regina

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

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

Day 6 – 7: Dinosaur Provincial Park

Stopovers between regina and brooks.

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

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

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

Dinosaur Provincial Park

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

Day 8: Canmore  

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

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

Days 9 – 11: Icefields Parkway

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

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

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

Finding Accommodation on a Tight Budget

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

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

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

Days 12 – 14: Vancouver 

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

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

Days 15: Squamish

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

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

Day 16 – 17: Pemberton

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

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

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

Day 18: Clearwater

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

Day 19 – 20: Edmonton

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

Day 21-22: Saskatoon

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

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

Day 23: Prince Albert National Park

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

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

Day 24 – 25: Winnipeg

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

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

Day 26 – 27: Thunder Bay to Salut St Marie

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

Day 28: Toronto

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

Plan Your Cross Canada Road Trip

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

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Climbing aboard VIA Rail’s classic trains is like stepping into a golden past. Departing from the Pacific Ocean on Canada’s West Coast in Vancouver, you will travel through mountains, forests, over rivers and prairies, and along lakes across Canada to Toronto aboard our iconic The Canadian train. Continue your journey with VIA Rail on the Corridor train to historic Montreal, or even take the Ocean train along the rugged shores of the Maritime provinces and reach the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax. These trains will make the natural beauty and history of Canada real to you. Great for train enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and those celebrating milestone moments, travel aboard VIA Rail will deliver opportunities to see untamed wildlife, Canada’s exquisite natural wonders, hand-crafted local cuisine, and meet new friends on the train.

Have   a   Romantic   Cross   Canada   Train   Trip   for   Two

When our guests book overnight train trips, we provide rooms aboard VIA Rail’s Sleeper Plus class Cabins for Two. During the day, you’ll enjoy the scenery from the privacy of your private cabin while reclining on a seat or couch; at night, your bed will be rolled out and you’ll be rocked asleep by the gentle sway of the train. You’ll have access to a private wash closet – bathroom – sink, vanity, closet, and electrical outlets within your cabin; each railcar shares a shower room. Solo travelers have extra room in their private cabin for two to enjoy additional space to enjoy the luxury of Across Canada rail travel.

During the day you are free to wander through the train and utilize its many cars. You take meals in the dining car as you enjoy the rolling scenery, you might spend some time in the lounge listening to live music, or you might have a drink at the bar or make your way to the dome section in the Skyline car where you will be able to experience the uninterrupted landscape beneath the glass dome. Meals are included and made fresh on board meaning you always have several options to choose from and accommodations can be made for allergies or dietary restrictions.

Enhance   your   Ride   on   The   Canadian   train   with   a   Prestige   Upgrade

Guests traveling aboard The Canadian train who want to make their experience aboard VIA Rail even more special have the opportunity to upgrade to Prestige class. In Prestige, you will enjoy an upgraded, luxurious cabin, complete with a private washroom and shower, a flatscreen TV, an L-shaped couch by day and a two-person Murphy bed by night, complete with an extra-large window to enjoy the breathtaking sights of Canada’s diverse beauty. Personalized concierge service is available to you for the entirety of your trip, fresh meals will be prepared for you on board, and all drinks are complimentary. You will also enjoy access to the Prestige Park Car where you can take advantage of wine tastings and interactive talks on local history, geography and culture.

Travel with Canada Rail Vacations aboard VIA Rail can take you across mountain ranges, through rushing river gorges, across many kilometres of prairies and lakes, and through eight Canadian provinces. You’ll see British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. You’ll travel through Vancouver, Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax on your journey of a lifetime!

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Cross Canada Coach Lines specializes in providing all types of charter bus services in the stunning landscape of Western Canada. Our range of buses caters to various group sizes and preferences, ranging from 11-passenger sprinters to 56-passenger coaches. Whether it's a corporate event, educational trip, family vacation, or any other group travel requirement, Cross Canada Coach Lines is the preferred choice for hassle-free and comfortable transportation solutions.

Cross Canada Coach Lines is a charter business that is growing exponentially. We have consistently expanded our fleet to meet the increasing demands of our valued customers. We have over 30 coaches in our fleet, and new units are added annually. With a vision to provide unparalleled comfort and unforgettable experiences to our passengers, we take pride in delivering exceptional service and solution excellence to every client we serve.

At Cross Canada Coach Lines, safety is at the heart of our operations. We recognize the responsibility that comes with transporting our valued passengers, and we take every precaution to ensure a safe and secure journey. Our drivers are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in the industry, and our coaches undergo regular maintenance and inspections to meet the highest safety standards.

Our mission is to exceed expectations and set a new standard for charter bus services in Western Canada. We are dedicated to providing the most comfortable and memorable experiences to all our passengers, ensuring they reach their destinations with complete peace of mind. Each interaction with our clients is approached with utmost professionalism and personalized attention as we strive to tailor our services to their unique needs.

At Cross Canada Coach Lines, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We listen to their needs, preferences, and feedback, using this information to continually improve our services and enhance the overall experience. Our customer-centric approach has earned us the trust and loyalty of numerous clients, including individuals, businesses, organizations, and travel planners who rely on us for seamless and enjoyable charter bus journeys.

The Future:

We are currently in the process of expanding our operations, setting up different branches to service many more touring companies in the Eastern market of Canada.

Leadership: Our company values strong leadership ; With our leadership, we are able to earn the trust and respect of not only our staffs but clients as well.

Strive for Innovations: Through experiences, we constantly seek improvements to effectively serve all our customers.

Positive Attitude: We take pride in our enthusiasm to genuinely assist the needs of everyone we serve.

Build Strong Relationships: It is our strengths to create people to people connections and with these bonds we earn the trust in our industry.

Customer Centric: It is our pleasure to provide the best service in our market place by taking in consideration of all our clients' needs.

Ownership: We take feedback seriously and are accountable for the actions we make through open minded transparency, effective communications and perseverance.

Cross Canada Coach Lines Ltd.

110-7280 River Road Richmond, BC V6X 1X5 Canada

(604) 800-7786

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Worried about an Air Canada pilot strike? Be careful about cancelling or rebooking your flights

Passengers wait to check in with Air Canada at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Sept. 9. Jimmy Jeong/The Globe and Mail

A strike by Air Canada’s AC-T pilots could disrupt travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers in the coming weeks, but consumers may regret rushing to cancel or rebook their flights ahead of any potential work stoppage, experts say.

Air Canada said on Sept. 9 it is preparing to suspend most of its operations as negotiations with its pilots union remain at a standstill. Sept. 18 is the earliest a strike or lockout could begin, with flight cancellations possible as soon as Sept. 13 for some international destinations, the carrier said.

The airline is allowing passengers who might be affected to rebook their flights free of charge within certain dates and awarding travel credits for those who cancel non-refundable fares. But consumers should keep in mind that by doing so they might forfeit some of their travel insurance coverage and rights to refunds or compensation under air passenger protection rules, insurance experts and consumer advocates warn.

What travellers need to know ahead of Air Canada’s potential pilots’ strike

Trip interruption and cancellation insurance covers a variety of unforeseen travel disruptions, including those arising from work stoppages, said Martin Firestone, president of Toronto-based insurance brokerage Travel Secure.

Coverage usually includes compensation for anything from extra hotel nights while you’re stranded away from home to the cost of a cruise you missed because of a flight cancellation, Mr. Martin said.

While some insurers started excluding an Air Canada labour disruption from coverage under new policies in mid-August, others continued to provide it until Air Canada warned on Sept. 9 it was preparing for a possible shutdown, Mr. Firestone said.

Still, no insurer will reimburse passengers for extra costs incurred because they rearranged their travel plans on their own, he added. Travellers must wait until their flights are cancelled to be eligible for coverage, he said.

The same holds for any trip interruption and cancellation coverage Canadians might get through their credit card insurance, said Barry Choi, a personal finance and travel expert.

Cancelling or rebooking flights on your own will also make you ineligible for protections afforded to consumers under air passenger protections rules in case of travel disruptions.

For example, airlines are fully within their right to provide travel credits, rather than a cash refund, to travellers who cancel non-refundable bookings, said Gabor Lukacs, president of consumer advocacy group Air Passenger Rights.

“They want passengers to cancel first because then they can avoid paying passengers compensation,” he said.

On the other hand, if a carrier cancels a flight during a strike, passengers would be entitled to choose between two options under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations , according to Mr. Lukacs.

If they want to continue with their travel plans, they have a right to a free rebooking, including on flights operated by other airlines, or they can opt for a refund. Consumers who chose the latter and have already started their trip are also entitled to a flight home if the disruption has compromised the purpose of their travel.

Those journeying outside Canada may also be entitled to additional compensation under international air travel rules, Mr. Lukacs said.

Passengers should also pay attention to whether the airline cancelled the flight after a strike has begun, or in the days leading up to it, he said.

Mr. Lukacs argues that any flight cancellations airlines implement in preparation for a strike constitute travel disruptions that should be deemed to be under the carrier’s control, according to Canada’s air passenger rules.

Under such a categorization affected passengers might be entitled to cash compensation as well as reimbursement for meals and overnight accommodation, among other things. Air Passenger Rights has brought the matter before the Supreme Court of British Columbia in a case involving WestJet, Mr. Lukacs said.

For now, Air Canada is operating flights as scheduled and has said its operations have not been affected.

The airline has been in talks with the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents 5,200 member at Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, for more than a year.

Air Canada Express carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines are not part of the current negotiations.

What are your questions about a potential Air Canada pilots strike?

The clock is ticking on a potential Air Canada pilots strike. Do you have questions about how a potential strike would affect your travel plans or upcoming flights? Have you experienced any issues rebooking a flight so far? Do you want to know if you're entitled to a refund or any compensation? The Globe wants to hear your questions. Submit below, or send us an email to [email protected].

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Where Kamala Harris Stands on the Issues: Abortion, Immigration and More

She wants to protect the right to abortion nationally. Here’s what else to know about her positions.

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By Maggie Astor

• Published July 21, 2024 Updated Sept. 12, 2024, 8:08 a.m. ET

Follow along with live updates and debate analysis on the Trump and Harris campaigns .

With Vice President Kamala Harris having replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket, her stances on key issues will be scrutinized by both parties and the nation’s voters.

She has a long record in politics: as district attorney of San Francisco, as attorney general of California, as a senator, as a presidential candidate and as vice president.

Here is an overview of where she stands.

Ms. Harris supports legislation that would protect the right to abortion nationally, as Roe v. Wade did before it was overturned in 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

After the Dobbs ruling, she became central to the Biden campaign’s efforts to keep the spotlight on abortion, given that Mr. Biden — with his personal discomfort with abortion and his support for restrictions earlier in his career — was a flawed messenger. In March, she made what was believed to be the first official visit to an abortion clinic by a president or vice president.

She consistently supported abortion rights during her time in the Senate, including cosponsoring legislation that would have banned common state-level restrictions, like requiring doctors to perform specific tests or have hospital admitting privileges in order to provide abortions.

As a presidential candidate in 2019, she argued that states with a history of restricting abortion rights in violation of Roe should be subject to what is known as pre-clearance for new abortion laws — those laws would have to be federally approved before they could take effect. That proposal is not viable now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe.

Climate change

Ms. Harris has supported the Biden administration’s climate efforts , including legislation that provided hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits and rebates for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“It is clear the clock is not just ticking, it is banging,” she said in a speech last year , referring to increasingly severe and frequent disasters spurred by climate change. “And that is why, one year ago, President Biden and I made the largest climate investment in America’s history.”

During her 2020 presidential campaign, she emphasized the need for environmental justice , a framework that calls for policies to address the adverse effects that climate change has on poor communities and people of color. She has emphasized that as vice president as well.

In 2019, Ms. Harris, then a senator, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced legislation that would have evaluated environmental rules and laws by how they affected low-income communities. It would have also established an independent Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Accountability and created a “senior adviser on climate justice” within several federal agencies. In 2020, Ms. Harris introduced a more sweeping version of the bill. None of the legislation was passed.

Ms. Harris was tasked with leading the Biden administration’s efforts to secure voting rights legislation, a job she asked for . The legislation — which went through several iterations but was ultimately blocked in the Senate — would have countered voting restrictions in Republican-led states, limited gerrymandering and regulated campaign finance more strictly.

This year, she met with voting rights advocates and described a strategy that included creating a task force on threats to election workers and challenging state voting restrictions in court.

She has condemned former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In a speech in 2022 marking the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said that day had showed “what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful.” She added, “What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we the people, all the people.”

Economic policy

In campaign events this year, Ms. Harris has promoted the Biden administration’s economic policies, including the infrastructure bill that Mr. Biden signed, funding for small businesses, a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped the cost of insulin for people on Medicare and student debt forgiveness.

She indicated at an event in May that the administration’s policies to combat climate change would also bring economic benefits by creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. At another event , she promoted more than $100 million in Energy Department grants for auto parts manufacturers to pivot to electric vehicles, which she said would “help to keep our auto supply chains here in America.”

As a senator, she introduced legislation that would have provided a tax credit of up to $6,000 for middle- and low-income families, a proposal she emphasized during her presidential campaign as a way to address income inequality.

Immigration

One of Ms. Harris’s mandates as vice president has been to address the root causes of migration from Latin America, like poverty and violence in migrants’ home countries. Last year, she announced $950 million in pledges from private companies to support Central American communities. Similar commitments made previously totaled about $3 billion.

In 2021, she visited the U.S.-Mexico border and said : “This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families, we are talking about suffering.”

More recently, she backed a bipartisan border security deal that Mr. Biden endorsed but Mr. Trump, by urging Republican lawmakers to kill it , effectively torpedoed. The legislation would have closed the border if crossings reached a set threshold, and it would have funded thousands of new border security agents and asylum officers. “We are very clear, and I think most Americans are clear, that we have a broken immigration system and we need to fix it,” Ms. Harris said in March .

Israel and Gaza

Ms. Harris called in March for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza and described the situation there as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” She said that “the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated” but also that “too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”

In an interview later that month , she emphasized her opposition to an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the city in southern Gaza to which more than a million people had fled. “I have studied the maps,” she said. “There’s nowhere for those folks to go, and we’re looking at about 1.5 million people in Rafah who are there because they were told to go there, most of them.”

She has said on multiple occasions that she supports a two-state solution.

Racial justice

Racial justice was a theme of Ms. Harris’s presidential campaign. In a memorable debate exchange in 2019 , she denounced Mr. Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and opposition to school busing mandates.

She has called for ending mandatory minimum sentences, cash bail and the death penalty, which disproportionately affect people of color.

Amid the protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, she was one of the senators who introduced the Justice in Policing Act, which would have made it easier to prosecute police officers, created a national registry of police misconduct and required officers to complete training on racial profiling. It was not passed.

Her record as a prosecutor also came into play during her presidential campaign. Critics noted that as attorney general of California, she had generally avoided stepping in to investigate police killings.

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor