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With 900,000 km of driving routes, Canada has enough roads to circle the globe 22 times, making it a great place to take a road trip. But despite the vast distances, planning a driving holiday in one of the world’s largest countries couldn’t be easier. You’ll find plentiful car hire in Canada, well-paved open roads and friendly stop-offs—all of which make journeying a breeze.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite road trip itineraries to get you started, as well as our top tips for planning a road trip holiday in Canada. Be sure to explore our interactive maps for a sneak peek at the stunning views awaiting you.
SEE ALSO: How to plan the perfect self-drive holiday with Canadian Affair
Contents
1. The best road trips in Canada
– Unlimited Adventures
– Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island
– Great Parks of the East
– Beaches, Islands, Lobster, Moose and More
2. Top tips for planning a road trip in Canada
– Applying for visas
– Hiring a car
– Car insurance
– Canada road trip checklist
The best road trips in Canada
Unlimited Adventures – 16 days
Towering snowy peaks, impressive mountain roads and an abundance of wildlife make the Rocky Mountains one of Canada’s star attractions. This route takes in three of western Canada’s best national parks and is perfect for an open jaw flight into Calgary and out of Vancouver.
Day 1 – Calgary
After your flight to Calgary, you’ll be able to pick up your personalised road book and take in the sights of Stampede City on your first day here.
Day 2 & 3 – Banff
(1 hour 25-minute drive)
Spend the day hiking, biking, horse riding, or just relaxing in the hot springs. Take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views of Bow Valley below.
Day 4 – Lake Louise
(40-minute drive)
The sparkling, blue lake is jaw-dropping with its proud backdrop of the rugged Victoria Glacier. Stroll around the water’s edge or take a chair lift to the top of Whitethorn Mountain.
Day 5 – Jasper
(7 hour 20-minute’ drive – this is one of the longest stretches in Canada but is along arguably the most beautiful road, Canada’s Icefields Parkway.)
Enjoy the endless sights along the Icefields Parkway, including a walk on the Athabasca Glacier and over the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk. You can also see Bow Lake and Peyto Lake before coming into the quaint town of Jasper.
SEE ALSO: A Guide to the Icefields Parkway’s Top Stops
Day 6 – Clearwater
(3 hour 20-minute drive)
The Yellowhead Highway takes you along the Thompson Valley to Clearwater, a beautiful unspoiled area north of Kamloops. En-route you’ll pass the majestic Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Rockies.
Day 7 & 8 – Gold Bridge
(6 hour 15-minute drive)
This quaint area is perfect for exploring British Columbia’s Gold Rush history. Investigate the old mine ruins and ghost towns left by early prospectors.
Day 9 – Whistler
(2 hour 20-minute drive)
You’ll be spoilt for choice in this active mountain community. There’s hiking and mountain biking to keep you busy, as well as a fantastic al fresco dining scene. A must-do is the Peak-2-Peak Gondola where you’ll witness superb views.
Day 11 – Tofino
(6 hours 35 minutes, including a two-hour ferry)
Situated along the south-western coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim National Park is a thin strip of magnificent islands, beaches, and dramatic seascapes. The ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island is beautiful in itself.
Day 13 – Victoria
(4 hour 20-minute drive)
The charming colonial city of Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. Enjoy the colourful downtown area full of boutiques, shops and restaurants, or unwind by Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.
Day 15 & 16 – Vancouver
(3 hours 15 minutes, including a two-hour ferry to Vancouver Island)
Even if you are planning a separate Vancouver holiday, this bustling city shouldn’t be missed on your road trip; perfect for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Visit Stanley Park, head to the beach, or visit the city’s museums.
Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island – 9 days
One of our quickest road trips, this short-but-sweet itinerary proves you don’t need two weeks or hundreds of miles to get to the good stuff in Canada. With return flights to Vancouver, it’s the best way to squeeze city and wilderness into one holiday on a time limit.
Day 1 – Vancouver to Victoria
(3 hours 15 minutes, including a two-hour ferry to Vancouver Island)
Pick up your hire car and start your adventure! Hop on the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island across the stunning Strait of Georgia.
Day 2 – Victoria
Embark on a whale-watching adventure aboard a Zodiac boat. Learn about the environment and habits of killer whales, minke whales and grey whales as you keep your eyes peeled for ocean giants and other marine wildlife.
Day 3 & 4 – Tofino
(4 hour 20-minute drive)
This scenic road through Vancouver Island passes spectacular, old-growth temperate rainforests as it leads you to the Pacific Rim National Park and the surf haven of Tofino. On your second day in Tofino, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable boat trip to see the region’s coastal black bears foraging on the shores.
SEE ALSO: What is your perfect Canada road trip driving song?
Day 5 & 6 – Sonora Resort
(3 hour 20-minute drive, then a short water taxi)
This luxury wilderness resort is like nothing you’ll have experienced before. Wildlife spotting opportunities are boundless and the natural beauty of the area will take your breath away.
Day 7, 8 & 9 – Vancouver
(4 hours 10 minutes, including a two-hour ferry)
Finish your tour in the vibrant metropolis of Vancouver for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Hop on a floatplane or boat ride for a unique view of the city from the water, or head over to the North Shore for more outdoor adventures.
Great Parks of the East – 15 days
This two-week circular tour starts in the cosmopolitan behemoth of Toronto before taking in the most vibrant cities on the east coast. Culture and nature come head-to-head on this diverse trail from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, to its beautiful regional parks.
Day 1 – Toronto
Collect your hire car ready for your adventure! Spend the day exploring Toronto, with highlights including a visit to the CN Tower and some of its trendy neighbourhoods for shopping and dining.
Day 2 – Midland
(1 hour 50-minute drive)
Drive through scenic Huron Country via Penetanguishene, an old native village.
Day 3 & 4 – Huntsville
(1 hour 35-minute drive)
It doesn’t get much better than the peaceful setting of Huntsville, surrounded by forests and lakes and perfect for boating and horse riding.
Day 5 – Ottawa
(4-hour drive)
Drive to Canada’s capital city via Gatineau Park with miles of cycling trails. In the city, explore the historic Parliament buildings or stroll by the scenic Rideau Canal.
Day 6 & 7 – Tremblant
(1 hour 50-minute drive)
Enjoy relaxing in the tranquil setting of the Laurentian Mountains.
Day 8 & 9 – Québec City
(3 hour 45-minute drive)
Soak in the history of this Francophone city, from Place Royal to Montmorency Falls.
Day 10 & 11 – St Michel-Des-Saints
(3 hour 20-minute drive)
Fertile plains, rolling hills and a beautiful lake. The scenery here is ideal for kayaking, mountain biking and hiking.
Day 12 – Montréal
(2 hour 15-minute’ drive)
Montréal is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city famed for its arts scene.
Day 13 – Kingston
(3-hour drive)
A trip to Kingston wouldn’t be complete without a cruise through the 1000 Islands waterway.
Day 14 – Niagara Falls(3 hour 45-minute drive)
Tick off one of the world’s most iconic sights when you experience these thundering falls first-hand.
SEE ALSO: Best scenic drives around Ontario
Day 15 – Toronto
(1 hour 25-minute drive)
The perfect way to end your tour. The short driving distance allows you a little more time in the city before flying home.
Beaches, Islands, Lobster, Moose and More – 18 days
This road trip takes in the best of the east as it meanders through Canada’s Maritime Provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Charming villages compete with lighthouses, whales, sand beaches and rugged highlands for your attention. With the most stunning coastlines and delicious seafood along the way, this region of Canada is an unspoilt gem.
Day 1 – Arrive at Halifax Airport
Pick up your car upon arrival and make your way to your hotel to check-in and refresh. You have the whole day to explore the nearly 270-years-old Halifax. Visit the historic Citadel, the Old Town Clock, the Public Gardens and the charming and lively harbour.
Day 2 – Drive along the Eastern Shore (275 km)
Today your epic road trip begins. Head north on the Marine Drive, a scenic route along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Make a stop at Sherbrooke Village, where animators dressed in period costumes will bring you back in time to the glorious 19th century.
Day 3 – Make your way to Baddeck (280 km)
Day 3 of your trip gives you the chance to explore the wildest and most remote parts of Nova Scotia’s northeast coast with an optional stop at the small fishing village of Canso before you head further north to Cape Breton Island. Overnight in Baddeck on the shores of the Bras D‘Or Lake.
Day 4 – Explore Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island is home to one of the most iconic and scenic drives not only in Canada but worldwide. The Cabot Trail is a 298km long road along the island’s coastline, rewarding travellers with picturesque views of the ocean, weaving through lush green forests, valleys, and waterfalls as it climbs from sea level up to 500m above the sea. A visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg is a must.
Day 5 – Baddeck to Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) (250 km)
Today you will drive back to Nova Scotia’s mainland to take a 75-minute ferry trip to Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada. Before that, make a stop at Pictou, the town renowned as the “Birthplace of New Scotland” (Nova Scotia).
Day 6 – Explore Charlottetown before you continue north to O‘Leary/Alberton (175 km)
Small but charming, friendly, and rich in history, Charlottetown will take you by surprise with all it has to offer. Visit the “Birthplace of Canada” – the Province House National Historic Site, admire the finest architecture of the Victoria Row, or head to the Confederation Centre of Arts.
SEE ALSO: Top Tips for Driving in Canada
Day 7 – Get to know more of Prince Edward Island
Drive towards the less-known Western part of the island where red sand beaches and delicious seafood awaits you on Prince Edward Island.
Day 8 – Drive to Richibucto (New Brunswick) (260 km)
Today immerse yourself into the beauty and charm of the New Brunswick’s Acadian Coast. Highlights of the day are the Bouctouche and Kouchibouguac National Parks and the theatrical village of “Pays de la Sagouine”.
Day 9 – Continue to Caraquet (175 km)
Caraquet is known to be the unofficial capital of French-speaking Acadians. Nature-lovers should visit the close-by islands of Lamèque and Miscou to enjoy sandy beaches and a great variety of birds.
Day 10 & 11 – Drive to Fredericton and spend a day exploring the provincial capital (300 km)
A scenic drive along the Miramichi River, famous for one of the largest populations of Atlantic salmon in Eastern North America, will take you to Fredericton at the very heart of New Brunswick. Spend a whole day strolling down the city on a bicycle or foot, enjoying its calmness, beautiful nature and historic sites.
Day 12 – Head south to St. Andrews (150 km)
St. Andrews is one of the oldest and most charming towns in Canada’s Maritimes. This seaside resort village attracts travellers with its rich history and culture, beautiful nature and marine life, hospitality, and a great variety of outdoor activities.
Day 13 – Discover the hidden gems of the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is renowned for the place with the highest tides on Earth (16m), home to over 15 species of whales and dolphins, many migrating birds and stunning dinosaur fossils.
Day 14 – St. Andrews to Shediac (370 km)
A scenic coastal drive will bring you to Saint John and its “Reversing Falls”. Highlights of the day though are Fundy National Park, further west, and the Hopewell Rocks. Often called the “Flowerpots Rocks”, you will get the chance to walk on the ocean’s bed around these stunning rock formations at low tide.
Day 15 – Make your way to Wolfville (300 km)
Visit the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, 14.7 km of cliffs revealing the world’s most complete fossil record of life from 300 million years ago. The area was pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Day 16 – Liverpool/White Point (160 km)
Your fly-drive holiday package includes a Tour & Wine Tasting at the Grand Pre-Winery today before you head to Kejimkujik National Park, a vast 381 sq. km park of lush forests, lakes and rivers offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Day 17 – Drive back to Halifax (160 km)
Your road trip continues along the beautiful south shore of Nova Scotia with iconic sites such as Peggy’s Cove, the most photographed lighthouse in the whole of Canada, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lunenburg, the scenic Mahone Bay and elegant Chester.
Day 18 – Departure from Halifax Airport
Top tips for planning a road trip in Canada
As you can see, a road trip through Canada is the ultimate adventure and now that you have an idea about some of the amazing routes available, check out a few of our top planning tips below.
Visas you need for a Canada road trip
Before you book anything, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada by air. If you wish to visit the USA as part of your trip (and we recommend Alaska), you will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to enter America.
How to hire a Car in Canada
There are plenty of options for car hire in Canada. Depending on what time of year you’re travelling, you may want to choose your car based on potential road conditions. If you’re planning on going off the beaten track or driving through the winter, a sturdy car such as an SUV might be more suitable. Be sure to check that you are allowed to drive your hire car in winter conditions, as there are laws on snow tyres and chains.
SEE ALSO: 10 best road trips in Alberta
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance is usually pretty cheap and when you’re setting off on a big journey, it’s important to make sure you’re covered. As there are plenty of adventure activities on offer in Canada, if you’re planning on trying rafting, skiing or something similar, make sure you are covered. While it’s unpleasant to think of an accident or illness ruining your road trip, experiencing either of these without travel insurance would be a nightmare.
Canada road trip checklist
For a full planning agenda, take a look at the below checklist for a few more tips to help you plan your road adventure in Canada.
– Pick a route
– Know how long the routes are to help you plan
– Plan your pit stops for breaks and photo opportunities
– Choose which season is best for your route
– Avoid snowy seasons. May is a perfect time due to less traffic and increasing light.
– Apply for visas
– Book flights
– Vancouver, Toronto, Québec, Calgary, and Montréal are all ideal locations to fly to.
– Don’t forget travel insurance
As you can see, a road trip in Canada is a truly wonderful way to see the many delights of this great country. With various sights and sounds on display, the open roads of Canada are the perfect option for a memorable adventure.
Check out further articles and guides to Canada on our blog for even more inspiration.
If all of this has got you excited for what’s possible, make sure to take a look at some of our fly drive holidays to Canada so you can get planning!
