RV travel and destinations

Top 5 Must-Do Road Trips In Canada

Posted on November 19, 2019

Top 5 Must-Do Road Trips In Canada

From soaring mountains to quaint seaside communities, Canada is full of wonders to explore. These five must-do road trips are here to inspire you to travel to the best places in the country. Sight-see, eat famous foods, hike, shop, and more - all in one trip! Book a few days off from work because you will want to see as much as you can.


The Best West Coast Road Trip

The West Coast, which consists of beautiful cities, mountains, and scenic routes, is not something you want to miss out on. When travelling from Vancouver to Edmonton, you will be able to stop through several stunning places along the way.

Starting in Vancouver, British Columbia, the 1,260 km route would take you approximately 13 hours of driving. Be sure to book off more time so you can explore the spots listed below. Here is the perfect road trip from Vancouver to Edmonton:

  • Start in Vancouver and give yourself a few days to explore. Vancouver is the Seattle of Canada, so be prepared for a lot of different weather. Sight-see, eat great food by the water, and see why everyone in Canada wants to move there.
  • Your next stop is Bridal Falls, which is in a city called Chilliwack. Bring your hiking boots and experience one of the world's most amazing waterfalls.
  • From Chilliwack, there are many cute little towns along the way before you get to your next stop, Banff, Alberta. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Banff is home to the magical Lake Louise where the water is dyed a deep turquoise.
  • The second-to-last stop is Calgary, the largest city in Alberta. Calgary has plenty to offer, so it is recommended to stay a few days. Visit the Calgary Zoo and stop by the Calgary Tower, which has a great panoramic view of the city.
  • Your final stop is Edmonton, Alberta, the provincial capital. The city boasts the largest North American shopping mall, which is none other than the West Edmonton Mall. Complete with a full indoor water park and mini golf course, this mall has plenty to offer. No matter what time of year you go, Edmonton is a beautiful city. There are many museums and parks, and the downtown core is unlike any other.

You should plan to spend anywhere between 8 to 12 days on this road trip. Be sure to spend a few days in each city and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Vancouver to Edmonton

The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip

Nova Scotia Trip-504669-edited

Often overlooked, the East Coast is full of hidden gems. You will never find people who are nicer and see towns that are more beautiful than you will on the East Coast. Starting in Halifax and ending at the Cabot Trail, see sights that you’ve never seen before. This 600km road trip will take you approximately seven-and-a-half of driving. Here is the guide to the ultimate Nova Scotia road trip:

  • No matter what time of year you decide to go to Halifax, you are guaranteed to fall deeply in love with the city. Be sure to check out the Halifax Harbour and the famous Peggy's Point Lighthouse. Taking a boat tour on the ocean is also a great way to see the city!
  • Cape Breton will be your next stop. Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and it looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re big into hiking, then this is the spot for you. Take time to walk the Skyline Trail, which is part of the Cabot Trail.
  • The trip ends at the Cabot Trail. The scenic drive is a 300km loop of the tip of the island. Find ocean-side cliffs, wild animals, and breathtaking views. Even better? There are plenty of parks, which makes it easier to find a spot to park your RV.

You should plan to spend anywhere between seven to ten days. You will want to take your time exploring Halifax, Cape Breton, and driving around Cabot Trail to make sure you see all of its beauty.

Halifax to Cabot Trail

Sightseeing Ontario Road Trip

Ontario Trip

Realistically, when you think of Canada, you think of places like Toronto. Ottawa may be the capital, but Toronto is the New York City of Canada. Ontario is a must-see for any Canadian-bound tourists. This 870km road trip takes about ten hours of driving. Here are all of the best places to sight-see in Ontario:

  • Start out in Algonquin Provincial Park to experience the best camping that Ontario has to offer. Algonquin Park has a massive selection of campgrounds for RVs. Be sure to stay a few days so you do not miss out on the hikes, the clear water, and all of the activities that you can do here.
  • The next stop is the capital of Canada. Ottawa is a clean, beautiful, and diverse city. Take a tour of Parliament Hill, visit the restaurants and shops in ByWard Market, and stop by the National Gallery of Canada. Looking to learn more about the history of Canada and Ottawa itself? The city is home to 14 museums for you to explore and enjoy.
  • After a trip down the 401, you will reach Prince Edward County, which is a great place to stop and relax. Park your RV, stay overnight, and go to visit one of their many spas or do some wine tasting. Prince Edward County is a wonderful, little town to stop in before you go on to the next big city.
  • Keep following the 401 to Toronto, the capital of Ontario. A bustling city with a population of 2.73 million, Toronto is a hotbed of activity. Take a photo with the famous Toronto Sign in Dundas Square, go to the top of the CN Tower, and see Ripley's Aquarium. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum and have a lovely dinner in the Distillery District. For overnight parking, Canadian Walmarts allow RVs to park for free.
  • Your trip ends in Niagara Falls. Try your luck at the Fallsview Casino, or lose yourself in the beauty of the falls on the Maiden of the Mist boat ride. Enlighten yourself with a visit to the Cham Shan Buddhist Temple, see exotic birds at the Bird Kingdom, or take a stroll in the Botanical Gardens. Be sure to go to the top of the Skylon Tower, which gives panoramic views of the city.

You should plan to spend anywhere between 10 to 13 days to truly soak up all that this Ontario trip has to offer.

Algonquin Park to Niagara Falls

Must-See Quebec Road Trip

Montreal-1

Quebec. Ah Quebec, La Belle Province. Brush up on your French and learn why it is called "the beautiful province." This 360km road trip takes only four hours to complete. Here are all the must-see places in Quebec:

  • Start your trip in Gatineau Park, which is north of Ottawa. Camp in the summer, hike in the spectacular autumn foliage, or snowshoe in the winter and early spring. Go for a swim or canoe on one of the pristine lakes in the warm weather. Visit Camp Fortune for summer ziplining or winter downhill skiing.
  • Montebello is the next stop on the trip. A city of less than 1000 people, it is a quaint town where you can relax for a day or two. Visit Parc Omega, a drive-through wilderness park. Feed free-roaming elk and deer, marvel at bison, and learn more about wolves and bears. Hike the First Nations Trail before you leave. Stop at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello for a spa day before getting back behind the wheel.
  • The next stop is Montreal. Visit Old Montreal and be transported to Europe. See the Biodome or hike to the top of Mount Royal for a spectacular view of the city. See the bustling downtown core and take a tour of the Bell Centre, the mecca of hockey. When your stomach is growling, buy some poutine, grab a famous Fairmount bagel, or try some smoked meat.
  • The final stop is Mont Tremblant. Go skiing or snowboarding in the snowy seasons or visit the beach at Lac Tremblant in the hotter months. Learn about birds of prey and take an apprentice falconer class. Rent a boat and see the lake from a whole new perspective.

You should plan to stay at least five days as you would want to stay in Montreal for at least three and in Tremblant for at least one.

Gatineau Park to Mont Tremblant

The Prairie Road Trip

Flatlands-1

From Saskatchewan to Winnipeg, see the hidden gems of Canada's breadbasket. There is far more than wheat in the Prairies. The 1,120km trip takes 12 hours to cover. Here are the must-see places in the Flatlands:

  • The first stop is Saskatoon, which has a population of 250,000. See beavers at Beaver Creek conservation area, marvel at the complex ecosystem of the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands park, or paddle-board down the Saskatoon River. With 40 events taking place in the summer alone, from the Sundog Arts and Entertainment Faire to RibFest, there is an endless amount of festivals to attend.
  • The next stop is Regina, which is the capital of Saskatchewan. Visit the MacKenzie Art Gallery, take a tour of the medieval-style Stone Wall Castle, or get lost in history at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Try some games of luck at Casino Regina or see a play at the Regina Globe Theatre. Be sure to pick up some fresh food at the farmer's market for your trip.
  • Leave the city behind and visit the Big Muddy Badlands, one of Canada's best-kept secrets. Located on the American boarder, it is a natural wonderland. View the "Castle Butte," the 70 metre high relic of the Ice Age. Park your RV and roam the land for a bit.
  • Cross provincial borders and stop in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. See polar bears at the "Journey to Churchill" exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Learn about human rights at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and climb the Tower of Hope. See the world's largest collection of Inuit at at Winnipeg Art Gallery. Stretch your legs and walk the Exchange District National Historic Site. This 30-block district has America's most extensive turn-of-the-20th-century buildings.
  • The final stop is Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, which was built in 1830. Take a tour and walk among Canada's oldest collection of fur trading buildings. Learn about what life was like for a Hudson's Bay trapper and trader in the 1850s. The site is treaty land between the Ojibwa, Swampy Cree, and the Crown.

You should plan to stay anywhere between seven and ten days on this trip since it is a longer drive.

Saskatoon to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
Courtney Lundy
Courtney Lundy

Courtney Lundy is a content contributor at RVezy. She's worked as a copywriter and editor and is passionate about the creative side of content design and marketing.

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