Canada is very large. Flying from one end to the other takes over five hours, but driving lets you see more of the country. A road trip is not just about reaching places - it’s about enjoying the drive itself. ✨
First of all, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Highways are usually very well-maintained, no matter how remote the area.
- Some drives might be quite long, so be ready for hours of driving.
- There are mountains, lakes, and forests, so you’ll definitely want to stop a lot along the way to take in the scenery (not to mention the wildlife, such as bears, moose and eagles).
- The weather is quite fleeting and unpredictable.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here is a good 10-day road trip plan.
10-Day Canada Road Trip Plan
Day 1-2: Vancouver & Whistler (British Columbia)
Start in Vancouver, a city with ocean views, mountains, and great food. Rent a car and drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, a small mountain town. The drive is very scenic with many great stops along the way.
- Must-see: Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Whistler Blackcomb
- Lucky find: Shannon Falls, a tall waterfall near the highway
- Quick tip: Fill up on gas before leaving Vancouver & follow speed limits
Day 3-4: The Rocky Mountains (Alberta)
Drive to Banff National Park, home to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Then take the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, one of the most scenic roads in Canada. Watch for wildlife along the way.
- Must-see: Banff Gondola, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls
- Lucky find: Peyto Lake, a bright blue lake shaped like a wolf’s head
- Quick tip: Gas stations are rare in the parks, so fill up in town
Day 5-6: Calgary & The Prairies
Leave the mountains and head to Calgary, a city known for its rodeo culture. Then drive through Saskatchewan, a province with big open skies and small towns. The drive may seem flat, but there are interesting places to visit.
- Must-see: Calgary Tower, Drumheller’s Dinosaur Park, Grasslands National Park
- Lucky find: Cypress Hills, a forest area in the middle of the prairie
- Quick tip: Bring snacks, as the prairies have long stretches with no stores
Day 7-8: Toronto & Niagara Falls (Ontario)
Fly or drive to Toronto, the biggest city in Canada. There are many things to do here, and a short drive will take you to Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.
- Must-see: CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, Niagara Falls
- Lucky find: Toronto Islands, a quiet place with great city views
- Quick tip: Niagara Falls is very busy on weekends, so go early in the day
Day 9-10: Montreal & Quebec City (Quebec)
End your trip in Quebec, a province with a European feel. Montreal is a lively city, while Quebec City has old buildings and a charming atmosphere.
- Must-see: Old Montreal, Mont-Royal, Château Frontenac
- Lucky find: Île d'Orléans, an island with farms and cider houses
- Quick tip: French is the main language in Quebec, but many people speak English
Road trip tips 💡
- If you opt for a camper van instead of a car, you'll have more freedom and will be able to save money on hotels. Trickier parking, though.
- Plan for areas with few gas stations, filling up well ahead (don't wait until you're low).
- Watch for animals, especially in the mountains and northern Ontario. Be careful with and mindful of wildlife.
- Check the weather, as Canada's weather tends to change very quickly. Don't forget to bring extra layers!
- Canada is expensive, so keep an eye on your budget. You can save money by camping and eating at small diners.
- Bring music or podcasts for those roads with no radio or phone service.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time for a Canada road trip is definitely summer (June–September). The roads are clear, most attractions are open, and the weather is warm.
Fall (September–October) is also nice, especially in Ontario and Quebec when the leaves change color.
Spring (May–June) has fewer crowds, but some places may still have snow.
Winter road trips are possible, but you need to be prepared for ice and snow.
What to eat on the road?
Trying local food is part of the fun. Here are some Canadian foods to try:
- Poutine: Fries with gravy and cheese curds (best in Quebec)
- Nanaimo bars: A sweet, layered dessert from British Columbia
- Butter tarts: A sugary pastry popular in Ontario
- Maple syrup treats: Try maple taffy in Quebec
- Fresh seafood: Lobster rolls are best in eastern Canada
A road trip across Canada is a great way to see the country. You will drive through mountains, forests, and cities, each with something special to offer. And the best advice? Be flexible. Weather, road conditions, and unexpected plans may change your itinerary... but that's part of the fun. Pack your bags, plan your route, and enjoy the road!
Check out our guide for the ultimate road trip across the USA. 🇺🇸
.jpg)
.jpg)
