There are some amazing ways to explore the Canadian landscape, but for a truly unforgettable experience have you ever thought of heading off on a road trip? As we’ve mentioned in our previous posts, the country is packed with amazing destinations just waiting for you to discover, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff or simply looking for the adventure of a lifetime.
While Canada may not be the first place to spring to mind when thinking of road-tripping, it’s actually the perfect country to enjoy the thrill of the open road. Read on to discover our ultimate guide to three of the best road trips in Canada, as well as essential planning tips and entertainment ideas that will definitely make your journey an unforgettable one.
Trans-Canada Highway Expedition
Starting point: Victoria, British Columbia
Destination: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Distance: 7,800 km
Let’s kick things off with a mammoth expedition that will take you from British Columbia all the way to St John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador. This epic road trip covers approximately 7,800 kilometers, passing through diverse landscapes and plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy too.
Key stops include the majestic Banff National Park in Alberta, where you can explore the iconic Rockies and relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs. Throughout the journey you’ll encounter the historic charm of Old Montreal, Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia, and, of course, the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls in Ontario.
Cabot Trail Loop
Starting point: Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Destination: Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Distance: 298 km
Ok, so a trip close to 8000 km might be a tad intimidating if it’s your first time driving across Canada, but a 298 km round trip should be accessible for most drivers and passengers. Starting and ending in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, this modest road trip will introduce you to the unforgettable views of the Gulf of St Lawrence. Although you could easily do the full trip in a day, we recommend either camping or finding a guest house to rest up overnight.
Along the way, make sure to stop at Cape Breton Highlands National Park and take a hike across the Skyline Trail. Head to the Fortress of Louisbourg to delve into 18th-century military history, and stop off at the charming fishing village of Chéticamp for a flavorsome fish supper.
Icefields Parkway Experience
Starting point: Jasper, Alberta
Destination: Lake Louise, Alaska
Distance: 232 km
According to Conde Nast Traveller, this particular road trip along the Continental Divide is one of the greatest drives in the world, so it’s definitely not one to miss. If you fancy checking out the majesty of the Canadian Rockies up close, this is the journey for you.
The Icefields Parkway is heaven for nature lovers, as this particular route provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting, with bears, elk, and mountain goats frequently seen along the way. It journeys through the Athabasca Glacier, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake before ending at Lake Louise.
Entertainment Ideas for Those Long Drives
The whole idea behind taking a road trip in Canada is to get away from the stresses of daily life and enjoy the process of traveling the open road. There may be times, though, when you need to seek some external entertainment, especially if you’re embarking on the Trans-Canada Highway Expedition and will be taking regular breaks.
One of the easiest ways to stay entertained is to pack your laptop and travel charger and ensure you’ve got a working internet connection (whether via Wi-Fi at a stop-off point or by leveraging your mobile data package).
Online games are a lightweight way to engage with fun and even challenging activities, and no, you don’t need to download any special software to enjoy them! The digital gaming industry is vast and encompasses a whole array of entertaining experiences, including puzzle games and even online poker. In fact, the latter is now such an established part of the gaming industry that iGaming platforms like PokerStars have made several beginner-friendly variants of this casino classic available throughout Canada. Online poker is much more accessible to play than the traditional version, especially since you can access resources and tutorials in the virtual realm that will get you up to speed on all its rules and intricacies. As well as gaming, you can also use your laptop to stream your favorite music playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks.
And make sure you download some documentaries about Canadian history to watch while you’re on a break from the road.
