west canada road trip 3 weeks

• Canadian Rockies Itineraries

Western Canada in 3 weeks – Road Trip Plan from Vancouver to Canadian Rockies and Back

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• January 19, 2024

I initially came to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa to do a road trip across the entire country. Since the visa allowed me a whole year for my stay I thought my plan should be manageable. 

I quickly learned it wasn’t. Canada is massive and unless I planned to spend the whole time behind the wheel sightseeing from the window of my car I quickly had to change my strategy.

I decided to shift my focus toward the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada, particularly the two most beautiful Canadian Provinces:  Alberta and British Columbia.   I spent over 14 months traveling between BC and Alberta. I’ve completed countless hikes and photographed many of the iconic spots in the Rockies. 

I have put together an  Outdoor Guide to the Canadian Rockies and Beyond  and with a clear conscience, I can tell you it will be your best online resource for planning your road trip across Western Canada. 

Know before you go

After seeing how popular Canada is in the summer, the number one piece of advice I can give you is to plan your trip well in advance.  Especially if your holidays fall within the busiest months of July and August. Often by January, many hotels are booked out for the summer.

As always my guides are completely free and if you find them useful, it would be awesome if you use the affiliate links provided in this post to book your accommodation, car rental, or motorhome. You are also welcome to share it with whoever might find it helpful. 

If you have any questions regarding the road trip plan or need advice, leave them in the comments! I always answer!

Vancouver – Canadian Rockies – Vancouver Road trip overview

The itinerary starts in Vancouver, one of the biggest transport hubs in Western Canada. It then heads north on the “Sea to Sky Highway”, stopping in Squamish and Whistler.

After spending a few days in the mountains it will take you into the Okanagan Valley, famous for wine and geothermal hot springs.

Afterward, it’ll be time to focus on the best part of the road trip – the Canadian Rockies. You will spend some time around quaint little mountain towns: Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise travel through the world-famous Icefields Parkway, and visit the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies – Jasper. 

On the way back west to Vancouver this guide will take you via Wells Gray Provincial Park and back along the Sea to Sky Highway to give you a chance to see all the things you didn’t manage to see on the way up.

How much time will you need?

Unless you plan on being in the car most of the time,  I wouldn’t recommend trying to tackle this distance in less than two weeks. Three weeks however is in my eyes an optimal time.  We all tend to rush through our lives, so giving yourself time to take it all in every once in a while will do you some good. 

If you have more time, consider  visiting Vancouver Island  or completing one of the awesome backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies . 

If this journey isn’t exactly what you’re after, I have also made itineraries for the  voyage from Vancouver to Calgary , or  Calgary to Calgary road trip focused solely on the Canadian Rockies.  

Vancouver – Canadian Rockies – Vancouver Road Trip Map

Below you can find the map of the whole itinerary. By clicking on the top left of the map you will find separate layers marking the route, photography spots, hikes, points of interest, and many campsites.

To hide/show different layers mark the check box next to the layer’s name. You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day

The Best Way to Travel Around Western Canada

Option 1: Rent a motorhome

Indisputably the best way to travel around Canada is in a Motorhome. With a camper, you’re never left with hotel bills and you’ll have the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time only having to pay small campsite fees.

When planning your road trip you can search through all the biggest campervan rental companies using the Motorhome Republic   booking search engine. A real-time saver. 

TIP: This itinerary travels in the region of 3,000 km. This information is important as you have to prepay for your kilometers if you rent a campervan.  

Option 2: Hire a compact car and stay in hotels

If you decide to rent a smaller compact car and bring your camping gear (or stay in hotels) use  Discover Cars  – It’s my go-to website when booking a car. 

If your motorhome doesn’t already include it make sure you buy a compulsory  Discovery Parks Pass  which costs ca. 150$ per vehicle and includes up to 7 people. The toll gate where you can pick one up is when you’ll be driving on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway as you enter Mount Revelstoke, National Park. 

Traveling in a motorhome? Here is what you should know about the campgrounds

When it comes down to campsites in Canada, you’re spoilt for choice, especially near all the spots enlisted in this plan. The majority of them are equipped with toilets and shower facilities as well as electric sites for those traveling in bigger motorhomes that require electrical hookups. 

I recommend campsites operated by Canada’s Park Authorities. Most of the campsites in the province of British Columbia are around 45$ per site per night.

Campsites in Alberta are slightly cheaper and you can expect to pay around CAD 40/per site per night. One site can fit up to 6 people so traveling in a group can be advantageous. 

In the peak summer months (July and August) you will find it very handy to book the sites at least 3-4 months in advance. The sooner the better. 

• All bookings in British Columbia can be made on the  BC Parks Reservation Website
• All bookings in the National Parks can be made on the  Parks Canada Reservation Website
• All bookings in Alberta (outside of national parks boundaries) can be made on the  Alberta Parks Reservation Website

My recommended 3-week road trip itinerary from Vancouver to Vancouver

Day 1 -3: vancouver to whistler on the sea to sky highway.

If you’ve been following my website for a while you’ll know that I am not a city fan. I always design my road trips around nature. This one is no different.

Although I have heard good things about Vancouver I always tell anyone who plans a road trip and has a very limited time frame, to not waste it on cities. They are all similar after all. If you want to see cities with lots of history go to Europe.  When you come to Canada focus on its beautiful landscapes! 

Your first venture will be the drive along the Sea to Sky highway.  You will spend your first two nights around this area.  This road will be your gateway to Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park, eventually ending in the resort town of Whistler.

I have gone into much more detail on the  Sea to Sky Highway in a separate post  outlining the best stops and activities to do along the way, as well as top picks for accommodation! 

Day 3-4: Whistler to the Okanagan Valley

From Whistler to the Okanagan it’s a 400 km/5 hour drive via the Pacific Coastal Mountains and the rolling hills and valleys of the Okanagan. You will continue northeast on Highway 99.

Two of my favorite stops along the way are Nairn Falls and the tiny Joffre Lakes Provincial Park . If you leave Whistler early you can plan a stop at either for a quick hike. You’ll be driving back the same way, so if you don’t have time to stop here on the way up, you can do so at the end of your road trip. 

Due to the microclimate and milder temperatures than the rest of the country,  the Okanagan Valley with its countless wineries and fruit orchards became the Napa Valley of Canada.  Purchasing fruit in the local markets along with wine tasting at one (or several) vineyards are some of the must-dos here. 

Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton are all cities in the Okanagan and boast many of the same attributes. They all lie on the shore of Okanagan Lake and each has its wineries and vineyards.

It’s a very relaxing place when you venture out away from the city centers, life moves slowly and it’s a nice chance to relax after exploring Whistler. Spoil yourself and book a tour around some vineyards. You can also  stock up on wine  and fresh fruit for the rest of your road trip!

Accommodation in Vernon (Night 3)

Fairfield Inn and Suites

For Luxury Fans

Sparkling Hill Resort

Day 4-5: Revelstoke and Glacier National Park

Your next destination after the Okanagan will be Revelstoke with a break in between for a soak in the hot springs. You will take 97 North first then Highway 6 East towards Nakusp.

It’s a stunning drive through hilly meadows. You can start to feel the earth around you getting bigger, rougher, and more jagged. This whole area has been created by the force of nature. One of them is the intense geothermal activity happening underground.

When driving from the Okanagan Valley to Revelstoke you should stop at the Halcyon Hot Springs or Nakusp Hot Springs for a chance to soak in the mineral-rich water. Nothing defines a “holiday” better than relaxing in a geothermal pool while gazing at the beautiful views ahead. Wouldn’t you agree?

On this section of the road trip, there are two ferry crossings both of which take you across Upper Arrow Lake. Both are free of charge and leave at regular intervals. The first, the Needles Ferry leaves every 30 minutes all day and the second the Shelter Bay Ferry leaves every hour finishing at midnight and starting again at 5 am. 

They both operate on a first come first serve basis and no prior bookings are required. 

After the second ferry crossing, it’s an hour’s drive to Revelstoke – the gateway to the Glacier National Park, where you will spend your 4th night.

Must-dos around Revelstoke

Meadows in the sky parkway.

The 26km parkway is a windy uphill drive that is home to many viewpoints and lots of wildlife. If you are not a hiker, this is your chance to summit a mountain without any effort.

Grizzly bears are a common sight near the summit and a myriad of hiking trails can be enjoyed at the top with incredible mountain vistas. Hint. Head there in the morning to skip the crowds and for the best chances to spot wildlife! 

The road is open from:

• 9 am – 5.30 pm between May 20th and June 15th
• 8 am – 5 pm June 16th to September 7th
• 9 am – 5 pm between September 8th and October 11th when it closes for the season winter season. 

Roger’s Pass

Another one of the stunning drives in British Columbia. Roger’s Pass is a famous mountain pass along Trans Canada Highway Number 1 across the  Selkirk Mountains in Glacier National Park .

You will be driving through it when heading to your next destination: Yoho National Park. Make sure you have your camera ready because, after each turn on this stretch of the road, your mouth will be opening wider! Oh, and we are just getting started! 

Accommodation in Revelstoke (night 4)

Regent Hotel

Best Western

Day 5-8: Yoho National Park & Lake Louise

Although Yoho National Park and Lake Louise are only 20 minutes drive apart, they lie in two different provinces. 

Since accommodation in Yoho is even more scarce than in Lake Louise, my advice would be to base yourself in Lake Louise and do your exploring from there. It will also save you from too many check-ins and checkouts! 

Best things to do in Yoho National Park and Lake Louise

Visit lake o’hara on a day trip.

If you have some determination in you, as well as tons of patience you absolutely should visit Lake O’Hara . I’ve been there twice already and it’s one of those places I plan on going back to in the upcoming year. Why? Because it’s freaking beautiful!

This fragile area is however subjected to limited visits and saying that the reservation system is a bit outdated would be an understatement. That’s why you will need patience to book your visit! If I sparked your interest in you check out my guide to Lake O’Hara. It will tell you how to score a spot and visit this region of Yoho National Park. 

Check out Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls 

There is no shortage of insanely blue and turquoise lakes in the Canadian Rockies and Emerald Lake is no exception. Where do you think it got its name from?  

As for the Takakkaw Falls. The whole picnic area at the base of the falls makes for a perfect lunch spot. If like me you are an avid hiker I would highly recommend squeezing in the Iceline trail in your itinerary. It starts near the base of the falls. Whenever I read any recommendations for  day hikes in the Rockies , the Iceline trail always scores at the top.

Hike around Lake Louise 

There are a lot of hikes in Banff National Park and some of the best of them are around the Lake Louise area. Plenty of companies offer guided tours too.

Whether you’re interested in an easy lakeside stroll or ticking off the summit of a nearby mountain I compiled  a list of my favorite hikes around Lake Louise  so you can get an idea of what you might fancy. 

Bear in mind that parking at Lake Louise is very limited and spaces often fill up before sunrise. Once they do the vehicles are turned around. It’s better to book a shuttle service with Parks Canada to ensure you get there stress-free.

See the World Famous Moraine Lake 

Moraine Lake is often the highlight for many visitors to the Canadian Rockies but take this as a warning. Only a few years ago during summer seasons, the parking lot at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise would fill up even before sunrise. This leads to traffic jams and overuse of the area.

TIP: Starting in 2023 Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial bus tours are permitted to travel on the road from June to mid-October.

This means you will need to plan if you want to include Moraine Lake in your Canadian road trip. Visit the Parks Canada website to learn everything about the shuttle service to Moraine Lake.

Accommodation in Lake Louise (Night 5, 6 & 7)

HI – Lake Louise Alpine Centre

Chateau Lake Louise

Day 8-10: Canmore and Kananaskis Country

You finally made it to the Bow Valley! I bet Whistler seems like a century away. Canmore is where I spent the majority of my time when living in Canada.

Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later! Don’t worry about driving past Banff either we’ll be visiting it on the way back up.

Canmore is also an ideal gateway into Kananaskis Country – an area in the Canadian Rockies that very few international tourists visit. 

Kananaskis Country is an amalgamation of over 10 provincial parks surrounding Canmore, many of which used to be inside the border of Banff National Park until its reduction in size in 1911. 

Things to do around Canmore

Scenic flight around mount assiniboine.

Due to the restriction on air traffic in the national parks, it’s not possible to do a scenic flight there, but because Canmore (and Kananaskis Country) lie outside of the national park boundaries flight options are available around here. 

If you’re unsure of where to go, my suggestion would be to do a  scenic flight around Mount Assiniboine.  Alpine Helicopters is one of the companies operating directly from Canmore. 

Check out some jaw-dropping hikes  

Canmore and Kananaskis Country are my favorite places to hike in the Canadian Rockies. I know I am repeating myself, but seriously guys, they are just too good not to share!

Check out my post about the best hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis Country  that was a whole year in the making! I just didn’t want to miss anything!

Practice your photography skills  

If the idea of hiking makes you cringe and you are more into photography, I’ve also got an article on the  best photography spots in and around Canmore . Some of them don’t require any effort to get to!

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Unfortunately, wolves no longer inhabit the Bow Valley (Banff and Canmore). Mainly due to irresponsible human activity. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates, and houses, wolfdogs from all over North America and it gives you a chance to learn more about these creatures.

Although the animals in the sanctuary aren’t strictly 100% wolf, some of these wolfdogs are extremely high content and impossible to tell apart. It’s a fun activity for people of all ages and really shines a light on the problem of rearing wolfdogs.

Accommodation in Canmore  (Night 8&9)

Blackstone Mountain Lodge

Solara Resort

Day 10-13: Banff & The Bow Valley Parkway

What’s next on the agenda? Well, pick up sticks and head 20 minutes along the Trans-Canada Highway to Banff. 

Banff National Park is as beautiful as they say, however to me personally the little town of Banff is a little overrated.

With a shopping strip on the main street, notorious summer traffic jams, and parking problems, it doesn’t really scream holiday. I sometimes wonder why would anyone want to travel halfway across the World just to go shopping. 

Maybe as a tourist, I’d view things differently but after being a resident of the Bow Valley for a while, my view is kind of skewed. 

Anyway, Banff is probably what you’ve been dreaming of when planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies so the last thing I want to do is to get you worried.

With a little bit of planning and booking your accommodation well in advance, you’ll have lots of fun here too! That’s why I’ve put together this itinerary. That handy piece of advice also goes for places like Whistler, Canmore, and Jasper.

Things to do around Banff

Bow valley parkway .

The Bow Valley Parkway is a shorter version of the Icefields Parkway, but don’t worry. You won’t be left high and dry in the awesome views department.

The 50 km stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise is home to  Morant’s Curve, Castle Junction, and my favorite – Johnston Canyon.  The   Bow Valley Parkway is also one of  the best places to spot wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. 

Please note that  From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m . on the 17-kilometer section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. This is to ensure the area remains a high-quality home for wildlife. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road at any time.  

The best and most environmentally friendly way to explore the Bow Valley Parkway is by joining an e-bike guided tour connected with Johnston Canyon Walk.

See the best photography spots

Banff is a dream location for photographers and I defy any itinerary not to include it. Its quaint high street gets pretty crowded in the summertime and so do many of  the photography spots in Banff .

The best time to visit the locations is as early as possible. The iconic photography locations close to Banff village are Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Surprise Corner, and the viewpoint up on Mount Norquay. 

Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Banff Hot Springs

If you didn’t get a chance to stop at Nakusp or Halcyon hot springs now is your chance. If you did, oh well you can always go again! The hot springs are located at the foot of the aptly named Sulphur Mountain.

The cost of the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountains is 62$ per person which personally I think is a tad pricey. If you’re able, give your legs some exercise instead.

A series of strenuous switchbacks for 5.5 km (3.4 mi), offer short glimpses through the trees of surrounding valleys but will be nothing compared to the view when you make it to the Upper Gondola Terminal on Sulphur Mountain. 

Save the visit to the hot spring for later! There is no better way to relax after some exercise than to soak in the hot springs.

Accommodation in Banff (Night 10, 11 & 12)

Banff International Hostel

The Moose Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 13 & 14: The Icefields Parkway

It’s time for the Icefields Parkway! If you haven’t heard of it already you are up for a treat.  If you think what you’ve seen so far was impressive, wait for the Parkway!  This road is the cherry on top of the cake. I really mean it! 

The 232 km stretch of road connects Lake Louise and Jasper encompassing what the Canadian Rockies are about: glaciers, jagged peaks, and lakes with such beautiful colors, it will be hard for your mind to grasp it all!

I have created a  separate guide dedicated to Icefields Parkway , including the best places to stop and all campsites, hostels, and lodges you can stay at along the way.  

Do everything in your power to travel along this road for at least two days! 230 kilometers may not seem like a lot, especially in a country as big as Canada, but there are so many beautiful spots along the way, that it would be a shame to just only spend one day on it.  

Hint:  Accommodation on the parkway is very limited  so make sure to book as far in advance as possible! 

Day 14-18: Jasper National Park

Wow, so you’ve just completed what National Geographic called “One of the Most Spectacular Drives in the World”. How does it feel? Pretty good right? Well, there’s even more to come.

Jasper is a small town that lies on the northern point of the Icefields Parkway. Its picturesque streets are home to many restaurants and its location makes it a great hub to nestle down for a few days whilst you explore the area. 

Things to do in Jasper National Park

Take the skytram up to whistler’s summit  .

As well as Squamish, Whistler, and Banff, Jasper has its own gondola too. It costs CAD 45$ and offers spectacular panoramic views from the top. You can hike to the top but it’s a 1000m elevation difference from the town. I haven’t yet attempted it.

Once at the top you can continue by foot another 200m in elevation gain to the summit of Whistlers Mountain or try the  Indian Ridge hike . An 8 km return hike to a spectacular ridgeline offering even more extensive views. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson! 

Check out one of these awesome hiking trails around Jasper

Jasper National Park is the biggest of the 7 parks that are collectively honored with the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rockies and more area equals more hiking trails. Jasper has some of the best in the world.

There are so many  hiking trails in Jasper  that you’ll never be able to do all of them but you’ll certainly be able to give some of them a go. Some of the most popular ones in the area are the stroll along Maligne Canyon,  The Valley of Five Lakes, Bald Hills & Sulphur Skyline. 

Visit iconic photo locations

If photography is your cup of tea then Jasper has some seriously epic locations for you. Reflecting lakes, raging rivers and jagged mountains are common here but to make the most of your time in Jasper, read my article,  Where to get killer photographs in Jasper National Park.

Go kayaking on Maligne Lake or take a cruise to Spirit Island 

Spirit Island is one of those iconic locations in the Rockies that always appears on everyone’s Instagram feed. If you are looking for an easier way to get there, then a cruise is your answer. You can pre-book them online (if you are traveling in the high season booking in advance is a good idea).

Keen photographers will be saddened to hear that the cruises are not licensed to operate at sunrise or sunset. If you want to experience those times you have to get there via Canoe, Kayak, or a boat with an electric motor.

I hardly doubt any of us travel with one in their bag so I’ve gone more into the possibilities on my  multi-day paddling guide to Maligne Lake . 

The road leading from Jasper to Maligne Lake is also a stunner and black bears are a common sight here. 

Accommodation in Jasper (Night 14, 15, 16 & 17)

HI – Jasper

The Crimson

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 18-19: Jasper to Clearwater via Mount Robson

Heading west out of Jasper along Highway 16, you’ll pass the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. The visitor center is ideally located to snap a picture of it or get some last-minute trail information if you’re planning on doing  the Berg Lake Trail  – another awesome  multi-day hike in the Canadian Rockies .

Hiking or biking part of it, to Kinney Lake only, is an alternative for those with less time on their hands. 

The Waterfalls

The next stop – Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. After checking into your accommodation or campsite you can visit one of the famous waterfalls along Clearwater Valley Road. The first of which is Spahat Falls, the second is Moul Falls and last, but certainly not least, the iconic Helmcken Falls.

Bears can often be sighted on these trails and at the roadside so keep an eye out for them. 

White Water Rafting

If you’re feeling adventurous then consider going White Water Rafting along the Clearwater River. The river has everything from Class 1 calm water to extreme Class 6 canyons. 

Accommodation in Clearwater (Night 18)

Dutch Lake Motel

Ace Western Motel

Clearwater Lodge

Day 19-21: Clearwater to Vancouver via Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

It’s finally time for the last leg of your awesome road trip! If you are running out of time you can follow Highway number 5 from Clearwater and join Trans Canada Highway 1 and be back in Vancouver within 5 hours. 

I recommend however to travel back the same way you came up, that is highway 99. The views along this road are way more spectacular.

If you haven’t stopped at Joffrey Lakes at the start of your journey you should certainly do it now. This tiny provincial park packs one hell of a punch! 

The first Joffre Lake, framed spectacularly below the hanging Matier Glacier, is only a 5-minute walk from the trailhead car park. The next two lakes are a bit harder to get to, but worth every effort.

The 10 km return (6.5 miles) hike to the Upper Joffre Lakes should take around 3.5 hours to complete (even though at the trailhead it says it’s 4 hours one way!). It’s one of the top hikes in British Columbia so make sure you don’t miss out. 

You can stay your last night in either Pemberton or if your flight leaves early the next day, consider staying your last night in Vancouver.  

Accommodation in Vancouver (Night 20)

HI – Vancouver Central

L’Hermitage Hotel

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

That’s it! I hope you will have an epic time traveling through Western Canada. As always any feedback is welcome.  If you have any questions about this itinerary leave a comment below.  I am always happy to help out! You can also find a lot more information in my  Canadian Rockies and Beyond Travel Guide! 

If you are looking for ways to extend this road trip, consider  visiting Vancouver Island  or completing one of these  awesome backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies . Happy travels! 

Useful travel resources for your road trip around Canada

Below are some links that will become useful for planning your road trip, which I have mentioned before. Please use the link below to support my site!

• Motorhome Republic  – A great search engine for renting motorhomes
• Discover Cars   – if you are after renting a smaller car and great customer service is important to you
• Booking.com  – my go-to search engine for booking hotels!
• Wildlife Guide  – Tips on when and where to spot wildlife in the Canadian Rockies.
• Parks Canada  – up-to-date information about campsites, trails & any wildlife warnings.
• Wikicamps app  – it will help to navigate you to your campsite, popular visitor spots, public washrooms, etc. 

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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Thanks so much for putting this itinerary together. I will be traveling to Canada with my husband and 3 year old daughter from the 18th of September until the 12th of October (2024) and used your road trip plan as inspiration. We are flying in and out from Vancouver and what we love most about this trip is that it also added some time at the Okanagan. We are also very much citypeople and even though we are coming to see nature, we wanted to end in Vancouver to see the city.

We have planned to stay in Vancouver the last 5 days and we decided to stay at the Okanagan for a night more than your suggested itinerary. All the rest is directly copied from your plan. It has been a struggle though to find accomodation at Lake Louise and Banff and now we have found something in Field. I am wondering why you have chosen to spread the hikes in Banff between these to places and why you decided to do Canmore in between. I am trying to figure out if we could stay at Field twice instead, or maybe stay in Field longer the first time and then just stay longer in Canmore as well. It would then be 5 nights total in Field and 5 nights in Canmore (since your plan is 3 nights around Lake Louise, 2 nights in Canmore and 3 nights in Banff). I’m having a hard time figuring out where the best place to stay is for the best day hikes in Banff NP.

Hope you can help out 🙂

Hi Francesca. Thanks for following my itinerary! You can visit the sights in Lake Louise whilst staying in Field and you can also visit the sights around Banff when staying in Canmore. They are close to one another. I hope that helps!

Hi, I am so impressed with your itinerary and am thinking of doing this during Fall (September/October) 2025. However, I would like to know if it is possible to catch the Northern Lights during this season. I visited Vancouver in 1986 (39 years ago travelling with a travel agency). My wish is to do it on my own road trip with my husband. Please advise. Many thanks for all your hard work.

Hi Violet. Thanks for your great feedback. Now to your questions. Whilst the northern lights do sometimes appear in the Rockies they are nowhere near as strong as in Northern Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories or Manitoba). Most of the time you only see a faint glow in the Rockies. Shooting with long exposure can catch the colours. The really strong Aurora happens very rarely in the Rockies. If your objective is to see the northern lights then go more North.

Hello Marta,

First of all thanks for sharing your invaluable experience with everyone! it’s such a detailed plan with all considerations! we also live in Vancouver and are planning to do this around June. Since I can work remotely, I want to plan a 60-day round trip in way I get to work 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) and take the other 3 to rest. Also, I will be doing this with my new TESLA Model Y, so there are some considerations around that, but as long as we take Trance Canada HWY we should be good! you have already shared a lot of great things here, I was wondering if you could help me plan better! Thanks again for your guide and information

Hi Alireza. You can send me a message via my trip planning advice page and we can take it from there.

As a first time visitor to Canada I appreciate the effort you put into this guide. I’ve saved it so I can reference it on the trip. Due to commitments back down under I can only visit in March, would most if the places you mentioned be open still? I’ll be in a campervan. Cheers

Hi. March isn’t an ideal time to travel. You should expect winter conditions in many places. March is still very much ski season. Most hikes won’t be accessible. Many campsites will be closed (for example along the Icefields Parkway). Can you still travel, of course you can, but just come well prepared, be comfortable driving in winter conditions and pack many warm clothes.

We are cruising from Australia over a 31 day period and arriving at Seattle on the 1st.May, and then Flying to Vancouver. We are planning an approx. 25 days of hiring a car and setting off immediately to Squamish/Whistler and back down to Okanagan, Revelstroke, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Wells Gray, back to Whistler and Vancouver. We then plan a few days on Vancouver Island and then head home. This itinerary is still being worked on with the various sites in each town and the duration. I have read your 3 week touring blog on this as well (Thank you so much) and as well as the many questions being put forward. Is this the best way to go, is first week of May too early to be travelling, I would add that we were planning to do the various walks to look outs /Water falls ,lakes ect but nothing too strenuous or dangerous. We were also unsure as to whether we should book hotel accommodation in advance…thankyou would appreciate any feedback…kind regards, John

Hi John. You can already travel the Rockies in May, but you might not be able to see everything. For instance Moraine lake road doesn’t usually open until Mid-May. You should be able to get hotels on the go as it is still very much low season. You can expect winter like conditions in high elevation places for example Icefields Parkway or Lake Louise but the valleys etc will be clear of snow. I hope that helps.

Hello Marta, I would like to ask you which one did you like more? The Canadian Rockies or the Dolomites? I would want to go to one of them this year but i don’t know which one to choose. If you would have to pick one, which one would you do again? Thank you very much.

Hi Sofie. I loved both for different reasons. I currently live in the Alps close to the Dolomites. I moved here to be closer to the Dolomites and I do love it, however sometimes I find it sad how developed the alps are. I swear if people could they would but a mountain hut every few hundred meters and a gondola to every summit. You don’t have that in the Rockies. There you can expect vast open spaces with not much civilization in sight. The Dolomites are certainly easier to travel around. The hut network makes it really easy to move across the mountains with very little on your back. In the Rockies I had to carry a 20kg backpack on my bag and all the food if i wanted to spend some time in tbe backcountry. The wildlife is also more amazing in the Rockies, but the wildfires can be horrendous and ruin your holiday. Dolomites win when it comes down to adventuring. The via ferrata network is just amazing. You need to ask yourself what your priorities are. If you are a solo traveller I think the Dolomites are much safer due to wildlife. I hope that helps!

first of all thanks a lot for providing all your knowledge here.

Me and my girlfriend want to do a trip like you suggested. We are coming from San Francisco by plane and need to chose the destination airport. Which city would be ideal to rent an RV from? I am sure this highly depends on the typical routes (Meaning if you want the best value option, try to do the tour in reverse, e.g. renting in Calgary vs Vancouver) – I hope this makes sense 😉

Many thanks once again for your help!

Hi Jonas. Thanks for stopping by. I reckon this is a hard question to answer. The GST is lower in Alberta if that’s what you are asking, but there are so many other things to consider that I reckon it might drive you crazy trying to find out the best deals + flights etc. You can either do Vancouver to vancouver trip or Vancouver to Calgary. Vancouver to Calgary is my favourite option because you starts at sea level and you leave the best for last (meaning the Rockies). I always tell people, once you see the Rockies a lot of other destinations won’t be as fascinating. I hope that helps a bit.

I’m thinking of traveling in the first three weeks of May. Is it too early for hiking? Are there specific routes you think are more appropriate? How about RV versus hotels? Any resources would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Sherry. Thanks for stopping by. May is still a bit early to hike. Although truth is you can find hikes at any time of the year. Lower elevation hikes, valley walks are generally doable year-round. Also trails that don’t cross avalanche terrain or are South exposed (here the snow melts a lot quicker). The official hiking season is around mid-June until the end of September. October is generally still ok to hike too. As for travelling in a motorhome. It’s doable if your camper is equipped with heating. The nights can still be cold. Also not all campsites are open in early May, but some already are. I did the Elfin Lakes Trail at the end of May. That can give you an idea how much snow there still is at higher elevations. Once again though in the valleys you will already have full on Spring. The great advantage of travelling at that time is the very small amount of tourists.

Fantasitic itinery which I am interested in following. However, I am struggling to understand exactly where you have stopped each night. Apologies if I am missing something obvious, but do you have a simple list of which town you stayed in each night so I can get an idea where and how long you stayed in each place?

Everything else is amazing and thank you for putting this together.

Hi Michael, under each location there is a subsection that is titled “accommodation in…. (night …) that way you know exactly where I was staying. If that section is missing like for example for night 1 and 2 that is because I am talking about spending time on the Sea to Sky highway and linking to another article. In that article you will find recommendation about where to stay or accommodation in along the Sea to Sky highway. I hope that explains it. Let me know if you have more questions 🙂

Hello We will be in Canada from May 13 th to June 3rd and would like to rent a RV to go from Vancouver to Calgary.

Our plan is to stay in Vancouver for 2 days and rent the RV. I am a little concern about the weather. Is it too soon to do the road trip ? Will it be too cold to stay in a RV ? Thank you for your response

Hi Mimi. Thanks for visiting. You should consider my Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary then. As for your question. It is fine to travel in the second half of May as long as hiking isn’t your main objective as some trails will still have snow on them. That doesn’t mean you can’t hike. You will just have to choose south facing trails, where snow melts quicker, valley walks or lower elevation hikes. Nights can be cool, but RV’s have heating systems in them so that shouldn’t be an issue. Day’s are already pleasantly warm. Mosquitos do start to be a burden during that time though, so definitely something to consider. I hope that helps!

Hi Marta, love this entire trip! We are planning on maybe doing this trip as closely as we can to your plan however we need to get it done in 16 days, is there parts of the trip which would more advisable than others to either skip or not spend as much time on? Love your site!

Thanks, Kyle

Hi Kyle. Thanks for visiting. I would recommend that you do a one way trip from Vancouver to Calgary (it’s possible to book a camper that way). Otherwise I would cut out the Okanagan Valley and from Whistler travel straight to Revelstoke. I would connect Canmore with Banff and stay in this area for 3 days instead of 5 as per my article. Also cut a day in Jasper NP. That will save you a few days alltogether. I hope that helps!

Are there hard copies of these itineraries available and how does one get them. I am interested in the 3week Canadian Rockies drive as well as the Vancouver Island drive.

Hi Charlotte. Thanks for visiting. I wish I could help further, but unfortunately I do not offer hard copies of these itineraries. The way I earn money through this blog is advertising, when I receive site visitors, like you. Hard Copies would basically take away my income.

My husband and I (doesn’t that sound very British!) are planning a three week RV road trip leaving on Aug 24 next year. I’m pretty certain we will do your suggested trip exactly but just wanted to check with you the amount of days in Jasper and Banff. We intend to do a lot of hiking but as we are by no means professional (we need to put some serious practice in between now and next summer) we will probably be doing more of the easier 5 hour ish day hikes that don’t require a degree in map reading. With this in mind is it still a good idea to spend that amount of time in both parks? I would really like to get some whale watching in too so am trying to see what we can fit in and what we could cut without missing out. And wish me luck getting tickets for the Lake O’Hara Bus!

Hi Mel! Thanks for stopping by. Wow you are really on track when it comes down to planning! Have you considered following my Vancouver to Calgary itinerary instead? It goes over 2 weeks and it will give you a few days to go to Vancouver Island too to see the whales. Starting in one spot and leaving from the other means a lot less driving and a lot more time to actually enjoy the ladnscape. I have itineraries for both. Just follow the links! If your objective is to hike then you really shouldn’t cut the days for JAsper and Banff NP.

Absolutely love your blog. So helpful and informative. We are planning on doing a route very similar to your 3 week roadtrip. We were originally planning on 3weeks in June 2024 however having read a bit more we’re wondering whether September might be a better option. We want to avoid the crowds of July and August but still want the decent weather and to be able to hike etc… Any advise on whether you would chose June or September?

thank you!!

Hi Emma. Yes if you can go in September. At the moment there is quite a bit of smoke in Jasper NP. It seems like the summer will already be quite smoky and filled with wildfires. Whilst September is still quiet touristy especially in main areas it is definitely a lot quieter then the summer holidays and school holidays. By September the skies are also usually clear and the wildfires subside. June is also terrible for mosquitos. If you were to travel in a campervan you would have to pack a lot of mosquito repellent 🙂 I hope that helps!

Your Knowledge of this beautiful country looks and sounds amazing . Myself and my wife are looking to take an epic adventure of western Canada for four weeks in May 23 for our joint 50th birthdays . Would the above be suitable. We are gonna hire a big camper van and travel and maybe finish on Vancouver island .wanna do as much as possible and see as much . Thanks

Hi Aaron. Sounds like an amazing journey that you are planning. You can combine this route with my Vancouver Island mini road trip guide . That will cover your 4 weeks. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy travels!

What an amazing and helpful website you’ve got. I’ve got a question. We have rented a motorhome for 6 weeks from 23 May – 6 July. We don’t normally like making reservations for campsites (or hikes) as we prefer deciding what we would like to do whenever we’re there. However, I’m starting to get a bit stressed when it comes to popular spots like Banff and Jasper. Do you think we need to book our stays for the month of June in advance as well? Takes a bit of the spontaneous go with the flow experience away.. Anyway, would love to hear from you! Keep up the good work!

Cheers, Stephana

thank you so much for this trip! it what I am going to base my holiday around! though we are camping/RV do you have any favorite camp ground or things we shouldn’t miss

thank you Lucy

Hi Lucy! Thanks for the great feedback. I really liked the Alice Lake campground near Squamish and I think campgrounds in the Kananaskis country are awesome too (for example the Upper Kananaskis campground). All in all I would say don’t miss Kananaskis country. To me it was even better than Banff NP. Luckily I do include it in my itinerary. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions! Happy travels!

Heya Marta!

Thank you for this AMAZING Blog you have created, it has given us so much information that we needed for our trip. We are hoping to plan our 3 week trip to Canada From June – July 2023 (hoping we haven’t left it too late to book flights/hotels/campsites etc) we are hoping to rent an RV for the entire trip I’m assuming insurance to drive vehicle is included in package on RV websites ? Do you have a rough guide or break down of cost of the trip would be ?

many thanks for your time,

Hi Steph. Thanks for stopping by and for your great feedback. Regarding the insurance, you usually are faced with several options when booking the RV, usually towards the end of the booking process, depending on the extent of the insurance, that you want to pick. Campsite bookings for next summer season usually open between November and January, so if I were you I would already start with the bookings as spaces are limited. As for the breakdown costs, it is really hard to tell and highly depends on the type of traveler you are, how many of you will be there, etc. RV rentals have skyrocketed after the pandemic, but so have hotel prices and everything else. Sadly. My rough estimate would be 200 CAD/two people including one meal daily in a restaurant, the other meals prepared by yourself in the van, campsites, and petrol. Activities, flights and RV would be extra

Thanks so much for your fab website. My boyfriend and I would love to drive a similar route to your Vancouver, rockies and back however we would love to go a bit further maybe up to Alberta and also do it in Winter. We would love a 4×4 with tent on roof type thing. I would love your advice with this as there isn’t much out there and want to be prepared.

Thank you so much. Eloise

Hi Eloise. Thanks for visiting. This road trip goes through both British Columbia and Alberta. Actually, most of the time is spent in Alberta, so it sounds like it would suit you right. As for driving and sleeping in a tent in the winter, it’s possible, but you really need to be prepared and know what you are getting yourself into. Most campsites are already shut, also it is bitterly cold, down to -30, -40 degrees. You will be faced with such issues as water tank freezing. You need to have a really good car battery, otherwise, you might wake up not being able to start your car in the morning. Some cars are equipped with special block heaters and you plug the cars in overnight to keep the battery warm and ready to start. Humidity can be a big problem in the tent in the winter, so your tent should be a 4 season one and your sleeping bag should be high alpine sleeping bags. If you are into this kind of thing and survival then go for it, but make sure you are also enjoying your trip along the way. Carrying snow chains might be useful. Also bare in mind that some roads are closed in the winter, the most prominent of all being the Moraine Lake road. You can however do other things like skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating etc. Let me know if you have more specific questions.

Hi Mart, came across your post and found it super useful. Big Thank You to your efforts. I am planning a Vancouver – Rockies mountains – Vancouver in 14 days in November this year. Will it be a good time to drive a motorhome or is it better off to rent a car to get around? I am concern about November being close to winter season and the road condition might be a little challenging for motorhome. What would be your advice? Thank you.

Hi Bryan! Thanks for your feedback. I would say rent a normal car, not a motorhome. I reckon the cut-off time for Motorhomes is September, after that the nights get frigid cold and the humidity that builds up in the vans becomes a big issue. I stayed in my van until the end of October and honestly I was over it. It was a daily struggle to even get dressed. Also, the campsites will be shut by then so you won’t have that many possibilities to recharge batteries etc. Go for a small car and hotels. You will enjoy it a lot more! I hope that helps.

Wonderful! We hope we can finally go this summer (it got canceled last year). We do 3 weeks with a motorhome, but my family also wants to visit Vancouver Island. What would you skip and how long would you say we need for Vancouver Island?

Hi Manouk. Sorry about your cancelled trip last year and fingers crossed it will happen this year! As for your question. I do have a 4 day mini road trip to Vancouver Island and then a two week road trip from Vancouver to Calgary which you should combine, that would give you a total of 3 weeks with a couple of days spare if you wanted to get back to Vancouver instead. You ca find them in the road trips category of my canadian rockies guide. Please let me know if that helps and if you have more questions!

Hi Marta, while preparing our trip I came across your website. A great source of information and inspiration! In May we will make a trip through western Canada with a camper. I was curious about the map with your route, but it seems that it is not shown?

Hi Leon! I have recently migrated my site and the maps didn’t migrate properly. I had to upload them back up manually and I am happy to report that they are up and running again! Let me know if you have any troubles seeming them! Thanks!

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3 Weeks In Canada Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

When I decided to go on a vacation in Canada, the planning was quite overwhelming. It’s such a big country and the places I wanted to see are so far apart from one another.

I mean, people who holiday in Canada probably just go for a week or two, but an entire 3 weeks is kind of a lot and sounds expensive. But my mind was set on it. What I learnt from my planning was really interesting. I even found out about places I’d never heard of but was really curious to visit.

Did you know that 77% of the world’s maple syrup is also being produced in Canada, particularly Quebec? That’s why this place will seem like a haven for maple syrup lovers. You bet they have a wide variety of maple syrup-flavoured treats.

Aside from that, Canada has around 2,000,000 lakes , which is why this country is perfect for people fond of bodies of water. So, what else could we see in Canada? It has rainforests, rocky mountains, fjords, crystalline glaciers and sweeping prairies – not to mention the spectacular Northern Lights.

Some exceptional sceneries in Canada include Cavendish Beach, which is well-known because of Anne of Green Gables . In these Queen Charlotte islands, travellers can experience summer festivals from June to August. You will also find totem poles and argillite carvings here.

Banff National Park also has glacier-fed waters that sparkle and an alpine backdrop. This place looks so picture-perfect that it is a shot straight out of a movie. These are only the tip of the iceberg in the areas you could visit in Canada.

While I only had 3 weeks in Canada, I actually managed to see so much. I visited a bit around late summer and managed to get up in the north where winter starts early.

ALTERNATIVE: 3 weeks in USA Itineraries

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO CANADA

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area, second to Russia. That’s why it would take a lot of time to visit and experience everything the country has to offer.

If you stay for three weeks in Canada, make sure that you choose the places you want to see the most and do the things you want to do to make the most out of your 3 weeks in Canada. It would also be helpful if the places are near each other.

Book your flight and accommodation early if you want to spend less . Here are other things you need to know before going to Canada.

Best time to go to Canada

Naturally, summer is the best time to go to Canada because you can go hiking, swim in glaciers and lakes, see fjords, lounge around on beaches, and have road trip s.

This season is also better for people who aren’t used to the cold because it would hinder your travelling if you are sensitive to cold temperatures. 

However, many activities could be done during the winter, including dog sledging, sleigh rides, skiing, ice hiking, ice hockey, fat biking, curling, and ice skating.

Who would forget hot springs, of course? This feels very relaxing and rewarding after being out in the cold for a long time. If hiking is in your travel plan , late spring or early autumn is a great time to do it in Canada.

Are 3 weeks enough for Canada

Canada is a massive country. Although there is a good railway system in most parts of the country, it’s not good enough to travel across different provinces in just 20 days

However, if you have three weeks to spend in Canada, with good planning, you will be able to visit 3-4 cities in 2-3 different provinces.

If you like it, then you have more reasons to come back next time. Perhaps a winter trip or a stunning spring adventure.

If you choose cities that are near one another, you can even rent a car and make your vacation a road trip.

Cost of a 3-week trip to Canada

Canada is not a cheap destination for a holiday, but it can be done if you know where to go, when to go, and where to stay. Accommodation will cost the most. Food and transportation are reasonable, while there are free walking tours (tip-based) that you can book. Here’s a budget idea:

For an affordable three-week trip to Canada, budget travellers can expect to spend around $80-$120 CAD per day on accommodation in hostels or budget hotels, meals at inexpensive restaurants or groceries, and local transportation, totalling approximately $1,600-$2,400 CAD for the entire trip.

Mid-range travellers may allocate $150-$250 CAD per day for comfortable hotels or vacation rentals, dining at mid-range restaurants, and occasional tours or activities, amounting to roughly $3,000-$5,000 CAD for three weeks.

For a luxury experience, travellers can budget $250-$500 CAD or more per day for upscale accommodations, fine dining, private transportation, and exclusive experiences, totalling $5,000-$10,500 CAD or higher for the entire trip.

Prices may vary depending on the specific destinations visited, season, and personal preferences. You should also remember that the main flight to and from Canada is not included in these estimations.

How to get around

In Canada, getting around as a tourist varies based on the region . In urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, public transportation including buses, subways, and trams is efficient and affordable.

For longer distances between cities, domestic flights are the fastest option, although they can be pricey. Train travel via VIA Rail is available in certain regions (not all), offering scenic routes but may not be the fastest or cheapest option.

There are also buses- which are the cheapest, but it’s only worth taking if the ride is no more than 8 hours.

Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas or national parks , providing flexibility and convenience, but it may not be necessary in cities with good public transit.

For exploring the cities, you can use the local metro, buses or ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Facedrive, and TappCar.

Canada has one of the strictest visa policies. The government offers free visas to limited nationalities. This included anyone from North America, some parts of Latin America (Brazil, Chile, French Guiana), most parts of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The visa is valid for up to 180 days. Visitors must get an eTA (electronic travel authorization). If you have a valid US tourist visa, you can also apply for an eTA if you’re from these countries , but you must arrive by air only.

Package tours

Avoid the hassle of planning transportation and booking hotels and tours by opting for a package tour. The tour company will handle everything for you. All you need to do is pack your luggage, book your flight to Canada, and show up.

In this way, you can actually focus on exploring Canada, soaking up the beauty, and relaxing. Take a look at each itinerary and see if it’s something that suits you.

Other basic travel tips

Just a quick blurb of tools I usually use when travelling anywhere in the world; car rentals, sites for hotels and accommodations, travel insurance (which is now required by many countries where COVID-19 should be covered), and tour booking sites.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE SPOTS IN CANADA

You may click the top-right icon to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN CANADA ITINERARY

The first portion that we would tackle in this itinerary for 3 weeks in Canada is the Western part. Since Canada is so big, we divided the areas into east and west. We even have a bonus portion wherein we discuss where you could go during the fall and winter. 

Itinerary #1: West Canada

Western Canada has four provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba . British Columbia is the most distinct in cultural, economic, and political matters among the four.

Some of the things you could do or places you could visit during your 3 weeks in western Canada include visiting the following:

• Summit of Mount Norquay
• Banff Gondola and National Park
• River rafting at Thompson River
• Vancouver Island
• Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
• camp or hike at Glacier National Park
• Camp at stunning Lake Louise or stay in a houseboat – here are the best things to do in Lake Louise
• Fairview Lookout
• Devil’s Thumb

If you want to have a road trip in Canada, you can drive through the Trans-Canada highway because you can pass by most of the places indicated here.

Vancouver for 4 days (BC)

You seriously wouldn’t run out of things to do in your 3 weeks in Canada because there’s just so much to explore. In Vancouver, for instance, you could visit the following:

• Join Gastown food tour
• Anthropology Museum
• Vancouver FlyOver
• Hike around the Grouse Grind
• City and Seal Boat tour
• Cycle around Stanley Park
• Grouse Mountain & Capilano Bridge
• Kayak in Deep Cove
• Book a Panorama Tour by Seaplane

If you want to slow down and truly feel like you’re having a vacation, you can have dim sum and find your zen in Chinatown. They have tons of Chinese gardens which incorporate Confucian and Buddhist traditions.

You can also visit Granville island via aqua buses. You can sip on premium teas, sample fine chocolates, hear buskers, and shop for organic produce on this peninsula. 

• Budget to Mid-range Accommodation: Samesun Vancouver or YMCA Hotel
• Luxury: Paradox Hotel or Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Glacier National Park for 3 days (BC)

Speaking of parks, another park you could visit is Glacier National Park. You could avail of guided tours in this place or do a mini-DIY hike.

Aside from that, you could also participate in ranger-led programs , backcountry camping, hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing and boating. Make sure to not miss to experience Ice Explorer and Skywalk .

Banff National Park & Canadian Rockies for 4 days (CB/Alberta)

There are tons of things to do in Banff National Park. It is the oldest national park in Canada, and you would see diverse species there, including lynx, moose, bighorn sheep, cougar, grizzly, and black bear.

You can also do horseback riding , hiking, climbing and skiing, and for those who like to wind down a bit, you can watch wildlife. Make sure to get your ticket and ride the Gondola and sleigh rides during winter.

Lake Louise is the most popular body of water in this area and is worth the visit and a must-visit. However, there are so many other lakes in Banff to explore and offer amazing scenery and fun activities.

Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies. They were declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1984, along with three British Columbia provincial parks.

Still, there are other parks, including Kootenay, Jasper, Yoho and Waterton, which are not adjacent to the other parks.

• Affordable Accommodation: Banff International Hostel or Rundle Mountain Lodge or HI Castle Mountain Hostel
• Mid-range: Tamarack Lodge or Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide
• Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Blackstone Mountain Lodge

Calgary for 4 days (Alberta)

Calgary is only a 2-hour train ride or a 1.5-hour drive from Banff. It easily should be the next stop on your itinerary for Canada. Four days in this city is plenty.

It’s an ideal spot to take a break from heavy sightseeing, reflect on the places you just saw, and take it a little bit on the down low.

While in Calgary, you can still visit ample places and things to do, such as visiting the Calgary Zoo, getting on top of the Calgary Tower , going on a picnic at Prince’s Island Park if it’s warm enough, and exploring the Heritage Park Historical Village.

A few places to eat that are worth a visit are Cage Beano, Weeds Cafe, Holy Grill, NOtaBLE Restaurant, and Bridgette Bar for some drinks.

• Where to stay in Calgary : Park Inn by Radisson or Sandman Signature or HI Calgary Hostel

Winnipeg or Churchill for 4 days (Manitoba)

If you are visiting during winter, you have to go to Churchill. It is the world’s polar bear capital; more than 1,200 polar bears migrate through the area each year. This period only lasts from October to November, but aside from that, you could do many other things here.

During the winter season, you could avail yourself of dog sledge tours and chase for the Northern lights, while during autumn, you can enjoy the Beluga Whaleboat tours and bird watching.

On the other hand, Winnipeg is a good-sized city known as the “cultural cradle of Canada”, this is a fantastic spot to visit for people who love history and want to get to know the country more.

A few places you might want to check out:

• Canadian Museum of Human Rights
• Manitoba Museum
• Manitoba Legislative Building
• Royal Canadian Mint
• The Forks National Historic Site

For other fun things:

• Children’s Museum
• Assiniboine Park Zoo
• The Forks Market
• Winnipeg Art Gallery
• Journey to Churchill
• Where to stay in Winnipeg : The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel or Humphry Inn and Suites or Queen Bee Hotel

Winnipeg’s international airport makes it a perfect place to finish your trip. However, if you are heading to a less prominent city or country, there might be a connection in Toronto or even Vancouver, depending on where you are going.

Itinerary #2: East Canada

If you tell people that you’re going to visit Canada, they’ll most likely assume that you will see the West Coast because the scenery and landmarks are more well-known there. However, the East Coast also has its own charms.

It has twinkly lakes, thick forests, and log cabins, and the essential factor is there are way fewer people than on the West Coast.

You can also find Niagra Falls and Quebec in this region of Canada . Visit Quebec, a well-known city for producing maple syrup. There are tours that you can book to do some maple farm visits and tastings.

Toronto for 4 days

If you aren’t afraid of heights, you could try climbing up Toronto’s CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere:

• Try out EdgeWalk, an activity in which you’ll circle the CN tower while in a harness 
• Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which is located at the base level of CN Tower
• Royal Ontario Museum
• AGO – an art gallery in Ontario for museum and art enthusiasts
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• Shopping at St Lawrence Market consists of numerous flea and street markets
• Toronto Railway Museum
• Harbourfront Centre
• Queen’s Quay Terminal

Accommodations:

• Affordable Accommodation: Samesun Toronto or The Clarence Park
• Mid-range: The Rex Hotel Jazz or Home in Downtown
• Luxury: Hampton Inn by Hilton or One King West Hotel & Residence

Niagara Falls for 2 days

There are also a lot of things to do in Niagra Falls aside from appreciating the majestic view:

• Book a day trip to Niagara Falls
• Enjoy a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls
• Have a class C V-rapids
• Zipline to The Falls
• Visit their fashion outlet and even get a history lesson
• Near Niagra falls, you can visit Becker farms and Vizcarra vineyards, as well as Black Willow Vineyard and A Gust of Sun Winery and Vineyard
• Buy a hop-on hop-off Toronto bus
• Affordable Accommodation: Kings Inn or Glengate Hotel
• Mid-range: Vittoria Hotel and Suites or A Moment in Time B&B
• Luxury: Hilton Niagra/Fallsview or Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Ottawa for 4 days

Calling all ice skaters out there, you might want to consider going to Ottawa because it has the world’s largest skating rink, stretching for nearly eight kilometres – Canada’s Rideau Canal .

Canada has a famous delicacy there called Beaver Tai l, a deep-fried dough sold at kiosks along with the ice rink. Don’t forget to visit Petrie Island Beach if it’s warm enough. It is a must-try for travellers.

You can visit their numerous museums, watch sports matches and even visit the residence of the Canadian monarch. Rideau Hall is basically the equivalent of Buckingham Palace and is open to the public throughout the year.

They conduct free tours, which last for 45 minutes. It’s easier to get around if you have a hop-on-hop-off Ottawa bus pass .

Make sure you ride the famous Amphibious bus and join a night walking tour to learn more about the city.

• Affordable Accommodation: Ottawa Backpackers Inn or ByWard Blue Inn
• Mid-range: The Business Inn or Cartier Place Suite Hotel
• Luxury: Alt Hotel or The Metcalfe Hotel

Old Montreal for 3 days

Old Montreal is a Parisian-style quarter that has been restored in recent decades. There are tons of narrow streets and winding alleyways where you can find interesting shops and lovely restaurants.

For those who loves exploring downtowns, there are plenty of trendy cafes around Old Montreal that will make you feel like you’re in Europe.

Some of their attractions include:

• Clock Tower reminiscent of Big Ben
• Montreal Science Centre
• La Grande Roue de Montréal or Giant Ferris Wheel
• Notre Dame Basilica and the gardens of Place Jaques-Cartier
• Montreal half-day bus tour
• Take a walk at Rue Saint Paul, which is their oldest street, completed in March 1672
• Don’t miss out on the Traditional Ghost Walk
• Ride the MTL zipline
• Where to stay in Old Montreal : Maison Saint-Vincent or Hotel Gault or Auberge Alternative

Quebec City (Vieux-Quebec) for 2 days

Quebec City is a super vibrant place. However, Old Quebec is quite charming. Old Quebec is interesting in its own right. With 400 years of history, you can walk through many exciting sites in the birthplace of French North America.

One of which is Chateau Frontenac, which is the world’s most photographed hotel in person. The best way to explore this area is through a 2-hour grand walking tour with a local guide .

You can visit Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis as well, the governors’ residence from 1620 to 1834. Walk along the street of Petit-Champlain, filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, Quebec City artists and artisans. Last but not least is Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, which is the continent’s first catholic parish church.

While exploring Quebec City, visit Montmorency Falls with ride the Cable Car . There is also a famous Ice Hotel which you can visit without staying there. And, of course, visit Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac .

• Where to stay in Old Quebec: Auberge Saint-Pierre or Le Capitole Hotel or Hotel Le Saint-Paul

Nova Scotia for 2 days

One of the smallest provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer. If you have a few days left before leaving Canada, visiting this area will be worth visiting. So far, there haven’t been big “outdoor activities” listed on this itinerary, and Nova Scotia will amend that.

The name of it literally means “New Scotland”. Compared to many parts of East Canada, people in Nova Scotia mostly speak English.

The province is filled with national parks that are worth a visit. If it’s warm enough (and you are brave enough), you might try dipping in the lake and the ocean (no one will blame you if you don’t though).

A few places to explore:

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Kejimkujik National Park
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
• Explore Halifax through a segway tour
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – go on a guided tour
• Point Pleasant Park
• Peggy’s Cove – you can join a tour that includes a city tour of Halifax
• Where to stay in Nova Scotia: Hotel Halifax or Tru by Hilton

BONUS: Fall and Winter in Canada in British Columbia

Fall is an excellent time to visit Canada because the pleasant weather and miscellaneous prices are cheaper than in summer. The fall foliage in Canada is also quite spectacular. Aside from that, you can do tons of activities such as:

• whale watching
• hiking and camping

However, that doesn’t mean winter isn’t a good time to visit. 3 weeks in Canada during winter are perfect for those fond of various ice sports such as skiing, sleighs and sledging. Some plan on spending their winter holiday in Canada. Without further ado, here are some things that you could do during fall and winter in Canada.

During the fall season, you can enjoy the:

• Various colours of leaves at VanDusen Botanical Garden,
• Immerse yourself in art at the Vancouver Art Gallery
• Ride the ghost train or attend fright nights at the Pacific National Exhibition
• Festivals such as the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Vancouver Fringe Festival
• Watch a Canucks game
• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
• Ski and snowboard
• Ride the Bright Nights Christmas train located at Stanley Park
• Walk the seawall
• Shop at Riley Park winter farmer’s markets

British Columbia is quite different during the winter from summer. While in general, it is more laidback, British Columbia is filled with activities that would surely give you an adrenaline rush. Some of these include:

• Winter ziplining
• Heli-skiing
• Sky Gandola
• Snowmobiling and snowshoeing

There are tons of things to do in British Columbia during the fall season. These include visiting their waterfalls, hiking, buying seasonal vegetables at their farmer’s market, taking a tour of the rainforests, and bald eagle-watching, among others. You could ride the 2-peak gondola if you prefer a less active activity.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CANADA

Whether you want to see natural sceneries and historical sites, try out different foods, cross out a bunch of activities on your bucket list or learn more about their culture – there will always be a place in Canada that would excellently match your preferences. It is a vast country with tons of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

I hope that you found this guide on how to spend 3 weeks in Canada helpful.

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3-week Roadtrip West Canada

Trip details.

Exploring west canada, starting in Vancouver. 

The idea is to explore canadas nature on a 3 week road trip, do some hikes, camp, canoe & just explore. 

There are so many route options starting in Vancouver, explore beautiful british Columbia and head over to the Rockies or just explore the nature around the Rockies.

 - Victoria Island - Prince Rupert - Smithers - Prince George - Jasper - Banff - Revelstoke 

-  Vancouver - Whistler - Okanagan Valley - Glacier National Park - Yoho National Park - Lake Louis - Canmore - Banff - Icefield Parkway - Jasper - Clearwater

Nothing is set in stone as of now :-) - so super flexible. 

The travel time might be not the most common travel time for Canada, but also a less travelled time, which I enjoy a lot. 

English - German - French - Spanish - See original

Stay Details

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Flight Details

Meetup point.

Trip created by Jeanette From Cologne, Germany ; 34 Years Old

Nearby Tours & Trips

Solo trips in canada.

• Solo Trips in Auyuittuq National Park
• Solo Trips in Banff National Park
• Solo Trips in Niagara Falls (Canada)
• Solo Trips in Kluane National Park and Reserve
• Solo Trips in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
• Solo Trips in Gaspésie National Park
• Solo Trips in Toronto
• Solo Trips in Vancouver
• Solo Trips in Montreal
• Solo Trips in Quebec City
• Solo Trips in Victoria, British Columbia
• Solo Trips in Whistler
• Solo Trips in Banff
• Solo Trips in Calgary
• Solo Trips in Jasper
• Solo Trips in Churchill
• Solo Trips in Regina
• Solo Trips in Jasper National Park
• Solo Trips in Vancouver International Airport
• Solo Trips in Canadian Rockies
• Solo Trips in Halifax
• Solo Trips in St. John's
• Solo Trips in Drumheller

3 Weeks in Canada: Ultimate 20-21-22 Day Itinerary

Recommended itinerary – 3 weeks in Canada

Have you decided to  spend 3 weeks in Canada ?  Excellent choice!

To help you prepare for your stay, I have organized a  3-week Canada itinerary for you to discover many of  the country’s unmissable places of interest.

Arriving in  Vancouver , I suggest you go through  Victoria, Whistler  and the famous  parks of Wells Gray, Jasper and Banff.

You will end this  tour of Western Canada  in  Calgary  before  flying to  Montreal . From there, it left for a  circuit in the East  with visit of  Toronto , Ottawa  and  return  to Montreal.

And if you just want to visit only Quebec during these 3 weeks, it’s in my other article:  Itinerary of 3 weeks in Quebec.

So,  what to do in Canada for 3 weeks (West + East)? 

Table of Contents

Day 1-2: Vancouver

To begin your 3-week Canada itinerary, I propose you to land in Vancouver, British Columbia . I will say right now that  western Canada is a very large area  for this circuit in Canada , so  the return will be from Calgary . In 10 days, if you want to see the maximum of things, this is the best solution.

I recommend you start by  visiting the historic district of Vancouver, Gastown .

This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere and see  the beautiful Victorian buildings typical  of the area. Do not miss to see the curiosity of Gastown,  the famous Steam Clock!

Nearby,  visit Chinatown  to visit  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s  Chinese Garden, the first Chinese garden in the world to be built outside of  China . The place is really beautiful and  the atmosphere very soothing , perfect for recovering long hours of flight.

Then join  Canada Place and its waterfront.  The place offers a splendid view of  the surrounding mountains and Stanley Park . Think about photographing Canada Place’s most famous item,  the Digital Orca , a giant pixel art orca. One of Vancouver’s must-see!

I also suggest you try Vancouver’s must-see attraction,  Fly Over Canada,  which takes you to  Canada in 4D (not in 10 days but in 8 minutes!), Comfortably seated in  dynamic seats.  The experience is great but like everywhere in Vancouver, it’s not cheap.

For lunch, you will have no trouble finding something to eat, whether you are more street food or restaurants. Why not try  Japadog , Japanese hot dogs?

For the rest of the program,  spend a relaxing afternoon at Stanley Park,  Vancouver’s largest park. You can explore it  on foot or by bike , a walk of 9 km makes the tour. In both cases, do not miss to go to the  Amerindian totem pole  and from the point of view to  admire the Lions Gate Bridge. 

At the end of the day,  to admire the sunset,  Vancouver’s best spot is  atop the Vancouver Lookout . In the same style as the CN Tower in Toronto, the building has an  observation platform  at 170 meters to admire a 360 ° panorama of the entire city.

And to finish in style, this first day in Vancouver,  heading to the Yaletown district , where are concentrated  the best restaurants in the city. 

The next day, to continue to visit Vancouver, I propose  a more original experience  than usual during this tour in Canada:  a flyover from Vancouver by seaplane!

Several companies are available,  the rate will depend on the duration and places  you want to see. If you want to fly over the city, the beaches and the parks, I advise you to  book your excursion in advance  with one of  the most serious service providers right here.  Count € 88 per person for 20 minutes by seaplane.

And because the emotions are digging,  continue the morning on Granville Island , where you’ll find lots of  vintage shops and local crafts  but above all  a huge indoor market !

For the lunch break I can only recommend that you make a picnic with local products or test  the food court and its dishes from around the world . To enjoy with a good beer at the edge of the water.

In the afternoon, a  cultural visit to the Museum of Anthropology  to understand  the history of First Nations , the Native American peoples of British Columbia and Canada. To see especially for  his collection of totems . If you’ve ever visited the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa , it’s kind of the same.

At the exit of the museum, you can take a tour by  the beach of Wreck Beach . It is right next door.

To find a bit of nature and greenery in Vancouver, head to  the Van Elsen Botanical Garden . Considered  one of the most beautiful gardens in North America , it has more than 7,500 species of plants and trees. Wooden bridges, waterfalls, fountains, the garden is really well done and very nice.

And to end the day, nothing beats a  quick shopping session  on Vancouver’s main commercial  street, Robson Street . You have just arrived, it is obliged that you miss a T-shirt or a little dress in your suitcase !!! 🙂

Tips for your Canada itinerary: To visit Vancouver in 2 days,  you will not need your car. You can easily  visit on foot  or  use public transport , which, as in any major tourist city, are highly developed and convenient. I advise you to  rent a car from the 2nd stage of this 3-week Canada itinerary.

Accommodation in Vancouver

• Samesun Vancouver  :  Hostel located in the city center, 2 steps from Yaletown. Bed in dormitory from 35 €, breakfast included. The most: the central location, the atmosphere, the comfortable beds, the good breakfast with muffins and bagels.
• The Sylvia Hotel:  The hotel is located just 2 minutes walk from Stanley Park and one minute from the beach. Spacious and bright double room from 120 € per night. The most: the location, the friendliness of the staff, the authentic charm of the place.
• Blue Horizon Hotel  : Located on Robson Street, Vancouver’s main shopping street. Double room really spacious and comfortable with a magnificent view from 190 €. Pros: the location to visit Vancouver on foot, the view, the many shops and restaurants nearby, the comfort of the rooms.  It’s our heart stroke for its benefit / price ratio! For me the best hotel in Vancouver.
• The St Regis Hotel  : Located in downtown, 200 meters from Vancouver Lookout. Spacious and warm double room from 240 € per night, breakfast included. The most: the optimal geographical location, the competent and warm staff, the comfort of the rooms, the breakfast excellent and hearty.

Day 3-4: Victoria

For the second stage, really start your 3-week Canada itinerary  by joining  Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

To do this, head south of the city center to  take the ferry at Tsawwassen . Crossing of about  1h30  for a price of about $60/car and $18/passenger.

The boat will land you  30 km from the center of Victoria , in Swartz Bay.

Before reaching the city , I advise you to stop halfway to  visit the Butchart Gardens . Organized into several themed gardens, the park is home to  sublime flowerbeds.

Then drive back to  Victoria, 30 minutes away.  You can end the day with a  walk:

• In Chinatown , one of the oldest in North America
• In Market Square,  for shops and restaurants
• Au Bastion Square
• At the Inner Harbor  where Victoria’s most famous hotel is located: the Fairmont Empress.

Spend the night in Victoria.

On the  second day in Victoria , I strongly recommend that you take  the boat trip to observe orcas and whales . Between May and September, departures every hour for a  3-hour cruise.

In the afternoon , you can visit the most popular museum in Victoria:  the Royal BC Museum . It is interested in  the history of the province  and is really super well done, with a neat staging.

End the day with a  walk in Beacon Hill Park,  by the sea.

Spend a second night in Victoria.

For more details and information on Victoria, it’s in my article: 2 Days in Victoria: Ultimate 2-Day BC Itinerary

Tips for your Canada itinerary:

Information for the  ferry between Vancouver and Victoria  can be found on this site:  BC Ferries .  Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Accommodation in Victoria

• Ocean Island Inn | Backpackers | Suites:  Hostel located in the city center. Bed in dormitory from 30€, breakfast and dinner included. It is the cheapest accommodation in town.  Ideal for backpackers.
• Robin Hood Inn and Suites:   Located 5 minutes drive from downtown Victoria. Spacious and very clean double room from 100€. The most: the pleasant staff, the geographical location, the calm.
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel:  Located on the seafront, 5 min drive from Victoria. Warm and comfortable double room with large bay window from €200. Most: the view, the heated outdoor swimming pool, the spa, the comfort and the standing of the hotel.
• Hotel Grand Pacific:   Located just 100 meters from Parliament and 5 minutes from Beacon Hill. Modern and bright double room from €250, breakfast at €15. Most: the large indoor pool, the view of the bay, the location.
• Fairmont Empress Hotel:  5 star hotel located in the heart of Victoria. Elegant and tastefully decorated double room from €350, breakfast included. Most: the indoor pool, the Spa, the location.

Day 5-6: Whistler

The second leg of this  3-week Canada itinerary takes you to Whistler . From Vancouver, it will take  about 2 hours to drive  to Whistler.

Whistler is best known for being  a ski resort  with  some of the best  ski  slopes in the world . If you travel to this part of Canada during the winter, this is  the perfect place to enjoy winter sports  in Canada. You can also go  on dog sled rides  or  snowmobiling. 

In the village, you can also indulge in  shopping  and eat in very good restaurants.

A good program for the day, is not it?

But do not worry, if you do not like skiing or if it’s not winter, Whistler offers the opportunity to do many other activities throughout the year.

Things to do and see in Whistler include the following activities:

• Ride the 2 highest peaks in Whistler  in just 10 minutes with  the Peak to Peak gondola . She is famous for its length, more than 4.4 km long! You will be able to admire a superb panorama on the valley and the glaciers.
• Take a hike . Many trails start from Lost Lake. Remember to bring your picnic, there are some very nice places to land.
• Try the  mountain bike. Shops rent in Whistler and it’s a good way to walk the trails and experience new sensations.
• Relax in one  of Whistler’s upscale boutique hotels.
• Get off at over 100 km / h on  the largest zip line in Canada! 

Accommodation in Whistler

Whistler is the premier ski resort of choice in Western Canada. Even if you book as early as possible, expect still high rates, especially in the middle of winter.

• Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler:  Located 10 minutes walk from the slopes. Modern and cozy studio equipped with a kitchenette from 140 € per night. The most: the comfort and the decor of the accommodation, the very nice staff, the pool and the jacuzzi.  This is our favorite for its benefit / price ratio in Whistler. 
• Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside:   Located just 150 meters from the departure of the gondola. Spacious studio, very well equipped with oven, microwave, dishwasher, practical to be able to make food, from 250 € the night. The most: the situation, the equipment, the friendliness of the staff.
• Four Seasons Resort Whistler: An  upscale hotel located in the upper part of Whistler. This 5 * hotel offers very comfortable and cozy double rooms with views of the mountains, from 500 € per night, breakfast 27 €. Goodies: a heated outdoor pool, a SPA, jacuzzis, free shuttle service.  This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Whistler!

For a slightly more economical alternative and if sleeping in a dormitory bed does not bother you, I advise you to sleep at  Whistler Lodge Hostel . Everything is new, clean and you will have access to a jacuzzi in the middle of the forest. Bed in dormitory from 40 € per night.

Day 7-8: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Third leg of this 3-week Canadian itinerary, Wells Gray Provincial Park . Today is really a  big stop to drive, as the drive from Whistler to the park takes  about 5 1/2 hours. 

I know, it’s long, but it’s a must stop for all routes in Western Canada, with the park practically halfway between  Whistler  and  Jasper  (the next stop).

It allows you  not to go all the way at once  and it is truly a beautiful place in western Canada. It is a  wilder park and much  less touristy  than those of Jasper and Banff.

You have 2 possibilities:

• you get up very early  to arrive at the park early in the afternoon so you can begin to discover it quietly
• make a full day road trip  by taking your time on the road to admire the scenery and take some pictures. The road from Whistler to Wells Gray,  Highway 99  is considered  one of the most beautiful roads in Canada  and really worth taking your time!

The following day, according to your desires and interests, here is a list of  activities to do in Wells Gray Park:

• See Helmcken Falls:  These are the most famous, they are among the most beautiful in Western Canada. They are easily accessible within a 10 minute walk from the car park and located in a beautiful natural setting, this is the must-see site of Wells Gray.
• See the other waterfalls you  should not miss:  the Bailey’s Chute  where you can see the salmon going up the river;  Spahat Falls  and  Dawson Falls.  It is not for nothing that Wells Gray Park is nicknamed “The Waterfalls Park! “
• Take a swim  or  canoe  at  Clearwater Lake
• Hiking  on one of the many trails. The one called  Trophy Mountain  leads you  to Sheila Lake  through sumptuous landscapes and beautiful flowery meadows.
• Observe the black bears. 

Tips for your Canada itinerary: When you arrive in Clearwater, go through the Visitor Center to get a map of the park . Very useful for organizing your day.

To get to Clearwater Lake, it’s better to  have rented an SUV:  there is not really a road, only  a 26 km track and with a classic rental car, it’s a bit of a hassle and it’s a risk take a lot of time.

Accommodation in Wells Gray Park

• Wells Gray Inn:   Located at the park entrance. Basic double room but very clean from 60 € per night, breakfast 10 €. The most: the situation, the benefit / price ratio, the outdoor jacuzzi, the warm welcome.  A convenient and economical hotel for a night in the park. 
• Gateway B & B:   Located in Clearwater, 1 minute walk to the beach. Apartment with 2 bedrooms, a corner, a separate entrance and a kitchen, the fridge is even filled by the owner before your arrival! From 100 € per night, breakfast included. Most: the comfort of accommodation, breakfast, the beautiful garden.  Ideal for a stay with family or friends in Wells Gray Park. 
• Stoneshire Guesthouse:  Located 10 minutes drive from downtown Clearwater. Comfortable suite with sitting area and kitchen equipped with utensils and hotplates, from 140 € per night. More: the calm, the equipment, the proximity of the lake to bathe, the service of rent of bicycles and organization of descent in rafting.

Day 9-10: Jasper National Park

Visiting Canada in 10 days is all about taking a stop at the famous  Jasper National Park , a landmark of Western Canada, a  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Wells Gray Park, it’s a  4-hour drive  to get there. Just before arriving in Jasper, stop at  Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

You will probably arrive in the early afternoon, for the rest of the day, so I suggest you go see  the 2 most beautiful lakes of Jasper:

• Maligne Lake  is approximately an hour’s drive from Jasper City. It is  the largest rocky lake  and  Spirit Island , which is in the middle is  one of the most photographed in the world . You can walk around the lake or enjoy  a cruise  on the lake. Count about 50 € for a commented cruise of 1h30.
• On the return between Maligne Lake and Jasper, you’ll find  Medicine Lake,  the second lake to be seen in Jasper National Park.

Spend the night in  Jasper , the park’s only “city” where you’ll find  shops, restaurants and hotels.

The next day,  spend a day exploring the National Park on foot . After the day spent yesterday by car and the day ahead for tomorrow, I recommend you to  do some hiking ! Jasper is the perfect place for this, as it offers  plenty of  different  trails  for all levels. Check with the visitor center for a map.

Among the most popular hikes, I advise you:

• The Maligne Canyon Trail : round trip distance 4.4 km for moderate difficulty
• The Cavell Meadows Trail  in the Mount Edith Cavell area: 7 km round-trip distance, medium difficulty
• The Sulfur Skyline  : 8 km round trip with a difficult level because there is a good elevation of 700 m. At the top, it offers a magnificent 360 ° view of the Rockies.
• The Old Fort Point Hill Loop  with stunning views of the Athabasca River: distance of 3.8 km with average difficulty level
• The valley of 5 lakes  : 4.5 km away and a medium difficulty.

And to end the day and relax, there’s nothing like passing through another must-see place in Jasper,  Miette Hotsprings . In other words  hot springs of hot water  located outside. You can relax while enjoying a  magnificent view of the mountains  and the park.

Accommodation in Jasper

Tip:  Book your accommodation in Jasper as soon as possible!  Most establishments are full months in advance, even campsites. Prices can also fly according to the weeks: a room proposed to 120 € passes to 350 € the week after. The rates of the hotels that I propose to you are therefore really random.

• Chateau Jasper:  This hotel offers spacious and well-equipped double rooms from € 110 a night. Most: the pool and spa area, the comfort of the rooms, the price / performance ratio.
• Mount Robson Inn:  Hotel near downtown Jasper, 2 minutes drive. Very quiet double room with views of the mountains from 200 € per night, breakfast included. Most: the calm, 2 hot tubs.
• Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites:   The hotel offers several types of suites with seating areas, some with kitchenettes. They are all very warm and spacious. From 230 € per night, breakfast included. The most: sauna, steam room, swimming pool, the good location, the warm welcome.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge  :  Located 7 km from Jasper, on the shores of Lac Beauvert. Double room warm and comfortable from 400 € per night. Pros: the beautiful lakeside location, the heated outdoor pool, the attentive staff.

If you have a small budget to sleep in Jasper National Park, I recommend  Jasper Downtown Hostel .  This hostel offers dorm beds from € 30 per night. Everything is super clean and modern.

Day 11-12: Banff National Park

For this 5th leg of this 3-week Canada itinerary, take the mythical route of the Canadian West, the Icefields Parkway.

The  Icefield Parkways  (Highway 93) is known to be one of the  most scenic drives in Canada . It  connects the cities of Jasper to Banff  over 230 km through the two national parks.

I advise you to plan  a whole day  for the trip. There are indeed many  places and points of view to admire  all along the street. The  car parks and lookouts  are provided to be able to stop easily.

Stops to make when you travel on the Icefield Parkways:

• See the Athabasca Falls,  over 20 meters high
• Stop at Sunwapta Falls
• Discover the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield.  If you only have to make one stop on the glacier walk, this is it. You can walk the glacier on foot or  take a bus ride on giant tires  for a ride.  It’s one of the most popular activities in the area! 
• Lake Peyto,  accessible by a 15 minute mini walk. You will be surprised by its turquoise waters from the melting glacier.

To not miss any of the points of interest, you can visit  the site of the glacier walk. 

At the end of the day, you are at the end of Route 93. For this night and the night after, I recommend you to  stay in Lake Louise,  the closest town to  Lake Louise . This lake is in  Banff National Park  and is one of  the most photographed lakes in the world . In an intense turquoise blue, the lake is simply splendid and ultra photogenic.

In the program of the next day , you can practice the most widespread activity in the park,  hiking!  Many hiking trails start from  Lake Louise  but also from  Moraine Lake , the second famous Banff Lake. The flyer for all walks is available at  the Visitor Center in Lake Louise Village. 

In the list of easy trails , I recommend the one that goes  around Lake Louise  in just 1 hour, a good way to get in shape. You can also  climb to the Fairview Lookout , in just 45 minutes to admire the lake and the famous hotel in the background. On the same principle, you can also  go around Moraine Lake in 45 minutes. 

For medium difficulty hikes,  the most beautiful is undoubtedly that of  the Plaine des Six Glaciers . With a duration of approximately 4 hours it allows to discover a series of impressive glaciers and peaks.

To find out in advance about the state of the trails, and check out all possible hikes, visit  the Canada Park site. 

Our tips and tricks to better organize your day hike in Banff Park.

1) Lake Louise and Moraine Lake both have parking.  However the sites are limited, and during the tourist period (June to September), it is advisable to be there  before 9 am  if you want a place.

2) Once the Moraine Lake locations are complete, the road is cut off  and you will not be able to access it. Note also that it is open only from May to October.

3)  From Lake Louise (the village), a  shuttle takes you to Lake Louise for free . Rotate approximately every 20 minutes until 6 pm for return.

4) Bears  are very present in Banff Park, always have  pepper spray  with you and  make noise   as you walk to hear you approach. The best is to move in groups.

Accommodation in Lake Louise / Banff National Park

Here, same recommendation as for Jasper National Park,  book early!  And also the same for the (very) high rates.

• Paradise Lodge and Bungalows:  Located 1 km from the village of Lake Louise. Suites and wooden bungalows, typical and warm from 300 € per night. The most: the ideal location, the beautiful setting, the excellent home.
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort:  Located 20 minutes drive from Lake Louise. This resort offers suites and chalets decorated in the mountain style with paneling and fireplaces from € 400 a night. Most: the location near the river, the natural environment, the beauty of the cottages.  This is our recommendation for a romantic stay in Banff Park. 
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:   This is the famous hotel on the shores of Lake Louise! Elegant and well decorated double room overlooking the lake or the castle park from € 600 a night. The most: the panoramic terrace to admire the lake, the geographical location, the friendly staff.  It’s our choice for a luxury vacation in Banff National Park! 

A much cheaper option for the budget, spend a night in a youth hostel. I recommend the  HI-Lake Louise Alpine Center .  Bed in dormitory from 40 € per night, hard to find cheaper!

Day 13: Calgary / Flight to Montreal

Today, leave Banff National Park to join Calgary . From Lake Louise, a journey  of approximately 2 hours  awaits you.

Calgary  is often a stopover town on the way to or from a road trip in Western Canada. Yet it deserves a little tour to discover the main places of interest.

To  visit Calgary in 1 day , I suggest you visit  the Glenbow Museum . The perfect way to  learn more about the history of the city and the region of Alberta.  With 33,000 works, the Glenbow is nothing less than  the largest art museum in Western Canada.  His visit is really very interesting.

Then head to  Calgary Tower,  Calgary’s iconic landmark. This tower offers  a 360 ° view of the entire city and part of the Canadian Rockies.  With a glass floor, sensations guaranteed to almost 190 meters high! Just like in the towers of Toronto or Vancouver, you can have lunch in  the revolving restaurant  at the top.

In the afternoon, I recommend visiting  Heritage Park Village.  Stroll through a  typical western Canadian village of the  last century. Browse  stalls, the forge, the bakery , to discover the lifestyles of yesteryear. Take a seat in an authentic  steam locomotive  or embark on a  paddle boat  cruise  . 

From Calgary, you can  fly to Montreal  and continue your stay by visiting Eastern Canada! There are about  4 direct flights per day  and the  flight time is 4 hours.

Spend the night in Montreal (see list of accommodations below).

If you have some time to  explore Calgary before your flight , you can find all the details on things to do here:  Visit Calgary.

Day 14: Montreal

For the continuation of this 3-week vacation in Canada, I now suggest that you  devote a week to Eastern Canada.

The first day, I advise you to  visit Montreal:

• Old Montreal:  the historic district of the city where you will notably discover the Notre-Dame de Montreal basilica, the Bonsecours market, the Quai de l’Horloge and the Jacques-Cartier square.
• The Old Port of Montreal  for a stroll along the St. Lawrence River
• Lunch at the “L’arrivage” restaurant at  the Pointe-à-Callières museum, at the end of the Old Port promenade. One of the best restaurants in town with an amazing view of the Old Port! And the full menu is under $25!
• Mont-Royal Park  from the belvedere from which you can admire the most beautiful view of Montreal
• Plateau Mont-Royal  and its typical houses with colorful facades and spiral staircases
• Dinner at “la Banquise”  to taste the traditional Quebec dish: a poutine!

Spend the night in Montreal.

Accommodation in Montreal

In Montreal, as in all tourist destinations, the best accommodations sell out very quickly. I therefore strongly recommend that you  book your hotel in advance!

• M Montreal  : Youth hostel located 5 minutes walk from the Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine Street. Bed in a modern and comfortable dormitory from €25 per night, breakfast included. Possibility also to sleep in a double room. The pluses: very welcoming staff, modern infrastructure, bar in the basement with shows on certain evenings.  An excellent choice where to stay inexpensively in Montreal!
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal:  Located in the entertainment district. Warm and spacious double room from 150€ per night. Most: the perfect location for visiting Montreal, cleanliness, comfortable beds.
• Le Dauphin Montreal Centre-Ville:  Located 200 meters from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and 5 min walk from the Old Port. Double room from €170, breakfast included. Most: very well located, the size of the rooms, the large bed.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal:  Located in the historic center of Montreal. Room with real character with exposed stone and brick wall, from €250, breakfast included. Most: the service, the good breakfast, the charm of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier:  Located 50 m from rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest. Elegant and cozy double room from 290€. Most: the swimming pool with waterfall and water jets, the adorable staff, the location, the comfort.  This is our recommendation for an upscale stay in Montreal!
• Hotel Birks Montreal:  Located downtown, this 5* hotel offers superb tastefully decorated rooms from €500, breakfast at €19. Most: the perfect location, the architecture, the friendliness of the staff, the Spa.  This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Montreal!

Day 15: The Thousand Islands

Today, it’s time to get back in the car for the rest of this 21-day itinerary in Canada, leaving Montreal to  reach the Thousand Islands,  a 3-hour drive away.

As their name suggests, the Thousand Islands are  a group of several islands (1865 islands in all) of varying sizes  spread over the St. Lawrence River. The best way to discover them is  to opt for a cruise,  you will see the landscapes are truly magnificent!

You will have  the choice between several durations.

3-hour 1000 Islands cruise

The same cruise also exists  in a 1h30 version.

If you have a slightly higher budget, it is also possible to  fly over the Thousand Islands by helicopter.  You will have the choice between circuits of 10 to 30 minutes.

You can  book this activity by clicking here.

Spend a night in the Thousand Islands.

Accommodation in the Thousand Islands

• Howard Johnson Gananoque  : Motel located 1.5 km from the cruise pier. Spacious and comfortable double room from €70 per night, breakfast included. Most: location, outdoor swimming pool, cleanliness, comfortable bedding, good breakfast, free parking.  It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio!
• Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbor District  : Located 5 minutes walk from the boat pier. Comfortable double room from €100 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the indoor swimming pool, the free parking, the breakfast, the quality of the welcome, the geographical location.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 1000 Islands : Located 2 km from the departure of the cruises. Modern and warm double room from €150 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the indoor swimming pool, the sauna, the comfort of the rooms, the good breakfast, the calm.

Day 16-18: Toronto

For the tenth leg of your three-week Canada itinerary, head to Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario.

Count about  2h30 by car  from the 1000 islands.

Arrived in Toronto, I suggest the  following route of visits for the first day:

• Kensington Market,  one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods. To know everything about its history, I advise you to  choose a guided tour.
• Chinatown,  to stock up on souvenirs: magnets and mugs are the cheapest in town
• The Distillery district,  an entirely pedestrian area with lots of cool shops and trendy cafes. Possible to  book your guided tour here.
• The St-Lawrence market  and its good local products:  tasting and visit to book there.
• Ripley’s Aquarium:  Canada’s largest aquarium.  Tickets on sale here.

Finish the day by  climbing to the top of CN Tower  to admire the  unmissable panorama  of the city of Toronto.

If you are not afraid of heights, it is even  possible to walk on the outer edge of the tower , only restrained by a harness! For the modest sum of $225 all the same…

Spend the night in Toronto.

On the second day in Toronto,  I advise you to:

• Discover Casa Loma,  an authentic medieval-style castle in the middle of Canada, the whim of a wealthy industrialist…

You can   buy your ticket for Casa Loma by clicking here.

• Visit the Royal Ontario Museum,  really unmissable, it is the largest museum in the country! The topics covered are very varied: natural history, world cultures and of course the history of the first nations.  Entrance tickets available here.

In the afternoon,  take the ferry to Queens Bay to  reach the Toronto Islands  in just 10 minutes. The crossing allows you to  contemplate one of the most beautiful views of the  Toronto skyline.

You can then  rent a bike to tour the islands.  There are plenty of beaches for swimming.

Cruises are also possible here.

Spend a second night in Toronto.

On the third and last day in Toronto,  it’s time to go discover one of  the iconic tourist sites  of this 3-week tour of Canada:  Niagara Falls!

They are located about  1h30 by car from Toronto.

And I’m not teaching you anything if I tell you that the best way to see them is to  choose the cruise that takes you to the foot of the falls . Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid queuing!

You can also  fly over them in a helicopter.  Even if it is necessarily a little more expensive, it is an unforgettable moment! And hey, we don’t visit Niagara Falls every day.

After the boat trip, you can also  climb to the top of the Skylon Tower  to see the falls from its observation deck. Tickets can be  booked directly here!

The “Journey Behind The Falls” activity (click here to book your tickets)  also allows you to reach an observation platform but this time located at the foot of the falls through the tunnels, 40 meters underground.

For the rest of the day, I advise you  to take the Niagara Parkway route . It allows you to admire beautiful landscapes and  reach the picturesque village of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Return to sleep one last night in Toronto.

I recommend that you read my article dedicated to Toronto to have even more details on these activities:  What to do in Toronto?

If you don’t want to bother driving in a big city, I advise you  to opt for an organized day tour.

I recommend the one offered by  GetYourGuide . It’s the best way to let yourself go through the day without any stress,  everything is organized. A shuttle even picks you up directly in front of your hotel  and brings you back to the same place in the evening.

The day includes:

• The bus ride
• La visite de Niagara-on-the-Lake
• A photo stop along the Niagara Parkway
• The famous boat cruise close to the Falls
• 3 hours of free time to wander around as you wish and make the most of the day
• As an option, you can also choose to live an extraordinary experience by flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter!!!

To book in advance here.

Accommodation in Toronto

It’s not so easy to  find a hotel offering good value for money in Toronto . In order to help you, I have prepared a list of the best hotels according to your budget.

Last piece of advice:  If the establishment that attracts you is available, book it immediately . Demand is very high in the city and the best accommodation is going (very) quickly!

• The Clarence Park  :  Hostel located 10 min walk from the CN Tower. Bed in dormitory from 35€ per night. The pluses: the location, the friendliness, the curtains for the beds in the dormitory, modern.  An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Toronto!
• Margie Townhome Suites:  Guest house located 5 minutes walk from the Eaton Centre. Pleasant and cozy room from 110€. Most: location, calm, next to the metro.
• The Novotel Toronto Centre:  located right next to St Lawrence Market. Contemporary and very spacious double room from 150€. Most: indoor pool, location, very good breakfast.
• One King West Hotel and Residence:  located in Old Toronto, 5 min from St Lawrence Market. Modern, spacious and elegant suite with a superb view of the city from €190, breakfast €17. Most: in the city center, excellent bedding, the incredible view.
• The Omni King Edward Hotel   : For anyone who wants to treat themselves to a little treat during your trip to Toronto. Upscale hotel located in the Financial District, steps from the Eaton Centre. Cozy and neatly decorated double room from €300, breakfast at €23. Most: the ideal location, the attentive staff, the decoration and the comfort of the rooms, excellent breakfast.  To be preferred for an upscale stay in Toronto (or just one night to treat yourself as a couple!)
• Bisha Hotel Toronto:  5* hotel located just 500m from the CN Tower. The establishment offers superb rooms decorated by the design firm of the star Lenny Kravitz. From 390€. Most: the infinity pool on the roof with a view of the CN tower, the excellent restaurants of the hotel, the ideal location.  This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Toronto!

As you may have noticed,  accommodation in the center of Toronto  is still quite expensive, which is quite understandable because it is a large Canadian city that is very touristy.

If you want to  save a little  and don’t mind  staying a little further from the center,  hotels located near the Toronto airport (17km from downtown) generally offer lower rates.

You have for example:

• Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport
• Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre

Day 19: Ottawa

Continue your 3-week stay in Canada by joining  Ottawa, the capital of Canada.

The best thing is to  leave Toronto fairly early  because there is still a  4h15 drive  between the 2 cities.

Things to see and do in Ottawa:

• The Byward Market:  the perfect place to start your visit as you can have lunch there. Without forgetting to taste the traditional Canadian pastry: a beaver tail.
• Parliament Hill  where the buildings of the Canadian Parliament are grouped
• The Canadian Museum of History  which is one of the most interesting museums I have visited. It retraces the whole history of Canada in a super interesting way. See also the largest collection of totems in the world! Don’t hesitate to  book your tickets in advance by clicking here!
• The Rideau Canal  for a walk along the banks.

Spend the night in Ottawa.

If you don’t feel like walking, there are  several ways to discover Ottawa  (click on the links in orange to book):

• A hop-on hop-off bus tour
• A commented cruise  on the Ottawa River
• An electric boat cruise 
• A guided amphibian bus tour:  this is by the way my favorite because it combines the bus and the mini-cruise!

Accommodation in Ottawa

Ottawa may be the capital of Canada, but it’s still a small city. The offer for accommodation is therefore a little limited.  I advise you to do it in advance to book accommodation  from our selection and not to hesitate too long.

• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel  : Hostel located in a restored former prison. So you will sleep in cells! Bed in dormitory from 30€, breakfast included. Most: the originality of the place, the excellent location, the good breakfast.
• The Business Inn  : Hotel located 1.3km from Parliament Hill. Very well equipped studio with a kitchen from €95 per night, breakfast included. Most: the geographical location, the spacious rooms, the presence of a computer with printer in the rooms, the possibility of cooking.  It is our favorite for its unbeatable price/performance ratio!
• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt  : Located in the Byward Market area. Double room with modern and refined decoration from €160 per night, breakfast included. Most: the geographical location, the welcoming staff, the roof terrace, the very complete and varied buffet breakfast.
• Fairmont Château Laurier  : Luxury hotel located a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill. Spacious and comfortable double room from €350 per night, breakfast included. Most: the quality of the services, the comfort of the rooms, the indoor swimming pool, the helpful and attentive staff.  Ideal for having fun!

Day 20-21: Montreal

Here you are at the  last stage of this recommended itinerary  for visiting Canada in 3 weeks.

I propose today to  reach Montreal, 2h15  drive from Ottawa.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to  visiting Montreal:

• Climb to the top of the Olympic Stadium’s tilted tower  for views of the entire region
• Visit the Montreal Biodome  to immerse yourself in the different ecosystems of the American continent
• Take a walk in the botanical garden
• Finish with a shopping session on Sainte-Catherine Street , Montreal’s main commercial artery. Last chance to finish spending your Canadian dollars!

The next day  unfortunately marks the  end of your 3-week Canada itinerary. You will have to think about taking your return flight.

Tips for your Canada itinerary: For a  20-day trip to Canada , spend  one less day in Toronto.

If you have decided to  visit Canada in 22 days , you can  add a day at any stage . It’s up to you whether you prefer to devote an extra day to discovering a city or enjoying a little more nature in the national parks.

Variation to this 3 week itinerary in Canada

It is quite possible  to adapt this 3-week Canada itinerary  if you want to  visit Quebec instead of Ontario.

Just  follow this trip to stage 7  in Calgary and take the flight to Montreal.

You will then have  a whole week left to discover Quebec . You can  visit Montreal,  Quebec City  and La Mauricie National Park.

I explain the different stages in my article:  Itinerary of a week in Quebec.

If you have any questions to organize your 3 week itinerary in Canada, do not hesitate to ask me in the comments.

Are you going to Canada? Read Also:

Check out all our articles about Canada :  All articles about Canada are listed here! 5 steps to prepare your trip to Canada  :   The complete guide to  prepare everything from A to Z!

• What to do in Canada?  The 20 things to discover absolutely during your trip!
• Itinerary: A week in Canada:  All the steps to visit Canada in 1 week!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada:   All our advice for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada!
• What to do in Quebec?    My 15 favorite things to discover in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: A week in Quebec  : How to visit Quebec in 1 week, with all our advice!
• Itinerary: 2 days in Quebec:   All the steps to organize your 2-day stay in Quebec!
• Calgary: The Top 10 Things to Do When You Visit

Jennifer Bringardner

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Ten jaw-dropping stop-offs on a Western Canada road trip

See stunning vehicular vistas and then take some time out at these amazing pit stops on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

Best seen on four wheels, Canada is blessed with enormous landscapes, wide, wild expanses and roads that wind straight through the middle of it all. To explore lakes, waterfalls, national parks and the jaw-dropping contours of the Rockies in Western Canada, rent a car or take an RV on the road, then eat, sleep and immerse yourself in spectacular scenery. Set off from Pacific-facing Vancouver and head inland towards Calgary . Each windscreen vista will be more spectacular than the last, and these ten essential pit stops along the way will help you make the most of it all. Just watch out for grizzlies.

RECOMMENDED:  Full guide to the  best things to do in Canada

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10 essential pit stops on a western Canada road trip

1.  Granville Island Public Market

The centre of Vancouver is almost entirely surrounded by salt water – walk the city’s seawall to see from Downtown’s glinting high rises to epic sunsets at English Bay. Then, take a ferry from False Creek to Granville Island Public Market to refuel. Eat your way around stallsselling local produce and street food, including salmon cured in maple syrup.

2.  Vancouver Island

Forget those four wheels for a second. While you’re on Canada’s West Coast, you’ll want to get out on the ocean to spot the whales that call Vancouver Island ’s waters their home. Jump on the car ferry over to the Island or book a day tour with Prince of Whales (a marine wildlife-spotting company, not a Trump Twitter gaffe) to watch for humpbacks, orcas and grey whales.

3.  Sea-to-Sky Highway

Leave Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway , so called because it takes you from the ocean’s edge to the alpine forests and snow-capped mountains in Whistler and beyond. Set off in late afternoon to watch the fjords and islands of Howe Sound transform as the light fades. Stop off in Squamish to ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for more breathtaking (and knee-wobbling) views.

4.  Mount Revelstoke National Park

Once you’ve made it through the desert-like landscape along Highway 99 and the Trans-Canada Highway past Kamloops, the roadsides sprout greenery and mountains appear on the horizon again. Stop in Revelstoke to explore its small but mighty national park. Drive the winding Meadows in the Sky Parkway and roll past tall hemlock trees to sub-alpine wild- flower meadows. Just remember, you’re in bear country now...

5.  Wapta Falls

Park up on the western side of Yoho National Park at the Wapta Falls trailhead. This hike takes you over knotted tree roots through a silent alpine forest until you reach Wapta Falls. This dramatic section of the rushing Kicking Horse River boasts a huge wall of water framed by fir trees and backed by mountains. Bonus points if its spray creates a double rainbow.

6.  Emerald Lake

No prizes for guessing where this stunner of a lake got its name. Surrounded by mountains, this glassy stretch in Yoho National Park is all rich hues of green and blue. You can hike around it, watching as the lake changes from translucent jade to deep turquoise, or slide out on to the surface in a kayak. It’s a popular place, but quieter than nearby Lake Louise – arrive early and you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself.

7.  Columbia Icefield

Alongside the border between British Columbia and Alberta, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most incredible roads in the world, lined with craggy mountains, lakes and the wild animals of Banff and Jasper National Parks (bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep). The star is the Columbia Icefield, where you can get close to ancient glaciers. Step out over the Sunwapta Valley on the Icefield Skywalk glass observation deck, or hike up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Don’t miss signs that mark how rapidly it’s been receding in recent years.

8.  Jasper National Park

Although you’ll say goodbye to your mobile phone signal on the Icefields Parkway , you can enjoy the feeling of remoteness once the sun sets thanks to a total lack of light pollution. Jasper National Park became a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 and is full of stellar opportunities to get an eyeful of stars. For the best views, head out to Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake or Pyramid Lake after dark to spot astral delights. You might even spy the Northern Lights.

9.  Maligne Lake

You’ll struggle to spot where water meets sky at Maligne Lake, an achingly pretty expanse that, on a calm day, makes a perfect mirror. You can set off on hikes from the edge of the lake, but the best way to see it is by boat. A 90-minute cruise takes you across to Spirit Island, a tiny land mass that might be one of the most snapped places in Canada. You can try to keep it off the ’gram, but resistance is futile.

10.  Banff Upper Hot Springs

All that hiking left you with aching muscles? Soothe yourself in steaming pools on the hill high above the picturesque town of Banff . The natural thermal waters have been attracting bathers since the 1800s and, when you’re immersed in the mineral-rich pool, it’s easy to see why. Don’t leave this alpine town without exploring: visit the castle-esque Fairmont Banff Springs hotel , which could easily be mistaken for the Grand Budapest.

Explore more of Canada

The 14 best things to do in Canada

• Things to do

Canadians are famously proud of their homeland and one jaunt through the Rocky Mountains or a stroll down Quebec City’s Rue Saint-Jean will show you exactly why. While it is far from possible to condense the wonders of the country into one list, here are 14 of the top contenders.

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Ultimate 2 Week Western Canada Road Trip from Vancouver: Itinerary, Tips & Map

If you have only one chance (and two weeks) to explore Western Canada, this is the road trip for you.

As well as including all of the ‘must sees,’ this two week Western Canada road trip itinerary features many of the contrasting landscapes that make this region so unique. Think temperate rainforest, desert and mountains, all in one road trip!

This road trip guide is shaped by 10+ years of experience living and travelling in British Columbia and Alberta. JR and I have tried and tested every single activity mentioned.

Filled with more than 6500 words of local knowledge and advice, this Western Canada road trip guide is intended to be used as a starting point for planning your trip.

Adjust the suggestions to your interests or add a couple of days in the locations that sound most appealing to you.

The guide includes a day-by-day overview of the entire two-week road trip itinerary, as well as planning tips to help save you money (and stress!) along the way.

Here’s what to expect:

Road trip itinerary at a glance

Need to know info.

• Vancouver to Whistler
• Whistler to Kamloops
• Kamloops to Valemount
• Valemount to Jasper
• Jasper to Banff
• Banff to Golden
• Golden to Revelstoke
• Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley
• Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

Camping details

• Alternative itineraries

More planning resources

Last updated January 2024 . This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, we may receive a small percentage of the sale.

14 day Western Canada road trip overview

Time to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Western Canada road trip!

This section of the guide provides an overview of the itinerary with a map and some important need-to-know information.

Before we go any further, let’s have a look at the entire 14 day road trip itinerary from start to finish.

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Whistler Day 3 : Whistler Day 4 : Whistler to Kamloops Day 5 : Kamloops to Valemount Day 6 : Valemount to Jasper Day 7 : Jasper

Day 8 : Jasper to Banff Day 9 : Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Golden Day 12 : Golden to Revelstoke Day 13 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

It is noticeable that the majority of this road trip is in British Columbia. I was tempted to call it the ‘ ultimate 2 week British Columbia road trip ‘ but decided that the inclusion of both Jasper and Banff made it a bit too inaccurate.

If the routing looks too fast for you, I suggest looking at the alternative itineraries noted at the bottom of the page

Travelling to Canada from Europe? While it is easier and faster to drive long distances in Western Canada compared to Europe, you may find that this itinerary includes way too much driving for your preferences. Again, I would suggest checking out the alternative itineraries section.

Please note that this post previously mentioned a two-night stay on Vancouver Island within the itinerary.

I have recently chosen to remove this recommendation primarily due to the high amount of ferry cancellations in 2023 ( more information and advice later in the guide ).

Western Canada road trip map

Use the below Google Map for orientation and planning.

Each of the suggested activities is marked on the map, with suggested accommodations in each town and city.

• The best time to drive this road trip is July to September . June is also a good time, though a handful of these activities may have limited accessibility
• This itinerary is relatively fast-paced . If you choose to do most of the activities listed, you will likely be busy all day. Need more downtime? Stretch this itinerary over three weeks or skip some of the activities
• The route and suggested activities are aimed at people who enjoy exploring nature and being active while on vacation
• I have suggested at least one short, easy hike/walk each day (7km or less) . Other hiking trails mentioned are aimed at keen hikers looking for longer, intermediate/difficult level routes
• Most of the overnight stops are in small towns. During the summer months, accommodation and dining availability and choice can be limited
• Advance reservations (6 months or more) are recommended for Whistler, Banff and Jasper in particular
• Before you head to Western Canada , learn how to avoid negative bear encounters and basic outdoor safety
• This itinerary focuses on free activities over paid ones. I have, however, mentioned half a dozen paid attractions which I think offer one-of-a-kind experiences
• Keep in mind that this road trip offers just a taste of the activities and hiking trails on offer in these locations. It is impossible to do everything in a 2 week road trip !
• When exploring , be sure to always Leave No Trace (dispose of trash properly, stay on established trails, don’t feed wildlife)
• A national park pass is required to visit Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Glacier and Revelstoke national parks (all mentioned in this guide). These parks are all covered by the same day pass
• Discover more tips and advice in our BC trip planning guide

Day by day road trip guide

Read on to discover a detailed breakdown of this 2 week Western Canada road trip itinerary, including where to stay and what to do each day.

Vancouver (Day 1)

Surrounded by temperate rainforest, mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a strikingly beautiful city.

The downtown area is located at the very end of what is known as British Columbia’s ‘Lower Mainland,’ with neighbouring cities (Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford) spreading out to the east.

Vancouver is the ideal place to get your bearings before starting your 2 week Western Canada road trip.

Best things to do in Vancouver

• One day isn’t a lot of time in Vancouver. Depending on the length of your journey to Vancouver, you may want to take this day slowly and not see/do that much
• The Vancouver Seawall around Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most unique features. It’s possible to rent a bike or just walk one section
• The Granville Island Public Market is a firm favourite for tourists and locals alike – arrive with an empty stomach!
• Of course, a scroll around downtown is essential. Gastown , Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, is one of my favourite areas, with cobblestone streets, galleries, cafes and boutiques
• If the downtown areas do not hold any interest for you, consider a trip to Grouse Mountain . Take the challenge to hike to the top via the Grouse Grind (2.5km with 800m elevation!) or ride the cable car. Spectacular views await at the top, plus rescued grizzly bears and a lumberjack show

Where to stay in Vancouver

Looking to stay downtown but want to pay less than $400/night? We’ve stayed at the Moda Hotel several times and enjoyed both the location and heritage building surroundings. The cheapest rooms are not very spacious but they have everything you need for a short stay.

On a stricter budget? I’ve heard great things about the YWCA Hotel . The location is fantastic, being walkable to everywhere downtown. The cheapest rooms have shared bathrooms.

It is important to know that there are no campgrounds in downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver to Whistler (Day 2)

Vancouver to Whistler driving distance: 121km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 45 minutes

Time to get out of the city! The drive to Whistler is a well travelled route though also incredibly pretty. Howe Sound borders the road on one side, with high cliffs and mountains on the other.

Best things to do between Vancouver and Whistler

• Shannon Falls is an ideal first stop to stretch and get your bearings. The waterfall is just a five-minute walk from the parking lot
• If you’re curious what lies at the top of the mountains, take the Sea to Sky Gondola to find out. Breathtaking vistas of the ocean and surrounding mountains await!
• The small town of Squamish is just a little further up the highway. The dramatic Stawamus Chief , a huge granite monolith, can be seen from downtown. Stop for an early dinner or to get food supplies
• Last stop before Whistler is Brandywine Falls. Allow 20-30 minutes to walk the easy 1km return trail to the viewpoint

Where to stay in Whistler

Whistler has a whole host of accommodation options to choose from. Booking as early as possible is highly recommended.

The Pangea Pod Hotel is right in the heart of the action of Whistler Village, but without the price tag of surrounding hotels.

Families and larger groups may like the Whistler Village Inn & Suites , which offers a number of different room configurations. The location is central but surprisingly quiet.

The closest provincial park campground to Whistler is Nairn Falls , around 25 minutes drive north on Highway 99. Another option is Alice Lake , which is in Squamish (40 minutes south). Reservations highly recommended.

Whistler (Day 3)

Whistler is one of North America’s largest ski resorts. But this mountain paradise is a wonderful summer destination as well.

This is particularly true if you love to hike as the winter lift system can be utilised for easy access into the alpine (almost zero uphill climbs necessary!)

Best things to do in Whistler

• After breakfast, board the Village Gondola to reach the peak of Whistler Mountain (2,181m). Take in the extraordinary views and then ride the Peak Express chairlift (Friday to Sunday only) to the Top of the World Summit (2182m). Top tip – buy your tickets online to avoid most of the line
• Return to Whistler Mountain to take the incredible Peak 2 Peak gondola to Blackcomb Mountain , where more alpine trails await. I’d recommend the easy Alpine Loop (1.4km). When finished, ride the Blackcomb Gondola back down to the village
• Cool off with a swim in Alta Lake . Note that parking is limited so walk or take the bus if you can (#10, #20, #25 BC Transit buses)
• In the evening, explore Whistler’s alpine-themed centre and take a photo with the huge Olympic Rings
• Looking for some downtime? Visit Scandinave Spa for some thermal therapy. Access to this adults-only outdoor spa is available without a reservation, though a waitlist does operate at busy times
• If they haven’t had enough excitement already, kids may love to try the longest zipline in North America

Here to hike? The premier alpine hike on Whistler Mountain is the High Note Trail . The 9.4km route begins from the Top of the World Summit and descends through rugged rocky terrain and meadows to finish at the top of the Village Gondola

Whistler to Kamloops (Day 4)

Whistler to Kamloops driving distance: 300km Driving time without activities : 4 hours

Highway 99 continues beyond Whistler and through the spectacular Garibaldi Ranges.

The lush mountainous landscape doesn’t last however, with the second half of this drive transitioning into a completely different (and much drier!) ecosystem.

The day finishes in the city of Kamloops, situated in British Columbia’s dry grasslands region.

Best things to do between Whistler and Kamloops

• Nairn Falls is a must-see, situated 25 minutes north of Whistler. The viewpoint is 3km return from the parking lot
• Enjoy morning coffee or lunch in Pemberton , a cute village surrounded by mountains
• If you’ve already secured a day pass (only possible two days in advance), stop to visit the famous Joffre Lakes . These turquoise-coloured lakes are very popular but rightly so. The hike is 500m one-way to the first lake, 4km to the middle lake, 5km to the upper lake
• Beyond Duffy Lake , the landscape starts to change dramatically. Stop in Lillooet to take it all in (pick up some treats from the bakery too!)
• There is a great viewpoint/rest area 30 minutes west of Kamloops

Where to stay in Kamloops

Kamloops has a wide choice of accommodation and eateries. An alternative overnight destination would be Clearwater. The drive would take around an hour and a half longer but would significantly reduce overall driving time the next day.

Kamloops’ best value accommodation is found at… Canadas Best Value Inn (seriously!) Another good option is the downtown Plaza Hotel.

For upscale lodgings in the downtown area, book a stay at the Delta Hotel . The location is convenient for restaurants and also for departing towards Clearwater (your destination on day 5).

Pauls Lake Provincial Park has a charming forested campground within walking distance of sandy beaches. The park is 25km from Kamloops.

An alternative idea would be to drive directly to Wells Gray Provincial Park (more details below) and stay at one of the three campgrounds there instead.

Reservations are possible for both Clearwater Lake and Falls Creek campgrounds . We find Pyramid to be more conveniently located for waterfalls but it is first come first serve only.

Kamloops to Valemount (Day 5)

Kamloops to Valemount driving distance: 322km (+90km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 5 hours

The star attraction today is Wells Gray Provincial Park , a protected area just north of Clearwater (1 hour 30 minutes drive from Kamloopos)

Part of a volcanic field that started forming approximately 3.5 million years ago, Wells Gray is host to 40+ spectacular waterfalls as well as glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains and more.

The drive to Clearwater from Kamloops is pretty straightforward. Watch for the Canadian Mountaineer train on the parallel tracks!

On arrival, pick up lunch supplies and then head onto Clearwater Valley Road for 2-3 hours of waterfall chasing.

Best things to do in Wells Gray Provincial Park and on the way to Valemount

• The biggest waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park is Helmcken Falls (141m high!), which is located at the very end of the paved section of the road
• On the way there, stop at Spahats Falls (10 minute walk from the parking lot), Dawson Falls (900m return) and the Mushbowl (roadside)
• An optional stop is Moul Falls . It is accessible only via a 6km return hike. The first half of the trail is flat, wide and very easy. The second half is narrower and rockier, with the final approach to the waterfall featuring some short, steep slopes and a couple of staircases
• Beyond Helmcken Falls, the road is unpaved. If you want to continue, the Ray Farm Trail is 3km return (homesteading history, interesting mineral springs)
• The 1.6km return trip to Bailey’s Chute Trail combines both waterfalls and rapids
• After driving back to Clearwater, return to Highway 5 and continue to Valemount through the lush North Thompson Valley
• The drive between Clearwater and Valemount is pleasant, though there are not many easily accessible roadside activities

Here to hike? The best hiking trail in Wells Gray Provincial Park is the Trophy Meadow Trail . Providing quick access to the subalpine, it is one of my favourite trails in all of BC! The one downside is that the trailhead is located at the end of an unpaved road

Where to stay in Valemount

Valemount is a small village (pop 1052) with a surprisingly good choice of accommodation. There’s an excellent local brewery , a very popular Swiss-German bakery and an entry-by-donation museum .

Canadas Best Value Inn Valemount is a great no-frills option while the Comfort Inn & Suites offers more amenities and complimentary breakfast.

The most upscale place in Valemount is the Best Western Plus . If you’re looking for something a little more unique and local, try Valemount Mountain Retreat Guesthouse .

Valemount has several private RV parks . An alternative idea is to stay at one of Mount Robson’s provincial park campgrounds . I prefer Robson River over Robson Meadows, but both are good.

Valemount to Jasper (Day 6)

Valemount to Jasper driving distance: 123km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 30 minutes (+ time change)

The drive between Valemount and Jasper is wonderfully scenic, though it also features a time change. Prepare to lose one hour today!

Before leaving Valempount, be sure to check out the Swiss-German bakery if you haven’t already.

Best things to do between Valemount and Jasper

• Shortly after turning onto Highway 16 you’ll arrive at Rearguard Falls Provincial Park . A steep and short trail leads down to a number of viewing platforms of this thundering waterfall
• Around the next highway corner is the most spectacular view of Mount Robson , the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). Stop at the Visitor Centre to get a closer look and view indoor exhibits about the mountain. There’s a good café as well
• The final stop of the day is beautiful Overlander Falls . Allow 30 minutes to walk to the main viewpoint and back
• Time change in mind, you’ll likely arrive in Jasper in the mid afternoon. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a stroll around the downtown area
• In the evening, consider the scenic drive to Pyramid Lake , where elk are commonly seen. Take a walk on Pyramid Island

Where to stay in Jasper

Accommodation in Jasper is high in demand. This combined with the small size of Jasper means that prices are high too. For these reasons, I would recommend booking accommodation in Jasper as soon as possible.

The Mount Robson Inn is a solid downtown accommodation pick. A wide range of room configurations offer particularly good value for families and larger groups. Breakfast is included with every stay and guests also have access to a hot tub. Whistler’s Inn is an ideal alternative for couples.

Campers have a choice of campgrounds in Jasper. We have stayed most often at Whistlers Campground , which was completely renovated a few years ago.

Wapiti Campground is located just down the road from Whistlers and is smaller. Both are only 5 minutes drive from town.

Jasper (Day 7)

Driving distance: 90km Driving time without activities : 2 hours

Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest, with the small town of Jasper at the centre of it all. With two nights here, you’ll be able to see some of the park’s most impressive sights and also enjoy the charm of the compact Jasper townsite.

Best things to do in Jasper

• With one full day in Jasper National Park, I would prioritise visiting Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake , both located on Maligne Lake Road (100km return)
• Allow 2 hours to walk the 5km loop along the rim of Maligne Canyon . It includes six bridges, numerous impressive viewpoints and even several waterfalls. Shorter loops are possible as well
• Continue the drive along Maligne Lake Road to the Medicine Lake Lookout
• At the end of the road is Maligne Lake itself. Pre-book a cruise to Spirit Island , one of Canada’s most iconic and spectacular sights. Yes, the cruise is super touristy but there’s no other way to see the true beauty of Maligne Lake quickly ( padd l ing to Spirit Island takes around 8-10 hours return).
• If you have extra time, consider taking a short drive along Highway 16 beyond Jasper. The road parallels the impressive Athabasca River

Here to hike? Get an early start and head directly to Maligne Lake. The Bald Hills loop is the best ‘bang for buck’ trail in this area, offering spectacular above treeline views of Maligne Lake. The return distance to the summit is 15km with 715m of elevation gain

Jasper to Banff (Day 8)

Jasper to Banff driving distance: 289km (+10km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 3 hours 30 minutes

Often cited as one of the best road trips in the world, the Icefields Parkway is a 230km long highway along the Continental Divide. It starts in Jasper and ends near Lake Louise, 60km west of Banff

The road is lined with towering mountains and immense glaciers, providing jaw dropping vistas no matter where you look.

There are numerous roadside viewpoints along the route, as well as hiking trailheads and picnic areas. Be sure to get gas and food supplies before leaving Jasper.

Best things to do between Jasper and Banff

• Driving the Icefields Parkway without stopping takes just less than three hours. To visit the below sights and stop at half a dozen viewpoints, allow four to six hours
• Our favourite roadside viewpoints are Crowfoot Glacier , Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake , Weeping Wall , the Big Bend , Tangle Creek Falls and the Goats and Glacier Lookout (all marked on the road trip map )
• Athabasca Falls is a powerful cascade accessible within a very short walk of the parking area, optional side trail into the canyon (well worth the stairs!)
• Make a quick stop at Sunwapta Falls to see the almost roadside Upper Falls
• The Columbia Icefield  is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, with the Athabasca Glacier being the most accessible part. The easy Toe of the Athabasca Glacier  hike is 1.4km return
• The bright turquoise colour of Peyto Lake has to be seen to believed! The walk from the parking lot is uphill, just over 1km return
• Bow Lake is another great spot to stretch your legs during the latter half of the Icefields Parkway

Where to stay in Banff

While Banff is about double the size of Jasper, it also receives almost double the amount of visitors. The price of accommodation is usually a bit higher too. As with Jasper, I’d recommend booking as early as possible.

Our favourite downtown hotel is Moose Hotel & Suites . It is situated right on Banff Avenue, just a few minutes walk from a huge choice of restaurants, cafes and stores. One of the other highlights of the hotel is the huge roof top patio with hot tub.

There are a number of different campgrounds to choose from in the Banff area. Our preferred campground for tent camping is Tunnel Mountain Village 1 . The sites are relatively private and the campground is just a short bus ride away from downtown.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to staying in Banff, consider the nearby town of Canmore instead (still touristy but more of a local vibe, slightly lower prices). The Pocaterra Inn offers one of the best value stays in Canmore.

Budget not an issue? Consider staying in Lake Louise ! The Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the most iconic place to stay in the Rockies.

Banff (day 9)

There are so many different things to do in the picture perfect mountain town of Banff and surrounding Banff National Park .

For many people, spectacular Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are a priority. I would recommend visiting these lakes on your second full day here (day 10). Spend your first day exploring Banff and the immediate surrounding area.

Best things to do in Banff

• If you’re an early riser and loved Maligne Canyon in Jasper, consider an early morning trip to Johnston Canyon (30km drive from Banff). The 2.4km return hike to the Lower Falls takes less than 1 hour. Johnston Canyon is usually very busy between 10am – 3pm
• In the morning, explore the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive (24km). Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Walk on the shoreline of the lake or consider renting a canoe ($85/hour)
• Instead of returning directly to Banff, take a short detour to the Mt Norquay Lookout . It’s my favourite free viewpoint in Banff
• Feel like a hike? The 2km uphill trail to the top of Tunnel Mountain is well worth the effort (300m elevation gain) as it ascends the slopes of this prominent landmark to reveal a number of spectacular viewpoints over the Banff Townsite as well as Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley
• If that sounds like too much for you, reserve a spot on the Banff Gondola that ascends to the top of Sulphur Mountain . The views are simply spectacular. I’d recommend taking the bus (route 1) to avoid having to find parking at the gondola base
• Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown Banff . If the shopping area doesn’t appeal, take a walk along the Bow River to see the falls (close to the Fairmont)

Here to hike? It’s possible to ascend Sulphur Mountain by trail, rather than gondola. The 11km return trip includes 665m of elevation gain. My friend Leigh has written a comprehensive hiking guide . It is possible to take the gondola down instead of hiking, but there is a fee.

Banff (Day 10)

Driving distance: 133km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 30 minutes

Start your day with a visit to Banff National Park’s most famous lakes – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake . Please note that Moraine Lake is usually open from late May to early October only.

Since Moraine Lake is only accessible by bus and Lake Louise parking is very limited (and also $21/day!), there are two main options:

• Use the Parks Canada park-and-ride shuttle ($8) located at Lake Louise Ski Resort, 45 minutes drive from Banff. There are regular reservable buses to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with a Connector Shuttle.
• 8X Roam Transit bus from Banff to Lake Louise Lakeshore. This reservable express bus takes 55 minutes. The $25 Roam System Wide Pass includes access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake

Best things to do at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• In addition to spectacular lakeshore views, both lakes have great hiking opportunities
• Lake Agnes is a very popular destination from Lake Louise, 7.4km return with 390m elevation gain (allow 2 to 2.5 hours, note that it is uphill almost the entire way). A teahouse has been located at Lake Agnes for more than 100 years
• For a longer hike near Lake Louise, choose between the Lake Agnes/Big Beehive/Plain of Six Glaciers Loop (18km with 900m elevation gain) or a summit of Mount Piran (13km return with 900m elevation gain)
• In the Moraine Lake area, consider the Consolation Lakes trail . Starting just past the Rockpile, this 5.8km return hike features views of high alpine meadows, mountain peaks and the Quadra Glacier as well as plenty of pretty wildflowers and the two namesake lakes

Back in Banff, fill your afternoon/evening with any activities you may have missed yesterday. If you already purchased the $25 Roam bus pass, use it to take the bus to the base of the Banff Gondola (avoiding the need to walk or find parking!)

Banff to Golden (Day 11)

Banff to Golden driving distance: 146km (+56km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours

This day is all about Yoho National Park . In my opinion, Yoho is the most underrated park in the Canadian Rockies. Plan to leave the Banff area relatively early to make the most of the day.

Best things to do between Banff and Golden

• Make a quick stop at the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint . Depending on timing, you may be lucky and see a train pass through this impressive structure
• Parking can be a challenge at Emerald Lake after 11am, so head here next. Enjoy the views, rent a canoe ($90/hour) or walk the family-friendly 5.2km loop trail around the lakeshore
• On the way back to Highway 1, visit the Natural Bridge
• Turn east on Highway 1 and drive back to Yoho Valley Road . Please note, this road is 13km long with no services, no phone signal and several very tight switchbacks. Trailers and large RVs not permitted
• Takakkaw Falls , British Columbia’s second-tallest waterfall, is located at the end of Yoho Valley Road
• Back on Highway 1, head west towards Golden . If you have time, Wapta Falls is a worthwhile stop (3.2km return)
• Families and thrill seekers may prefer to check out the Golden Skybridge , host to Canada’s highest suspension bridges
• If you didn’t bring a picnic, Truffle Pigs in Field is the place to go for food in Yoho. It’s not cheap but it’s the opposite of a tourist trap, with everything is made from scratch, with quality ingredients. There’s ice cream too.

Here to hike? The Iceline Trail should be your priority today. Usually hiked as a 20km loop, the Iceline begins at Takkakaw Falls at the end of the Yoho Valley Road. Allow 7 to 9 hours

Where to stay in Golden

There’s much more to the small town of Golden than the assorted collection of motels, hotels, gas stations and fast food joints on Highway 1.

Take the signed detour and head downtown to discover heritage buildings, trendy bars and unique boutiques, all with the backdrop of the rushing Kicking Horse River and huge snow capped mountains.

Moberly Lodge ‘s quiet, spotlessly clean rooms are a welcome sight after a day exploring Yoho. Outside, there are stunning views and a hot tub, ideal for a post-hike soak.

If you’re on a tighter budget, Golden has a plethora of motels and chain hotels to choose from, with popular options being the Holiday Inn and Ramada (we’ve stayed at the latter twice).

For camping, consider the 72 site municipal campground , which backs onto the Kicking Horse River. An alternative is to stay at the Kicking Horse Campground in Yoho National Park but you’ll need to secure a reservation early.

Golden to Revelstoke (Day 12)

Golden to Revelstoke driving distance: 148km (+52km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours

Two more national parks are on the itinerary today – Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park . Your day will end in Revelstoke, British Columbia’s best up-and-coming adventure town.

Best things to do between Golden and Revelstoke

• Interested in the Golden Skybridge but ran out of time yesterday? Consider dropping by this morning
• Enjoy the mountain views from your vehicle on the drive to the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre in Glacier National Park. This informative centre is my favourite of its kind in the Rockies
• Stretch your legs on the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk (350m loop), which traverses a cedar and hemlock forest. I’d also recommend the Meeting of the Waters trail (3.3km loop) but it can be difficult to park
• Heading out of Glacier National Park, you’ll drive through a number of snowsheds , representing the huge amount of snow (14m!) received here in winter
• Entering Revelstoke National Park , consider stops at Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail (500m loop, was closed in 2022) and the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk (one short section open in 2023)
• Arriving in Revelstoke , you have some decisions to make. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is a 26km paved scenic drive into the alpine, with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints along the way
• If you’re travelling with kids, you may want to prioritise visiting Revelstoke Mountain Resort , home of the 42km/h Pipe Mountain Coaster (the only one of its kind in Western Canada)

Here to hike? There are so many options for this section! In Glacier National Park, choose between the Hermit Trail (6.4km return), Balu Pass (12.8km) or Abbott Ridge (15.6km). All three trails are very steep. In Revelstoke National Park, Eva Lake (14km) is an easier but still very satisfying day hike

Where to stay in Revelstoke

Perched on the edge of the Columbia River and surrounded by the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, Revelstoke is a beautiful outdoor playground.

Revelstoke has a great choice of accommodation. If staying downtown is appealing, book a stay at the wonderful Regent Hotel .

The stylish rooms in this heritage building are surprisingly spacious. Better still, the complimentary breakfast buffet is the best I’ve had anywhere in Canada.

Travelling with the family or a larger group? Look no further than the Swiss Chalet Motel . The property is a 10-15 minute walk to downtown, with exceptionally reasonable prices. I stayed in a two bedroom suite with close family and we all had plenty of space.

Campers should make an early reservation for the Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s not the most spacious national park campground but the convenience (10 minutes drive from town on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway) is hard to beat.

Other local camping options include Martha Creek Provincial Park and Blanket Creek Provincial Park .

Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley (Day 13)

Revelstoke to Kelowna distance: 197km (+5km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours 40 minutes

The interior of British Columbia is host to a spectacular landscape of dry valleys, lakes and grasslands.

This is the Okanagan Valley and besides being beautiful, it is also Canada’s second largest wine region.

Kelowna is the biggest city in the Okanagan Valley (pop 140k). If you think you may be craving city amenities by this point, consider a night here.

For me, Kelowna is just a bit too busy. This is especially true in the summer, when the hot Okanagan weather attracts thousands of people from all over BC to this bustling lakeside city.

Vernon and Penticton are small towns located to the north and south of Kelowna respectively. While there is still plenty to do around Vernon , we do prefer Penticton (our home town, so we are somewhat biased!)

Best things to do between Revelstoke and the Okanagan Valley

• Have any railway fans in the family? A trip to the Revelstoke Railway Museum would be a worthwhile stop before leaving town
• The drive along Highway 1 from Revelstoke to Sicamous has plenty of pretty sections but not many places to stop. One of our favourite rest areas is the Last Spike , a historical site celebrating the completion of the railway connecting eastern and western Canada
• Sicamous is an ideal location for a break. The D Dutchmen Dairy is a family operated farm selling homemade ice cream, cheese and milk. Note that it does get very busy around lunchtime
• Turn off Highway 1 and towards the Okanagan Valley on Highway 97A. The highway skirts Mara Lake (consider a stop at the provincial park of the same name for a swim!) before travelling through farmland
• Vernon is 150km from Revelstoke and is a potential overnight destination (see below). If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim at Kal Beach , a short hike ( suggestions here ) and a visit to Planet Bee Honey Farm
• Kelowna is another potential overnight destination. If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim in Okanagan Lake , a winery visit and a walk along the waterfront promenade
• Penticton is another potential overnight destination. If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim in one of the lakes, a winery visit and a trip to Munson Mountain Lookout

Here to hike? The Okanagan Valley is usually very hot during the day in summer. I’d suggest an evening or early morning hike. In Vernon, check out Middleton Mountain . Knox Mountain is a great pick in Vernon. In Penticton, check out the KVR Trail from Vancouver Place to McCulloch Trestle

Where to stay in the Okanagan Valley

Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton offer a wide variety of accommodation options. Summerland and Peachland are great alternatives.

In Kelowna, our top pick is the Hotel Zed . This renovated motel boasts funky rooms and an ideal downtown location close to Okanagan Lake. It has easy access to Highway 97 as well.

My favourite place to stay in the Vernon area is Sparkling Hill , a luxurious adults-only spa retreat. For a quick overnight hassle-free stop, however, I’d suggest the almost brand-new Fairfield Inn & Suites .

In Penticton, the Lakeside Resort has the best location in town. Right on the waterfront, most rooms have views of the leafy downtown area or Okanagan Lake itself.

For camping, we like Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon and Bear Creek Provincial Park near Kelowna. An alternative is Okanagan Lake Provincial Park North near Summerland. Click for more suggestions.

Okanagan Valley to Vancouver (Day 14)

Kelowna to Vancouver driving distance: 390km (+20km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 4 hours 30 minutes

It’s the last day of your 2 week Western Canada road trip! Time to head back to Vancouver. The journey will take around 5 to 7 hours, depending on chosen route/stops.

For a more detailed version of this road trip section, check out this Vancouver to Okanagan Valley road trip guide .

Best things to do between Kelowna/Vernon and Vancouver

From Kelowna or Vernon, the most direct route to Vancouver is via Highway 97 followed by the 97C, 5A, 5 and 1.

• The first part of the journey is pretty scenic, with wide open views of Okanagan Lake and then a plateau area. Be sure to get gas before leaving Kelowna as there’s only one service station on the 97C
• Merritt is the best place to stop for lunch/gas/snacks. If you want to stretch your legs, I’d recommend the Godey Creek Trail (1.9km loop). Please note that there is construction happening in this area
• My favourite place to hike on this route was Othello Tunnels near Hope, but it has been closed since November 2021 due to flooding
• A great alternative is Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park a little closer to Vancouver

Best things to do between Penticton and Vancouver

There are two routes possible from Penticton – the same highway combination as above or a similarly timed alternative via Highway 3.

• The Highway 3 route is scenic but slower. The road is more twisty and has more drop-offs
• I’d recommend driving Highway 3 over the Highway 97C/5 combination as there are more interesting places to stop
• The small town of Keremeos is the fruit stand capital of the Okanagan region – pick up some fresh peaches, apricots or cherries for your journey (season dependent)
• Princeton is the ideal place to get gas/coffee/lunch/snacks
• Take an extended break in Manning Provincial Park . Drive up to Cascade Lookout (open July to Sept, 16km return) for amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Rent a canoe or walk around Lightning Lake (5km short loop, 9km long loop)

Returning to Vancouver, you have the option to stay in the city again or overnight close to the airport (YVR).

We’ve stayed at various hotels around Vancouver Airport over the years.

The big chain hotels offer standard, reliable service ( Sandman Vancouver Airport , Holiday Inn , Travelodge ). A complimentary shuttle to the airport is usually provided and sometimes breakfast as well.

On the upper end, there is a Fairmont right in the airport (the convenience!)

I’m always surprised at the above-average pricing for the airport hotels and, for that reason, we sometimes choose to stay in the city instead.

The SkyTrain from downtown to YVR takes 25 minutes and costs only $4.45 (+$5 from YVR to downtown).

Western Canada road trip: Top tips

In this section, I will share some final thoughts about planning your perfect Western Canada road trip.

The best way to save money while touring Western Canada is to camp.

• National park campgrounds (Parks Canada) average $30-50/night plus $11.50 reservation fee
• Provincial park campgrounds (BC Parks) average $20-40/night plus $6/night reservation fee
• Private campgrounds average $30-70/night

The downside is that you’ll need your own camping equipment. An alternative option is to rent an RV, so you can sleep in your vehicle.

It is possible to buy relatively cheap camping gear and accessories at Canadian stores like Walmart.

A full set-up with an entry-level 4 person tent, sleeping bags (2), sleeping mats (2), stove and other essential supplies would cost around $500CAD.

The specific campgrounds mentioned in this Western Canada road trip itinerary are very popular and, as such, travellers should reserve in advance.

• Reservations for vehicle-accessible national park campgrounds usually open in January for the following summer. The exact launch dates are usually revealed during the preceding December. Parks Canada reservation website
• Reservations for vehicle-accessible provincial park campgrounds in British Columbia operate with a four month rolling window . So if you want to book for 7th August, the date will be available to book on 7th April. BC Parks reservation website

Alternative road trip itineraries

While we think the above 2 week Western Canada road trip itinerary provides a great overview of BC and Alberta, we know that may not be perfect for everyone.

This road trip route does involve a lot of driving and only short stays at each location.

The great news is that it is easy to adapt the routing to create your own two-week Western Canada road trip itinerary.

Two-week itinerary with Vancouver Island

When I originally put this itinerary together, it included a short stay on Vancouver Island.

As mentioned, I have since removed this suggestion as the current ferry situation would make it potentially stressful (too many cancellations/delays).

Ferry issue aside, I think my new 2 week itinerary provides better pacing, with shorter driving days. It also includes an additional full day in the Banff area.

For those interested, itinerary for my original 2 week Western Canada route looked like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Tofino Day 3 : Tofino Day 4 : Tofino to Whistler Day 5 : Whistler Day 6 : Whistler to Clearwater Day 7 : Clearwater to Jasper

Day 8 : Jasper Day 9 : Jasper to Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Golden Day 12 : Golden to Revelstoke Day 13 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

If Vancouver Island is on your bucket list and you still want to see everything else in this itinerary, I would recommend visiting Western Canada for a minimum of 16 days instead.

Follow the above outline but add an extra night on Vancouver Island (consider Parksville area) and stay in Kamloops and Valemount when travelling between Whistler and Jasper (rather than Clearwater).

Set on Vancouver Island but still want a taste of the Rockies and only have 2 weeks to spare? Check out this new BC Coast and Rockies road trip guide .

Two week itinerary without Jasper and Wells Gray Provincial Park

Not interested in going so far north (Clearwater/Jasper)? I would suggest the following itinerary.

Head directly to Revelstoke from Whistler via an overnight stop in Kamloops or Salmon Arm. Spend an extra night in Golden, the Banff area and the Okanagan Valley. Be sure to take the time to drive some of the Icefields Parkway.

This adapted itinerary would look like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Whistler Day 3 : Whistler Day 4 : Whistler to Kamloops/Salmon Arm Day 5 : Kamloops to Revelstoke Day 6 : Revelstoke to Golden Day 7 : Golden

Day 8 : Golden to Banff Day 9 : Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Revelstoke Day 12 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 13 : Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

Three-week Western Canada road trip itinerary

Have three weeks to spend on your Western Canada road trip? Excellent! The extra time offers much more flexibility and better pacing (less time driving!)

I would suggest an itinerary like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Victoria Day 3 : Victoria Day 4 : Victoria to Tofino Day 5 : Tofino Day 6 : Tofino Day 7 : Tofino to Parksville Day 8 : Parksville to Whistler Day 9 : Whistler Day 10 : Whistler to Clearwater Day 11 : Clearwater to Jasper Day 12 : Jasper

Day 13 : Jasper Day 14 : Jasper to Banff Day 15 : Banff Day 16: Banff Day 17: Banff to Golden Day 18: Golden OR Revelstoke Day 19: Golden to Revelstoke (or extra night in Revelstoke) Day 20: Revelstoke to Okanagan Valley Day 21: Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

As you can see, this more relaxed itinerary includes a stay in Victoria (beautiful oceanside Vancouver Island city), an overnight stop in Parksville (lovely beaches, close to the ferry terminal) and extra nights in Banff, Jasper and Revelstoke/Golden.

Our 2 Week BC Coast and Rockies road trip guide features detailed descriptions of the Vancouver Island sections of the above three week itinerary.

The Best Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Routes: Highway 1 & Alternatives Canadian Rockies Road Trip Loop: Detailed 9 to 12 day Itineraries + Map

The Best Okanagan Valley Wineries: A Local’s Guide

What To Do in Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia

Complete Guide to BC Parks Camping Reservations

How to Stay Safe in the Outdoors

Bear Safety in Canada: What You Need to Know

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thanks so much for this fantastic guide. I'm planning a trip in late May but was planning your route in reverse, starting in Vancouver and heading towards Banff, last stop Whistler. Is there any reason you prefer starting at Whistler?

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

No - you can drive this route in either direction. When it was originally written, the first few days involved a trip to Vancouver Island and it was logical to do that first (catching a ferry early in the morning vs. later in the day). Driving to Whistler first does mean you will, on a clear day, get a beautiful view of Mount Robson when travelling between Valemount and Jasper.

Monday 21st of August 2023

Thanks a lot for your detailed and very helpful tips !

we just had a family road trip for 2 weeks. We did not exactly follow your suggestions, but it was a great source of inspiration for our trip

thank you very much !!

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Thanks so much for letting me know Sven! Hope you had a fabulous trip.

3 weeks in Canada: 20-21 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

3 weeks in canada: which itinerary for 20, 21 or 22 days.

You’re planning a 3 weeks trip to Canada and you’re looking for the best Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this recommended Itinerary for 3 weeks in Canada . You will discover some of the best places to visit in the Eastern and Western parts of the country!

You will arrive in Vancouver , then visit Victoria, Whistler , and the world famous Wells Gray, Jasper, and Banff national parks.

You’ll wrap up your journey through Western Canada with a visit to Calgary , before flying off to Montreal . From there, you’ll starting visiting Eastern Canada by going to Toronto , Ottawa and making your way back to Montreal .

That’s quite an awesome plan, right? 😎

Quick notes :

You can also tweak this Canada itinerary by spending your last week in Quebec . I’ll explain how at the end of this article.

If you prefer to spend 3 weeks visiting only eastern Canada , particularly the province of Quebec, you should check my other itinerary: The Perfect 3-week Itinerary in Quebec.

For this itinerary, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions , I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Canada in 20, 21 or 22 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Where to stay in Vancouver

Where to stay in victoria, where to stay in whistler, where to stay in wells gray park, where to stay in jasper, staying in lake louise / banff national park, 7) calgary / flight to montreal (1 day), where to stay in montreal, where to stay in the thousand islands, where to stay in toronto, where to stay in ottawa, 12) montreal (2 days), an alternative for this three-week canada itinerary:, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you, 1) vancouver (2 days).

To explore Canada in 20 or 21 days, you should land in Vancouver to begin unveiling the western Canadian highlights for the first 15 days .

Vancouver is easily navigable on foot or by public transport, but you’ll definitely need to rent a car for the next stages of this 3-week Canada journey . It’s up to you whether to pick it up upon your arrival or when leaving Vancouver.

To book your car , you should go for Rentalcars.com . I use it all the time for my travels in America, Asia or Europe.

It’s incredibly handy as you can compare rates from all rental companies and see exactly what’s included in the rental.

Their comprehensive protection insurance system is super effective in case of an accident or theft. You’re guaranteed to be reimbursed! (tested and approved, they’ve already refunded me over 1,300 euros in total).

To score the best deal and if you’ve already got your vacation dates locked in, I highly recommend reserving your car now. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t require any commitment on your part, modifications and cancellations are free .

Here’s the itinerary for your inaugural day in Vancouver (in sequential order):

• The historic neighborhood of Gastown with a photo stop at the Steam Clock
• Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
• Canada Place for its panorama over Stanley Park and the mountains
• Fly Over Canada : a 4D tour of Canada. It’s crucial to book your Fly Over Canada session in advance by clicking here !
• Stanley Park: check out the Totem sector and the view of the Lions Gate Bridge
• Head to Vancouver Lookout where you can admire the city view from the panoramic platform. Tickets can be booked by clicking here !
• Finish off with a dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Yaletown neighborhood .

Spend the night in Vancouver.

The next day , continue your three-week trip to Canada with a unique experience that is really worth the detour: a seaplane flight over the city .

For 20 minutes, you’ll get to gaze at Vancouver from the sky and live a truly extraordinary experience!

To book this seaplane outing , just click on the button below:

Then, continue with a stroll in the city to see:

• Granville Island which houses a large covered market
• The Anthropology Museum dedicated to the history of the indigenous peoples
• Wreck Beach
• Van Elsen Botanical Garden, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in North America
• Robson Street and its numerous shops.

 Spend another night in Vancouver.

You’ll find all the details about the must-see places in Vancouver in my article: Best things to do and see in Vancouver !

To skip the queue at Vancouver’s main tourist attractions, you’d better book your tickets in advance .

During your stay in Vancouver, you can also squeeze in some extra activities :

• A cruise to watch whales and orcas
• Vancouver Aquarium (perfect for a day out with kids!)
• Vancouver hop-on hop-off bus tour . 24h or 48h pass with included English audio guide.
• Commentated one-hour cruise in Vancouver’s harbor
• Sunset cruise in Vancouver with included buffet dinner. Duration: 2h30
• A guided walking tour of the city.
• Samesun Vancouver : This funky youth hostel is right in the middle of the city, a stone’s throw away from Yaletown district. Bunk in a dorm from €40, breakfast included. Strong points: location in the city centre, the vibrant atmosphere, comfy beds, and a cracking breakfast with muffins and bagels. A top-notch pick for budget-friendly accommodations in Vancouver !
• The Sylvia Hotel : Located just a two-minute stroll from Stanley Park and a minute from the beach. Spacious and bright double rooms starting at €120 per night. Strong points: prime location, friendly staff, and the authentic charm of the place.
• Blue Horizon Hotel : This gem is on Robson Street, the main shopping artery of Vancouver. Super spacious, comfy double room with a killer view from €170. Strong points: fantastic location to explore Vancouver by foot, the view, plenty of shops and restaurants close by, room comfort. My favorite for its value for money In my opinion, the best hotel in Vancouver.
• The St Regis Hotel : Nestled right in downtown, a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vancouver Lookout. Spacious and cozy double rooms from €240 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: optimal location, helpful and warm staff, room comfort, and a scrumptious and plentiful breakfast.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia : A splendid 5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver offering beautifully decorated rooms from €350 per night. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, spa, and top-notch services. The best hotel in Vancouver for a luxury stay !

2) Victoria (2 days)

Let’s kick-off your 3 weeks Canadian road trip by heading to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia .

For this, head south from downtown to catch the ferry at Tsawwassen . The crossing is around 1h30 at a cost of about $60 per car and $18 per passenger.

The boat will drop you 30 km from the center of Victoria , at Swartz Bay.

Before getting to the city , I recommend you stop halfway to visit the Butchart gardens . Organized into various themed gardens, the park houses stunning flower beds .

Then drive back up to reach Victoria, 30 minutes away. You can end the day with a walking tour :

• Chinatown , one of the oldest chinese neighborhood in North America
• Market Square, for shops and restaurants
• Bastion Square
• The Inner Harbour where the most famous hotel in Victoria, the Fairmont Empress, is located.

Spend the night in Victoria.

On your second day in Victoria, I strongly recommend you go on the boat trip to observe the orcas and whales . From May to September, departures every hour for a 3-hour cruise .

Since this excursion is highly popular, it’s crucial to secure your spot in advance by clicking here :

In the afternoon , you can visit Victoria’s most popular museum: the Royal BC Museum . It focuses on the history of the province and is really well done, with meticulous staging.

End the day with a walk in Beacon Hill Park , by the sea.

• Ocean Island Inn | Backpackers | Suites : A centrally-located hostel. Dorm beds start from 30€, breakfast and dinner included. It’s the most budget-friendly option in the city. Perfect for backpackers .
• Robin Hood Inn and Suites: A mere 5-minute drive from the heart of Victoria. Double rooms are spacious and super clean, starting from €100. Strong points: the helpful staff, location, tranquillity.
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel : Seafront location, 5 minutes drive from Victoria. Cozy double rooms with large windows start from €200. Strong points: the view, heated outdoor pool, spa, hotel comfort and prestige.
• Hotel Grand Pacific: Just 100 meters from Parliament and 5 minutes from Beacon Hill. Modern, bright double rooms from €250, breakfast at €15. Strong points: the large indoor pool, bay views, location.
• Fairmont Empress Hotel: A 5-star hotel in the heart of Victoria. Elegant double rooms with exquisite decor from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor pool, Spa, location.

3) Whistler (2 days)

For your third stop on this Canadian itinerary , you’ll leave Vancouver Island for the town of Whistler .

It’s a bit of a trek, so plan for a full day of travel . Here’s the breakdown:

• From Victoria, head to Nanaimo – a 1h45 drive
• Next, board the ferry for a 1h40 journey to Horseshoe Bay
• Finally, drive for 1h30 to reach Whistler

Spend the night in Whistler.

The following day, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from, depending on the season :

• Skiing or snowboarding : Whistler is one of Western Canada’s top ski resorts
• Sledding, dog sledding, snowmobiling round off the winter activities
• Mountain biking
• Zip-lining , and not just any zip line: You’ll be flying down the largest one in all of Canada! Book your spot by clicking right here !
• Oh, and guess what else? Seaplane rides! Yes, you can soar over the Whistler glacier! No need to mention that this will blow your socks off!

And for a more chill day , you can also take the Peak to Peak gondola which will whisk you up to the tops of Whistler. The view is nothing short of phenomenal!

And why not wind down with a lovely spa session in one of the luxury hotels?

Stay another night in Whistler.

Whistler is the ultimate famed ski resort in Western Canada. Even if you book as early as possible, expect somewhat hefty prices. In the peak winter season, the rates I’m about to give you could likely double.

• Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler : Located a 10-minute walk from the slopes. A cozy, modern studio equipped with a kitchenette. Starts at €170 per night. Strong points: the comfort and decor of the rooms, super-friendly staff, pool, and hot tub. It’s my favorite for its value for money in Whistler!
• Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside : Only 150 meters from the gondola departure. Spacious studio, very well equipped with oven, microwave, dishwasher – handy for cooking up your own meals. Starts from €200 per night. Strong points: location, amenities, friendly staff.
• Four Seasons Resort Whistler: Upscale hotel located in the upper part of Whistler. This 5* hotel offers very comfortable, cozy double rooms with mountain views, starting from €400 per night, breakfast at €37. Strong points: heated outdoor pool, SPA, hot tubs, complimentary shuttle service. The best hotel in Whistler for a luxury stay !

For a slightly more economical alternative and if you’re okay with bunking in a dormitory, I recommend staying at the Hi Whistler Hostel . Dormitory bed from €40 per night.

4) Wells Gray Provincial Park (2 days)

Let’s continue this trip to Canada with a trek a bit further north to Wells Gray Provincial Park .

You’re in for a hefty day of travel as it’s a 5.5-hour journey . But this is still the most convenient option since Wells Gray is halfway between Whistler and Jasper (your next stop).

Plus, Route 99 , which leads to the park, is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the country , so the journey itself will be a feast for the eyes! And let’s not forget that the park is a must-visit in Western Canada!

Stay one night in Wells Gray.

The following day, among the must-see sights in Wells Gray, you can choose from:

• Helmcken Falls, just a 10-minute walk away, very popular among visitors
• Bailey’s Chute, Spahats Falls and also Dawson Falls are definitely worth checking out
• Clearwater Lake for a swim and some canoeing
• Searching for black bears , mandatory guide required!
• Hiking: the Trophy Mountain trail is one of the prettiest

To plan your day at Wells Gray , stop by the visitor’s center to grab a map.

The track (26 km) to Clearwater Lake is not recommended for regular cars. No need to worry if you’ve rented an SUV.

Just a heads up – the park’s hotels aren’t necessarily the most up-to-date and some may have slightly dated decor or facilities. But for a brief stopover, they’ll do just fine.

And in any case, there aren’t many other solutions.

• Wells Gray Inn : Located at the park entrance. Basic but clean double rooms from €60 per night, breakfast at €10. Strong points: location, outdoor hot tub, friendly reception. An economical and convenient hotel for a night in the park.
• Ace Western Motel : Located 4 km from the park. Double rooms from €120 per night. Strong points: friendly staff, parking space, close to restaurants.
• Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls : Brand new hotel situated in the heart of Clearwater. Modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms starting at €180, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, comfort, free parking.

5) Jasper National Park (2 days)

On the fifth leg of this three-week journey through Canada, let’s head over to Jasper National Park .

You can’t possibly explore Western Canada in three weeks without making a stop at this park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

From Wells Gray, it’s about a 4-hour drive , which includes a stop at the foot of Mount Robson to marvel at the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies .

In the afternoon, you absolutely mustn’t miss the two most beautiful lakes in Jasper :

• Maligne Lake and its small central island, one of the most photographed lakes in the world. There are 1.5-hour boat tours that you should definitely book in advance by clicking the button below:
• Medicine Lake , a must-visit on the way back between Maligne and Jasper.

After an exhilarating day, spend the night in Jasper.

Day two in Jasper National Park is dedicated to hiking . Nothing beats the fresh air after yesterday’s road trip!

Your best bet is to swing by the visitor center to catch a trail map and find out which trails are right up your alley.

But, among the crowd-pleasers , here are my recommendations:

• The Maligne Canyon Trail : round-trip distance is 4.4 km with moderate difficulty
• The Cavell Meadows Trail in the Mount Edith Cavell area: round-trip distance of 7 km, moderate difficulty
• The Sulphur Skyline : 8 km round-trip with a hard level because it’s a steep climb of 700 m.
• The Old Fort Point Loop offers superb panoramas of the Athabasca River: distance of 3.8 km with medium difficulty
• The Valley of the Five Lakes : 4.5 km distance and medium difficulty.

And there’s nothing like unwinding after a hike with a dip in Miette Hotsprings’ hot springs . Chill in the water while soaking in a stunning mountain view .

But hey, if hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other fabulous options for your day in Jasper :

• Take the sky tram up to an elevation of 2,260 meters for a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies
• Take a guided bus tour exploring the park’s wildlife . You could spot moose, elk, and if you’re lucky, even a few bears.
• Take a bus excursion into Maligne Valley complete with photo stops + wildlife viewing + a guided 4 km hike
• Raft down the Athabasca River
• Take a helicopter flight over the Rockies for an unforgettable experience!
• In winter, there’s also a special tour for exploring wildlife .

Here’s a tip: book your Jasper accommodation ASAP ! Most places are fully booked months in advance, even the campgrounds.

Also, prices can fluctuate wildly from week to week: a room that costs 120€ one week could skyrocket to 350€ the next. So, the hotel prices I’m suggesting are more or less ballpark figures.

• Chateau Jasper : This hotel offers spacious, well-equipped double rooms starting from €110 a night. Strong points: the pool and SPA area, room comfort, value for money.
• Mount Robson Inn: A hotel close to downtown Jasper, just a two-minute drive away. Super quiet double room with mountain views starting from €200 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: tranquility, the two hot tubs.
• Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites : The hotel offers various types of suites with a living area, some with a kitchenette. They’re all super cozy and spacious. Prices start at €230 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: sauna, steam room, pool, good location, warm welcome.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge : Situated 7 km from Jasper, on the shores of Beauvert Lake. Cozy, comfortable double room starting from €400 per night. Strong points: the stunning lakeside location, the heated outdoor pool, the dedicated and attentive staff.

If you’re on a tight budget for sleeping in Jasper National Park, I recommend the Jasper Downtown Hostel . This hostel offers dormitory beds from 30€ a night. Everything is super clean and modern.

6) Banff National Park (2 days)

Another must-see park during your 3 weeks road-trip in Canada: Banff National Park .

To get there, take the legendary Icefields Parkway . It’s undeniably one of Canada’s most beautiful scenic routes !

Over nearly 230 km, Route 93 (Icefields Parkway) is home to stunning landscapes. Throughout this scenic route, you’ll encounter several conveniently located viewpoints , each equipped with parking lots.

Be sure not to miss:

• The Athabasca Falls , over 20 meters high
• The Sunwapta Falls
• The Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield . You can visit on foot or by taking a giant-tire bus tour. Book this activity directly by clicking on this button :
• Walk on the glacier’s glass walkway . The bus tour automatically includes access to the walkway, but if you don’t want to take the bus and just want to go on the platform, this is the ticket you need !
• Peyto Lake, which you can reach on foot in just 15 minutes. The water’s incredible color is a sight to behold!

You can find more details about these places on the official website .

At the end of the day, head to the town of Lake Louise to spend the night. That’s where you’ll find the most famous lake in Banff: Lake Louise with its stunning water color!

Just like with Jasper, the best way to visit Banff National Park is to go hiking .

You’ll find several hiking routes starting from Lake Louise or Moraine Lake . The most popular ones are the trails that allow you to walk around them or climb to the Fairview Lookout to admire the lake.

More challenging, you can also choose the Plain of Six Glaciers trail . About 4 hours round trip.

I recommend you check out the Parks Canada website for detailed routes.

You can also hike in the park with a guide . By clicking the button below, you can choose between 4 trails :

For those who don’t fancy too much walking, you also have other options for the day :

• Take the cable car (click here for tickets) that brings you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, 2,281 meters above sea level. You’ll be treated to a stunning view!
• Embark on a cruise on Lake Minnewanka
• Go horseback riding along the river
• Go on a traditional canoe ride on the Bow River
• In winter, take a guided ice cleat hike in the Johnston Canyon.

Spend a second night in Banff. Voyage Tips - Advice Some additional tips for organizing your stay in Banff:

• Parking is available at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but in high season (June to September) it fills up quickly. It’s best to get there before 9 AM .
• When parking is full at Moraine Lake , the road is closed and you won’t be able to drive there. Please note that this road is only open between May and October.
• For Lake Louise, free shuttles are available from the village of Lake Louise. They run every 20 minutes until 6 PM.
• The park is home to many bears . It’s strongly recommended to walk in groups, make noise while walking, and carry pepper spray just in case.

To avoid these minor traffic or parking issues , you can also choose the hop-on, hop-off bus that stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake . Hop on and off whenever you want!

The guides will be happy to help you plan your day according to the schedule.

Here, I’m going to echo my advice for Jasper National Park: book early ! And, similarly, brace yourself for the high prices.

• Baker Creek Mountain Resort : Located a breezy 20-minute drive from Lake Louise. This resort offers suites and chalets bedecked in classic mountain style, complete with wood paneling and fireplaces, starting from €280 a night. Strong points: the riverside location, the natural setting, the charm of the chalets. My recommandation for a romantic stay in Banff Park !
• Paradise Lodge and Bungalows : Situated 1 km from Lake Louise village. Wooden suites and bungalows that are both typical and cozy, starting from €300 a night. Strong points: the ideal location, the beautiful setting, and the outstanding welcome.
• Fairmont Château Lake Louise : This is the renowned hotel located by Lake Louise! Elegant and well-decorated double rooms with views of the lake or the chateau park starting from €470 a night. Strong points: the panoramic terrace for lake viewing, the location, the warm staff. The best hotel in Banff National Park for a luxury stay!

For a much more budget-friendly option, consider a night in a hostel. I’d recommend the HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre . Dormitory beds start at €40 a night – you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper! They also offer double rooms starting from €100 a night.

Continuing on with this 21-day Canadian road trip. Today, I suggest you make your way to Calgary , marking your final stop in the West of the country . You’re looking at around a 2-hour drive from Banff.

From Calgary, you’ll be able to catch a flight to Montreal and continue your journey exploring Eastern Canada! There are roughly 4 direct flights daily and the flight time is around 4 hours .

Spend the night in Montreal (you’ll find a list of accommodations below).

If you have a bit of time to explore Calgary before your flight, you’ll find all the details on the best things to do there in my dedicated article: 11 Best Things to do in  Calgary

8) Montreal (1 day)

Continuing with this 3-week Canadian holiday, I now suggest you dedicate a week to Eastern Canada .

On the first day, I recommend you tour Montreal :

• Old Montreal : the historic district where you’ll discover the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Bonsecours Market, Clock Tower Quay, and Jacques-Cartier Square.
• Old Port of Montreal for a stroll along the Saint Lawrence River
• Lunch at “L’arrivage” restaurant located in the Pointe-à-Callières museum, at the end of the Old Port promenade. It’s one of the city’s best restaurants with an unbeatable view of the Old Port! And the full menu is less than 25$!
• Mount Royal Park from where you can enjoy the best view of Montreal
• Mount Royal Plateau with its typical houses featuring colourful facades and spiral staircases
• Dinner at “La Banquise” to taste the most traditional of Quebec dishes: poutine!

Stay the night in Montreal.

You’ll find all the detailed information for touring Montreal in my article: Best things to do in Montreal !

You’ll also find additional activities that you can easily add to this itinerary:

• Guided walking tour of Montreal – Duration: 4h
• Full city bus tour – Duration: 3.5 hours. The perfect choice to visit the whole city in no time!
• A cruise on the Saint Lawrence River
• A spin on Canada’s largest Ferris wheel , located in the Old Port.
• M Montreal : A youth hostel just a 5-minute walk away from Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine street. You can grab a bed in a modern, cozy dorm for just 25€ a night, breakfast included. You can also book a double room if you prefer. Strong points: Super friendly staff, modern facilities, basement bar with occasional live performances. A fantastic choice for budget-friendly accommodations in Montreal !
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal : Located in the bustling Quartier des Spectacles. You can book a warm, spacious double room starting from €150 per night. Strong points: Perfect location for exploring Montreal, clean and comfy beds.
• Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville: : Just 200 meters away from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and a 5-minute walk from the Old Port. Double rooms starting from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: Great location, spacious rooms, and large beds.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal: : Located in the historical center of Montreal. Rooms with character (think stone walls and exposed brick) starting from €250, breakfast included. Strong points: Excellent service, a delicious breakfast, and the charming ambiance of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier: : Just 50 meters away from Saint Catherine West Street. Stylish, cozy double rooms starting from €290. Strong points: An enchanting pool with waterfalls and jets, delightful staff, prime location, and comfort. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Montreal !
• Hôtel Birks Montréal : Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms starting from €500, with breakfast at an additional €19. Strong points: Prime location, beautiful architecture, friendly staff, and a luxurious spa. The best hotel in Montreal for a luxury stay !

9) The Thousand Islands (1 day)

Today, it’s time to jump back in the car for the next leg of this 21-day Canadian itinerary, leave Montreal behind and head for the Thousand Islands (Mille-Îles in French), a 3-hour drive away.

As the name suggests, the Thousand Islands are a group of various-sized islands (1,865 in total) scattered across the Saint Lawrence River. The best way to explore them is to opt for a cruise and trust me, the landscapes are profoundly breathtaking!

You’ll have several durations to choose from .

To book your 3-hour cruise around the Thousand Islands, just click the button below:

The same cruise also comes in a shorter 1.5-hour version :

If your budget is a little higher, you also have the option to fly over the Thousand Islands in a helicopter. You can choose from routes ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.

You can book this activity by clicking on the button below :

Spend a night in the Thousand Islands.

• Howard Johnson Gananoque : A motel located 1.5 km from the cruise departure point. Spacious and comfortable double room starting from €70 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: location, outdoor swimming pool, cleanliness, comfortable bedding, good breakfast, free parking. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District : Located a 5-minute walk from the boat departure point. Comfortable double room starting from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, free parking, breakfast, quality of service, location.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 1000 Islands : Located 2 km from the cruise departure point. Modern and cozy double room starting from €150 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, sauna, room comfort, good breakfast, tranquility.

10) Toronto (3 days)

Pack your bags, folks! For the tenth leg of our thrilling three-week journey through Canada, we’re heading to Toronto, the buzzing capital of Ontario province .

The drive from the Thousand Islands is a breezy 2.5 hours, so you’ll be there before you know it!

Here are my top picks of must-see sights for your first day :

• Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods, chock-full of stories. To delve deep into its history, there’s no better option than a guided tour .
• Chinatown , the ultimate spot to scoop up some quirky souvenirs – magnets and mugs are a real steal here.
• The Distillery District , a car-free haven filled with hip boutiques and trendy coffee shops. It’s also a brilliant idea to book a guided tour right here .
• St. Lawrence Market , where local goodies reign supreme. Book your tasting tour here .
• Ripley’s Aquarium : the biggest aquarium in Canada. Grab your tickets here .

Round off the day by ascending to the top of the CN Tower to behold a jaw-dropping panorama of Toronto’s skyline.

Feeling bold? It’s actually possible to walk along the tower’s outdoor edge – harness included, of course! Just a teeny, tiny $225 to check off that bucket-list item.

Settle in for the night in Toronto.

On your second day in Toronto , I’d suggest:

• Exploring Casa Loma , a genuine medieval-style castle right in the middle of Canada, thanks to the whims of a wealthy industrialist…

You can purchase your Casa Loma ticket right here:

• Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum : An absolute must-see, it’s the biggest museum in the country! Exhibits span natural history, world cultures, and of course, the history of First Nations. Pick up your tickets here .

In the afternoon, hop on the ferry at Queens Bay and head over to Toronto Islands in a quick 10 minutes. The crossing offers a spectacular view of the city skyline .

Once there, rent a bike to explore the islands . Loads of beaches await for those impromptu swim sessions.

Spend a second night in Toronto.

To make the most of your Toronto adventure, you should definitely grab the Toronto City Pass . It’s your ticket to efficient sightseeing and incredible savings!

It covers entry to CN Tower, the Royal Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma and even more attractions. Plus, it means skipping those pesky queues!

On the third and final day in Toronto, it’s time to experience one of the most iconic tourist sites of this three-week Canada tour: Niagara Falls !

They’re just 1.5 hours by car from Toronto .

And, c’mon, you know as well as I do that the best way to see them is by choosing the cruise that takes you right up to the base of the falls . Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance to avoid the dreaded lines!

For those seeking an extra thrill, you can soar over the falls in a helicopter . Sure, it’s a bit pricier, but trust me, it’s a memory for a lifetime! After all, you don’t visit Niagara Falls every day, right? 😄

After the boat trip, ascend the Skylon Tower for a birds-eye view of the falls from its panoramic terrace. Tickets can be booked right here !

The “Journey Behind The Falls” activity (click here to book your tickets) also allows you to reach an observation deck, but this time it’s located at the foot of the falls, via tunnels, 40 meters underground.

For the rest of the day, I suggest taking the scenic Niagara Parkway route . This drive offers stunning views and a pit-stop at the quaint village of Niagara-on-the-Lake .

Return to Toronto for one last night’s sleep.

I’d recommend you check out my dedicated article on Toronto for even more details on these activities: Best things to do in Toronto !

If you’d rather not bother driving in the big city, consider opting for a day-long organized tour .

I’d point you towards GetYourGuide . It’s the easiest way to enjoy the day without any stress – everything’s sorted. They even pick you up straight from your hotel and drop you back off in the evening.

The day includes:

• The bus ride
• A visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake
• A photo stop along the Niagara Parkway
• The famous boat cruise to the heart of the Falls
• 3 hours of free time to wander and make the most of the day
• Optionally, you can even choose to live an extraordinary experience by flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter!

Book in advance by clicking on the green button below:

It’s not so easy to find a hotel that offers good value for money in Toronto . To help you out, I’ve prepared a list of the best hotels depending on your budget.

One last tip: If the place you’re attracted to is available, book it right away . Demand is very high in the city, and the best accommodations disappear (very) quickly!

• The Clarence Park : This youth hostel is located a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower. Dormitory bed from €35 per night. Strong points: the location, the conviviality, curtains for dormitory beds, modernity. An excellent choice for budget accommodation in Toronto !
• Margie Townhome Suites : This guesthouse is located a 5-minute walk from the Eaton Centre. Cozy and pleasant rooms starting from €110. Strong points: the location, the calm, proximity to the metro.
• The Novotel Toronto Centre : Located right next to St. Lawrence Market. Contemporary and very spacious double rooms starting from €150. Strong points: indoor pool, location, excellent breakfast.
• One King West Hotel and Residence : Nestled in Old Toronto, a mere 5-minute walk from the St. Lawrence Market. This joint boasts modern, spacious and elegant suites, complete with stunning city views, starting from €190, with a breakfast option at €17. Strong points: Prime downtown location, top-notch bedding, and the breathtaking views.
• The Omni King Edward Hotel : For anyone looking to treat themselves during their Toronto escapade. This upscale hotel resides in the financial district, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Eaton Centre. Cosy double rooms with tasteful décor start from €300, with breakfast at an extra €23. Strong points: prime location, attentive staff, room décor, and comfort, as well as an excellent breakfast. A perfect choice for a luxury stay in Toronto or a romantic night with your partner !
• Bisha Hotel Toronto : A 5-star hotel just 500m from the CN Tower. This establishment boasts superb rooms designed by none other than star Lenny Kravitz’s designer studio. Starting at a cool €390. Strong points: the infinity pool on the rooftop with views of the CN Tower, the hotel’s excellent restaurants, and an ideal location. The best hotel in Toronto for a luxury stay !

You may have noticed, staying in downtown Toronto isn’t exactly cheap, but that’s to be expected given it’s a bustling Canadian tourist hub.

If you’re looking to save a bit and don’t mind staying a bit further out, hotels near the Toronto Airport (about 17km from downtown) generally offer lower rates.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport
• Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre

11) Ottawa (1 day)

Continue your three-week Canadian adventure by hitting the road to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city .

Your best bet is to head out early from Toronto as the drive is about 4 hours and 15 minutes between the two cities.

Best things to see and do in Ottawa:

• The Byward Market : the perfect spot to start your tour, as you can grab lunch here. Don’t forget to try a traditional Canadian dessert: a beaver tail pastry.
• Parliament Hill , home to the Canadian Parliament buildings.
• The Canadian Museum of History , one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited. It chronicles the entire history of Canada in a super engaging way. Also, don’t miss out on the world’s largest totem pole collection! Feel free to book your tickets in advance by clicking here !
• The Rideau Canal, perfect for a walk along the banks.

To discover all the points of interest in Ottawa, you should read my dedicated article: Best things to see and do in Ottawa .

Spend the night in Ottawa. Voyage Tips - Advice If you don’t feel like walking, there are several ways to explore Ottawa (click on the orange links to book):

• A hop-on hop-off bus tour
• A narrated cruise on the Ottawa River
• An electric boat cruise 
• A guided tour on an amphibious bus : my favorite as it combines both bus and mini-cruise!

While Ottawa may be the capital of Canada, it’s still a small city.

So, the selection of accommodations is somewhat limited. You should book a room from my selection in advance and not to dally too long.

• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel : This youth hostel is housed in a restored old jail. You’ll be sleeping in upgraded cells (I assure you!) Dorm bed from €30, breakfast included. Strong points: the uniqueness of the place, excellent location, and delicious breakfast. A great affordable choice for lodging in Ottawa !
• The Business Inn : Hotel located 1.3km from Parliament Hill. Well-equipped studio with a kitchen starting from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: prime location, spacious rooms, an in-room computer with printer, and the ability to cook for yourself. My absolute favorite for its unbeatable value for money in Ottawa!
• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt : Located in the Byward Market neighborhood. Double room with modern and sleek decor from €190 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, friendly staff, rooftop terrace, and an extensive and varied breakfast buffet.
• Fairmont Château Laurier : 5-star hotel (the only one in Ottawa) located a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill. Spacious and comfortable double room from €365 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: high-quality services, room comfort, indoor swimming pool, attentive and helpful staff. The best hotel in Ottawa for a luxury stay !

And here we are, at the final stop of this recommended itinerary for a three-week trip to Canada.

I suggest you head to Montreal, which is just 2 hours and 15 minutes drive from Ottawa.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to exploring Montreal :

• Climb to the top of the Olympic Stadium’s inclined tower to take in the view over the entire region
• Visit the Montreal Biodome to immerse yourself in the various ecosystems of the American continent
• Take a stroll in the botanical garden
• Wrap up with a shopping spree on Saint Catherine Street , Montreal’s main commercial thoroughfare. This is your last chance to spend those Canadian dollars!

The following day sadly marks the end of your three-week road trip through Canada. It’s time to think about catching your return flight .

For a 20-day trip to Canada , spend one less day in Toronto .

If you’ve decided to visit Canada in 22 days , you can add an extra day at any stage , where you feel the most confortable. It’s up to you to decide whether you’d prefer to dedicate an additional day to exploring a city or spend a bit more time enjoying the natural beauty of the national parks.

It’s entirely possible to adapt this three-week Canada itinerary if you’d rather visit Quebec instead of Ontario .

You simply need to follow this journey up to the 7th stop in Calgary, and then catch a flight to Montreal.

You’ll then have a whole week to explore Quebec . You could visit Montreal, Quebec City , and the Mauricie National Park .

You’ll find everything you need to know in my article: One week itinerary in Quebec .

If you have any inquiries or need further information about exploring Canada in 3 weeks, don’t hesitate to ask your questions in the comments below. I’ll be more than happy to assist you!

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

How could I not start an article about Canada’s best road trips without first mentioning the Icefields Parkway, which has often been ranked as one of the best road trips in the entire world? Stretching 232 kilometres through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, this highway invites you into a journey of mind-blowing scenery, including mighty mountains, waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and rivers, and glaciers too. While the drive from Banff to Jasper really only takes upwards of three-four hours, you’ll probably want to budget an entire day for all the stops you’ll be making to take photos, short hikes, or even full-on tours at the Columbia Glacier. Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls, just to name a few. For those coming from Calgary to Banff , you just continue towards Lake Louise and then head North on highway 93.

Best time to go: This Alberta road trip is best from June to September, although May works as well. October is also good if you don’t mind a higher chance of rain in exchange for much fewer tourists. From November until April, you should expect snow and ice. This is also a beautiful time to do the road trip, but you’ll need to be much better skilled at driving and expect delays. In addition, many things such as the Columbia Icefield tour are closed.

Bonus: Due to the popularity of this area, it’s also a great place for delicious food. There are so many restaurants in the area and we’ve made some extensive guides, such as our guide to the best Banff restaurants and the best Canmore restaurants .

Cowboy Trail, Alberta

If you’re looking for some prairie and mountainous “wild west” scenery, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail is the road trip for you. Primarily located just south of Calgary, you could start your experience in the province’s biggest city, taking time to explore the many things to do in Calgary such as the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park, Studio Bell, or the new central library. If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth. You could even stop by the Alberta Boot Company and grab yourself some authentic Cowboy boots or other Western-style clothing.

While the actual “Cowboy Trail” refers to Highway 22, which travels all the way from the Edmonton area down into the USA, our favourite part starts around Bragg Creek and takes you down past Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River, Longview, and down towards Pincher Creek. You’ll pass a lot of stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as well as a number of Western-style towns before winding up in the Rocky Mountains such as the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. If you’re not wanting to continue into the USA, you could return to Calgary via Highway 2, stopping to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump .

Best time to go: This is one of the best road trips from Calgary and is best done between May and October.

Banff to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway

While the Trans-Canada Highway can take you across the entire country, the most beautiful part, in our opinion, is from Calgary to Vancouver . After just an hour or so, you’ll arrive in Banff with nothing but gorgeous scenery for the remainder of the drive. This 900-kilometre slice of the Trans-Canada takes you through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and finally into Vancouver, which is nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. While this drive can be done in one very long 12-hour day, you’ll obviously want to take as long as possible to make use of the incredible national parks you’ll be driving through. There are also a number of side trips you could take, such as highway 93 down into Radium Hot Springs, and Highway 97, which will take you down to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour Offer .

Best time to go: This largely depends on what you aim to do. The safest time to go is during the warmer months when the highways are clear. However, if you’re into skiing, this is one of the best places in the world to shred powder, which is typically best between January and March.

For more tips on what to bring on a road trip, check out our Road Trip Essentials article.

Road Trip around the Okanagan Valley, BC

While the Okanagan Valley isn’t really known as a specific “road trip”, it is home to one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, a gastronomic hot spot, and beautiful Lake Okanagan. There are all sorts of beautiful towns to visit, such as Kelowna , Penticton, and Vernon. There are all sorts of award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and sandy beaches as well. This also happens to be one of Canada’s warmest regions, which can hit 40 degrees Celcius in the summer months.

Best time to go:  June to September for the warmest temperatures. April, May, and October are also great and a bit cooler.

Sea to Sky Highway, BC

This is the shortest road trip mentioned in this article but a great one to take if you’re in the Vancouver area. The Sea to Sky Highway links Vancouver to Whistler, which are less than two hours apart, making this one of the most popular road trips from Vancouver. Driving along the coast, this is a great place to see the beautiful west coast. Popular stops include Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, Shannon Falls, and the Britannia Mine Museum. There’s also the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which provides unforgettable views and a suspension bridge and of course, Squamish and Whistler, which provide all sorts of adventurous activities. In addition, don’t forget to experience Vancouver whale watching while in the city as well as all the other fun things to do in Vancouver .

Tour Idea: Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip Tour .

Best time to go:  July to September is Vancouver’s dry season, but if the rain doesn’t bother you, almost any time of year is good. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, January to March is best.

Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and is home to some of the best things to do in British Columbia . Not only does it have one of the mildest climates in the country, but it’s also home to a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, rugged coastlines, and scenic towns and cities, making it a great place for a BC road trip. It’s also home to beautiful gardens, epic hikes, surfing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours. Two of the most popular places to visit include Victoria and Tofino, which are on opposite sides of the island. While driving between the two, don’t forget to stop at Cathedral Grove to marvel at the massive trees as well as the many other parks and towns along the way. Finish the trip with one of Tofino’s stunning sunsets.

Best time to go: a West Coast road trip is best between March to May and September to November. Summer is great too but is very busy and expensive.

Before you go, check out our article about things to do in Victoria BC .

Dempster Highway, Yukon

As Canada’s only all-weather road that goes past the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway has become one of the most unique road trips in Canada. However, this is not your average highway. The Dempster Highway is a 700-kilometre extremely isolated dirt road with only one service station (they also offer accommodation and a restaurant) option along the way in Eagle Plains. This road trip takes a little more preparation than the others and will be much harder on your vehicle than any other road trip mentioned in this article. However, for those who choose this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible arctic scenery and the chance to drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

Best time to go: The best time to go would be in the warmer months between May and early October. The road is open year-round but the driving becomes much more dangerous in the winter. Spring will bring a lot of bugs, summer will bring a lot of tourists, and the fall has no bugs and beautiful fall foliage (hint: our favourite time is the fall). However, if you time your arrival in Inuvik for mid-July, you might be able to experience the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

Looking for one of the best road trips from Toronto? With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay from Toronto and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s largest freshwater beach.

In addition, you could also extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, which is comprised of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River. Basically, it goes from Toronto to Amherstburg, which makes this one of the most popular road trips from Toronto. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls Canada .

Best time to go: Summer is great but also busy. Shoulder season in late August to mid-September or in the spring from May to June is also great. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Ontario .

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Ontario

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and just stay on the Canadian side. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive and a really cool place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It’s home to some incredible scenery as well as some interesting history from the war between Canada and the USA. In fact, you can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. This is one of those places where you should plan to spend at least a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

Best time to go: The warmer months from May to October. July and August will be the busiest. Before going, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many awesome things to do in Toronto !

Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

For those wanting to experience a world-class city like Montreal, followed by a scenic road trip, the Gaspe Peninsula is the one for you. This 9-hour trip takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City, and up to the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its pine forests and looming cliffs, the Gaspé Peninsula is a stunning place to visit. Some of the highlights include visiting the pierced rock in Percé, spending some time at the Parc de la Gaspésie, and taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island. Obviously, the cities of Quebec and Montreal aren’t so shabby either. This is a great road trip for those wanting to mix urban and rural fun.

Best time to go:  June to mid-September. Want more? Here are other things to do in Quebec as well as the top things to do in Montreal .

Prince Edward Island Coastal Drives

With so many beautiful coastal drives, the hardest thing might be picking the right one. Then again, you could always do all three. The tourism board has three road trips they recommend, which include the North Coast Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive. The North Coast will introduce you to its Mi’kmaq culture as well as some unique stops, including a potato museum and a college for the Highland arts. The Central Coastal Drive includes the Red Sands Shore and the Green Gables Shore region. This area is great to experience the beautiful red sand that PEI is famous for as well as the historical landmark of Anne of Green Gables. Lastly, there’s the Points East Coastal Drive, which is characterized by its parks, trails, and lighthouses. Either way, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning coastal views and delicious seafood along the way.

Best time to go:  The Eastern Canada road trip is best in the warmer months, as many attractions close in the winter. Want more ideas? Here are other things to do in Prince Edward Island .

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

For those visiting the East Coast, don’t miss a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia . Cradling the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail has become one of the most famous road trips in Canada and the most famous East Coast Canada road trip. At 300 kilometres in length, most of which hug the coastline, this road trip is perfect for those who love the ocean and incredible views. Traversing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are all sorts of places to stop off and go for a hike as well. One of the most popular hikes is the Skyline Trail, which takes you up to the peak of the highlands for jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some small communities of Celtic and Acadian descent, which are also home to many artisans. This is another road trip that only takes 3-4 hours to complete but is better done over one day or more.

Tour Idea: Click here to learn about a low-cost Smartphone Audio Driving Tour .

Best time to go: June to September is best for good weather but October is great to see the fall foliage.

Spending more time in Nova Scotia? Don’t forget to enjoy some of the best things to do in Halifax !

The Viking Trail and Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Known to locals as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is one of the most unique and beautiful provinces in Canada. It has its lively music, food, culture, and a really friendly laid-back charm. It’s also a great place for a Canada road trip thanks to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. In fact, there are many great road trips in Newfoundland but this one stands out as the best. If you’re looking for incredible scenery, wildlife, adventure, and ancient history, there’s no better place to go. It all starts with Gros Morne National Park, which is home to landlocked fjords, mountains, forests, barren cliffs, and the sea. It’s also home to the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. There’s also loads of wildlife, including moose and caribou. Then there’s the Viking Trail , which takes you from Gros Morne National Park up to St. Anthony’s. This is the tip of Newfoundland and home to the thousand-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Both Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Best time to go: June to early October is the best time for good weather. It’s also the only time L’Anse aux Meadows is open. For more, check out our article on the best things to do in Newfoundland

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver, Banff National Park , the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fundy National Park, and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. In fact, there are far too many highlights to include here. Just make sure you have a lot of time. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. Personally, I’d want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going North to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Best time to go:  April to October for optimal weather coast to coast. However, some parts of Canada still get snowstorms up until May.

We hope this list has inspired you to take a Canada road trip somewhere in this country, if not all the way across.

If you’re exploring Canada, we have many other articles you might enjoy as well, including:

• Things to Do in Drumheller
• Things to Do in Jasper
• Whale Watching Canada
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Camping in Alberta

Happy Travels!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

Traveling by car can get you places which can be very difficult to reach by public transport or tour. It gives you the convenience of going your own way, in your own time, and it can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or a group. Many car rental services are giving comfortable rides at affordable rates Here, some top road trip ideas to inspire you : 1) The Trans-Canada Highway 2) Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia 3) Icefields Parkway, Alberta 4) Country Routes, Quebec 5) The Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories 6) Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

I mentioned above places are when I visited last time in Canada by ReRyde ride share service. It is easy for me to travel all the places at affordable rates within the scheduled hours. I enjoyed my trip happily by seamless ride To get more information: https://www.reryde.com/

June 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

I am especially interested in the Dempster Highway drive. Could you send me a guide please?

Mike Richins 325-660-8904

5058 Oaklawn Drive Abilene, Texas 79606

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We don’t have any guides to sell. We might create a digital one, but it wouldn’t be ready anytime soon.

June 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

I’m looking for some good road trips as I’m RVing from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver Island in September and taking a month to do it.

June 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Oh awesome, that sounds like a great trip. So much to see along the way. Riding Mountain NP, Grasslands NP in Sask, Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, etc 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 6:37 pm

My wife and I are planning to drive from Surrey BC to London Ontario. Leaving October 9th, or 10th 2020. wish me luck. we are hoping for good weather.

September 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Very cool! That’s a big drive! Just going for fun?

January 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

There is the Northern Woods and Water Highway road trip that is the furthest North people can travel east west in Canada. See the website http://www.NWWR.ca As an Association we promote a different view of the prairies. It can be connected with the TransCanada or Yellowhead for a circle tour of Western Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver and return. Get on anywhere and experience woods, water and wildlife.

February 1, 2021 at 3:56 pm

Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Are you like a Tourism Board for the area? We’d love to feature this one day on the channel

April 28, 2021 at 5:12 pm

just got some new wheels so anxious to hit the road….when we can once again do that! thanks for the great ideas!

April 3, 2023 at 9:01 pm

Do you have suggestions for renting a car that would allow you to rent the car on the west coast and leave it on the east coast?

April 4, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Not really. Some do allow that though for a fee. Sometimes you can book it this way through a site like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, etc.

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Road trips in Western Canada

Western conquest.

Explore the must-sees of Western Canada. The natural beauty of Vancouver Island, the waterfalls of Wells Gray Park and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Rockies will blow your mind!

The West by RV

From nights under the stars in Rocky Mountain campsites to the beauty of Vancouver Island, come and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Canadian nature.

Legendary landscapes

Embark on an unforgettable escape along Canadian roads from the Rockies to Vancouver. You'll be captivated by the natural treasures at every turn...

West with the family

Embark on unforgettable family adventures from Vancouver to the authentic charm of historic Hat Creek Village. Finish your road trip in style in the heart of the majestic Rockies.

Passionate by nature

Drive from the Rockies to Wells Gray Park, soak up Vancouver Island and taste the delights of the Okanagan. Immerse yourself in the nature of Western Canada !

Legendary splendour

By car! The spectacular roads of this road trip through the varied scenery and must-see attractions of Western Canada are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

The Rockies by train

Cross the majestic Rocky Mountains from Vancouver to Jasper aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Dream destinations

Discover breathtaking landscapes and majestic mountains in unspoilt wilderness. Each day offers a new dream destination for an unforgettable experience.

Discover the Lakes Route. From the unspoiled beauty of Waterton to the iconic village of Banff, you'll experience a real immersion in Alberta's dreamy scenery.

From glaciers to geysers

From glaciers to geysers, dense forests to endless meadows, this road trip crosses borders, soaking up the majestic grandeur of the Rockies from country to country.

Explore Western Canada aboard the Inside Passage. A delightful blend of fjords, lush forests, typical villages and unique natural scenery, each stop reveals an unforgettable adventure.

Once in the West

Explore Western Canada from Calgary to the majestic Rockies, from Wells Gray to Vancouver, ending at legendary Lake Louise! An epic journey through the heart of Alberta and British Columbia.

Back-country roads

Travel the scenic backcountry roads from the comfort of your motorhome. At every turn, the diverse landscapes of the Rockies will leave you in awe!

Vancouver Island

Explore Vancouver Island, from the charming city of Victoria to the wild beaches of Pacific Rim. You won't remain indifferent to the authenticity of Telegraph Cove and the beauty of Quadra Island.

Large as life

From emerald lakes to the Pacific coast, the majestic landscapes of Western Canada will captivate you on this memorable road trip.

Wild refinement

Between national parks, towns and unexpected encounters, this mountain epic promises moments of pure emotion and wild adventure.

From the Rockies to Yellowstone

From the majestic Rockies to the mythical Yellowstone Park, nature reveals a show without borders, with exceptional landscapes and captivating natural diversity!

Family adventure

Board the Inside Passage, crossing majestic fjords. Discover history-filled villages in Prince Rupert, Stewart and Smithers, before concluding in the heart of the Rockies.

My custom road trip

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The best time to go on a Canadian Rockies road trip or Eastern Canada adventure is during the summer months, between mid-June and mid-October .

The high touristic season is between mid-July and mid-August . There are a lot more travelers and the prices are higher.

From mid-September to mid-October , the trees are adorned with red, orange and yellow to offer quite a spectacle. You can sometimes still get nice temperatures. We call it the Indian Summer.

Whatever option suits your desire, make sure to check out our section " When to visit Canada ? " before booking your travel dates.

Driving in Canada

Before leaving for a road trip aboard your Canada car rental, it is best to be aware of the particularities of the Canadian highway code. We have gathered for you the most important information on our " Driving in Canada " page.

When should I book my Canada tour ?

The best time to book your Quebec road trip or Western Canada tour is to book at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially if you plan to travel in July or August.

Indeed, if you book your Canada road trip at the last minute, you risk limited availability , not to mention that you can expect the most beautiful places to be full.

Finally, the earlier you book, the more money you will save . There is no good reason to wait before booking your trip.

Consult our section " When to book my trip? " to know more.

What is the Authentik roadbook ?

The Authentik roadbook is a fully personalized Canada travel guide tailored to your individual Canada tour . Your Authentik advisor will start preparing your roadbook as soon as you book your trip.

The roadbook can be delivered to your home prior to your departure or given to you upon your arrival in Canada.

See it as your  personal assistant that will help you discover the most beautiful places in the country so that you don't miss a thing on your trip with us.

See our " Roadbook " section for more information.

Which destination to choose between Eastern and Western Canada ?

Are you planning a Canada self-drive holiday  and hesitating between Eastern Canada and its warmhearted Quebec or a Canadian Rockies itinerary  ?

Consult our " East vs West" section to help you see more clearly.

Should I choose a Canada tour by RV or by car ?

You are wondering if you should explore our great outdoors aboard a Canada RV rental or a  car  ?

Both types of travel have their pros and cons.

And contrary to popular belief, it is not always true that an RV trip costs less.

Consult our section " Car or RV " to know more.

See all FAQs on road trips in Canada

Check out our comprehensive road trip FAQs or our practical information FAQs on traveling to Canada in general.

The Best 3 Month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

This 3 month road trip in Canada is the road trip of a lifetime! When we created our cross Canada road trip itinerary we wanted to see everything, from wild bears to the Canadian Rockies. On our Canadian road trip, we spent 3 months living in a van and saw so many hidden gems. Vanlife in Canada is an experience we’ll never forget after travelling from eastern Canada to western Canada in the summertime. Let’s find out how to plan a road trip in Canada!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Planning a 3 month Road Trip in Canada

Canada is a dream for road trips. It has beautiful long roads, campsites in forests and hikes of a lifetime. If you love adventure, this is the country for you! From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canada has ten provinces and three territories and only borders the United States (with a little bit of Greenland at the top).

Ultimately the best way to road trip across Canada is by using your own vehicle. This will truly give you the ultimate freedom to see places only accessible by vehicle and be completely on your own schedule.

However, even though we recommend travelling by car or van in Canada, there are also other ways of having the best travel experience in Canada, find out more at the end of this post!

Vanlife in Canada

This guide will be based around living in a van in Canada and we’ve included all the places to stay during your cross Canada road trip. We used iOverlander to find our free camping spots whilst living in the van. For a 3 month road trip in Canada, we only paid for 4 nights in campsites! Let us know if you’d like to know more about Vanlife in Canada, you can comment below or find us on Instagram – @thesunrisedreamers

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

How to plan a 3 month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary?

The best way to plan a cross Canada road trip itinerary is to start adding points of interest to your map! You will start to create your 1, 2 or 3 month Canada itinerary!

Have you always dreamed of seeing Lake Louise in Banff National Park? or have you always wanted to practise your French in Montreal or Quebec City? There is so much going on in Canada. After all, it’s the second-largest country in the world and takes about 60 hours to drive from Halifax to Victoria.

What you need to do:

• Write down all the places you already know you want to visit and mark them on Google Maps
• Read our Canadian road trip itinerary and if you find any more places you want to visit add them to your list too!
• How much time do you have for your road trip? Do you want to travel the east or west of Canada?
• How will you travel? The best way to road trip across Canada is by using your own vehicle.

Once you’ve worked out a few places you’d like to go, you can find your best route or decide if you want to explore the west, central or east side of Canada. If you’re ready to discover some places to visit on your Canadian road trip, carry on reading! We’ll show you our exact itinerary for a 3 month road trip in Canada.

Can I do this Canadian road trip in 1 month or 2 months?

Yes! You will have to change a few things around, but the majority of this itinerary can be done on a 1 month canada road trip or 2 month canada road trip! The only thing you should keep in mind if you’re trip is shorter is that breakdowns do happen if you’re travelling in your own vehicle. If this happens, you’ll just have to make up time and spend shorter days in other places.

You can drive the whole of Canada in less than a week, but if you want to spend time experiencing the country, a minimum of 2-3 weeks is definitely required! This itinerary also works the other way around if you’re starting on the West side of Canada heading east.

Where to start your road trip in Canada?

Depending on what you want to get out of your road trip in Canada, will determine where you start your trip. We started in Montreal as we were living there at the time, after exploring Quebec we headed west aiming for Vancouver Island and our end goal was Vancouver .

If your time is flexible you can head in one direction with a rough plan of places you must see!

Our cross Canada road trip itinerary starts in Quebec and ends in British Columbia. We started in Montreal and ended our road trip in Vancouver where we lived on a working holiday visa.

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3 month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

We have created this itinerary based on our own experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit all the provinces and territories in Canada, although they are definitely worth a visit if you have an extended amount of time.

A brief summary of our cross Canada road trip itinerary: We visited Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba (briefly), Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. We travelled at the end of June – September from Montreal to Vancouver living in our Dodge Ram 2500 Campervan!

2 week Road Trip in Quebec

Montreal – 2-3 days.

Our starting point was Montreal as it was our home for a year. Montreal is definitely worth a visit if you’re on the east coast. A few things to do in Montreal: Explore Mont Tremblant, visit the underground mall, shop in mile end, discover downtown and Montreal’s china town. Where to eat in Montreal: Fairmount Bagels, La Banquise, Yuan, and grab yourself a falafel pitta from Yoni’s ($8).

As Montreal was our starting point, we packed up everything from our apartment into our van and hit the road!

Eastern Townships – 1 day

Fo our first day of vanlife in Canada and the beginning of our cross Canada road trip itinerary, we explored part of the Eastern Townships.

We walked a small trail in – Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises and headed into Magog. Things to do in Magog: Plage de Magog, Pointe-Merry Park. 1.5 hours drive from Montreal to Magog.

Where to sleep: Magog Truck Stop (Free wifi and a toilet)

Levis (Outside of Quebec City) – 1 day

In the morning we drove to Sherbrooke and parked up at Parc Jaques-Cartier and had a walk and skate around! It’s possible that you could park here overnight too.

It takes around 2-3 hours to drive from Eastern Townships to Quebec City and we actually chose to visit Quebec City on the way back as we got there pretty late. We visited Montmorency Falls and walked across the bridge before parking in Levis for the night.

Where to sleep: near Parc de l’Anse Tibbits, on the road in our stealthy van (toilets nearby)

Rimouski – 1 day

It rained all day! So this was a good opportunity to drive more into the Gaspesie. It was a 3.5 drive to Site Historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père which is where we also found an awesome place to sleep! The Submarine Quay has beaches, a lighthouse and of course a submarine! There were lots of other campers there so it felt like a free campsite.

Where to stay: Submarine Quay (with lots of campers)

Gaspesie National Park – 1 day

It’s a 2 hour drive to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts before turning off into the Gaspesie National Park. The drive really starts to get beautiful now as you follow the coast and enter the area of the National Park. We chose to hike up to Mont Ernest-Laforce, which was a short trail with a high chance of seeing moose! You can also stop at Saint-Anne Waterfall on the way through the park.

We stayed overnight in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and spent the evening on the beach, it really made us think ‘how is this Canada?!’

Where to stay: Not a popular car park (not sure if 100% allowed) As it was near to the beach there was a toilet and outdoor cold shower

Forllion National Park – 1 day

It’s a 2.5 to Forllion National Park. We parked at Grande-Grave and followed a trail to the stunning Cap-Bon-Ami viewpoint! Forllion National Park is one of the best places to see whales in Canada. We didn’t get so lucky whilst we were here but there are chances of seeing them from Gaspe – Perce.

It costs CA$15.80 to enter Forllion National Park for 2 people and you also have to pay or reserve a campsite if you want to stay here. Tip: If you have a National Park pass (which you’ll need for the Canadian Rockies) this park is included!

Where to stay: A car park at a community centre near Gîte Pétales de Rose (outside of the national park)

Gaspe – 1 day

It’s only a 30 minute drive to Gaspe and there are many lovely stops to make on the way. We managed to spot some seals in the ocean! Gaspe town is worth a visit on your Canadian road trip itinerary, especially if you’re visiting the Gaspesie. There’s a lot of Canadian history to learn about in this cosy town. There are also a few more shops here and restaurants if you’re interested in trying out some Quebec cuisine!

Where to stay: La Commune-de-Douglastown – Beach area it was quite bumpy to get here on this long strip of sandy dirt but very isolated and you can make a fire! You can also walk along the beach here!

Coin-du-Blanc – 1 day

After half a day relaxing on the beach near Douglastown we headed to Sentier de la Chute Rivière du Portage, a beautiful waterfall! It’s a short hike down to the waterfall but once you’re there you can swim and it’s also a good chance to refresh your body (Vanlife in Canada problems). It’s less than an hour drive to Coin-du-Blanc!

Where to stay: Sentier de la Chute Rivière du Portage – Beach area ( toilets nearby)

Perce – 1 day

Cap Mont Joli and Perce rock are two highlights of visiting Perce. Perce Rock is also iconic for travelling the Gaspesie Route! There are a few things to do in Perce and you can find out about more of them here – Perce Toursim. In the summer it’s also possible to catch a boat trip to see Northern Gannet Colonies on Bonaventure Island!

After Perce, we headed to Newport Chandler to find a place to free camp and chill on the beach.

Where to stay: Plage des Beaux Sables (Small beach parking lot, sleep to the sound of the waves)

Quebec City – 1 day

From Newport Chandler, we chose to make the long 7-hour drive back to Quebec City. We could have done this in two trips by spending some time in Carleton-Sur-Mer and Parc régional du Mont Saint-Joseph, however at the time we were happy to continue driving to carry on with our 3 month road trip in Canada!

We reached Quebec City at 8 pm and spent the evening admiring the capital of Quebec. We had actually already visited the city in the wintertime so we just ran around seeing all the hot spots again. We’d definitely recommend spending another day here if this is your first time in Quebec City.

Where to stay: Walmart (free wifi and toilets in Walmart)

Montreal – 1 day

Stopped back off in Montreal for one last time, before heading west for the rest of our cross Canada road trip. It’s a 3 hour drive from Quebec City to Monreal and we then headed to a Walmart in Vaudreuil-Dorion to stay for the night.

Ottawa – 1 day

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and it’s actually in Ontario. It’s not as big as Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal but it’s still the capital! After a 1.5 hour drive, we spent the morning here walking around the city and then headed to Gatineau Park which is back in the Quebec province. Ottawa lies on the border between both provinces. We then drove 1 hour to Shawville to find a free campsite.

Where to stay: Mill Dam Park (a hidden gem!! free toilet & electricity)

That’s officially the end of our 2 week Quebec road trip, but only the beginning of our long cross Canada road trip itinerary!

10 day Road Trip in Ontario

Ontario surprised us so much! It’s full of lakes, hills and very friendly people!

We don’t actually visit Toronto on this Canadian road trip route. If you do want to go to Toronto this would be done at the beginning straight after Quebec, before continuing the rest of this itinerary. We have a 3 days in Toronto guide if you’re interested in visiting this urban city!

Golden Lake – 1 day

After a lot of driving over the last week, we decided to have a very chill day. We came across Golden Lake at 2pm, and when we realised it was named Golden Lake due to its sunsets it made us want to spend the day! It was amazing to enjoy Canadian nature in the best way. Here’s the exact location for the rest stop at Golden Lake , near Golden Lake Chinese.

From Shawville to the edges of Algonquin Provincial Park it’s about a 2-hour drive.

Where to stay: Tom and Mick Murray Millennium Park (We stayed next to a lake, looked like a locals free camping spot with pit toilets

Algonquin Provinicial Park – 1 day

We arrive at Algonquin Provincial Park early to explore in the quieter moments. We picked up a map and chose a few of the shorter hikes. There were SO many mosquitoes at 7 am, mosquitoes are pretty bad in Canada especially in the east. One of the trails we did was the Two Rivers Trail.

In total, we drove 2 hours through the park and to Huntsville where we luckily found a spot to stay.

Where to stay: Huntsville – in one small spot next to a lake, nearby there were lots of parking spots that say no overnight camping, so luckily we were okay!

Huntsville – 1 day

We explored Huntsville for a couple of hours and enjoyed the walk near the lakeside. They have big outdoor shops here along the high street if you need any extra gear for your van or camping set up. After wandering around Huntsville, we drove 3 hours and stayed near Lorne.

Where to stay: near Lorne – ( a remote lake near the highway , very bumpy to get to but beautiful! The exact location is on iOverlander)

Sault Ste Marie – 1 day

From Huntsville, we headed to Sault Ste Marie which took under 3 hours drive. Sault Ste Marie is on the border for Canada and the United States. There’s lots of shopping to do here, but we mainly stocked up on our supplies and walked along the boardwalk

A short drive north and you’ll reach Pancake Bay and also Lake Superior, one of the worlds largest freshwater lakes! It actually holds 10% of the world’s surface freshwater. In total, we drove 3.5 hours to get to Lake Superior and Pancake Bay

Where to stay: Free spot near Pancake Bay (near a lodge that serves food and groceries)

Lake Superior Provincial Park

When we woke up, we headed back over to Batchawana bay to The Voyageur’s Lodge and Cookhouse which we passed on on the way to Pancake Bay yesterday evening. They boast about their world-famous apple fritters , so we had to give them a try! They were actually pretty good, but beware they are HUGE.

Next, we headed to Lake Superior Provincial Park which cost CA$7.50. We recommend seeing Katherine Cove and the Agawa Rock Pictographs! There are lots of spots to swim in the lake here and there will be more opportunities over the next few days as Lake Superior is so big. From Pancake Bay, it’s less than a 2 hour drive to Wawa.

Where to stay: Sandy Beach (lots of free spots in Wawa)

Wawa – 1 day

The only driving we did today was to a new ‘camping’ spot next to the lake. So this is another one of our chill days and actually one of our favourite days of the whole road trip in Canada. We chilled to the max and blew up our rubber ring. It was a super hot day so we did our laundry in a bucket and hung it out to dry on a thick rope we brought with us.

Where to stay: Dr Roses Beach (we spent the whole day here and there’s a toilet block)

Nipigon – 1 day

After a relaxing day, we drove from Wawa to Nipigon which is a 4-hour drive.

On the way, we visited the hometown of ‘Winnie the Pooh’! In White River, there’s a very sweet Winnie the Pooh Memorial that explains the story of Winnie the Pooh.

A black bear cub in White River was named Winnie after the person’s hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was taken to London Zoo, which is where Christopher Robin saw the bear! They also have a monument and gift shop/museum. After White River, we stopped at Aguasabon Falls and saw the sunset at Nipigon Marina.

Where to stay: Carpark at Nipigon Lookout

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – 1 day

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located on the west side of Lake Superior. It cost us CA$15.50 to enter Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and we hiked up to Top of the Giant. It was long but very rewarding! They do actually have a campground inside the provincial park if you’re interested in staying there.

We then drove to Thunder Bay and in total Nipigon to Thunder Bay with a stop in the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park will take 2.5 hours.

Where to stay: Walmart (free wifi and toilet)

Kakabeka Waterfall – 1 day

After arriving in Thunder Bay the night before all we did was sleep, so we decided to check out a few things to do in Thunder Bay. Kakabeka Waterfall was a highlight and cost a small price of CA$5.25.

From Thunder Bay, we drove 1.5 hours to an area near Raith. When we reached the Truck Stop there were so many beavers!

Where to stay: Central Time Zone Truckstop (toilets)

Driving day – 1 day

We took the day very chill and sorted a few things out, there weren’t as many things to do in western Ontario so we drove a lot on this day. We did stop by Dryden to see the huge Moose statue and also visited Kenora for some lake views and deer! From Raith, it’s a 5-hour drive to the Ontario Border.

Where to stay: Ontario border stop (toilets)

Just like that, we’ve finished our road trip in Ontario! Ontario is a very long province to road trip through, but it does honestly have some hidden gems and so many places to just unwind next to a lake.

2 days in Manitoba

Important information about Manitoba – we travelled in the year 2020 and Manitoba were asking travellers not to stay in the province and to just drive straight through. It is possible to drive through Manitoba in one day as it only takes a few hours. However, as we were set up in our van we decided to stop over in a park once to sleep.

Winnipeg – 1 day

From the Ontario border, we drove a total of 5 hours to Russell.

Even with the travel restriction, it was actually raining for the whole day that we arrived in Manitoba. We drove through Winnipeg and had a look at the city from the inside of our van. We then carried on driving to a spot we found on iOverlander that claimed to have free electricity.

Once we got to Russell Peace Park it felt like a campground, however, it was free! We don’t think the toilets were working anymore but free electricity when you’re in a van is awesome. Manitoba holds a very special memory for us as it’s the first time we’ve ever seen the Northern Lights! (they were magical).

Where to stay: Russell Peace Park (free electricity)

Russell – 1 day

After the surprising experience of seeing the northern lights, we chose to hang around the free campground the next morning and also cooked lunch here! We drove 3 hours across the border to Lanigan in Saskatchewan.

Where to stay: A parking lot just off the highway

2 days in Saskatchewan (plus 7 days broken down)

We drove into Saskatchewan in the evening and were blessed with views of these yellow fields.

Saskatoon – 1 day

Leaving Lanigan we headed straight for Saskatoon, we were more interested in visiting Saskatoon over Regina and we also chose this as our Canadian road trip route because we wanted to visit Jasper first.

Saskatoon was a small city and we actually had our first meal out on the road trip so far (and also in a few months due to restaurants being closed in 2020). From Saskatoon, it was only a 1 hour drive to North Battleford where we chose to stay for the night in a Walmart and also grab some supplies. Overall we drove a total of 2.5 hours from Lanigan to North Battleford

Where to stay: North Battleford Walmart

The Big Vanlife Breakdown – 7 days

Unfortunately, road trips in Canada aren’t always smooth sailing. When we tried to leave North Battleford our van wouldn’t start! 🙁 We were stuck and had to call our breakdown service to come help! This turned out to be a stressful process and a very stressful day of travel.

We’re including these days in the total of our road trip because within a 3 month road trip in Canada you really never know what’s going to happen. After making it to a garage we stayed in North Battleford for 6 more nights and even slept in a tent for two of those nights at a house (when our van was in the garage). Thankfully the van was fixed and we were able to hit the road again!

The positive part about this breakdown is that we reached the Rockies for the most perfect rain and cloud-free weather which apparently can be quite uncommon! We also had a lot of laptop time in Tim Hortons and booked a volunteering project to do in the next few weeks.

Saskatchewan fields – 1 day

From North Battleford, it’s a 3 hour drive to the outskirts of Edmonton, Elk National Park.

After a very long week, we were SO excited to be in our ‘working’ van and on the road again continuing our Canada road trip. We knew how close we were to the Canadian Rockies and the mountains. Here’s the next part of our cross Canada road trip itinerary!

Where to stay: Rest stop near Elk National Park

2 Week Road Trip in Alberta

We spent a total of 15 days in Alberta on our Canadian road trip and could have spent much more! If you’re on a road trip from east to west, Alberta is going to be your first glimpse of the beautiful Canadian Rockies! Get ready for the amazing views!

Elk National Park – 1 day

Our first stop in Alberta was Elk National Park, we highly recommend visiting Elk National Park on your Canadian road trip because you’ll have the opportunity to see bison! From Elk National Park it’s around a 1 hour drive to Edmonton where we stayed for the night.

Where to stay: Walmart in Edmonton

Edmonton – 1 day

A visit to Edmonton isn’t complete without visiting the largest mall in Canada and North America – West Edmonton Mall , they even have a water park inside! You can spend hours browsing even if you don’t need anything!

We parked our van in West Edmonton Mall for free and took a local bus into the city centre. Edmonton city will only take 2 hours to look around. Honestly, we were much more excited about the mall. After finishing up in Edmonton we hit the road for 1.5 hours to a rest stop near Nojak.

Where to stay: Rest stop in Nojak area

1 Week Road Trip in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are a must-visit on a cross Canada road trip itinerary! A lot of travellers in Canada only visit because of the Canadian Rockies and they are so worth it.

Jasper East – 1 day

After staying near Nojak, we drove 1 hour to Hinton, a smaller town in Canada. Hinton is a great base for campers to explore Jasper National Park. There are lots of free camping spots opposite Jasper East Cabins . A local grocery store – Freson Bros – also lets you sleep in the car park and they have free wifi, a cafe and fresh food!

It’s important to note that it’s illegal to camp in any national park in Canada unless you have a dedicated spot at a campsite which you have to pay for. Usually, these camping spots book up really fast, but it’s possible to get walk-in spots. Double-check your options before turning up at a campsite in Canada.

After arriving at Hinton, we met up with a friend and had a fire in the evening. This was the first time we ever saw shooting stars! It was the perfect conditions to star gaze as there were no clouds and it was very dark at 1 am.

Where to stay: Hinton (forest spots opposite Jasper East Cabins )

Jasper National Park – 4 days

Jasper National Park is one of the main highlights of a Canadian Rockies road trip, you can definitely spend a few days here.

Hiking & Jasper Town – Day 1

Our friend took us on our first hike in Jasper National Park, sadly we can’t remember the name of it, but there was a small parking lot and you have to walk through a bush to get to it…very awesome views from the top though!

Later in the day, we visited Jasper town for the first time for an evening meal!

Lake Annette – Day 2

The weather was perfect on this day, so it was a great opportunity to relax in Lake Annette. We spent almost all day in Jasper National Park and Lake Annette but still travelled back to Hinton to stay near Jasper East Cabins for free.

Maligne Canyon & Lac Beauvert – Day 3

To save ourselves the 1 hour roundtrip journey back to Hinton for a free camping spot we decided to stay in our first paid campsite of the trip. The spots were easy to book online and luckily there was availability! (The summer of 2020 was a unique summer for Canada due to low-tourism)

Maligne Canyon is an amazing experience on a road trip through the Canadian Rockies. The Maligne Canyon trail is a single large loop with several optional side trails and can take around 2-4 hours. The water is so powerful here, and there are many waterfalls to prove it!

In the evening we went to Lac Beauvert to admire the views. You can kayak on the lake here, or there’s a circle loop. We chose to stay at our very first paid campsite and it was lovely! The atmosphere of other campers was amazing and the views of the mountains in the Overflow Campground were impressive.

Where to stay: Overflow Campground – CA$16.05

Jasper Town & Hiking – Day 4

In the daytime, we explored more of Jasper Town and did some much-needed laundry. We also tried our first Beaver Tail after many months of being in Canada!

In the late afternoon, we hiked the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail. It’s a beautiful walk that takes around 2 hours and gives you the opportunity to see five lakes all different shades of green and blue. Wabasso Campground is right around the corner from this trail, so we headed over there to make some dinner! It’s located in the forest and we even saw wild foxes in the evening.

Where to stay: Wabasso Campground – CA$21.97

Icefields Parkway – 1 day

The Icefields Parkway is one of the best things to do on a trans Canada road trip! The Icefields Parkway is a long stretch of road that joins Jasper National Park and Banff National Park together. It takes about 3 hours to drive but with many stops, it will take you all day!

Seeing the mountains from your car windows is one of the best sights on a road trip in Canada and you’ll definitely want it to be a clear day.

Icefields Parkway Itinerary

• Athabasca Falls (1 hour)
• Sunwapta Falls (30 mins)
• Athabasca Glacier (1 hour)
• Wilcox Pass Trail (1 hour hike)
• Parker Ridge Trail (2-3 hour hike)
• Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint (10 minutes)
• Peyto Lake (30 mins)
• Bow Lake Viewpoint (10 mins)

We didn’t get to do all of these activities, we missed Peyto Lake due to it being closed in 2020, and we didn’t hike the Wilcox Pass Trail. We also actually stopped at the Saskatchewan River for a night of free camping, but there is no service.

Where to stay: Saskatchewan River Crossing (no service)

Banff National Park – 2 day

Banff is the oldest National Park in Canada and also the most famous one! It’s definitely a highlight on any Canadian road trip and it was definitely our highlight of a 3 month road trip in Canada.

Banff Town & Lake Louise – Day 1

We were a little worried as we hadn’t reserved a paid campsite in Banff and wanted to stay in the National Park. We drove 1 hour straight to Protection Mountain campground as they had first come first serve spots. We were extremely relieved to find had many spots available, so we put our name down for 2 nights. Our friend from Jasper was also joining us for this trip!

After securing our place to stay, we drove to Banff town and explored the village for the first time. There are free spots everywhere to park, and many things to do. Later that evening we met our friend and visited Lake Louise for the first time. It is honestly better than the photos, such a beautiful lake to see and a must on a western Canada road trip itinerary.

Where to stay: Protection Mountain – CA$51.80 for 2 nights with a fire permit with free firewood

Moraine Lake & Teahouse Hike – Day 2

After lots of research on the best time to visit Moraine Lake, we decided to see what the famous sunrise at Moraine Lake was like. So, we woke up at 5 am to drive 30 minutes to the parking lot of Moraine Lake and it was so busy!!! We arrived at 5:50 am and were lucky to get one of the last parking spaces, although it is pretty small.

Another great time to see Moraine Lake is late afternoon. They usually block off the road if there are no spaces at the top of the lake. It’s also possible to hike at Moraine Lake, however, we chose to do a different hike this day.

We then headed to Lake Louise to hike the Lake Agnes Tea House and Big Beehive. This was one of our favourite hikes on our cross Canada road trip route and it was definitely because of the views at the top! It takes about 4-5 hours for a roundtrip hike and you get a beautiful view of Lake Louise from above.

Where to stay: (Mentioned above)

Banff Town & Canmore- Day 3

After experiencing some major highlights on our 3 month road trip in Canada bucket list, we explored the village again and saw the Fairmount hotel from a distance on a local trail from the town. We then drove to Canmore for the evening which is only a 30 minute drive away. Canmore is quieter than Banff Town and as it’s not in the National Park anymore it’s not illegal to camp for free!

Where to stay: Safeway Carpark in Canmore (lots of other campers)

Canmore – 1 day

The next morning we woke up early to hike the Grassi Lakes trail which takes up to 2 hours. The lakes are such beautiful colours of green and blue! We also spent the afternoon walking around Canmore before driving to Drumheller! As it was quite late we found a place to stay at one of the best sights in Drumheller.

Horsethief Canyon was our favourite place to stay on our 3 month Canada road trip! It was also another place we saw the Northern Lights which were once again, so beautiful. It’s a 2-hour drive from Canmore to Horsethief Canyon

Where to stay: Horsethief Canyon

Drumheller – 1 day

In the morning we woke up to the view of the impressive Horsethief canyon and chose to walk down into the lower area. Drumheller is a whole new version of Canada and is actually located in the Canadian badlands and nicknamed the dinosaur capital of Canada.

Popular things to do in Drumheller are Royal Tyrrell Museum (Dinosaur museum), see the statue of the World’s Largest Dinosaur, hike the Hoodoo’s trail, visit Horseshoe Canyon and walk on the Star Mine Suspension Bridge.

These activities can take anywhere between 1 or 2 days in Drumheller, we managed to fit everything in 1 day and even managed to drive back to Calgary as it’s only 1.5 hours from Drumheller to Calgary and we watched the sunset over the city at Scotsman’s Hill .

Where to stay: Walmart in Calgary

Calgary – 1 day

A day in Calgary can be done in many ways! We headed out into the centre of the city to see the Calgary Tower up close, we then walked through Chinatown and chilled in Prince’s Island Park. If you have time check out Mt Pleasant View Point for another view of this skyscraper city.

We also stocked up on some essentials at Dollarama and grocery stores whilst we were in a big city so we could continue our cross Canada road trip route! After Calgary, we headed to Canmore which is only a 1 hour drive. On the way to Canmore, we walked the Grotto Canyon Trail which was a great way to get back into nature.

Where to stay: A parking lot in Canmore

In the morning we headed to Rundle Forebay to do our very first Sup Boarding. Get there early to grab a sup board as it’s first come first serve. In the morning the Canadian Rockies are actually quite cold, even in August!

After enjoying Alberta one final time, we headed back West to Golden which was a 3-hour drive.

Where to stay: We actually stayed at the house we volunteered at, heading back west.

1 Month Road Trip in British Columbia

British Columbia is an amazing province to explore and great for vanlife in Canada. There is so much to do in both Alberta and BC on a cross Canada road trip that you can spend 3 months just creating a western Canada road trip itinerary!

Note: We spent 2 Weeks in British Columbia volunteering with a few day trips, plus a full 3 weeks exploring the province. So we’ve made this a 1 month itinerary.

Field – 1 day

From Banff, we said goodbye to our friend and hit the road for Field in the morning before heading to Golden in the afternoon. It was about a 2-hour drive from the Protection Mountain campsite.

Workaway in Golden – 2 weeks

Volunteering is something we really want to do more of on our travels. During our 3 month road trip in Canada, we had the opportunity to do a Work Away!

Back when we were in North Battleford we set up Work Away account and were messaged by a British couple building a house on their newly bought property. We arranged to volunteer with them for 2 weeks helping to build their new sustainable house in exchange for a place to stay and food.

Yoho National Park – 1 day

Another great park on our 3 month road trip in Canada is Yoho National Park! We spent one day here seeing some of the hotspots. We saw Emerald Lake , T akakkaw Falls , Natural Bridge , but we missed out on Wapta Falls and Lake O’Hara (as at the time you needed to reserve spots to see this lake).

Where to stay: Unfortunately we don’t have any recommendations here as we stayed at our Work Away site.

Thompson Falls Hike – 1 day

Thompson Falls hike was a great way to stretch our legs again after working on the house at our Work Away. It takes about 2-3 hours and we even took a huskie dog with us!

Cedar Lake – 1 day

We hung out with the other volunteers for the day at Cedar Lake! They have floating docks so you can jump into the lake, and on a sunny day, the lake is actually quite warm. Lakes in Canada are amazing!

Tip: All Provincial Parks in British Columbia are free!

Revelstoke – 1 day

We explored a few small trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park and explored Revelstoke town. Then we made our way to Salmon Arm and stopped by Rutherford Beach on the way which has amazing views of the Three Valley lake! We also found a spot to chill near the Rubberhead Trail System that gave great views of the town.

From Golden, we drove a total of 3.5 hours to Vernon!

Where to stay: Vernon (next to a lake)

Kelowna – 1 day

Before leaving Vernon we visited Davison Orchards Country Village for some fresh fruit and bakery snacks! Then headed to Kelowna, which impressed us! Their harbour area is lovely! We parked down a residential street nearby and walked into the city past a local man-made beach on the waterfront.

We arrived in Summerland in the afternoon and met one of our friends who was working there! We parked up along the river and took a dip in the warm Okanagan lake. Sadly, the Okanagan Valley was on fire during the time we were there. It’s around 1.5 hours from Vernon to Summerland

Where to sleep: Summerland campsite parking lot (stealthy)

Kamloops – 1 day

Before we hit the road, we grabbed some fresh Okanagan peaches to take with us. From Summerland, we drove 3 hours through Kamloops and to the area near Savona to find a spot to sleep. (We always use iOverlander to find out free camping spots) We didn’t look around Kamloops too much as we didn’t need anything from a city, however, Riverside Park is a great place to chill.

On the way to Savona, we stopped at Kamloops Lake View Point which gives you an amazing view of the dry plains.

Where to sleep: Savona area near wild horses

Whistler – 2 days

If you’re on a cross Canada road trip, Whistler has to be on your list! It’s so popular in Western Canada and it actually holds one of the largest ski resorts in the world and is the largest in North America. In the summer those slopes turn into hiking opportunities and Whistler village is always full of good vibes.

Cache Creek & Seton Lake – Day 1

It takes about 3.5 hours to make it to Whistler from Kamloops. We were so excited to reach this point after hearing about Whistler so many times from other travellers. There are a few stops you can make on the way:

• The iconic view of the U shaped road bend, on the east side of Seton Lake.
• Duffey Lake Viewpoint for more amazing lake views!
• North Arm Farm to pick all the fruit you can handle!
• You can also visit Joffre Lakes which needs around 4 hours of hiking time (however it was closed at the time we were there)

We arrived in Whistler in the evening and walked around Whistler village until finding our spot to sleep. (mentioned on day 2)

Whistler Village & Atla Lake – Day 2

We woke up early and headed into Whistler Village to walk around the Lost Lake! In the afternoon we walked the Train Wreck trail, where you can discover abandoned and graffitied old train carriages in the middle of the forest. In the evening we headed to Alta Lake and watched the sunset.

Where to sleep: Residential street parking in Whistler (Not actually allowed, so we’re not advising this. However we only parked there overnight to sleep straight away after cooking somewhere else). There are free camping spots outside of Whistler Village.

Garibaldi Hike – 1 day

We had been dreaming of hiking at Garibaldi Provincial Park for the whole of our cross Canada road trip. So the excitement was real when we started the hike up to Garibaldi lake! It takes about 6 hours there and back and from Whistler, it’s only a 30-minute drive from Whistler to the Rubble Creek trailhead. If you enjoy hiking, Garibaldi Lake should be on your Canadian road trip itinerary!

Where to stay: Walmart in Squamish

Squamish – 1 day

This day was another big highlight of our dream, we were still so happy from our Garibaldi lake hike, and we were about to hike again! The Chief is a famous hike in Squamish and that’s exactly what we did. It’s only a 1 hour drive from Squamish to Vancouver and Squamish is town is great to explore too!

Where to stay: Walmart in Squamish (we also showered in the Squamish community centre)

Sea to Sky Highway – 1 day

The Sea to Sky highway deserves its own day on a 3 month road trip in Canada itinerary. There are so many things to do in between Whistler and Vancouver. Here’s a few of them:

• Brandywine Falls (30 mins)
• Tantalus Lookout (10 mins)
• Shannon Falls Provincial Park (up to 1 hour)
• Murrin Park Loop Trail (2 hour hike)
• Admire the views of the Howe Sound from Portaeu Cove (20 mins)
• at Horsehoe Bay – Whytecliff Lookout Point (30 mins)
• Lighthouse Park (2 hours)

Where to stay: Walmart in North Vancouver (there are lots of campers staying around this Walmart too)

Vancouver – 3 days

OUR NEW HOME! It’s a strange feeling arriving at a city you’re planning on living in but never visited before…but we actually did this with Montreal too! Vancouver is amazing and definitely worth a visit on your 3 month road trip in Canada. We have a guide on the best things to do in Vancouver, you can check it out here!

One of our favourite things to do in Vancouver is to cycle around Stanley Park. Dan used to cycle this for fun in the morning before work, it’s absolutely beautiful! Vancouver is also filled with amazing restaurants including some of the best vegan restaurants, we’ve also written an ultimate guide to vegan restaurants in Vancouver.

We didn’t drive around too much in Vancouver but we did use public transport, walk a lot and even caught a sea bus!

Where to stay: Walmart in North Vancouver

Where to stay: Spanish Banks beach (free spots next to the allocated parking lot) Cold showers and toilet block open in the daytime

Chilliwack – 1 day

It’s a 2 hour drive from Vancouver to Chilliwack and the main reason we visited was to see a friend. However, it’s a popular place for locals to spend time away from the bustling city of Vancouver. Bridal Falls is a popular waterfall to see in Chilliwack and you can also visit Cultus Lake nearby to walk the Teapot Hill Trailhead. You can even catch a movie at Twilight Drive-In Theatre nearer to Abbotsford and Langley.

Where to stay: Walmart in Chilliwack

Vancouver – 1 day

After spending the day in Chilliwack, it’s another 2 hour drive back to Vancouver where we prepared to catch the ferry the following day.

It’s a short 30 minute drive to Horshoe Bay, but for some reason, we planned to travel on a busy long weekend! BC Ferries has reservable bookings and spaces for first come first serve. We wanted to make sure we grabbed a spot so we aimed to catch the first ferry at 5 am or 6 am, the best way to do this was to sleep in our van at Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

We really don’t know if this is allowed, but there were actually a few others with us! Some of them had missed the last ferry of the day back home so they were stuck in their car anyway!

Where to stay: Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

1 week Road Trip in Vancouver Island

Still part of the 1 month road trip in British Columbia, let’s explore Vancouver Island!

Nanaimo to Tofino – 1 day

We caught the earliest ferry of the day to Nanaimo to start a 1 week Vancouver Island road trip. The ferry journey from Horseshoe Bay is only a couple of hours.

Once we arrived we drove a total of 3 hours to reach Ucluelet and Tofino, but on the way, we stopped by the Old Country Market in Coombs. At Ucluelet we browsed around the area and walked a trail at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse!

Where to stay: A logging road near Tofino (about a 30 minute drive away)

Tofino – 2 days

The logging road to camp for free is a 1 hour roundtrip from Tofino, but the other alternative is to pay for pricey campsites!

Tofino Village – Day 1

We visited Tofino Village in the morning and Dan tried out surfing in Tofino at Long Beach in the afternoon! You can rent a board at many places in Tofino village. Our only problem was that you have to take the board with you to the beach and it’s a tight squeeze in our van. There are also lots of lessons you can do if this is your first time surfing in Canada or anywhere!

Surfing in Tofino – Day 2

We spent the morning surfing back at Long Beach before saying goodbye to beautiful Tofino and driving 2.5 hours to Port Alberni.

Where to stay: Walmart in Port Alberni

Victoria – 2 days

Little qualicum falls – day 1.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Port Alberni to Victoria which was our next destination. On the way, we visited little Qualicum falls and made our lunch at Qualicum Beach. In the afternoon we stretched our legs at Chemainus before arriving in Victoria.

A lot of travellers head to Victoria when they’re on a cross Canada road trip as it’s the end of the Trans Canadian highway. When we arrived we parked up near Beacon Hill Park and searched for the totem poles!

Where to stay: Residential area near a park in Victoria

Victoria City Centre – Day 2

The city of Victoria isn’t very big, but there are lots of things to do in Victoria over 2 days. We headed into the city centre to admire the oldest Chinatown in Canada and also checked out Fishermans Wharf Park. The legislative Assembly of British Columbia is a building you cannot miss in Victoria and it’s easy to find in the city centre!

Sooke – 1 day

The next morning we managed to reserve tickets for the British Columbia museum and learnt a lot about Canadian history. We then made our way to Sooke which is less than a 1 hour drive from Victoria. We watched the sunset at Creyke Point and saw wild deer!

Where to stay: Parking lot for a beach on the coast

Port Renfrew – 1 day

Sooke is known for its famous potholes in Sooke Provincial Park. There are a few trails and lots of rocks to climb over, but the best part is that you can get into the water (if it’s safe!).

In the afternoon we drove 1 hour to Port Renfrew and walked down to China Beach, the trees are so big here! We also checked out Sombrio Beach and walked some of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail in search of the hidden waterfall!

Where to stay: Rest Stop in Port Renfrew

That’s actually the end of our 3 month road trip in Canada! There is still so much more you can do in Canada, we feel like we’ve only just scratched the surface with cross Canadian road trip’s. This trip was truly an amazing experience and we wish we could do it all over again, minus the breakdown!

If you have even more time, The Sunshine Coast is another beautiful area of Canada to explore. You can catch a ferry to The Sunshine Coast from Vancouver Island or Vancouver. Check out our guide to The Sunshine Coast and also our guide to visit Bowen Island , another great island to explore on a western Canada road trip.

So after finishing our 1 week road trip on Vancouver Island we headed back to Nanaimo to catch a ferry back over to Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver. It’s only a 2 hour drive.

A few Tips for a Canadian Road Trip

• Bring a big water container with you and make sure it’s filled along the way! (iOverlander has water locations!)
• You can wash in bathroom sinks (if you’re quick and it’s quiet!)
• Tim Hortons Wifi will be your saviour!
• No Frills is usually the cheapest grocery store (but it’s not in all provinces)
• If you’re travelling in summer, bring a mini fan!
• Cities are hard to park in when your van is too tall for underground parking.
• A 3 month road trip in Canada is never long enough!

Best apps for a 3 month Road Trip in Canada

• iOverlander – how to find the best free camping spots in Canada
• Googlesheets (the best way to write down your itinerary and keep it for memories!)
• GasBuddy – a quick way to find the cheapest gas.
• Husky – collect points from the gas station
• Duolingo – learn some french along your travels!
• GoogleMaps – a very obvious one, but download Offline Maps of areas you’ll be going, it will show you roads and restaurants even if you have no signal.

Other travel methods for a Canada Road Trip

It’s possible to use Canadian railways and catch a Train across Canada – Tickets from Toronto to Vancouver can cost from CA$444, find out more information here ! Megabus can help you to get around the east side of Canada, it can even take you to Niagra Falls! Find tickets for Megabus here ! You can always rent cars wherever you go if you’re staying in a city and want to explore nature. Canadian cities also have their own public transport that can get you to nature parks and lakes nearby.

Flying is another travel method you can use, although you will miss the road trip in Canada part of the journey! Hitchhiking is another way of getting around Canada and it can lead to some amazing adventures! Maybe there’s someone road tripping the same way as you! It’s also extremely budget-friendly.

Thank you for reading our big 3 month road trip in Canada! It’s one of the longest road trip’s we’ve ever been on and the first time we’ve tried out vanlife in Canada. We would definitely travel and live in a van or car again in the future! Please if you have any questions, let us know in the comments or reach out to us on Instagram – @ thesunrisedreamers!

Check out our other Canada posts!

• The Best 3 Days on the Sunshine Coast
• 3 Days in Toronto on a Budget
• The Best Day on Bowen Island
• Camping at Golden Ears in the Rain
• 20+ Vancouver Bucket-List Worthy Ideas

Vegan in Vancouver posts

• Ultimate List of 100% Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver

Amazing Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver

The best vegan bakeries and ice cream in vancouver.

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Love this 💕 so many beautiful photos (Banff, the lakes, waterfalls and the trail to China Beach) and lots of memories. Great tips and itineraries. Vanlife was an adventure! Can’t wait to go.

Thank you so much!! There’s so much to do in Canada, such a big country haha 🙂 Excited for you to go!

Hey guys.. great information. We are at the start of planning. Would you have any advice about buying / renting a van x 3 months? We are Australians. Assuming our international licenses are allowed, what about the ownership of a vehicle? Look forward to hearing from you when you can.

Hi Julie, thanks for your message! We swapped our UK licences for Canadian driving licences, but buying a vehicle (definitely rent) on an international licence may be possible too. We bought our van through Facebook Market for around $6,000 CAD in Montreal, QC and sold it in Vancouver, BC. When you take a vehicle into a different province, it has to go through an inspection/MOT (double-check, as this could have changed) and ours needed a bit of work (the screen cracked), so we sold it for around $3,000. We had a breakdown mid-trip which we also had to pay for. We would probably still buy a van again if we did this trip again, but if you are on a specific time frame a rental van could work for 3 months.

I’m not sure about rental prices, but definitely make sure you have car insurance in case anything goes wrong! The Rockies are hot & cold throughout the day and night so windows like to crack!

Excited to hear about your adventure! We want to do it all over again 🙂

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