canada west coast travel itinerary

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.

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Make Travel Truly Transformational

West Coast Canada Travel Guide – Our Best Tips for a Transformational Trip

Some of our best and most memorable travel experiences have been on Canada’s West Coast. Read this post for all the West Coast Canada travel advice we’ve learned through our many years of living in and exploring this little slice of heaven!

West Coast Canada Quick Facts

Best places to visit on canada’s west coast, how long do you need on the west coast, best time to visit, cost of travel in bc, accommodation, food & drink, responsible travel on the west coast, packing list for bc’s west coast, is it safe to travel in canada, how to get around on the west coast, more posts about the west coast, a final note about visiting canada’s west coast.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer  here.

Is there any place more beautiful than Canada’s West Coast?

If there is, I’ve never seen it.

I may be (slightly) biased, having spent my teens and 20s in Victoria and Vancouver before leaving for a life of global travel. Each time I return, my eyes hungrily gobble up the white peaks of the Coast Mountains, the haunting blue of the wild ocean, and the dense forests of evergreen trees.

Canada’s West Coast is the ideal destination for immersing in nature and getting active in the great outdoors. But it’s also great for history and culture , with much to absorb about the distinct cultures of the Indigenous people of the region , who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

If it’s an exploration of local food and drink you’re after, West Coast cuisine won’t disappoint. It tends towards the fresh and light, drawing from a wide variety of local organic ingredients.

The food pairs perfectly with a craft beer or cider from one of the West Coast’s hundreds of breweries, or a bottle of crisp white wine from one of the regions many fine wineries.

Stephen and I have had so many transformational travel moments on the West Coast of Canada, we can’t wait to share them with you.

So if you’re planning a trip to BC’s West Coast, let’s jump in… you’re going to love it.

It’s no secret that Vancouver is one of our favourite cities in the world!

On a sunny day, it is also one of the most beautiful. Wherever you go in the city, you’ll almost surely have a view of the snow-capped Coast Mountains or the inlets and harbours that make up Vancouver’s coastline. More often than not, you can see both at once.

Though Vancouver has plenty to offer for all kinds of travellers, our favourite activities here usually happen in the great outdoors.

While in Vancouver you can:

• Cycle the city’s many safe and accessible bike paths
• Kayak the Burrard Inlet
• Take a half-day bike tour
• People-watch and shop for local goods on Granville Island
• Hike or snowshoe in the spectacular provincial parks
• Go on a craft beer crawl in Vancouver’s East End
• Try nude sunbathing at Wreck Beach
• Catch a Shakespeare play at Bard on the Beach

Our Vancouver posts will give you more ideas and help you plan your Vancouver itinerary.

• Things to do in Vancouver BC – Our 17 Favourite Summer Activities
• 3 Vancouver Bike Routes for an Amazing Day
• 7 Fun & Free Things to do in Vancouver, BC

For skiers from around the world, a visit to Whistler Blackcomb during the ski season is at the top of many bucket lists. But even if you’re not into skiing, or are visiting in summer, the resort, just a few hour’s drive from Vancouver, is like an outdoor playground .

Summer visitors have hundreds of hiking trails to choose from and there’s also mountain biking, zip lining, bear viewing, lakes and beaches, and plenty more. Whistler also has a wide range of spas and resorts, so if what you really need is some deep relaxation, you’ll find it there.

The Gulf Islands

A smattering of tiny islands that lie between BC’s West Coast and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands have their own unique vibe.

Island life is a laid-back affair. Many Gulf Islanders earn their living creating art, writing books, or producing artisanal products . Others spend their days tending to small organic farms and orchards, or tending to the tourists who come to find their own sense of peace.

The Southern Gulf Islands are easily accessible by ferry from Victoria or Vancouver. The northern islands are a little harder to reach but deliver ample rewards to those of us who enjoy windswept beaches seemingly on the edge of the world.

In summer, the Gulf Islands offer up amazing opportunities for camping, kayaking, hiking, swimming, boating, and just enjoying the great outdoors.

If you go in spring, fall, or even winter, there’s still plenty to do, like shopping for local goods, relaxing in the spa, sampling the islands’ locally crafted beer and wine, or sitting fireside and sipping a cocktail!

Don’t miss our guide to transformational things to do on the Gulf Islands for more ideas. You can use our Gulf Islands accommodation guide to find the best places to stay.

The Sunshine Coast

Another groovy laid-back region just an hour from Vancouver, The Sunshine Coast is BC’s secret hideaway . Though it’s technically on the mainland, the only access to The Sunshine Coast is by ferry from Horseshoe Bay, on the edge of West Vancouver.

Whether you’re visiting in winter, summer, or somewhere in between, the Sunshine Coast gives you easy access to a slice of all the best things about BC — incredible nature, great food, tremendous craft beer , and the famous friendly Canadian culture!

We spent two weeks cycling The Sunshine Coast last year and wrote extensively about it. These posts will help you plan a transformational trip:

• 11 Transformational Things to do on the Sunshine Coast
• 9 Transformational Things to Do In Sechelt
• 9 Transformational Things to do in Gibsons
• 9 Transformational Things to do in Lund

Vancouver Island

Last summer, as part of our big BC bike trip, Stephen and I spent 6 weeks cycling Vancouver Island. We also lived there for a whole year in 2015 and I went to university in Victoria, on the southern tip of the island.

Suffice it to say, I have spent a lot of time exploring the West Coast’s big island . (Just for reference, Vancouver Island is about the same size as Taiwan or Belgium, but far less populous).

The most popular stop on Vancouver Island is the city of Victoria, BC’s capital. That’s why so many people mistakenly call it Victoria Island. There are week’s worth of attractions to explore in and around Victoria.

But we recommend saving some time to head north, or you’ll miss out on so much!

Make a stop in the fertile Cowichan Valley, where all of Vancouver Island’s wine and much of its food is produced . A little further north, you’ll get to the small cities of Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, and Parksville, each offering their own unique flavours.

While in Nanaimo, make time for a whale watching tour !

Heading further north still, stop off to sample the craft beer scene in Courtney and Comox or, in winter, head to Mount Washington to ski .

Tofino is a tourist hotspot on Vancouver Island, attracting surfers from around the world. The north island is less visited but perfect for those who want to get away from people and spend some time alone in nature. The north island offers plenty of opportunities for boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

To help plan your trip, check out these posts:

• 11 of the Best Things to Do on Your Vancouver Island Holiday
• Camping on Vancouver Island – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Best Campgrounds on Vancouver Island – The Ultimate Places to Sleep Under the Stars

Haida Gwaii

From Port Hardy on the north part of the island, you can take an overnight ferry to the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii. This small string of islands is remote enough that we’ve not yet had a chance to visit!

Haida Gwaii is home to the Haida people and here you’ll find true wilderness – towering forests, isolated beaches, and abundant wildlife. It’s also the ideal place to learn about the history and modern struggles of the first people to inhabit these lands.

If you read the previous section, you’ll know that Canada’s West Coast is such a diverse region that it would take months and months to explore it properly. Unless you have all the time in the world, our suggested itineraries below will help you plan your BC trip.

4 or 5 days

With only a handful of days to explore, choose one of these options:

• Stay in Vancouver and spend at least one day in the nearby mountains.
• Stay in Victoria and plan for day trips from there.
• Stay in Whistler and ski or explore summertime activities.

7 to 10 days

With a week to 10 days, choose one of these options:

• Visit Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
• Visit Victoria and the Gulf Islands.
• Do a Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast loop, starting and ending in Vancouver.
• Visit Victoria and then head north on Vancouver Island to Tofino, stopping in some of the smaller communities along the way.

2 weeks or more

With 2 weeks or more, you can take a little more time with one of the suggested itineraries above. Or do one of these:

• Visit Vancouver, Victoria, and The Gulf Islands.
• Visit Vancouver, Whistler, and The Sunshine Coast.
• Explore Vancouver Island from bottom to top.
• Visit Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.

Unlike much of Canada, the West Coast of BC has a temperate climate, so you won’t have much bitter cold to contend with, even mid-winter. However, it’s no secret that BC gets a lot of rain. So, no matter what time of year you’re travelling, pack a good raincoat, an umbrella and some waterproof shoes.

And if you plan on camping, then yes, you do need that extra tarp!

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no doubt that you’ll find the best adventuring weather during July and August.

June and September can also be dry and warm.

During Spring (April and May) and Fall (September to October) the weather gets a little cooler, mist creeps in, and the rain starts to fall. Prices fall as well, so if you like your nature to deliver a bit of drama, this can be the ideal time for your West Coast trip.

Skiers and snowshoers will want to visit from November to February. The best skiing is usually had in January and February – but Mother Nature doesn’t follow a set schedule.

Winter can also be a great time to enjoy the varied culture, food, and wine the West Coast has to offer, without feeling pressure to go hiking or kayaking every day!

When it comes to travel budgets, Canada is a mid-range destination. It’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia and not as expensive as Western Europe or the US.

Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, and Tofino are more expensive than other areas of BC, so the more time you spend in these popular destinations, the more money you will need.

Here are some sample costs so you know what to expect.

Mid-range budget for BC’s West Coast

Prices are in Canadian dollars!

For a mid-range budget expect to spend around $150–250 per person per day.

• $100–200/room/night – clean accommodation in a hotel or B&B
• $40/person/day – meals in cafes or inexpensive restaurants
• $6–10 – glass of craft beer
• $8–12 – craft cocktail
• $17 – one-way ferry ticket, Victoria to Vancouver, walk on
• $60 – one-way ferry ticket, Vancouver to Victoria, car plus driver
• $70/day – car rental
• $150 – half day whale watching
• $85 – half day kayak tour

Shoestring budget for BC’s West Coast

If you’re on a smaller budget , you’ll be able to enjoy the West Coast on around $50–75 per person per day .

• $60/hostel bed/night – hostels in BC range widely from cute and comfy to quite dingy
• $0/campsite/night – camping in a forestry campground
• $20/campsite/night – tent camping in BC Parks campground
• $30/person/day – meals at cafes and grocery stores
• $4 – can of lager
• $3 – bus or transit ticket
• $17 – one-way ferry ticket, Vancouver to Victoria, walk on

Don’t forget to also include your plane ticket and travel insurance costs when working out your budget!

There is a wide range of accommodation in BC, from f ree campsites with pit toilets to 5-star luxury resorts nestled in the wilderness. Standard hotels tend to be quite expensive, so we prefer to stay in B&Bs, which are a friendly alternative. Airbnb is also a great source for less pricey accommodation in BC.

Prices for accommodation can vary depending on the season — summer is most expensive on the coast, winter is most expensive in the mountains. Cost also varies dramatically by location — you’ll pay more for hotels in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, and Tofino than in other destinations.

Some of the best camping in the world can be had in BC, so if you’re a fan of the great outdoors and not afraid of a little rain, plan to camp!

There is plenty of RV-friendly camping around but to get off the beaten track, pack your tent instead. That way you can take advantage of the free forestry campgrounds (especially plentiful on Vancouver Island) which tend to be at the end of dirt or gravel roads.

Of course, there are lots of fully serviced provincial campgrounds right off the highway, if your vehicle can’t take the back roads.

Be aware that in summer, especially on weekends, campgrounds tend to fill up, so make a reservation if you plan to camp during busy times .

We wrote a complete guide to camping on Vancouver Island and a guide to our favourite campgrounds on Vancouver Island . Make sure to read those before you go!

If you’ve done any hosteling in Europe or Southeast Asia, you may be used to a better quality of hostel than you’ll find in BC. While I’ll happily hostel when travelling solo on other continents, in the Pacific Northwest, I tend to skip hostels and look for a B&B instead.

Hostels on the Pacific coast tend to be cheap and cheerful. Welcoming, for sure, but the buildings and the beds are often of the old and creaky variety.

Most hostels are aimed at the very young backpacker crowd, or the Jack Kerouac types, so if you are a little beyond that stage in life, they may not be your best option.

One of the most prevalent forms of accommodation in BC are B&Bs. In small towns and on islands, homeowners make their living or add to their incomes by opening their homes to tourists.

The B&Bs I’ve stayed in on the West Coast have been homey, cozy, and tremendously welcoming. In the best ones, it really is like staying with an old friend. Breakfasts are often sumptuous affairs that include local produce and baking.

If you’re travelling in BC on a mid-range budget and want to experience the warmth of a Canadian home, I highly recommend you look for a B&B.

For a slightly cheaper option, search Airbnb, where you’ll find nice rooms in friendly homes but breakfast is not usually included.

Most hotels in BC’s cities are run by the big hotel chains and range from basic accommodation to luxury indulgence. Hotels in the province, especially in the south, don’t come cheap — $100/night is at the low end.

In smaller centres, boutique and family run hotels are more common. You’ll even find a few motels if you want the convenience of parking right outside your room!

Unique Accommodations

Coastal BC has a good selection of unique accommodations that defy categorization altogether.

Take, for example, Tzoonie Wilderness Resort outside Sechelt, where we stayed last summer. This rustic resort is only accessible by boat and is a magical, mystical place that we will never forget.

We also did some geodesic glamping on the Sunshine Coast at Backeddy Resort & Marina and a yurt in Pender Harbor. On the Gulf Islands, stay in a luxe airstream or cabin at Woods on Pender .

Eco-Luxury Resorts

There are some astonishingly beautiful resorts and eco lodges in equally beautiful settings on BC’s West Coast.

Nimmo Bay Resort is tucked away in the Great Bear Rainforest and accessible only by helicopter or float plane. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort , on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, is not far from Tofino. In and around Whistler, you’ll find plenty of chi chi resorts to choose from.

Of course, this eco-luxury in the wilderness is only accessible to those who have a hefty travel budget . So if you’re looking to splash out, BC’s unique resorts will deliver a unique experience with lots of opportunity for transformation.

Canadian West Coasters tend to be a laid back bunch, not standing on ceremony or putting on airs. West Coast cuisine matches this attitude perfectly.

The best meals are often found in casual restaurants or cafes, where the quality of the food takes precedence over the table settings. It is usually food designed to fill a belly that has worked up an appetite in the great outdoors.

In keeping with the Canadian stereotype, service is usually friendly and efficient. Dining in West Coast restaurants often feels like you’re a part of the family and that nobody would blink twice if you grabbed a glass of wine and headed into the kitchen for a chat with the chef.

The food is usually casual too, with organic salads made from local produce , stacked sandwiches on artisanal bread , and hearty homemade soups making an appearance on most menus. Fish and seafood is a big draw too — salmon and oysters have been a staple of the West Coast diet for thousands of years.

The West Coast even offers a uniquely Canadian twist on fast food. For lunch, do like the locals and stop in a Tim Hortons for soup, sandwiches, and a sampling of their famous donuts.

For vegans and vegetarians

As vegans, we have witnessed a huge leap forward in the last couple of years when it comes to animal-friendly food on the West Coast. There are tons of great vegan restaurants in Vancouver and omni restaurants usually have a few vegan option available. Victoria has a pretty decent vegan scene, too.

Outside of the cities, it’s harder to find dedicated vegan eateries, but most restaurants have animal-friendly options . If not, staff usually have a good understand of what vegan means and are happy to make something suitable.

Thanks to Beyond Meat , there are even fast food options for vegans travelling on Canada’s West Coast. Tim Hortons, A&W, and White Spot (all local chains) serve various Beyond Meat items. Boston Pizza has recently introduced a vegan menu, too.

Cool tip: You can also find vegan Magnum bars in most Shopper’s Drug Marts. Just sayin’.

It’s pretty hard to get on the bad side of a British Columbian. For the most part, we are a live-and-let-live people. If you need any help, just ask the closest local and you’ll have more than you need in minutes.

But there are a few tips we can offer to avoid offending the locals.

Culture and Customs

For the most part, friendly, straightforward, and welcoming is the name of the game in BC.

However, we BCers also like our rules, especially as they apply to preserving nature or keeping things rolling along smoothly. So when you’re in a Provincial Park and the sign says “No Smoking” or “Stay on the Trails” it actually means it.

Disobey at your peril. West Coasters are not afraid to take you to task if they perceive that you’re doing something to disrupt the social or environmental order!

First Nations Culture

Thousands of years before Europeans moved into the West Coast, First Nations people were living in harmony with the land. White settlers destroyed this culture, inhabited their land, and created policies that put First Nations concerns last . It is a black mark on our history.

As a visitor to these shores, you can get a glimpse into the culture that once was, while supporting a culture that is currently struggling.

It’s easy to find top-rated tours, accommodations, and other businesses run by First Nations people. There are also lots of museums and other historical attractions dedicated to the culture – so plan some time in your itinerary to expand your perspective.

Eco-Friendly Travel

If you’re going to visit Canada’s West Coast, please be aware of the environmental impact your trip will have. Yes, you will see plenty of locals in outsized RVs cruising the highways of the province — but that doesn’t mean you have to join them.

Think about your choices of accommodation, eating, and activities, and decide if there’s a more eco-friendly approach you could take.

Do you really need that enormous RV or would a tent be a better choice? Are you aware of how the seafood you order impacts the entire ecosystem, including the whales you so desperately want to see? Are you really in such a rush that you need to hit the drive through lane? Could you eat in instead and avoid a lot of paper garbage?

Bringing your own containers to the store, not using disposable shopping bags, and using your own coffee cup are normal in BC, so come prepared to be part of the eco revolution.

We don’t ask you to be perfect, just think a little more carefully about the choices you make when you travel!

Charities and Non-Profits to Support

It’s our big audacious goal to start a movement of travellers who commit 1–10% of their travel budgets to support local people and environmental causes.

If you can afford to travel to BC, you can afford to put part of your travel budget into giving back to local communities and the environment. We encourage you to check out these charities and pick one to support.

I Love First Peoples

Empowers Indigenous children and youth to succeed through education and the motivation to stay in school. We bridge communities through practical projects that promote reconciliation and education.

David Suzuki Foundation

This Vancouver-based organization uses evidence-based research, education, and policy analysis, to conserve and protect the natural environment and to help create a sustainable Canada. Stephen and I personally support this foundation with a monthly donation

Orca Conservancy

Committed to the recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale population in BC and protecting the wild places on which it depends.

Take a Hike Foundation

Empowers vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and discover their own path to success through full-time programs of intensive and continuous clinical counselling, outdoor adventure, academics, and community.

What you’ll need to pack for your trip to BC really depends on the time of year and the type of travel you’re planning to do. You’ll want very different items if you’re planning 5 days in Vancouver than you’ll need if you’re going to spend 2 weeks in Haida Gwaii.

Here we recommend some items that most travellers to BC’s coastal region will need, plus a few extra items for specific circumstances.

All travellers

• Comfortable, casual clothing – You won’t need much in the way of dressy clothes on a typical BC holiday. Bring comfortable outfits that work as well on the hiking trail as in a casual cafe and you’ll be set for most occasions. If you plan to splash out on evenings out in Vancouver or Victoria, you might want to bring slightly dressier travel clothes .
• Sunscreen – Despite its rainy reputation, the sun does shine in BC. If you’re planning any beach time, kayaking, or outdoor adventures, you’ll need a good sunscreen.
• Sun hat – Extra important if you plan to do any boating in BC.
• Sunglasses – A necessity for boating, skiing, hiking, or days at the beach.
• Rain jacket – Canada’s West Coast is nicknamed the Raincoast. Need I say more?
• Umbrella – See above. Even in summer, rain can come out of nowhere. Be prepared.
• Waterproof walking shoes – There are thousands of stunning hiking trails in BC and it would be a shame not to experience at least a few on your BC trip. You’ll most likely be stepping over mountain creeks or splashing through puddles, so waterproof shoes are best.
• Refillable water bottle – Tap water in BC is clean and tasty. Bring a bottle that you can fill up before every BC activity.
• Small first aid kit – Adventures can bring minor injuries and blisters. Pack a small first aid kit to make the little things a little less painful.

For winter travel

• Toque/wooly hat and gloves – Though coastal BC is much warmer than the rest of the country, it does get chilly enough to need ear and hand warmers on occasion. Bring them along to help you stay toasty on the coldest days.
• Warm layers – The weather can really vary in BC during the winter, ranging from bright, sunny and temperate, to cold and a little miserable. Pack layers so you can bundle up and strip off as needed.

For camping trips

Aside from the normal equipment you need for camping, we also recommend the following items.

• Camping tarp – Have I mentioned that it rains in BC? Most BC campers bring extra ropes and tarps so that a little rain won’t get in the way of enjoying the outdoors.
• Tent mallet – The campgrounds in BC tend to have hard-packed tent sites. If you have space, bring a mallet to help pound in those tent stakes.
• Cook stove – Some campgrounds are pretty remote and the best option for meals is to cook your own. You’ll also welcome a hot cup of coffee or tea on those cool Canadian mornings.

For the most part, Canadians are honest, friendly, and helpful, so you don’t have to worry much about safety when travelling in BC. Just use your common sense and you’ll be fine.

Aside for the social distancing and hygiene measures that go along with coronavirus, you won’t have to take too many extra safety precautions.

Wilderness Safety

Every year, Search and Rescue teams in BC are called into wilderness areas to rescue tourists who have strayed off the trail and become lost. British Columbia has an abundance of true wilderness, and it doesn’t take much to go from a fun day out to a terrifying or fatal experience.

When you’re heading out into nature in Canada:

• Always let someone know where you’re planning to go. You can use the AdventureSmart app to help you.
• Pack extra water, snacks, and warm layers in case of emergency.
• Stay on trails and obey posted signs. They are there for your safety.
• Carry a small first-aid kit for minor abrasions and bigger emergencies.
• Fire-making kit, including waterproof matches and a lighter (in case one fails).
• Signalling device, like a mirror or a whistle.

Before you go, read more about wilderness safety on the AdventureSmart website.

Safety in the City

Take the same precautions in Vancouver and Victoria as you would in other cities around the world. While both places are relatively safe, it’s still a good idea not to wander around unfamiliar neighbourhoods late at night. You also shouldn’t leave valuables unattended or dangle expensive cameras, purses etc off your arm.

Coronavirus Precautions

During the pandemic, British Columbia has fared extremely well under the wise guidance of now-famous Dr. Bonnie Henry . The virus barely touched Vancouver Island and the communities surrounding Vancouver, and cases across the province are currently well under control.

Be aware that as you travel around BC, you will be expected to observe the same social distancing measures as the locals:

• Maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others
• Wear a mask in public spaces
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow

If you feel ill, do not travel. If you fall ill while travelling, self-isolate immediately and call 8-1-1.

For those coming to BC from outside of Canada, there is currently a mandatory 14-day quarantine in place.

If you’re planning a city break in Vancouver or Victoria, driving is not really necessary. Both cities have compact downtown cores and reliable public transportation.

However, if you want to visit the rest of the coast, a car is almost a necessity .

Many locations for outdoor adventures are only accessible by car and some regions have limited public transportation. Driving in BC is very easy, with light traffic and well maintained roads — though you might encounter some dirt or gravel roads on more remote adventures.

Busses and BC Transit

It’s easy to get around Vancouver and Victoria by bus and Skytrain (Vancouver only). BC Transit networks are well planned, clean, comfortable and affordable . Smaller cities on the coast also have transit networks but they tend to be a little less comprehensive.

If you’re planning on visiting very small communities or islands, you may have a tough time getting around by bus, as services are very limited.

There are a few coach services in BC that will help you get between various cities:

• The BC Ferries Connector allows you to board a bus in downtown Vancouver that will take you all the way to downtown Victoria (via BC Ferries).
• The Island Link shuttle runs passengers between Victoria and Campbell River, stopping off at all cities in between.
• Vancouver Island Connector offers summer services between Victoria, Tofino, and Uclulet.

Unfortunately, there are lots of attractions in BC that cannot be reached by public transport, so if you really want to explore off the beaten path, you will need your own transportation.

Most trips to coastal BC involve at least a couple of journeys on BC Ferries .

Ferries will take you between Vancouver and Victoria, to the Gulf Islands, to the Sunshine Coast, and between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Though locals complain endlessly about BC Ferries (services, costs etc), to me, they are one of the great joys of travelling in BC.

If you’re walking, cycling, or driving a motorbike, BC Ferries are extremely convenient . Just show up 20–30 minutes before departure time, buy a ticket, and get straight on the ferry.

Taking BC Ferries with a car can add a lot to your travel budget and requires a bit more planning.

During summer and on holiday weekends, BC Ferries routinely get sold out. If you want to get on a specific ferry, you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time. If you show up without a reservation, you sometimes end up waiting for several sailings (which can be hours apart) before you get onboard.

Bicycle Touring

We spent two months last summer cycling Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. While we did love it, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for cycle touring newbies. There are a few reasons for this:

• Hilly terrain – the geography of the coast is made up of islands, inlets, fjords and mountains. While it is undeniably beautiful, all these hills make cycling hard work. One of the steepest hills we’ve ever ridden is in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.
• Highway riding – there are lots of places on the coast where there are no secondary roads to get you from point A to point B. That means cycle tourists often have to ride the highway. While BC’s highways usually have wide paved shoulders, it can still be uncomfortable cycling next to traffic going 100km/h, especially in the pouring rain.
• Dirt backroads – if you’re lucky enough to find a back route, it is often gravel or dirt, which provides its own kind of challenge, making cycling with a fully loaded bike slow and grinding.
• Spotty services – some areas of the West Coast have limited access to necessities like groceries. There were segments of our cycling trip where we had to carry 3 days of food and water with us. That makes for one heavy bike!
• Lots of rain – even in the middle of summer, you should be prepared to cycle drenched, or to hide in your tent for entire days. We have experienced both, and neither is ideal.

I don’t mean that to sound terribly negative about cycling in BC.

If you’re an experienced cycle tourist, cycling on the West Coast can be great. And if you’re into bike packing, you’ll find plenty of amazing off-road terrain for your adventures.

However, if you’re a newbie, BC might not be the best place for your first cycle tour.

Hitch-hiking

Especially on the smaller islands and in more remote communities, hitch-hiking is fairly common. It usually works best for short rides . For example, from the campground to the ferry terminal, or from North Vancouver to the mountains. For longer journeys between cities, it’s probably easier and wiser to get the bus.

Cycling in Vancouver

Vancouver is a fantastic cycling city, and in the last decade, huge strides have been made in terms of infrastructure and public education. Most of Vancouver is accessible on bike paths or bike lanes. Plus, the city has reached critical mass, making cycling a normal and expected way to get around.

If you want to explore Vancouver by bike, check out our three favourite bike routes in the city and our guide to renting a bike in Vancouver .

• Guide to the Sunshine Coast
• Things to do in Gibsons
• Things to do in Sechelt
• Things to do in Lund
• Things to do in Vancouver
• Things to do on Vancouver Island
• Camping on Vancouver Island
• Guide to the Gulf Islands

Whether you’re visiting from inside Canada, from the US, or abroad, the BC Coast provides plenty of opportunities for transformational travel experiences . Plan to include some adventures in the great outdoors, spiritual experiences, or wellness activities into your itinerary.

No matter what kind of transformation you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Canada’s West Coast.

For a truly transformational trip, make sure to plan for activities that have the potential to change your perspective and help you learn and grow as a person.

♥   Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen

I hope this travel guide for Canada’s West Coast helps you create your ideal BC travel itinerary. It’s our goal to help our readers make every trip truly transformational and I know your trip to BC has the potential to be utterly life-changing. Send me an email if you have any questions!

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Hi, I'm Jane, founder and chief blogger on My Five Acres. I've lived in six countries and have camped, biked, trekked, kayaked, and explored in 50! At My Five Acres, our mission is to inspire you to live your most adventurous life and help you to travel more and more mindfully.

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A Day By Day Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s West Coast

Experience the beauty of Western Canada in just 10 days by following this carefully laid out itinerary that starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary.

• Spend a full day in Vancouver exploring its highlights, including Granville Island Market and Stanley Park. Don't miss out on Lee's Donuts for breakfast at the market!
• Drive north from Vancouver to Squamish and take in the breathtaking views of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gthe ondola. Don't forget to walk across the suspension bridge!
• Visit Whistler, a charming ski village with plenty of shops and eateries. If you're there in the winter, don't miss the opportunity to ski at Whistler Blackcomb, one of Canada's best ski resorts.

Wondering what to do in 10 days in West Canada? This epic 10-day West Canada itinerary answers that question; it takes travelers all the way from the coastal capital of British Columbia to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Canada’s oldest national park, experience Vancouver’s fantastic gastronomy scene, and the charm of Banff town along the way.

To complete this itinerary, travelers should fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and pick up a rental car on day three. They can drop the car off in Calgary and depart from YYC. It's time to find out how to spend 10 days in Western Canada with this jam-packed Canadian itinerary that showcases many of the region's most stunning (and fun) spots and attractions.

Related: Local Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Incredible Days In Toronto, Canada

10 Day One: Arrive In Vancouver

On the first day of the trip, travelers can fly into Vancouver (YYZ) and take the airport train service into the city center. One of the best neighborhoods to stay in is Yaletown; this charming area is clean, safe, and full of delicious coffee shops and restaurants just steps from the front door.

After checking into their accommodation, travelers can spend the first evening of their trip having dinner in Gastown, one of the best places in Vancouver to visit . Gastown is Vancouver’s historic district, named for “Gassy” Jack, who opened the first saloon in the area in the 1800s.

Cobblestone streets and magical twinkling lights set the scene for a fun and atmospheric dinner at one of Gastown’s many delicious restaurants. Tacofino, MeeT, Gringo Gastown, and Nuba are all excellent choices.

• How To Get Around: SkyTrain
• Top Attraction: Gastown

9 Day Two: Spend A Full Day Exploring Vancouver’s Highlights

Spend a full day in Vancouver, experiencing the highlights of the city. Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at the Granville Island Market (don’t miss out on Lee’s Donuts).

Then, head over to Stanley Park and rent a bicycle. Cycling the seawall is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon!

• How To Get Around: TransLink
• Top Attraction: Stanley Park

8 Day Three: Rent A Car And Drive North To Squamish

On day three, travelers can pick up their rental car and drive the infamous Sea to Sky Highway north from Vancouver to Squamish. Upon arrival in Squamish, it’s worth splurging on tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola.

The view of Howe Sound is breathtaking. At the top, there is a suspension bridge and hiking trails.

• How To Get Around: Rental Car
• Top Attraction: Sea-to-Sky Gondola

To save on accommodation during this road trip, book a campervan rental rather than a regular car. This combines the cost of accommodation and car rental into one, often lower, expense. Plus, there are great campsite views along the route!

7 Day Four: Discover The Charming Ski Village Of Whistler

After spending a night in Squamish, continue north to Whistler. This charming ski village is magical year-round and has plenty of shops and eateries inside the pedestrian-only village.

In the winter, go skiing at Whistler Blackcomb , one of the best ski resorts in Canada. Consider mountain biking at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the summer months.

• Top Attraction: Whistler Village

Related: 10 Tips For Hiking In Banff National Park For The First Time

6 Day Five: Drive To Kelowna

From Whistler, it’s a six-hour drive to Kelowna via Kamloops. Kelowna is located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and is known for its many wineries and vineyards.

Upon arrival, explore the waterfront park or Kelowna City Park. Then, grab dinner at Salt & Brick or Raudz Regional Dining.

• Top Attraction: Kelowna City Park

5 Day Six: Explore Kelowna Wineries And Lake Okanagan

With a full day to explore Kelowna in beautiful British Columbia, travelers can start the morning on the water. Book a boat ride with Okanagan Luxury Lake Tours for a new perspective of Kelowna.

Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to tour the many wineries of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

• How To Get Around: Guided Tour/Transfer
• Top Attraction: Lake Okanagan

4 Day Seven: Drive To Banff & Explore One Of The Best National Parks In Canada

The morning of day seven starts with a 5.5-hour drive from Kelowna to Banff National Park. One of the most famous places to visit in Western Canada, Banff National Park is also the oldest national park in the country.

Travelers can stay in the town of Banff, or they can camp inside the park at one of the designated campgrounds.

• Top Attraction: Banff Town

Related: 10 Truly Unusual Experiences You Can Only Have At Banff National Park

3 Day Eight: Catch The Sunrise At Moraine Lake And Larch Valley Hike

Travelers should get up before the sun on day eight of their West Canada travel itinerary to catch the beautiful sunrise at Moraine Lake. The road to Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies closes during the winter (after Canadian Thanksgiving), so this option is only available during the late spring, summer, and early fall.

Get a spot at the viewpoint for sunrise over the clear blue waters and see the sun come up over the mountain peaks known as the “Seven Sisters”. After sunrise, embark on a hike through the Larch Valley.

• Top Attraction: Moraine Lake

The road to Moraine Lake is only open from Mid-May to Mid-October each year (for safety reasons). Be sure to check the status of the road closures before planning the trip.

2 Day Nine: Watch The Sunrise At Lake Louise And Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike

Day nine of the Western Canada travel itinerary follows a similar structure, but this time, travelers will get to see the sunrise over the famous Lake Louise. Prepare to be sitting among many tourists as the sun comes up over this alpine lake with stunning turquoise waters.

To feel like they have the lake all to themselves despite the crowds, travelers can rent a canoe and get out on the water for a half hour or a full hour. Then, hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse for lunch. In the evening, drive to Canmore to spend the final night of the trip.

• Top Attraction: Lake Louise

Related: Winter In Lake Louise: 10 Things Worth Braving The Cold For

1 Day Ten: Go Hiking In Kananaskis (Departure From Calgary)

On day 10 of the West Canada vacation itinerary, wake up in the charming mountain town of Canmore . Grab breakfast and coffee before heading for the mountains in Kananaskis.

Kananaskis Country has beauty to rival Banff and is home to many challenging trails and hikes . Pocaterra Ridge and Ha Ling Peak are especially famous routes. Spend a day hiking in this area before driving back to Calgary to catch a flight home.

• Top Attraction: Ha Ling Peak

• Canadian Rockies Itineraries

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

41 Comments

• 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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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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The ultimate coast to coast Canada itinerary

Canada is full of diversity. From coast to coast, you’ll experience the mighty Rocky Mountains, the prairies, the winter freezing provinces (which I live in!), and coastal cities. Canada doesn’t just have diverse scenery but also a lot of cultural diversity as well. It is the second-largest country in the world for its acreage after Russia.

Canada is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, the Atlantic ocean on the east coast, the Arctic ocean up north, and the United States down south. The Canada-US border is the longest land border in the world!

Has an epic road trip across Canada already crossed your mind? Make sure to keep reading for my top recommendations on stops along the way you just can’t miss out on your coast to coast Canada itinerary!

British-Columbia

Vancouver island.

Home to some spectacular scenery, Vancouver Island is a great place to stop on your coast to coast Canada itinerary or even on your British-Columbia road trip. Vancouver Island is also home to British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria. Coastal beaches provide great conditions for surfing year-round. If you’re adept at hiking, Vancouver Island is home to the West Coast Trail .

Tofino has endless beaches and is very popular with surfers.

Stanley Park is part of the Vancouver area. What sets Vancouver apart from other Canadian cities is that it has a huge green space on the edge of town. Stanley Park is home to ancient cedar trees as well as huge Douglas fir trees. The seawall is a great way to spend an afternoon walking on a paved walkway offering a great scenic view. Other activities in Vancouver are the aquarium, totems, gardens…

Whistler is probably one of the biggest centers for winter sports in Canada. While it is highly associated with skiing and snowboarding, it is a year-round destination. With its many hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and golfing outside of wintertime, there is plenty to keep you occupied. The scenery is quite breathtaking as well. One main attraction in Whistler is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which joins the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The ride offers a spectacular view!

Yoho National Park

This national park is home to some of British Columbia’s most rugged terrain. You’ll find some snow-capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Many hiking trails give you easy access to the backcountry. Driving by car is also a great way to explore the scenery. Takakkaw Falls are a part of this park and are known to be one of the highest in North America.

The Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is known for its lush valleys and beaches, lakes, mountains, and orchards. In the summertime, it is a popular destination for students to go fruit picking as a summer job.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park and Revelstoke National Park are scenic areas for climbers and hikers alike. This park lies in one of Canada’s most inhospitable areas, the almost inaccessible Selkirk Range of the Columbia Mountains. There are about 400 glaciers in and around this park. If you are not an avid climber or hiker, you can always drive through the park and witness how beautiful it is. Glacier National Park is also home to Rogers National Pass Historic Site.

Kootenay National Park

This park adjoins Banff National Park. Some great stops in the park are Marble Canyon, hiking Sinclair Pass , and Stanley glacier.

Mt. Robson Provincial Park

Closer to Jasper, this park is home to the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak at 3 954 meters! These mountains are dominated by glacier-capped peaks and huge waterfalls. A very popular hike is the Valley of the thousand falls.

Banff National Park

Banff National park is home to the city of Banff but also the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for their turquoise-colored water. (I personally prefer Moraine Lake to Lake Louise!) Most people explore this park by car by stopping at the many lookouts along the way. Hiking is one of the main activities in the summertime and skiing or snowboarding in Lake Louise ski resort in the wintertime.

Jasper National Park

Going to Alberta, you cannot skip Jasper! Even though it is a very small town, it has all the charm of a mountain village. In Jasper National Park, you can explore Maligne Canyon and Lake. In the park, there are also the Athabasca Falls that is a must! Surrounded by glaciers, the view is magnificent! If you are doing a coast to coast Canada trip, it’s a stop you must add to your itinerary.

Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield

From Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, you will be driving through the Icefields Parkway where the Columbia Icefield is located. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in Canada. A new attraction to this park is the Glacier Skywalk. It’s a huge observation platform standing above the valley below.

Drumheller and the Royal Tyrell museum

Known as the town of Dinosaurs, various dinosaurs inhabited this region about 75 million years ago. The Tyrell museum is part of this park and has a great variety of fossils and full-sized dinosaur remains. The area is called the badlands.

Waterton Lakes National Park

This park straddles the Alberta and US border, more specifically Montana. On the American side, this park is called Glacier National Park. Most people go to this park to hike on the alpine trails, camp, or take a sightseeing tour.

West Edmonton Mall

If you are an avid shopper, this mall is for you! This huge complex hosts a Waterpark, the Toyota Ice Palace ice rink, a mini-golf, an aquarium with live shows, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and many, many, many stores!

Wood Buffalo National Park

This is the largest park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is located on the Alberta and Northwest Territories border. The park extends across the Athabasca-Peace River Delta, one of the largest inland deltas in the world. The top attraction in this park is the wildlife, more specifically the wood bison.

Every year, Calgary is the host of the famous Stampede. The stampede is basically a festival with rodeos, country artists, games, lots of popcorn, and candy! It is a must if you are in the area during Stampede. If you want to attend a rodeo though, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Saskatchewan

Prince albert national park.

This natural park is quite different from British Columbia and Alberta as Saskatchewan is part of the prairies. Prince Albert National Park is an undulating landscape instead of mountainous terrain. In the park, there are lakes and aspen-dotted uplands. You might just sight a white pelican, a sturgeon river plains bison, moose, wolf, black bear, fox, lynx, caribou, and even some eagles in the northern forest. In the south of the park, you could spot some deer, elk, badgers, and coyotes.

Regina is a cosmopolitan commercial and cultural center. There are many arts and heritage attractions to see.

Saskatoon is a city up north of Saskatchewan. You’ll find many activities to entertain every age of the family. The city has multiple museums and you can visit Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo for fun times with the kids.

RCMP Heritage Center

This center is the largest in Canada. The RCMP Heritage Center displays equipment, weapons, photographs and so much more! At the Center, you can try RCMP regalia or join an informative tour.

Cypress Hill and Grasslands National Park

Saskatchewan’s highest point is located in Cypress Hill. This park straddles the Alberta and Saskatchewan border and the Grasslands National Park is near the US border to Montana. Like Drumheller in Alberta, this park is home to the T-Rex Discovery Center and its full-size skeleton replicas.

Polar Bears at Churchill

Churchill is also known as the Polar Bear Capital of the world. In the fall, people come to watch these amazing creatures wander onto the ice to hunt seals. If you’re lucky, you might just witness the northern lights as well!

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Known as one of the nicest beaches in Canada, this beach is on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. During the hot summer months, this is a nice little getaway from the city.

Riding Mountain National Park

Riding National Park is a nice scenic combination of recreation area and nature reserve. Near Lake Audy, you could spot a herd of bison who roam freely in this area. The park offers many walking and biking trails.

Canadian Fossil Discovery Center

This discovery center hosts the largest collection of marine reptile fossils. All the fossils are from Manitoba.

One of the top things to do in Winnipeg is visiting the Forks. Located near the downtown area, you’ll find the Forks Market and Johnston Terminal. Restored historical buildings, they are home to shops, restaurants, and more.

CN Tower in Toronto

This is one of Canada’s most iconic attractions. Located in downtown Toronto, the CN Tower offers great views of the city and even a glass floor for the more adventurous. At the foot of the tower, you’ll find the newest Ripley’s Aquarium and Roger’s Center.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has actually three different falls, but the most popular ones are the Horseshoe Falls which drop 57 meters. Niagara Falls are located right in the village itself so you can easily wander the streets of the city while enjoying the falls.

Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city. During the summer months, visitors can witness the changing of the guard. If you are visiting on July 1st, make sure to attend Canada’s biggest Canada day event!

Canada Wonderland

Looking for some excitement and fun on your trip? This is the place to go! This is a huge amusement park. You’ll find roller coasters and thrill rides for all ages, a waterpark, a dinosaur park, live shows, and much more.

Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is definitely worth a stop on your coast to coast Canada itinerary. Mont-Tremblant is the highest peak in the Laurentian Mountains. You’ll find great dining, entertainment, and skiing. It is a beautiful pedestrian village.

Montreal Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are home to outdoor and greenhouse gardens. The organization also offers, workshops, talks, and educational material to help visitors with their own gardening hobbies. Within the same park, you’ll find the insectarium and planetarium.

Old Montreal

Most of Montreal’s top attractions are located near this area. Nearby, you’ll see the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Place Jacques-Cartier, the science center, the Natrel skating rink, and the newest addition, the Ferris wheel which provides beautiful views of the Old Montreal.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a must-stop in Canada! You’ll find many beautiful spots like Place Royale and Quartier Petit-Champlain where 17th and 18th Century buildings are standing. You also have the Château Frontenac nearby.

One of the most remote regions of Canada. Some areas even reach the Arctic Circle. This harsh terrain is home to some rarities of this world. You’ll find over 800 species of Arctic vegetation. Migratory birds, seals, and polar bears sometimes make an appearance. Occasionally, you might even spot a beluga in the bay.

Forillon National Park

Situated at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, this park is wild and rugged. Impressive scenery with limestone cliffs and the isolated Cap des Rosiers lighthouse in the background. This lighthouse is actually the tallest in Canada.

Magdalen Islands

This place is probably one of my favorites with British Columbia. When I first got there, I thought the scenery was straight out of Jurassic Park! With its impressive cliffs, it is an amazing place to be. Home to a lot of watersports, you won’t be bored. You’ll find red cliffs all over the place, great food, great views, and even greater people. The Magdalen Islands are worth the detour (quite a big one but so worth it)!

New-Brunswick

Bay of fundy national park.

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world! They can measure up to 19 meters! They occur twice a day and over time have carved a coastline with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. Because of the tides, this brings much plankton and you can spot up to 12 species of whales in the area. Within the park, you can find three spectacular waterfalls, Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls, and Third Vault Falls.

Hopewell Rocks

At high tides, the rock formations look like tree-clad islands. When the tide is low, you can actually descend the stairs and walk among giant sea-stacks on a rocky beach.

Grand Manan Island

This island is a small fishing community. Only accessible by ferry it is near the Bay of Fundy. On this cliffs-sided island, bird watchers will have the opportunity to witness more than 240 species including the Atlantic puffin. The island is also popular for whale-watching as there are many species around.

Prince-Edward Island

Pei national park.

This park offers beaches, wildlife watching, outdoor activities, historic buildings as well as great camping spots.

Charlottetown

This little town has a Victorian charm. There is a beautiful walkway at the harbor that leads to Victoria Park.

Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge was finished constructed in 1997 and is the first bridge to connect Prince Edward Island to Canada’s mainland. The bridge is 12.9 kilometers long and is the world’s longest over freezing water and is considered one of Canada’s top engineering accomplishments.

Nova-Scotia

Halifax has a beautiful boardwalk along the Harbour leading from Pier 21 Museum to the Seaport Farmers Market. This is where you will find the ferry to Dartmouth and many options to take a sightseeing tour.

Peggy’s Cove

This is a small fishing village less than 50 kilometers from Halifax. The lighthouse there is probably the most photographed one in Canada! The lighthouse sits on the foggy Atlantic Coast marking its perilous point. Stark, wave-battered granite bluffs surround the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Peggy’s Cove is also home to the Swissair 111 Memorial site for the plane that crashed in the ocean near Peggy’s Cove in 1998. This is one of my favorite places to visit. Worth a bit of time to enjoy it on your coast to coast Canada itinerary for sure!

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

This National Park hosts the highest peaks in Nova Scotia. If you are a hiker, you won’t be disappointed with this park. With its coastline of beaches and cliffs and its inland forests and rivers, there is plenty to see.

This is a brightly colored village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous craft is the Bluenose schooner. The boat won many races before sinking near the coast of Haiti. You can often see the Bluenose II in port.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

It is one of North America’s finest gardens.

Newfoundland

Gros morne national park.

Probably one of the nicest National Parks on the east coast, it offers a magnificent landscape of fjords and mountains. You can do some rock climbing, hiking, boat excursions, camping and so much more. Gros Morne National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Signal Hill National Historic Site

The park overlooks the Atlantic Ocean near St-John’s harbor. During different times of the year, you can spot some icebergs close by. I had never seen an iceberg in my life before visiting Signal Hill. It was very impressive!

Bonavista peninsula

Visitors can watch for whales, puffins, and icebergs from this peninsula.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Just 11 kilometers from St-John’s, this is the most easterly point in North America and has Newfoundland’s oldest lighthouse. It is a popular spot to watch the sunrise.

Twillingate and Fogo Island

This little fishing village on the Kittiwake coast is great for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Twillingate is home to the Long Point Lighthouse built-in 1889. Recently, a hotel was built on Fogo Island and is now a great tourist area.

If you really are into the whole Canada experience, the territories up north can make up for a great adventure. I personally have never been to any of them (unfortunately) but these places would definitely be on my to-do list when I get to either of them.

SS Klondike National Historic Site

The sternwheelers on the Yukon river remained the most important mode of transport for a long time after the gold rush in Yukon. Today it has been restored and offers great tours.

Miles Canyon

This used to be a treacherous part of the Yukon River before a dam was constructed which tamed the river. Many supplies and lives were lost in this area during those days. Hiking trails and a scenic setting are great to explore. You can also visit a 25 meters suspension bridge which is only a couple of minutes drive from the downtown area.

The northern lights

If you are visiting between January and April, you are most likely going to see some northern lights. You’ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis even from the city.

Takhini Hot Springs

Located not far from Whitehorse, they are known for their therapeutic and curative traits. Takhini Hot Springs has two pools to take advantage of. One is kept around 42 degrees Celsius and the second one is 36 degrees Celsius.

Northwest territories

Nahanni national park reserve.

This park is quite remote but is one of Canada’s treasures. The raging Nahanni river flows through canyons of the Mackenzie Mountains. You can also see the stunning Virginia Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada. In this National Park, you can also treat yourself to the Rabbitkettle Hot Springs. However, you can only visit them as part of a guided tour to help preserve the fragile environment.

The Northwest Passage

This passage gives access, through the Arctic Ocean, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Victoria Island

Situated off north from Canada’s mainland, this is the third-largest island in the Canadian Archipelago. It lies north of the Arctic Circle.

Baffin Island

This island is the fifth-largest in the world. The east coast is similar to Norway with its fjords. The cost of living there is quite expensive and the climate is very unfriendly. The island has lots of insects in the summertime as well. This island is more for the travel specialist looking for some adventure in Canada.

Auyuittuq National Park

Meaning land where it never thaws , the park sits on the Cumberland Peninsula southwest of Baffin Island. A big portion of the park is occupied by the Penny Ice Cap, a remnant of ice-age glaciations. Mount Asgard is quite impressive to see.

Iqaluit is now home to a modern town with a hotel, school, hospital, cathedral, radio and weather station, and even a camping site. It is a great place to gather information on the community living there.

Quttinirpaaq National Park

Located in the extreme north of Ellesmere Island, this extreme mountainous and glaciated area is known to attract experimented hikers. In this dry Arctic climate, warm and moist temperatures allow for some plants to grow and animals to exist. You can spot muskoxen, Peary caribou, arctic foxes and wolves, lemmings, and over 30 species of birds.

So this sums up my ultimate coast-to-coast Canada itinerary! I hope this has inspired you to visit some places you hadn’t thought about! Leave me a comment on the places you have been on this list!

Keep reading for more on Canada!

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Hey, I'm Payte, a British-Columbia native, now living in the French part of Canada, Quebec City. I am a former flight attendant, mother of 2 kids, and an adventure seeker.  Even though I don't travel full-time, travelling is part of who I am and every chance I get, I spend it traveling! Giving you all the best advice is a great way to share my passion with you!

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Road Trip To Canada’s West Coast

SUGGESTED LENGTH: 15 DAYS

$11,052 (APPROX $8,078 USD) PER PERSON

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A road trip to Canada’s West Coast from the Rockies:

On this journey, you’ll see the vibrant Lake Louise, spend time enjoying Whistler’s famous mountains and explore the pristine beaches of Vancouver Island. This road trip to Canada’s West Coast packs in some of the most showstopping destinations that British Columbia has to offer, all from the comfort and independence of your own vehicle. Whether you’re in the alpine, by the coastline, or in the rainforest, you’ll be delivered panoramic views of a diverse landscape. Additionally, our guests often see bears, moose and more by the highway, so keep your eyes peeled!

An Entrée Destinations road trip to Canada’s West Coast:

This itinerary covers a lot of ground, and with our meticulous planning of accommodation, excursions, and transfers, it’s effortlessly enjoyable. When you’re traveling with Entrée Destinations you’ll enjoy the finest hotels, the most spectacular destinations and a first-class standard of service. All of our trips are customized to your unique needs to ensure that you’re delivered your perfect journey. Download the full road trip to Canada’s West Coast itinerary for further inspiration, or click the Plan Your Trip button to get started.

*Please note the price listed is an estimate, based on the availability of room types and all service providers.

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Our Attention to Detail: You don’t have to think of anything, we’ve got it covered.

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Our Custom Approach: Your trip is tailored just for you, by our expert travel planners.

The Itinerary

1-2 | BANFF, AB

Upon your arrival at Calgary International Airport, you’ll pick up your rental car and enjoy a scenic two and a half hour drive west to Banff through the Kananaskis Region. If your schedule allows, explore the Banff townsite, relax at the hotel, or soak in the nearby hot springs. Accommodations are at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in a Premium Room.

On your second day you’ll take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an unobstructed bird’s eye view of six scenic mountain ranges. Witness breathtaking views in every direction from one of several observation decks, and enjoy the self-guided interpretive walk along the Banff Skywalk to Sanson’s Peak. Keep your eyes peeled for Banff Bighorn Sheep or Hoary Marmots – though not likely to be sharing a meal together, they co-exist peacefully! Accommodations are at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in a Premium Room.

3-4 | JASPER, AB

Today you travel north to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Winding your way through Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, you’ll be in the heart of the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway. The scenic views of pristine lakes, ancient glaciers, and lush old-growth forests all provide gorgeous photo opportunities. Accommodations are at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in a Lakefront Suite.

On the fourth day of your journey, you’ll set out to explore Jasper National Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Traversing alpine meadows on your private guided tour, you’ll discover the park from inside your custom photo vehicle. You’re in ‘Bear Country’, so don’t be surprised if you see a Black Bear mother tending to her playful cubs. This is what a road trip to Canada’s West Coast is all about! Accommodations are at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in a Lakefront Suite.

5 | SUN PEAKS, BC

Consider taking a final hike in Jasper before departing on your five and a half hour drive to Sun Peaks, a charming Alpine village in the picturesque Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia’s interior. Stroll the pedestrian-only village or take the Sunburst chairlift to the summit to start your exploration from six thousand feet above. Accommodations are at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel in a Deluxe Room.

6-8 | WHISTLER, BC

Today enjoy a self-guided drive from Sun Peaks to Whistler, taking approximately five hours. Prior to dinner, you may want to stroll the village, teeming with trendy boutiques. If you prefer adrenaline to accessories, watch the mountain bikers landing jumps at the base of Whistler Mountain (and take notes – you may want to give it a whirl tomorrow!). Accommodations are at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in a Deluxe Slopeslide Room.

On the seventh day of your journey take the Peak 2 Peak gondola today between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, and experience the highest and longest lift in the world. Enjoy the world-class views, exceptional mountain-top dining, and alpine hiking. Additional options for your afternoon include golf, flightseeing tours, and mountain biking. Accommodations are at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in a Deluxe Slopeslide Room.

The eighth day of your journey is yours to explore Whistler at your leisure. Options include backcountry ATV tours, bear viewing and ecology walks, Heli-hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, or mountain biking at Whistler Blackcomb Bike Park. If you prefer a day of utter rest and relaxation, soak up the sun while lounging beside the outdoor pool and hot tub. Accommodations are at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in a Deluxe Slopeslide Room.

9-11 | TOFINO, BC

Today you’ll make the journey (via rental car and ferry) from Whistler to Tofino, situated on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Nestled among old-growth forests and right on sandy Cox Bay beach, you’ll find yourself in a perfect setting for beachcombing and bear-watching. Accommodations are at Long Beach Lodge in a Deluxe Beachfront Room.

On day ten of your road trip to Canada’s West Coast, you’ll set out on a full-day zodiac excursion in and around the Clayoquot Sound. A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this temperate rain forest is home to a number of land and marine mammals, including but not limited to: wolves, black bears, cougars, gray whales, orcas, porpoises, seals, otters, bald eagles, and Roosevelt elk. Stop at a sea cave and enjoy a dip at Hot Springs Cove, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Accommodations are at Long Beach Lodge in a Deluxe Beachfront Room.

The eleventh day of your journey is yours to spend at leisure in Tofino. Options include guided walks with an expert naturalist, beachcombing, or surfing (don’t worry – you’re provided with a wetsuit to guard you from the chill of the Pacific!). If you’re looking for a taste of local culture, head into town and sample the catch of the day at the timber-built Shelter Restaurant. Accommodations are at Long Beach Lodge in a Deluxe Beachfront Room.

12-13 | VICTORIA, BC

Today you’ll drive approximately five hours from Tofino to Victoria, winding along the scenic Pacific Rim Highway. If there’s time, start exploring Victoria on your own. One of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, you won’t be able to miss the two oldest landmarks – the Legislative buildings and the Empress Hotel. Close to the city centre, Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America and its narrow Fan Tan Alley (the narrowest street in Canada at 35 inches wide!) is a must-see – if you can fit. Accommodations are at the Inn at Laurel Point in a Studio Suite.

On the thirteenth day of your journey enjoy the exhilaration of racing through the seas in an open-air zodiac on a half-day whale watching tour. The Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to three orcas (killer whale) pods, with nearly 100 orcas among them—which means that sightings are all but guaranteed. The ride itself is exciting and sometimes quite adventurous—be prepared to get a little wet! In the afternoon, continue exploring historic Victoria. Accommodations are at the Inn at Laurel Point in a Studio Suite.

14-15 | VANCOUVER, BC

Between the drive and ferry, it will take you approximately three hours to make your way from Victoria to Vancouver. From your hotel, take a walk along chic Robson Street, or head to nearby historic Gastown. Vancouver is known as “Hollywood North” for good reason, you may just stumble across one of many movies being filmed on the cobbled streets. Accommodations are at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in a Deluxe Executive Room.

On the fifteenth day of your road trip to Canada’s West Coast, you’ll enjoy an expertly guided tour of Vancouver, famous for its cultural diversity and spectacular parks. Explore the historic cobbled streets of Gastown to the warehouse conversions of Yaletown today. Visiting bustling Chinatown, filled with herbal pharmacies selling cures for just about every ailment. Accommodations are at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in a Deluxe Executive Room.

16 | VANCOUVER, BC

Schedule depending, you may want to revisit a favorite destination from yesterday’s tour today prior to leaving the city centre. Today you will drive out of downtown to the Vancouver International Airport and drop off your rental car in advance of your flight. Safe travels!

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14-day West Coast of Canada Road Trip in British Columbia

by janecanapini | Nov 3, 2018 | British Columbia , Canada , Trip Planning

The West Coast of Canada in British Columbia is a big, beautiful, sometimes remote and untamed place. Which also makes it one of the best Canadian road trips you can ever take. But trying to plan an itinerary to see a good chunk of it can be daunting. Where do you go and what do you do when you get there? On a recent trip that Henk and I took to BC in May, I was determined to create a 14-day itinerary that would allow us to experience some of the best of Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, so it only made sense to share our itinerary with you so you could do the same. Here then, is our 14-day West Coast of Canada road trip itinerary in British Columbia.

This 14-day route takes you from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and back to Vancouver

Day 1 – 3: Visit Vancouver’s Top Attractions

DAY 1 – Explore the City Any visit to British Columbia has to start with the city of Vancouver, not just because it’s the airport you will fly into, but because the city itself has so much to offer , especially if it’s your first time here. Start your visit off easy with a walk along the waterfront near Canada Square , where you can enjoy a drink at the Tap and Barrel and watch the float planes take off for Vancouver Island, all with the beautiful backdrop of the North Shore Mountains.

A giant ‘Lego’ Orca at Canada Place in Vancouver

Or enjoy a little nature in the city with a visit to  Stanley Park where you can walk, rent a bike, or take a horse trolley tour to see the sea wall, beautiful gardens, iconic totem poles, and maybe even an outdoor concert if your timing is right.

A huge garden filled with purple alliums in Stanley Park

DAYS 2 and 3 – Adventure Just Outside Vancouver Why not crank it up with a little soft adventure right on Vancouver’s doorstep: don’t miss the Capilano Suspension Bridge , one of the top attractions in the province, that has everything from treetop trekking to a cantilevered Cliffwalk to complement the Park’s namesake suspension bridge.

Jane just hanging out on the cantilevered Cliff Walk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

And a visit up to the top of Grouse Mountain is a must, whatever time of year you come, as this is a four-season playground with spectacular views and  exciting adventures that start right at the base of the mountain . BONUS: Both attractions offer free shuttle buses for tourists in the summer, which you can catch right at Canada Square.

Ascending Grouse Mountain with a view of the Capilano River below

TIP: Don’t rent a car just for getting around Vancouver. Traffic is very heavy, parking is expensive in the city’s hotels and elsewhere, and if you choose accommodations in the centre, you can walk to many of the city’s most popular attractions. (Note: British Columbia does not allow Uber or other ride-sharing services, but taxis are plentiful.)

Day 4 – 5: Off to Victoria on Beautiful Vancouver Island

DAY 4 – Head to Victoria

Watch for whales and views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington

TIP: If speed is of the essence, you can also take a floatplane or helicopter between the two cities which will also offer their own spectacular views. Or if you are bringing your own car,  or looking for the most economical passage, there are regular BC Ferries departing from Tsawwassen (a bus or taxi ride from downtown Vancouver) to Swartz Bay just north of Victoria. 

The highlight of Victoria is of course Victoria’s harbour, where you’ll definitely want to visit the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel ,  one of Canada’s  grand railway hotels of the early 1900s that has just undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.

The Fairmont Empress is right on Victoria’s harbour front

Then head across the street to the Royal British Columbia Museum , one of the top museums in Canada, with an excellent permanent collection of First Nations artefacts, including the impressive Totem Hall and the actual ceremonial house of Chief Jonathan Hunt.

Totem Hall in Victoria’s Royal British Columbia Museum

DAY 5 – Victoria Victoria is a brunchy kind of town so start your day at Johns Place , a favourite local hangout known for their Eggs Bennies. Only a few blocks away you can hit up downtown Victoria to window shop in their trendy boutiques along Johnson Street.

Johnson Street is filled with boutiques and restaurants in historic buildings

Whatever you choose to do during your days in Victoria, you’ll want to return to the harbour come nightfall to enjoy the magical lights on British Columbia’s Legislature .

BC’s legislature is lit up at night with thousands of lights

The Fairmont Empress at night is no slouch, either!

Day 6 – 8: Pacific Circle Marine Route (South Vancouver Island)

DAY 6 – Pacific Coast to Port Renfrew Today’s the day to pick up your rental car in Victoria and head out to explore some of the Pacific Circle Marine Route . We chose to do the route clockwise (the ‘reverse’ according to some), heading northwest towards Port Renfrew on Highway 14. This highway is a windy, picturesque one that hugs the coast and goes by beautiful beaches, so be sure to stop by one like French Beach with its huge driftwood logs, or look for waterfalls at Sandcut, Sombre and Mystic beaches.

French Beach Vancouver Island

When you’re done beachcombing or chasing waterfalls, spend the night at Wild Renfrew in Port Renfrew. This pristine wilderness lodge is a great base for exploring one of Vancouver Island’s few remaining old growth forests, Avatar Grove , home to ‘Canada’s Gnarliest Tree’.

Canada’s Gnarliest Tree Avatar Grove Vancouver Island

Or just enjoy the beauty of this remote location right on the inlet’s shores: with the tides coming up practically to your door and a view of the stars with no light pollution you’ll get a real feel for the Island’s unspoiled natural wonders.

DAY 7 – Cowichan Bay to Tofino (long driving day) Today starts by crossing through the interior of Vancouver Island to the eastern coast, where you’ll find the community of  Cowichan Bay , or ‘Cow Bay’ to the locals (about a 2-hour drive). This charming little town takes its uniqueness seriously (no chain coffee shops or restaurants here) and boasts a cute waterside street filled with eclectic boutiques and restaurants. Then wander down to the docks and discreetly admire the pretty house boats (being respectful as these are people’s homes).

“Cow Bay’s” colourful boat houses

The rest of your day you’ll be driving to Tofino , a 4-hour drive from Cow Bay that takes you through Cathedral Grove, one of the Islands most accessible old growth forests. (No need to stop here on this leg of the trip, since you’ll have a chance to visit the Grove after you’ve been to Tofino, as you’ll be retracing your steps along this same highway.) But if you need a place to stop for a quick bite or latte, check out the funky Steampunk Cafe  in nearby Port Alberni which has tasty soups and sandwiches and some pretty cool decor.

Nautilus artwork on the walls of the Steampunk Cafe

DAY 8 – 10: Tofino

Tofino is Canada’s surfing mecca, with its long, wide beaches and wild Pacific surf. But there are plenty of things to do here if you are not a surfer including  bear watching by boat, helicopter rides, fine dining and shopping.

Clayoquot Sound near Tofino

You’ll want to spend a couple of nights here just to take advantage of all of the options available and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of this boho community.

DAY 11 – Cathedral Grove and A Treehouse Stay near Qualicum Beach Today you’ll head for the east coast of Vancouver Island, retracing your steps along Highway 4 through the centre. Now is your chance to explore the giant forests at Cathedral Grove at leisure before heading on to Qualicum Beach where you can spend the night.

You need humans for scale with trees this huge

Qualicum is a small town that Canadians on Expedia recently voted as one of the “ 18 cities to visit in 2018″ and a good place to enjoy its beach and spend a night before heading across to the Sunshine Coast on the mainland. If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, try sleeping in a spherical tree house at Free Spirit Spheres . 

“Melody” spherical treehouse at Free Spirit Spheres

Interior of Melody is spacious enough for two

TIP: Free Spirit Spheres only has a few treehouses, so if you are keen to stay here, you’ll need to book well in advance.

DAY 12-13: Sunshine Coast

DAY 12 – 13 – Sunshine Coast Head north to Comox to catch the first of a couple of ferries that will take you to the Sechelt Peninsula on the Sunshine Coast. This 189km stretch of BC’s mainland is only accessible by air or sea, and because of its remote nature, the Sunshine Coast remains largely unspoiled. Towns here are small and charming, and there are oceanview accommodations all along the coast. If you really want to spoil yourself, check into the  Rockwater Secret Cove Tenthouses at Halfmoon Bay.

Rock water Secret Cove Tenthouse: glamping, amped!

This is ‘glamping’ in style and the location itself is a great base for exploring some of the Coast, hiking one of the many trails, or just relaxing with a glass of wine and an amazing oceanfront view after a very busy road trip.

DAY 14 – Vancouver The last leg of your road trip starts today with a 40-minute drive to Langdale to catch a ferry to Horseshoe Bay, just outside of Vancouver. But allow yourself more time so that you can explore the town of Gibsons, a few minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal. Gibsons is where the Beachcombers TV series was shot in the ’70s, and if you’re Canadian you’re sure to recognize Molly’s Reach (a former set and now a casual restaurant that keeps the spirit of the show alive with memorabilia and other ‘Relics’!) Have a bite to eat before catching the ferry, or squeeze in a little shopping at one of several interesting boutiques near the wharf.

Mollys Reach Gibsons Landing BC

Once at Horseshoe Bay you are now only a 30-minute drive to Vancouver and your 14-day West Coast of Canada road trip is almost complete! All that’s left to do is drop off your rental car and head back home (wherever that may be).

Back in Vancouver again

With a combination of city, nature, culture and some grownup indulgences all along the way, this 14-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to British Columbia’s West Coast. And if you’re like Henk and I, these two weeks will have only whetted your appetite to explore more of British Columbia.

Practical Info for Your West Coast of Canada Road Trip

ACCOMMODATIONS: For our reviews of recommended places to stay along this route, check out our Boutique Accommodations in British Columbia page.

RENTAL CAR:  If you are flying in and out of Vancouver, we recommend renting your car in downtown Victoria with a return drop-off at Vancouver airport. Normally a one-way drop-off rental comes with an expensive surcharge, but in this case, the charge was minimal (about $100) and made sense. Here’s why: by picking up the rental car in Victoria we saved the cost of ferrying it from Vancouver to Victoria ($57). Plus, Victoria is a walkable city, so we didn’t need a rental car there, saving us a few extra days on the rental. That’s $100 right there.

GETTING TO VICTORIA: FERRIES: V2V Vacations  operate passenger-only ferries from May-October that run between Canada Place in downtown Vancouver to the harbour in downtown Victoria (the most convenient if you do not have a car of your own). If you do have a car, you can book passage with BCFerries. However, you will need to make your way to their mainland terminal at Tsawwassen (about 30 minutes’ drive from Vancouver, give or take rush hour) to catch the ferry to Swartz Bay (also a 30 minutes’ drive into Victoria).

FLIGHTS: You can book a short flight from downtown Vancouver (Canada Place) to Victoria harbour with Harbour Air Seaplanes . Rates start at about $200 one way per person.

HELICOPTERS : Helijet operates helicopter flights between Vancouver Harbour and Victoria Harbour for between $215 – $325 per person one way.

Special thanks to Tourism Vancouver , V2V Vacations ,  Tourism Victoria and Tourism Tofino who assisted Henk and I with some parts of our West Coast visit. 

Jane Canapini is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and the North American Travel Journalists Association. She established GrownupTravels.com in 2014 to share information and tips based on personal experience so her readers could get the most out of their travels.

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22 Comments

This is a great itinerary! One note for your readers is that V2V no longer exists. So anyone interested in coming to Victoria will need to take the bus/cab to Tsawwassen and take BC Ferries to Swartz Bay then bus/cab into Victoria. Alternatively, they can take a floatplane, helicopter or even a whale watching boat to Victoria.

Thank you, Meg, for pointing that out. I’ll be sure to update the post to make a similar note!

You never mentioned Butchart Gardens, which would be a major attraction, in my opinion.

You’re right, Meg. Butchart Gardens is beautiful, and deserves a post (and a day) all its own. I didn’t include it here only because this particular trip itinerary didn’t allow time for us to do it proper justice. But we couldn’t agree more: as a day trip from Victoria, especially, it’s a true Vancouver Island gem. We included it here with a few other things to do in and around the capital: https://www.grownuptravels.com/8-grownup-things-to-do-in-victoria-bc/

What a spectacular itinerary! I’m saving it for future reference. I most want to return to Victoria for a repeat of afternoon tea at the Empress. Can’t wait!

Glad you will find this useful, Carole! If I can save anyone some time and research, I’m happy! 🙂

I loved both Vancouver and Victoria. I’ve heard that the high tea at the Fairmont Empress is wonderful. And I’d certainly recommend eating a dim sum brunch in Vancouver!

When it comes to High Tea, I would actually recommend the one at Butchart Gardens just outside of Victoria. The setting (a beautiful garden in a former quarry) and the overall experience are superior in my opinion!

What a fantastic trip! You’ve really chosen some excellent spots – we too visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge recently and that cliff walk was spectacular. Whale watching in Tofino was also really special

Glad you’ve already had the chance to experience some of these, Michele. I still feel that even 14 days is barely scratching the surface, though! 🙂

You’ve mentioned some of my favourite places on Vancouver Island. I love it and always enjoy getting back there. I have not yet been to the Sunshine Coast, but would love to get there too. I was interested to hear about the V2V Vacations ferry. I believe it only started operating last year. I’ve made the trip on BC Ferries, which is also quite beautiful as it passes through the strait and past the Gulf Islands. The BC Ferries ride is shorter, but you have to get to/from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. It would be nice to go downtown to downtown.

Yes, the V2V is much more convenient with its locations at both ends, and it’s a pretty comfortable ride, with food on board, etc.

We got to experience a few other routes with BC Ferries too, including over to the Sunshine Coast, which was great, because it’s always nice to be on the ocean when you are out in BC.

What a jam-packed itinerary! Though I’ve only been to Canada a handful of times, I’ve fallen in love with every city and every province that I’ve had the chance to explore. If I had the time to do this two-week trip, I would set out today!

Henk always accuses me of organizing our trips like we are on a giant press trip (jam-packed every day!) But I’ve always been like that, because I want to see as much as possible with whatever time we have. 🙂

Now I need to go there if only to see the Lego orca!

My only wish was that we had seen a real orca, too, Carol! Maybe next time.

BC is without a doubt my favourite Canadian province. I have experienced all you have mentioned except the stay in a spherical tree house at Free Spirit Spheres. And I still haven’t made it to the Sunshine Coast, but definitely will next year.

This was actually Henk’s first time to the west coast, so I tried to give him a great first impression with this itinerary. (although this province is so beautiful, it’s hard to find a really ugly spot!)

Wow! We love all of the beautiful, and attracting photos you have collected from your road trip in British Columbia. We had not really had this part of Canada on our radar but this article has changed that. Thanks!

Thanks so much! I could really only publish a fraction of the photos since this is such a beautiful part of Canada.

Not my readers but my husband and I. We will have a week in Vancouver for our 11th Anniversary next year. Instead of a driving tour, we will schedule day trips from our base! Thanks for the ideas.

Well I’m glad the timing worked out for you, Carol! I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun in BC.

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Our tailor made itineraries pair the beauty of BC with the allure of Alberta, allowing you to explore the wide open road at entirely your own pace. 

Combining the abundant wildlife of vancouver island, fascinating indigenous communities of coastal british columbia and breathtaking beauty of the canadian rockies, consider adding a rail journey to the drive for optimum relaxation and incredible sightseeing. , begin by browsing the below and let us know if something inspires. , we'll be happy to personalize any itinerary to include all the accommodation, activities and travel documents you need..

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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.

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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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Plan Your Trip to Canada: 7 Great Itineraries

Written by Lana Law Updated Sep 13, 2021

Planning a trip to Canada and figuring out an itinerary may seem monumental due to the size and geographical layout of the country. Bordered by three oceans, the Canadian motto "from sea to sea to sea" becomes more relevant when you start planning a cross country tour.

Most travelers with limited time who are looking to plan an 8- or 10-day Canada itinerary, tend to focus on one area of the country. This is a good idea, unless you incorporate some long-distance internal flights. Canada stretches more than 5,500 kilometers from east to west, and much of the remote north is all but inaccessible.

The best option, unless you have plenty of time, is to focus your itinerary on Western, Central, or Eastern Canada. Western Canada is home to some of the country's most spectacular scenery, with mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and Pacific coastline. Central Canada is most well-known for its vibrant cities, including Toronto , Montreal , and Ottawa , but also consists of prairies and the lakes and forests of the Canadian Shield. Atlantic Canada , which includes the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland and Labrador, is known for endless shorelines, quaint coastal villages, and friendly cities with a small-town atmosphere.

1. Western Canada: Canadian Rockies Itinerary

2. canada west coast itinerary: vancouver, vancouver island & whistler, 3. central canada: toronto, montreal & beyond, 4. eastern canada: nova scotia & prince edward island, 5. newfoundland: explore the rock, 6. exploring canada's north: polar bears, arctic landscapes & culture, 7. city hopping across canada, map of canada: great itineraries, when to travel in canada: best times to visit.

Western Canada Itinerary Highlights: Vancouver, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, Calgary

The best way to see the Canadian Rockies is by car, with a road trip beginning either in Vancouver and ending in Calgary, or doing it in the reverse order. A scenic seven-day trip will take you from Vancouver to Kelowna for a stop along the beautiful Lake Okanagan , and on to Banff National Park . From here, do a side trip up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper and end your trip in Calgary . This route runs through some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada.

Kelowna is a pleasant city that caters to skiers in the winter, with nearby ski resorts of Big White and Silver Star . These are two of the best ski resorts in Canada . In summer, this is a popular area for renting a cottage, golfing, or exploring the lakes by houseboat.

Banff and Jasper National Parks , including the area around Lake Louise , are highlights of this route, and offer some incredible day hikes . You can plan your own Banff to Jasper itinerary along the Icefields Parkway . Even if you are not interested in getting active, there are scenic pullouts along the Parkway to see the turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and other sites.

The town of Banff , in the park of the same name, is a beautiful mountain tourist town with all kinds of accommodation, including camping . In town, the dining and shopping options are substantial, with too many stores and shops to count.

Just outside the park to the east, the small mountain town of Canmore is a great base, with plenty of resorts if you don't want to stay in Banff. Beyond Canmore, an hour and a half east of Banff, is the city of Calgary , home to the famous Calgary Stampede held in July.

Flights run regularly between Calgary and Vancouver. Another option for returning to Vancouver is a train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer , a high end rail journey through the Rocky Mountains.

West Coast Itinerary Highlights: Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, Salt Spring Island, Tofino

Spend a couple of days seeing the sights of Vancouver . Drive or catch a bus up to the posh ski town of Whistler for a day, a fun destination any time of year, and head back down to Vancouver where you can catch a ferry to Victoria , the capital of British Columbia. For some people, depending on how much time you allow in Vancouver and Victoria, this might be enough to fill seven days.

However, if you find you still have more time, plan a Vancouver Island itinerary or some excursions from Victoria. For a day trip from Victoria catch a car ferry to Salt Spring Island for a day of sightseeing, or visiting local farms and artisan studios.

With a few days available, you can plan a Vancouver Island Road Trip. Drive up Vancouver Island to Tofino for a night or two, where you can stay in one of the beautiful seaside resorts . Spend some time surfing or walking along the beaches in Pacific Rim National Park , enjoy some of the beautiful day hikes around Tofino or near the village of Ucluelet , and see the pristine coastal forest all along this remote stretch of the island.

A car makes this trip simple and is the best way to see the attractions. If you are using public transport, it will be cheaper and include a bus to Whistler and walk-on ferries to Victoria and Salt Spring Island. With a car, be aware that taking a car ferry may require some wait time, especially around holidays. If you add on a trip to Tofino a car is almost essential.

If you are looking for more things to do on Vancouver Island, consider taking the time to explore the best hikes on Vancouver Island , or set up your tent or RV at one of the scenic campgrounds . The campgrounds near Tofino are especially beautiful. You can also plan excursions out of Nanaimo and Parksville.

Central Canada Itinerary Highlights: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.

With Toronto being a major point of entry for many travelers to Canada, this is the best place to start a tour of Central Canada. Spend a few nights in Toronto to see the sights, take in a Broadway show, and do a day trip to Niagara Falls . There are several tour operators offering day trips to the falls, which usually include a stop at the lovely little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake , one of Ontario's most romantic small towns.

From Toronto, you can drive or take a train to Ottawa , Canada's capital, to see Parliament Hill , some national museums, and in winter, you may even be able to skate along the Rideau Canal running through the city.

Montreal is another must-see city in Central Canada. You can get there easily from Ottawa, or directly from Toronto if you choose to skip Ottawa. Trains run regularly from both cities to Montreal, and by car, it is quite an easy drive (4.5 hours from Toronto to Ottawa, 5.5 hours from Toronto to Montreal, and two hours from Ottawa to Montreal).

With more time available, you can continue on to Quebec City to tour this historic French city. This is a city definitely worth visiting, and may even serve as an alternative to visiting Montreal if you are unable to visit both.

Nova Scotia and PEI Itinerary Highlights: Halifax, Lunenburg, Charlottetown, Cape Breton Island

Eastern Canada is a large area and you may want to explore a region rather than try to see everything. Beginning with Nova Scotia and PEI is a good start. The most practical way to tour this area is with a car.

With eight to 10 days, you can easily see the highlights of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island . Begin in Halifax with some sightseeing around the city, and then spend a day touring the surroundings, with visits to Peggy's Cove and historic Lunenburg , before moving on to Annapolis Royal . From here, continue up and along the Bay of Fundy , making your way to the Confederation Bridge and over to Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island.

Take at least a day to explore the PEI, with a trip to Prince Edward Island National Park and Green Gables , the fictional home of Anne of green Gables. If the weather cooperates, take some time to enjoy the seashore. PEI's Brackley Beach with its long stretches of golden sand, is one of the best beaches in Canada . When you are ready to leave, take the Wood Islands Ferry to Caribou , Nova Scotia and head up to Cape Breton Island . There is plenty to see and do here, but the most popular activity is driving the scenic Cabot Trail , which runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

If you have time, make your way out to Louisbourg to see the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site. From here you can head back to Halifax.

If you have another seven or 10 days for exploring the Maritimes, tack on a tour of Newfoundland .

Newfoundland Itinerary Highlights : St. John's, Gros Morne National Park, coastal towns

Start your Newfoundland itinerary with a stop in St. John's , the provincial capital, to explore Signal Hill National Historic Site and George Street , in the lovely downtown area. When you leave St. John's, take the scenic drive along Conception Bay and over to the Bonavista Peninsula to the charming town of Trinity. This scenic little seaside village with colorful houses looks out onto oceanfront cliffs. Tour some historic buildings to get a feel for the culture, take a whale-watching tour, or go for a hike. If you are visiting in the late spring, you may even see an iceberg.

From here, continue up the coast through Terra Nova National Park and on to the village of Twillingate to experience a quaint coastal community. After a night in Twillingate make your way to beautiful Gros Morne National Park , for a boat tour or some hiking in this spectacular landscape. Stay in the park at Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, or at nearby Deer Lake.

If you have more time, consider making a trip up to L'Anse Aux Meadows , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see some Viking history. Afterwards, make your way back to St. John's. Keep in mind, driving in Newfoundland may take longer than you expect, with winding roads and last-minute decisions to turn off the highway and visit coastal towns or scenic areas.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador

Northern Canada Itinerary Highlights: Churchill, Whitehorse, Yellowknife

There is no easy way to see all of Canada's north in one trip. The region is extremely remote, and the highlights are, in many cases, geographically distant from one another.

Here are some options for a Northern Canada itinerary:

If your goal is to see wildlife you should consider a trip to Churchill , Manitoba in the late fall to see the polar bear migration. Many different tours leave from Winnipeg , offering multi-day stays that include options to see the bears in a Tundra Buggy and stay in a Tundra Lodge. Most tours involve a flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, but it is also possible to take a train to Churchill.

The two main cities of the north are Whitehorse , in the Yukon , and Yellowknife , in the Northwest Territories . Both of these cities are accessible by car.

Many people incorporate the Yukon into a driving trip to Alaska . This route typically involves driving up through northern British Columbia and runs from Haines, going through Skagway, Carcross, Whitehorse, Dawson City, and into Alaska to the cities of Fairbanks and Anchorage , then back into the Yukon to Haines Junction and back to Haines. This route will give you a chance to experience some of the characters and cultures of the north, learn about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, and see some of the beautiful landscape.

To reach Yellowknife , most people drive up the Mackenzie Highway from northern Alberta to Highway 3 running through Fort Providence. While in Yellowknife, be sure to get out on the waters of Great Slave Lake to battle the giant northern pike and trout waiting beneath the surface.

To see more of the north from Yellowknife, flights are in order. Possible options include side trips to Nahanni National Park , one of the jewels of Canada's north, or to the northern community of Inuvik, just 200 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, to see what life is like in the far north.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Whitehorse

Canadian Cities Itinerary Highlights: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal (Optional: Calgary, Halifax, St. John's, Quebec City)

If you are looking for a cross-Canada cosmopolitan adventure, the key cities are Toronto , Vancouver , Montreal , and the nation's capital, Ottawa . But if you want to probe a little deeper, you could easily add on Calgary , Halifax , St. John's , and even a side trip from Montreal to Quebec City . There are regular flights to all of these destinations and quick and convenient train connections that run between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Flights to the eastern cities of Halifax and St. John's are generally more expensive.

Vancouver is arguably Canada's most beautiful city, while Toronto is a great place to see a show, take a day trip to Niagara Falls, and enjoy the view from the CN Tower.

Montreal is an incredibly vibrant city known for its French culture, shopping and fashion, and trendy Old Town . With extra time, you could add on a trip to Ottawa , between Toronto and Montreal, to tour some of the best museums in Canada.

Nature lovers could make a stop in Calgary for a quick trip out to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. For a more complete picture of Canada, catch a flight to either Halifax or St. John's to enjoy some seafood and experience the culture and friendly people of Atlantic Canada.

Planning a trip to Canada involves more than geographical considerations; the weather should be high on the list of things to research as well. Canada is so massive that the country can be experiencing four seasons on the same day. For example, on a typical June day, it could be 30 degrees Celsius, hot and humid in Central Canada, fogbound and cool in the Atlantic provinces, pleasant with cool sea breezes in Vancouver, and snowing in the Rockies or far north.

The best months to visit Canada are July and August . During these months, you'll get the warmest temperatures and have the best chance to do all the activities you have planned. However, this is when all the Canadians like to do things as well, so prices tend to rise and the most popular places can get crowded. If you can get away in September, you'll be rewarded with warm days, cool nights, and less crowded attractions.

Vancouver and coastal British Columbia along with Eastern Canada have temperate climates - it rarely gets too hot or too cold. The farther you move inland from the moderating effect of the oceans, the more extreme the temperatures get.

Planning a trip in the winter is less popular, unless you are a downhill skier or hardy outdoorsman. The best winter month for a ski trip is March, with its more moderate temperatures, sunny days, and copious snowfall. December is early for consistent snow conditions; January and February can be bone-chillingly cold and have short days.

Winter can also be a great time to experience the arts. Enjoy the ballet, symphony, and theater, or spend some time at the museums.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Ontario's Nature Escapes: If you want to add a little summer adventure to your Canada itinerary, you may want to look to Ontario. Central Canada is home to some pristine natural areas, perfect for visitors looking to plan a canoe trip, fishing trip, or to simply soak up nature at a lodge. A good place to research ideas for canoeing or camping is with our guide to the Best Parks in Ontario . For fishing, see our list of the Top Fishing Lodges in Ontario .

More on Canada

• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit Canada by car: The 5 best road trip itineraries

You’re planning to do a road trip in Canada and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

Visiting Canada by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary and discover all the must-see attractions of the country.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Canada depending on the duration of your stay (7, 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks and even 1 month!).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Canada depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Which airport to choose to start a Canadian road trip?

Renting a car for a canadian road trip, canada road trip: a week in the east, 1) vancouver (2 days), 2) whistler (1 day), 3) wells gray provincial park (2 days), 4) jasper national park (2 days), 5) banff national park (2 days), 6) calgary (2 days), 2) victoria (2 days), 3) pacific rim (2 days), 4) whistler (2 days), 5) wells gray provincial park (2 days), 6) jasper national park (2 days), 7) banff national park (2 days), 8) calgary (1 day), 1) western canada (13 days), 2) eastern canada ( 8 days), 1) montreal (2 days), 2) ontario (5 days), 3) the province of quebec (21 days), where to stay during your canadian road trip, what’s the best time to go on a canadian road trip, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you.

Canada boasts several international airports .

For a road trip through Western Canada , your best bets are:

If you’re planning a Canadian circuit but this time in the East , I’d recommend the airports in:

For these itineraries, I’ve assumed you’d be landing in either Vancouver or Montreal . Simply because I believe these are the most convenient spots for journeying through eastern or western Canada by car .

To travel to Canada , you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) beforehand. This form, which you can fill out online must definitely be completed before your trip to Canada.

The eTA applies to all travelers who don’t require a visa.

You’ll find all the information you need on this site .

A must-have for any successful Canadian exploration: a car !

I’d advise you to rent it directly from the airport . That’s where you’ll find the widest range of rental services . Plus, it’s way more convenient to return it at the end of your trip, as opposed to dropping it off at a city branch.

The best option you got is to use Rentalcars.com to book your rental car in Canada. I use it all the time, Thailand , Sicily , Scotland , you name it… and have always been super pleased. The customer service is top-notch , and their services are high quality.

On their website, you can:

• Compare all rental rates at the airport with a single click . It’s super handy to see which service is the cheapest and who has the best customer reputation.
• Benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage: this is your only way (unless your credit card already offers coverage) to get a refund in case of an accident or theft. Having tested this system multiple times, I can assure you that the reimbursement process is swift and guaranteed. They’ve refunded me over 1,300 euros in total over the years!
• Modify or cancel your booking for free . This allows you to reserve your car in advance for a great rate.

Given the vastness of this country, and the long distances between places, I suggest trying to select a comfortable and well-equipped car . Long hours on the road are not uncommon, so comfort is key!

If you’re planning a winter road trip through Canada, don’t worry, the cars are tailored to the climate and come equipped with winter tires for instance.

The option to have a second driver (often included for free) is also a good idea to prevent the primary driver from getting too tired.

Click on the button below to compare car rental prices for a Canadian itinerary:

You’re not required to have an international driving permit to rent a car for your Canadian road trip.

Your regular driver’s license will do , as long as it’s in the Latin alphabet and you’ve had it for over 12 months .

If you prefer to present an international driving permit, you’ll still need to show your national driver’s license . Without it, you won’t be able to pick up your car.

First up, I propose a road trip starting from Montreal , taking you through Eastern Canada in a week.

The itinerary for this one-week Canadian road trip includes Montreal , the Thousand Islands , Toronto , Ottawa and Mont-Tremblant .

This tour is a summary of my detailed article: A week in Canada .

Day One : Discovering the city of Montreal:

• Old Montreal district
• The Old Port
• Mount Royal Park
• Mount Royal district 
• And don’t forget to taste the local delicacy: poutine!

For even more info on exploring Montreal in one day, you should read my post: Best things to do in Montreal !

Day Two : Embark on a scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands , known as Mille Îles in French. This captivating archipelago is comprised of 1,865 islands nestled along the picturesque St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

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

Day Three and Four : I suggest continuing this one-week Canadian road trip with a visit to Toronto, Ontario .

Here are the attractions you won’t want to miss :

• Kensington Market
• The Distillery district
• St. Lawrence Market
• Ripley’s Aquarium
• The CN Tower
• The Royal Ontario Museum
• The Toronto Islands

For all the details on these Toronto attractions, give a look at my article: Best things to see and do in Toronto .

Day Five : An excursion to Niagara Falls

A cruise at the foot of the falls is a must to truly appreciate them!

Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line:

And if you want to experience something extraordinary during this 7-day Canadian road trip, consider taking a helicopter ride over the falls :

Day Six : Heading to Ottawa , the capital of Canada.

Here’s what I’d suggest you explore:

• Byward Market
• Parliament Hill
• The Canadian Museum of History : one of the most fascinating museums you’ll come across on your one-week eastern Canada road trip.

Wrap up your day with a stroll along the Rideau Canal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more details, make sure to check out my dedicated article: Visiting Ottawa .

Day Seven , make sure to stop by Omega Park , located in Montebello. The park is explored by car as the animals roam freely.

Next, head to Mont-Tremblant , where you can go hiking or indulge in water activities by the lake. In the winter, the village turns into a ski resort .

Day Eight : The holiday’s end is nigh, head back to Montreal for your return flight.

Thinking about doing a one-week road trip in Canada ? Well, I’ve got you covered with my detailed article : One-week itinerary in Canada .

Quite handy, you’ll find loads of tips and recommendations for places to stay at each stage . The ultimate guide to effortless trip planning !

Road Trip in Canada: 10 days

For this next adventure, I’ll take you on an exhilarating 10-day road trip through the stunning landscapes of Canada.

You’ll get to discover western Canada , from the bustling metropolis of Vancouver to the vibrant city of Calgary . The perfect tour for checking out the two major cities of this part of the country and, above all, the stunning natural landscapes of Canada’s national parks .

On the agenda for this 10-day road trip in Canada:

• Wells Gray Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Banff National Park

All the details to plan this road trip are in my article: 10-Day Itinerary in Canada .

I’ve summarized the main stages for you below:

We kick off this 10-day Canadian road trip with Vancouver . The city is located on the West Coast , in British Columbia.

To discover its main tourist attractions and recover from jet lag, I suggest you spend 2 days there.

First day – Here’s an idea of what you can do on your first day in Vancouver:

• The historic district of Gastown
• Canada Place and the Waterfront
• The FlyOver Canada
• Stanley Park
• Vancouver Lookout
• Yaletown district

On the second day , continue your tour by visiting Granville Island , followed by the Anthropology Museum , and a walk through Van Elsen Botanical Garden .

Then hit Robson Street for a bit of shopping, the main commercial artery of Vancouver.

To best plan your 2 days in Vancouver, check out my article: Top 25 Things to Do in Vancouver .

The next day (day three) , head to one of the best ski resorts in the world: Whistler .

In winter , you can hit the slopes or go on a sled dog or snowmobile ride .

In summer , it’s time for hiking trails, biking or relaxing in a luxury Spa . And don’t forget to ride the longest zip line in Canada , at over 60 mph! Activity that can be booked directly by clicking here .

Days four and five will be dedicated to the Wells Gray Provincial Park .

Don’t miss out on:

• Helmcken Falls : one of the most beautiful in western Canada.
• Bailey’s Chute where you can watch salmon swimming upstream
• The Spahat Falls
• And Dawson Falls

As for activities, you can also go swimming or canoeing at Clearwater Lake, hike one of the numerous trails, or go black bear watching .

Day six brings us to a must-visit destination on your 10-day Canadian road trip: Jasper National Park .

You’ll get to check out two stunning lakes: Maligne Lake , the biggest lake in the Canadian Rockies, and Medicine Lake .

And of course, there’s nothing better to tour the national park than a little hike !

Day seven my friends, brings us to yet another breathtaking spectacle: Banff National Park . Hop in the car in Jasper and treat yourself to one of the most beautiful scenic routes the country has to offer: the Icefield Parkways .

Connecting the two parks over nearly 230 km, it’s a feast for your eyes with sublime landscapes . The road is well designed, boasting plenty of parking spots and lookouts to safely stop . Here are a few pit stops to consider :

• Athabasca Falls , towering more than 20 meters high
• The Sunwapta Falls
• Explore Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield . If you’re going to make a single stop along the Icefields Parkway, make it this one. Strap yourself into a bus fitted with giant tires for a tour. It’s one of the most popular activities in the area and the good news is, you can book it directly by clicking here !
• Peyto Lake, a quick 15-minute stroll away. You’ll be amazed by its turquoise waters, a result of glacier melt.

On day 8 , you should explore Banff on foot . Make your way to the famous Lake Louise , one of the most photographed spots in the world due to its stunning turquoise hue.

Moraine Lake is also a must-see!

To check the trail conditions and see all the possible hikes, visit Parks Canada’s website .

Cap off this 10-day Canadian West road trip by heading to Calgary .

On day nine , take some time to explore the city:

• Glenbow Museum with its collection of 33,000 works of art
• The 360° views from the Calgary Tower
• Heritage Park Village to learn about the old-fashioned lifestyle of a typical Canadian village
• Kensington Village : a lively neighborhood with great shops and restaurants

On day ten , it’s time to catch your return flight from Calgary Airport.

If you’re after more details on this 10-day Canadian road trip , you should check out my comprehensive article: 10-day itinerary in Canada .

There, you’ll find our list of the best accommodations for each stage. Trust me, planning your 10-day trip to Canada is going to be a breeze !

Canada road trip: Two weeks

For this 15-day Canadian road trip , let’s set off to discover the must-see sights of the west of the country.

This 2-week Canadian road trip also starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary.

You can find all the details to plan this Canadian circuit in my article: 2-week itinerary in Canada .

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stages:

We kick off this two-week Canadian road trip by spending 2 days in Vancouver .

You’ll get a good look at most of the places I mention in my Top 25 must-see places in Vancouver .

First and second day – Things to do:

• Gastown district
• Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
• The Waterfront and Canada Place
• A seaplane flight
• Granville Island
• Robson Street

Day three of your 15-day Canadian road trip, you’ll need to hop on the ferry to Vancouver Island and head for Victoria .

On your agenda for the day, I’d recommend:

• Visiting Butchart Gardens
• Taking a stroll through Chinatown
• Market Square
• Bastion Square
• Inner Harbour

On the fourth day , you’ll get a chance to set sail on a whale-watching cruise .

Be sure to book well in advance by clicking here:

The rest of the day can be spent exploring Victoria, where you can visit the Parliament and the Royal BC Museum and wrap up at Beacon Hill Park by the sea.

Day five – Journey from Victoria to Ucluelet, the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park.

Two stops worth making: the village of Duncan and Cathedral Grove .

Day six – Explore the Pacific Rim reserve : plenty of hiking opportunities and a mandatory stop at Long Beach .

Day seven of your 15-day Canadian road trip, allow a day for the journey to Whistler .

On day eight, there’s loads of activities to do in Whistler, whether it’s winter (skiing, snowshoeing) or summer (hiking, biking).

And for those without a fear of heights, you can try out Canada’s longest zipline ! Activity that can be booked directly by clicking here !

For day nine , point your compass towards Wells Gray Provincial Park, travelling along the beautiful Route 99 , one of the country’s finest! Day ten – Adventure in Wells Gray Park where you can choose from:

• Helmcken Falls
• Bailey’s Chute, Spahat Falls or Dawson Falls , among other waterfalls
• Clearwater Lake
• Black bears spotting with a guide

Impossible to explore Western Canada in 15 days without hitting up Jasper National Park . It’s just not done!

So, on the eleventh day , hit the road to this gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You’ll be able to check out Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake .

Day twelve , it’s time to tie up those hiking boots and spend the day trekking the many trails in Jasper .

Post-Jasper , you’ll continue your Canadian road trip with another national park: Banff .

Day thirteen , you’ll be taking Route 93 (the Icefield Parkway) which links the 25 parks together. Covering nearly 230 km, it’s a route jam-packed with stunning scenery . And to enjoy it all, you can pull over safely at the many viewpoints and car parks .

As for the must-see spots , I highly recommend:

• The Athabasca Falls
• The Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield . You can explore on foot or on a bus tour equipped with giant tires for some off-roading . Book this activity directly by clicking here !
• Peyto Lake with its unbelievably colored water

On the fourteenth day , it’s time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Banff National Park . Here too, the best way to admire the landscapes is to opt for a hike . The most famous trails allow you to circle around Lake Louise and Lake Moraine , the two most renowned lakes.

Here you are at the fifteenth day of your two-week Western Canada road trip.

Wrap up your holidays in Calgary , where you can notably visit the Glenbow Museum, the Heritage Park Village or ascend to the top of the Calgary Tower. You should get your skip-the-line tickets in advance by clicking here !

I also provide all the necessary information to visit Calgary in this article: Best things to do in Calgary !

Canada road trip: 3 weeks

For this 3-week road trip across Canada , I suggest dividing your vacation into 2 parts :

• Western Canada for about two weeks featuring Vancouver , Victoria, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park
• A week-long road trip in the East of Canada to uncover the delights of Montreal , Toronto , and Ottawa .

To help you organize your Canadian road trip down to the last detail, I’ve got you covered in my article: 3-week itinerary in Canada !

Simply click on the orange link above to discover: the different stages , travel times, places to visit, hotels for a good night’s sleep and the best activities to get involved in.

I’m still going to give you a quick rundown of the visits planned during these 3 weeks so you get a taste:

Start your 21-day Canadian road trip in the West for the first 13 days.

Day 1 and 2 – Vancouver

Day 3 – Victoria , the capital of British Columbia

Day 4 – Whale watching , an essential part of your 3-week Canadian road trip!

Days 5 and 6 – Whistler , one of Canada’s top ski resorts ! No worries, there’s plenty to do in the summer too.

Days 7 and 8 – Discover the Wells Gray Provincial Park and its many waterfalls

Days 9 and 10 – Explore Jasper National Park by car and on foot

Days 11 and 12 – Continue your three-week Canadian road trip with Banff National Park and the famous Lake Louise

Day 13 – Head on over to Calgary and catch your flight to Montreal!

After 13 glorious days in western Canada, it’s time to continue your 20-21 day Canadian road trip in the east of the country.

Day 14 – Explore Montreal with a stroll around the old Montreal neighborhood and up to Mount-Royal

Day 15 – Cruise to the Thousand Islands or helicopter ride

Days 16 and 17 – Discover must-see places in Toronto and don’t miss out on the view from atop the CN Tower

Day 18 – A day at the Niagara Falls , the major tourist attraction of this 3-week Canadian road trip. Whether it’s on a cruise at the base of the falls , a helicopter ride or by climbing up the Skylon Tower , you’ll get to see the falls from all angles!

Day 19 – Dedicate a day to Canada’s capital: Ottawa .

Days 20 and 21 – Return to Montreal to finish off your 3-week Canadian road trip by exploring the city a bit more .

To read the complete version of my 3-week itinerary , complete with advice and accommodation suggestions, click here !

Canada road trip: One month

Final itinerary for those lucky ones who get to embark on a month-long road trip in Canada !

I’m suggesting you discover a great chunk of the East over about thirty days. You’ll get to visit Montreal , Ontario, home to the famous Toronto , along with the province of Quebec and the Gaspé Peninsula (Gaspésie in French).

All the must-see cities of the east and gorgeous national parks are on the menu for this 1-month Canadian road trip.

 I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details to plan your epic eastern Canadian adventure in this post: A one-month adventure: Exploring Canada . For each day, you’ll get a list of things to do and see, travel times, and the best accommodations to rest at each stop.

To give you a taste, I’ve prepared a summary of the itinerary’s stages :

To kickstart this fabulous one-month road trip across Canada, I suggest landing in Montreal and taking a couple of days to recover from your flight and the inevitable jetlag.

Day 1 and 2 – Get a taste of Montreal , dive into the iconic neighborhoods of Old Port and Mount-Royal .

The second chapter of this 1-month Canadian adventure unfolds in Ontario .

Day 3 – Boat trip around the Thousand Islands

Days 4 and 5 – Explore the marvels of Toronto and its popular neighborhoods like Kensington, Chinatown, The Distillery…

Day 6 – Day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls

Day 7 – Head to Ottawa , Canada’s capital. Don’t miss out on the Canadian Museum of History !

The third act of your 1-month road trip through Canada is entirely dedicated to Quebec .

Day 8 – Visit the Omega Park and Mont-Tremblant

Days 9 and 10 – Engage in varied activities based on the season (hiking, canoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling…) in La Mauricie National Park

Days 11 and 12 – Tour around Lake St-Jean : the Wild Zoo of St-Félicien , the Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh , the ghost town of Val-Jalbert .

Days 13 and 14 – Discover the lovely villages of Fjord-du-Saguenay and take a boat or kayak ride on the fjord

Day 15 – Whale watching cruise in Tadoussac , experiencing whales in their natural environment, one of the most unforgettable experience of your one-month Canadian road trip!

Days 16, 17, and 18 – Journey through Gaspésie National Park

Days 19 and 20 – Your itinerary includes: Forillon National Park, Percé, and Bonaventure Island

Day 21 – Relaxation day at Chaleur Bay that the locals call “Baie des Chaleurs” (litteraly heat bay) that boasts several long beaches

Days 22 and 23 – Hiking or cycling on one of the numerous trails in Bic National Park

Days 24, 25, and 26 – Visit Quebec City and its surroundings . You’ll find all the things to do in my article: Best things to do in Quebec City !

Days 27 and 28 – This one-month road trip in Canada wraps up and you’ll return to Montreal where you can take some time to finish exploring the city.

To make it easy for you, here’s the link to the full itinerary: How to visit Canada in 1 month ?

Now you’re well-equipped to plan your road trip across Canada ! But there’s a final point we can’t ignore: where you’ll lay your head at night .

Where to stay at each stage of your Canadian journey?

Fear not, I’ve got you covered with a selection of the best hotels in Canada, categorized by city and area , and based on your budget, in all the road trip articles I’ve previously mentioned.

You can also find them by clicking directly on the links below :

For Western Canada:

• Pacific Rim

For Eastern Canada:

• The Thousand Islands
• Mont-Tremblant
• La Mauricie National Park
• Lac Saint-Jean
• Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Gaspésie National Park
• Chaleur Bay
• Bic National Park

Good news, there’s no bad time to go on a road trip through Canada.

It all depends on the activities you fancy.

Winter is the best time to visit Canada by car if you want to enjoy a whole range of winter activities: skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

And if you’re doing this Canadian road trip with family , your kids will be thrilled to sled down the slopes or try snow rafting and ice skating .

Driving in winter? No worries, cars are well-equipped, and roads are maintained and cleared. However, some routes in national parks might be closed, but you’ll always find something to do!

If you plan to embark on a Canadian road trip in spring , it’s the perfect season to explore national parks, enjoy nature and go hiking . The crowds are scarce, and the weather is delightful.

As for autumn, this is the time when you can experience the vibrant colors of the trees and landscapes in shades of orange, yellow, and red. A treat for photography enthusiasts!

Summer ? No problem with the temperature, it’s hot and sunny . But as with many destinations, it’s peak tourist season , so expect crowds pretty much everywhere.

Keep in mind, many Canadian companies shut down in July and August for “ construction holiday ” when many Canadian companies shut down. It’s the perfect time for Canadians to hit the road as well!

If you’re hoping to visit national parks (Jasper, Banff, in the province of Quebec and Gaspésie), options can be limited, so you should book your accommodations as early as possible .

For all cities, both in the west and the east, you can discover all the attractions at any time of year .

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 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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Travel itineraries in Western Canada

What to do and places to visit in Alberta and British Columbia. Whether you’re planning a road trip to the Rockies or West Coast, or a day trip near Vancouver or Calgary, don’t miss these pre-planned routes!

Depart from Calgary

Explore mountain trails, find fossils, visit a trading post and more! Get inspired with these unique places to visit near Calgary.

3-day weekend getaway

Departs from Edmonton – 545 km

Experience the life of a Métis Trapper, have fun on the water, enjoy the beach, and observe wildlife.

7-day vacations

Departs from Calgary – 945 km

Travel the famous Icefields Parkway and gaze upon mountainous landscapes and turquoise waters. Glaciers, waterfalls, canyons and hot springs await on this dream vacation!

Departs from Calgary – 690 km

Hold a 500-million-year-old fossil at the famous Burgess Shale, rejuvenate in the hot springs, and embark on a scenic drive in the Rockies!

British Columbia

Depart from Vancouver

Explore marine wilderness at Gulf Islands, step back in time at Fort Langley, or visit a historic salmon canning line. There are so many unique places to visit near Vancouver!

Weekend getaways

Departs from Vancouver – 95 km – 2-day

Explore the trading post, pan for gold, chat with the blacksmith, shoot a musket and spend the night at Vancouver’s only fort.

Departs from Vancouver – 260 km – 3-day

Enjoy the beach, explore secret bunkers and old military command posts. Stop by a historic cannery and spend the night in an artillery fort. A perfect mix of West Coast nature and history!

Departs from Vancouver – 570 km – 4-day

Stroll through the rainforest, unwind on the endless beaches along the Pacific, head out for a paddle or have the ultimate surfing experience.

Departs from Vancouver – 290 km

Relive the emergence of the West Coast fishing industry, mingle with fur traders, island-hop through the Gulf Islands and explore a former artillery fort.

Make the most of your visit with these insider tips

• Before you go: Banff National Park
• Before you go: Jasper National Park

Related links

• Staff favourites in Western Canada
• The best hiking in Western Canada
• Know before you go: Banff National Park
• Know before you go: Jasper National Park

The Ultimate Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Lately, I’ve become obsessed with planning the ultimate cross Canada road trip. And if my 10+ years as a travel blogger can tell you anything, it’s that I absolutely love organizing, planning and researching for big trips, even if I don’t have a definite date for when I will take them.

For most of my travel life, I’ve prioritized new, international locations over exploring my own backyard here in Canada. But during covid when international travel was restricted, I learned to appreciate travel in my home country. So much so that my husband, Colin, and I took an Atlantic Canada honeymoon!

It turns out: Canada is amazing! Or at least the 32 million people who visit my country each year certainly think so.

And so as a Canadian myself, I would love to spend more time discovering this country outside of the cities I’ve lived in and know well, Vancouver and Toronto. I love the idea of going from coast to coast, exploring cities and wildlife, visiting all 10 provinces on a cross Canada road trip!

Which is why I’ve put together an epic 34-stop cross Canada road trip itinerary from Vancouver to St. John’s!

When I was looking up an itinerary for a road trip across Canada, I noticed that many other posts only covered a fraction of the country. I get it, Canada is a big place. But I want to plan a route that drives across all of Canada (even if I can only drive it in small stretches at a time)!

Below I’m sharing my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary – from Victoria to St. Johns , from the Pacific to the Atlantic – and all of the stops in between. I’ll dive into the things you must see, what to do if you don’t have enough time to drive across Canada, how to get around and where to go in each destination.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Canada road trip FAQs

Is canada good for road trips.

Absolutely! Canada is one of the best countries for road trips. Many people have taken on a Canadian road trip so you’ll find lots of infrastructure like free and paid campsites, rest stops, paved roads, gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores throughout the country. If you’re an English speaker, you’ll have no problem getting around most of Canada.

Canada is also great for road trips because it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into big cities, natural wilderness, water sports, hiking, biking, shopping, art, food or something else, you can design your Canada road trip around your interests.

How long would a road trip across Canada take?

Canada is a BIG country; it’s the second largest country after Russia. So driving across Canada will take a while! The main route of the Trans Canada Highway, which starts in Victoria, BC and ends in St. John’s, NF, is 7,821 km, making it the fourth longest highway in the world.

It would take 100 hours (4.2 days) of straight driving to complete this route across Canada , which doesn’t account for overnight stops, waiting for ferries, stopping for meals or any sightseeing.

Assuming you don’t want to drive 24 hours a day without stopping, you should give yourself at least three weeks to road trip across Canada – though I’d recommend a couple of months if you have the time . My itinerary below has 34 stops and would probably take 2-3 months to really enjoy.

Because the country is so large, driving across Canada can be daunting. But even if you don’t have time to drive across all of Canada, you can still plan an epic east coast Canada road trip, a shortened Canadian road trip (such as driving from Toronto to Vancouver), a road trip around Atlantic Canada or one on the west coast.

Short on time? Check out my suggestions at the end of this post for mini Canada road trips!   

When is the best time for a Canada road trip?

Despite our reputation, it’s not ALWAYS cold in Canada. In fact, our country gets really stinking hot in the summers! And of course, being such a huge country, the weather varies a lot from coast to coast.

That being said, I wouldn’t attempt a cross Canada road trip in the winter . While places like Vancouver and Victoria might be mild, other places will be freezing, blanketed in snow and no fun to explore – if the roads are even open to let you through!

Summer is a much better time for a Canadian road trip. While the weather will be hot in places, driving across Canada in the summer means you don’t have to worry about snow chains or snow tires. Parks will be open and camping outdoors will be comfortable (if you can find some shade).

Of course, summer is also Canada’s busiest tourism season, so prepare for crowds. Many popular areas, like Banff, will be teeming with people and campgrounds will book up in advance.

I would plan a cross Canada road trip for late spring or early fall . That way, you still get the best weather but hopefully with fewer crowds.

Car vs RV: How should you drive across Canada?

So you want to road trip Canada but now you have to think: how am I actually getting across this huge country?

Unfortunately, public transportation isn’t a great option. We have very limited passenger train routes in Canada and while you can basically cross the country by train with ViaRail, it will be slow, expensive and skip a lot of great stops.

Your choice will probably come down to driving a car with plans to overnight in hotels, motels, tents, Airbnbs, and the like or driving an RV across Canada (or other motorhome/converted van/trailer) that allows you to sleep and live in your vehicle.

Ultimately, I think this comes down to personal preference as there are pros and cons to both .

A car will be cheaper to buy/rent (if you don’t already have one) and fuel up, easier to drive and likely have fewer parts to maintain. But it can be costly to stay in hotels every night and annoying to constantly be packing and unpacking.

An RV will be more expensive to buy/rent (if you don’t already have one) and fuel, plus more cumbersome to drive, but can be convenient for road trippers who want to have their home with them.

When trying to decide, consider your comfort level with driving, how many people are road tripping with you, what kind of accommodation you prefer and, of course, your budget for your cross Canada road trip. If you’ve never RV-ed before, I’d recommend renting one for a shorter trip before trying to drive across Canada.

Need to rent a car for your Canada road trip? Check out Discover Cars! 

My top 5: What to see on a road trip across Canada?

A quick scroll down to my itinerary will show you that there is so much to see on a road trip across Canada. But here my top five picks for stops you can’t miss:

• Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC
• The stunning Banff National Park in Alberta
• Niagara Falls and the surrounding wine country in Ontario
• Old Montreal and Old Quebec City in Quebec
• The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

The most popular activities in Stanley Park

• Enjoy this Stanley Park Walking Tour with a guide
• Uncover the best sights of the city during this Stanley Park & Downtown Vancouver Bike Tour
• Experience the natural beauty of Stanley Park in Vancouver on this bike tour

And for everything else you’ll want to see, let’s dive into my full cross Canada road trip itinerary below!

Cross Canada road trip map

The ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary

Through my extensive research, I found lots of posts that helped to plan a road trip in Canada, but on a smaller scale. Maybe it was just an east coast Canada road trip or a Toronto to Vancouver driving trip.

And while those adventures sound great, I wanted to put together an entire cross country road trip driving the entirety of Canada from east to west. While my road trip itinerary doesn’t cover every inch of Canada, it’s the most comprehensive one I’ve come across!

Below I’ll list every stop on my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary, including how long the drive is from the previous stop and what you’ll want to do there. I’ve broken the itinerary up into sections (west coast, prairies, eastern, Atlantic), but they all connect to each other so you can simply continue heading east.

Ready? Let’s drive across Canada!

West coast and Rocky Mountains: BC & Alberta road trip

This portion of the itinerary covers British Columbia and the first part of Alberta along the Rocky Mountains . Stops on this portion of the road trip are:

• Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, BC

As you’ll see from the Canadian road trip planner map above, I actually start my cross Canada road trip in Vancouver. I live in Vancouver, so it would be a lot easier for me to pack up my car from home and start heading east, rather than back track to the Island.

Plus, I’d love to do a separate BC road trip around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, like Galiano and Salt Spring Island (perhaps as a practice road trip before we try to drive across Canada!).

But if you’re not from Vancouver, have never been to the Island and want to complete the entire Trans Canada Highway main route, I highly recommend starting your cross Canada road trip in Victoria, BC .

I’ve visited Victoria a number of times and really love it. This charming provincial capital has a beautiful harbour, world-renowned gardens and great food. From there, you can keep exploring more of Vancouver Island.

Must do on Vancouver Island :

• Stroll through Butchart Gardens
• Try surfing in Tofino or check out more things to do in Ucluelet
• Go whale watching

Canadian fun fact: Vancouver Island is an island off the mainland of BC where the provincial capital, Victoria, is found. Vancouver is a city on the mainland on BC. There is no such thing as Victoria Island in BC or a capital city of Vancouver.

However, a reader let me know that there is in fact a Victoria Island located in the Arctic Ocean (thank you, Marlene!), but don’t go there if you’re trying to find Victoria, BC. I know, it’s confusing! 

Vancouver, BC (3 hrs from Victoria)

If you skipped Vancouver Island, your cross Canada road trip will officially start in my home city, Vancouver! Otherwise, you can take a short and scenic ferry ride from Victoria to the mainland.

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a highlight of any trip to Canada. Even as a local since 2010, I’m constantly amazed that I get to live in a place with beaches, mountains, city life and incredible food!

Must do in Vancouver :

• Walk or bike along the Seawall to enjoy Stanley Park and city beaches
• Shop and dine on Granville Island
• Take a day trip to Whistler or another local ski mountain
• Eat delicious sushi!

Another incredible thing to do in Vancouver (and all of Canada) is discover our indigenous history and culture. My friend Melanie put together this awesome post with lots of ideas for enjoying Indigenous culture in Vancouver!

The Okanagan, BC (4.5 hrs from Vancouver)

From Vancouver we’re heading into BC’s interior to visit the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan is BC’s wine country and lake country, known for beautiful wineries, water sports and, unfortunately, summer wildfires.

If you’re visiting this area in the summer, make sure you’re aware of any fire bans, water restrictions or other alerts. Other than that, kick back with a glass of vino and a beautiful lakefront view!

Lucky for us, we have family in Kelowna and have visited the Okanagan many times (we even got engaged in Penticton!). But even if you don’t have family to stay with, BC’s Okanagan is well worth a visit.

Must do in Kelowna & the Okanagan:

• Visit a local winery or join a wine tour
• Hang out on Lake Okanagan
• Take a day trip south to Penticton , Osoyoos or another South Okanagan town

Jasper, AB (7 hrs from Kelowna)

Many people skip Jasper, preferring to drive straight from Vancouver to Banff or Vancouver to Calgary, but I think a detour north to Jasper would be a highlight of any Canada road trip.

Jasper National Park is the biggest national park in Canada, home to glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, islands, forests and so much more. As soon as I saw a picture of Maligne Lake (above), I knew I needed to add Jasper to this itinerary.

Plus, because it’s a detour off the main Trans Canada Highway, Jasper is never as busy as our next stop, Banff. Fewer crowds? Yes, please!

Must do in Japser:

• Admire Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon
• Witness the powerful Athabasca Falls
• Ride the Jasper SkyTram or walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Short on time?  If you don’t have time to stop in the Okanagan or Jasper, you can do a Vancouver to Banff road trip in about nine hours, passing through Kamloops, Revelstoke and Glacier National Park. 

Banff, AB (3 hrs from Jasper)

Another reason to visit Jasper? Because the drive from Banff to Jasper is through Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the entire world.

Once you tear your eyes away from the road, you’re in for even more beauty in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and visited by more than four million people every year.

Spend your days hiking, camping and admiring all of the beautiful scenery around you. Because Banff is so popular, make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time and wake up early to avoid the largest crowds.

Must do in Banff:

• Check out the views from the Banff Gondola
• Be wowed by some of the prettiest lakes like Emerald Lake, Morraine Lake and Lake Louise
• Soak in a hot spring or set out on any number of scenic hikes in the area
• Or check out this complete 4 day Banff itinerary !

Calgary, AB (1.5 hrs from Banff)

In case you didn’t get enough hiking in Banff, you can make a stop in Canmore on your way to Calgary for more beautiful mountain views. Then it’s time to enter Cowtown, aka Calgary.

As a Vancouverite, it’s almost mandatory for us to make fun of Calgary (apologies to my Calgarian friends and family!), but there’s actually quite a bit to enjoy in the city. If you time your road trip right, you could be in town for the annual Calgary Stampede , which happens every July. There are also parks, museums, sports arenas and more to visit in Calgary.

Many people choose to visit Banff on a day trip from Calgary, since it’s only 1.5 hours away. But because there’s so much to do in Banff, I think it’d be better to spend a few days there before moving onto Calgary. However, if you’re short on time, you could do a day trip to Banff while basing in Calgary.

Must do in Calgary:

• Don a cowboy hat at Calgary Stampede
• Stroll (or raft) along Bow River and check out the Peace Bridge
• Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village to learn some Western Canada history
• Try your hand at some winter sports at WinSport, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics

Canadian fun “fact”: Just to prove how great the Vancouver-Calgary rivalry is, when I asked my husband what someone should do in Calgary he suggested “complain that you’re not in Vancouver.” But we’re just kidding, Calgary is great! 

Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba road trip

We’re now moving into Canada’s prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Stops visited on this portion of your road trip are:

• Riding Mountain National Park
• Whiteshell Provincial Park

Drumheller, AB (1.5 hrs from Calgary)

From Calgary we are leaving the Rockies and officially entering prairie land. This part of Canada is known for being quite flat (and dull) but as you’ll see below, there are some great places to stop on your cross Canada road trip.

First up: Drumheller! Known as the Town of the Dinosaurs, if you have any dino lovers in your car, this is going to be a mandatory stop!

Must do in Drumheller:

• Check out fossils found in the area at The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
• Spot hoodoos in the nearby badlands
• Take a day trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park (2 hrs from Drumheller)

Saskatoon, SK (5 hrs from Drumheller)

I was debating which of Saskatchewan’s major cities to include in this itinerary: Saskatoon, Regina or Moose Jaw. Ultimately I decided on Saskatoon as it’s the largest city, doesn’t have as much of a government feel as the capital (Regina), and is closest to Drumheller.

If you prefer to visit Regina, check out Stone Hall Castle, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the world’s largest moose statue.

Or if you prefer to check out Moose Jaw, don’t miss the Tunnels of Moose Jaw tours. These are interactive tours that take place in the tunnels below the city and look really fun!

Must do in Saskatoon:

• Visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park to learn about people’s sacred relationship with the land
• Stand up paddle board on the South Saskatchewan River
• Grab lunch at the oldest and largest farmer’s market in the province, the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market

Not into cities?  If cities don’t do it for you, skip Saskatoon and head south to visit Saskatchewan’s Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park or Grasslands National Park for forests, lakes, wide open spaces, wildlife spotting and stargazing. 

Riding Mountain National Park, MB (6 hrs from Saskatoon)

A great stop to break up the long drive across the Canadian Prairies is Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.

This park is home to forests, grasslands and great wildlife viewing. It’s a top place to visit in the province and a nice change from city life if you’re driving from Saskatoon to (spoiler alert on the next stop) Winnipeg.

Must do in Riding Mountain National Park:

• Try out water sports in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter
• Take in the view from the top of Bald Hill
• Go on a day trip to nearby university town, Brandon

Winnipeg, MB (3 hrs from Riding Mountain)

Welcome to The Peg! Affectionally called “Winterpeg” in the winter, you may want to steer clear of Winnipeg in the colder months. But in the summer, you’ll find lots to enjoy in this city. With a number of museums, markets, festivals and parks, you’ll have lots to fill your days.

And when you need a break from city life, head up to Lake Winnipeg. Enjoy the white sand dunes at Grand Beach or indulge in Icelandic heritage and Viking statues in Gimli.

Must do in Winnipeg: 

• Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (I’ve heard it’s incredible!)
• Get to know the city by riding the Central Winnipeg Bike Loop
• Escape to the water on Lake Winnipeg

Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB (1.5 hrs from Winnipeg)

Our last stop in the prairies is Whiteshell Provincial Park, a park located on the border between Manitoba and Ontario. It’s a great introduction to the natural scenery that awaits you in western Ontario.

If you prefer to drive farther (since Whiteshell isn’t that far from Winnipeg), you could cross the border into Ontario and base in Kenora, a waterfront town with lots of beach activities.

Must do in Whiteshell Provincial Park: 

• Hit the beach at Falcon Lake
• Discover the Bannock Point Petroforms
• Visit West Hawk Lake, a crater lake formed by a meteor

Eastern Canada: Ontario & Quebec road trip

We’re now moving into the middle section of Canada and our two biggest provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Here we’ll be visiting:

• Thunder Bay
• Sault Ste Marie
• Manitoulin Island
• Prince Edward County
• Eastern Townships
• Quebec City

Thunder Bay, ON (6.5 hrs from Whiteshell)

From Manitoba it’s a long drive to Thunder Bay to begin the Ontario road trip portion of this Canada itinerary.

The city of Thunder Bay isn’t the most exciting place to be but all of the nature nearby is really worth visiting. They say it’s home to some of the best beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints in the province!

Must do in Thunder Bay: 

• Explore Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park (Canada’s version of the Grand Canyon)
• Admire Kakabeka Falls, the second highest waterfall in the province
• Check out the amethyst mines and find your own to take home , as suggested by my friend Lyn!
• Visit the Terry Fox Monument, commemorating the spot where Terry’s Marathon of Hope across Canada ended

Sault Ste Marie, ON (7.5 hrs from Thunder Bay)

It’s another long drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste Marie (pronounced Soo Saint Marie). What can I say? Ontario is a big province and you have a lot of ground to cover!

Luckily you’ll be driving along Lake Superior the whole time, affording you lots of places to stop and admire the view or go on a little hike to stretch the legs. Right on the US/Canada border, The Soo is a big port city with a splash of outdoor adventure for you to enjoy.

Must do in Sault Ste Marie:

• Kayak down or go fly fishing on St. Marys River
• Unleash your inner aviation geek at the Canadian BiPlane Heritage Museum
• Ski or mountain bike at Hiawatha Highlands

Manitoulin Island, ON (4 hrs from Sault Ste Marie)

You didn’t think a cross Canada road trip itinerary would include islands did you? Or at least not in Ontario! But it’s true, Ontario is home to a number of islands, such as Manitoulin Island in the middle of Lake Huron.

Manitoulin Island is actually the largest freshwater island in the world and an amazing place to explore Indigenous culture, scenic trails and even see the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!).

Must do on Manitoulin Island: 

• Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail for epic views
• Explore some of Manitoulin’s 100+ lakes by canoe
• Visit Wiikwemkoong, Canada’s only official Unceded Indian Reserve

Tobermory, ON (2.5 hrs from Manitoulin Island)

To get from Manitoulin Island to Tobermory, you and your vehicle will load onto a scenic ferry. Now look at us; we’re island-hopping in Canada!

While technically not an island, Tobermory does feel like a world of its own. It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful, natural places in Ontario with hidden gems (shipwrecks, anyone?) and Caribbean-like waters waiting to be discovered.

Must do in Tobermory:

• Explore beaches, caves and grottos at Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Take a boat tour around Flowerpot Island
• Dive around 20 historical shipwrecks at Fathom Five National Marine Park

Short on time? Prefer cities? You can drive from Winnipeg to Toronto through the US (21 hours) rather than through the Canadian stops above (25 hours) and visit Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit on the way. 

Toronto, ON (3.5 hrs from Tobermory)

Welcome to The Six, my hometown of Toronto (us locals drop the second “t” so it’s more like “Torono”). Arguably the best known city in Canada and the biggest, no cross Canada road trip could exclude TO.

Having grown up in Toronto, it’s hard for me to see it as a tourist locale. But besides visiting my friends and family, there really is so much to do in this bustling, diverse city. From museums, parks and islands to sports arenas, shopping streets and galleries, there’s something in Toronto for everyone .

But my favourite part of the city is all of the different neighbourhoods that each have a distinct culture and feel. My favourites are Chinatown, The Annex and Kensington Market. It’s also some of the best eating in Canada, no matter what cuisine you’re in the mood for!

Must do in Toronto: 

• Head up the iconic CN Tower for a view over the city
• Cruise across to the Toronto Islands and check out the skyline view
• Watch a major league baseball, basketball or hockey game
• See dinosaurs at the Royal Ontario Museum or admire art at the Art Gallery of Ontario
• Get your fill of delicious Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Korean food and any other cuisine!

Day trip to Niagara Falls!

Having grown up in Toronto, I’ve been to Niagara Falls a handful of times and often stayed overnight. At just over an hour from Toronto, Niagara Falls is an easy day trip.

But if you have the time and budget, I do recommend spending a few days in the Niagara region. Or if you’d prefer to base in Toronto and just see the falls on a day trip , that works too.

Besides seeing the incredible Niagara Falls (and yes, the Canadian side is much better than the American side) you’ll also want to check out Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario’s charming wine country.

There are lots of wine tours through Niagara if you’d rather not drive or find wineries yourself. You can also visit Albion Falls just outside of Hamilton on your way to Niagara, kind of like a warm up for the bigger Niagara Falls.

Prince Edward County, ON (3 hrs from Toronto)

Despite having lived the first 18 years of my life in Toronto, I’m sad to say I haven’t been to Prince Edward County. Which is too bad because it seems like the cutest collection of small towns, beaches, wineries, galleries, shops and parks.

The County is an island in Lake Ontario (not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, which is also an island called Prince Edward, but a province in the Atlantic Ocean) home to farmers and makers, perfect for slowing down and enjoying local life.

Must do in Prince Edward County:

• Hit the beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park or North Beach Provincial Park
• Wine taste through local wineries (there are also cideries and breweries, if you prefer)
• Bike or hike the Millennium Trail or shop local in Picton or Wellington

For more suggestions of what to do, check out my friend Renee’s post with 16 things to do in Prince Edward County!

Ottawa, ON (3 hrs from Prince Edward County)

From Prince Edward County we’re heading north to Canada’s capital, Ottawa (no, Canada’s capital is not Toronto!). Ottawa is an incredible place to learn about Canada’s history and hear a mix of our national languages, English and French.

In the winter, don’t miss skating down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest skate rink at 7.8km.

But there’s lots of fun to be had in the summer in Ottawa too! I’ve visited in both seasons and enjoyed skating in the cold and wandering Parliament Hill in warmer months.

Must do in Ottawa: 

• Visit a museum such as The Canadian Museum of History , The Canadian War Museum or The Canadian Museum of Nature
• Take a tour of Parliament Hill
• Stroll, skate or cruise along the Rideau Canal with a Beaver Tail!

Canadian fun fact: A Beaver Tail is a Canadian dessert that is essentially deep fried dough with toppings on it in the vague shape of a beaver’s tail. No actual beavers are harmed in the making of these treats! 

Montreal, QC (2.5 hrs from Ottawa)

Bienvenue à Québec! Ready to road trip Quebec? We’re crossing over from Ontario to French-speaking Quebec and stopping first in one of my favourite cities, Montreal .

I always say that if I spoke French fluently, I would move to Montreal. But don’t worry! You don’t need to be fluent or even rudimentary at French to visit Montreal (but it would be good to parlez français if you want to move there).

Montreal has incredible food , is diverse and bustling, and has a wonderful European charm to it. There are beautiful viewpoints, stunning churches, funky street art, world-class restaurants, and lots of festivals and events.

Montreal feels like a place unlike any other in Canada and is a city where you could never get bored. I’ve visited a handful of times over the years and always enjoy the city.

Must do in Montreal: 

• Wander Old Montreal and the Port of Montreal
• Go on a food tour of Montreal enjoying bagels, poutine, crepes and much more!
• Admire Montreal’s famous Notre Dame and St. Joseph’s churches

Eastern Townships, QC (1.5 hrs from Montreal)

Despite a few visits to Montreal over the years, I haven’t explored more of Quebec yet. One area I’d love to spend a few days in is the Eastern Townships, just an hour or two southeast of Montreal.

This area is Quebec’s natural wonderland, where many Quebec and Ontario locals have cottages to spend their summers. It’s the perfect place to golf, hike, bike, take to the water and stargaze. There are also wineries, local shops and festivals to enjoy.

Must do in the Eastern Townships: 

• Get back to nature at Parc National du Mont-Orford
• Visit the world’s first Dark Sky Preserve at ASTROLab in Parc National du Mont-Mégantic
• Climb one of the world’s longest suspension bridges at Gorge Park

My friend Renee is once again coming in clutch with her list of 13 villages to visit in the Eastern Townships!

Quebec City, QC (2.5 hrs from the Eastern Townships)

On your way to Quebec’s capital, it may be worth a detour to Beauce for a sweet treat, since this town is responsible for 20% of the world’s maple syrup production!

All sugared up, you’re off to Quebec City for a few days of culture, architecture and history. There are world-renown art galleries and museums, stunning churches, and North America’s only ice hotel!

Quebec City has always struck me as a very romantic place – in fact, Colin and I thought about including it in our honeymoon itinerary . I’d love to splurge on a stay at the Château Frontenac one day (the most photographed hotel in the world). You can tell how badly I want to visit Quebec City by all of the must dos I listed below!

Must do in Quebec City: 

• Stroll along the fortified walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore the Citadelle de Québec, a military heritage site built between 1820 and 1850
• Admire Montmorency Falls (they’re actually taller than Niagara Falls!)
• Get your nature on at Jacques-Cartier National Park
• Shop from local artisans at Île d’Orléans
• Enjoy a day at Eastern Canada’s largest theme park , Village Vacances Valcartier, and stay the night at an ice hotel

Tadoussac, QC (3 hrs from Quebec City)

From Quebec City, you’ll drive along the St. Lawrence River to your last stop in Quebec, the historic, small town of Tadoussac. Tadoussac was founded in 1600 as the first French settlement in North America.

Despite being a small place, Tadoussac draws a good number of visitors thanks to its beautiful landscape and wildlife spotting opportunities (whales, bears and beavers!). Plus, it’s the perfect stop before you head to the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada.

Must do in Tadoussac: 

• Go whale watching and learn all about these mammals of the sea at Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
• Hike around Saguenay Fjord National Park
• Sea kayak on Tadoussac Bay

Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia & Newfoundland road trip

Last but not least is the east coast of Canada! We’ll be visiting all of the Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia), as well as Newfoundland. In this section, you’ll stop at:

• Fredericton
• Fundy National Park
• Charlottetown
• Annapolis Valley
• Cape Breton Island
• North Sydney
• Port aux Basques
• Gros Morne National Park
• St. John’s

Fredericton, NB (6 hrs from Tadoussac)

Ready to road trip the east coast of Canada? A big drive from Quebec has you in Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick.

While certainly not the most popular city in Canada, Fredericton is known for its colonial charm, military history, and arts and music scene. Since it’s such a long drive from Quebec into the Maritimes, why not spend a day or two in Fredericton?

Must do in Fredericton:

• Shop the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market during the day and the Garrison Night Market in the evening
• Stop by the old British garrison where you can watch the changing of the guard, visit restored barracks and cell blocks, and take part in a soldier’s daily activities
• Visit Kings Landing (no, not that one!) to see what life was like in New Brunswick 200 years ago

Fundy National Park, NB (2 hrs from Fredericton)

I remember visiting the Bay of Fundy with my family when I was about 12 years old and being wowed by the changing tides. When the tides were out, we were able to walk all the way out onto the ocean floor. This really is a unique area of Canada!

The Bay of Fundy runs along the south coast of New Brunswick and you can visit a number of sites along it. St. Andrews, to the west, is a National Historic Site and when the tide is out, you can actually drive along the ocean floor from St. Andrews to Ministers Island.

Heading northeast you’ll hit Saint John where you can watch the Reversing Falls Rapids. Next you can visit St. Martins Sea Caves, which you can visit on foot or via kayak depending on the tides. From there, you’ll be into Fundy National Park where even more natural wonders await!

Must do at Fundy National Park: 

• Hike and visit beaches along the Fundy Trail Parkway
• Visit waterfalls from Alma such as Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls and Third Vault Falls
• Explore Hopewell Rocks at both high tide and low tide

Charlottetown, PE (2.5 hrs from Fundy)

The next stop on your east coast of Canada road trip is Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island (PEI). PEI is Canada’s smallest province and while there’s lots to see, Charlottetown is a great base to explore from since everything on the island is within two hours of the capital city.

The birthplace of Canadian Confederation, Charlottetown is a historic city full of charm, waterfront features and really delicious food (I could not get enough of their ice cream and fresh seafood!). PEI also has sand dunes, museums, Indigenous history, beaches and lots more to discover.

Plus, it’s the real home of Anne of Green Gables! You might know Anne from the novels written by LM Montgomery. Just outside Charlottetown, you can visit the home that inspired Montgomery’s writing. This was one of my highlights in PEI!

Must do in Charlottetown and PEI:

• Eat home grown Cavendish potatoes, Cows ice cream and fresh PEI oysters
• Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum and walk through her home from the books
• Go beach hopping in PEI: sand dunes, red sand beaches and more!

PS: On your way from New Brunswick to PEI, don’t miss a stop in Shediac, the lobster capital of the world! 

Annapolis Valley, NS (5 hrs from Charlottetown)

From Charlottetown you’ll head back across the Confederation Bridge, down through New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia. Your first stop in Nova Scotia is the Annapolis Valley, the province’s wine region!

Historically an apple-growing region, the Annapolis Valley is now known for its acidic white wine and Méthode Classique sparkling wine, as well as ciders and spirits. Of course, there’s lots to discover in this area for non-drinkers too! The views are beautiful and there’s lots of nature, history and delicious food to enjoy.

Must do in the Annapolis Valley:

• Go on a wine tour to try the Valley’s best
• Visit a recreation of one of North America’s first settlements at Port-Royal National Historic Site
• Learn about the history and culture of the Mi’kmaw people at Kejimkujik National Park

Halifax, NS (2 hrs from the Annapolis Valley)

Next up is one of my favourite cities in Canada (and another one I’d consider moving to), Halifax. It was one of the highlights of our Atlantic Canada honeymoon .

Halifax is a really cool city with lots to do, great local seafood, an awesome waterfront and just a great vibe all around. I loved that the city had some awesome history to discover in really engaging ways, as well as lots of modern and multi-cultural offerings.

Plus, there are so many awesome day trips from Halifax along the coast of Nova Scoatia, like the famous Peggys Cove lighthouse and adorable town of Lunenberg.

Must do in Halifax:

• Get dinner at The Bicycle Thief, try Nova Scotian donair and other great eats in Halifax
• Have a moving experience at the Pier 21 Immigration Museum (probably the best museum I’ve ever visited!)
• Visit the Halifax Citadel and learn about Canada’s military history
• Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and take the ferry over to Dartmouth
• Go on a day trip to Peggys Cove , Lunenberg and Mahone Bay

Need more suggestions? Check out 22 things to do in Halifax! 

Cape Breton Island, NS (5 hrs from Halifax)

From Halifax you’ll head to the jewel of Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island!

Depending on how much time you have, you can choose to drive the entirety of the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island, or just visit one or two towns. The entire trail is only 298 km (185 mi) long, so could be driven in a day. But I highly recommend spending a few days in this picturesque region!

Cape Breton was the most beautiful part of our 2021 Atlantic Canada honeymoon . We loved checking out beautiful coastal vistas, going on short hikes amongst the fall foliage, and discovering small town bakeries and restaurants. I’d definitely suggest prioritizing this stop on your cross Canada road trip!

Must do on Cape Breton Island:

• Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck
• Check out the stunning views at Lakies Head near Ingonish
• Hike the Skyline Trail near Cheticamp
• Eat breakfast at Salty Rose’s Periwinkle Cafe, have dinner at L’Abri and get fresh baked goods at Aucoin Bakery

For more details on where to stay and what to do on Cape Breton, check out my 5 Day Cabot Trail Itinerary on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia! 

North Sydney, NS (2 hrs from Cape Breton Island)

After your adventure around Cape Breton, it’s time to start making your way to Newfoundland, the most eastern province in Canada and the last one to tick off your Canadian bucket list.

The easiest way to road trip to Newfoundland from Nova Scotia is by taking a Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. There is year-round ferry service, typically with two departures a day, and you can drive your car onto the ferry. A sailing takes about seven hours.

While waiting for your ferry to depart, you can enjoy Sydney’s waterfront, explore the nearby Fortress of Louisbourg and check out the world’s largest fiddle!

Port aux Basques, NL (7 hrs from North Sydney)

Welcome to Newfoundland, your final province on this massive cross Canada road trip! Depending on what sailing you took from Nova Scotia, you may arrive at Port aux Basques in the evening or early the next morning.

In case you get seasick like I do, or just need a break from being on the move, you may want to book a night in Port aux Basques before continuing on with your east coast Canadian road trip. While in Port aux Basques you can check out the Cape Ray Lighthouse, go for a stroll along the Grand Bay West Beach Trailway, or head out on a marine excursion.

Canadian fun fact: Despite its spelling, most people pronounce Newfoundland as NEW-fin-LAND and not new-FOUND-land. 

Gros Morne National Park, NL (3.5 hrs from Port aux Basques)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park is probably one of the most beautiful places in Canada. But because it’s hard to get to and lesser known, it doesn’t see the same huge crowds as Banff or Whistler.

All that means is you’ll have a lot of this beauty to yourself! Explore the rugged coast line and see where tectonic plates once crashed to form epic mountains, rocky tablelands, gorges, ponds, forests and more!

Must do in Gros Morne National Park:

• Be wowed by the view at Western Brook Pond Fjord
• Hike up Lookout Hills Trail or summit Gros Morne Mountain
• Depending on the time of year, you can go for a pond cruise, kayak on Trout River, bike through fall foliage, or ski and snowboard in Burridges Gulch

Gander, NL (4 hrs from Gros Morne)

Come from away to Gander, Newfoundland, the town made famous for hosting the “plane people” when air space was closed during 9/11.

On Sep 11, 2001, 38 planes with 6,500 passengers and crew members were grounded in Gander, which had a population of just 10,000. But Gander stepped up and showed the world what it means to be a good neighbour by welcoming and caring for everyone. This is all beautifully depicted in the musical, Come From Away, which I’ve been very fortunate to see in Toronto and Vancouver.

It’s because I’m such a fan of this musical that Gander is on my Newfoundland bucket list. But even if you don’t know the show, this is a pretty remarkable town to visit and an important place in history.

Must do in Gander:

• Visit the Gander International Airport, once the largest airport in North America
• Learn about Gander’s aviation history at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum
• Take a trip to the Appleton 9/11 Memorial where a piece of steel from the Twin Towers is located (passengers from the grounded planes donated money to help build the park where the memorial is located)

Elliston, NL (2.5 hrs from Gander)

We’re coming to the end of your east coast Canada road trip. On your way to Elliston, stop at Terra Nova National Park, Canada’s most easterly national park, and the Discovery Trail, home to sweeping views and coastal history.

Just before Elliston you can stretch your legs along the Skerwink Trail, once named one of the best walks in the world by Conde Nast, and the perfect place to spot birds and humpback whales.

Speaking of wildlife spotting, that’s why I added Elliston to this Canada road trip itinerary. Nicknamed Bird Island Cove, Elliston is one of the best places in North America to see puffins from land! If you’re visiting between May and September, a visit to Puffin Island in Elliston would be well worth it.

Short on time? Not into puffins? If you’d rather not stop in Elliston, you can carry on straight from Gander to St. John’s (3.5 hrs drive). 

St. John’s, NFL (3.5 hrs from Elliston)

Congratulations, you have officially made it to the end of the ultimate cross Canada road trip! From Victoria to St. John’s, from east to west, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, you have officially driven through every province and the entire length of Canada.

Give yourself a few days in Newfoundland’s artsy, historic and colourful capital to celebrate! Here you can dine out, enjoy Maritime music and discover what makes Newfoundland so unique.

Prefer to celebrate the end of your road trip out in nature? St. John’s has lots of options for that too. Hike the East Coast Trail, go puffin or whale watching, ferry to Bell Island, check out the gardens at Pippy Park or spot wildlife at Salmonier Nature Park.

Must do in St. John’s:

• Take in the views and learn some history at Signal Hill National Historic Site
• Push a little farther east to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America
• Learn about the history, art and culture of Newfoundland at The Rooms
• Check out the colourful homes on Jellybean Row

Canadian fun fact: Don’t confuse St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, with Saint John, a city (but not the capital) of New Brunswick. 

Where to go after you finish driving across Canada

You did it – you drove all across Canada on the most epic cross Canada road trip! Now what?

From St. John’s, you can fly direct to a few places in Canada (like Halifax, Montreal, Toronto or Calgary) or internationally, to places like Orlando, Florida and London, UK . Of course, that would mean either returning your rental vehicle in St. John’s, which may incur an expensive one-way fee, or selling it there, which could take time.

If you’re keeping your vehicle, the easiest way to leave St. John’s is to drive to Argentia (1.5 hr drive) and ferry back to North Sydney . This overnight ferry boards at 5:00pm and arrives in North Sydney the next morning at 9:00am.

If a 16 hour ferry crossing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you could drive back to Port aux Basques (9 hrs from St. John’s) and get on the 7 hour ferry to North Sydney from there.

Or, you can put your most seaworthy road trip companion on the long ferry from Argentia while you hop a flight out of St. John’s (this is definitely what I will be doing – apologies to my husband who will get stuck with the car!).

Once back in Nova Scotia, you’re on Canada’s mainland and can continue driving to your final destination from there . Rather than reverse the Canada road trip you just did, why not check out our neighbour to the south and start a US road trip?

From North Sydney it’s only a 7.5 hr drive into Maine, where you can begin exploring the US. That may or may not be the next big road trip I’m planning!

What’s missing from this Canadian road trip planner?

Frankly, quite a lot! Canada is a huge country and while this road trip covers 34 places across all 10 provinces, that barely scratches the surface of what Canada has to offer.

I created this itinerary by researching places of interest in each province. Next, I plotted them on a map, which you can see above with all of the purple dots.

I then figured out a driving route that would link as many of the dots as possible without detouring too far from the most efficient east-west route. Sadly, some of the purple dots didn’t make it into the final road trip itinerary as they were just too far away.

The majority of Canadians live along the Canada/US border, so you’ll notice that my road trip route also stays quite far south. That means I missed a lot of central/northern Canada, including incredible places like:

• Haida Gwaii in BC
• The home of polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba
• All of the territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
• The capital of Alberta (Edmonton)
• Algonquin and Muskoka in Ontario
• Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula
• Labrador, which makes up the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

All of these places are well worth visiting, but difficult to do on an east-west Canada road trip that’s primarily based in the south of the country. I hope to visit them all some day on separate trips!

How to plan a road trip in Canada if you’re short on time

The road trip itinerary I listed above covers 34 stops across Canada and would likely take 2-3 months to enjoy properly. But what if you don’t have 2-3 months to road trip Canada? No worries! There are lots of cross Canada road trips you can take if you’re short on time.

Obviously you can complete just a part of my road trip itinerary above if you don’t have time for the whole thing. But here are a few more suggestions for Canadian road trips depending on how much time you have:

1 week Canada road trip: Drive from Toronto to Quebec City

Toronto (3 nights) > Montreal (2 nights) > Quebec (2 nights) 

With one week, you could do a mini Ontario and Quebec road trip when you drive from Toronto to Quebec City, stopping in Montreal along the way.

You could also take a half or full day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto . The entire drive is only 8 hours, making this an easy road trip to complete in a week.

2 week Canada road trip: Vancouver to Banff road trip

Victoria (2 nights) > Vancouver (3 nights) > Kelowna (2 nights) > Jasper (2 nights) > Banff (3 nights) > Calgary (2 nights)

Two weeks would be a great amount of time for a Vancouver to Banff road trip, seeing the best of the Rocky Mountains and Canada’s west coast. You can stop for wine in Kelowna and even push north to Jasper to really make the most of the area’s beauty!

With two weeks, you would even have time to add on Victoria on the west and Calgary on the east if you’re happy to move fast. Of course, if you wanted to slow down and spend more time at the national parks, you could cut these extra stops and add days in Jasper and Banff.

You can also drive from Calgary to Vancouver if you want to do this road trip in reverse.

3 week Canada road trip: East coast Canada road trip

Halifax (3 nights) > Annapolis Valley (2 nights) > Bay of Fundy (3 nights) > Charlottetown and PEI (4 nights) > Cape Breton Island (3 nights) > ferry to Newfoundland (1 night) > Gros Morne National Park (2 nights) > St. John’s (2 nights) > ferry to Nova Scotia (1 night) > return to Halifax 

When we went on our Atlantic Canada honeymoon , we had about 3 weeks to explore the Maritimes and it was a great amount of time.

I would highly recommend dedicating a three week Canadian road trip to one region of the country, whether that’s an east coast Canada road trip or west coast Canada road trip, rather than trying to drive across a few regions.

I’ve started this itinerary in Halifax, as it’s probably the easiest airport to fly into. After a few days exploring the city of Halifax, you can pick up a car and explore Atlantic Canada! You’ll start with wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley and then drive over to New Brunswick to check out the Bay of Fundy.

From there, you’re driving over to PEI for fresh seafood and then back to Nova Scotia to loop Cape Breton Island. Next, you’re on the ferry to Newfoundland where you’ll see the views of Gros Morne National Park and colourful homes of St. John’s.

Finally, you’ll board the overnight ferry and make your way back to Halifax where you can return your rental car and fly home.

1 month Canada road trip: Toronto to Vancouver driving trip

With a whole month, you can make a pretty serious dent in driving across Canada! Rather than stretching yourself to drive from coast to coast, save the Atlantic provinces for a future trip and just drive from Toronto (my old hometown) to Vancouver (my current hometown).

• Week 1: Toronto, Tobermory & Manitoulin Island
• Week 2: Driving across the prairies (see my recommended spots in the full itinerary above)
• Week 3: Banff & Jasper
• Week 4: The Okanagan & Vancouver

Alternatively, you could head east from Toronto and spend a month exploring Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. You probably wouldn’t have time to make it to Newfoundland, but you could tick off quite a few east coast provinces.

• Week 1: Toronto, Prince Edward County & Ottawa
• Week 2: Montreal, Eastern Townships & Quebec
• Week 3: Bay of Fundy and PEI
• Week 4: Halifax and Cape Breton Island

Wrapping up: 10 cross Canada road trips tips

Before you hit the road, keep these road trip tips in mind!

1. Safety first (car edition) : Make sure you’re comfortable driving the vehicle you’ll use for this Canadian road trip and that any necessary maintenance is taken care of. Follow the rules of the road, regularly service your car and have jumper cables available.

2. Safety first (human edition) : Stay safe and healthy on the road by staying in accommodation that you’re comfortable with, and keeping in touch with friends and family (particularly if you’re travelling alone). Make sure your car is stocked with water, a first aid kit and any other emergency supplies.

3. Book ahead in the busy season : Campgrounds, tours and parking lots fill up fast in busy Canadian tourist hot spots in the middle of summer! Make sure you do your research and book ahead when needed. While this might impact your ability to be spontaneous, it could save you a lot of stress and money.

4. Download all the apps : These days there are apps to help you find cheap gas, roadside attractions, free places to park, scenic campsites and so much more! Download the apps you need and be sure you have offline maps downloaded to help you navigate when you don’t have cell service. You may also want to join a roadside assistance or hotel loyalty program.

5. Consider a parks pass : Depending on how many national parks you’re visiting, you may want to buy the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for cheaper entrance to all of the national parks of Canada. Each province also has a pass for their provincial parks, which may be worth looking into.

6. Take it slow : If this is your first time to Canada or first big road trip, slow down. Give yourself time to get used to life on the road and schedule off-days so you can rest, do laundry, etc. Remember, Canada is a big place! You’ll enjoy your Canadian road trip a lot more if you aren’t driving 8 hours a day, rushing from one stop to the next.

7. Have a plan to stay connected : Depending on where you’re going on your road trip, you may not always have cell or internet service. And depending on where you’re coming from, you may not be able to use your home service in Canada. Look into options ahead of time, like buying a portable wifi unit, getting an e-Sim or stopping at wifi-friendly cafes, so you can stay connected.

8. Start preparing early : If you’re planning to be on the road for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, you’ll want to prep ahead of time. How far do you want to drive each day? Are you staying at campgrounds or hotels? Are you eating out or hitting the grocery store?

If you’re travelling with anyone else, make sure you’re having these conversations with them so everyone is on the same page.

9. Be respectful : Your Canada road trip will likely take you through lots of natural areas, so remember to Leave No Trace and be respectful of the outdoor environment. It’s also important to do your homework about whose land you’re travelling on, paying respect to Canada’s Indigenous peoples whose unceded land we live on.

10. Plan your next trip back to Canada! Whether you drive from Victoria to St. John’s or just a small section in between, make sure this trip to Canada isn’t your last. Hopefully you’ll be amazed by the natural wonders, history, culture, food and people here in Canada, and eagre to plan your next trip back!

Need to rent a car for your road trip? Get the best deal with Discover Cars!  

And there you have it, my ultimate cross Canada road trip itinerary. I hope this itinerary has gotten you excited for your own road trip across Canada. I’d love to know: Where in Canada do you most want to visit? 

Check out more adventures across Canada:

• 10 Things You Must Eat in Montreal
• How to Spend a Weekend in Penticton, BC
• Camping at Porteau Cove, BC
• 5 Day Cabot Trail Itinerary on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• 22 Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Save my cross Canada road trip itinerary for your future trip planning. Pin it!

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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22 comments.

What a great trip you have to look forward to! I took 9 weeks to do this trip (return) the summer of 2019 and it was amazing — mainly staying in motels and AirBnBs (pre van life). You have many of the same stops on your itinerary. Just make sure to leave time for serendipity — those things you learn about from a sign on the side of the road.

-Lyn |www.ramblynjazz.com

Thanks so much, Lyn! So cool that you’ve been on this trip and great advice. Definitely have to leave room for some spontaneous stops and detours!

Yes to long-form content! Well done on pulling toegther this insanely comprehensive guide and road trip across Canada. This is content I’d love to read and indulge in. Your stops not only have a great distance to another to not overwhelm oneself and exhaust the driver, but I found all stops to be very engaging and of interest. It shows how much there is to do and see in Canada within reasonale distance, once you are here, why not check out this place, only 1.5h away and this makes a road trip interesting and long-lasting for me. I also appreciate the cafes recommendations along the way. Keep it up Riana!

Thanks so much, Carolin! You are definitely my inspiration for well-researched, long form content. I’ll have to commission you to do the cafe companion post to this one some day!

What an amazing trip ! I love that you provided a shorter version also. However, I would love to do the longer one. I worked in Toronto one summer when I was a student and travelled around by train a little. I visit Montreal regularly as have family living there. But I have only visited a fraction of Canada so would love to explore further especially the West coast and mountain provinces.

Enjoy the trip and safe travels,

Thanks so much! I hope you get to explore more of Canada one day!

After reading this, I am so ready for a cross-Canada road trip! Growing up, my family regularly drove Ontario to BC and back as our summer vacation, and we also drove one summer to PEI and one summer to Newfoundland, so I’ve done it all in sections. (We usually opted for the detour through the States to skip Thunder Bay, sorry haha, but I’d like to give it another chance.) I’d looove to do it all at once as you’ve planned here, and there are a few places I’ve havent seen yet (somehow we skipped Fredericton, for example, and I’d like to see the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg). I’d forgotten how beautiful Tobermory is. I appreciate the “What’s missing?” section because it’s impossible to see it all in one trip—we are too lucky in this country!

Aw thanks so much for checking out the post, Melanie! So cool that you’ve been all over Canada with your family and I hope you (and I!) get to do the full road trip soon.

Thank you for sharing your Canada road trip, which looks an epic road trip, I have wanted to visit Canada, but I wont be doing it all in one long road trip in stages would be lovely, this has certainly given me some ideas for the future 🙂

Thanks, Nic! I hope you have an awesome time when you visit Canada.

Great blog! I did road trips in other parts of the world but needed clarification about the itinerary in Canada. Now I know how to plan. Thank you so much!

Thanks for checking it out! Glad it was helpful.

This is an excellent read! I have visited most of the places mentioned (in parts, and before having kids) and I can definitely say this is very practical and comprehensive! Like you said, Canada is sooo big that it takes time to visit most of it. Thank you for all the tips and recommendation. I can definitely use them now that I am traveling with my family (ie kiddos).

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your next Canadian adventure!

We are planning to do the cross Canada trip this summer. We are really excited about it and appreciate you spending time describing different places to visit. We are really excited about it and now even more so.

That’s so exciting! I’m glad my post was helpful. I hope you have a great time this summer!

Good day Riana

We are planning to self drive in Canada on early fall but we have only 3 weeks to explore . We are from Asia country and we know probably is not enough to explore everything according to the itinerary you recommended . Possible can advise us which is most and must visit from Vancouver to toronto by driving . Really appreciated

Hi Stephanie, thanks so much for checking out my post and how exciting that you’ll be visiting Canada this fall! I would actually suggest two smaller road trips to make the most of your time and see some of the best of Canada. First, driving from Vancouver to Calgary with stops in Kelowna, Jasper and Banff (apx 10-12 days). Then from Calgary I’d fly to Montreal or Quebec City and road trip through Montreal/QC, Niagara and Toronto (apx 8-10 days). Both of those would be one-way road trips, so you’ll likely incur an extra cost for a one-way drop off. You’d also be missing out on the east coast, which is a shame because it’s beautiful. But maybe you can add that to your next trip. I hope that helps and happy adventuring!

Really thanks for the recommendation but may I know the place I will be missing out for the east coast maybe I can adjust for extension

No worries! I actually have a post with my recommended Atlantic Canada itinerary: https://teaspoonofadventure.com/atlantic-canada-honeymoon-itinerary/ . I’d say the main places to see would be Halifax, PEI and the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton. I think you could do that in about 7-10 days, though more time wouldn’t be bad. That could also be a round trip drive if you pick up and drop off your car in Halifax.

Wow, this article really got me excited to plan my next road trip! The diversity of landscapes and destinations mentioned here is truly inspiring. I’ve been to a few of these places, but there are definitely some hidden gems I can’t wait to explore. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide with helpful tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to hit the road and create some unforgettable memories! Right now I’m exploring campsites with my toddler.

Thanks for checking it out, Caroline! Enjoy camping with your little one!

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6 replies to this topic

For context, we will be travelling with two children, aged 12 and 10.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Hello Katie

For the location specific information you want, a suitable rough itinerary, " must see" stop offs" etc, Id recommend reposting to the France " Destination" Forum directly

You'll get more knowledgeable responses by posting to Tripadvisors actual dedicated France Forum itself...

Thats where other members who live there, or France Destination Experts give the sort of details youre looking for....

Occasionally we have one member whos done this type of holiday post here, but shes an infrequent poster, so not sure when, or even if she'll see your post tbh...

Heres a link to Tripadvisors France Destination Forum

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g187070-i12-France.html

Another idea is to use the " Search" function on the Forum , type " France drive holiday" , or similar to find past discussions of the topic

Good luck with your planning

Many thanks - I appreciate your advice. I've just posted into the forum you suggested.

Youre welcome

Some Information about European FERRY Routes/Timetables etc- see link below

http://Seat61.com

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Travel guide to West Canada & the Rockies

Canada is an enormous country (the world’s second largest) with no shortage of beautiful places. The western part of the country, which includes the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, is particularly renown for its jaw-dropping natural scenery. Here, the Canadian Rocky Mountains represent a pristine wilderness area on a scale difficult to imagine, amazing its visitors with deep blue glacial lakes, endless pine forests, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife, including the mighty grizzly bear. Towards the Pacific Ocean, the shoreline is dotted with islands (such as Vancouver Island), spectacular fjords, endless patches of temperate rain forest, and magnificent wild beaches, all within easy reach from one of the world’s greatest cities, Vancouver.

Get the most out of your trip to West Canada & The Rockies with my travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit western Canada is in summer from mid-June to mid-September. This time frame offers the best chance for sightseeing and hiking in good and dry weather; however, this seasons also sees the largest crowds and highest rates for accommodation. Consider a trip during the shoulder season such as mid-May to June and mid-September to October: the crowds are thinner; the room rates are lower compared to the summer months; and your chances of spotting wildlife are much better, especially towards autumn, when dozens of grizzlies converge on the spawning channels along the coast to feed on salmon. British Columbia is notorious for its abundance of rainfall in autumn, winter and spring, so unless you like non-stop drizzle and heavy rain, you best avoid traveling during this period. However, the Rockies are located far more inland and protected from most winter storms, making early December through March a perfect time for winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

HOW TO GET THERE

Most visitors arrive via one of West Canada’s 3 major airports.

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver and the most important getaway to British Columbia. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Vancouver.
• Calgary International Airport  (YYC) is located approximately 9 km(5.6 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary and serves as the main getaway to the southern part of the Rockies (Banff town is located a 90 min drive from the airport). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Calgary.
• Edmonton International Airport  (YEG) is located 26 kilometers (16 mi) southwest  of downtown Edmonton and serves as the main getaway to the northern part of the Rockies (Jasper town is located a 4 hour drive from the airport). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Edmonton.

If you want to cover all of West Canada during your vacation, it’s best to either arrive in Calgary and depart from Vancouver, or the other way around, to avoid backtracking on the last day(s) of your holiday. When you limit your holiday to the Rockies only, you’re best off flying in via Calgary and moving north for a departure via Edmonton, or the other way around, since that will save you at least one day of backtracking via the road.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my  tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket .

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Canada differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to find out which documents you need to enter Canada .

• You need a valid   passport .
• Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip .

GETTING AROUND

Although public transport in the cities is quite good, getting from one area to another by public transport can be though and is generally not recommended unless you like to backpack. The vast bulk of visitors rent cars and drive, while flying is an excellent albeit expensive alternative if you don’t have much time.

• Most travelers will rent a car . This is indeed the easiest way of getting around and taking in the amazing scenery. Rental car companies are present at major airports and central city locations.
• Another way to travel worry-free around western Canada is by signing up for a tour  (which can be arranged via most hotels in the Rockies, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island).
• The Rocky Mountaineer is a world-renowned, luxurious train  that travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West, connecting Vancouver with the Rockies.
• Air Canada s (this is Canada’s national carrier, a Star Alliance member)

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put West Canada on your bucket list:

• Icefield Parkway, one of world’s most scenic drives
• Emerald blue lakes in Banff National Park
• The vast wilderness of Jasper National Park
• Hiking Yoho National Park’s Lake O’Hara
• Wildlife spotting with focus on bears and whales
• Vancouver, one of the world’s greatest cities
• The Inside Passage, one of the world’s most scenic boat trips
• Wild beaches on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to West Canada & The Rockies:

• Top 10 best things to see & do in the Rockies
• Top 10 best hotels & lodges in the Rockies
• Top 10 best luxury hotels in Canada
• Top 10 best hotels & resorts in British Columbia
• Tips & tricks for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel
• Tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for West Canada, but I hereby suggest a two-week itinerary based on my own holidays to Canada (although three weeks are recommended if you have more time and want to see all of the area)

• Day 1 : explore Calgary (recommended hotel: Fairmont Palliser ).
• Day 2-3 : explore Banff National Park (recommended hotel: Fairmont Banff ).
• Day 4-5 : explore Yoho National Park while staying in the Lake Louise area (recommended hotels: Fairmont Lake Louise ,  Post Hotel , or Lake Moraine Lodge ).
• Day 5-6 :  explore Icefield Highway & Jasper National Park (recommended hotel: Fairmont Jasper ).
• Day 7 : transfer from Rockies to Vancouver (plane or car).
• Day 8-10 : explore northern Vancouver Island with focus on grizzly and killer whale watching (recommended hotel: Hidden Cove Lodge )
• Day 11-13 : Pacific Rim National Park (recommended hotels: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort ,  Long Beach Lodge or Wickanninsh Inn )
• Day 14-16 : Vancouver city & surroundings (recommended hotels: Fairmont Pacific Rim , Shangri-La Vancouver, or Rosewood Vancouver).

If money is no issue, you may also opt to skip northern Vancouver Island and stay at one of British Columbia’s best lodges instead ( Sonora Resort ).

If you have three weeks instead of two weeks, I suggest you stay a few extra days in the Rockies, after which you drive to Prince Rupert on British Columbia’s West Coast (a drive that takes 2 to 3 days). From there you take the ferry via the world-famous Inside Passage to Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, after which you catch up with the schedule as described above.

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent Canadian itineraries as suggested by The Rough Guides and Frommers .

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Consider visiting my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank The Rockies and West Canada’s top properties, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Canada (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per property).

*** Follow me on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and Facebook  for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

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