My Tips on How to Have the Best Road Trip Across Canada

Canada is possibly the best country for a road trip. Because it’s safe, the views are stunning and, the roads are in good condition and easy to navigate. We lived in Canada (Whistler and Vancouver to be precise) for three years so we consider ourselves semi-experts on the topic. We tried to go on a road trip around once a month while living here, and honestly these road trips were some of our favorite memories from living here!

As I said, the scenery in Canada is absolutely stunning, from the beautiful coastlines of the Atlantic to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in the west. On your road trip across Canada, you’ll get to explore charming small towns, lively cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and gorgeous national parks (our favorites are Jasper National Park and Banff National Park).

Here are our most inspiring tips on how to have the best road trip across Canada!

Where should I go on a road trip in Canada? 

Embarking on a road trip across Canada is truly an adventure of a lifetime! And considering the large distance to cover (around 7,821 km) you’ll need to allow between two to four weeks for this!

We recommend starting off in the lively city of Vancouver (there’s a large international airport here, which you’ll likely fly into). You’ll be enamored with Vancouver within the first few hours like we were – this city is know for its stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere. From there, you can head into the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, where the natural beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks will leave you speechless.

As you journey east, you’ll traverse the peaceful prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, with their golden fields stretching endlessly beneath wide-open skies. Manitoba should be next – a region famous for its contrasting landscapes – the arctic tundra on one end and the Hudson Bay coastline on the other. Next, you’ll drive into the bustling energy of Toronto in Ontario. Be sure to check out the iconic CN Tower while you’re here. Oh, and the Ripley’s Aquarium and the Royal Ontario Museum are two of our other must-visits in Toronto!

Continuing your adventure, the charming streets of Quebec City and the lively vibe of Montreal await you. Both offer a delightful blend of history and European flair. Finally, wrap up your trip in the picturesque maritime provinces, where the rugged coastlines of Nova Scotia and the quaint beauty of Prince Edward Island provide a perfect finale to your cross-country exploration.

I’ve written a few detailed blog posts about the road trips we took on during our time in Canada.

Below, you’ll find the best road trips we’ve completed in Canada –

• The drive from Whistler to Jasper
• Road trip from Banff to Jasper
• The drive from Whistler to Banff
• Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Is Canada good for road trips? 

Canada is probably the most visually beautiful country we’ve ever visited!

It’s so diverse too, from the rainforests of British Columbia to the turquoise lakes of Alberta – there’s something to satisfy every traveller. That’s why we highly recommend adding ‘Canadian road trip’ to your bucket list. To make the most of your journey, it’s crucial to protect yourself in harsh weather, especially given Canada’s unpredictable conditions.

Did you know – Canada is the second-largest country in the world – with a huge coastline (the beaches on Vancouver Island are the best, in my opinion)? Plus, it’s really spread out, meaning you’re more likely to be driving past unspoiled natural landscapes than city-scapes. 

Canada is almost 10 million square-kilometres in size, so it would be pretty difficult to do a road trip of the entire country unless you have loads of time and a pretty big budget for fuel!

What is the most scenic drive in Canada? 

The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is listed as one of National Geographic’s best in the world for spotting wildlife. We done it on a bleak rainy day (not ideal) but we still saw a Grizzly Bear, an Elk, countless deer, various species of birds, squirrels and raccoons. You MUST add this route to your Canadian road trip itinerary!

There’s also glacier-covered mountains, bright blue lakes, huge waterfalls to be seen along the drive! Most drivers complete this drive between May and October (the warmer months in Canada) as during the Winter the road can be snow-covered and you must drive more carefully. I personally love doing the drive in Fall – because the colors are truly beautiful! 

Top tip – the visitor information centers in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are good to stop at for hiking and animal-spotting information. The staff there are a wealth of knowledge on the area!

My advice for your road trip across Canada

To make the most of your journey, plan your route in advance, considering the vast distances between cities and attractions. Be sure to check the weather conditions, especially if you’re traveling through regions known for harsh climates, such as the Rockies or the northern territories. Pack essentials like a first aid kit, snacks, water, and a detailed map or GPS device, as cell service can be unreliable in remote areas. Lastly, prioritize safety by ensuring your vehicle is in good condition and taking breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.

1. Make sure to stop in quirky roadside Cafes

To find quirky restaurants like Blondies in Sicamous, British Columbia. I had a smoothie bowl – how have I never had one of these before?!!

We also loved the Crossing Cafe near Lake Louise, Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen near Jasper and Park in Banff town!

2. Rest your head at iconic hotels like Fairmont Banff Springs

Staying at bucket-list-worthy hotels like the famous Banff Springs Hotel is certainly something not everyone can do on their Canadian road trip but if you’ve saved up a little extra we highly recommend treating yourself for a night or two.

Or you could stay at the wild and wonderful Jasper Park Lodge. With my job (I worked for the Fairmont in Whistler), I’m lucky enough to get luxury hotels like these for a fraction of the cost, even if you’re not getting a discount like we did I still highly recommend experiencing either of these properties. It’s certainly an experience I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

3. Pose in front of epic backdrops like Lake Louise

To take epic photos like this one at the famous Lake Louise, Alberta. Despite how awesome this photo looks we were a little underwhelmed with this popular Lake, there were so many tourists which is to be expected but it made it seem a tad Disneyland-esque. We did go on a Sunday however, my recommendation is to visit early morning mid-week.

4. Explore off-the-beaten-track

On your Canadian road trip be sure to get off the beaten track and explore deep into Jasper National Park. Jasper was our favorite stop-off of the road trip. It’s a massive area to explore and 3 nights simply wasn’t long enough, it’s a very traditionally Canadian town!

Our favorite hidden gem spots in Jasper National Park include Geraldine Lakes, Tonquin Valley and Old Fort Point (an hour-long loop hiking trail).

5. The photo opportunities are endless on your road trip across Canada!

On your Canadian road trip, you will undoubtedly add lots of gems to your photo collection. We probably stopped at least once an hour on our road trip, because there were too many photo opportunities. You may also suffer from whiplash from turning your head every two seconds to admire the stunning views on either side of the road.

The most beautiful places we photographed in Canada on our road trip, include:

1. One Mile Lake near Pemberton, B.C
2. Lake Louise, Alberta
3. Bow Lake, Alberta
4. Emerald Lake, Alberta
5. Jasper National Park
6. Athabasca Falls

Other important suggestions for your Road Trip across Canada:

My top suggestion is to always be photo-ready on your Canadian road trip. Always. Always. Despite constantly having a camera in my hand, my phone and laptop were never with me because when you’re experiencing all the natural beauty that Canada has to offer – why would you want to be online??

But the best thing about this trip for me was spending it with my husband, because he drove the whole way so I could sit back and enjoy the scenery. 

It’s worth remembering that because of its huge size Canada has enough roads to circle the globe 22 times, so it’s very important to plan your road trip well in advance. On some road trips it can be quite a distance between towns so you need to ensure your vehicle is sufficiently fueled up and you have blankets and other warm items should you need to spend the night in your car due to bad weather or road closures. 

READ NEXT: What it’s really like to live in Whistler for a ski season

Thanks for Reading!

And, there you have it – a list of our most inspiring tips for your Canadian road trip. We think a road trip should be added to everyone’s visit to Canada.

Tell me – have you done a Canadian road trip? We’d love to read about your experience in the comment section below.

More great reads below:

Luxury Travel Guide for Whistler (By a Local)

17 Best Things to do in Whistler this Summer (2025 Guide)

21 Unique Things to do in Whistler (2025 Guide)

Last Updated on February 21, 2025 by snaphappytravel