Here are the road trips in Canada, chosen for Canadian travellers. Canada’s scenic drives are legendary.
Road trips in Canada
1. Icefields Parkway
See our Rockies road trip.
2. Cabot Trail
See our Cabot Trail itinerary.
3. Sea-to-Sky Highway
Vancouver to Whistler.
4. Vancouver Island
See our itinerary.
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Gaspé Peninsula
Quebec coast.
6. Viking Trail
Newfoundland.
7. Lake Superior Circle Tour
Northern Ontario.
8. Okanagan wine route
BC wine country.
9. Fundy Coastal Drive
Tides.
10. Trans-Canada
See our cross-Canada guide.
Tips
Fuel up often in remote areas.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway links Lake Louise and Jasper over 232 km of glaciers, lakes and peaks, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Read our Icefields Parkway travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 3.5–4 hours without stops
- Don’t miss: Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
Cape Breton Island (Cabot Trail)
Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail is a 298 km loop of coastal highlands, Celtic music and whale watching, one of the world’s great drives. Read our Cape Breton Island (Cabot Trail) travel guide.
- Best time: July to mid-October
- Getting there: About 4.5 hours from Halifax to Baddeck
- Don’t miss: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Skyline Trail
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
Whistler
Whistler is North America’s largest ski resort and a summer playground for mountain biking, hiking and lakes, about two hours from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Read our Whistler travel guide.
- Best time: December to April for skiing; July to September for summer
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Vancouver
- Don’t miss: Whistler Blackcomb, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Whistler Village
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
Tofino
Tofino sits on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, famous for surfing, storm watching and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Read our Tofino travel guide.
- Best time: May to September; November to February for storms
- Getting there: About 3 hours from Nanaimo; 4.5–5 hours from Victoria
- Don’t miss: Long Beach, Storm watching and Hot Springs Cove
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our hiking gear picks
- Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Outdoor gear we recommend VerdictFox
Honest reviews of the camping and outdoor kit worth packing.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Icefields Parkway is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.