From Alberta’s majestic mountains and Quebec’s walled city to British Columbia’s lush orchards and Nova Scotia’s ocean vistas, experience Canada’s diverse and beautiful scenery by car. Read on to discover some of Canada’s most unforgettable road trips, province by province.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Calgary to Banff, Alberta
Not long into the drive to the charming mountain town of Banff from downtown Calgary, the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains begin to appear.
For most of your journey, you’ll be engulfed in tree-lined and snow-capped mountain views, no matter the time of year. Be on the lookout for wildlife sightings as you drive; it’s not uncommon to see deer or moose grazing nearby. Stay the night at the modern Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and rejuvenate at the onsite Nordic Spa.
Make a stop in the town of Canmore for shopping, dining, art galleries, and outdoor activities before you enter Banff National Park. Take an alternate route through the town of Cochrane or Bragg Creek without adding much time to your trip.
Once you’re in Banff National Park, scenic drives are in endless supply as you drive between outdoor activities. After a fulfilling day of exploration and dazzling blue lakes, rest your head at the Moxy Banff.
Vancouver to Kelowna, British Columbia
Start in the bustling city of Vancouver and stay at the centrally located Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Then head out on a scenic four-hour drive through the Okanagan Valley — otherwise known as wine country. Skyscrapers and ocean views turn into scenic views of lush greenery, rolling hills, and beautiful vineyards along the drive.
Along the way, stop in the town of Abbotsford for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Once you arrive in Kelowna, spend some time enjoying the scenery by touring wineries, picking fruit at farms and orchards, and shopping at local markets. End your day at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, which is a destination in its own right with two onsite pools, a spa, and complimentary bike rentals.
If you want to swap four wheels for two, take a 40-minute drive to the iconic Myra Canyon Trestles and bike or hike the trail.
Montreal to Quebec City, Quebec
Start your day in the bustling, historic city of Montreal and make the Moxy Montreal Downtown your base camp for exploration. After you have explored Montreal, head out for a scenic drive along Autoroute 40. About halfway through the trip, make a stop in the city of Trois-Rivières.
Take in stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, stroll through downtown and the Old City, and pop into a museum or gallery. Or drive the Chemin du Roy along Route 138, which has numerous historic sites and scenic farmland views along the way.
Upon arrival in Quebec City, spend time in the Old Quebec neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intact fortifications. Continue your stay exploring the many other historic sites Quebec City has to offer and soak in hundreds of years of French Canadian history. For more Quebec charm, stay at the Hotel PUR, Québec, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the Saint-Roch district.
Regina to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Before you head out on the journey between Saskatchewan’s largest cities, grab a coffee from one of Regina’s local cafés, including The Everyday Kitchen or 33 1/3 Coffee.
Sit back in your car and relax as you gaze at the bright, wide prairie sky and cruise along Highway 11 toward your destination. Add an extra hour to your road trip and take an alternate route through the town of Moose Jaw for shopping, dining, museums, and outdoor activities.
Once in Saskatoon, check out its thriving arts and dining scenes, including Remai Modern gallery and Italian restaurant Primal. Offering panoramic views of the South Saskatchewan River, Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown has an indoor waterpark with a three-story waterslide — perfect for stretching your legs after a long day on the road.
During your time in Saskatoon, make the five-minute drive out to Wanuskewin Heritage Park and spend some time exploring the history and artwork of First Nations people.
Toronto to London, Ontario
Start your trip exploring all that Canada’s largest city has to offer; then escape the hustle and bustle of Toronto with a road trip to London. Multiple driving routes each provide opportunities to check out other smaller cities in Ontario, like those in the Waterloo Region.
Take the Oxford County Route to ease into the slower pace and explore active farms, markets, and quiet country roads. Begin your London adventure at the Residence Inn London Downtown in the heart of this UNESCO City of Music. Dine out at a local restaurant, go for a hike, catch live music, visit the unique 100 Kellogg Lane building, and take photos by the colorful Market Lane Murals.
Halifax to Liverpool, Nova Scotia
Begin your East Coast sojourn with coastal elegance at Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax, nestled in the heart of the Halifax waterfront. Soak in authentic East Coast hospitality and then hop in your vehicle for a tranquil road trip in Atlantic Canada. Take a direct route to Liverpool along Highway 103 and make a short detour to the charming fishing village Blue Rocks.
For an even more scenic (though lengthy — routes can take up to four hours) road trip, drive the “Lighthouse Route” along Nova Scotia’s south coast, which rewards travelers with ocean views, sandy beaches, historic buildings, boutique shops, and, of course, iconic lighthouses.
Once you arrive in the town of Liverpool, you’re never more than a 15-minute drive away from a white sand beach, like Beach Meadows. Walk right up to Sandy Point Lighthouse for a great photo — unless it’s high tide, in which case snap the light from afar.
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