Canada Road Trip Recommendations

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

This is good advice. If you were wanting to stay south of Calgary, you could take the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) all the way to Vancouver and come back on the TCH.

If you really wanted to do a huge loop though BC, you could head north out of Vancouver on 99 and hit Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet and meet up with the TCH at Kamloops (technically Cache Creek).

I've done all of that and the scenery is incredible.

There's also Highway #1 from Kamloops to Hope instead of the Coquihalla.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by D as in David

There's also Highway #1 from Kamloops to Hope instead of the Coquihalla.

I had to detour because of weather once and took this section of highway 1 instead of the Coquihalla and it was really nice. Adds time to the trip, but if you’re travelling for the fun of travelling and not for speed, it’s well worth it.

[Locke]

If you're going cross-Canada, the bootlegging tunnels in Moose Jaw are pretty cool.

https://tunnelsofmoosejaw.com/

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

I had to detour because of weather once and took this section of highway 1 instead of the Coquihalla and it was really nice. Adds time to the trip, but if you’re travelling for the fun of travelling and not for speed, it’s well worth it.

Highway 1 is better than the Coq, no question.

Sea to Sky is way, way, way better than either route.

[troutman]

Canadian Geographic Adventures

https://canadiangeographic.ca/canadi...ic-adventures/

Best of Canada

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/best-of-canada

Best Road Trips

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/produc...d-trips-canada

[Master Ed]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

One day I'm going to road trip to Tuktoyaktuk and aim to be there on June 21st. I'd like to get a convoy of like 3 pick-up trucks with some buds and we just drive, stop whenever we want and basically camp on the side of the road. Sleep in the bed of the truck (no homo) and carry on. Someone on this board did it, I think Fuzz.

Could chew through some serious volumes of audiobook and podcast. 44 hours each way according to the google.

Funny enough I did that drive two summers ago. I figured I've been all the way north, now I should go all the way east. If you want my thoughts on that trip let me know. It was like a whole different world up there.

[Master Ed]

Originally Posted by RandyHolt

I would consider taking highway 3 from Vancouver to Medicine Hat rather than Highway 1. It adds probably about an hour to your trip, but I find that drive much better, with some more interesting towns along the way.

Highway 1 from Vancouver to Calgary is pretty quick, but I find pretty boring. Not sure about how your camping would work but it's only about a two day drive if you're stretching it out. Highway 3 has for stupid road trip attractions:

Coleman, Alberta - big Piggy Bank
Sparwood - Big Truck
Cranbrook - Ed the Elephant (gets super hot when it's sunny out)
Creston - Sasquatch at the Columbia Brewery
Salmo - World's largest penny and Dragonfly cafe was pretty good when I was there

Then you have interesting towns, beaches, etc. with Osoyoos and Grand Forks. Moyie has a provincial park but it's windy, so you might catch some wind surfers on it. And you're right at the border in a couple spots if you want to cut across to the US for any reason.

I know Highway 3 almost too well. In June 2020 I cycled from Calgary to Vancouver Island because it was Covid and I had nothing else to do. The mountain passes are noticeable when you're driving, but torture when you are biking. So glad I took that route though. Much calmer and more beautiful.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Master Ed

Funny enough I did that drive two summers ago. I figured I've been all the way north, now I should go all the way east. If you want my thoughts on that trip let me know. It was like a whole different world up there.

Heck yeah I wanna hear about it. I'm not sure when I'll be able to find the time to do that, but it's a bucket list item for me.

I might zip into Alaska as a detour just so I can say I've been to Alaska.

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by Locke

If you're going cross-Canada, the bootlegging tunnels in Moose Jaw are pretty cool.

https://tunnelsofmoosejaw.com/

The OP mentioned the tunnels but I’d also recommend. The Chinese laundry tour was exceptionally well done when we did it. The Capone tour was also good.

Also plus one for staying at the West Lighthouse on PEI. The Green Gables Alpaca Farm was a good tour and a little bit of an unusual thing to do.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

The OP mentioned the tunnels but I’d also recommend. The Chinese laundry tour was exceptionally well done when we did it. The Capone tour was also good.

Also plus one for staying at the West Lighthouse on PEI. The Green Gables Alpaca Farm was a good tour and a little bit of an unusual thing to do.

The chinese Laundy Tour was the one we did years ago.

iF you have time in moose Jaw, the temple Garden mineral Spa is quite nice.

[Fuzz]

For those unable to do a real road trip, there is always the online alternative.


https://neal.fun/internet-roadtrip/


Really getting it done out in the Maritmes right now.

[Johnny Makarov]

Whatever you do, DO NOT goto that evil death theme park by Revelstoke! I can't believe i went in! lol

[Firebot]

In the Maritimes, I would highly suggest going away from the Transcanada where possible and take a scenic route on the coast. The best of the Maritimes are on the coast while the Transcanada largely just goes through forests. You are going to miss out significantly if sticking to the TransCanada and may as well be traveling in Northern Ontario (I'm sure you won't want more of that).

You can travel via Gaspésie (do the whole thing and see Percé or go through 132 / 299). The East coast of NB is underrated as it's not a big tourist destination and lesser populated than the south but beautiful to go through (Miramichi to Shediac). I would recommend this type of itinerary if you want to see scenery during your road trip while not doing usual touristy stuff.

If you do go south NB instead mainly via the TCH, I would suggest a pit stop at St Andrews (you could do a whale trip there, or at Briar Island in NS if you want). Highly recommend doing the Saint-John - Digby ferry for a fun and unique experience (after spending time at the Bay of Fundy), and a fun driving experience in the northwest coast of NS.

In Nova Scotia, great scenic choices off the path are Lunenburg, Annapolis Royal. Cabot Trail of course is a must. Peggy's Cove near Halifax is a popular spot. While I have never been, Louisbourg would certainly be a great pit stop of historical significance. Also spend a few days in Halifax proper, probably my favourite city in Canada. I always go to Bluenose II Restaurant everytime I can when I am in the city, seriously nothing beats a coastal diner.

Plan out a lobster boat trip based on where you may be and if it is in season. Lots of towns have tours if this is something that interests you. Something like this https://shediacbaycruises.ca/lobster-tales/.

PEI I can't speak on since I've only been there a couple of times when very young before the bridge.

Newfoundland is deceptively large (Channel-Port aux Basques to St John's is 9 hours), plan accordingly. St John's Signal Hill is a must and one of the most incredible views you will ever see. Ferryland Lighthouse is a great trip as well. Highly recommend spending a night at Quidi Vidi Brewery for a truly unique experience while having great beer.

Ontario you should decide if you want to skip it altogether via TCH, or go see the Falls / Niagara on the Lake. They may be worth the large detour for you. Not much otherwise unless you want to spend some time at Algonquin before getting to Ottawa.

In Quebec, most will be around Quebec City or Montreal: Plains of Abraham, Mount Royal, Old Montreal, Charlevoix, Montmorency Falls.

Most of western Canada has been already spoken about in length here but Drumheller or Dinosaur Park are musts if you never been.

Have fun!

[Ped]

Northern Ontario is big. Like, really big. The rocks and trees and water are really pretty, but be prepared to see nothing else for hours upon hours. I think when I drove from GTA to Thunder Bay it was about 15 hours.


When I went out east last summer, I went through Northern Quebec and Labrador, and loved it. Just some wild rugged beauty, some dirt roads that wind their way back and forth, trucks driving absolutely insanely, and hours of not seeing a soul. If you do go that route, just know gas stations and hotels are far apart, so take advantage when you can.


Chances to see bears and everything else. Ferry from Labrador to Newfoundland is pretty short.


When I went, I was going to stop in Churchill Falls where there is a hotel, but when I emailed, they had no vacancies. I ended up driving from Baie-Comeau to Happy Valley Goose Bay.


if anyone does go, drive through Quebec City to get across the St Lawrence, because the ferry schedules further east can be not what is expected.

[White Out 403]

When you get up to the Maritimes, the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is a must-see. It's absolutely stunning. It doesn't take too long to do, and there's incredible trails, hikes, golf, food, and lots to do on the trail. I can't recommend it enough. My favorite place to eat on the island is in Mabou, where the Rankin family is from, the Red Shoe Pub. They have the best fish and chips I've ever had.

If you're going through Winnipeg and you're going to spend any time there, I highly recommend stopping in at The Forks. I love my hometown, but the rest of the city isn't exactly must-see, but The Forks is very beautiful and has incredible food.

[Master Ed]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

When you get up to the Maritimes, the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is a must-see. It's absolutely stunning. It doesn't take too long to do, and there's incredible trails, hikes, golf, food, and lots to do on the trail. I can't recommend it enough. My favorite place to eat on the island is in Mabou, where the Rankin family is from, the Red Shoe Pub. They have the best fish and chips I've ever had.

Cape Breton is on my list for sure. My other reason is because I secretly want to scope out land out there. The cost of 100 acres is pennies compared to anywhere in BC or Alberta.

[Locke]

Every time people talk about Cape Breton I envision a magical island of Crackers.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Locke

Every time people talk about Cape Breton I envision a magical island of Crackers.

Why that, and not a cracker wearing a cape?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Why that, and not a cracker wearing a cape?

Well thats just racist.

[billybob123]

Just west of Thunder Bay has Kakabeka Falls. If it's flowing, it's pretty impressive. There's a campsite there too as a place to stop. It's something to enjoy after the long drive coming from either direction.