From the Rocky Mountains of the West to the iron red beaches along the Atlantic Ocean on the East, there’s no shortage of things to see on a Canadian road trip. I’ve travelled coast to coast and here are the highlights you can’t miss when you finally decide to make the 5,600+ kilometre journey.
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Canadian road trip bucket list - The West
Making the most of your Canadian road trip, let’s start west and go through the Rockies moving east:
Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia
Alright so this is a bit of a stretch if you’re driving because you need to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island. But listen to me. Hey! Listen. It’s sooooooo beautiful. A Canadian rainforest with long sandy beaches – prepare to be amazed.
While you’re over there, make time to hit Tofino for whale watching, and do a short/easy hike around Englishman Falls or the Elk Falls suspension bridge. And please don’t leave without trying a nanaimo bar in… Nanaimo!
Stanley Park Seawall, British Columbia
Just suuuuper scenic and great for a coastal cycle in one of Canada’s coolest cities. Even if you don’t have a bike, you can rent one!
Mount Robson, British Columbia
I highly recommend staying at this campsite if you have a tent or trailer! We had an epic view of the mountain and were just steps away from the little river which was the perfect place to enjoy our morning tea and coffee.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, British Columbia
While a little pricey, this was such a fun activity in Vancouver. You can book your tickets online in advance to cut the line and save yourself some time. The suspension bridge is just part of the attraction and you can easily spend a couple hours here soaking up the views.
Whistler, British Columbia
If you’re visiting in the winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are the obvious choices. But even if you’re on your Canadian road trip over the summer you can find some incredibly beautiful hiking trails. Cheakamus Lake is a little harder to reach (about 7kms) but I promise the views you’re rewarded with are worth it.
Moraine Lake, Alberta
This is genuinely my favourite lake in the world! The downside is how insanely busy is gets because, obviously, the Rocky Mountains are too beautiful for their own good and there’s an ever-increasing number of tourists annually. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see it. You just have to go early — like, early early, because there’s limited parking. We showed up at 4am on our most recent visit, which was probably a little extreme. But if you bring a thermos full of coffee you’ll be fine.
Lake Louise, Alberta
So the lake itself is opaque and an incredible shade of blue-green, and the Chateau Lake Louise is nice. But the surrounding hikes are really the cherry on top! Even if you only have a short time in the area, please promise me you’ll make time for the Lake Agnes Tea House hike. It only takes about an hour and, as promised, there’s a tea house at the top of the trail. If you’re feeling fit, press on from the tea house up to Little Beehive or Big Beehive for the ultimate views of Lake Louise.
Just like Moraine Lake, potentially even more so, you either need to get here at the break of dawn, take the shuttle from the town, or walk an hour up the hill to get here.
Peyto Lake, Alberta
Ok, this is my SECOND favourite lake in the world! And it’s shaped like a fox… need I say more? This one doesn’t have the same parking/over tourism problem like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake do, so you don’t have to time your visit so intensely. However, you’ll still want to prepare for a bit of crowding if you visit on the weekend.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Oh, this whole national park is a must-see stop? Yes. Jasper is a quieter, underrated town in the rockies and you won’t find as many tourists or partying backpackers as you will in Banff. (That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit both — you should definitely visit both.)
Make sure you hit Malign Canyon. And it wouldn’t be a true trip to the Rockies if you didn’t catch a short cruise out to Spirit Island: once called The Most Photographed Place in Canada… but I’m almost certain that’s gott be Lake Louise or Moraine Lake now.
Takakkaw Falls
Make sure you swing through the Yoho National Park for this waterfall. It’s the second largest in Canada and absolutely breathtaking – the water rushes over it with such force you can often feel the mist from the parking lot.
Royal Tyrell Museum, Alberta
Into dinosaurs? You’re about to lose your mind. I’m not even a dinosaur person and I found this museum incredible. Fun fact: Did you know Alberta has a whopping five Guinness World Records for its dinosaur collection? It’s also the only known place where you can find the Albertasaurus — kinda T-Rex-ish which is cool.
Athabasca Glacier, Alberta
You can see this from the road when driving down the Icefields Parkway (an essential stretch of road on any Canadian road trip). But even better, you can go inside! We did a little abseiling adventure with Rockaboo, but they also do various levels of ice climbing and walking tours.
Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta
So most people don’t have suite-at-the-Banff-Springs kinda money, but you don’t have to book a room to enjoy it! They do an epic high tea and great cocktails so you can just swing by without spending a small fortune. OR, spend that small fortune if you want to splurge – the castle is stunning and gives Hogwarts vibes.
Big Muddy Valley, Saskatchewan
Welcome to the badlands, baby. Castle Butte is a highlight, and a stark contrast to the vast plains that characterize the rest of the province. Make sure you check out the Outlaw Caves, too!
If you'd rather have someone else do all the driving through the Rockies, you can take a tour:
Canadian road trip bucket list - Central
You’re halfway there! (The centre point of Canada is somewhere along the highway between Manitoba and Ontario – you can even take a pic with the sign.) Now onto the central chapter of your Canadian road trip.
The Forks, Manitoba
This is such a good vibe in the summer. It’s like a fancy (but still affordable) food court, with space for live music and a view of the river. We even saw some people show up for dinner and a cheeky beer in a canoe! Do you need a licence for that? I don’t think so.
You can also visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery, or visit one of the city’s breweries. Little Jug, Nonsuch, and Lake of the Woods are all within walking distance of The Forks.
Manitoba is nice, but Winnipeg also has like, the second highest murder rate in Canada? And my friend got stabbed there – maybe even twice? I can’t remember. So, take care at night and don’t get into any bar fights please 🙂
Amethyst Panorama Mine, Ontario
This kinda feels like an activity for kids but we loved it. Down a long (loooong) bumpy road just outside Thunder Bay, you can search for your own amethyst. It’s a whole Gold Rush vibe and you can keep everything you find for $5 per pound. A steal if you ask me!
Elora Gorge, Ontario
My home town! So sure, I suppose I’m a little biased. But it’s genuinely so cute and more unique than your typical small town. The conservation area has beautiful campsites or you can stay at The Mill if you want to spend a ton of money. If you visit during the summer, make sure you tube down the the Grand River (past my house!) or go for a swim in our heart-shaped quarry. And walking through the Gorge in the winter is magical.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
A certified Wonder of the World! That’s gotta be at the top of your Canadian road trip bucket list. The town is weirdly tacky, it’s kinda embarrassing. But the falls make it all worth it. Take a ride on the Maid of the Mist and walk behind the falls
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The classier, quieter part of Niagara just a short drive away. Here’s where you’ll do all your fancy wine tastings. I recommend staying at least one night, and taking a tour is a great option so you can hit several and not have to worry about driving. Be sure to check out the little town as well! There are some great boutiques which make even window shopping cute.
The Grotto/Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
The water in Lake Huron around the Bruce Peninsula looks tropical — it makes no sense to me but I love it. Don’t be fooled though, the water is super cold! “The Grotto” is a really cool swimming hole and has a great viewpoint from the rocks above.
Factor in some time to get on the boat to Flower Pot Island. On the way back, they’ll take you to find the shipwreck that sunk so close to shore you can see the wreckage just below the waves on a sunny day.
Very important: Make sure to book your parking in advance! Like, weeks in advance in the peak summer season. You have to reserve a parking space for a specific window of time, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
For a true Canadian backcountry camping experience, this is the place to be. Paddle and portage your canoe deep into the wilderness, bring your own food, set up your own tent, and soak up rural living. We’ve seen bears, moose, beavers, and loons, and even heard wolves on a couple occasions. It requires a bit of gear, but you can rent it from nearby outfitters so you don’t have to carry it with you from coast to coast on your Canadian road trip.
Ottawa Parliament Hill, Ontario
Our nation’s capital, where you might find our controversial but undeniably hot prime minister. That’s all I have to say about that.
Parc La Fontaine, Quebec
So cute for a stroll at any time of year! You can also set up a little picnic in the summer, skate on the pond in the winter, have an aesthetic fall photoshoot, or watch people larping (in the spring I guess but also probably any time of year.) It’s also easy to pair with a walk up to Mont Royale — just a short walk to the park a few blocks over — for great views.
Hotel de Glace, Quebec
This is an experience to splurge on. How many people can say they’ve slept in an ice hotel? It’s basically a glorified igloo, but even that is cool. And you won’t have to rough it. Somehow, they keep it nice and toasty inside even though you’re sleeping on a giant block of ice!
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
If you didn’t have time for skiing or snowboarding in Whistler, Mont Tremblant is the place to be in Central Canada. There’s also a scenic gondola, golf course, great hiking trails, and canoe-able lakes in the warmer months.
Canadian road trip bucket list - Atlantic
And finally, let’s head over to our beloved Atlantic Canada. If there’s one thing you must do while you’re here, it’s try a lobster roll.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, New Brunswick
Come here for cool rock formations! There are 20ish “flower-pot” sea stacks in the shape of creatures like elephants and dinosaurs (…loosely). Sculpted by years and years and years and years of erosion, it’s worth exploring at both high and low tide. Hit the Demoiselle Lookout for stunning views of the cliffs, coves, and beach. It’s the best way to see the Bay of Fundy, which is a Canadian treasure.
Lunenberg, Nova Scotia
We loved this for it’s colourful fishing village charm. All the homes in the main town are a different pastel, and, as with my hometown of Elora, Ontario, the people in the community are known for their artistry! We also had, for real, the best burger in the world here – get the “Lunenbuger” at The Grand Banker Pub (that bright teal building above!!). Seriously. Devour it.
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
Another charming fishing village — tbh that’s most of what you’ll get out here. But this one is special because it’s home to that Insta-famous lighthouse! Hike the Polly Cove trail, climb rocks, explore, and soak up that fresh, salty Atlantic air.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is a scenic side quest on your Great Canadian Road Trip. Try to time it so you can watch the sunrise at Cape Smokey. And stop at Lakies Head for the rugged coastline and views of Ingonish Island – you might spot some whales! It’s a must-do for anyone travelling around Atlantic Canada.
Thunder Cove Beach, Prince Edward Island
Red sand beach – need I say more? PEI is famous for its rich iron soil, which apparently grows the best potatoes. It’s a tiny tiny tiny island and there are several ferries daily that can accommodate your car. I just think there’s something so special about the red soil and it feels so drastically different from the rest of Canada. Maybe one of my top spots on our Canadian road trip!
Newfoundland - A bonus stop on a Canadian road trip
I wasn’t going to include Newfoundland on the list because it’s not reallllly plausible to include on a Canadian road trip. The ferry takes 8 hours and otherwise you need to fly. So let’s call this a bonus. But if you can make it happen, DO.
St. John’s is known for its iconic colourful homes covering the hill. Quidi Vidi is so precious, and if you’re willing to go a long way for a silly pic with a sign, you can visit the town of Dildo. Cape Spear isn’t far from St. John’s and is the most eastern point in all of Canada.
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Love it! Although…there is more to see, say and do in Ottawa 🙂