Road-Trip in Canada

There are countries like this that make you want to set sail. To throw yourself into the horizon and follow an endless road without thinking twice about it.
Canada, this gigantic wilderness, populated by bears, moose and, my goodness, very friendly Canadians, attracts adventurers eager for thrills, as well as nature lovers in search of wide open spaces.
From gold miners to explorers, backpackers to pvtists, Canada’s roads have seen a lot of people come and go over the years.
But with so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to turn!
Here’s our advice and itinerary ideas to help you plan your trip to Canada according to your desires! But don’t panic, there are no bad choices here! The wild beauty of Canada will leave you speechless, wherever you go.
So grab what you need from this article and get going!

6 itinerary ideas for an unforgettable trip :

1 Western Canada: The essentials in express mode

Just because you don’t have much holiday time doesn’t mean you can’t discover the breathtaking beauty of Western Canada! So yes, it’s not ideal, and when you can, it’s best to try and leave for at least 3 weeks, but in 15D/14N, you can already experience a great first approach to Western Canada!
On these destinations (British Columbia and Alberta), I advise you not to try and do a loop, but to arrive in Vancouver and leave from Calgary. Concentrate on the national parks of the Rockies, while discovering the marvellous island of Vancouver and the bustling megalopolis of the same name!

Suggested route over 14 nights: around 2,200 km

• Vancouver (2 nights)
• Victoria (2 nights)
• Pacific Rim National Park – Tofino or Ucluelet (2 nights)
• Whistler (1 night)
• Wells Gray National Park – Clearwater (2 nights)
• Jasper (2 nights)
• Banff (2 nights)
• Calgary (1 night)

Highlights of the trip :

• Discovering the trendy, multicultural city of Vancouver
• Visiting Vancouver Island: Victoria, Tofino and Ucluelet, Long Beach and the wilderness reserve of Pacific Rim National Park (don’t miss the iconic West Coast Trail!)
• Discover the village of Whistler and the surrounding area, including the sublime Joffre Lakes and Garibaldi Park, which offer a multitude of hiking opportunities.
• Admire Canada’s most beautiful waterfalls in Wells Gray National Park: Dawson Falls, Moul Falls, Spahats Falls.
• Observe the large black bear population (with a guide, it’s even better).
• Marvel at the incredible Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike around Maligne and Medicine Lakes!
• Walk the length and breadth of Banff National Park, for the icing on the cake and the Instagram photo with thousands of likes! Including, of course, the famous Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.
• Live your best cowboy life in Calgary before heading off again!

Favouriteactivities:

• See the Totem poles in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and understand their significance
• Orca and whale watching cruise from Vancouver Island
• Visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens from Victoria
• Take surfing lessons in Tofino
• Fly over Whistler in a seaplane
• Take the Peak 2 Peak cable car, the longest and highest cable car ride in the world! And visit its observation platform and the exhibition on the 2010 Winter Olympics
• Mountain bike down the Whistler Mountain Park
• Take part in a black bear observation excursion
• Take in the sights on the Jasper Skytram, Canada’s longest guided aerial tramway!
• Take a buggy tour of the icefield in front of the Athabasca Glacier
• Take a dip in the Miette Hot-Springs
• Take a cruise on Lac Maligne (Spirit Island)
• Rafting on the Kicking Horse River

2. The Canadian West in all its splendour!

Western Canada’s national parks are brimming with a wide variety of hikes, all of which will take you to breathtaking locations. It goes without saying, then, that you can always explore the riches of its beautiful nature in greater depth by staying longer in each place. The previous itinerary can easily be done in 3 weeks, with more stages and less driving between each visit. Here’s an improved variant to discover the region’s most beautiful parks in greater depth.

Proposed itinerary over 21 nights: around 2,200 km

• Vancouver (2 nights)
• Victoria (2 nights)
• Pacific Rim National Park – Tofino or Ucluelet (2 nights)
• Whistler (2 nights)
• Wells Gray National Park – Clearwater (2 nights)
• Jasper (3 nights)
• Glacier Walk – full day – (1 night at Lake Louise or other)
• Yoho National Park (2 nights in Field or Golden, otherwise stay in Lake Louise)
• Radium Hot Spring (1 night)
• Banff (3 nights)
• Calgary (1 night)

Highlights of the trip :

• Everything you’ve got on the 15-day trip list, with extra time for more hikes, activities and cultural visits!
• The Icefields Parkway is 232 breathtaking kilometres of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and, of course, glaciers!
• Take the time to explore the magnificent Yoho National Park, often overlooked by travellers in a hurry: The incredible Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the colourful confluence of the Yoho and Kicking Horse Rivers.
• Recovering from your emotions and resting your tired legs in the natural hot springs at Radium Hot Spring!
• Discover the less-frequented Kootenay National Park from Radium Hot Spring. Ideal for those who want to swim, walk or fish in peace.
• Alternatively, skip Radium Hot Spring and drive directly to Banff from Yoho. And if you’re interested in hot springs, there are also some in Banff Park at Upper Hot Springs.
• Taking advantage of 3 or 4 nights in Banff is invaluable in your trip to really appreciate all that the park has to offer.

Favouriteactivities :

• All of the above, obviously!
• The must-do activities are the same as on the previous itinerary!
• With more time, you can simply do more!

If you still have a little more time to devote to this region, I’d advise you to take a closer look at the islands before plunging into the heart of the Rockies. You can take the ferry directly from Vancouver Island to mysterious Haida Gwaii (also known as Queen Charlotte’s Island).
Haida Gwaii, which means “Our Earth” in the language of the Haida people, is a bit like a cross between Rapa Nui (Easter Island in Chile) and the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), so rich is it in indigenous culture and animal and plant species.
I won’t tell you any more, so save the surprise for over there, and be amazed by this discovery, wilder and more cultural than ever!

3. The Yukon, on the road to Alaska

Once you’ve come this far, you’ve got to admit that you want to go even further!
If this is your first trip to Canada and you don’t have more than a month, I’d advise you to concentrate on what we’ve seen above.
But for a second stay or a longer trip, let’s look at the stages of a road trip all the way to Alaska!

For this trip, the ideal thing would really be not to depend on the cities, but to have your accommodation with you everywhere, yes, like the turtles, or with a van, a more luxurious camper van or even a 4×4 with a roof tent. Do what suits you best!

Be prepared to enter an authentic wilderness. The Yukon has twice as many caribou as people, and you’ll come across elk, buffalo, black and grizzly bears (and many others) at every turn! But apart from that, not many people!
If you’re not afraid of the great outdoors and a bit of solitude, then pack your bags and let’s go and experience the great freedom of the Yukon!

Suggested itinerary over 12 nights: around 1,700 km

Please note that this tour is not available in winter, as the “Top of The World highway”, linking Chicken to Dawson City, is closed in winter (from mid-September to the end of April).

• Arrival and departure from Whitehorse (allow 2 nights on the return flight, so 15d/14n outside France)
• Whitehorse and surrounding area (2 nights)
• Carcross and surrounding area (1 night)
• Haines Junction – Kluane National Park (2 nights)
• Alaska Highway to Beaver Creek (Canada) or Alcan Border (USA) (1 night)
• Dawson City (stop at Chicken) (2 nights)
• Tombstone National Park (2 nights)
• Carmacks (1 night)
• Whitehorse (1 night)

Highlights of the trip:

• Discovering the Yukon’s largest city, Whitehorse, and its many surprises
• The Yukon Wildlife preserve: an animal reserve where you can observe the fantastic animals of the Far North in their natural habitat
• Miles Canyon and the mythical Yukon River
• Emerald Lake, subjugating
• The unexpected Carcross Desert
• The magnificent and meaningful discovery of Canadian First Nations culture
• Breathtaking hikes in Kluane National Park
• Travelling the Alaska Highway and the Top of the World Highway, iconic roads with an intense sense of freedom
• Walking in the footsteps of gold miners in towns that are out of time, or at least out of our time!

Favourite activities :

• Flying over the Kaskawulsh glacier in Kluane Park
• Drink a “Sourtoe cocktail” (yes, if you speak English, you’ve translated it very well!), an adventure to be experienced in Dawson city (a shot of alcohol at the bottom of which, you’re not dreaming, is a mummified human thumb). Favourite or favourite?
• Dig for gold with Claim 33 in Dawson City on the emblematic Klondike River.
• Visit the Beringia Interpretation Centre in Whitehorse
• Sleep in a log cabin in the middle of the forest
• Learn and share the knowledge of indigenous cultures (trapping techniques, medicinal plants, traditional drumming, etc.) in a workshop.

4 Quebec Fever

Let’s take a look at what’s on offer in the east of the country, in the wonderful region of Quebec! As much as in the West you’ll need a camper van or van, in the East you’ll have a wide range of accommodation options, including nights in outfitters, tents, charming B&Bs or unusual accommodation.
Totally different from the West, the province of Quebec is not short of attractions and offers you a magnificent playground for a spectacular nature holiday!

Suggested itinerary for 12 nights: around 1,200 km

• Montreal (2 nights)
• Outfitter (2 nights) Saint-Michel-des-Saints , Saint-Alexis-des-Monts or another favourite – (or other accommodation in the Laurentians or Mauricie)
• Lac Saint-Jean – in Saint-Félicien, Roberval or Alma (2 nights)
• Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine (1 night)
• Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie National Park, La Malbaie or Baie-Saint-Paul (2 nights)
• Quebec City (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

You can also leave Quebec City and save a day to explore a particular stage in greater depth!

Highlights of your trip:

• A visit to Montreal (with Navaway, of course!)
• Total disconnection and the charm of Canadian outfitters, or unusual accommodation in the middle of nowhere (phones off!)
• The fascinating Lac Saint-Jean
• The magic of the Saguenay Fjord
• Meet the whales in one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages!
• The charm of Quebec City, its history and the discovery of our intertwined pasts.

Our favourite activities:

• All the outfitter options: canoeing, fishing, black bear watching, kayaking, pedal boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, etc.
• Visit a sugar shack (maple grove) and enjoy a tasting!
• Discover the Saint-Félicien wild zoo
• Visit the ghost village of Val-Jalbert
• Whale-watching cruise
• Cruise on the St. Lawrence River
• Rafting on the Jacques-Cartier river
• Walk on the ramparts of Quebec City
• Excursion to Montmorency Falls
• Kayaking to discover Île d’Orléans

5 Quebec City and Gaspésie

Although the Quebec City region can be visited in a fortnight, it’s a shame not to go a little further and discover the beautiful Gaspé Peninsula!
This itinerary gives you the chance to see all the must-see places in Quebec, while also including an in-depth visit to the Gaspé.
If you’re not afraid of long days on the road, you can easily shorten this road trip to 14 nights! For example, by removing: 1 night in Montreal, the stopover in Rimouski (with the option of stopping in Matane rather than Saint-Anne des Monts to save on driving time) and 1 night in Quebec City.

Proposed itinerary over 17 nights: approximately 2,300 km

• Montreal (2 nights)
• La Mauricie National Park – Saint-Mathieu du parc or other (1 night)
• Alma – Lac Saint-Jean and Saguenay region (2 nights)
• Tadoussac (1 night)
• Parc national du Bic – camping in the park or hotel in Rimouski (1 night)
• Saint-Anne-des-Monts – Gaspésie national park (2 nights)
• Gaspé (2 nights)
• Percé (1 night)
• La Baie des Chaleurs (region, e.g. New Richmond) (1 night)
• Lake Temisquata National Park (1 night)
• Quebec City (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

Highlights of your trip:

• Living like a local in Montreal
• Feeling the grandeur of Mother Nature in the immense national parks
• Seeing the country’s iconic animals (from bears to whales)
• Admire the wild panoramas of the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula
• Feel alone at the end of the world in Forillon National Park
• Discover the wild Baie des Chaleurs
• Visit Quebec City

Our favourite activities:

• Explore La Mauricie National Park by canoe
• Hike around the Saguenay Fjord
• Discover the ghost village of Val-Jalbert and the Saint-Félicien wildlife park
• Take a whale-watching cruise to Tadoussac or Gaspé
• Take an excursion around Perched Rock and see the amazing colony of Northern Gannets
• Visit a sugar shack and taste maple taffy, Quebec lollipops made from snow
• Travel back in time to the historic 1928 general shop, a very interesting eco-museum near Percé
• Discover Île d’Orléans from Quebec City, by bike or kayak!

6 Quebec and Ontario

For this itinerary, I recommend arriving in Toronto and departing from Montreal. The idea of a loop doesn’t add any really essential extra stages, and would be too long.

Suggested itinerary over 14 nights: around 2,100 km

• Toronto (2 nights)
• Niagara (1 night)
• Thousand Islands Region – Gananoque or Kingston (1 night)
• Ottawa (1 night)
• Montreal (2 nights)
• Mauricie (1 night)
• Lac Saint-Jean and Saguenay (2 nights)
• Tadoussac (1 night)
• Quebec City (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

Highlights of your trip:

• The bubbling spectacle of Niagara Falls (even if the nature in the middle of the city is surprising!)
• The striking contrast between very American Ontario and very European Quebec
• The breathtaking natural setting of the Thousand Islands
• The wilderness of the Mauricie
• The magic of the Saguenay Fjord
• A moving encounter with wild animals

Our favourite activities:

• Discover Toronto with Navaway!
• Helicopter flight over Niagara Falls
• Boat trip to the foot of the falls
• A cruise through the Thousand Islands
• A visit to the superb Canadian Museum of History, the most popular in the country and the largest concentration of totem poles in Canada!
• Boat trip on the Saguenay Fjord
• Indulge in maple syrup specialities at a sugar shack
• Eat poutine in Montreal

Unusual accommodation in Quebec

Photo Facebook Page Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux

If you think that accommodation is an integral part of the experience, then this Quebec road trip will more than live up to your expectations!
The region’s immense natural beauty and the legendary friendliness of its inhabitants put Quebec at the top of the list of holidays where the accommodation will remain engraved in your memory for a long time to come.
Let’s take a quick look at your options:

What’s an outfitter?

Photo Facebook Page Pourvoirie Cap au Leste

Outfitters are very popular nature-based leisure centres in Quebec. Traditionally, they provide accommodation for trappers, hunters and fishermen, but they are also very popular with tourists (both local and international) who come to disconnect from the world and enjoy the many outdoor activities they have to offer. They are also very popular in winter, providing a warm refuge and an ideal base for all those who want to indulge in Canadian winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowmobile tours and more.

The cabins

Photo Facebook Page Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux

When we think of Canada, we immediately think of cabins. It’s as if our over-excited childish souls are in overdrive, and we can’t wait to go camping in the woods around a roaring campfire.
Luckily, Quebecers are just like us, offering us a whole host of options for living the Canadian Dream!
Tree houses, eco-lodges on stilts and other perched holiday villages are on the agenda throughout your tour!

Unusual accommodation

Photo Page Facebook Cap Jaseux

A step ahead of us when it comes to unusual accommodation, Canada has been offering overnight experiences for a very long time!
Transparent domes for total immersion in nature, yurts to feel at home in their comforting roundness, teepees of course, the preferred habitat of the First Nations since the dawn of time, floating huts to let yourself be rocked by the waves, or modern containers revisited and their large picture windows to observe the nightlife of the deep forest without danger.

Car and campervan hire

As you can see, Canada’s legendary distances mean that travellers have to cover a lot of miles. But it’s a pleasure to do it, because the roads are so beautiful and the scenery so fabulous.
If you’re staying for several months or a whole year on a WHP (Working Holiday Permit), I’d advise you to buy and sell your van/car/4X4 when you leave. It’s all done very quickly and very easily.

The car

Ideal for getting around Quebec and the United States, the car is a smart choice if you plan to stay mainly in hotels and visit several major cities. Parking will be easier, car parks cheaper and filling up with petrol less expensive.
But be careful when choosing your model. You’ll be doing a lot of driving, so you might as well be comfortable! Avoid having three people in the back, or at least check that the vehicle is fitted with three seatbelts.
You can use the “Authentik Canada” platform, which compares different rental companies and offers good customer service.

The converted van

“Home is where you park it!”

Photo Facebook Page VanLife Mtl.

Fitted vans are still the best solution for a road-trip in total freedom!
To be able to drive without limits, without timetables, and without reservations…
To be able to stop wherever you like, just because it seems beautiful, because the fullness of the place moves you and you never want to leave.
To be able to sleep without checking out at 10am and have lunch face to face with all the beauty in the world…
The reasons are many and the sensations immense, so here are a few examples of companies where you can find your new travelling companion!

Each company offers different types of vans, depending on the number of passengers and the options you want. Prices vary according to the length of hire and the season. Don’t hesitate to check out their websites!
If you don’t have much of a budget, consider the “One Way Camper Rental” or “Relocation” opportunities, which allow you to return a van to its original rental company at a reduced cost.

1 Karma Camper

For trips to the West only (pick-up Vancouver and Calgary).
Karma’s campervans will accompany you on your journey through the Canadian Rockies, offering you a cosy and comfortable refuge every kilometre of the way. Decorated with care, it promises you some great photos for your #Vanlife Insta feed!
There’s a large bed at the back, plenty of storage space and a lovely, well-equipped kitchen area behind the driver’s seats. And not to be overlooked, a good interior height (so you can stand upright!).
https://www.karmacampervans.com/

2 – The Vanpackers adventurer

Vanpackers have focused on the compact side of the minivan to allow you to get everywhere as if you were in a car, while still being comfortable!
Here, the day area converts into a sleeping area, with a kitchenette at the rear. You cook with the boot open, in the open air but protected!
In terms of equipment, we have two bench seats with a removable table, storage space and a comfortable mattress, plus of course everything you need for cooking (cooler, stove, water jug, utensils, etc.). And because you can never be too careful, you’ll also find a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen area.
https://lebaroudeur.ca/van-amenagee/

3.Vanlife Mtl

Only in Montreal this time, Vanlife Montreal offers a range of comfortable, well-appointed models so you can enjoy your trip to Quebec in complete freedom.
They offer both large, fully-equipped vans with full kitchens, double or bunk beds, outdoor showers (or indoor showers as an option), and minivans, as well as estate cars with tents on the roof for a smoother, more all-round ride.
And if you’re travelling with your pet, you’ll be delighted to know that Vanlife is Pet Friendly!
https://www.vanlifemtl.com/

4.Canadream

Canada’s leading motorhome rental company, you’re bound to see vehicles decorated with the famous maple leaf!
Here, you have the choice and you can think big! Very big indeed. The American way!
The smaller ones are already a bit big, but it’s the perfect solution for families, groups of friends or people looking for a bit more comfort.
What’s more, the agencies are present in several cities, giving you greater freedom of itinerary.

5. 4×4 with roof tent

If you’re planning to really get into the deep end of the national parks and play it rough, then opting for a 4×4 with a roof tent could be a good solution!

What you need to know

• If you are French and obtained your licence in France, the good news is that you do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada (French being an official language).
• However, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your licence for at least one year before you can hire a car in Canada.
• Forget French speed limits! Here, on the motorway, you can drive at a maximum of 100 km/h (and enjoy the scenery while you’re at it!).
• Right-hand turns are permitted at red lights (except in Montreal). This is generally true throughout North America. It’s the equivalent of our flashing orange arrow.
• If you’re crossing into the United States, ask your rental company for a document stating that you have permission to do so.

Insurance

Don’t expect to be fully covered by your Gold credit card or your travel insurance, which do not necessarily cover accidents involving a motor vehicle. Find out all you can before you leave.
Hire companies offer various types of insurance. Here are the most important ones that I recommend you take out:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or DEW (Deductible Extended Waver), to insure you against damage to and theft of the vehicle.
• PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), or LIS (Liability Insurance Supplement), a civil liability insurance policy covering damage caused to others (this can quickly take on crazy proportions!).

You should also check with your insurance company in France to see whether it offers a foreign cover option.

You should also be aware of any exclusions from cover. Accidents on gravel roads, i.e. unsealed roads, are generally not covered by insurance.

As usual, read the fine print!

What about winter travel?

Photo Page Facebook Vanlife Mtl.

This article is based on the idea of a classic summer road trip (except for a few months, of course, long live Quebec autumn and spring in the Rockies!)
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