Shelley Pigram

Shelley Pigram

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Canada is exceptional. The world’s second largest country borders three oceans (the Atlantic to the east, the Pacific to the west and the Arctic to the north) and has the longest coastline on Earth. Almost half the country is covered by forests and Canada is home to some stunning mountain landscapes including the Rocky Mountains. What's more, with many ethnicities in Canada, it is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural countries in the world.

It’s therefore unsurprising that Canada is an extremely popular road trip destination for travellers. With a rental vehicle and a well-planned itinerary we can make sure that you’ll get the most out of our trip to this beautiful country! Here’s our guide to some of the best road trips in every part of Canada.

Atlantic Canada

Let’s start with the stunning coastlines of eastern Canada, an area extremely rich in marine wildlife. Our Maritime Marvels fly drive holiday is a great way to discover the amazing landscape of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and will give you the chance to spot whales in the Bay of Fundy and take stunning photos in Cape Breton National Park. 

This trip starts in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, a major cultural centre and home to the famous Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (the building is more than 150 years old), the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the extraordinary building of the Central Library. If you’ve had enough cultural experiences for the day, you can hop on a boat to Chebucto Head for walking trails, a historic lighthouse and coastal views back to the city of Halifax. 

You may find it difficult to leave Halifax behind, but you’ll be amazed by scenic coastline routes, beautiful inland lakes and national parks throughout the rest of Nova Scotia.  One of the most iconic destinations on the route is the vibrant fishing village of Peggy Cove, an absolute must-see in this part of Canada. Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats. 

On this trip you can also visit the Breton Highlands National Park, hike at the scenic Cabot Trail, visit the Fortress of Louisbourg (built in the 18th Century), or simply enjoy driving to Canso Causeway through picturesque Canadian towns and villages.

 

Atlantic Canada

Eastern Canada

If you’re looking to combine the excitement of a big city with charming lakeside towns, sophisticated wineries and dramatic waterfalls, our Toronto and Niagara Discovery tour is for you. You’ll spend the first three days of this week long trip experiencing the unique atmosphere of Toronto before heading off to iconic Niagara. 

As the epicentre of the province of Ontario, Toronto is a culturally vibrant city with an abundance of excellent dining options including the renowned CN Tower with its rotating restaurant 351 meters above ground; it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience having a meal complemented by an ever-changing panoramic view, all in the heart of downtown Toronto. 

The Kensington Market area of Toronto is vibrant part of the city; the countless dining options, small local breweries and remarkable atmosphere guarantees that everyone can find something interesting regardless of taste or style. 

Other areas of interest in Toronto include Casa Loma, a gothic revival style mansion, the Royal Ontario Museum, and High Park, an urban green space with walking trails and a zoo. 

After a few days in Toronto, jump in a car and drive along the stunning waterside roads of Lake Ontario to the famous Niagara Falls. Take a helicopter flight to enjoy a spectacular view of the waterfalls from above, or an exhilarating boat trip on the Maid of the Mist which takes you to right to the bottom of the thundering falls. 

The elegant town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a 30 minute drive from the falls, is a pretty, tranquil retreat. The beautiful surrounding area of this affluent region is home to Ontario’s best wineries, so don’t miss a wine tasting tour while you’re in the area. You can also stroll the small streets with their 19th Century Victorian grandeur and peruse the quaint boutiques and galleries that adorn them.

 

Eastern Canada

Western Canada

Want to organise a family road trip without the hassle? Our Ultimate Family Adventure in Western Canada makes it easy! This 14 day tour includes some of the most amazing country roads in Canada and activities that the younger ones will love. 

Starting in Vancouver, your family can enjoy an open-top bus tour to get a feel for the city, or visit some great attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, or the Museum of Anthropology. There’s also the chance to get active on a bike tour around the city and through Vancouver’s green heart, Stanley Park, with a lunch stop at buzzing Granville Island Market.

After three fun-filled days in Vancouver, pick up your car and enjoy a leisurely drive across the mountain roads to Whistler where an action-packed couple of days await! Here you’ll find plenty of adventure opportunities including ski resorts, ziplines, suspension bridges and hiking trails. Plus don’t miss a trip in search of the area’s resident black bears, which feed, mate and hibernate amongst Whistler’s peaks.

Continue your drive through British Columbia to the charming mountain town of Revelstoke for a few days in the scenic surroundings. There are plenty of activities to take part in here, including family-friendly hikes, the Columbia Icefield Discovery tour, or for a taste of cowboy life, head to a local ranch to learn how to throw a lasso and have an authentic cowboy barbeque.

 

Western Canada

For more inspiration, take a look at our Canada Holidays pages.