Going on a Road Trip in Canada

6 itinerary ideas for an unforgettable trip:

1.Western Canada: The essentials in express mode

Just because you don't have a lot of vacation time doesn't mean you can't discover the striking beauty of Western Canada! Yes, it's not ideal, and for this kind of destination, when you can, it's better to try to leave for at least 3 weeks, but in 15 days/14 nights, you can already experience a beautiful first approach to Western Canada!

For these destinations, (British Columbia and Alberta), I advise you not to try to make a loop, but to arrive in Vancouver and leave from Calgary. Focus on the Rocky Mountain national parks, while discovering the wonderful Vancouver Island and the bustling metropolis of the same name!

• 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)

• Discovery of the multicultural and trendy city of Vancouver
• Visit of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Tofino and Ucluelet, Long Beach and the wild reserve of Pacific Rim National Park (don't miss the iconic West Coast Trail!)
• Discovery of Whistler village, and the surroundings, with, among others, the sublime Joffre Lakes and Garibaldi Park, which offer you a multitude of hiking possibilities.
• Admire Canada's most beautiful waterfalls at Wells Gray National Park: Dawson Falls, Moul Falls, Spahats Falls, Moul Falls.
• Observe the large black bear population (with a guide it's better)
• Be amazed by the incredible Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and hike around Maligne and Medicine lakes!
• Explore far and wide Banff National Park, the big cherry on the cake and the Instagram photo with thousands of likes! With, of course, the famous Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.
• Live your best cowboy life in Calgary before leaving!

• Go see the Totems of Stanley Park in Vancouver and understand their meanings
• Orca and whale watching cruise from Vancouver Island
• Visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens from Victoria
• Take surf lessons in Tofino
• Fly over Whistler by seaplane
• Take the "Peak 2 Peak" cable car, the longest and highest gondola ride in the world! And visit its observation platform as well as the exhibition on the 2010 Winter Olympics
• Go down Whistler's mountain bike park on a mountain bike
• Participate in a black bear observation excursion
• Be amazed by the Jasper Skytram, Canada's longest guided aerial tramway!
• Visit the icefield in front of Athabasca Glacier by buggy
• Go for a dip at Miette Hot Springs
• Take a cruise on Maligne Lake (Spirit Island)
• Go rafting on the Kicking Horse River

2. Western Canada in all its splendor!

The national parks of Western Canada are full of diverse and varied hikes that will all lead you to breathtaking places. It is therefore obvious that you can always explore more deeply the riches of its beautiful nature by staying longer in each place. The previous itinerary can easily be done in 3 weeks, with more stops and less driving between each visit. Here is an improved variant to discover the most beautiful parks in the region in a more in-depth way.

• 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)
• Icefields Parkway – full day – (1 night at Lake Louise or other)
• Yoho National Park (2 nights in Field or Golden, otherwise, stay at Lake Louise)
• Radium Hot Springs (1 night)
• Banff (3 nights)
• Calgary (1 night)

• Everything you have on the 15-day trip list with more time to do more hikes, activities and cultural visits!
• Be able to dedicate the entire day to this breathtaking route between Jasper and Banff. The Icefields Parkway represents 232 stunning kilometers, covered with lakes, rivers, waterfalls and of course glaciers!
• Take time to explore the magnificent Yoho National Park, often snubbed by rushed travelers: The incredible "Natural Bridge", "Emerald Lake", "Takakkaw Falls", or the confluence with contrasting colors of the "Yoho" and "Kicking Horse" rivers
• Go recover from your emotions and rest your tired legs in the natural hot springs at Radium Hot Springs!
• Discover Kootenay National Park, less crowded, from Radium Hot Springs. Ideal for those who want to swim, walk, or fish in peace.
• You have the option not to go through Radium Hot Springs and to reach Banff directly from Yoho. And if hot springs interest you, there are also some in Banff Park at Upper Hot Springs.
• Enjoying 3 or 4 nights in Banff is invaluable on your trip to really appreciate everything the park can offer you.

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

If you have a little more time to dedicate to this region, I advise you to deepen the island part before diving into the heart of the Rockies. You can take the ferry directly from Vancouver Island to join the mysterious Haida Gwaii (also known as Queen Charlotte Islands).

Little touristic, preserved and resolutely carrying a mystical aura, Haida Gwaii Island, which means "Our Land" in the Haida people's language, is a bit like the crossroads between Rapa Nui (Easter Island in Chile) and the Galapagos (Ecuador), as it is rich both in indigenous culture and in animal and plant species.

I won't tell you more, keep the surprise effect for there, and be amazed by this discovery wilder and more cultural than ever!

3. Yukon, on the road to Alaska

Once you've come this far, you have to admit that the desire is great to go even a little higher!

If this is your first trip to Canada and you don't have more than a month, I would rather advise you to focus on what we saw above.

But for a second stay or a long-term trip, let's see how to realize the stages of a road trip going all the way to Alaska!

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

Be ready to penetrate into wild and authentic nature. Yukon has twice as many caribou as inhabitants and you will encounter elk, buffalo, black bears and grizzlies (and many others) at every turn! But apart from that, not many people!

If you're not afraid of real wide open spaces and a little solitude, then pack your bags and set off to experience great freedom in Yukon!

Attention, this circuit is not feasible in winter, the "Top of The World Highway", notably connecting Chicken to Dawson City, is closed in winter (from mid-September to late April)

• Arrival and Departure from Whitehorse (count 2 nights on the plane round trip so 15d/14n outside of France)
• Whitehorse and surroundings (2 nights)
• Carcross and surroundings (1 night)
• Haines Junction – Kluane National Park (2 nights)
• Alaska Highway to Beaver Creek (Canada) or Alcan Border (USA) (1 night)
• Dawson City (stop in Chicken) (2 nights)
• Tombstone National Park (2 nights)
• Carmacks (1 night)
• Whitehorse (1 night)

• The discovery of Yukon's most important city, Whitehorse and its many surprises
• The Yukon Wildlife Preserve: an animal reserve to observe its fantastic Great North animals in their natural habitat
• Miles Canyon and the mythical Yukon River
• Emerald Lake, captivating
• The unexpected Carcross Desert
• The magnificent and meaningful discovery of Canadian First Nations culture
• The breathtaking hikes in Kluane National Park
• Take the Alaska Highway and Top of the World Highway, iconic roads with the scent of intense freedom
• Walk in the footsteps of gold seekers in timeless towns, at least not from our time!

• Overflight of Kaskawulsh Glacier in Kluane Park
• Drink a "Sourtoe cocktail" (yes yes, if you speak English, you translated very well!), an adventure to live in Dawson City (a shot of alcohol at the bottom of which, you're not dreaming, is placed a mummified human toe) Love it or hate it?
• Search for gold with Claim 33 in Dawson City in the iconic Klondike River
• Visit the Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse
• Sleep in a log cabin in the middle of the forest
• Learn and share, during a workshop, the knowledge of indigenous cultures (trapper techniques, medicinal plants, traditional drums, etc.)

4.Quebec Fever

Let's now see what's happening in the East of the country, in this wonderful region that is Quebec! While in the West, the motorhome or van is a must, in the East, you will have many accommodation possibilities mixing nights in outfitters, nights under tents, nights in charming B&Bs or in unusual accommodations.

Totally different from the West of the country, the Quebec province is not lacking in attractions and offers you a magnificent playground for spectacular nature vacations!

• Montreal (2 nights)
• Outfitter (2 nights) Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts or another one that catches your eye – (or other accommodation in the Laurentians or in 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 (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

You can also leave from Quebec and gain a day to deepen a stage!

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

• All outfitter options: Canoe, fishing, black bear observation, kayak, pedal boat, swimming, hiking, ATV, etc.
• Visit a sugar shack (maple grove) and tasting!!!
• Discovery of Saint-Félicien wild zoo
• Visit the ghost village of Val-Jalbert
• Whale watching cruise
• Cruise on the Saint Lawrence River
• Rafting on the Jacques-Cartier River
• Walk on the ramparts of Quebec City
• Excursion to Montmorency Falls
• Kayak to discover Île d'Orléans

5.Quebec and Gaspésie

Even if the Quebec region can be visited very well in two weeks, it would be a shame not to push a little further to discover the beautiful Gaspésie!

This itinerary proposes not to miss any of Quebec's must-sees while integrating an in-depth visit to Gaspésie.

If you're not afraid of long driving days, you can very easily shorten this road trip and make it fit in 14 nights! For example, by removing: 1 night in Montreal, the stop in Rimouski (possibility to stop in Matane rather than Saint-Anne-des-Monts to drive less) and 1 night in Quebec.

• 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)
• Bic National Park – 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)
• Baie des Chaleurs (region, e.g. New Richmond) (1 night)
• Lac Témiscouata National Park (1 night)
• Quebec (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

• Live like a local in Montreal
• Feel the greatness of Mother Nature in immense national parks
• Observe the country's emblematic animals (from bear to whale)
• Admire the wild panoramas of the Gaspésie peninsula
• Feel alone at the end of the world in Forillon National Park
• Discover the wild Baie des Chaleurs
• Visit Quebec City

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

6.Quebec and Ontario

For this itinerary, I advise you to arrive in Toronto and leave from Montreal. The idea of a loop doesn't bring really essential additional stops and would be too long.

• 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 (2 nights)
• Montreal (1 night)

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

• Discovering Toronto with Ryo!
• Helicopter flight over Niagara Falls
• Boat excursion at the foot of the falls
• Cruise in the Thousand Islands
• Visit the superb Canadian Museum of History, the most popular in the country and the largest concentration of totems in Canada!
• Boat excursion in the Saguenay Fjord
• Gorge yourself on maple syrup specialties in a sugar shack
• Eat poutine in Montreal

Car and campervan rentals

You understood it, the legendary Canadian distances force travelers to swallow kilometers. But we do it with pleasure as the roads are beautiful and reveal fabulous landscapes to us.

If you stay several months or a whole year thanks to a WHV (Working Holiday Visa), I would rather advise you to buy and resell your van/car/4X4 when you leave. Everything is 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 sleep mainly in hotels and visit several big cities. Parking will be simpler, parking lots cheaper and gas fill-ups less substantial.

Be careful though with the model choice. You're going to do quite a few kilometers, so you might as well be comfortable! Avoid having three in the back or at least check that the vehicle is well equipped with three seat belts.

You can go through the "Authentik Canada" platform which compares different rental companies and offers good customer service.

The fitted van

"Home is where you park it!"

Photo VanLife Mtl Facebook Page.

Fitted vans remain the preferred solution for a nature road trip in total freedom!

To be able to drive without limits, without schedules, and without reservations...

To be able to stop wherever you want, just because it seems beautiful to you, because the fullness of the place touches you and you don't want to leave it anymore.

To be able to sleep without check-out at 10am and have breakfast face to face with all the beauty of the world...

The reasons are numerous and the sensations are immense, so here are some examples of companies from which you can find your new travel companion!

Each company offers different types of vans according to the number of travelers and desired options. Rates vary according to rental duration and seasons. Don't hesitate to go dream on their websites!

If you don't have much budget, think about "One Way Camper Rental" or "Relocation" opportunities, which allow you to bring back a van to its original rental company at a lower cost.

For trips to the West only (pickup in Vancouver and Calgary).

Karma's campervans will accompany you throughout your journey in the Canadian Rockies, offering you a cozy and comfortable refuge at every kilometer. Carefully decorated, it promises you beautiful photos for your Insta feed #Vanlife!

A large bed at the back, plenty of storage and a nice well-equipped kitchen corner behind the driver's seats. And importantly, good interior height (you can stand up!)

https://www.karmacampervans.com/

The vanpackers have bet on the compact side of the minivan to allow you to squeeze everywhere as if you were in a car, while being comfortable!

Here, it's day corner transformable into night corner, and kitchenette at the back. We cook with the trunk open, in the open air but protected!

Equipment-wise we have two benches with a removable table, storage and a comfortable mattress plus of course everything you need to cook (cooler, stove, water can, utensils, etc). And as you can never be too careful, you will also find a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen area.

https://lebaroudeur.ca/van-amenagee/

Only in Montreal this time, the company Vanlife Montreal offers several comfortable and well-equipped models to allow you to live your trip to Quebec in complete freedom.

They offer both large fitted van models, with complete kitchen, double or bunk bed, exterior shower (or interior as an option), etc., as well as minivans, or station wagon cars with rooftop tents for smoother and more versatile driving.

And if you travel with your pet, you'll be delighted to learn that Vanlife is Pet Friendly!

https://www.vanlifemtl.com/

Giant of motorhome rental in Canada, you will certainly see vehicles adorned with the famous maple leaf pass by!

Here, you have the choice and you can think big! Very big even. American style!

The smallest ones are already a bit big, but it's the perfect solution for families, groups of friends, or people looking for a little more comfort.

Moreover, the agencies are present in several cities and therefore allow you greater freedom of itinerary.

If you plan to really get into the intense depth of national parks and play it all-terrain, then opting for a 4X4 with a roof tent might be a good solution!

Good to know

• If you are French and got your license in France, good news, you don't need an international driver's license to drive in Canada (French being an official language).
• Be careful though, you must be at least 21 years old and justify one year of license to be able to rent a vehicle in Canada.
• Forget French speed limits! Here, on the highway, we drive at 100 km/h maximum (and we take the opportunity to admire the landscape!)
• Right turns are allowed on red lights (except in Montreal). This is generally true everywhere in North America. It's the equivalent of our flashing orange arrow.
• If you cross into the United States, ask your rental company for a document stating that you have authorization to do so.

Insurance

Don't think you're totally covered by your Gold credit card or by your travel insurance which don't necessarily take into account accidents related to a motor vehicle. Find out well before leaving.

Rental companies, meanwhile, offer you different types of insurance, here are the most important ones I advise you to subscribe to:

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

Also inquire with your insurance company in France and see if it offers a protection option abroad.

Also pay attention to warranty exclusions. Accidents occurring on "Gravel Roads", i.e. unpaved roads, are generally not covered by insurance.

As usual, we read the fine print!!