Road-Trips in Canada: 5 Itineraries to Discover the Country by Car

The car is often the best way to discover a country outside the traditional tourist circuit. It opens the way to remote, otherwise inaccessible destinations. And on a trip to Canada, this is especially true given its vast size. From Vancouver Island to the Okanagan Valley in Western Canada, and from Montreal to Charlottetown in the East, here’s a roundup of the best road trips across the country, whether you’re looking for a 10-day, two-week or even three-week getaway. Have a good trip!

These itineraries are perfect for those looking for a short break that combines city life with outdoor adventure.

Here’s the best itinerary for a ten-day road trip in Quebec: Montreal – Quebec City – La Malbaie – L’Anse-Saint-Jean – Parc national de la Jaques-Cartier.

The road between Montreal and Quebec City can be long, so be patient for this first stretch. But the capital of La Belle Province is well worth a visit, if only for its charming cobbled streets and European ambience. Stroll through the historic fortifications of Old Quebec, passing the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of the city’s landmarks. If you’re not staying here, be sure to take a guided tour.

Place Royale and Petit-Champlain are charming with their quaint boutiques and cafés, while the Plains of Abraham offer the ideal green space to relax and the Saint-Roch district offers a vibrant culinary and artistic scene. If you’re not in a hurry, make the detour to Montmorency Falls, taller than the famous Niagara falls.

At the heart of the picturesque Charlevoix region lies a small town nestled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River: La Malbaie. Don’t hesitate to stop by for a day or two and book a stay at one of the region’s finest hotels, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu.

After spending the day lounging in the five-star palace’s wellness area, head for the Parc National Des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, home to the legendary Acropole-des-Draveurs trail. This is one of the most challenging hiking trails in the Sépaq network, but your effort will be rewarded once you reach the summit. Feeling lazy? Choose a river cruise!

After La Malbaie, we head for L’Anse Saint-Jean, a small village in the heart of two major nature reserves: the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Nestled in the hollow of the mountains, the village offers a magnificent window onto the Saguenay Fjord. In fact, it’s the only village directly on the south shore of the fjord.

Outdoor activities continue at Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, just a few kilometres from Quebec City. Dominated by a majestic glacial valley, it offers breathtaking scenery with views of forested mountains and the crystal-clear Jacques-Cartier River. This serpentine river is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Here’s the best itinerary for a ten-day road trip in Quebec: Montreal – Quebec City – La Malbaie – Tadoussac – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts – Gaspé – Parc national du Bic.

This itinerary may not be for travellers who like to take it easy, as the schedule is packed! You’ll have to hit the road every other day, but as Philippe Pollet-Villard used to say, “It’s not the destination that counts, but always the road travelled, and especially the detours.” From La Malbaie onwards, the roads are each more magnificent than the last.

If you feel like slowing down a bit, you could always remove Tadoussac or Parc National du Bic from your itinerary. The last stop allows you to cut the road between Percé and Montreal, but if the idea of driving for more than 10 hours doesn’t scare you, you could skip it.

To reach Tadoussac from La Malbaie, you’ll need to take a ferry. It is free of charge and departures are scheduled daily, day and night. During peak hours, a departure is scheduled every twenty minutes. The crossing takes just 40 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Saguenay Fjord.

Once in Tadoussac, on the Côte-Nord, opt for a whale-watching cruise, followed by a locally brewed beer at the Tadoussac microbrewery.

To reach Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and the Gaspé Peninsula, you’ll need to take a second ferry, this time for a fee. The rate is set at $59 per car and $26.70 per person. It departs from Les Escoumins and takes you to Trois-Pistoles, on the other side of the river. Departure times vary from day to day, so check the ferry’s website for details. The duration is approximately 90 minutes and reservations are required.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is within easy reach of Gaspésie National Park, home to Mount Albert. Several hikes are available, but our favourite is without a doubt the Tour-du-Mont-Albert. This classic takes six hours to complete and has an ascent of 860 metres.

The road between Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Gaspé is one of the most beautiful in Quebec. Make sure you take the route along the St. Lawrence River, and not the one through Murdochville. You’ll love the winding roads, steep cliffs, picturesque villages and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Gaspé is the ideal base for exploring the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, home to Forillon National Park. Nestled between ocean and mountains, you’ll discover imposing cliffs, lush forests and wild beaches, ideal for jumping into the water (albeit often icy cold!). The park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of wildlife: seals, whales, seabirds, moose, bears… all living in harmony!

Also 50 minutes from Gaspé is Percé, a small coastal village from which you can admire the magnificent Percé Rock, or take a cruise to Bonaventure Island, home to hundreds of nesting seabirds.

Heading for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region! Nestled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Bic National Park enchants visitors with its unique coastal landscapes. It’s home to a wealth of wildlife, including seals, white-tailed deer and numerous seabirds, as well as a plethora of hiking trails through peaceful coves and steep headlands. Our favorite? Le Grand Tour, lasting around three hours. It runs along the coast, between beach and coastal cliffs.

Here is the best itinerary for a three-week road trip in Quebec and the Maritime provinces: Quebec City – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts – Gaspé – Bertrand – Shédiac – Charlottetown – Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park – Fundy National Park – Fredericton

This three-week road trip takes us not only to Quebec but also to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. You could even decide to make a detour to Nova Scotia if you wanted to. From Shédiac, Halifax – the capital of the third maritime province – is just three hours away. It’s up to you to decide what your priorities are!

Located on the north shore of the Baie des Chaleurs, Bertrand is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, verdant landscapes and rich cultural offering. The village offers many festivals and events celebrating local heritage and is close to the Village Historique Acadien, where you can plunge into the past by recreating the lives of Acadians from the 18th to the 20th century.

Welcome to the lobster capital of the world! Here, you’re guaranteed a feast of fresh seafood and lobster. Our favourite place? Le Moque-Tortue, a small family-run restaurant. If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Lobster Festival! Open-air concerts, dance parties, lobster dinners, tasting contests, amusement park rides, sporting events… the program is packed! For a more tranquil atmosphere, don’t hesitate to visit the beaches of Parlee, Bouctouche or Cap-Pelé, just a few kilometres away.

Of course, it’s not all lobster in Shediac. More than 75% of the Acadian population lives here today, and speaks Chiac, a variety of French punctuated by archaic elements and English.

Charlottetown is the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, a small province made famous by L.M. Montgomery’s best-selling novel Anne of Green Gables . But we don’t linger here long. After stopping to visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts and the many museums recounting Canada’s past, we head for Prince Edward Island National Park, where distinct red sand beaches, spectacular cliffs and unforgettable coastal scenery awaits.

It’s not only a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails, bike paths and birdwatching sites, but also for foodies, who can feast on fresh seafood. Don’t hesitate to book a horseback ride to see the province in a different light.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, on the Bay of Fundy, is famous for its rock formations sculpted by the world’s highest tides. When it’s low tide, we walk on the seabed, exploring stone arches and columns. At high tide, the same landscape is transformed into a sea dotted with islets. This unique natural phenomenon makes the park an unmissable and, above all, unforgettable destination.

Fundy National Park is renowned for its spectacular tides, lush forests and impressive coastal cliffs. People come here to admire waterfalls, observe biodiversity and go hiking. Among our favourite trails are Cape Matthews, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the coast, and Laverty Falls, a moderate hike that leads to a series of spectacular waterfalls where you can cool off in the natural pools.

Not far from the park is Cap Enragé, a nature reserve with almost 30 hectares of marsh habitats, often used as a migratory stopover by birds. It’s an impressive observation area for amateur and experienced birdwatchers alike.

Before returning to Quebec, a final stop in Fredericton is in order, as the city is a veritable hub of art and culture. Wander through Garrison’s historic district with its museums and art galleries, including the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, attend various Festivals and don’t forget to visit its farmers’ market, open on Saturdays. To make the most of your stay, book a guided tour!

One of the best ways to explore the Canadian Rockies by car is from Vancouver. For Vancouver, unlike Calgary, is a city where you can easily spend several days, with its wealth of art galleries, cafés, parks and beaches. So stay three or four nights, then rent a car and set off to discover some of Canada’s finest gems.

Here’s the best itinerary for a two-week road trip in Western Canada: Vancouver – Squamish – Whistler – Clearwater – Jasper – Banff – Kelowna.

Squamish is less well-known than its neighbour, Whistler, but no less magnificent. The drive from Vancouver is particularly scenic. There’s no better way to start a road trip in Canada! Spend a night or two here, and take advantage of the opportunity to hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park and ride the spectacular Sea to Sky cable car to contemplate the surrounding mountains.

Whistler is an iconic destination for winter sports enthusiasts, renowned for its many ski resorts. In fact, it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. But we still go there in summer and take advantage of the fine weather to try out North America’s longest zipline, go hiking and take a dip in the region’s many lakes. Our favorite? Lake Alta, bordered by numerous snow-capped peaks.

Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, famous for its impressive waterfalls. The majestic Helmcken Falls, one of the highest in Canada, and Spahats Falls, nestled in a spectacular canyon, are a must-see. Outdoor enthusiasts will particularly enjoy hiking through ancient forests, canoeing on crystal-clear lakes and observing the abundant wildlife. In winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities.

Clearwater also offers guided tours, rafting trips on the Clearwater River and rustic cabin stays for true wilderness immersion.

Jasper is the gateway to the park of the same name, Jasper National Park, which promises to be a sight to behold. We love Athabasca Falls, with its unique rock formations, the turquoise waters of Lake Maligne, the Columbia Icefield and its glacier tours, and Mount Edith Cavell, whose many trails offer spectacular views of glaciers and alpine meadows.

Banff needs no further introduction. The reputation of this small village, considered by many to be the emblem of Western Canada, has been established for many years throughout the world. Whether it’s Lake Louise, Moraine Lake or Upper Hot Springs, all these Alberta destinations are among the favourites of travellers in search of the grandiose.

But be patient, because even though Canada is a big country, tourists flock to these iconic attractions. For a little more peace and quiet, we recommend a visit in mid-June or during the Indian summer, from mid-September to mid-October. The weather may be more unpredictable, but the panoramic view is just as impressive.

We leave the Rockies behind and take to the road to a more sober, but no less magnificent, setting. Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a true gem for wine connoisseurs. Indeed, the region is renowned for its sunny climate, ideal for viticulture. This region is home to over 200 vineyards, producing white wines such as Chardonnay and Riesling, as well as reds such as Pinot Noir and Merlot.

Famous estates such as Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate and Burrowing Owl offer unforgettable wine experiences, often accompanied by panoramic views of Okanagan Lake. To discover several estates, book a guided tour!

Here’s the best itinerary for a three-week road trip in Western Canada: Vancouver – Tofino – Port Hardy – Prince Rupert – Smithers – Valemount – Jasper – Banff – Kelowna.

This itinerary is without a doubt the one you imagine when you think of a road trip in Canada. Long coastal roads, small villages populated by friendly locals, forests stretching as far as the eye can see and snow-capped peaks. Everything is there! It does, however, take a long ferry between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, and this one isn’t cheap. But I promise you, it’s well worth the detour.

First stop, Tofino, where surfing reigns supreme. The city vibrates to the rhythm of the waves, with its specialized schools and relaxed atmosphere attracting surfers to renowned beaches such as Chesterman Beach and Long Beach.

But Tofino isn’t just a paradise for snowboarders. The city is also a good starting point for exploring Vancouver Island. Not far from Tofino is Pacific Rim National Park, home to miles of rainforest trails and one of North America’s most iconic hikes, the West Coast Trail.

We don’t linger in Port Hardy. You come here to board a ferry bound for Prince Rupert. And not just any ferry; one that crosses part of the famous Inside Passage, renowned for its views of deep fjords and sparkling glaciers, as well as its rich marine life. This is the habitat of many humpback whales, orcas, dolphins and seals. The ferry, which lasts 16 hours and is therefore more like a cruise, is the best way to explore remote, unspoilt areas that are difficult to access by other means.

Fares for ferrying across the Inside Passage between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert vary according to season, journey time and vehicle type. For a single passenger, prices generally start at around $150 to $200 per person, and charge between $200 and $500 per vehicle. Although these prices may seem quite high, they are much lower than those of cruises doing the same itinerary!

Prince Rupert, located in northern British Columbia, is often used as a key connection point for travel between Canada and Alaska. On top of being an important hub, the city is also rich in culture. The Museum of Northern British Columbia highlights Aboriginal and local history. Butze Rapids Park offers trails through lush forests. The Khutzeymateen Sanctuary offers whale- and bear-watching excursions and Digby Island is ideal for fishing trips.

Nestled in the Bulkley Valley, the small town of Smithers, with a population of no more than 6,000, is the traditional territory of the Witsuwit’en, an aboriginal community that has lived here for countless generations. Here, their rich culture is visible and audible everywhere. We take advantage of a brief stopover to learn more about their customs and traditions, notably in the small village of Telka or at Witset Canyon, where the Witsuwit’en often gather to fish for salmon.

Nestled between three mountain ranges, Valemount is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and offers many spectacular hiking trails. The most iconic, however, is the 42-kilometre Berg Lake Trail. Hikers usually do it in two days.

The best way to travel between Paris and Canada is with Air France. The French airline flies to Canada several times a day, starting at 200 euros for a round-trip flight in the Economy cabin.

You can also get your hands on award tickets by paying for your flight with Flying Blue Miles. You could fly from France to Canada for as little as 40,000 Flying Blue Miles.

A car rental is probably one of the most expensive costs you’ll incur on your trip to Canada. For impeccable customer service, we recommend renting a car with Sixt. From Vancouver, the price is set at around $75 per day during the summer season.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll pay around $500 a week for a rental car on a road trip in Canada. Note that it’s often cheaper to rent a car from an agency located in the city center rather than at the airport.

What’s interesting is that, generally speaking, gasoline costs about half as much in Canada as in France. To determine the total cost, visit the Natural Resources Canada site, which shows gasoline prices in Canada in real-time, region by region.

When you see 186.6, for example, it means that gasoline is $1.86/liter. For a 2,000-kilometre road trip, you’re looking at an average of 400 CAD.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll pay around $500 a week for a rental car on a road trip in Canada. Note that it’s often cheaper to rent a car from an agency located in the city center rather than at the airport.

If you don’t feel like taking out a credit card, we recommend that you take out soNomad‘s insurance for visitors to Canada. This covers emergency medical and dental care, hospitalization and ambulance costs, prescription drugs and doctor’s visits.

Canadians don’t need travel insurance to travel across the country. However, insurance against theft and damage when renting a vehicle can be very useful.

Car, minivan and SUV rentals are covered if the credit card used to pay for the rental offers insurance. There is information to check in your insurance coverage, such as the :

• Maximum value of vehicle covered (up to $85,000 for certain cards) ;
• Coverage of personal effects or not ;
• Coverage period (consecutive rental days).

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A road trip in Canada is much more than a simple journey; it’s a deep immersion in a wide variety of grandiose landscapes, from the majestic Rockies to the parks of the Gaspé Peninsula. Each itinerary offers a unique experience, whether through the lush forests of the Pacific, the picturesque villages of Quebec or the sun-drenched vineyards of the Okanagan. Canada reveals itself as you travel, offering wild encounters with nature and a diverse culture. Whether it’s a fortnight or three weeks, every trip promises unforgettable memories.