Canadian Roadtrips: 5 Itineraries to Discover the Country by Car

Canadian Roadtrips – Itineraries in Quebec and Eastern Canada

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

10-Day Itinerary

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

Montreal – Quebec

The drive between Montreal and Quebec City can be long, so be prepared for this first stretch. However, the capital of the Belle Province is well worth the trip, if only for its charming cobblestone streets and European atmosphere. Be sure to wander through the historic fortifications of Old Quebec, taking the time to pass by the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the city’s iconic landmark. 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, even higher than Niagara Falls.

Quebec – La Malbaie

In the heart of the picturesque Charlevoix region lies a small town nestled on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River: La Malbaie. Don’t hesitate to stop there for a day or two and book a stay at one of the most beautiful hotels in the area, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu.

After spending the day lounging in the five-star palace’s wellness area, we 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? Go for a river cruise!

La Malbaie – L'Anse-Saint-Jean

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 mountains, the village offers a stunning view of the Saguenay Fjord. In fact, it’s the only village directly on the south shore of the fjord. For a delicious treat and to admire the fjord from the dock, head to the ice cream shop La Cabane à Glaces.

L'Anse-Saint-Jean – Parc National de la Jaques-Cartier

Outdoor activities continue at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, just a few kilometers from Quebec. 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.

2-Week Itinerary

Here’s the best itinerary for a ten-day road trip to Quebec: Montreal – Quebec – 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 before.

If you feel like slowing down a bit, you could always remove Tadoussac or Parc National du Bic from your itinerary. The final stop provides a break in the journey between Percé and Montreal. However, if you’re not intimidated by the idea of driving for more than 10 hours, you could consider skipping it.

La Malbaie – Tadoussac

To reach Tadoussac from La Malbaie, you’ll need to take a ferry. This service is free, with departures scheduled daily, both day and night. During peak hours, a departure is scheduled every twenty minutes. The crossing takes just twenty 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. You can also take a stroll along the easy and free Pointe-de-l’Islet trail. Enjoy the view where the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River meet. This spot is perfect for observing belugas and whales that come to feed in this estuary.

Tadoussac – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

To reach Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and the Gaspé Peninsula, you’ll need to take a second ferry, this time paying for one car and all passengers. This one 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.

From Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, you can easily access the 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.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts – Gaspé

The road between Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Gaspé is one of the most beautiful in Quebec. But be sure to take the one that runs 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 sea 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 of peace for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of wildlife: seals, whales, seabirds, moose, bears… all living in harmony!

Fifty minutes from Gaspé is Percé, a small coastal village where you can admire the magnificent Percé Rock. You can also embark on a cruise to Bonaventure Island, which is home to hundreds of nesting seabirds.

Gaspé – Parc National du Bic

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. The area hosts a rich array of wildlife, including seals, white-tailed deer, and numerous seabirds, as well as many hiking trails that traverse tranquil coves and rugged cliffs. Our favourite? Le Grand Tour, lasting around three hours. It runs along the coast, between beach and coastal cliffs.

3-week itinerary

Here is the best itinerary for a three-week road trip to Quebec and the Maritime provinces: Quebec – 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 a three hour trip. It’s up to you to decide what your priorities are!

Gaspé – Bertrand

Located on the north shore of the Baie des Chaleurs, Bertrand is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, verdant landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The village offers numerous festivals and events celebrating local heritage and is also located near the Acadian Historical Village, which allows visitors to step back in time and experience the life of the Acadians from the 18th to the 20th century.

Bertrand – Shédiac

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 schedule 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.

Shediac – Charlottetown

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 there for long. After stopping to visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts and the many museums that trace Canada’s history, we head to Prince Edward Island National Park. There, stunning red sand beaches, spectacular cliffs, and unforgettable coastal landscapes await us.

It’s not only a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails, bike paths and bird-watching 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.

Charlottetown – Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park

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.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park – Fundy National Park

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 Cape Enrage, which features a nature reserve encompassing nearly 30 hectares of wetland habitats and often serves as a migratory stopover for birds. It’s an impressive observation area for amateur and experienced birdwatchers alike.

Fundy National Park – Fredericton

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!

Road trip in Canada – Itineraries in Western Canada

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.

2-Week Itinerary

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

Vancouver – Squamish

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.

Squamish – Whistler

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 favourite? Lake Alta, bordered by numerous snow-capped peaks.

Whistler – Clearwater

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 old-growth 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.

Clearwater – Jasper

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.

Jasper – Banff

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 around 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 views are just as impressive.

Banff – Kelowna

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 oenophiles. The region is renowned for its sunny climate, which is ideal for viticulture. This region is home to over 200 vineyards, producing white wines such as Chardonnay and Riesling, and 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!

3-week itinerary

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.

Vancouver – Tofino

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.

Tofino – Port Hardy

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, and its rich marine life. This area is home to numerous humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, and seals. The ferry, which takes 16 hours and is more like a cruise, is the best way to explore remote and pristine 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 typically start around 150to200 per person, while vehicles are charged between 250and500. Although these prices may seem quite high, they are much lower than those of cruises covering the same route!

Port Hardy – Prince Rupert

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.

Prince Rupert – Smithers

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. Take advantage of a brief stopover to learn more about their customs and traditions, notably in the small village of Telka or in Witset Canyon, where the Witsuwit’en often gather to fish for salmon.

Smithers – Valemount

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.

Cost of a Road Trip in Canada

Canadian Roadtrip – Flights

If you’re flying from Canada, you’ve got plenty of options! Many flights are available with Air Canada, Porter and WestJet.

To reduce the cost, use your points!

Canadian Roadtrip – Car Rental

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

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

Fortunately, it’s possible to absorb car rental prices by paying with your rewards points. We explain it all in our guide to car rental rewards programs.

For example, you can easily use your Scene+ points accumulated with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card to book a car rental via Scene+ Travel powered by Expedia, to get the best possible value for your points.

Canadian Roadtrip – Gas Prices

Interestingly, gasoline generally costs about half as much in Canada as it does in France. To determine the total cost, you can visit the Essence Canada website, which provides real-time gas prices across different regions in Canada.

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 CAD 400.

As a general rule, you’ll pay around $500 a week for a rental car on a Canadian Roadtrip. Note that it’s often cheaper to rent a car from an agency located in the city center rather than at the airport. To save even more on gas during your road trip, read our guides :

• How to save on gas prices in Canada
• Gas discounts with CIBC and Journie Rewards

Canadian Roadtrip – Insurance

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 are some details you should check in your insurance coverage, such as:

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

The best are:

Canadian Roadtrip – Bottom Line

A road trip in Canada is much more than just a journey; it’s a deep immersion into grand and varied landscapes, from the majestic Rockies to the parks of Gaspésie. Each route offers a unique experience, whether it’s through the lush Pacific forests, the picturesque villages of Quebec, or the sunny vineyards of the Okanagan. Canada unfolds at the pace of the miles travelled, offering encounters with wild nature and diverse culture. Whether it’s a fortnight or three weeks, every trip promises unforgettable memories.

Canadian Roadtrip – Frequently Asked Questions

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