A road trip across Canada is undoubtedly a bucket list worthy adventure.
Home to the longest national highway in the world, Canada is a top destination for the ultimate road trip.
The journey travels between two great oceans (three for those heading north) through mountain ranges, canyons, rainforest, prairie, forests, grassland and lakes. The contrast and vastness of the landscape here is like nothing else in the world.
The scenery isn’t the only thing in Canada that ranges in extremes, however. Winters can be bone-chillingly cold but summer is surprisingly hot.
For this reason, the months of May to October are the most popular time for road trips across Canada. But this doesn’t mean summer is the ONLY season to road trip Canada!
For the well-prepared, a winter road trip across Canada can be a less crowded, more affordable and not to mention absolutely beautiful experience. Canada is a true winter wonderland.
This post shares the best places we visited during a winter cross Canada road trip from Vancouver to Toronto. We’ve lived in Canada for 12+ years now but that 4700km trip remains particularly memorable!
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Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
Relaxing in a hot spring may well be the ultimate in Canadian winter road trip stops. There are plenty of hot springs in British Columbia but Radium is definitely one of my top choice for a soak.
One of the top reasons is location. Radium Hot Springs is right on Highway 93, a well-maintained and quieter alternative to Highway 1. The facility is open all year round (check operating hours and days first).
Radium Hot Springs is a blend of man-made and natural, with the main swimming area set into a deep, rocky canyon. On the way into the town of Radium Hot Springs, keep an eye out for the resident herd of bighorn sheep!
Marble Canyon
As mentioned, Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park is a straightforward winter drive in good weather.
Along the way, there are some great places to stretch your legs while on a winter road trip across Canada.
Formed by the convergence of two glaciers millennia ago, Marble Canyon stands as a breathtakingly deep gorge, with vivid blue waters coursing through its depths. Hikers can peer down into the canyon using a network of small bridges.
Accessible year-round, Marble Canyon is a short 35-minute (50 km) drive from Banff.
I recommend wearing microspikes to visit Marble Canyon in winter as certain sections of the trail can become slippery. Plan to allocate 45 minutes to an hour for your visit.
Johnston Canyon, Alberta
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular day hikes in the Canadian Rockies and it’s easy to see why. The trail travels into the deep canyon with very little elevation, winding alongside and above a rushing creek.
Deep pools swirl below, surrounded by ice sculptures on the walls of the canyon. At the end of the lower trail (2.2km return) is a spectacular frozen waterfall. A longer, upper trail leads to yet more dramatic icy scenes and another set of waterfalls. It’s a pretty magical place to visit.
The Johnston Canyon trail is accessible all year round. If visiting while on a winter road trip, I’d highly recommend using microspikes as the path is usually very slippery.
Banff, Alberta
While a lot of Canadian tourist destinations do close over winter, Banff is just as happening as ever. Many of Banff’s most popular attractions are open all year round and look even more beautiful with a dusting of snow.
While Banff is by no means a secret winter destination, it may surprise you just how many non-skiing activities there are in the area. Even better, there is a good mix of exciting and relaxing attractions, so you can do as much or as little as you like.
Some of my favourite winter activities in Banff are free. The Mt. Norquay Viewpoint is incredibly easy to access and offers spectacular views of the townsite and Mount Rundle. Another great viewpoint is the Surprise Corner Viewpoint, which looks over the castle-like Banff Springs Hotel.
Hiking Tunnel Mountain is also completely free, though I would recommend wearing microspikes. The 2km trail gains 300m of elevation as it ascends the slopes of this local landmark to reveal a number of beautiful viewpoints over the Bow Valley.
Parking at Lake Louise is completely free in the winter. The lake may be entirely frozen over in winter but it is still stunning to see and there are many fun activities in the local vicinity (hiking, ice skating, cross country skiing, afternoon tea at the Fairmont).
A relaxing soak in Banff Hot Springs is a great way to wind down after a day of exploring the area. As well as leaving skin incredibly soft, the hot, mineral-rich water also helps with circulation.
Moose Jaw Tunnels, Saskatchewan
Hidden below the streets of this assuming small town in Saskatchewan is a network of passageways and corridors. These tunnels date from the late 19th century and were first used for utility purposes for the nearby railway.
This network had a more sordid secondary use during the prohibition days for alcohol smuggling. Though it’s not yet been proven, Al Capone was rumoured to have had a hand in the bootlegging operations here.
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw brings all of this history to life with the theatrical ‘Chicago Connection’ tour.
We were led into the tunnels by the exuberant Miss Fanny and then taught the realities of bootlegging by Italian-American gangster Gus. It’s entertaining, interactive and a whole lot of fun.
An ideal place to get out of the winter weather for a while! Tours of the Moose Jaw Tunnels run every day of the year except Christmas Day.
We were kindly given complimentary tickets to the Chicago Connection tour by the Moose Jaw Tunnels team. Another tour called ‘Passage to Fortune’ shares the story of Chinese railway workers escaping persecution via the tunnels in the early 1900’s.
Moose Jaw Mineral Spa, Saskatchewan
Did you know that Saskatchewan has hot springs? Neither did I. The Temple Gardens Mineral Pool is the perfect place to warm up during any winter road trip across Canada.
Being only a block away from the Moose Jaw Tunnels, a visit to the mineral spa is also a great post-tour activity.
Located on the roof of a downtown hotel, the mineral spa offers a small outdoor hot pool in addition to a large indoor pool and steam room.
Soaking outside in -20c temperatures, with snow falling from above in the middle of downtown Moose Jaw had to be one of the most satisfying experiences on our winter road trip across Canada.
Planning a stay in Moose Jaw?
Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa – Stay as close as possible to the mineral pools!
Knights Inn Moose Jaw – Good value
Grant Hall Hotel – Highly rated on Booking.com
Traditional grain elevators, the Prairies
Grain elevators, particularly the older wooden style, are considered an iconic symbol of the Prairies.
Nowadays, the views from Highway 1 mainly feature the newer, circular steel monoliths all the way to the horizon.
If you’re short on time and want an up-close look at an older grain elevator on your winter road trip across Canada, stop at Virden, Souris or Deacon’s Corner (East Winnipeg) in Manitoba.
Or simply just keep an eye on the horizon! Those with more flexibility concerning route should perhaps check out the historic grain elevator rows in Warner, AB or Inglis, MB.
Kenora, Ontario
Believe it or not, there are only a few small towns along the entirety of Highway 1 from Vancouver to Toronto. Kenora is just one of a handful and was absolutely my favourite (Revelstoke in BC comes a close second).
Surrounded by hundreds (thousands!) of lakes, Kenora is the centre of cottage life and lake activity in the summer. The lakes may be almost completely frozen and covered in snow all winter but it is still a lovely place to be.
The streets are steep and narrow and the houses and main street stores are mainly brick, offering an unexpected European feel at the edge of Ontario.
For the best panoramas of the area, go for breakfast at the Clarion Inn; the restaurant is located on the 7th floor and offers lake, island and town views from every table.
Planning to book a stay in Kenora?
Clarion Inn Lakeside Conference Centre – Great waterside location
Brewer’s Inn – Highly rated on Booking.com
Kakabeka Falls, Ontario
Just to the west of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is a welcome stop in an area with few winter roadside attractions.
The 40 metre high falls (Ontario’s second highest!) cascades over cliffs into a pretty gorge. Kakabeka is located close to the highway but offers a surprisingly remote, wilderness feel.
Sometimes called the ‘Niagara of the North,’ Kakabeka is pretty impressive in both size and volume of water. The strength of the falls is so powerful that the water has cut through rock and revealed 1.6 million-year-old fossils hidden beneath.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is open all year round, with one viewing platform open during the winter (accessible via steps). Note that parking fees are required at any time of year.
More winter resources you may find helpful:
The Complete Guide to Travelling Canada in Winter
65 Cool Things to Do Across Canada in Winter
Essential Travel Tips for a Winter Road Trip in Canada
What to Wear in Canada in Winter: A Complete Guide
10 Ways to Explore Ontario’s Winter Wonderland
Snowshoeing 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Check out these recently published posts:
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!
Thanks for your details ! We were really wondering if a lot of people were doing this road trip in two weeks in winter and we found you ! Cheers
P&S
Great to hear that this helped you Paul!
Hi there,
Some friends and I care considering taking a road trip from Vancouver across to Toronto in Nov/Dec. However I’m worried about driving in the snow. We are from Australia and are a bit nervous about how dangerous it is. Is it more for people who are used to driving in snow, or is it safe enough to give it a go!?
Hi Kaitlyn!
All of my tips and advice about travelling and driving Canada in winter can be found here https://offtracktravel.ca/essential-travel-tips-winter-road-trip-in-canada/ and https://offtracktravel.ca/travelling-canada-in-winter/
Thanks for this! It was super helpful and informative 🙂 My boyfriend and I are moving back home from Calgary to Ontario this coming winter and we want to drive our car back. I am a little skeptical but I know people to it all the time. My parents have made the drive several times in the winter but they have told me stories of going into ditches in Northern Ontario, specifically Kenora. I will make sure to follow your tips when the time comes and we will definitely be taking our time that’s for sure!!!
Taking your time is so important when driving across Canada in winter definitely. I hope your journey goes well and you have some fun too!
Hi there,
I’m planning a solo road trip from Vancouver during Winter. It’s my 1st time in Canada and I have no experience in driving in snow. Planning to be in Canada for 5 days in total, with 1st and last day as flying days, Wonder which are the practical targets that I should include with the above said place? My initial thoughts were to reach Banff and Radium Hot Spring and then return to Vancouver. Do you reckon that it’s a practical route?
Hi Eddy,
Honestly, it is hard to say without knowing the weather during your trip but it does strike me as ambitious. Even in summer, driving to Radium/Banff and back in four days would be ambitious. And a lot of driving! Flying into Calgary would be more practical for these destinations. I would consider driving the Sea to Sky Highway (to Whistler) and then looping back from there, OR reaching Revelstoke and then looping back from there. There are easy to access hot springs on the latter route.
The most important advice I can give you for your trip is to make sure the rental car company gives you a vehicle with winter tires.
What a great idea! I love following your adventures and hope to see more and have some of my own!! Thanks JR and Gemma.
Thanks for leaving a comment Lynn! Good luck with your own travels 🙂