A contrast of landscapes awaits on this transcontinental adventure, starting with the forested lakes of Ontario, the endless fields of the Prairies, the rugged Rocky Mountains and the temperate rainforests of British Columbia. This Toronto to Vancouver road trip guide highlights the top roadside stops on the 4,400km long journey across Canada.
Provincial parks
British Columbia is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty. Like most travel destinations, however, a bit of careful planning is sure to make your trip a lot easier. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know!
Can’t choose between visiting Vancouver Island or the Canadian Rockies? You don’t have to! This two-week BC Coast and Rockies road trip route showcases both ocean and mountain regions as well as lush temperate rainforest and dry grasslands. Expect to see turquoise lakes, deep canyons, gorgeous sandy beaches, huge waterfalls and more.
Boasting as many as 41 spectacular waterfalls, Wells Gray Provincial Park is a must-see destination for waterfall chasers, nature lovers and adventure seekers everywhere. From the iconic Helmcken Falls and wide Dawson Falls to lesser-known gems, each cascade is uniquely beautiful.
Want to explore both sides of the Canadian Rockies (Alberta and British Columbia) and drive a circular road trip route? This 9/12 day route showcases some of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic sights as well as some beautiful off-the-beaten-track locations
If you have only one chance (and two weeks) to explore Western Canada, this is the road trip for you. As well as including all of the ‘must sees,’ this two week Western Canada road trip itinerary many of the contrasting landscapes that make this region so unique. Think temperate rainforest, desert and mountains, all in one road trip!
As rewarding as it is challenging, the Top of the Giant Trail offers an unique all day hiking experience in northwestern Ontario. The path ascends the ‘knees’ of the Sleeping Giant, an impressive formation of volcanic rock rising above beautiful Lake Superior, revealing wide ranging vistas of the water as well as the parks’ boreal forest and a deep natural gorge.
Mount Assiniboine is a jewel in the crown of the Canadian Rockies and a hiker’s dream. This comprehensive hiking guide will explain everything you need to know about planning a backpacking trip to this magnificent provincial park
Crossing Canada is the road trip of a lifetime, with 2000km of the journey taking place in Ontario. One of the most scenic (and direct) routes is Highway 17, part of the Trans Canada. To see the best of Ontario’s natural beauty as you travel, plan to stop at provincial parks. Here are our favourites!
The Cape Scott Trail is a 47km hiking adventure through lush rainforest, sand dunes, stunning beaches and interesting history in Cape Scott Provincial Park, at the very northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Discover everything you need to know about this spectacular multi-day hike!
There’s nothing quite like walking through a rainbow coloured field of alpine wildflowers in midsummer. Experience this yourself on the approachable Trophy Meadows Trail in Wells Gray Provincial Park. With the parking lot being situated at 1700m, most of the elevation is gained before even stepping onto the trail.
A Vancouver to Calgary road trip offers a highlights reel of BC and Alberta. This post features our top five Vancouver to Calgary road trips, including the classic Highway 1 route as well as three beyond the beaten path alternatives and our ultimate round trip itinerary.
Every year, reservations for the West Coast Trail disappear within minutes. The great news is that there are so many amazing alternative coastal BC backpacking trails to enjoy! Here are eight of the best WCT alternatives.
Hidden in the deep green valleys of Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Park is the Della Falls trail to Canada’s highest waterfall. Read about our experience and follow the guide to visit Della Falls yourself
Magnificently mountainous Okanagan Mountain Park, British Columbia, offers incredible paddling and hiking opportunities – here’s a complete guide, with campground details, trail descriptions, safety tips and more
As the largest province in Canada, Quebec hosts a wide array of wilderness from mountainous plateaus, boreal forest to rugged coastal cliffs and lowland plains. Here’s just a few of Quebec’s parks that deserve a little more attention.
If you want to truly experience the raw beauty of British Columbia, multi-day hiking is one of the best ways to do it. This post features 20+ short BC backpacking trips of 15km or less, perfect for an overnight adventure!
As North America’s largest paddle only lake, Murtle Lake offers canoeists and kayakers an unparalleled wilderness experience in British Columbia, Canada. Read abut our six day experience and then discover how to plan your own Murtle Lake trip
Wells Gray Provincial Park is a huge wilderness area in British Columbia, featuring as many as 39 spectacular waterfalls as well as pristine glacier-fed lakes, snow capped mountains and more. This post will tell you everything you need to know to plan a visit, focusing particularly on the scenic Clearwater Valley Road drive through the park and the waterfalls that make Wells Gray so unique.
The Norse equivalent of Heaven, Valhalla Provincial Park is exactly that if you like wild, beautiful natural areas with an absence of people. Here’s a complete guide to Valhalla Provincial Park including hiking trails, marine campgrounds and more