Overview

Welcome to the great Canadian road trip where you’ll travel across Canada, from one coast to the other, along the Trans Canada Highway. This three-week journey beginning with Nova Scotia travel destinations will take you to some of Canada’s favourite cities and most celebrated small towns. From the Maritimes to the prairies, experience and celebrate the diverse Canadian landscape and world-renowned hospitality with CanaDream.
Duration
20 DAYS
Distance
5860km / 3641mi
Start / End
Halifax / Vancouver
Region
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan
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Route - 5860 km / 3641 mi

Day Location Distance Duration
01 Halifax, NS to Fredericton, NB 436 km / 271 mi Approx. 4 hours 10 minutes
02 Fredericton, NB to Quebec City, QC 591 km / 367 mi Approx. 5 hours 45 minutes
03 Quebec City, QC to Montreal, QC 256 km / 159 mi Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes
04 --
05 Montreal, QC to Ottawa, ON 198 km / 123 mi Approx. 2 hour 10 minutes
06 Ottawa, ON to Mattawa, ON 296 km / 184 mi Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes
07 Mattawa, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, ON 497 km / 309 mi Approx. 5 hour 35 minutes
08 Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Marathon, ON 411 km / 255 mi Approx. 4 hours 25 minutes
09 Marathon, ON to Ignance, ON 527 km / 327 mi Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes
10 Ignance, ON to Kenora, ON 243 km / 151 mi Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
11 --
12 Kenora, ON to Winnipeg, MB 209 km / 130 mi Approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
13 Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK 573 km / 356 mi Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes
14 Regina, SK to Medicine Hat, AB 467 km / 290 mi Approx. 4 hours 31 minutes
15 Medicine Hat, AB to Calgary, AB 295 km / 183 mi Approx. 3 hours
16 Calgary, AB to Banff, AB 127 km / 79 mi Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes
17 Banff, AB to Lake Louise, AB 57 km / 35 mi Approx. 40 minutes
18 --
19 Lake Louise, AB to Kamloops, BC 428 km / 266 mi Approx. 5 hours 10 minutes
20 Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC 358 km / 222 mi Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes
Fredericton
Day 1

Halifax, NS to Fredericton, NB

We know it’ll be hard to leave the vibrant port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia – but you have quite the adventure ahead of you and lots to see. Your first stop is Fredericton, New Brunswick.
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Ottawa River
Day 2

Fredericton, NB to Quebec City, QC

Driving north in New Brunswick you’re on your way to the Province of Quebec, landing in Quebec City. Located on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is romantic, charismatic and truly charming piece of Canada.
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Montreal
Day 3 - 4

Quebec City, QC to Montreal, QC

From one great city in the province of Quebec to the next, today you’ll arrive in Montreal where you can eat your way through historic Old Montreal and feel like you’re in Europe.
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Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Day 5

Montreal, QC to Ottawa, ON

Welcome to the capital of Canada, Ottawa, where grand Victorian architecture meets the stunning park-lined Rideau Canal.

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Mattawa
Day 6

Ottawa, ON to Mattawa, ON

Mattawa is the place where travellers from all over the world call home for sometimes just a night – and other times for weeks on end.

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Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Day 7

Mattawa, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Sandstone buildings and a 19th century Canal welcome you as you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie. This border town is home to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, world-class fishing and offers a diverse range of acitivities for the visitor.

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Lake Superior
Day 8

Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Marathon, ON

Today you’re travelling to the north shore of Lake Superior, landing in Marathon. This area is known as the heart of the Canadian Shield.

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Fall Colours in Ontario
Day 9

Marathon, ON to Ignance, ON

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance, home of the eccentric Canadian woodsman, James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat.

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Lake of the Woods
Day 10 - 11

Ignance, ON to Kenora, ON

Take a load off when you arrive in Kenora and spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful lake country either on shore or by boat.
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The Legislature, Winnipeg
Day 12

Kenora, ON to Winnipeg, MB

Leaving lake country, you’re heading to the city of Winnipeg - the beginning of your adventure across the Canadian Prairies.

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Regina, Wascana Park
Day 13

Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK

Welcome to the capital city of Saskatchewan, Regina. Visit historic churches, take a walking tour or have a picnic in Wascana Park.
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Alberta, "All Things Cowboy"
Day 14

Regina, SK to Medicine Hat, AB

The most westerly of the prairie provinces is in sight. Canada’s unofficial home of all things cowboy can be found in the province of Alberta.
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Downtown Calgary and the Calgary Tower
Day 15

Medicine Hat, AB to Calgary, AB

Welcome to Calgary, the home to the greatest outdoor show on earth, the "Calgary Stampede".

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The Three Sisters, Canmore
Day 16

Calgary, AB to Banff, AB

Leaving the city of Calgary, begin your trip by driving through rolling foothills towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

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Lake Louise
Day 17 - 18

Banff, AB to Lake Louise, AB

The short drive from Banff to Lake Louise promises big mountain landscapes and emerald-coloured lakes. Find the perfect picnic spot or take a detour to Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

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North Thompson River
Day 19

Lake Louise, AB to Kamloops, BC

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops.

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Othello Tunnels, Hope
Day 20 - 21

Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver. How will you celebrate?

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Trip Details

We know it’ll be hard to leave the vibrant port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia – but you have quite the adventure ahead of you and lots to see. Your first stop is Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Visit the historic Garrison District, located right downtown. Or visit a craft brewery, as Fredericton is home to the highest concentration of craft breweries in all of the Maritimes. If you desire some exercise, walk or hop on a bike and take advantage of the trails along the Saint John River. There’s over 90 km to explore and discover.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Driving north in New Brunswick you’re on your way to the Province of Quebec, landing in Quebec City. Located on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is romantic, charismatic and truly charming piece of Canada. Stroll the walkable, cobblestone streets of Old Québec, the only walled city north of Mexico.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an incredible array of art, food and architecture.

Be sure to check out our CanaDream App to find places to stay so you can receive discounted rates through our partners across Canada.

If you’re travelling in February, plan ahead and take part in Carnival de Quebec. Known simply as Carnival in both English and French, this is a pre-Lenten festival held every year. From a masquerade ball, to snow sculpture events and incredible maple syrup treats, visitors from all over the world attend to take part in the celebration.

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From one great city to the next, today you’ll arrive in Montreal. You can’t go wrong taking a food tour of Quebec’s largest city. If eating your way through Montreal’s famous smoked meat and poutine isn’t your thing, why not hike up Mont-Royal and getting a bird’s eye view of the city? Old Montreal is a must-visit - be sure to take a stroll along Saint-Paul Street.

Consider spending the night at Parc National des îles-de-boucherville, just 20 minutes north of the city centre. We also have lots of connections through our CanaDream App so be sure to download it and take advantage of savings on your trip.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Welcome to the capital of Canada, Ottawa, where grand Victorian architecture meets the stunning park-lined Rideau Canal.

In the centre of Ottawa is Parliament Hill, an impressive grand Victorian building. Visit the National Gallery of Canada or head to ByWard Market for specialty foods like Canadian cheese and the oh-so-famous Canadian maple syrup. The Rideau Canal is another must-see – whether winter or summer, there’s always something going on here. And, if you have an extra day to spare, consider going to Gatineau Park and camping there for the night - it’s just outside the city and across the border in Quebec. Staying Ontario side, the Wesley Clover Parks Campground in Nepean may also be a good choice.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Mattawa is the place where travellers from all over the world call home for sometimes just a night – and other times for weeks on end.

Known to host voyagers for centuries, you’ll find plenty of hospitality, home-cooked food and local secrets for your journey ahead. Check out our CanaDream app for nearby camping.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Sandstone buildings and a 19th century Canal welcome you as you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie. This border town is home to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, world-class fishing and offers a diverse range of acitivities for the visitor.

On the shore of the Great Lake Superior, and just along St. Marys River, is the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Home to world-class fishing and original Group of 7 paintings at the Art Gallery of Algoma, there’s a diverse offering of things to do and see here. Get up early and fit in a round of golf or take advantage of the walking trails before hitting the road again. Check out our CanaDream app for near-by camping.

If you're travelling during 'train' season (mid June to mid October), make sure you book a seat on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. This one-day wilderness excursion will transport you 114 miles north of the "Soo" into the heart of the Canadian Wilderness.

CanaDream Club Partners:

  • Sault Ste. Marie KOA
  • Sturgeon Falls KOA 
  • Mississagi Provincial Park 
  • Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA
     

Today you’re travelling to the north shore of Lake Superior, landing in Marathon. This area is known as the heart of the Canadian Shield.

It’s rumored the best place to capture a panoramic view of Lake Superior is from Hawk’s Ridge. The area offers four-season activities so, no matter the time of year you’re stopping in here, there’s sure to be something for you to do after a day on the road. Hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities that keep the locals busy year-round.

CanaDream Club Partners:

You’re on the move again and now entering northwestern Ontario, arriving in the town of Ignance. According to locals, a must visit while you’re here is the White Otter Castle located on White Otter Lake. It’s a three-story castle built at the turn of the century by an eccentric hermit named James Alexander “Jimmy” McQuat. He lived off the land and built his dream home – being recognized as a Canadian frontiersman. There is no road access to the castle. Check with local operators for access information.

CanaDream Club Partners:

  • Happy Land Park
  • Ojibway Provincial Park
  • Aaron Provincial Park
  • Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
  • Caliper Lake Provincial Park 
  • Thunder Bay KOA

Take a load off when you arrive in Kenora and spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful lake country either on shore or by boat.

Kenora is Ontario’s destination for boating on the incredible Lake of the Woods where there are 14,542 islands to explore. From craft brewery tours to yoga classes, farmer’s markets to having a shoreline fish-fry, you won’t be shy for things to do and places to relax in this wonderful part of the province.

CanaDream Club Partners

  • Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
  • Caliper Lake Provincial Park 

Leaving lake country, you’re heading to the city of Winnipeg - the beginning of your adventure across the Canadian Prairies.

Visit The Forks, a historic shopping and dining area, or take a west-end walking tour - tasting your way through this neighbourhood while taking in murals and scoping out the latest artist creations. Visit the Royal Canadian Mint, an incredible building that produces coins for over 70 countries, or one of Winnipeg’s museums. Include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (find out how to save on your visit here through our CanaDream Club App) or the Manitoba Museum.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Welcome to the capital city of Saskatchewan, Regina. Visit historic churches, take a walking tour or have a picnic in Wascana Park.

This small prairie city has a variety of unique neighbourhoods to visit. Take advantage of the Regina Farmers’ Market and stock up your cooler or spend some your evening on the Dewdney Strip where you can eat, drink and take in local live music after a day on the road.

CanaDream Club Partners:

The most westerly of the prairie provinces is in sight. Canada’s unofficial home of all things cowboy can be found in the province of Alberta.

Along the South Saskatchewan River in the southeast of Alberta is Medicine Hat. Check in with the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede to see if there will be any events happening while you’re in town. There may be an opportunity to take in the rodeo, a farmer’s market or free entertainment the organization offers in the summer.  Medicine Hat lays claim to having the World's tallest teepee, just a sampling of the many Canada Roadside Attractions to be seen on a cross-Canada RV road trip.  Southeast of Medicine Hat is Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park – worth a detour if you have the time to spare.


CanaDream Club Partners

  • The Tunnels of Moose Jaw 
  • La Reata Ranch

Welcome to Calgary, the home to the greatest outdoor show on earth, the "Calgary Stampede".

Formerly referred to as "Cowtown", this city of more than a million people has evolved and adopted the city slogan "Feel the Energy". With the Rocky Mountains just a stone's throw away, Calgary is the last prairie stop before you head further west on your Canadian tour. Eat your way through what’s known as 17th Ave., take in a hockey game with the local Calgary Flames or visit the Calgary Tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city and mountains.

Be sure to check out our partners with the CanaDream Club app so you can take advantage of deals and places to stay on your stopover here.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Leaving the city of Calgary, begin your trip by driving through rolling foothills towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Before you know it, you’re surrounded by towering mountains and greeted in Canmore by the iconic mountains known as the Three Sisters. Further along the highway, you’ll enter the gates of Banff National Park (where you’ll need a park pass) for your overnight stay in the Park.

Endless adventure awaits you in Banff National Park as well as fine dining, art and museums, entertainment and adventure. Banff just might be the greatest outdoor playground in Canada.

CanaDream Club Partners:

The short drive from Banff to Lake Louise promises big mountain landscapes and emerald-coloured lakes. Find the perfect picnic spot or take a detour to Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

Luxury meets adventure in Lake Louise – from relaxing at dining at the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louse to hiking the well-known Lake Agnes Teahouse and other trails. You can occupy your days surrounded by incredible beauty in every direction. And, for a bird’s eye view that doesn’t require leg power, head over to the Lake Louise Gondola to take in the breathtaking views and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife too.

CanaDream Club Partners:

  • Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift and Gondola
  • SkiBig3
  • Banff Sunshine Meadows
  • Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit 
  • Canadian Rockies Hot Springs 
  • Banff Scooter Company Ltd
     

Saying goodbye to the grand and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, head to the badlands of the Thompson Valley, arriving in the lovely city of Kamloops.

Here the north and south Thompson Rivers meet. Skiers and boarders might be interested in checking out Sun Peaks Resort – also a place to mountain bike in the summer. This vibrant community offers year-round adventure and incredible live music and entertainment.

We have loads of CanaDream Club partners along this route so make sure to check our app so you can take advantage of savings available along your route.

CanaDream Club Partners:

You’ve made it – from east to west you’ve travelled the Trans Canada Highway arriving in the stunning city of Vancouver. How will you celebrate?

Along your drive today, stop in at Spences Bridge and learn about the slide in 1905 that demolished the town prior to the Goldrush. Today the population is just 138 people. And, if you have an extra day to spare, a visit to Harrison Hot Springs is always some welcome relaxation after a long journey.

If you’re looking to stop and refuel along this leg of the journey, the town of Hope is a great place to do just that before arriving in Vancouver.

Vancouver, British Columbia’s most iconic city, is situated alongside the Pacific Ocean. There’s no limit to what you can see and do here. Since you’ve just travelled across the country, a celebration is most definitely in order. And, if you feel like a bird’s eye view of Canada, head down to Canada Place and watch FlyOver Canada for another perspective.

CanaDream Club Partners:

Other Itineraries in Nova Scotia

Start/End Halifax / Halifax
Duration 20 days
Atlantic Canada Indigenous Trail
When you visit the Atlantic Canada provinces, you won't just be seeing and feeling the beauty of nature, but also paying homage to its rich history. This land is home to the Mi'kmaq people, who have thrived here for hundreds of years, and it's also where Acadian refugees settled in the late 1800s. On this Atlantic Canada Indigenous Adventure, you'll be able to experience all. From simply exploring its scenic coastlines to experiencing its rich culture and traditions, there's no limit to how much you can enjoy it!
Learn more »
Start/End Halifax / Halifax
Duration 13 days
Grand Nova Scotia Tour
More than just a taste of Nova Scotia, our Grand Nova Scotia Tour takes you from north to south, east to west. This tour encompasses the Lighthouse and Evangeline Trails, the Glooscap Trail, the Sunrise Trail, the Ceilidh and Cabot Trails and Marine Drive to enable you to see all Nova Scotia has to offer.
Learn more »
Start/End Halifax / Halifax
Duration 12 days
Lighthouse Route
The Lighthouse Route follows Nova Scotia’s South Shore, where the past is a part of everyday life. Explore towns like Liverpool and Lunenburg while taking in majestic coastal scenery, featuring 20 lighthouses - from the dramatic beauty of the Peggy's Cove lighthouse to Yarmouth's towering Cape Forchu light. There's so much to enjoy in Nova Scotia, from lobster to history, wild ocean to marine life - all this is yours to experience in your motorhome from CanaDream RV Rentals.
Learn more »
Start/End Halifax / Halifax
Duration 25 days
UNESCO Sites in Atlantic Canada
Join us as we take you to 12 of the 13 sites forming the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor and discover what makes these sites so special. This itinerary has a leisurely pace and can be shortened should you have fewer days to explore. Please note that a northern surcharge fee is applicable for this itinerary.
Learn more »
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