There’s a lot to see in Canada, and there’s no better way to see it than up close and personal. Taking a road trip is the best way to get up close and personal with the vast Canadian landscape. It gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want, while experiencing what you want. You could hang out at the beach, whale-watch, take a hike on a mountain, and so much more. Through ‘road tripping,’ you truly are in control of what you do. However, what you do, experience, and see depends on where you go. Some of the best road trip destinations in Canada, include:
- Icefields Parkway in Alberta
- Regina to Saskatoon in Saskatchewan
- Montréal to the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec
Vast Icefields Parkway in Alberta
Icefields Parkway in Alberta is located between Banff and Jasper, in proximity to their infamous national parks and the Rocky Mountains. The parkway’s name stems from the large Columbia Icefield, where visitors can hike on the Saskatchewan and Athabasca glaciers. It’s lined with magnificent mountains, waterfalls, and woodland wilderness, making it the perfect place to explore, take photos, or camp overnight. In fact, Jasper National Park has campsites at its “one of the world’s largest” dark sky reserves.
Comforting Prairie from Regina to Saskatoon in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s most notable prairie provinces, located right alongside the Trans-Canada Highway. For road trippers, it’s best to start in Regina and end in Saskatoon. Regina is home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre (home of the Mounties) and the famous Sunset-Retreat Ceremony. Moose Jaw is the perfect stop after visiting the Mounties in Regina. The city is known for its history of bootlegging during the 1920s (Prohibition Era) and its historical sites. After a drink in Moose Jaw, continue to Swift Current and Lake Diefenbaker. You’ll find country living and hospitality in both of these place. Finally, stop in Saskatoon to experience their buzzing nightlife.
History from Montréal to the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec
Québec is Canada’s oldest, largest province and home to some of the greatest sites in the country – starting in Montréal. Established in 1642, Montréal is one of Québec's oldest cities. Located along the St. Lawrence River, Montréal boasts some of Canada’s most beautiful historical sites, as well. Travelling along the Chemin du Roy route, you’ll find many of these sites in Neuville and Deschambault. Eventually, you’ll reach Canada’s oldest city: Québec City. Québec City also boasts beautiful historical sites, such as the Citadelle of Québec. After learning the history of Canada’s oldest city, head on to the Gaspé Peninsula. This city overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and here you can bird watch on Bonaventure Island, fish in Gaspé, or whale-watch in Percé.
These road trip destinations are great examples of all there is to see and do in Canada, but if you want to get out of the country, make sure you have the proper documents. This includes a valid, up-to-date passport. A valid passport should be current with up-to-date phone and address information and a clear passport photo. If you have some questions, such as “where to get a passport photo,” come and see us at PhotoStop in Edmonton.