Embrace the road trip, eh? Rent a car, hit the Trans-Canada Highway, and discover the best adventures hiding between the big cities.

National Parks Galore

• Banff National Park (Alberta): Turquoise lakes, rugged mountains, and endless hiking trails.
• Jasper National Park (Alberta): Stunning glaciers, wildlife galore, and star-filled skies.
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia): Surfing, rainforest walks, and whale watching.
• Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador): Dramatic fjords and unique geology.
• Yoho National Park (British Columbia): Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and jaw-dropping scenery.
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia): Coastal cliffs and the famous Cabot Trail.
• Kluane National Park (Yukon): Towering peaks and glaciers (hello, Mount Logan).
• Fundy National Park (New Brunswick): Home of the world’s highest tides and lush forests.
• Prince Edward Island National Park (PEI): Red-sand beaches and Anne of Green Gables vibes.
• Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta): Rugged meets serene, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.

City Adventures

• Vancouver (BC) — Mountains meet ocean in this cosmopolitan west-coast gem.
• Toronto (ON) — Canada’s largest city, with a bustling food scene and diverse neighborhoods.
• Montreal (QC) — European charm with a Canadian twist; think croissants and festivals galore.
• Quebec City (QC) — Cobblestone streets and old-world romance.
• Ottawa (ON) — Canada’s capital with Parliament Hill and world-class museums.
• Calgary (AB) — The gateway to the Rockies—and the Calgary Stampede!
• Victoria (BC) — Quaint harbor, English gardens, and whale watching.
• Halifax (NS) — Maritime hospitality and vibrant waterfront nightlife.
• St. John’s (NL) — Colorful row houses and a lively arts scene.
• Winnipeg (MB) — History meets hipster at The Forks and the Exchange District.

Road Trips

• Icefields Parkway (AB) — A road trip between Banff and Jasper that’s pure Rocky Mountain magic.
• Cabot Trail (NS) — Coastal cliffs, Acadian culture, and some of the best seafood on the east coast.
• Sea to Sky Highway (BC) — Vancouver to Whistler with epic ocean and mountain views.
• VIA Rail’s The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver) — A legendary train ride across five provinces—Canada’s landscapes unfold outside your window.
• Trans-Canada Highway (BC to NL) — The ultimate cross-country adventure, from Pacific beaches to Atlantic lighthouses.

Music & Festivals & Fairs

• Montreal International Jazz Festival (QC) — The world’s largest jazz fest, with acts from every genre.
• Calgary Stampede (AB) — The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth—rodeo, concerts, and cowboy hats galore.
• Quebec Winter Carnival (QC) — Ice sculptures, parades, and Bonhomme the snowman.
• Toronto International Film Festival (ON) — Celeb-spotting and red carpets—Canada’s Hollywood moment.
• Ottawa Bluesfest (ON) — A summer festival mixing blues, rock, and everything in between.

Plane, Train, Automobile

The easiest way to reach Canada is by air. Major international gateways include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver International (YVR), and Montreal Trudeau (YUL)—each with direct flights from around the world. Domestic flights connect these cities with regional airports from St. John’s to Victoria, making it easy to hop across provinces.

For those who like to slow things down, VIA Rail is your ticket to classic Canadian travel. Routes like The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver) and Ocean (Montreal to Halifax) serve up breathtaking views—Rocky Mountains, autumn foliage, endless prairies—perfect for a leaf-peeping tour or just soaking up the scenery.

Renting a car opens up the real magic of Canada’s vast landscapes. From the Icefields Parkway in Alberta to the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada is built for road trips. Just be sure to check road conditions (and wildlife warnings!) before setting out.

Cruise Ship

Canada’s coastal cities are popular cruise ports, especially during the summer and fall. Vancouver welcomes Alaska-bound ships, while Halifax and Quebec City see frequent calls from New England and transatlantic cruises. It’s a unique way to explore Canada’s maritime heritage, charming waterfronts, and even the stunning Bay of Fundy tides.