Great Canadian Road Trip

Posted on 03/30/2021 | About Canada, Canada

We all feel like we have ants in our pants…..chomping at the bit…..straining at the leash……ready to break free as soon as possible. It has been a very long and difficult year for most of us. Travel has been on pause for so long, it feels like things may never return to normal. But why worry about that? There are so many other pressing things that need attention right now. Although travel can be considered a “luxury item” in pure economic terms, in reality travel and tourism are the life blood of many regions both internationally and domestically. Not only is there a need for those that have the wanderlust to get moving, there is a need to restart the economy and support regions that rely on tourism to thrive. Domestic travel is showing promising signs of a return by summer. With this in mind, let’s bring back the Great Canadian Road Trip! When it is safe to do so, our own back yards are a great place to start.

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Banff National Park, the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fundy National Park, The Cabot Trail and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. You might want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going north to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. So……wait……maybe we should start a little closer to home and work our way out………..

Algonquin Park – Wilderness Awaits

Just 83kms north of Bancroft, Algonquin Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in Ontario. Provincial Highway 60, open year-round, passes through the southern portion and contains most of the Park's development. The Corridor is measured by distance markings from the West Gate at Km 0 to the East Gate at Km 56. The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre has world class exhibits on the Park's natural and human history, a relaxing restaurant and an excellent bookstore. A theatre presentation sums up the Park story and then takes you out to the viewing deck from where you can admire a breathtaking panorama of wild Algonquin landscape. The Algonquin Logging Museum brings to life the story of logging from the early square timber days to modern forestry management. Start your visit with a video presentation that sums up the logging history of the Algonquin area. On the easy-to-walk 1.5 km trail, a recreated Camboose Camp and a fascinating steam-powered amphibious tug called an "alligator" are among the many displays. Algonquin Art Centre is a world-class art gallery showcasing Canada’s foremost wilderness and wildlife artists.

Driving Prince Edward County - An Epicure's Delight

Ontario's Prince Edward County is world-class touring country. Just 27km from Belleville (and a free ride from Kingston on the Glenora Ferry), it's one of those places where the trip really begins once you leave the highway. The County is a wine-growing region on a large headland at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. It technically became an island a couple of centuries ago when the Murray Canal opened the lake to the Trent-Severn Waterway. It's a fast-growing haven for creative types from all over, making for an appealing mix of country charm and urban sensibilities. There are two special routes already designed for your enjoyment. You can sample fabulous local food and wines while meandering along quiet country roads on the Taste Trail. You can also visit the many artists' studios and galleries on the Arts Trail. Feel like something more active? Why not hike and picnic on the nature trails of Sandbanks Provincial Park, famous for its sand dunes and balmy beaches, available for day use and camping.

Pelee Island – A Beautiful Oasis in Lake Erie

Pelee Island is Canada’s southernmost inhabited tip and is a great getaway for birders and nature lovers – and wine lovers! It is a key stopover point for a variety migrating birds and butterflies in spring and fall. The island is a beautiful oasis in Lake Erie with friendly folks and scenic views along its coast, stunning forests, wetlands and prairies in its interior. Accessible by car ferry throughout spring, summer and fall, visitors can drive onto the ferry at Leamington or Kingsville, depending on the time of year, and drive off at Pelee Island. Be sure to visit the Pelee Island Heritage Centre, Pelee Island Winery, The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Florian Diamante Nature Reserve, and the Pelee Island Bird Observatory.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route – Water Abounds

With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000kms of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, the world’s largest freshwater beach. You could extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, made up of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River, from Toronto to Amherstburg. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls, Canada.

Lake Superior Circle Tour – Canadian Version

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and stay on the Canadian side. It’s a beautiful drive and a wonderful place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It is home to incredible scenery and interesting history. You can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. You could plan to spend a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

So much to see and do and we haven’t even left Ontario yet! Let’s hope this summer brings a renewed sense of adventure. When you are ready, our agents are here to help you plan your great escape.