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Going coast-to-coast across North America is a goal of many travelers and road-trip fanatics. There are more than a few ways of making it across the continent, but here’s one way that goes the entire distance through Canada.
Travelers who enjoy spending hours on the road exploring new places and discovering locations they may never have thought about otherwise will have a great time on this two-week road trip across Canada.
Day 1 - Vancouver BC
Vancouver has all the major city comforts while being close to many stunning natural locations. Vancouver has an active theater, music, and dining scene that has brought many fantastic restaurants to the location taking advantage of the local resources. Travelers can start their road trip by exploring Vancouver.
- Must-Visit - Granville Island, Vancouver Aquarium, and Vancouver Seawall
Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
The Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean can be found in the EXchange Tower Atrium. Hydra offers quality Mediterranean dishes with a stylish Grecian feel.
- Address - 475 Howe St EXchange Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2B3 Canada
- Contact - +1 604-416-0880
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail
- Menu
Day 2 - Harrison Hot Springs then Kelowna BC
Harrison Hot Springs is just a quick drive out of Vancouver, so travelers should take a midday stop there to enjoy the hot springs and resorts. It is a small community and a great way to start the road trip off before making a late afternoon drive out to Kelowna to spend the night.
- Resort Address - 100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0
- Resort Contact - info@harrisonresort.com
- Resort Website - Link
- The Day’s Route
Days 3 and 4 - Banff AB
Partially to the long drive out to Banff, and the amount to do here, travelers should spend their third and fourth days exploring Banff. The pristine wilderness of the area draws tourists from all over. Stunning mountain slopes, hikes, and hot springs are just some draws to Banff.
- Top Hiking Trails - Tunnel Mountain, Sulphur Mountain, and Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
- The Day’s Route
Day 5 - Calgary AB
Mixing modern and pioneer charm, Calgary still holds onto many of its attributes that grew out of being the Canadian West. With incredible access to both nature and markets, Calgary is an excellent location to spend the day exploring.
- Must-Visit - Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary Stampede, and Prince's Island Park
- The Day’s Route
The Himalayan
The Himalayan provides visitors with a friendly ambiance and stunning decor as they are served savory Tibetan dishes. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and helps to provide an excellent experience.
- Address - 3218 17 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T3E 0B3 Canada
- Contact - +1 403-984-3384
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Kathmandu Veges
- Menu
Day 6 - Medicine Hat AB
Medicine Hat will be the last stop in Alberta for travelers. Here they enjoy the quiet town with some important cultural locations that surround it.
- Must-Visit - Medalta, Echodale Regional Park, and Saamis Tepee
- The Day’s Route
Medicine Hat Brewing Company
Since 1912, the Medicine Hat Brewing company has been serving lagers, ales, and stouts to the city. It was forced close during the Temperance Movement but has since, quite clearly, reopened to serve the public.
- Address - 1366 Brier Park Dr NW, Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1Z7, Canada
- Contact - +1 403-505-1260
Day 7 - Fort Qu'Appelle SK
A small but aesthetic town surrounded by waterways, Fort Qu'Appelle gives travelers a chance to unwind and enjoy what the local community provides. It could be time spent at its parks or perhaps a bit of golf. Either way, travelers will find time to relax a bit in Fort Qu'Appelle.
- Must-Visit - Echo Valley Provincial Park, Echo Ridge Golf Club, and Katepwa Point Provincial Park
- The Day’s Route
Day 8 - Winnipeg MB
Winnipeg may have been the butt of Simpson’s joke, but it is also one of Canada’s vibrant cultural centers. Having had a long history of isolation and self-sufficiency, Winnipeg has a fun tight-knit community.
- Must-Visit - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park Zoo, and The Forks Market
- The Day’s Route
Santa Ana Pizzeria and Bistro
Travelers to Winnipeg looking for food should swing over to Santa Ana Pizzeria. With a variety of pizzas and a dedicated following, those passing through Winnipeg should definitely stop by and grab a slice.
- Address - 1631 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
- Contact - +1 204-415-1440
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Mediterranean Pizza
- Menu
Day 9 and 10 Thunder Bay ON
Thunder Bay is a natural splendor on the edge of Lake Superior. With Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and many outdoor activities, visitors will be able to find much to do on land and on the water at Thunder Bay.
- Must-Visit - Fort William Historical Park, Mount McKay, and Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area
- Top Hiking Trails - Lost Mountain Loop, Boulevard Lake Loop, and The Bluffs Loop
- The Day’s Route
Day 11 - Nagagamisis Provincial Park ON
It is recommended that travelers take advantage of the campsites available at Naggamisis Provincial Park, it is absolutely worth spending a night immersed in nature. There is fresh water for swimming and bathrooms for travelers to get clean in before continuing on.
- Best Hikes - Nagagamisis Lake Paddle, Nagagamisis Time Trail, and Shaganash Trail
- The Day’s Route
Day 12 - Iroquois Falls ON
With a population of just under 5,000, Iroquois is a small town in proximity to both the Abitibi River and Lake Abitibi. Travelers passing through can take a moment to enjoy so of the natural wonder and small-town charm of the region.
- Must-Try - Pine Lake Loop, Hersey Lake Conservation Area, and the Silver Grill
- The Day’s Route
Day 13 - North Bay ON
Located on the northeastern edge of Lake Ontario, North Bay takes its name from its position on the shore of Lake Nipissing. North Bay was originally developed as a railroad center and has quite a few entertaining bits for travelers to check out.
- Most-Try - Duchesnay Falls Trails, North Bay Heritage Train and Carousel, and Burger World
- The Day’s Route
Day 14 - Montreal QC
This French-speaking city is often known as the cultural capital of Canada. Much of its architecture and old cobblestone streets speak to its European history. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will entertain travelers as they enjoy them and perhaps a local café.
- Must-Visit - Mount Royal Park, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Old Montreal
- The Day’s Route
Damas Restaurant
An upscale Syrian restaurant, Damas is located on Avenue Van Horne. Travels will be charmed but their authentic decor and refined cuisine. Damas is both modern and authentic bringing Syrian flavors to Montreal as well as those passing through.
- Address - 1201 Avenue Van Horne, Montreal, Quebec H2V 1K4 Canada
- Contact - +1 514-439-5435
- Cost - $$$$
- Must-Try - Falafel avec humus à la menthe
- Menu
Day 14 (Variant) - Quebec QC
For travelers less interested in staying two days at either Banff or Thunder Bay, they could shorten one of those two sections to one day, so they have time to hop on up to Quebec for a day before marking the end of this road trip. Quebec is more the speed of travelers who want to spend a bit more time in the city.
- Must-Try - Old Quebec, La Citadelle de Québec, and Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
- The Day’s Route
Restaurant Légende
Here, travelers can experience and reflect on the culture and history of First Nations people through their food. Inspired by historical elements, Légende pays great attention to the details and content of everything they serve.
- Address - 255, rue Saint-Paul, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 3W5 Canada
- Contact - +1 418-614-2555
- Cost - $$$$
- Menu