Overview

From one major Canadian city to another, this three-week road trip is a Canadian experience you won’t forget. You’ll skirt the great lakes of Ontario, be mezmerized by the rolling prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, gaze up in awe at the spectacular Rocky Mountains and end seaside in the city of Vancouver.
Duration
21 DAYS
Distance
5860km / 3641mi
Start / End
Toronto / Vancouver
Region
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan
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Route - 5860 km / 3641 mi

Day Location Distance Duration
01 Toronto to Sudbury 413 km / 257 mi Approx. 4 hours 15 minutes
02 Sudbury to Sault. Ste. Marie 314 km / 195 mi Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
03 --
04 Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon 411 km / 255 mi Approx. 4 hours 25 minutes
05 Marathon to Ignance 527 km / 327 mi Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes
06 Ignance to Kenora 243 km / 151 mi Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
07 --
08 Kenora to Winnipeg 209 km / 130 mi Approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
09 --
10 Winnipeg to Regina 573 km / 356 mi Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes
11 --
12 Regina, SK to Medicine Hat, AB 467 km / 290 mi Approx. 4 hours 31 minutes
13 Medicine Hat, AB to Calgary, AB 295 km / 183 mi Approx. 3 hours
14 --
15 Calgary to Banff 127 km / 79 mi Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes
16 --
17 Banff to Lake Louise 127 km / 79 mi Approx. 40 minutes
18 --
19 Lake Louise AB, to Kamloops, BC 428 km / 266 mi Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes
20 Kamloops to Vancouver 358 km / 222 mi Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes
21 --

Trip Details

Today you’re heading north from Toronto to Sudbury, Ontario. The four-hour drive on the Trans-Canada Highway will take you this city of over 150,000 people that was originally founded as a nickel mining town in the late 1800s. Just ten minutes from the heart of Sudbury is the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area – a protected green space that offers walks, hikes, bird watching and snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Today’s drive will take you to the beautiful red brick-building city of Sault. Ste. Marie, which sits just north of the US border. Visit the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and wander the pathway along the St. Mary’s River. Pop into the Art Gallery of Algoma and see the permanent collection of Group of Seven paintings or, if you’re a plane enthusiast, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a great kid-friendly museum to see how places in the north of Canada are accessed by plane.

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.

Today you’re heading north from Toronto to Sudbury, Ontario. The four-hour drive on the Trans-Canada Highway will take you to a vibrant city of over 150,000 people that was originally founded as a nickel mining town in the late 1800s. Just ten minutes from the heart of Sudbury is the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area – a protected green space that offers walks, hikes, bird watching and snow-shoeing along with cross-country skiing in the winter.

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.

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Take some time off and enjoy Kenora – 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 shoreline fish-fries, you won’t be shy for things to do in this relaxing part of the province.

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Leaving the province of Ontario today, you’ll head into the prairies with your first stop in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Visit "The Forks", a historic shopping and dining area or take a west end walking tour to taste 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.

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Welcome to Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. 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.

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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. Just southeast of Medicine Hat is Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park – worth a detour if you have the time to spare.

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.

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

As you approach Kananaskis country, keep your eyes open for Mount Yamnuska on your right-hand side. The Stoney Nakoda First Nation named the mountain Yamnuska, derived from the Stoney word “yamnathka” which means steep cliffs or “the flat faced mountain.” Arriving in Canmore, the iconic Three Sisters grandly welcomes you on the left-hand side as you enter the town. They’re known as Big Sister (Faith), Middle Sister (Charity) and Little Sister (Hope).

Following Highway 1 further west towards Banff, notice Mount Rundle, which extends over 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and overlooks both Banff and Canmore. The mountain’s neighbours include the Sundance Range, Sulphur Mountain and Goat Range.

Prior to arriving in Banff, make sure you’ve scouted out and reserved a spot for your evening stay. If you choose to overnight at Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack campground you can utilize local transit to visit downtown Banff, avoiding having to park in the town centre. Also check out our CanaDream Club app for partner deals and discounts.

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The drive from Banff to Lake Louise is short, but there is much to see on this scenic route through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Soaring mountain peaks meet the dramatically beautiful Lake Louise.

If you have some leg power, consider doing the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. It’s a relatively easy hike, about 7.2 km or 4.5 mile return trip. You’ll need about 3 to 4 hours for it. When you reach the teahouse, enjoy a cup of coffee and pie.

If hiking isn’t your thing, consider afternoon tea or a bite to eat at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located right alongside the emerald lake. For those keen to spot grizzly bears The Lake Louise Gondola is one of the best places to do so. Awe-inspiring views and breathtaking animal encounters are all but guaranteed, so don’t forget your camera. Overnight at the National Park campground in Lake Louise (make sure to reserve ahead), before spending the next day taking in Lake Louise.

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Saying goodbye to the grand and gorgeous Rocky Mountains, today you’re heading to the beautiful Okanagan badlands, ending your day 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 you check our app and take advantage of discounts available along your road trip.

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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.

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Other Itineraries in Ontario