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Top 5 Canadian Road Trips

From coast to coast, Canada is filled with stunning scenery and cultural heritage. Whether you love the mountains, lakes or want to learn about the history of this diverse country, Canada has been said to be a “road-trippers dream.” Its natural attractions make it an extraordinary place to visit.

At Rice Toyota Collision Center, we enjoy sharing fun informational blogs with our readers in Greensboro, NC, so here are five road trips to consider if you're thinking about visiting Canada:

1.) Vancouver to Tofino, British Columbia

If you don’t have a lot of time, traveling from Vancouver to Tofino is a great two-day trip to consider. You can take a ferry in Horseshoe Bay on your way to Vancouver Island. When you arrive, the drive from Nanaimo to Tofino is one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia. You’ll travel along windy roads through ancient rainforests surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. MacMillan Provincial Park and Kennedy Lake Provincial Park are great spots on your way to Tofino, a town of only 2,000 people on Vancouver Island, which is becoming known as a surfing destination. Nearby, you can meet the First Nations community at Esowista.

2.) The Icefields Parkway, Alberta  

A three-day trip through the Icefields Parkway in Alberta is a spectacular experience. Travelling through wilderness, there are ancient glaciers, pristine lakes and vast valleys. During your journey, you’ll go through the heart of the Canadian Rock Mountain World Heritage Site and experience two national parks—Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity for star gazing and hear about the geology in the region during guided hikes. Don’t forget to look out for diverse wildlife!

 3.) Regina to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Interested in a few days of experiencing Western riding and learning about the Mounties? Although the prairie province has a reputation for being flat, there are opportunities during this road trip for some sports fishing and sailing as well. During your travels through Regina, you can stop at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre. In Moose Jaw, you’ll learn about the bootlegging that took place during the Prohibition era. Then take the time to visit a working cattle ranch to experience horse riding.

4.) Montréal to Gaspé Peninsula, Québec

On the Eastern side of Canada, Montréal is the largest city in Québec. Named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill in the middle of the city, Montréal has a variety of landmarks and sites to see including Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montréal and the Montréal Botanical Gardens. On your way to the popular Gaspé Peninsula, which can easily take a week if you stop along the way, you can explore local villages, fishing camps and lighthouses. In Gaspé, there are whale watching trips and bird watching opportunities that are sure to delight.

5.) The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic destinations in the world, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia has been voted as the top island to visit in the continental North America by Travel & Leisure Magazine. The journey along the coast usually takes three to five days and is filled with ocean views, forests, prehistoric rocks and one of the main highlights—the Cape Breton Highlands. Fall is considered a prime time to visit. While there, you can experience local seafood, French-influenced Acadian heritage and Celtic ancestry.

Sources: Rough Rides, AOL and Autoweek