Canada is a vast country that’s blessed with many natural wonders, a rich culture, and a deep history in amazing architecture, the arts and cultural traditions. While you’ll find lots of packages for trips to different locations in the country, few would argue that a road trip represents an unrivaled experience to see the country, meet the locals, and get as close to the wilderness as possible.
And since I’m a fan of getting up close and personal with nature and making the most out of every experience, I’ve compiled a short list of some of the basics that you need to know if you are planning the perfect cross Canada road trip. This list is designed to help fellow travelers make the most of their time and ensure that their trip is more than just a drive up and down the country’s highways.
Let’s start from the beginning…
Planning Your Route
Some of the more popular routes such as the Trans-Canada Highway are pretty straightforward in that they follow a fairly direct path through the country. However great these are, if you want to fully experience the best the country has to offer by staying off the beaten track, you will need to diversify and take other roads during your journey. Natural wonders such as Niagara Falls and other popular attractions will require occasional detours from the main highways so make sure you are familiar with your route before you set out.
In addition to the roads and attractions on your route you may also want to identify resting points and accommodation. There are many options to choose from here, as most of Canada is served well by provincial camping sites and independent motels.
Length Of The Trip
Different routes will vary slightly when it comes to the length of time that it takes to get from the start point to the finish line. Having said this, on average you can expect to cover up to 400 kilometers a day at a comfortable pace so use this as a rough guide when choosing and planning the route that you’re going to take.
Important Recommendations
For a long driving trip such as this, it is always advisable to join drivers associations such as the CAA for your peace of mind in the case of breakdowns. Additionally, in order to get the best performance and reliability from your vehicle, it’s wise to get it serviced by a professional at least a week before you plan to travel. You will also need to remember to take essentials such as driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and even passports with you.
Other things you may want to consider include choosing hotels with flexible cancellation policies, and informing your bank of your possible locations so that they don’t decline your purchases while you are visiting some out of the way attractions in the wilderness! All in all, a road trip across Canada can be very rewarding if done right; I hope the above tips give you a head start in planning your journey!