Is there anything better than a road trip? With so much to see no matter where you’re going and what parts of Canada you’re driving through, you’ll have many choices when it comes to what to check out along your journey. If you happen to be travelling from Toronto to Vancouver specifically, here are some must-see cities, towns and attractions to circle on your map that cover spots in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Pack your bags, fill the car with gas and get going!
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
You won’t be disappointed making a stop at the nation’s capital. There’s a lot to see in this city during any season. Walk alongside the Rideau Canal (or skate on the longest skating rink in the world, in the winter), explore the Parliament Buildings, visit the Byward Market and take in some art at the National Gallery of Canada.
Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, Canada
Located near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kakabeka Falls is a must-see. They are the second largest falls in Ontario and often referred to as the Niagara of the North. The 40-metre tall falls are open for viewing year-round and there is a boardwalk that wraps around the top of the falls, perfect for catching a glimpse of their power. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park has numerous walking and nature trails, as well as groomed cross country trails if you’re visiting in the winter.
The Forks, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Once you get to Winnipeg, Manitoba, make a point to spend time in The Forks. Located in downtown Winnipeg at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red rivers, is Winnipeg’s number one tourist attraction with more than four million visitors annually. What can you do here? Well, there are museums, events, shops, restaurants, parks and gardens to explore, making it a multifaceted attraction.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sometimes seen as an underrated part of the country and one that is overlooked, Moose Jaw is a unique town worth a visit. Float in Canada’s largest indoor mineral pool to unwind after all that driving, take an entertaining tour through the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, which are linked to bootlegging and the smuggling of Chinese immigrants, or check out some of the museums and galleries in the downtown area. And of course, you can also spot Mac the Moose who stands nearly 10 metres tall and welcomes visitors to town.
RCMP Heritage Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Is there anything more Canadian than the Mounted Police? Located in Regina, the RCMP Heritage Centre takes visitors through the history of the RCMP and how they came to be, as well as offers insight into how they work and what they do. Check out exhibits on the evolution of the force, the role horses have played in the Mounted Police and even learn about forensics and how the RCMP crack cases.
Canada Olympic Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary, Alberta is home to a fun attraction for visitors of all ages: Canada Olympic Park. Open year round, the park was the site of the XV Olympic Winter Games in 1988. No matter what time of year you visit there will always be something to do. From skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing, to mountain biking, ziplining and mini golf, you can pretend you’re on your way toward winning a gold medal.
Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Taking in the stunning scenery of Banff National Park in Alberta is a must on your cross-Canada journey. The park is the first national park established in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff National Park encompasses 6,641 square kilometres of protected wilderness areas and is where you can find spectacular Lake Louise and the town of Banff. Hike, camp, fish, shop, dine and ski your way through the park depending on what season you’ll be visiting. No matter when you go there is always something to enjoy.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
There are a ton of things to do in Vancouver, but one of the best is Stanley Park. It’s the first and largest urban park in Vancouver and one of the city’s most popular areas. The park is designated a national historic site in Canada and offers visitors a wide array of sights and activities. There are kilometres of trails to hike, numerous beaches to visit, the famous 22-kilometre Seawall, playgrounds and gardens including the VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. If you are looking for more things to do, check out our list of 25 awesome things to do in Vancouver.
Featured image: Carrie Kellenberger
