Now that winter is officially over, it’s time to let loose, dons some sunglasses, and take a traditional road trip to welcome spring. There is virtually always a wah-inducing path for you to enjoy in Canada, no matter where you reside. And nothing tops off a delightful escape like doing it in a comfortable vehicle.
No matter which places you call home, here are seven incredible Canadian routes to explore in spring if you’re ready to say hello to clear skies and the open road.
1. The Thousand Islands Parkway in Toronto
You can reach Thousand Islands National Park from Toronto by taking a pleasant three-hour trip along Lake Ontario.
Thousand Islands is the ideal area for rolling down the windows and taking in the vistas as you cross the Thousand Islands Bridge. It is so named because of the more than 1,800 islands that dot the St. Lawrence River along the US border.
2. Mont-Tremblant National Park is in Montreal
Some of the best hiking trails in the province may be found in Quebec’s Park National du Mont-Tremblant, which also offers kayaking and waterfall paths. If you simply take the Trans Canada Highway north from Montreal, you can spend two hours in nature.
3. Sandbanks Provincial Park in Ottawa
A road journey from Ottawa to Sandbanks Provincial Park is ideal if you can’t wait for the warm weather.
Get a healthy dosage of vitamin D by driving south along the St. Lawrence River on the McDonald-Cartier Highway. When you get there, lie out on the plush sand, wade in the chilly shallow water, and let the wintertime memories fade.
4. Whiteshell Provincial Park in Winnipeg
Less than two hours from Winnipeg, this area of the Canadian Shield offers lush forests and glitzy sunsets, making it the ideal getaway if your car has a sunroof.
Locals advise visiting the Whiteshell River Suspension Bridge by foot, and if you’re looking for excitement, try paddling through the Caddy Lake Tunnels. Don’t worry; Caddy Lake Resort offers seasonal rentals.
5. The Sea-To-Sky Highway in Vancouver
The Sea-To-Sky Highway, which connects Greater Vancouver to Pemberton, British Columbia, offers a lot of spectacular excursions across its 377-kilometer length. Once you arrive in Pemberton, stop by Mile One Eating House for a meal. This neighborhood favorite is well-known for its West Coast chowder and Reuben sandwiches.
6. Edmonton & Calgary: Sylvan Lake
Whether you live in Edmonton or Calgary, you can enjoy a break in this popular seaside town in Alberta that is only a one- to two-hour journey from either city. Discover the charming shops, swimming holes, and breathtaking natural areas nearby.
7. Peggy’s Cove in Halifax
The famed Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is situated on its notoriously rocky shore little over an hour’s drive from Halifax. You can travel there through Prospect Road or Peggy’s Cove Road. However, the latter offers the best views of the water’s edge.
A proper meal is a necessity for every road trip. Visit Bubba Magoos for all your favorite East Coast dishes, including opulently decadent lobster mac ‘n cheese and traditional fish & chips.
