Canada Road Trip Tips to Enjoy the Scenery Safely
You don’t have to leave the country to experience an epic trip. You don’t even need to get on a plane! Make the most of your Canadian road trip with a focus on safety, planning and the perks of travel insurance for Canada. We have all the safe road-tripping tips you’ll need in this guide.
Domestic travelling and the perks
Canada is a vast, gorgeous country with plenty to offer. Before you go, it’s important to know that your government healthcare won’t cover some expenses if you experience a medical emergency outside your province of residence. Travel insurance for Canada has everything you’ll need for travel within the country, especially as you cross provincial borders and your healthcare coverage changes.
What Canada has to offer
Canada is huge. It spans over 5,500 kilometres from East to West and over 4,600 kilometres from North to South. That means it’s 9.9 million square kilometres, second only in size to Russia. In all of that space, there’s plenty to see.
Four distinct seasons
Not all countries experience such distinct seasons as Canada. Depending on when you travel, you’ll see and experience different things. As you know, Canadian winters are intense, but they bring winter activities such as skiing, skating, snowshoeing, ice sculptures and winter camping. Spring has flowers in bloom and the reappearance of wildlife. Summer is just as intense as winter, with festivals, fairs and farmer’s markets. Then fall has some of the most beautiful moments as the leaves change and we take part in apple picking, hiking and plenty more. You might think of summer when planning a road trip, but consider other seasons for unique sights and activities you might not expect!
Wildlife
Canada is privy to multiple biomes and ecosystems. Because of this, there’s plenty of wildlife to see year-round. Some animals you might see road-tripping through Canada include bears, moose and deer in the forest, goats and cougars in the mountains and whales and puffins off the coast of Newfoundland.
Camping
There are amazing camping opportunities throughout Canada, so if you’re road-tripping, think about stopping in the wilderness instead of staying in a hotel. It doesn’t matter what season it is; in Canada, you can partake in many forms of camping: backpacking, walk-in, drive-in, yurt, canoe-in, glamping and more.
If you don’t have a tent or the weather is too chilly, you can also look for unique Air BnB or VRBO listings or try a smaller hotel or lodge off the beaten path.
Beautiful scenery
The seasons and biomes help fill Canada with various beautiful scenery. There are thick forests, snow-capped mountains, grassy plains, lakes, ocean coasts and ice fields. No matter which direction you’re headed, there’s something beautiful ahead.
Various cultures
Canada’s size also includes many forms of Canadian culture. If you drive from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, you’ll notice the way of living varies drastically. Even driving to your neighbouring province or territory will highlight changes in food, values and way of living. You can feel like you’re experiencing new things while staying in your home country.
10 Canada road trip tips
Get your ultimate road trip planning guide right here.
1. Pack mindfully
One of the best parts of travelling is picking up souvenirs—and having the space to bring them all home with you. On top of having room to shop, packing less makes travelling easier. If you can get away with the littlest amount, you’ll have less to carry and keep track of. Pack only the essentials depending on your trip. Make sure you consider the weather along your route and at your ultimate destination and carry an emergency kit with you just in case.
2. Explore
Given all of the things Canada has to offer, try to put on your exploration shoes. Road trips are the best opportunity to explore new things and travel with fewer restraints. You don’t have to make connections or get to certain events in time. Work in some unstructured time to explore your surroundings and find hidden gems.
3. Keep an eye on your gas tank
Canada has many beautiful rural roads to drive down. Part of the beauty is the seclusion and wilderness. But this means gas stations are sometimes far apart. Even if you still have half a tank, consider filling up. At the very least, know how far you have to travel before seeing another gas station so you don’t get stranded somewhere.
4. Be prepared for change
As they say, it’s inevitable. Be prepared by always having the essentials nearby: food, water, warmth and a first aid kit. In addition, use travel insurance for Canada, so you’re prepared in case of a medical emergency.
5. Prepare the kids (if applicable)
Not everyone is travelling with kids, but if you are, make the trip easier and more entertaining by packing a kid’s kit. Road trip planning is about more than just the route and destination. Pack entertainment, kid-friendly snacks and activities for your children to partake in to get involved with the trip. It’s also a good idea to plan frequent stops to stretch your legs, take a bathroom break and explore your route along the way.
6. Plan for the weather
Not only are there four different seasons in Canada, but the weather and conditions will change depending on where you’re driving. Look ahead. See what the average weather is along your route and what weather to expect. One check before your trip doesn’t suffice. Check a few times in the days ahead of your trip so you can plan accordingly.
7. Drive the right car
If you can choose from a couple of family cars, choose one that’s fuel-efficient and will have the handling capabilities needed for your trip. Canadian roads can range from dry to snowy and smooth to mountainous, so choose a vehicle that will make the drive safest.
8. Plan for distance
As the second largest country in the world, Canada has lots of space between destinations and lots of long, empty roads. While these roads are often sights to see, make sure you’ve checked your intended distance for the day so you can plan for enough stops, breaks, gas fill-ups and snacks. If you’re getting tired, take a break! It’s okay to cover less distance than planned in order to drive safely.
9. Watch out for wildlife
Watch out for animals crossing the road, especially in secluded areas, but also take breaks and look at them. Where it’s safe, you can pull over the car to watch the wildlife or stop at a rest stop to get out of the car and look around at the environment. You’ll likely spot plenty of wildlife if you respect their territory and watch from a safe distance. Be sure to BE SAFE when admiring wildlife – here are a few tips from Parks Canada for safely checking out wildlife like bears.
10. Use common sense
Lastly, stay safe by using common sense. Try not to stray too far from your vehicle or campsite, always tell someone where you are, use travel insurance for Canada to cover emergencies, follow your gut and stay away from dangerous animals or areas. Think things through when travelling through unfamiliar areas.
Be in the moment, knowing you’re protected
With these ten Canada road trip tips and travel insurance for Canada, you can experience some of the most amazing sights and animals. Whether exploring the Rockies or cruising through the Maritimes, check out what’s covered in the Canada Package Plan from Saskatchewan Blue Cross. From emergency medical expenses to support in the event of a trip interruption, experience the same great travel insurance coverage at reduced rates. We’ve got you covered so you can focus on the road ahead. Safe travels!