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Home » Recent posts » We conquered the ultimate Toronto to Vancouver drive! Here’s how we made the most of every mile!

We conquered the ultimate Toronto to Vancouver drive! Here’s how we made the most of every mile!

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Our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver was a wild ride! We kicked things off with big plans and a playlist of road trip anthems, but nothing could have prepared us for the unexpected. 

Like that time we pulled into a tiny diner in Rapid City where the locals were more interested in our car than our order. From accidentally getting lost (more than once) to finding hidden gems, every mile brought us something new. 

We’ve crammed this guide with the best stops, must-see spots, and the perfect route to help you plan your own cross-country adventure. Buckle up, because this road trip is going to be anything but ordinary!

Best Time to Go

The best time to go from Toronto to Vancouver is in July or August when Vancouver sees temperatures between 21ºC to 30ºC (70°F and 86°F). These months offer the warmest but still comfortable climate for travel.

However, if you’re heading to Vancouver outside of summer, the city still has a lot of things in store for you. Vancouver has art events, festivals, indoor play areas, and stunning natural scenery year-round.

Things to Know 

Have your documents prepared

Since two of our recommended routes  involve crossing into the U.S., you’ll need the proper documentation. This includes proof of citizenship and identity, such as a valid passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Keep an eye on your gas 

Gas stations are plentiful on the routes as they pass through urban areas. However, gas stations can be scarce along Lake Superior in Ontario and in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. It’s a good idea to download GasBuddy to search for gas stations along your route. 

Charge your electric car

For a trip from Toronto to Vancouver, you’ll need about 3.5 hours of charging time, costing approximately $85. We recommend using ChargeHub’s Electric Vehicle Trip Planner, which helps you locate all the available charging stations along the route.

Route 1: The Canadian Route 

Distance: 4,380 km (2,720 miles) 
Estimated Driving Time: 45 hours

  • Start on Highway 400 and merge to the Trans-Canada Highway. 
  • From there, continue on Highway 17 until it splits in Nipigon.
  • When you reach the provincial border, you’ll find yourself on Trans-Canada Highway 1. 
  • Keep driving and stay on Highway 1 until you reach Kamloops. 
  • Take Highway 5 and rejoin the Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Vancouver.

Suggested Stops

Make a Detour to Algonquin Provincial Park

Media credit: algonquin_pp

Address: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0, Canada
Website

Head north on Highway 400 until it merges with the Trans-Canada Highway outside Nobel. From there, consider a detour to Algonquin Provincial Park—it’s truly incredible.

The park is peaceful, with lakes often shared by just a few campsites. In the summer, the water is warm and calm, perfect for swimming. However, be prepared for bugs, even later in the year, especially in the evenings.

You’ll likely spot beavers, loons, ducks, turtles, and possibly a moose. The nature here is breathtaking, and with the park’s vast size, you could spend a lifetime exploring its many lakes and never run out of new spots to discover.

Stop by La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve

Media credit: missg_in_mtl

Address: 1070 3e avenue est, Val-d’Or, QC J9P 0J6, Canada
Website

The La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve is a great spot to stretch or even take a nap, with plenty of firewood and clean campsites. The landscapes are beautiful, and you can expect to see eagles, cranes, hawks, and loons almost daily. While the pickerel may be tricky to catch, the pike are more than willing to bite.

Escape to Wabakimi Provincial Park

Media credit: thomas_rowan

Address: Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Website

When you reach Thunder Bay, make sure to visit Wabakimi Provincial Park. This park is a wilderness gem, offering stunning lakes, abundant wildlife, and world-class fishing. The best part? No roads and hardly any people for miles.

Wabakimi is also renowned for its wilderness canoeing, with over 2,000 kilometers of lake and river routes, including thrilling whitewater sections. It’s an incredible spot for those seeking solitude and adventure in nature.

Walk Around the City of Winnipeg

Media credit: thecityofwinnipeg

Address: Winnipeg, BC
Website

As you travel along Trans-Canada Highway 1, you’ll pass through Winnipeg. This city is known for its unique winter experiences, vibrant arts scene, colorful festivals, and distinctive neighborhoods. It also boasts green spaces and plenty of outdoor activities.

Some of the famous attractions here are the Forks Market, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Assiniboine Park and zoo.

Discover Banff National Park

Media credit: visit.banff

Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
Website

Another must-see stop along Trans-Canada Highway 1 is Banff National Park. The landscape here is truly unique, featuring dense forests, open fields, stunning canyons, and majestic glaciers. You’ll encounter a dazzling array of wildflowers that will captivate your senses.

Banff is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, offering breathtaking hikes, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and glaciers.

Route 2: Highway 401 to Highway 99 

Distance: 4,550 km (2,826 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: 42 hours

  • Start on Highway 401 to Highway 3 where you cross into the United States. 
  • Once you’ve crossed the border, drive on I-96 and switch to I-94 west.
  • Keep driving to Gary, Indiana and then, switch to I-90 and head west.You’ll travel about 3,425 km (2,128 miles) on this interstate.
  • Once you reach Ranchester, keep driving until you reach Seattle. 
  • Next, take I-5 north to the Canadian Border where it becomes Highway 99. This will then lead you to Vancouver.

Suggested Stops

Take a Stroll along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Media credit: greatlifegreatlakes

Address: 1350 E Keating St Muskegon, MI 49442
Website

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes and you’ll come across it on both the Direct and Lake Routes since it’s located along Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

After a long drive, taking a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan is a great way to stretch your legs. It’s right along North Lake Shore Drive, so there’s a bit of traffic noise, but the refreshing breeze from the lake makes up for it.

The lake is stunningly blue, with a beach and waves you’d typically expect from the ocean rather than a lake. The calm and beauty of the place make a walk along its shores an experience you definitely don’t want to miss.

Explore the Lake Traverse Reservation

Media credit: cylie_latourell

Address: Lake Traverse Reservation, Sisseton, SD, USA
Website

Lake Traverse Reservation is located in the Northeastern part of South Dakota. Along your drive on the Direct Route, you can stop by here and explore the beautiful natural landscapes and learn about the rich culture and history of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe. 

Be sure to visit the tribal museum and support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts and artwork.

Spend a Night at Rapid City

Media credit: visitrapidcity

Address: Rapid City, South Dakota
Website

When you reach Rapid City, South Dakota, you’re halfway through your journey. This city has so much to offer, from iconic spots like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands to exploring downtown.

Rapid City is packed with attractions, including malls, museums, theaters, resorts, and a variety of restaurants. You can even check out unique places featuring dinosaurs and intriguing optical illusions!

Visit the Infamous Yellowstone National Park

Media credit: yellowstonenps

Address: Yellowstone National Park, United States
Website

When you reach Ranchester, make a key detour to visit Yellowstone National Park. Exit I-90 onto US-14 near the Wyoming-Montana border and head west toward the park.

Yellowstone offers stunning landscapes, from dramatic canyons and alpine rivers to lush forests, hot springs, and its famous geyser, Old Faithful. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope.

Check out the Kootenai National Forest

Media credit: manthamichele

Address: 31374 US-2, Libby, MT 59923, United States
Website

After your visit to Yellowstone, take US-191 north to rejoin I-90 and pass by Kootenai National Forest. This beautiful park is filled with waterfalls, pine forests, rainforests, and mountains—ideal for any outdoor activity.

Kootenai is truly a stunning place, with some of the cleanest air and water you’ll find. Watching bald eagles is an added bonus! The lush greenery is so vibrant it looks like thick, plush carpets of green, wrapping you in nature’s beauty.

Route 3: The Lake Route

Distance: 4,465 km (2,787 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: 45 hours

  • The Lake Route starts on Highway 401 then Highway 402. Then, drive to I-94 and switch to I-69, then proceed to join I-75 north. Next, head for the Mackinac Bridge.
  • Once you’ve crossed the bridge, take US-2 west then north on M-77 to Seney. Keep driving west until you reach US-2 in Wakefield. Now, drive past Floodwood, and switch to MN-200. 
  • Next, take US-10 west and once you’re in North Dakota, drive on I-94 and keep driving for 625 kilometers. Take the 211 exit to MT-200S, then MT-200 to Grass Range where you’ll merge with US-87.
  • From there, continue driving west and merge with US-89. Proceed to Browning, then rejoin US-2 and take it west to just north of Seattle. 
  • From there, head north on I-5, which becomes Highway 99 upon crossing the Canadian border, and follow it to Vancouver.

Suggested Stops

Enjoy the Views at Bridge View Park

Media credit: ashannon95

Address: W69 Boulevard Dr, St Ignace, MI 49781, United States
Website

Bridge View Park is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after crossing the Mackinac Bridge. You can enjoy great views of the bridge and watch freighters passing below. It’s an ideal stop to relax before continuing your journey downstate.

The park has a small building with information and restrooms, as well as benches to sit and unwind. Though the shoreline is rocky, you can still walk down and touch the water, making it a peaceful and scenic rest stop.

Order Some Grub at Clyde’s Drive-in 

Address: 178 US-2, St Ignace, MI 49781, United States
Website

Clyde’s Drive-In is a classic burger joint famous for its 3/4-lb. burgers, along with fries, onion rings, and shakes. It’s a great spot to grab a satisfying meal before continuing your drive.

Try the cheeseburger or bison burger baskets with fries. The coleslaw is also a must-try. The burgers come with fresh toppings, and while it’s a bit of a greasy spoon, it’s delicious in all the best ways!

Stop by Ottawa National Forest

Media credit: nowheresville_

Address: Bruce Crossing, MI 49912, United States
Website

Be sure to visit Ottawa National Forest, located between Seney and Floodwood. It’s a stunning, remote slice of forested Americana with small but beautiful mountain ranges and a lovely mix of deciduous trees. 

The fall foliage is breathtaking, and there are plenty of camping spots, though some areas are surrounded by private property.

While mosquitoes are abundant, the gorgeous lakes with dark blue water and lush greenery make the visit well worth it.

Go to the Sheyenne National Grassland

Media credit: northdakotalegendary

Address: Sheyenne National Grassland, North Dakota
Website

When you head west to Fargo, consider a detour to Sheyenne National Grassland. This area is the largest stretch of tallgrass prairie and offers a chance to experience and preserve this vital ecosystem.

Walking through the dense trees, following a rolling trail, and emerging to an open vista of sky and sweeping prairie is truly breathtaking. It’s a beautiful and serene escape into nature.

See the Glacier-Carved Peaks at Glacier National Park

Media credit: glaciernps

Address: Montana, United States
Website

As you head towards Browning, make sure to drive to Glacier National Park. Words can’t do this place justice—it’s absolutely breathtaking. Whether you start at the West or East entrance of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through the park.

Prepare to stop frequently for photos because every turn reveals another stunning view. There’s so much to take in and the air is incredibly fresh! Don’t miss the chance to take a boat cruise on one of the lakes—the icy blue water is simply gorgeous!

Apps to Download for a Trip from Toronto to Vancouver

Maps.me: free, detailed offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking
iOs | Android

GasBuddy: search for gas stations near your location, compare gas prices, and track your gas usage
iOs | Android

Vancouver Transit Live: real time schedule of Vancouver BC’s TransLink buses.
iOs | Android

GPSmyCity: Self-guided walks over 1,000 cities in Vancouver, with built-in GPS navigation functions. Works both online and offline.
iOs | Android

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