Will you be driving from Ontario to BC on the ultimate road trip across Canada, and you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the planning? We’ve been there.
In August 2020, we packed our car and started this crazy road trip across Canada with our two toddlers. A road trip that would take us more than one month (one-way only), with more than 5000 km to drive.
In this post, you’ll discover an itinerary to make an amazing Canadian road trip with kids. The post includes the first part of the itinerary, from Ottawa, ON, to Victoria, BC, for a total of 4,369 km.
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GETTING READY FOR CROSS-CANADA ROAD TRIP
🧳 Pack the right gear. When traveling with kids, you’ll want to pack light (as much as you can). Having a good carry-on suitcase and packing cubes are a lifesaver. Depending on the age of your kids and the type of travel, you might be better with a kid’s carrier (perfect for adventure trips) or a travel stroller (ideal for city trips).
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your trips. The GoWhee app has unique recommendations for kid-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants. AllTrails is our app to look at trail reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.
Cross Canada Road Trip Map: Best Route from Ontario to BC
The best route to drive from Ontario to British Columbia by car travel across Canada is along the Trans Canada highway. Of course, if you have more time, it’s always a good idea to go off the beaten path (aka getting off the Trans Canada Highway) and explore the smaller communities. Here are a few maps to show you the itinerary we did.
There are more details on each leg of the Ontario to Vancouver trip drive in the sections below.
👉🏻 NOTE: If you want to explore the East Coast, check out our 14-day itinerary from Toronto (Ontario) to Halifax (Nova Scotia), where you’ll be driving into Quebec City, the Bay of Fundy and Halifax.
Driving From Ontario to BC: A 30-Day Sample Itinerary
No time to read?
Driving from Ontario to BC takes you across Canada’s vast and varied landscapes. Start in Ottawa, then head to North Bay, where you can relax at Lee Park. Next, drive to Sault Ste. Marie, and don’t miss the Big Nickel in Sudbury. From there, it’s on to Wawa, with a stop at Chippewa Falls. Terrace Bay, Thunder Bay, and the Kakabeka Falls are next. In Manitoba, explore Winnipeg‘s Human Rights Museum. Then, Saskatchewan’s open roads lead you to Regina and its Royal Museum. Alberta’s highlights include Calgary’s towers and Banff’s mountain views. In BC, Kelowna’s wineries and Vancouver’s Stanley Park await before you end with Victoria on Vancouver Island. It’s a trip full of Canadian icons from start to finish.
👉🏻 Traveling to Canada? Get your Canada Road Trip Guide for Families
Day 1: Ottawa to North Bay, a 358 km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 358 km
⭐ Main highlight: Lee Park and Shabogesic Beach in North Bay
When driving from Ontario to BC, start your day one from Ottawa. You’ll be heading North. It’s 358 kilometers to reach North Bay, the Getaway of the North. On your way, stop in Pembroke. You can also stop at Mattawa River Provincial Park for a picnic or a splash in the river.
In North Bay, you don’t want to miss Lee Park with the Getaway of the North sign. You might also want to enjoy the lake at Shabogesic Beach (which used to be named Marathon Beach).
🏨 Where to Stay in North Bay:
Homewood Suites By Hilton North Bay
Day 2: North Bay to Sault Ste-Marie, a 436-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 436 km
⭐ Main highlight: The iconic Big Nickel in Sudbury and Bootleggers Bay Beach.
From North Bay, it’s a 436-kilometer drive to arrive at Sault Ste-Maire. On your way, stop at Duchesnay Falls, Sudbury, where you can see the iconic Big Nickel, Bootleggers Bay Beach, in Algoma Mills to stretch your legs and enjoy Lake Huron before arriving in Sault Ste-Marie.
During our trip, we made a quick stop at Bruce Mines. The mine museum was sadly closed, but we walked around the marina and grabbed a coffee.
When you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, if you still have some energy, you can take a Self Guided Walking Tour of Waterfront Attractions. The kids also loved Bellevue Park.
We took an extra day in Sault Ste Marie on our second road trip across Canada. Marie to do the Agawa Canyon train ride. It was pretty cool.
🏨 Where to Stay in Sault Ste-Marie:
Microtel Inn & Suites Sault Ste. Marie
Day 3: Sault Ste-Marie to Wawa, a 227-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 227 km
⭐ Main highlight: Chippewa Falls and the Trans-Canada Highway mid-point.
The drive from Sault Ste-Marie and Wawa is about 227 km. You’ll want to stop along the way at Chippewa Falls. The waterfalls are just right next to the highway. You can see them from the car or stop in the parking lot and walk on the pedestrian bridge. It’s also where the Trans-Canada Highway mid-point is. Then, you might want to stop at the Old Woman Bay, the “Scenic High Falls,” and the big Wawa Goose statue.
Day 4: Wawa to Terrace Bay, a 260-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 260 km
⭐ Main highlight: Winnie the Pooh statue in White River and Pebble Beach in Marathon.
On this day, you’ll drive for 260 km to arrive at Terrace Bay. On your way, stop in White River to see the iconic statue of Winnie the Pooh. Then you can make a few more stops including:
- Pukaskwa National Park,
- Pebbel Beach inMarathon, and
- Mink Creek Falls.
End your day in Terrace Bay, where you can walk up the Terrace Bay Lighthouse.
🏨 Where to Stay in Terrace Bay:
Drifters Motel & Restaurant
Day 5: Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay, a 224-km drive
🚗 Driving distance: 224 km
⭐ Main highlight: Aguasabon Falls and Rainbow Falls Provincial Park.
From Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay, you’ll have to drive for 224 km. There are many stops to do, so I would recommend waking up early.
The first stop will be at Aguasabon Falls. A short 0.3-km out-and-back walk will bring you a fantastic viewpoint over the canyon. Then, you can stop at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. At the gate, you can ask for a Discovery book for the kids. It’s another short 1.8-km out-and-back hike to the falls. Make sure to stop at the bridge. The trail continues past the bridge, but you’ll want to turn around.
The Paddle-to-the-Sea kids’ playground in Nipigon is a great stop for kids to burn off some of the extra energy. Before arriving in Thunder Bay, don’t miss the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout.
Day 6 and Day 7: Enjoy Thunder Bay
After 5 consecutive days of driving, it’s time to relax a bit and enjoy Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay is a beautiful town and has plenty to offer. We recommend visiting:
- Amethyst Mine Panorama,
- Fort William Historical Park,
- Prince Arthur’s Landing,
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and
- Alexander Henry Icebreaker.
Also, make sure to stop at Hillcrest Park. There is a great natural kids’ playground. Plus, the view of the bay is beautiful.
🏨 Where to Stay in Thunder Bay:
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay
Day 8: Thunder Bay to Kenora, a 488-km drive
🚗 Driving distance: 488 km
⭐ Main highlight: Kakabeka Falls and the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge in Dryden.
Today’s a long day, with 488 km to drive from Thunder Bay to Kenora, but … it’s your last day driving in Ontario (almost).
Stop at Kakabeka Falls, just outside of Thunder Bay. Then, you can grab a quick coffee at The Beaver Post in Upsala. The Kinsmen Park kids’ playground nearby is also a fun stop. Plus, there is a nice nature trail with interpretive signs about fire lookouts and fire safety.
Don’t miss the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge in Dryden. In Kenora, check out Husky the Muskie or enjoy Norman Park beach and playground. Or book a Kenora and Winnipeg: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour here.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kenora:
Super 8 by Wyndham Kenora
Day 9: Kenora to Winnipeg, a 210-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 210 km
⭐ Main highlight: Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Centre of Canada Park.
There are 210 kilometers separating Kenora from Winnipeg.
A little after the Ontario-Manitoba crossing, you’ll enter the Whiteshell area. I highly recommend spending a few hours in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. There are a few hiking opportunities. But it’s also nice to simply enjoy the lake and the sandy beach.
Then, you’ll want to stop at the Centre of Canada Park. It’s the center point of Canada. There is a parking lot and some picnic tables.
🏨 Where to Stay in Winnipeg:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Winnipeg
Day 10 and Day 11: Explore Winnipeg
Winnipeg is a great city to explore with kids. On your first day, you’ll want to visit a few places:
- Human Rights Museum,
- Asisboine Zoo & Park (Don’t miss the Winnie the Pooh museum),
- Mennonite Heritage Village, and
- The Forks.
On the second day, you can drive to Lake Winnipeg to discover the Icelandic and Viking heritage around Gimli. Or you can visit Saint Boniface, Winnipeg’s French Quarter, and FortWhyte Alive, a lovely outdoor area.
➡️ Explore and book your Winnipeg Tours here!
Day 12: Winnipeg to Regina, a 573-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 573 km
⭐ Main highlight: Delta Beach in Brandon and the Swinging Bridge in Wolseley.
It’s a long driving day in the Prairies, with more than 570 kilometers. On your way to Regina, enjoy the beach at Delta Beach in Brandon and walk on the Swinging Bridge in Wolseley. You can also make a stop at the Bell Barn in Indian Head.
🏨 Where to Stay in Regina:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Regina
Day 13: Explore Regina
Regina is a fun city to enjoy. Most attractions are located near the Wascana Center. Don’t miss:
- the Royal Saskatchewan Museum,
- the Wascana Center,
- and the RCMP Heritage Center.
You can end the day at the Sandra Schirler Leisure Center playground and water park.
Day 14: Regina to Maple Creek, a 380-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 380 km
⭐ Main highlight: Tunnels of Moose Jaw and Chaplin Lake.
This 380-km driving day will be your last one before hitting Alberta. You’ll want to make a few stops:
- A tour of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw in Moose Jaw,
- Chaplin Lake, where you can see salted lakes,
- and Doc’s Town Heritage Village in Swift Current.
🏨 Where to Stay in Maple Creek:
Cobble Creek Lodge
Day 15: Maple Creek to Brooks, a 209-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 380 km
⭐ Main highlight: Tunnels of Moose Jaw and Chaplin Lake.
Today, you’ll be entering Alberta. On your way to Brooks, there are many stops you can make:
- explore the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, at the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta
- the World’s Tallest Teepee in Medicine Hat, and
- the Brooks Aqueduct.
🏨 Where to Stay in Brooks:
Heritage Inn & Suites – Brooks
Day 16: Dinosaurs Provincial Park
Spend the entire day exploring the Canadian Badlands at Dinosaurs Provincial Park. There are five short hikes to choose from and an excellent little museum. If your kids love dinosaurs, it’s a great place to go. Plus, the landscape is so unique.
I really recommend going on a guided hike. That way, you can see unique dinosaur fossils like the one above.
📝 NOTE: If you have an extra day or two, drive to Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of the World. There are many things to do in Drumheller with your kids as well.
Day 17: Brooks to Banff, a 314-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 314 km
⭐ Main highlight: Calgary Tower and Policeman’s Creek boardwalk in Canmore.
From Brooks to Banff, you’ll drive for 314 kilometers. Try to leave early so you can spend some time in Calgary (don’t miss the Calgary Tower, Stephen’s Avenue, and Bowness Park), but drive to Banff in Daylight to admire the views. Stop in Canmore to walk downtown and maybe do the Policeman’s Creek boardwalk, one of the easiest hikes in Kananaskis, before heading to Banff.
🏨 Where to Stay in Banff:
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Day 18, Day 19, and Day 20: Explore Banff National Park
You can easily spend a week in Banff National Park, but three days will give you plenty of time to do some hiking and discover the beautiful park. With kids, do the following:
- Upper Banff hot springs,
- Johnston Canyon hike,
- Johnson Lake hike,
- Bow Falls,
- Cave & Basin National Historic Site,
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Garden of Time, …
🚀 Looking For More Things to Do in Banff with Kids? Add this item to your list! Or Check out this 2 days Fun Banff Itinerary with kids here!
Then, spend one entire day driving along the Icefields Parkway. It’s a 230 km drive from Lake Louise to Jasper. If you have extra time, spend a few days in Jasper. Otherwise, you can drive through the Icefields Parkway and turn around after visiting the Columbia Icefield glacier.
➡️ Here is a 7-day sample itinerary for a road trip from Calgary to Jasper.
Day 21: Banff to Revelstoke, a 283-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 283 km
⭐ Main highlight: The drive through Yoho National Park and the natural beauty of Emerald Lake.
This is a wonderful drive where you’ll drive through 4 National Parks: Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, and Mt. Revelstoke National Park. On your way, stop at the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, Golden BC, and the Giant Cedars boardwalk trail.
🏨 Where to Stay in Revelstoke:
Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke
Day 22: Explore Revelstoke
In Revelstoke, you’ll want to go to Revelstoke Mountain Resort and ride the Pipe Mountain Coaster and the Aerial Adventure Park. Then, you can enjoy the water at Lake Williamson.
Day 23: Revelstoke to Kelowna, a 198-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 198 km
⭐ Main highlight: Enchanted Forest and the Malaka suspension bridge
From Revelstoke to Kelowna, you’ll have to drive for 198 kilometers. On the way, stop at the Enchanted Forest and Malaka suspension bridge in Sicamous.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kelowna:
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites – Kelowna
Day 24: Explore Kelowna
Kelowna is in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. You’ll want to visit a family-friendly winery, enjoy the Okanagan Lake, say Hi! to Ogopoyo, and visit the Kangaroo Farm.
Looking for the Best Things to Do in Kelowna With Kids? Add this item to your list! or Book your Kelowna Tours here!
Day 25: Kelowna to Vancouver, a 390-km Drive
🚗 Driving distance: 389 km
⭐ Main highlight: The scenic Coquihalla Highway and the Othello Tunnels near Hope.
Only 390 km left on this ultimate Canadian road trip before reaching the West Coast. On your way to Vancouver, you’ll want to stop in Merritt, Coquihalla Canyon, Alexandra Bridge, Clayburn Village in Abbotsford, the 1001 Steps in Surrey, and Fort Langley National Historic Site.
🏨 Where to Stay in Vancouver:
Hampton Inn & Suites, by Hilton – Vancouver Downtown
Day 26 and Day 27: Vancouver
With two days in Vancouver, you can explore downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Kitsilano Beach, and Granville Island. Then, on your second day, you can drive to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Or if you’re planning to go back for a vacation in Vancouver, check out this 3 days Vancouver Itinerary, perfect for a family.
➡️ Explore and Book your Vancouver Tours here!
Day 28: Vancouver to Victoria
You’ll need to take the ferry to reach Victoria on Vancouver Island. The ferry takes about 3h-3h30. You should book your ticket in advance if possible (if traveling during the busy season).
The port in Victoria is a 45 drive outside of the city. On your way downtown, you can stop in Sidney-by-the-Sea.
If you have time in the late afternoon, wander around downtown Victoria. But there are so many things to do.
🏨 Where to Stay in Victoria:
Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour
Day 29 and Day 30: Explore Victoria
Start your day with a hike at Mount Douglas. Then, relax by the ocean at Cadboro-Gyro Park (there’s a nice kids’ playground). After lunch, visit Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site and end your day at the Fisherman’s Whaft.
Looking for Fun Things to Do in Victoria with Family? Include this item to your list! or Book your Victoria Tours here!
F.A.Q Ontario to BC Road Trip
How long to drive from Ottawa to Vancouver through Canada?
Driving from Ottawa to Vancouver through Canada is a total of 4363 km, of 43+ hours of driving non stop. I would take approximately:
- 5 days if you drive more than 1000 km per day
- 6 to 7 days if you drive more than 700 km per day
- 9 days if you drive more than 500 km per day
- 17 to 18 days if you drive approximately 250 km per day
How long does it take to drive to BC from Ontario?
Ontario to British Columbia by car for a non-stop drive can range from approximately 43 hours, depending on each starting and ending point. Please note that this estimate is based on ideal driving conditions and does not include rest stops, traffic, or road conditions, which can affect travel time.
How long does it take to drive across Ontario?
It depends on the route taken and the driver’s speed, but it would take approximately 24 hours to drive (nonstop) across Ontario.
Final Thoughts: Driving from Ontario to BC – A Cross Canada Road Trip Itinerary
The great thing about cross-country road trips is that you can tailor the journey to suit your interests and curiosities by adding stops, detours, and side trips.
To plan your own Ontario to British Columbia drive:
- take some time to research destinations of interest,
- create a realistic timeline and budget for the trip, and
- enjoy every unique twist and turn along the way.
There’s nothing like embracing Canada’s spectacular topography while exploring this country from one coast to another! So what are you waiting for?
Get in the car and go down the highway; driving from Ontario to BC will be an experience like no other.
Related Articles
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- Driving Across Canada Tips
- Banff in Winter: Activities To Do With The Family
- The ULTIMATE Northern Ontario Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.