Driving across Canada is one of those ideas that sounds fun and simple at first: just point the car in one direction and keep going. Then, you look at a map and realize just how big the country really is.
If you’re new to Canada, its sheer size can be shocking. A drive that looks manageable on Google Maps can quickly turn into a multi-day journey. So, whether you’re planning a road trip, relocating to a new province, or just curious about what crossing the Great White North actually involves, a bit of planning makes all the difference.
At Remitly, we understand what it’s like to figure things out in a new country. Our guide breaks down how long it really takes to drive across Canada and tips for planning your route.
How long does it take to drive across Canada?
In a nutshell, driving across Canada usually takes about 7 to 12 days one way—and that’s if you’re mostly driving, not turning the trip into a full sightseeing marathon.
Canada stretches roughly 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres (approximately 4,300 to 4,900 miles) from east to west. If you’re new here, it’s totally normal to underestimate just how far that actually is.
Most people stick to some portion of the Trans-Canada Highway, which runs through all ten provinces. It’s also the most straightforward way to cross the country without using too many creative detours.
Which driving pace is best for you?
What really decides how long the trip takes is how ambitious you feel behind the wheel each day.
- Fast pace (8–10 hours of driving a day): This is the “road-trip bootcamp” option. You’ll make great time and could cross the country in about 7 to 8 days.
- Moderate pace (6–7 hours a day): This is the most popular option. You’re covering solid ground, but still have time to stretch, eat something that isn’t gas-station food, and actually enjoy the evenings. At this pace, the drive usually takes around 9 to 10 days.
- Leisurely pace (4–5 hours a day): If you’re in no rush and want the journey to feel like part of the adventure, this is for you. You’ll stop earlier every day and probably add a few spontaneous detours. Expect the drive to take 11 to 12 days or more, depending on how often you make stops.
One thing to keep in mind is that these timelines are driving time only. They don’t include rest days, weather delays, construction, or the moments when you pull over because the view is too good to ignore.
East to west or west to east: does it matter?
In terms of pure distance, driving across Canada takes about the same amount of time either way. However, the direction you choose can totally change how the trip feels.
Driving east to west
Making the drive from the Atlantic provinces toward British Columbia often feels like a slow build. You ease in with coastal roads and historic cities, pass through forests and lakes, and eventually work your way up to the Rocky Mountains.
A lot of people enjoy concluding their trip with some of Canada’s most dramatic scenery—it feels like a reward at the end. Just keep in mind that mountain driving comes later, when you might already be a few long days into the journey.
Driving west to east
Starting in British Columbia means jumping straight into the Canadian Rockies. The views are incredible, but it can be a demanding way to kick things off, especially if you’re still getting used to long driving days.
As the trip progresses, the wide-open roads can feel calm and meditative for some drivers, but a bit monotonous for others.
Neither direction is better or worse. It really comes down to what kind of rhythm you prefer, whether you want to build up to the big scenic spots or enjoy them right away, and when you feel most comfortable handling longer days behind the wheel.
What really affects your daily driving time?
Even with a great route plan, how far you actually get each day can still surprise you. One of the biggest shocks for newcomers is how different long-distance driving feels here. In many parts of Canada, you’ll hit stretches of road where little happens for hours. No big towns: it’s just you, the road, and a lot of sky.
Your realistic daily driving limit
On paper, driving eight to ten hours a day sounds doable. In real life, doing that for several days in a row can be a lot.
Mental fatigue creeps in faster than you expect, reaction times slow down, and long spans of highway demand focus. For most people, seven to eight hours a day winds up being the safer, more sustainable option, especially if you’re driving solo or in a car you don’t know well.
Shorter driving days also give you more breathing room. If the weather changes, delays pop up, or you just need an extended break to unwind, you won’t feel like you’re constantly behind schedule.
Fuel and rest stops
Another thing people don’t expect is that services are spread out. Fuel stations and rest areas aren’t always where you want them to be, so you can’t always rely on spontaneous stops the way you might in more densely populated places.
In such regions, it’s smart to fuel up earlier than you think you need to and keep water and snacks within easy reach. Grocery stops in larger towns are often cheaper and more reliable than hoping that the next highway stop has what you need.
Cell service can also disappear in remote areas, so downloading offline maps ahead of time can save you a lot of unnecessary stress.
How the weather can change your timeline
In summer, conditions are usually ideal, but delays can still happen.
Wildfires can impact air quality or lead to temporary road closures, especially in western provinces. Heavy rain and sudden storms can also slow things down, particularly in mountainous areas where visibility changes quickly.
Even in warmer months, temperatures in the mountains can drop without much warning, and fog or sudden rain can make driving slower and more tiring. So, if your route takes you through the Rockies, it’s best to plan slightly shorter days.
Winter travel calls for even more flexibility. Snow, ice, road closures, and shorter daylight hours can extend your timeline significantly.
No matter the season, building buffer days into your plan makes the whole trip feel more tranquil.
Planning your route across Canada
When it comes to driving across Canada, most people end up on some part of the Trans-Canada Highway. As the country’s primary east–west route, it’s well-maintained, clearly signed, and built for long-distance travel.
That said, the highway isn’t one single road from start to finish. It has branches and plenty of opportunities to tweak your journey depending on what you want to see, who you’re visiting, or how tired you’re feeling that day. Think of it as a framework, not a strict set of instructions.
How the Trans-Canada Highway actually works
Instead of a straight line across the map, the Trans-Canada Highway connects a network of roads that run through every province. In some places, you’ll be able to choose between a faster route that skips towns or a slightly slower one that takes you closer to cities, lakes, or parks.
This flexibility is helpful, especially if you’re new to driving long distances in Canada. It means you can adjust your route as you go without feeling like you’ve gone “off track.”
A 10-day east-to-west itinerary
If you’re aiming for a moderate pace, a 10-day itinerary is a good reference point. During this trip, you’ll drive through a mix of popular Canadian cities and quieter regions.
- Halifax: A relaxed place to start, with straightforward driving days to ease you in.
- Québec City: A great early stop that breaks up the distance and gives you a chance to stretch your legs somewhere walkable and historic.
- Ottawa: The quieter capital city stop has green spaces and a slower pace than Toronto.
- Sault Ste. Marie: You can use this as a natural overnight stop before tackling the long, scenic drive through Northern Ontario.
- Thunder Bay: A key rest and resupply point after some of the longest driving days of the trip.
- Winnipeg: Make the most of this natural midpoint to reset and enjoy a proper break from the highway.
- Regina: A practical stop across the Prairies that keeps driving days manageable.
- Calgary: Where the flat roads give way to mountains, and the scenery changes fast.
- Banff or Lake Louise: Worth slowing down for, even if it means a shorter driving day.
- Vancouver: A satisfying finish line with ocean views after days of mountain and forest driving.
Budgeting for a cross-Canada drive
Planning your route and setting a budget usually go hand in hand. Costs can change quickly depending on fuel prices, accommodation choices, and how often you stop, so it helps to stay open-minded.
Many travellers budget around $150–$250 CAD per day, but that can go up or down depending on whether you camp, stay with friends, or book hotels along the way. That’s why leaving some breathing room in your budget makes it easier to handle surprise expenses.
Preparing your vehicle before you go
Before setting off, it’s worth giving your car a quick check-up. Ensuring your tires, brakes, oil, and fluids are in good condition can prevent minor issues from becoming big delays, especially if you’re driving during harsh Canadian winters.
It’s also recommended to carry a basic emergency kit, particularly for remote stretches of road. Items like a first-aid kit, blanket, jumper cables, water, and snacks don’t take much space, but they can make a big difference if plans change.
Unmissable places to see along the way
You don’t need to stop everywhere to make this drive memorable. Choosing just a few places to visit and look around can completely change how you enjoy the road trip.
Atlantic Canada
If you’re starting in the east, Halifax is an easy, low-pressure place to begin. Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, wander through Historic Properties, or stop by Point Pleasant Park for ocean views before hitting the highway.
And if you have extra time, the coastal scenery along the Cabot Trail is unforgettable. The seaside cliffs, winding roads, and lookouts over Cape Breton Highlands National Park make the stop worth it. Just keep in mind this detour adds days, not hours.
Quebec and Ontario
Québec City is a perfect early break. The streets of Old Québec, views from Dufferin Terrace, and the walk up to Château Frontenac are all easy on tired legs.
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, spots like the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, and nearby green spaces offer a calm pause before the distances really start to stretch out.
Then there’s Northern Ontario, where the drive starts to feel truly endless. Highlights include Lake Superior Provincial Park, the lookout at Ouimet Canyon, and long swathes of highway hugging the lake with dramatic views you don’t expect to see from your car window.
The Prairies
The Prairies are flatter, but far from boring. The open roads and wide skies have a calming effect that grows on you.
Winnipeg is a great place to stop and reset, with spots like The Forks and riverside paths that are easy to explore. And if you want something completely different, Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan offers rolling landscapes, wildlife sightings, and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
The Rockies and British Columbia
This is the stretch many people look forward to most. Banff and Lake Louise offer turquoise lakes, postcard-worthy views, and well-marked scenic stops that make it easy to enjoy the mountains without straying too far off route.
Nearby, Yoho National Park feels quieter but just as impressive, with highlights like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls.
Finishing in Vancouver, with its ocean views and mountain backdrop, feels like a true reward after days on the road. If you continue heading toward Vancouver Island, places like Victoria and Tofino offer a slower pace if you’re not quite ready for the trip to be over.
The road trip that turns Canada into home
Driving across Canada goes beyond covering vast distances, especially if you’re relocating. When your life is packed into the car, the journey naturally feels bigger and more personal.
On a journey like this, space, accommodation, and costs suddenly matter a lot more. Keeping essential documents close, building in flexibility, and budgeting with some breathing room can make the whole trip feel far more manageable—and like the big adventures you’re looking for.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to drive across Canada?
Summer, from June to August, is the easiest time for a cross-country trip, offering better weather and open roads. Spring and fall can be great seasons, too, just with a bit more unpredictability.
How much does it cost to drive across Canada?
It depends on how you travel, but most travellers budget around $150–$250 CAD per day. Camping or staying with friends can lower costs, while hotel rooms and frequent stops raise them.
Is it safe to drive across Canada alone?
Yes, it’s generally safe with good planning. Take regular breaks, share your route with a friend or loved one, and avoid driving at night in remote areas.
Do I need special tires to drive across Canada?
All-season tires work fine in summer. In the colder months, winter tires are essential and legally required in some provinces.