There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with your favourite person and watching the landscape transform from bustling cityscapes to wide open prairies to snow-capped peaks. If you’re looking for the ultimate Canadian adventure, a road trip from Toronto all the way to Banff National Park (and even a little into British Columbia) is a bucket-list worthy journey you’ll never forget.
This guide is based on our very own road trip itinerary: every stop, every scenic lookout, and every cozy cabin stay. Whether you want to copy this day-by-day or just pull inspiration for your own adventure, here’s how to plan the perfect cross-Canada road trip from the GTA to the Rockies.
WHAT TO KNOW FIRST
how long is the drive?
If you’re driving straight through, the trip from Toronto to Banff is about 35 hours of driving time. But the beauty of this journey is in the stops along the way.
Our itinerary stretched over 10+ days, with time to camp, hike, explore small towns, and of course, enjoy Banff itself. About three of those days was us driving there, and the rest was arriving and adventuring around!
THE ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
toronto to banff & beyond
Here’s exactly how we broke down our trip, plus a few extra recommendations along the way.
Day 1: Toronto → Pukaskwa National Park
Driving time: ~11.5 hours
Stops: ~1.5 hours
Ideal departure: around 6:00 a.m.
The first big push of your road trip starts early. If you leave the GTA around 6:00 a.m., you’ll have a full day of driving balanced with some quirky roadside stops that make the adventure feel like more than just highway time.
Stop 1: Sudbury (~4 hrs from GTA)
Your first stretch lands you in Sudbury, home to the iconic Big Nickel — the first of many giant roadside attractions you’ll encounter on this cross-country drive. Snap a photo, stretch your legs, and get ready for more scenic highway miles.
Stop 2: Sault Ste. Marie (~3.5 hrs from Sudbury)
From Sudbury, the drive continues to Sault Ste. Marie, where a perfect pit stop is Thomson Farms Cider & Winery (4057 Third Line W, Sault Ste. Marie, ON). This charming farm-style cidery has a welcoming patio, refreshing cider flights, and fruit wines; a dreamy way to break up the drive.
It’s the kind of stop that makes the trip feel like a true exploration of Canada instead of just a long haul.
Stop 3: Wawa (~2.5 hrs from Sault Ste. Marie)
The stretch between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa is breathtaking, with glimpses of Lake Superior along the way. Once in Wawa, don’t miss the Wawa Goose, a giant roadside statue that’s equal parts kitschy and Canadian. It’s practically a rite of passage to get a picture here.
Final Leg: Pukaskwa National Park (~2 hrs 15 mins from Wawa)
Your first day ends at Pukaskwa National Park, where you’ll set up for the night at Hattie Cove Campground. You’ll likely roll in around 8:00 p.m., so if you can, aim to arrive a little earlier to set up camp while there’s still light.
The campground is less commercial and not heavily lit, but it’s easy to navigate and has a lively atmosphere. Tents, RVs, or car camping are all welcome. Campsites are first-come, first-served, with designated check-in and check-out times.
After more than 11 hours of driving, there’s nothing like falling asleep under the stars surrounded by the rugged beauty of Lake Superior.
Day 2: Pukaskwa National Park → Winnipeg, Manitoba
Driving time: ~10.5 hour
Stops: ~1.5 hours
Time zone change: Sets clock back one hour
After breaking camp at Hattie Cove Campground, hit the road early for a long but scenic drive across Ontario toward Manitoba.
Stop 1: Rossport, Ontario (~1.5 hours from Pukaskwa)
This tiny lakeside town on Lake Superior is a serene spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. Pack a picnic breakfast or lunch, or simply take a moment to breathe in the fresh lake air and snap some photos.
Stop 2: Eagle Canyon Adventures, Dorian (~1.5 hours from Rossport)
Eagle Canyon Adventures is the Lake Superior Circle Tour’s top tourist attraction and adds a bit of an adrenaline rush to your drive on day two. It’s home to two of Canada’s longest suspension footbridges, there’s a 300′ one and a 600′ one! For a more relaxing visit, there’s hiking trails, picnic areas & scenic vistas, too.
They’re open seven days a week from 10am – 6pm May 15 to October 15.
Stop 3: Thunder Bay (<1 hour from Dorian)
Stretch your legs at the Terry Fox National Historic Person Plaque, set on a gentle hill with a great view. Thunder Bay also offers stores and amenities if you need a quick snack, refuel, or restroom break.
Stop 4: Kenora (~5.5 hours from Thunder Bay)
Take the classic roadside photo with Husky the Muskie in Kenora, a playful Canadian landmark that’s perfect for your road trip photo album.
Final stretch: Winnipeg (~2.5 hours from Kenora, accounting for time change)
Arrive in Winnipeg and settle into your stay. We stayed in an Airbnb near the University of Manitoba which is no longer listed online unfortunately, but there’s a number of places to stay in the central area to make for a quick night’s rest including: Inn at the Forks, The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, Humphry Inn & Suites, Fairmont Winnipeg, and more.
Day 3: Winnipeg → Medicine Hat, Alberta
Driving time: ~10.5 hours
Stops: ~1.5 hours
Time zone change: Sets clock back one more hour (final change for the trip)
Start your day with breakfast at the Red Top Drive Inn in Winnipeg, a classic old-school spot with a nostalgic vibe.
Take a short detour to see the Winnipeg sign and enjoy the Art Lawn at The Forks – it’s a quick but photogenic stop.
The drive continuing west along the Trans-Canada Highway is long and flat, but there are several worthwhile stops along the way.
Stop 1: Wolseley, Saskatchewan (~5 hours from Winnipeg)
Stretch your legs at A1 Pizza (SK-1, Wolseley), a highway-side pizza shop. While it may not be gourmet, it’s a fun roadside stop and the first food option for miles. Bonus: it marks your time zone change going back one hour.
Stop 2: Indian Head, Saskatchewan (~20 minutes from Wolseley)
Indian Head is a town in southeast Saskatchewan, Canada, 69 kilometres east of Regina on the Trans-Canada Highway. It “had its beginnings in 1882 as the first settlers, mainly of Scottish origin, pushed into the area in advance of the railroad, most travelling by ox-cart from Brandon.”
It’s also home to the giant roadside sculpture of a chief’s head, a unique photo-op. The statue is located at the corner of highways 1 and 56 in Indian Head.
The Canadian TV show, Little Mosque on the Prairie, was also filmed in Indian Head, Saskatchewan as a fun fact!
Stop 3: Regina, Saskatchewan (~1 hour from Indian Head)
Stop to admire the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and its beautiful surrounding gardens. For a quick and hearty snack, check out Coney Island Poutine, known for its carnival-style food and huge variety of poutines (over 20!).
Stop 4: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (~45 minutes from Regina)
Another fun roadside attraction awaits: Mac the Moose, a massive and quirky statue perfect for a memorable photo and near a couple of gas stations and hotels if you want to end your journey here for the day.
Hotels right in this traveller’s plaza includes Best Western Plus Moose Jaw, Quality Inn & Suites, and Ramada by Wyndham Moose Jaw.
Final stretch: Medicine Hat, Alberta (~4 hours from Moose Jaw)
We continued driving, though, and ended our day late at the Flamingo Hotel (formerly Quality Inn Medicine Hat), a comfortable and convenient spot with check-in available until midnight—perfect for late arrivals after a full day of driving. Rest up here and get ready for your journey to Banff the next day.
Day 4: Medicine Hat → Banff National Park
Driving time: ~4.5 hours
Stops: ~0.5 hours
Start your morning in Medicine Hat with breakfast at the hotel, or if you prefer a local café vibe, check out Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery or Station Coffee Co. before hitting the road.
Stop 1: Saamis Tepee, Medicine Hat (~5 mins from hotel)
Just a six-minute drive from either café is the Saamis Tepee, the world’s largest teepee. The Saamis Tepee was originally constructed for the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. Each of the 10 masts feature a large storyboard depicting aspects of native culture and history.
Below the Saamis Tepee in scenic Seven Persons coulee lays the Saamis Archaeological Site, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Northern Plains. The area was once a buffalo camp and meat processing site, and experts believe over 83 million artifacts are buried at the site.
The Saamis Tepee is located on the Trans-Canada Highway next to Tourism Medicine Hat. The main masts of the tepee measure 215 feet (the same as a 20 story building!) and the diameter is 160 feet, with a foundation weight of 800 metric tons.
Stop 2: Dinosaur Provincial Park (~1.5 hours from Medicine Hat)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Dinosaur Provincial Park features stunning badlands, fossil sites, and scenic trails. You can explore the park on foot, or opt to stay at the campground if you want a nature-immersed overnight experience.
From Dinosaur Provincial Park, continue the drive ~3.5 hours to Banff National Park, passing through Calgary’s outskirts and scenic lake plazas.
If you’d like to break up the drive, Calgary offers plenty of quick stops for coffee, shopping, or snacks.
Arrival: Tunnel Mountain Campsite (Village 1), Banff National Park
This welcoming campsite is ideal for beginners or travellers who prefer a more accessible Banff camping experience over backcountry camping.
The campsite feels almost like a cozy little suburb nestled in the woods, with trails and exploration opportunities right on your doorstep.
After setting up camp, take some time to wander around and soak in the natural beauty before your Banff adventures begin.
Days 5–6: Banff National Park Adventures
While based at Tunnel Mountain Campsite, you can tailor your itinerary depending on how active you want to be, but here’s a full itinerary based on our experience:
Lake Louise (~45 min from Banff campground and a half to full day activity)
Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most iconic turquoise lakes. Early morning arrival (before 8 a.m.) is recommended to secure parking. Once there, you can check out Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, book canoes to explore the waters, to prepare yourself to tackle on of the local hikes.
While in Lake Louise, we set off to do the Plain of Six Glaciers hike all the way to the historic Tea House. This moderate-to-strenuous hike leads you to the cutie tea house, where you can enjoy a snack (like chili or chocolate cake) with unparalleled scenery and lots of places to catch a breath.
On the way back down from that hike, we actually headed back up a detour to continue to Lake Agnes and then hike up to the Little Beehive lookout for panoramic vistas. This extension adds about four to six hours to your hike but rewards you with some of the best viewpoints in the Rockies.
This is truly an all-day date idea, and you’ll be wanting ice for your feet, and a seat at a patio with a stiff drink after this one.
Jasper National Park (~3 hr one way, full day activity)
If you’re up for a longer day, drive to Jasper National Park to see Athabasca Falls and more natural wonders. Round trip from Banff takes about five and a half to six hours, leaving time to return for dinner in Banff and a night out on Banff Avenue.
Yoho National Park (~42 min from Banff)
Another quick scenic option is Yoho National Park Of Canada, just across the British Columbia border but actually pretty close to Banff. It offers stunning scenery, diverse activities, and a more secluded experience compared to the more crowded Banff National Park. Whether you enjoy hiking, sightseeing, or simply immersing yourself in nature, Yoho has something to offer.
Days 6-7: Downtown Banff
After a few days of camping, take a night to stay in downtown Banff. There are so many hotels, inns, lodges, and locally-owned vacation rentals to immerse yourself in the mountain life.
Nearby/on Banff Ave:
- Banff Sign – a must-stop photo opportunity on the way into town.
- Rose & Crown – restaurant and bar ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner with patio views.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – explore the iconic hotel and take in its architecture.
- Banff Avenue Brewing – local craft beer stop.
- PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar – enjoy cocktails with a mountain twist.
- Cascade of Time Garden – a little oasis just minutes walking distance from downtown Banff. It’s the perfect place to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds of Banff Avenue.
Sulphur Mountain & Banff Gondola (~10 min from Banff Ave)
Drive a short distance to the base of Sulphur Mountain and take the Banff Gondola to the summit. The mountaintop offers interactive learning areas, a gift shop, and scenic restaurants like the Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen.
Banff Hot Springs (~10 min from Banff Ave)
At the base of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the Banff Upper Hot Springs, one of Banff National Park’s greatest traditions. 100% natural mineral water is flowing so you can relax in the outdoor pool among the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains is a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886.
Side Quest: Pop Over to Spillimacheen, BC (adds one night)
If you have an extra day or just want a little detour off the main Banff road trip route, consider driving just over the border into Spillimacheen, BC. It’s about a two hour drive from Banff, and the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning, though signal can be spotty in parts.
The drive will mostly be taking you through Kootenay National Park, passing through stunning mountain vistas and forested landscapes, ideal for quick photo stops where it’s safe to do so.
We drove directly to our row of valley cabins and spent a night truly relaxing porch-style.
the stay
We found a charming cabin Airbnb in the valley between Jubilee Mountain and ‘The Judge’. This is an out of the way resort, although it is not far from both Radium Hot Springs and Golden B.C.
The cabin can be found online (here: Rustic Mountain Cabin) and is part of a group that has six cabins on the host’s property. This details gives you a sense of community in what would be an otherwise remote and solitary area; with accommodations pretty close together in an adult summer camp-feel.
If you hang out on the porch of your cabin, the property’s cat just might come say hi with a friendly meow!
Nearby, you can explore Jubilee Mountain Recreation Site, Lower Bugaboo Falls, hikes and trails at Brisco Falls, and more.
This side quest is a great way to add a little extra adventure to your Banff trip, especially if you’re looking to combine camping with a unique mountain cabin experience. You can easily do this as a one-night detour before returning to Banff or continuing on your journey.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From the charming small towns of Ontario, to the prairie vistas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, all the way to the majestic peaks of Alberta and the hidden gems of British Columbia, this road trip is a true Canadian adventure.
This is the kind of trip that’s perfect for couples looking to reconnect, friends seeking adventure, or anyone who loves discovering Canada one kilometre at a time. Pack your snacks, roll down the windows, and let the open road lead you to unforgettable experiences; from the shores of Lake Superior to the turquoise lakes of the Rockies.
No matter where your journey ends, you’ll return home with stories, photos, and memories that last a lifetime. So buckle up, hit the highway, and make this Canadian road trip your next great adventure.
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