How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Canada?
Thinking about a cross-country trip with your family and wondering how long it takes to drive across Canada? You’re not alone.
The idea of driving more than 5,000 kilometres along the Trans-Canada Highway might feel overwhelming, especially with kids in the back seat. But with a bit of planning, it can become one of your most memorable family adventures.
I’ve driven across Canada twice: once with my husband and kids, and once on my own with the kids. It sounds like a lot (and it was), but I’d do it again. A road trip like this gives you the flexibility to go at your own pace, explore hidden spots, and truly experience the size and beauty of the country.
👉 Ready to plan your own cross-Canada adventure?
Grab our Canada Road Trip Guide. It includes 20+ family-friendly itineraries and an interactive map with over 500 stops across the country.
Why Consider Driving Across Canada?
You might be thinking, why would any family want to drive more than 5,000 kilometres across Canada? Especially with toddlers in the car? It sounds a little wild. But we did it—from Quebec City all the way to Vancouver Island—and we’re not the only ones. Many other families have taken on the same adventure and loved it (at least, most of the time).
Driving across Canada with kids gives you something no flight can: flexibility. You get to set the pace, stop when you want, and explore small towns, parks, and roadside gems you’d otherwise fly right over. It’s a great way to see the country and connect with your family on a deeper level.
If you’re looking to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and show your kids more than just big cities or busy tourist spots, this kind of road trip can be a perfect fit.
Quick Recap: How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Canada?
If you’re short on time and just want the main facts, here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:
- How long does it take to drive across Canada?
From Montreal to Vancouver is just over 5,000 km. You’ll need at least 7 to 10 days to drive it without stopping much. Starting in the Maritimes adds another 2,000+ km. - What’s the cheapest way to travel across the country as a family?
Camping is the most budget-friendly option, especially in summer when national and provincial parks are open. - How long does it take to drive across Ontario?
Ontario alone takes about 3 full days to cross. It’s roughly 2,000 km from east to west. - What’s the best time of year to drive across Canada?
The best time is May to October. You’ll get better road conditions, more daylight, and open campgrounds and attractions.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Canada?
The Trans-Canada Highway is the world’s longest national highway, stretching 7,821 km from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland. Most families don’t drive every kilometre, so in this guide, we focus on the most popular route from Ontario to British Columbia, which covers just over 5,000 km.
That still takes time. If you’re planning a straight shot with minimal stops, the drive will take at least 7 to 10 days. But that won’t leave much time for sightseeing, meals, or breaks to stretch your legs.
We’ve done the full route and tried different versions. In the next sections, we’ll show you what’s possible in 5, 8, or 10 days depending on your pace and the ages of your kids.
📍 Don’t know where to start?
Download the Canada Road Trip Guide and map out your route with ease. Perfect for families planning a cross-country trip from Montreal to Victoria (and everywhere in between).
How Many Days Should You Plan to Drive Across Canada?
Some people manage to drive across Canada in less than a week. They cover 800 to 1,000 km per day and push through long hours on the road. That’s doable but not exactly relaxing—especially with kids.
If your goal is just to reach Western Canada quickly, it might be easier to fly to Calgary or Vancouver and rent a car or RV there. It will save time and give you more energy to enjoy the mountains and parks.
But if you want the full experience of a cross-Canada road trip, how long it takes will depend on:
- How much time you have
- How far you’re comfortable driving each day
- Who you’re travelling with
Also, just because it’s called the Trans-Canada Highway doesn’t mean it’s always fast or smooth. In places like Northern Ontario, you’ll often drive on two-lane roads with lower speed limits and few passing lanes. If you get stuck behind a transport truck, you might end up crawling at 50 km/h for an hour or more.
The same goes for Vancouver Island, where the highway is often just one lane in each direction. A short distance on the map can take much longer than you expect.
Before planning your stops, take some time to determine your travel style. Some families like to move quickly. Others prefer to drive shorter stretches and stop often. There’s no right or wrong way, just what works best for your crew.
The Shortest Time to Drive Across Canada
If you really want to get from Montreal to the Canadian Rockies as fast as possible, here’s a rough breakdown of the driving distances:
- Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie: 991 km
- Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay: 700 km
- Thunder Bay to Winnipeg: 705 km
- Winnipeg to Swift Current: 818 km
- Swift Current to Banff: 638 km
This gets you to Banff in just 5 days, but you’ll spend almost all of your time in the car. There’s not much time left for sightseeing, meals, or letting the kids run around.
It’s the most direct way to reach Western Canada, but it’s not always the most fun, especially for families.
The Quickest Way to Drive Across Canada and Still Enjoy the Trip
If you want to drive across Canada without feeling rushed but still keep things moving, here’s a route that balances driving time with a few fun stops. You’ll drive fewer kilometres each day and have time to explore some local sights along the way.
- Montreal to North Bay: 557 km
- North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie: 435 km
- Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay: 700 km
- Thunder Bay to Kenora: 492 km
- Kenora to Brandon: 432 km
- Brandon to Moose Jaw: 437 km
- Moose Jaw to Medicine Hat: 395 km
- Medicine Hat to Banff: 416 km
This version takes you 8 days from Montreal to Banff. It’s not slow, but it’s manageable for most families. You’ll still spend a lot of time on the road, but there’s room to enjoy a few stops along the way without feeling like you’re just racing to the next hotel.
The Best Itinerary for Families (With More Stops)
If you’re driving with kids, even the 8-day version might feel too tight. You’ll want more time to stop, explore, and let everyone recharge. Here’s a slower-paced itinerary that adds a few fun stops and kid-friendly breaks along the way:
- Montreal to North Bay: 557 km
- North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie: 435 km
- Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon: 410 km
- Marathon to Thunder Bay: 300 km
- Thunder Bay to Kenora: 492 km
- Kenora to Winnipeg: 209 km
- Winnipeg to Indian Head: 503 km
- Indian Head to Swift Current: 319 km
- Swift Current to Brooks (or Dinosaur Provincial Park): 329 km
- Brooks to Banff: 312 km
This route takes about 10 days, but it gives you time to see more along the way. You’ll pass through smaller towns, provincial parks, and some great playground and picnic spots. There’s less pressure to drive long distances each day, which makes the whole trip more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
Pro Tip: Best Way to Road Trip With Kids
If you’re driving across Canada with kids, the best rule is simple—stop every two hours. Plan your route with regular breaks where kids can stretch, play, or do a quick activity.
Look for playgrounds, short hikes, visitor centres, or even just a green space to run around. It helps break up the drive and keeps everyone in a better mood.
It doesn’t have to be a big attraction. Sometimes, a roadside picnic and 20 minutes at a local park is all they need to reset. Keeping things flexible makes a huge difference on long travel days.
Alternative Route: Northern Ontario or Through the USA
If you’re not in a rush, or want to avoid long stretches on the main highway, there are a couple of options to consider.
Option 1: Northern Ontario Route
Instead of heading through Sault Ste. Marie, you can take a northern detour through Timmins and Cochrane before reconnecting with the main highway in Thunder Bay.
It’s a little shorter in distance, but you’ll miss out on the scenic drive along the Great Lakes. That stretch from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay is one of the prettiest parts of the trip.
Option 2: Through the United States
You can also take a route through the northern United States. This often saves time, depending on border wait times.
One possible route:
- Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie (cross into the U.S.)
- Drive through Duluth, Minnesota and Minot, North Dakota
- Re-enter Canada near Calgary
This route follows major U.S. highways, which can be faster and less remote than parts of Northern Ontario. Just remember, you’ll need your passports, and your car insurance must cover U.S. travel.
🗺️ Make the most of your Canada road trip.
Our guide helps you plan every step, from must-see stops to travel tips for driving across Canada with kids. Get your copy and hit the road with confidence.
Some of our favourite things to see on a road trip across Canada
Driving across Canada gives you a real sense of how big and varied the country is. Every province has something different to offer, and even the Prairies have surprises if you know where to look. Here are a few of our favourite stops:
- Trail ride into Agawa Canyon near Sault Ste. Marie
- Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay for a fun, hands-on history lesson
- Lunch at The Forks in Winnipeg—food stalls, river walks, and space to relax
- Riding Mountain National Park near Brandon, Manitoba
- Qu’Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan for wide open skies and a lakeside beach stop
- Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina to meet Scotty the T-Rex
- Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta to explore real fossil beds and hoodoos
- Heritage Park in Calgary, a family-friendly historical village with rides and exhibits
- The Enchanted Forest in Revelstoke, a magical stop for younger kids
- Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria for fish and chips and floating shops
These aren’t the only places worth visiting, but they’ve been some of the most memorable for our family.
Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your Road Trip Across Canada
1. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Family
Decide early on if you’ll be using an RV, campervan, or a regular car.
RV or campervan trips can be easier for kids. You keep the same bed each night and have your own kitchen. This is great if you’re camping or staying in more remote places like Northern Ontario, where hotel options are limited.
Just remember that campgrounds in national and provincial parks book up early, sometimes as soon as January. If you go with an RV, plan your route and stops well ahead.
A regular car gives you more flexibility, especially with hotel stays. It’s easier to adjust your schedule, and you don’t need to worry about emptying tanks or hooking up at each stop.
2. Get a Roadside Assistance Membership
Whether it’s CAA, AAA, or another roadside program, it’s worth having.
Driving across Canada usually means covering 10,000 km round trip, and things can go wrong. We’ve had car trouble ourselves and were glad to have CAA. These memberships also offer discounts at hotels, restaurants, and attractions across the country.
3. Download the GoWhee App
If you’re travelling with kids, GoWhee is a great app to have.
It’s like AllTrails, but for family-friendly stops. You’ll find playgrounds, short hikes, kid-friendly restaurants, hotels, and more. It’s perfect when you need to find something nearby during a moment of panic.
4. Keep Track of Time Zone Changes
Time zones can sneak up on you during a road trip. If someone in the family is working while travelling, or if you have reservations or tours, this matters more than you’d think.
We found it tricky when crossing between Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. If it helps, set reminders or calendar alerts to update your devices when you change time zones.
5. Buy a Family Discovery Pass
If you plan to visit a few national parks or historic sites, it’s worth getting a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
The Family Pass costs $151 and is good for one year. It gives you unlimited access to all national parks and Parks Canada-managed historic sites, plus faster check-ins at park gates.
Some of our favourite sites across Canada include:
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (near Calgary)
- Fisgard Lighthouse (near Victoria)
6. Pack Snacks and Easy Meals
Eating out for every meal adds up quickly. We like to pack a cooler with snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.
Stopping for a picnic lunch—especially at a park or trail—saves money and gives the kids a chance to run around. Sometimes, a quick picnic break is more fun than sitting through another restaurant meal.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Canada?
So, how long does it take to drive across Canada? The honest answer is—it depends. You can power through in a week or take your time and stretch it into two or three. Either way, driving across Canada is an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re following the Trans-Canada Highway straight through or taking detours to explore local towns and parks, the journey itself is the adventure. You’ll see how vast and varied the country is, from lakes and mountains to prairies and coastlines.
What matters most is knowing your family’s pace and planning your stops in a way that keeps things fun, not exhausting. And if you’re planning your own Canada road trip, we’d love to hear about it!
