Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC

Route and Highlights of an Epic Canadian Road Trip from Kingston to Vancouver, Canada 

Anja's Canadian Road Trip – Blog Entry #4: On the Road: A Road-trip Route from Kingston, Ontario, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston to Vancouver - Embarking on a cross-Canada road trip is an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes, rich history, and hidden gems. From the limestone city of Kingston, Ontario, to the bustling west coast hub of Vancouver, British Columbia, every stop along the way offered unique adventures. Let me take you through my route, meals, and accommodations during this incredible journey – join me in this Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, Canada.

For information on how to how to plan and pack for a cross-Canada road trip, or for other essential road trip tips, see my blogs listed at the end of this article. 

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1 - Departure from Kingston, ON, to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

The journey of my cross-Canada road trip began with excitement as I left Kingston early in the morning. After a scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway, my first notable stop was the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) Reactor near Rolphton, Ontario. Although no longer operational, this historical site showcases Canada's early foray into nuclear energy.

In early afternoon, I arrived at Hit the Spot in North Bay, a cozy diner known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. Of course, I opted for poutine. This Canadian delicacy was the perfect fuel for the next leg of the journey.

That evening, given that there were no campgrounds open anywhere around, I checked in at Gateway Casinos in Sault Ste. Marie. The parking lot provided a safe place to rest and the washroom facilities in the casino provided ample amenities to freshen-up for the adventures ahead.

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 2 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON, to Kakabeka Falls, ON 

The second day of this Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, promised breathtaking views and outdoor exploration. My first scenic stop was the Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout in Lake Superior Provincial Park, where the expansive view of the lake and rugged cliffs was nothing short of awe-inspiring. I had a perfect blue-sky and sun-shine day to enjoy these picturesque views.

Adventure awaited at the Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Pictographs Coastal trail. This challenging 400-meter hike through rugged, snow-dusted terrain led to ancient Indigenous rock art overlooking calm waters. Despite the tough trail, the experience was deeply rewarding.

Continuing north, I paused to admire the iconic Wawa Goose statue in Wawa, Ontario, before pausing to reflect at the Terry Fox Memorial in Thunder Bay. This tribute to a national hero was both inspiring and humbling.

The day ended with a hike at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, where trails wind along both sides of the majestic waterfalls. That night, I stayed at Happy Land Campground, a serene site nestled near Kakabeka Falls just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Check out my  photo gallery '12 Unforgettable Campsites from a Cross-Canada Road Trip' for images of each campsite utilized during this Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC!  

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 3 - Kakabeka Falls, ON, to Onanole, MB

Starting the day with crisp morning air, I continued westward. The highlight of this leg of the Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, was visiting Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba. Exploring the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure and grasslands provided a unique glimpse into the area's natural beauty and these majestic creatures. Although I didn't catch a glimpse of any bison, evidence of their presence was found in large droppings surrounding the observation platform. Unbelievably, as I was wrapping up my exploration of the viewing platform, I felt the earth move, signaling that the bison were on the move – my cue to leave!

Later, I walked along the rocky shores of Clear Lake near my campsite, marveling at the pristine waters. Dinner at The Buffalo Bar capped off the day with local flavours and a relaxed ambiance. I spent the night at a campsite in Riding Mountain National Park, lulled to sleep by the sounds of nature.

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 4 - Onanole, MB, to Medicine Hat, AB

Day four on this Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, began with a delightful encounter with deer outside my camper van. Before leaving Onanole, I stopped at the charming Elk Roadside Park to see the iconic elk statue. 

Crossing into Saskatchewan, I visited the Muscowequan Residential School in Lestock, Saskatchewan, a solemn reminder of Canada's history. The experience was profoundly moving, offering an opportunity for reflection and learning. Located on the reserve lands of the Muscowequan First Nation, this building is Saskatchewan's last standing Residential School, a National Historic Site, and is well looked over by the members of this community. Reverently, walking within the grounds of the former Residential School building, we came across signs of spring, including numerous Easter Eggs, presumably left by the community in memorial for the many Indigenous child who perished in these facilities.

Midway through the day, I posed for photos with Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, a quirky and fun roadside attraction. That evening, I dined at On the Links, a restaurant at the Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course and RV Park, where I also spent the night in their small campground.

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 5 - Medicine Hat, AB, to Banff, AB

The fifth day of the journey was the shortest drive and took me into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The highlight was riding the Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff, Alberta. Unsurprisingly, the panoramic views from the gondola were spectacular, and walking the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson Peak offered a sense of peace, wonder, and of course, accomplishment. The air was perfectly clear, and thin, causing lots of yawns along the way. Of course, while at the top of Sulphur Mountain, I explored the gift shop, children's education area, restaurants and many other features and amenities available there.

For dinner, I enjoyed a hearty meal at Alpha Bistro at the Rocky Mountain Resort in Banff. My accommodation for the night was at Tunnel Mountain Campground A in Banff National Park, a perfect spot to soak in unobstructed serene mountain views.

Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Day 6 - Banff, AB, to Vancouver, BC

The final day of this Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, road trip began my favourite way - with a warm cup of coffee while surrounded by towering mountain peaks. As I travelled further west, I stopped at The Last Spike in Craighellachie, British Columbia. This historic site marks the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, a symbol of unity and progress.  

Arriving in Burnaby, BC, I stayed near Simon Fraser University, conveniently located for exploring Vancouver over the following days. The sense of accomplishment and excitement was overwhelming as I reached the west coast following this Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary!

Reflections on this Cross-Canada Road Trip

This epic road trip from Kingston to Vancouver was a blend of history, nature, culture, and food! Each stop added depth to the journey, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're planning a similar adventure, or just dreaming about exploring Canada, this Canadian Travel Guide and Cross-Canada Road Trip Itinerary: Kingston, ON, to Vancouver, BC, route offers endless inspiration.

Stay tuned for the next entry in my series, Anja's Canadian Road Trip - Blog Entry #5: Making Our Way Back: A Road-trip Route from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Kingston, Ontario, Canada. New sights, new adventures, and even more scenic stops!

Best Stops on a Cross-Canada Road Trip from Ontario to British Columbia Canada

 Canada Road Trip Itinerary, Travel Guide, and Highlights: A Road Trip from Kingston to Vancouver Canada

Photo credit: Emma Cahill, Jason Cahill, Anja Cahill