Driving across Canada is exciting and a once-in-a-lifetime road trip (or you’ll be like us and plan another cross-country road trip!). But it’s so easy to make a few common mistakes, especially if it’s your first time driving across such a large and diverse country.
To help you avoid surprises and make the most of your adventure, here are some of the biggest mistakes you’ll want to avoid when driving across Canada.
P.S. We made some of them ourselves the first time driving from Montreal to Victoria, but we’ve learned now!
1. Rushing Through Ontario, Manitoba & Saskatchewan to Get to the Rockies
Pushing through Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as fast as possible is tempting, especially if the Rockies are your main goal. But this road trip is about more than the final destination, it’s also about discovering the incredible diversity of landscapes, communities and quirky roadside attractions along the way.
Make sure to check the Cross Canada Road Trip Map, with more than 500 locations from Montreal to Victoria.
If you rush, you’ll miss out on places like:
- Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario – This stretch along the Trans-Canada Highway offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior, Canada’s inland sea. Stop at Old Woman Bay for a picnic with a stunning backdrop, or hike the Nokomis Trail for panoramic views.
- Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba – A surprising oasis of rolling hills, forests, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for bison in the park’s enclosure and take a stroll through the charming town of Wasagaming, where you’ll find cozy cafés and lakeside views.
- Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan – This lesser-known gem is one of the best places in Canada for stargazing, thanks to its designation as a Dark Sky Preserve. It’s also home to prairie dogs, bison, and some of the most unique badland landscapes in the country.
Instead of just passing through, take time to stretch your legs, explore, and appreciate what each region has to offer.
2. Driving with Less Than Half a Tank of Gas
In many parts of Canada, gas stations are few and far between—especially in Northern Ontario, along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta and some places in British Columbia. Always keep your tank at least half full to avoid running out of fuel in a remote area with limited cell service.
Running out of gas on a remote highway is no joke. In many parts of Canada, gas stations are few and far between, especially in Northern Ontario, along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, and in some mountainous areas of British Columbia.
For example:
- On Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay, you can go over 100 km without seeing a gas station. Between Thunder Bay and Kenora as well.
- The Icefields Parkway, which runs between Jasper and Lake Louise, has only one fuel stop at the Saskatchewan River Crossing. It’s pricey and only open during peak season.
To stay safe, keep your tank at least half full at all times.
3. Sticking to the Trans-Canada Highway the Entire Time
The Trans-Canada is a convenient route, but some of Canada’s best spots lie just off the main highway. For example, a detour through Southern Saskatchewan reveals ghost towns, rolling hills, and quirky small towns. Consider driving the Crowsnest Highway in Alberta and BC for a scenic alternative through the mountains.
The Trans-Canada Highway is a great route, but some of Canada’s most scenic and interesting spots lie just off the main road.
Consider these detours:
- Southern Saskatchewan – Venture off the main highway to explore ghost towns, the surreal sand dunes at the Great Sand Hills, or quirky towns.
- Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) – Instead of taking the main Trans-Canada through Alberta and BC, try this scenic alternative. It winds through the stunning Crowsnest Pass, past historic sites like the Frank Slide in Alberta, and into the lush Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, famous for its wineries and orchards.
Taking a side road might add time, but the experiences are often worth it.
4. Planning and Booking Every Single Stop Ahead of Time
It’s good to have a general plan, especially for popular places, but booking every campsite, hotel, and activity in advance can make your trip feel rushed and rigid. Some of the best road trip moments happen when you leave room for spontaneity—an unexpected detour, a recommendation from a local, or a last-minute change of plans.
That being said, if you’re travelling during the peak summer season or have your heart set on iconic spots like Banff or the ferry to Vancouver Island, it’s smart to book those key stops ahead of time.
It’s smart to book key stops, but over-planning can make your trip feel rigid. Some of the best road trip moments happen when you leave room for spontaneity like discovering a hidden waterfall, taking a scenic detour, or deciding to stay an extra night somewhere you love.
It’s also nice to be able to stay somewhere longer or cut short on a destination that you don’t really enjoy.
That being said, if you’re travelling during peak summer months, book must-do experiences in advance, such as:
- Campsites in Banff, Jasper, or Pacific Rim National Park (they sell out months ahead).
- Ferry crossings to Vancouver Island.
- Unique stays like yurts or cabins.
For everything else, keep your schedule flexible, especially during the long drive between Montreal and Banff.
5. Underestimating Driving Times
Canada is huge. Distances on a map can look reasonable but often take much longer than expected. Plus, road conditions can make travel times longer than expected.
Winding single-lane roads, construction delays, weather, and wildlife sightings can all slow you down.
- Winnipeg to Calgary looks manageable on a map, but it’s a nearly 14-hour drive, not including stops.
- Driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay takes around 15 hours, thanks to winding roads and few passing lanes.
- The Icefields Parkway might seem like a short 3-hour drive, but with all the stunning viewpoints, hikes, and wildlife sightings, it can easily turn into a full-day trip. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Alberta.
Avoid packing your itinerary too tightly, and leave plenty of time for breaks and spontaneous stops.
6. Forgetting About Time Zone Changes
When driving across Canada, you’ll cross four different time zones (more if you start in the Atlantic provinces). It’s easy to forget how this affects arrival times, especially if you have activities or ferry crossings booked. Build some buffer time into your schedule to account for these changes.
Key time zone shifts to watch for:
- Ontario to Manitoba (Eastern to Central Time)
- Manitoba to Saskatchewan (Central to Mountain Time—Saskatchewan doesn’t observe daylight savings, so this varies)
- Alberta to British Columbia (Mountain to Pacific Time)
Plan ahead so you’re not caught off guard! It’s easy to forget that this affects your schedule—especially if you’ve booked a tour, ferry, or accommodation.
7. Assuming Every Place Has Great Cell Service and Wi-Fi
Once you leave major cities, cell service can be spotty or nonexistent. This is especially true in:
- Northern Ontario (long stretches between towns)
- The Prairies (especially in rural areas)
- The Icefields Parkway (expect no service between Jasper and Lake Louise)
To avoid getting stuck without directions or entertainment, download offline maps and playlists ahead of time. Google Maps allows you to save maps for offline use, and apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS can help with navigation in remote areas.
8. Planning Only for Summer Weather
Even in the middle of summer, Canada’s weather can be unpredictable.
- In the Rockies, snow can fall any month of the year—even in July. Pack a warm jacket and gloves.
- In Northern Ontario, summer storms can roll in quickly, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
- On the West Coast, even in August, mornings can be chilly and foggy near the ocean.
Bring layers, rain gear, and a warm sweater—even if the forecast looks good.
9. Not Booking Popular Stops in Advance
This is a bit contradictory with point #4, but while I usually recommend not booking too many things in advance, sometimes you have to!
Some campsites, ferries, and popular attractions fill up fast, especially in national parks like Banff or on the ferry to Vancouver Island. If you have your heart set on specific experiences, book them well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts:
A cross-Canada road trip is an incredible adventure, but avoiding common mistakes can make thetrip even better. Take your time exploring Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewa. You’ll find some of the country’s most underrated landscapes along the way.
Keep your gas tank at least half full, don’t rely on cell service, and be prepared for unpredictable weather. While planning every detail is tempting, leaving room for flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries. At the same time, booking key experiences in advance ensures you won’t miss out on must-see spots like Banff or the Vancouver Island ferry.
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