6 of the best road trips in Canada to take now

Let Canada’s winding roads and open highways deliver you to awe-inspiring destinations.

Larger than Australia with a landscape as equally as diverse, Canada is one of the best road-tripping destinations in the world. Whether you embark on an epic west-to-east itinerary, want to scout out Nova Scotia’s top seafood experiences or head into the wilds of British Columbia in winter, here are six routes to get you dreaming – and planning.

British Columbia ski road trip

Distance: Approx. 1,330km (17 hours)

As lift ticket prices at Aussie ski resorts continue to climb, a snowy road trip in Canada becomes ever more appealing – and it’s easier than you think. You can hire a 4WD with snow tyres from Vancouver International Airport and be at Whistler Blackcomb in two hours. You’ll want around five days here to get familiar with the main ski trails and restaurants before making your way to Sun Peaks Resort for a European-style experience.

Sunburst chair over the exhibition run at Sun Peaks ski resort, Canada — Make your way to the Sun Peaks ski resort.

There are two ways to get to Sun Peaks; you can go north-east via BC-99 highway or you can return south to Vancouver and follow the BC-5 through Kamloops. The northern route can get hairy in winter and is subject to close, so it’s best to head south again. Stop overnight in either the university town of Abbotsford or the quiet community of Chilliwack.

Silverstar ski resort at Dusk. Ski resorts of the Okanagan. Top ski destinations in Canada — SilverStar Mountain Resort is a family favourite.

After another week of skiing, make your way to nearby SilverStar Mountain Resort, a family favourite thanks to its colourful village. Complete your ski loop by returning to Vancouver, or, if you have time, check out Big White Ski Resort.

Big White ski resort. Ski resorts of the Okanagan. Top ski destinations in Canada — Complete your ski loop by checking out Big White Ski Resort.

When to go:

January and February are ideal for snowfall, but March is also good if you want smaller resort crowds and less-intimidating road conditions. For more tips, read our guide to skiing in Canada.

Hot tip:

Pay for the extra car insurance so you’re covered if (likely, when) gravel or ice hits your windscreen and chips it.

Pair of skis sitting upright in a snow bank at the top of a chairlift next to a wooden ski-run sign. Taken at Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia, Canada — January and February are ideal for snowfall, but March is also good if you want smaller crowds.

The Canadian Rockies

Distance: 415km one way (5 hours)

If you’ve ever dreamed about road-tripping in Canada, it’s highly likely you’ve been wowed by the beauty of The Icefields Parkway, between Banff and Jasper national parks. This 230-kilometre stretch of road in Alberta slices through a breathtakingly beautiful valley of thick forest and pretty lakes, with a backdrop of soaring mountains. Be sure to take your time and appreciate the landscape. The Icefields is the last leg of your road trip; you’ll be starting in Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway.

A Spring evening view of Icefields Parkway extending towards Bow Lake, with BowCrow Peak, Crowfoot Glacier and Crowfoot Mountain rising high behind, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada — Be sure to take your time and appreciate the landscape on your visit to the Icefields.

Make the cool outdoorsy town of Canmore your first stop, then head onto Banff and Lake Louise. If you’re there in winter, there are three ski resorts in the Banff area and ice-skating behind Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The mountain town of Jasper will mark the end or turnaround point in your journey. Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve, home to Marmot Basin ski resort and offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Sunset light just hitting the top of the Three Sister peaks near Canmore, Alberta, Canada — Make the cool outdoorsy town of Canmore your first stop.

When to go:

This trip is perfect any time of year. If you’re into mountain biking, canoeing and hiking, visit in summer; if you’d rather ski then you’re looking at December to April/May.

Hot tip:

If you see a moose or bear on the side of The Icefields Parkway, do not leave your vehicle to get a photo. It’s a big tourist faux pas and can get you into big trouble.

Riding road bicycles on the Legacy Trail in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. — If you’re into mountain biking, canoeing and hiking, visit in summer.

Nova Scotia road trip

Distance: 759km loop (9 hours)

For travellers keen to see a different side of Canada – literally and culturally – put Nova Scotia on your list. The province is a lot smaller, which makes it easy to cover a lot of ground.

Cape Rouge in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia lies on the Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail is a majestic gem within the National Parks system of Canada — For travellers keen to see a different side of Canada, put Nova Scotia on your list.

Start in the capital of Halifax and check out the harbour restaurants and museums. Then make your way to the ruggedly romantic fishing village of Peggys Cove and its lighthouse. Then, travel the main highway, the NS-103, and set your sights on Lunenburg. This fishing town is famous for lobster and there’s plenty on the menus at cafes and restaurants. It also oozes small-town charm, so you’ll want to spend a couple of days here, at least.

Afterwards, meander along the southern coastline, stopping into places such as Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Royal. Cap off your trip with a pick-your-own-lobster lunch at Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and later a tour of Luckett Vineyards in Wolfville.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse under blue summer sky. Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. Day and Night Series. — Peggy’s Cove and its lighthouse is quite romantic.

When to go:

Spring is a great time to tour Nova Scotia, as many restaurants and businesses close in winter but are ready to welcome back visitors once the weather warms up.

Hot tip:

Go for a tour of Lunenburg’s Ironworks Distillery, where rum, vodka, whisky and more are made in the former blacksmith’s shop.

A low altitude aerial view of the Halifax skyline and waterfront in late evening — Start in the capital of Halifax and check out the harbour restaurants and museums.

Manitoba road trip

Distance: 267km (3 hours)

In the heart of Canada is Manitoba, an unassuming and little discovered province that’s bound to impress Australians. From the culturally hip hub of Winnipeg in the south to the Arctic tundra of the north and boreal forests and grasslands in between, there is plenty to see here.

The landmark Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg — Manitoba is in the heart of Canada.

Spend a few days getting to know Winnipeg’s craft beer, art and museum scene, before hitting Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16), headed for Riding Mountain National Park. The park is only 270 kilometres north-west of “the ‘Peg", making it a great, short option for families. This is where you can come to see bison, moose, elk, black bears and even wolves. You can also explore the park while fat biking, kayaking or hiking, and stay overnight in an oTENTik.

Clear Lake landscape in Riding Mountain National Park Manitoba Canada. — There is plenty to see in Manitoba, like the Riding Mountain National Park.

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When to go:

It’s open year-round but some shops and restaurants close during winter. If you want to swim, visit between May and October.

Hot tip:

Stop in Neepawa to check out Farmery Estate Brewery, where your passengers can try a Manitoba Maple Lager and you can grab some for later.

Two adult polar bears stand together in snowy Arctic tundra setting as the sun rises over the northern Canadian landscape. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada — You may see some bears in Manitoba.

Across Canada by car

Distance: 5,900km (59 hours)

Yearning for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Then print off a map and start planning an epic road trip from Vancouver, British Columbia, in the west to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, in the east. The time of year and how much you want to stop will determine how long you take to do this one, but I’d say six months will allow you to get to know this special country.

A long exposure of the calm ocean around a rock formation on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia — Go east to visit Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

Must-visit stops include Whistler and Golden in BC; Banff National Park in Alberta; Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in Saskatchewan; Churchill in Manitoba (leave the car in Winnipeg and get the train); Ottawa in Ontario; Montreal in Quebec; the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick; Prince Edward Island; and Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. And that’s just to start.

View of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada from the sea — Plan a visit to Prince Edward Island.

When to go:

Make the trip in Canada’s fall or spring to avoid serious snow conditions and highway closures.

Hot tip:

Be sure to venture away from the main tourist centres and stop in small towns to discover Canada without other Aussies.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

6 of the best road trips in Canada to take now

Let Canada’s winding roads and open highways deliver you to awe-inspiring destinations.

British Columbia ski road trip

Distance: Approx. 1,330km (17 hours)

When to go:

Hot tip:

The Canadian Rockies

Distance: 415km one way (5 hours)

When to go:

Hot tip:

Nova Scotia road trip

Distance: 759km loop (9 hours)

When to go:

Hot tip:

Manitoba road trip

Distance: 267km (3 hours)

When to go:

Hot tip:

Across Canada by car

Distance: 5,900km (59 hours)

When to go:

Hot tip:

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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

1. Easy access to good food

2. Better sleep options

3. More ways to move

4. Better connections

5. Location is everything

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