Best Travel Routes In Canada For Foreigners 2025

The Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the ultimate road trip route for foreigners looking to experience the vast and diverse beauty of Canada. Spanning over 7,800 kilokilometres860 miles) from the west coast of British Columbia to the easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador, this highway is one of the longest continuous road systems in the world. It connects all ten provinces, making it an ideal travel route for those who want to witness Canada’s incredible landscapes, from towering mountains and dense forests to bustling cities and charming small towns.

For international travtravellerse Trans-Canada Highway offers a perfect mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and iconic landmarks. Whether you choose to explore only a section of the route or embark on a cross-country adventure, this highway provides an unforgettable experience in 2025.

Why Foreigners Love the Trans-Canada Highway

• Scenic diversity – The route takes tratravellersrough some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, including the Rocky Mountains, the Prairies, and the Atlantic coastline.
• Access to major cities – The highway connects top Canadian destinations, including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.
• Easy road trip experience – With well-maintained roads, numerous gas stations, accommodations, and rest stops, the highway is foreigner-friendly.
• Rich cultural experiences – The route offers insights into Canada’s Indigenous heritage, French-Canadian culture, and maritime traditions.

Best Sections of the Trans-Canada Highway for Foreign Travelers

Since driving the entire Trans-Canada Highway can take weeks, most to explore specific segments that offer the best scenic and cultural experiences. Below are some of the most exciting and accessible routes for foreigners in 2025.

1. Vancouver to Calgary (The Canadian Rockies Experience)

📍 Distance: 970 km (603 miles)
📍 Recommended Duration: 5-7 days

This section of the Trans-Canada Highway is one of the most scenic in the country, offering a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies. It begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning waterfront and multicultural charm. From there, the road winds through the dramatic landscapes of the Fraser Valley before entering the Rocky Mountains.

Must-See Stops:

• Hope, BC – Entrance to the Fraser Valley with beautiful canyon views.
• Kamloops, BC – A great stop for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring BC’s desert landscapes.
• Revelstoke National Park – Stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails.
• Banff National Park – One of Canada’s most famous national parks, home to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Sulphur Mountain.
• Yoho National Park – A hidden gem with the famous Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls.
• Calgary, Alberta – A modern city known for the Calgary Stampede, lively nightlife, and proximity to the mountains.

🚗 Why Foreigners Love This Route: This stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway provides spectacular views, wildlife encounters, and world-famous national parks. It is ideal for photographers, adventure seekers, and those who want to experience Canada’s most iconic mountain landscapes.

2. Toronto to Montreal (The Cultural Corridor)

📍 Distance: 540 km (335 miles)
📍 Recommended Duration: 3-5 days

Must-See Stops:

• Toronto, Ontario – Home to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, and Distillery District.
• Thousand Islands – A picturesque region with over 1,800 small islands along the St. Lawrence River, great for boat tours.
• Ottawa, Ontario – The capital of Canada, where you can visit Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery of Canada.
• Montreal, Quebec – A vibrant city with a blend of European charm and North American modernity, featuring Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, and Notre-Dame Basilica.

🚗 Why Foreigners Love This Route: This segment of the Trans-Canada Highway is ideal for those interested in history, French-Canadian culture, and experiencing Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities.

3. Quebec to St. John’s (The Eastern Coastal Adventure)

📍 Distance: 1,600 km (994 miles, including ferry rides)
📍 Recommended Duration: 7-10 days

Must-See Stops:

• Quebec City, Quebec – The only walled city in North America with old-world European charm.
• Rimouski, Quebec – A beautiful coastal town with the Parc National du Bic.
• Fredericton, New Brunswick – A small, charming city with colonial architecture.
• Halifax, Nova Scotia – A vibrant port city with Peggy’s Cove, Citadel Hill, and seafood markets.
• Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia – Home to the stunning Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
• St. John’s, Newfoundland – Canada’s easternmost city, known for its colourful houses, historic Signal Hill, and dramatic coastline.

Tips for Foreign Travelers Driving the Trans-Canada Highway

• Rent a car or RV – The best way to explore the highway is by car or camper, as public transport options are limited in rural areas.
• Plan fuel stops – Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, especially in northern Ontario, the Prairies, and Newfoundland.
• Be prepared for changing weather – Canada’s climate varies by region, and some areas can experience snow, fog, or rain even in summer.
• Check road conditions – The highway may have construction delays or closures, especially in winter.
• Pack snacks and essentials – Some stretches, particularly in northern British Columbia and the Prairies, have long distances between towns.
• Respect wildlife – Watch out for animals like deer, moose, and bears, especially in national parks.

The Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most famous and scenic drives, is a must-visit for foreign travellersloring the country in 2025. Located in Nova Scotia, this 298-kilometer (185-mile) loop winds through Cape Breton Island, offering breathtaking coastal cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning mountain landscapes. The route provides a perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural heritage, making it one of the best travel routes in Canada for foreigners.

Whether you’re looking to drive along the rugged Atlantic coastline, explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or experience the Gaelic and Acadian culture of eastern Canada, the Cabot Trail delivers an unforgettable travel experience.

Why Foreigners Love the Cabot Trail

🌊 Spectacular ocean views – The trail hugs the dramatic cliffs of the Atlantic, offering breathtaking seascapes.
🏕 Outdoor adventure – From hiking and whale watching to kayaking and camping, there are endless outdoor activities.
🎻 Rich cultural heritage – The region is home to Scottish Gaelic traditions, Acadian culture, and Mi’kmaq heritage.
🐋 Wildlife encounters – Spot whales, moose, bald eagles, and seals along the route.
🍽 Delicious seafood – Fresh lobster, mussels, and scallops are a highlight of the local cuisine.

Best Stops Along the Cabot Trail

Since the Cabot Trail is a loop, travellers begin in Baddeck or Cheticamp, driving clockwise or counterclockwise. Below are some of the must-visit stops along the way.

1. Baddeck – Gateway to the Cabot Trail

📍 Why Visit?

• A charming town on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake often considered the starting point of the Cabot Trail.
• Home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, showcasing the life and inventions of the telephone pioneer.
• Offers scenic boat tours and kayaking opportunities.

🚗 Tip: Stay overnight in Baddeck to explore the area before heading into the trail.

2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Nature’s Wonderland

📍 Why Visit?

• The heart of the Cabot Trail, featfeaturesstal cliffs, mountains, and diverse wildlife.
• Home to 26 hiking trails, including:
  • Skyline Trail – The most famous hike, offering panoramic ocean views and a chance to see moose.
  • Franey Trail – A challenging but rewarding hike with mountain-top views.
• Ideal for camping, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

🐻 Wildlife Alert: Watch for moose, black bears, and bald eagles along the trails.

3. Cheticamp – A Taste of Acadian Culture

📍 Why Visit?

• A colocolourfulhing village with strong Acadian roots and friendly locals.
• Offers whale-watching tours, where you can see humpback, minke, and pilot whales.
• Visit Les Trois Pignons museum to learn about Acadian history and traditional rug hooking.

🐳 Best Time for Whale Watching: June to October.

4. Pleasant Bay – The Whale Watching Capital

📍 Why Visit?

• One of the best spots for whale-watching tours along the trail.
• Offers stunning sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Visit the Pleasant Bay Whale Interpretive Centre to learn about marine life in the region.

🚤 Best Tour Operators: Many local companies offer boat and zodiac tours for up-close encounters with whales.

5. Ingonish – Relax on Sandy Beaches

📍 Why Visit?

• Famous for Ingonish Beach, a rare sandy beach along the Cabot Trail.
• Cape Smokey Provincial Park offers breathtaking cliffside views.
• Home to Highlands Links Golf Course, one of Canada’s top-rated golf courses.

🏖 Best Time to Visit the Beach: July to September.

6. Middle Head Peninsula – A Hidden Gem

📍 Why Visit?

• A secluded hiking trail offering panoramic ocean views.
• Short and moderate, making it great for all skill levels.
• Ideal spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.

📸 Pro Tip: Bring a camera – the coastal views are some of the best in Nova Scotia.

7. Meat Cove – A Remote Coastal Escape

📍 Why Visit?

• The northernmost point of the Cabot Trail, offers sea cliffs.
• Perfect for camping, stargazing, and enjoying absolute trantranquillityown for its fresh seafood at Meat Cove Chowder Hut.

🌌 Best Time to Visit: Stay overnight for stunning views of the Milky Way.

When to Visit the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.

🍁 Fall (September – October) – The most popular time to visit due to stunning fall foliage.
☀️ Summer (June – August) – Ideal for hiking, whale watching, and beach activities.
❄️ Winter (December – March) – Great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but some roads may be closed.

🚗 Best Tip: Drive counterclockwise for the best ocean views along the cliffs.

How to Get to the Cabot Trail

✈️ By Air:

• The closest airport is Sydney (Nova Scotia) Airport (YQY), about 90 minutes from the Cabot Trail.
• Alternatively, fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and drive 4-5 hours to Cape Breton Island.

🚗 By Car:

• From Halifax: 4.5-hour drive to Baddeck.
• From Sydney: 1.5-hour drive to Baddeck.

🚢 By Ferry:

• Ferries are available from Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, providing another entry point for travtravellersere to Stay on the Cabot Trail

🏡 Best Accommodations:

• Luxury Stay: Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa (Ingonish)
• Budget-Friendly: HI Cabot Trail Hostel (Pleasant Bay)
• Best Camping: Broad Cove Campground (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

The Newfoundland and Labrador Route

For adventurous travtravellersking for one of the best travel routes in Canada for foreigners in 2025, the Newfoundland and Labrador Route offers a truly unique experience. Known for its rugged coastlines, stunning fjords, remote wilderness, and rich maritime history, this route takes tratravellersrough some of the most untouched and breathtaking landscapes in the country.

From the Viking settlements of L’Anse aux Meadows to the dramatic cliffs of Gros Morne National Park, and from the cocolourfultreets of St. John’s to the iceberg-filled waters of Twillingate, this route is perfect for those who want to explore the raw beauty and cultural richness of Canada’s easternmost province.

Why Foreigners Love the Newfoundland and Labrador Route

🌊 Dramatic coastal landscapes – Spectacular ocean cliffs, fjords, and icebergs.
🦞 Delicious seafood – Fresh lobster, cod, and mussels are a highlight.
⛵ Rich maritime heritage – Visit historic fishing villages and Viking sites.
🐳 Wildlife encounters – Spot puffins, whales, caribou, and even polar bears in some regions.
🎻 Celtic and Indigenous culture – Experience traditional Newfoundland music and Mi’kmaq heritage.

Best Stops Along the Newfoundland and Labrador Route

Since Newfoundland and Labrador is a vast and remote region, a well-planned route is essential. Below are some of the must-visit stops for an unforgettable journey.

1. St. John’s – The Colorful Capital City

📍 Why Visit?

• The oldest city in North America, with a vibrant atmosphere.
• Walk along the iconic Jellybean Row, famous for its ccolourfulhouses.
• Visit Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
• Experience George Street, home to Canada’s best nightlife and traditional Irish pubs.
• Hike to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America.

🍻 Best Local Experience: Try screeching-in, a Newfoundland tradition where foreigners become honorary Newfoundlanders by drinking “Screech” rum and kissing a codfish!

2. Witless Bay – Whale Watching and Puffins

📍 Why Visit?

• One of the best places in the world for whale watching.
• Home to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where millions of Atlantic puffins nest.
• Boat tours offer close encounters with humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

🐳 Best Time to See Whales: June to August.

3. Bonavista and Trinity – Historic Fishing Villages

📍 Why Visit?

• Step back in time in tto beautiful town of Trinity, known for its charming 18th-century architecture.
• Visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site in Bonavista, showcasing Newfoundland’s fishing heritage.
• Hike the Skerwink Trail, offering some of the best coastal views in the province.

🐟 Don’t Miss: Try salt fish and brewis, a traditional Newfoundland dish made from salted cod.

4. Twillingate – The Iceberg Capital of the World

📍 Why Visit?

• One of the best places to see massive icebergs drifting from Greenland.
• Enjoy spectacular views from Long Point Lighthouse.
• Explore the Twillingate Museum and Craft Shop for local handmade goods.
• Go on an iceberg or whale-watching tour by boat.

🧊 Best Time for Icebergs: May to early July.

5. Gros Morne National Park – Fjords and Mountains

📍 Why Visit?

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for towering fjords, dramatic cliffs, and glacier-carved landscapes.
• Hike the legendary Gros Morne Mountain Trail for panoramic views.
• Take a boat tour through Western Brook Pond Fjord, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Canada.
• Discover the Tablelands, an exposed piece of Earth’s mantle, giving the park a Mars-like appearance.

🥾 Best Hike: The Gros Morne Mountain Trail – a challenging climb with incredible summit views.

6. L’Anse aux Meadows – The Viking Settlement

📍 Why Visit?

• The only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Norse explorers landed over 1,000 years ago.
• Walk through reconstructed Viking buildings and learn about early Norse exploration.

⚔ Best Experience: Visit during the Great Viking Feast, where actors bring history to life!

7. Labrador – The Wild Frontier

📍 Why Visit?

• One of the most remote and untouched regions of Canada.
• Visit the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, a UNESCO site showcasing 16th-century Basque whaling history.
• Drive the Labrador Coastal Drive, passing through rugged landscapes and remote Inuit communities.
• Spot polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes in northern Labrador.

🛥 Best Way to Get There: Take a ferry from Newfoundland to Blanc Sablon, then drive into Labrador.

When to Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Route

⛅ Best Time: June to September – mild weather, whale watching, and icebergs.
❄ Winter (December – March): Great for snowmobiling and northern lights, but roads can be difficult.

🚗 Pro Tip: The weather can change quickly, so bring layers and check the forecast regularly.

How to Get to Newfoundland and Labrador

✈️ By Air:

• Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) or Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF).
• Labrador’s main airport is Goose Bay Airport (YYR).

🚢 By Ferry:

• Take a ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques or Argentia in Newfoundland.
• To reach Labrador, take the ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon.

🚗 By Car:

• Rent a car in St. John’s or Deer Lake to explore Newfoundland.
• Labrador’s roads are more remote, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.

Where to Stay on the Newfoundland and Labrador Route

🏡 Best Accommodations:

• Luxury Stay: Fogo Island Inn (One of Canada’s most famous hotels)
• Budget-Friendly: HI St. John’s City Hostel
• Best Camping: Green Point Campground (Gros Morne National Park)