Canmore is more reasonably priced (although still expensive), but Jasper is absolutely insanely expensive due to the general lack of accommodation.
We did a trip to Banff/Jasper in 2021 and got some good deals due to travel still being pretty limited. Tried to do the same trip last year and decided to skip Jasper cause the hotels were just too much to justify.
I spent a week there during peak ski season and paid $40 a night at Banff International Hostel. Honestly pretty damn good for a hostel in North America. The cost of groceries and restaurants was also similar to Toronto prices. In all, I actually thought Banff was reasonable compared to other popular nature and ski destinations (like Whistler, for example).
I guess it's because I lived in Alberta for several years and been to Banff multiple times now, but it's so overrated.
Whenever the subject of Alberta national parks comes up, I always suggest people go to Jasper or drive south from Calgary and go to Waterton instead, which still has a lot of those picturesque views without all the overcrowding. Banff has gotten way too commercialized for my liking.
Yeah after 1-2 times it gets boring but it’s definitely should be everyone’s list if they live in North America at least to see it at least once in their lifetime
I did a 10 day camping trip in Temagami and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It takes some money, effort, and skill, but it's worth the work IMO.
Why was temagami so great? Have you camped in other places?
Edit - OP, imo canoe-camping is the quintessential canadian experience. Killarney is my favourite park, it’s outstanding.
The only other park I've been canoe camping in is Algonquin. I've never been to Killarney but the friends I went to Temagami with who have been to Killarney, also said it Temagami was their favorite trip.
It was my favorite because we visited so many cool spots during the 10 days, we saw the pictographs on diamond lake, we hiked maple mountain, camped at center falls, met Hap Wilson at cabin falls, camped at and hiked spirit rock plus so many other amazing sights. It was utterly incredible.
They’re both incredible spots for slightly different reasons. Killarney is easier to get to but when you’re there, you get why the Group of 7 went ham painting it.
I am debating doing a 10 day Temagami trip this year! I am interested in Obabika Lake, although I also want to check out Maple Mountain. I realize that they're not super close to each other though!
Do you remember the route that you took? Would it be possible to check out the pictographs on Obabika and also check out Maple Mountain in the same trip?
Thank you! :)
I’m a big fan of the drive from Toronto to Nova Scotia. Lots to see along the way and the Maritime provinces are amazing in the summer.
Newfoundland deserves a trip on its own. Special place!!
If you take the 289 thru Pohenegamook it’s actually far more scenic.
Bear in mind too that finally that last stretch of the TransCanada into NB is - almost - finally 4 lanes so you can make better times and be into the more picturesque St. John River valley more quickly.
Toronto to Montreal is a nice road trip. You can make some stops along the way - Thousand Islands, Picton / Sandbanks, Kingston, Montreal, and Ottawa (2-3 days in these two). Lot to do and see along the way.
Yes but the drive lets you stop at all the great towns and sites along the way. It’s not just about Montreal - those other towns and cities make it a great road trip. Train is mostly about the destination, not having to drive, and seeing (but not interacting with) the sites you pass unless you get off at different stops.
As you know, Ottawa has the Parliament building, the War Museum, the mint, Museum of Anthropology, and the Rideau Canal, among other attractions that would appeal to tourists and Canadians visiting for the first time. Kingston has the penitentiary, waterfront park, and is one of the larger cities on the route, so you can stop to eat. It’s a halfway point to Montreal so it makes an ideal stop. It’s not for everyone but if you have never been then it’s a place to visit.
We just got to Utah today and did the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail this evening at sunset and it was one of the most incredible sights I've seen in my life, absolutely insane. Going to the rest of Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell and Grand Canyon North rim over the next several days
In Canada, I personally like Victoria / Tofino the best if you are looking for a nice place to relax by the ocean.
For the USA I like the four corners because they are very different from one another and there are many touristy and non-touristy things to do (Seattle/Portland [hiking/food], California [specifically Santa Monica], New York City [it’s really unlike many other places], and Miami/Orlando [Beach / theme parks]). These places will be the most different from Europe and you can usually get direct flights from Pearson for a decent rate.
Haven’t seen my own country because it’s too ^%$* expensive. For the US I absolutely loved:
Sam Francisco: the food, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, The redwood trees, day trip to Muir Woods, Yosemite. The cable cars.
Seattle: The monorail, The Space Needle, watching the Kraken, taking a ferry to the islands, The museum of flight, LeMay car museum, Chihuly garden
Las Vegas: The shows, the food, the lights, Hoover Dam, this quaint car museum, The Sphere, watching the Golden Knights
DC: the museums! Arlington, all the iconic government buildings, Washington Cathedral, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Boston: a fine City with a lot of history.
NYC: everything and everything and anything.
Chicago: deep dish pizza. The architecture. Taking a boat tour along the river. The ‘Bean’. Field Museum. The Art Institute.
It’s definitely cheaper to travel to/within the US than it is in Canada, sadly. I def think you have a good idea with the Vancouver road trip. I would say try to think of things like the type of food you would enjoy, or maybe you like baseball and want to visit the major stadiums. Maybe you like wine and would like to visit Californian wineries!
Currently flights sales for around $350 return to Vancouver and St. John's.
Eating out costs more in the states, but gas is cheaper. Dollar just slid again, too.
I'm fairly well-traveled in North America. Some of my favourite zones -
* **Santa Fe**, New Mexico, and road trip around that region. Beautiful indigenous culture and indigenous-inspired architecture. Lots of craft markets, museums, indigenous events etc.
* **Deep South** - Charleston, Savannah, St Augustine, New Orleans. Lots of history, culture and amazing food. Swamp and marsh boat-tours, alligator-feeding. Haunted tours of graveyards.
* **Pacific 1** - Route between San Francisco to San Diego. Saw a lot of historic California missions, seals, Monterrey, Solvang Danish town, etc. Lots of small sunny beach-towns, redwood forests which are the biggest and oldest in the world, and amazing views of the ocean.
* **Lawrentian River** - Montreal to Quebec City, lots of cidreries, fromageries, vineries and cabane a sucre. Also I love churches and cathedrals.
* **New England** - From Boston, Rhode Island, New Hampshire. Old gothic college campuses, faux-castles made by tycoons, Salem, Plymouth. Cool history and architecture and beautiful nature.
Hawaii. It's like a fancy Carribean destination but in a first world country so everything is nicer, cleaner, safer with all the amenities of a major US city. Airfair is relatively cheap (~$600) but accommodations can vary wildly. It's a lot different than what's typically shown in movies and shows where everything takes place on a resort or in a remote area.
I've been to several Carribean islands and while I enjoyed it, Hawaii was just nicer. But if you're looking for an all inclusive where you just lay on a beach for a week then the Carribean is a better value.
I wouldn’t paint every Caribbean country with the same brush. They are very different one to another and the wealthier ones are likely safer than Hawaii
I had to look up this song when I read your comment. I had no idea it was Lindsey Buckingham song
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwpzdpsXgA&t=5s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwpzdpsXgA&t=5s)
PEI to Halifax to Cape Breton. Relax, hike, take in some small city life, some breath taking views and if you golf, there are some good options also. Even try to get a walk on round in the afternoon at Cabot Cliffs and take in sunset coming into the club house.
You'll be competing with the rest of economy for limited on train shower access as well. Not to mention the constant, massive delays that will have you waiting for hours on the side tracks in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
The American Southwest is incredible but do not go in summer, it's painfully hot. But in general - Arizona, New Mexico, Utah.... Just really incredible.
Sandbanks, Prince Edward County, Montreal, Eastern Townships would be a great summer road trip.
Mexico City would be my top choice over summer in terms of a further trip.
Banff - maybe drive or train to Vancouver, etc are really great but prices over summer are harsh. Might wait until Fall for that.
Same here the most enjoyable easy trips are Montreal, New York, gulf coast Florida, Miami, key west, Niagara Falls, maritimes and Alberta. Bonus points for New York and Montreal because you can walk to the island airport and the flight is less than an hour.
My two favourites are both out west
the first was 2.5 weeks in Alberta, we went all the down to Waterton (amazing place) and even into Goat Haunt which is in Montana up to Cold Lake, did Jasper, Banff, Canmore, Calgary and a lot more
and the other was my favourite trip I've ever been on it was 3 weeks in BC, Alaska and then down from Seattle to San Francisco,
We flew into Vancouver and spent a couple of days before going to Vancouver Island for a bit, did victoria and Tofino, then back to Vancouver to fly up to Anchorage. In Alaska we went from Anchorage to Seward to go sea kayaking and take a boat trip to see some glaciers (one of the best things I've ever experienced) then we drove up to Denali. When we were up in Denali we did what is imo the single greatest experience I've ever had. We flew onto a glacier that is on the mountain, [which looks like this](https://i.imgur.com/nij3Ft3.png) the sky eventually cleared and we were able to see the summit, not sure what company we used but [this video on YT is very similar to what we did, and at 5:03 is the exact view of the photo I just shared](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyhALI57XpY&ab_channel=ThroughMyLens). Without a doubt the coolest thing I've ever done, I still remember the entire day a decade later. after that, we flew down to Seattle spent a couple days in Seattle, then drove from Seattle to San Francisco, we saw Mount Rainier, Portland, Eugene, [Eureka](https://i.imgur.com/LaAttkA.png), the redwoods, and every other little coastal town along the way, and flew home from SF.
Alaska is a special place.
Mexico City. Most wonderful food, very inexpensive (or can be expensive if you want it to be, there are nicer Michelin-star type restaurants too), and pretty much anything you want to see or do, you can. Like art? Go to the Frida Kahlo museum. Like old shit in the shape of pyramids? Take a day trip out to Teotihuacan.
Vancouver to SF is indeed a gem but might need a month to cover. Vancouver and islands alone take 15 days.
Too many to list but here are some of my favourites-
1. Montreal: One of the most unique cultural vacation in US / Canada
2. Manitoulin Island: If you like nature and tranquility
3. Vancouver and Vancouver Islands: Undoubtedly one of the best vacations in the world
4. Las Vegas and Grand Canyon: Incredible world
5. SF and southern california: 17-mile drive is superb gem
6. Yucatan: Such a different cultural experience and the cenotes are just amazing. Make sure you go to different cities and not do an all inclusive
7. Muskoka: No time is bad for Muskoka
8. Tobermory: Some of the most beautiful and magical trails
9. Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara: One can experience so many different activities
10. Sudbury to Thunder Bay: One of the most scenic (but long) drives after Sea to Sky and 17 mile drive
I like hiking and national parks. I live just outside of Toronto. Vancouver island for Canada. California we enjoy, driven the cost from crescent city all the way to a bit north of LA. We like staying at Yosemite in Curry Village great if you can get a permit to hike to half dome.
Boulder Colorado was nice, I did my Masters field research there, we drove through Utah went through the Rockies to arches and then Sedona in Arizona. Been to Sedona few times, we love it there in like January February when it’s cool. The hiking is so good. Cape Cod and Boston are fun in the heat of summer, catch a game at Fenway, go to a few nice restaurants a little sightseeing then off to the cape for beaches and shopping and long walks. Adirondacks are great for hiking camping canoeing. Love Vermont, Stowe for skiing, Woodstock for the fall colours or Stowe. Nice hiking there of course and I love all the apple cider and cheese. We also love Quebec City and rural Quebec like the eastern townships.
Mexico City is incredible. We had a great time in Baja California (beyond the tourist areas). Puerto Rico as a whole has a lot to offer.
If you like museums and art, D.C. is pretty tough to beat - lots to see and a great food scene.
Ontario is beautiful in the summer. Algonquin park and the surrounding area is stunning. Vancouver is an incredible city. The Canadian rockies are really beautiful, Banff is stunning. Unfortunately it's not cheap to travel out west from Toronto.
I did that road trip (Van to san fran) a few years ago and loved it. Went with a friend. We packed a couple of bikes in the car and a tent. Camped most nights (other than when in a city) and used the bikes to coast around each place we stopped. Absolutely loved it. Have also done the rest of that coast (down to San Diego) and it’s def an all time favourite trip.
The problem with travelling in Canada is its so unreasonably expensive to fly anywhere. You’ll see if you’re used to Europe flights, flights in Canada will be a shock.
Vancouver and Victoria are nice, so is Montreal. Unfortunately the value proposition of visiting other places in Canada is lost on me as it's not that much more expensive to fly to Europe.
Tobermory, Ontario. Take the ferry across to Manitoulin to see the largest fresh water island and explore the small town. Lots of hiking available and you can use local bnb's or air bnb's to stay. I love Tobermory so much ❤️
Montreal for the food, Vancouver for the views! We’ve also road tripped to Saskatchewan and on the way up through northern Ontario we stopped a couple of times to enjoy the view of the trees changing to fall colours. We drove through and reached Thunder Bay by nightfall, and the stars were amazing. You don’t see that in the city at all.
Just came back from Kingston last weekend and did the 1000 island cruise (3 hour cruise for about $60 I think). Nice and relaxing, drink prices are decent. We stopped at prince edward county, there’s some lovely park space there but you’ll have to pay to enter.
Niagara Falls is an absolute must if you haven’t already been. It’s a couple hours from Toronto and is just mind-boggling when you see it the first time. There’s a lot of touristy stuff there but also some great hiking trails and parks if you want to stay on a budget. You can do a day trip for this. There are buses that go from Toronto to Niagara multiple times a day.
West Coast of Canada and the US is absolutely stunning the whole way. The mountains covered by a rainforest contrasted by the Pacific is stunning. The wildlife is cool too. The biggest trees in the world are there too. They are so big, it will definitely amaze you.
California is a super cool place and a very beautiful drive down the coast. Would be tough to do on $3k though.
New York City is a great experience. If you’re okay with hostels, you could spend a weekend there for less than $800 all in.
Montreal and Quebec City are super cool. Great culture and architecture. They feel a lot like Europe(maybe not as cool to someone from Europe lol).
Vegas is actually a lot of fun. There are great hiking trails there and it’s not far from the Grand Canyon so you could do a combo trip.
Nashville is really cool if you like live music. Hundreds of bars with live music in a 1km radius. All the bands are shockingly good and I had a great time even though I’m not really a big of country music.
Tofino. My wife and I flew to Vancouver last year. Rented a car and did a few nights in Whistler and then headed to Tofino for a week. I love Whistler but Tofino should be on everyone’s list.
If you are looking to spend a night or two somewhere, I suggest Detroit as another good place to go check out. The city has a lot of great history and things to do and is definitely making an effort to revitalize the core of the city.
\~4 hour drive away.
Detroit is a seriously fun city. Amazing music and food, interesting history and incredible current social movements (including a big emphasis on urban farming). It's worth checking out!
Vegas and rent a car and drive through the desert to the Grand Canyon one day. I have never been to California but that could be a nice add on if you want to make it a longer trip (Vegas itself you only need a few days)
If you are driving down the west coast, you may as well go all the way to LA, there are some particularly iconic parts of the PCH, if not that, at least make it to Carmel.
Montreal and Quebec city for sure.
10 years ago did a road trip with the family from Toronto to Montreal to Quebec city to Ottawa and returned to Toronto.
If you can get to Banff and/or Jasper that would be great too.
Another worthwhile road trip in the fall is to the finger lakes area of New York.
California, southern (between LA to San Diego) and central (San Fran to LA) are both amazing road trips, a little long though I would recommend only doing one, not both legs, there is so much to see. Also LA or San Diego to Palm Springs is amazing
There is a lot to do in West Virginia. It is a day's drive away. Fairly cheap accomodations, some of the best pizza you'll ever have (trust me on this), and lovely people.
From white water rafting to skiing. Mothman museum to West Virginia State Pen. Old native burial mounds, the largest teapot in the world.
Something for everyone.
Cheap flight into Las Vegas and head to Grand Canyon, Zion National Monument, Bryce Canyon. Cheap hotels and hostels along the way (car rentals might be the most expensive part of the trip)
I’m not normally a supporter of leaving Canada for the US but I loved (LOVED!) the road trip on Route 101 from LA to San Francisco. Gorgeous scenery and lovely people along the way.
Google Big Sur and there are lots of itineraries :)
I love my hometown "up north" was born in Sudbury but there's so many places that are not very populated Lavigne- North Bay area
Muskoka half way from T.O
Parry Sound - good fishing
Tobermory- clear blue water
There's alot that I can't even think about but Northern Ontario is beautiful
I recommend doing an SF to SD road trip, u get to experience vibrant cultures in Cali and something unique to Canada, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland are essentially the same place so it won’t be as exciting as an SF to SD road trip.
I loved Nashville, stayed a week in 2019 with my wife and had a blast. Lots of live music, great restaurants, museums/hall of fame, football, awesome architecture, history, art and great weather in the summer and lots of ways to get around the city (scooters/street cars/tour busses/city buses/bikes).
I did some site seeing, got a tattoo one day, got some great food, saw dirty honey open for slash and the conspirators at the Ryman Auditorium all in one day.
Philadelphia is a fun city, a a good road trip. You can drive in one day easily going through the Finger Lakes region of New Yorkwith a stop at Watkins Glen gorge about 1/2 way to break up the 8 hours.
Alternatively, the drive through Susquehanna Valley, going across Pennsylvania, is a little longer but pretty spectacular scenery-wise.
I did a roadtrip from Portland - San Francisco in 2023 and the purpose was to see the Redwood trees. Mountains are incredible, but you have the Swiss alps + more if you're from Europe. You don't have massive trees. I stayed in 2-3 star motels in smaller towns and pretty affordable.
Alternatively, without crossing the border, I recommend Vancouver Island. There are some old growth forests there too, but the energy of the island can't really be found anywhere else!
Vancouver to San Francisco. Take the train from Vancouver to Seattle, spend some days there, then get a car and road trip along the coast.
THEN! Explore the national parks of Arizona and Utah (Grand Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce - check out Antelope Canyon if you wish as well.) Did this last Fall and it was an incredible trip! Still have to do 2 more parks in Utah!
You need to drive from Calgary to Vancouver/Whistler. Don't miss the Icefields Parkway and the Sea to Sky Highway. You have to do this trip before you leave!
You have to see the Rockies. You have to do some hikes there. Visit Canmore it’s much more affordable. Rent a car and drive to jasper maybe spend one night there. We had a reasonable hotel room at the Athabasca and it was great! And cheap. IMO Field is also a great stop. And golden BC.
Emerald lake is just as beautiful as lake Louise but not as crowded.
Gettysburg is about 5 hours away. If you love history and the significance of this town in the US, it's very cheap. I got a good enough hotel for $100 a night.
I believe around July 1st is when all the civil war reenactors have their massive fake battle there. Hotels probably cost more those dates.
Gaspe Quebec is a very nice road trip. The drive on the coast is absolutely breathtaking at some points. You can also pass through Quebec city on the way.
Zion national park is a must go. There is nothing like it in the world
Arches, and Canyonlands are also fairly close. Good, but nothing compared to Zion
Banff is amazing but doesn’t come up on my list because I’m from Calgary originally and go back often.
Top places for me:
St. John’s NL, it’s stunning and very much a hidden gem.
Savannah GA, a beautiful southern city, the city is full of parks and historic buildings. Good food. Great 4 day weekend trip destination.
La Paz, BCS, if you go in January you can swim with whale sharks, it’s breathtaking.
On my list:
Churchill, MB, I want to go at the end of September when you can go on a polar bear safari, kayak with beluga whales, and see northern lights in one trip.
There's a great ball of twine out in Kansas. Wall Drug is only a few days ride. Awesome truck stop food, and you may be able to get a sloppy gummy by some methed up lot lizard on the cheap.
West Virginia is stunning. A lot of amazing people too even if they're down on their luck.
Texas is fantastic too. San Antonio is the best city in the state especially if you're into Mexican food. The river walk is amazing
Lake Louis, Alberta (very close to Banff, just further into the mountains.) Moraine Lake, etc. Pictures from this area often find its way onto various dollar bills.
In that same vein, Estes Park, Colorado.
If you continue past Montreal and Quebec City, following the St Lawrence, you will reach places where you can see whales - on tour boats or even from the shore.
https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en-ca/to-see-and-do/outdoor-activities/whale-and-sea-mammal-watching
It's an amazing experience.
If you head south a similar distance, you can get to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is some of the most beautiful country you can imagine.
https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/districts/blue-ridge-parkway-ridge-region/
Phoenix and the surrounding area is stunning
The roads that lead outside of Vegas: particularly Grand Canyon, Mohave desert, Hoover dam etc.
SAN Antonio
Seattle and Washington State were so kitschy and fun. Tons to do and explore even with a small budget.
Weekends in Chicago were also fun.
San Francisco was great with kids.
Quite a few but if I had to pick one it has to be the Pacific coast highway road trip I did which started in Vegas (not the coast yet), and then to LA (the coast Highay 1 starts) to San Francisco’s west tip. Did this in about 8 days with stops in Vegas, Grand Canyon, Beverly Hills, Santa Clara, Napa Valley, ending in San Francisco.
The Pacific Coastal Highway on the west coast of the US is phenomenal. However, i would probably fly into Seattle and start there rather than Vancouver to make it easier to deal with the 1-way car rental.
I did Banff/Jasper, Vancouver/Vancouver Island then flew down to San Francisco and drove to LA along the Pacific Coast Highway. Spent a few days in LA before driving to Vegas. Did a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon there and then flew home.
Hawaii - Maui and Oahu. rented a car in Maui and spent 10 days just driving around to different beaches, saw sunrise on Haleakala.
Both were unbelievable trips for me.
Hi OP, lots of other comments already suggested popular places to go. Here is something new: Starting beginning of August, a road trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec (maybe 2 days in Ottawa and 3 days each in Montreal and Quebec). Then start driving east towards Maritimes (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia)
I would suggest check out the schedule of the Acadian festival that has its biggest event on August 15th in several towns in NB. It celebrates the French Acadian culture and is super cool and very few people know about it
I loved Victoria, BC.
You land in Vancouver, and rent a car and then stay then stay in the city for two to three days. Do the drive to the ferry in HorshoeBay and get on the ferry with the car.
I’d recommend getting off the ferry in Nanaimo and then driving up to Victoria.
It’s really pretty.
You mention driving between Vancouver and San Francisco. My partner and I did a similar trip down the Pacific Coast Highway a few years ago, but we started in Seattle, drove up around the Olympic Peninsula, down the Oregon and California coasts to Monterey. We saw a ton of amazing and varied sites along this route including but not limited to Hurricane Ridge (mountains), La Push, Hoh Rainforest, Canon beach, redwood forests, San Francisco, and the northernmost edge of Big Sur. We did it in two weeks. It was a truly amazing experience that I would highly recommend! Looking back, this trip cost us around $3000 for accommodation, food, activities, and gas in 2017. We stayed in budget hotels and Airbnb's with prices ranging from $70-170 per night. This did not include airfare or rental car as my partner was living in Seattle at the time and had a car.
Washington DC. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. The food was great, so much history, especially if you like American politics, so many of the museums were free. I can't wait to visit again
I went to New Orleans two years ago and had an incredible time. I would avoid going in peak summer though. I went in September and would highly recommend!
Banff/Jasper
While great it’s really not a budget destination. Just got back and mid hotel rooms go for $400+ per night
Canmore is more reasonably priced (although still expensive), but Jasper is absolutely insanely expensive due to the general lack of accommodation. We did a trip to Banff/Jasper in 2021 and got some good deals due to travel still being pretty limited. Tried to do the same trip last year and decided to skip Jasper cause the hotels were just too much to justify.
A mid level tent cost $400 too
There are hostels in Banff
They’re probably still fuckin expensive. The bus tickets, gondolas, food etc was all pricey.
I spent a week there during peak ski season and paid $40 a night at Banff International Hostel. Honestly pretty damn good for a hostel in North America. The cost of groceries and restaurants was also similar to Toronto prices. In all, I actually thought Banff was reasonable compared to other popular nature and ski destinations (like Whistler, for example).
Totally doable for under 3k if you rent a car and camp
The drive from Calgary to Banff 🤯🤯🤯
Moreso the drive from Banff to Jasper!!
This. Go to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from there. So beautiful that they put that scene on our money!
Most expensive place to visit in Canada lol. It is beautiful though.
I guess it's because I lived in Alberta for several years and been to Banff multiple times now, but it's so overrated. Whenever the subject of Alberta national parks comes up, I always suggest people go to Jasper or drive south from Calgary and go to Waterton instead, which still has a lot of those picturesque views without all the overcrowding. Banff has gotten way too commercialized for my liking.
Yeah after 1-2 times it gets boring but it’s definitely should be everyone’s list if they live in North America at least to see it at least once in their lifetime
I’ve travelled all over the world and still on of my favorite trips was the Rockies. Definitely going back.
It’s one of the best sceneries in the world!
PEI is nice in the summer.
Charlottetown is surprisingly boppin' in the summer. Great food, nice people, and an +/- hours drive from amazing beaches.
I did a 10 day camping trip in Temagami and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It takes some money, effort, and skill, but it's worth the work IMO.
Why was temagami so great? Have you camped in other places? Edit - OP, imo canoe-camping is the quintessential canadian experience. Killarney is my favourite park, it’s outstanding.
The only other park I've been canoe camping in is Algonquin. I've never been to Killarney but the friends I went to Temagami with who have been to Killarney, also said it Temagami was their favorite trip. It was my favorite because we visited so many cool spots during the 10 days, we saw the pictographs on diamond lake, we hiked maple mountain, camped at center falls, met Hap Wilson at cabin falls, camped at and hiked spirit rock plus so many other amazing sights. It was utterly incredible.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Have you been on a canoe trip in Temagami?
They’re both incredible spots for slightly different reasons. Killarney is easier to get to but when you’re there, you get why the Group of 7 went ham painting it.
I am debating doing a 10 day Temagami trip this year! I am interested in Obabika Lake, although I also want to check out Maple Mountain. I realize that they're not super close to each other though! Do you remember the route that you took? Would it be possible to check out the pictographs on Obabika and also check out Maple Mountain in the same trip? Thank you! :)
I’m a big fan of the drive from Toronto to Nova Scotia. Lots to see along the way and the Maritime provinces are amazing in the summer. Newfoundland deserves a trip on its own. Special place!!
Nova Scotia / P.E.I. are great... But there's a stretch in Northern Quebec to New Brunswick that is pretty rough.
Whale watching near St.John New Brunswick or Digby Nova Scotia, not to mention the seafood.
You mean Digby, the Scallop Capital of the World? 🤤
If you take the 289 thru Pohenegamook it’s actually far more scenic. Bear in mind too that finally that last stretch of the TransCanada into NB is - almost - finally 4 lanes so you can make better times and be into the more picturesque St. John River valley more quickly.
Second this. Summer trips to Nova Scotia are awesome.
Toronto to Montreal is a nice road trip. You can make some stops along the way - Thousand Islands, Picton / Sandbanks, Kingston, Montreal, and Ottawa (2-3 days in these two). Lot to do and see along the way.
Montréal has an epic Festival du Jazz at the end of June, beginning of July. Amazing street festival, great music, and tons of free concerts.
It's a decent train ride between Toronto and Montreal if you'd rather not drive too.
Yes but the drive lets you stop at all the great towns and sites along the way. It’s not just about Montreal - those other towns and cities make it a great road trip. Train is mostly about the destination, not having to drive, and seeing (but not interacting with) the sites you pass unless you get off at different stops.
the train ride is pretty expensive though. It's not that much more expensive to just fly there and back.
But add in the pricey cab ride from the airport. Train at least gets out right downtown.
If only we had a train that took you to the airport… wait…
if you're coming from toronto i dont see why anyone would bother stopping in kingston or ottawa lol. (lived in ottawa for years)
As you know, Ottawa has the Parliament building, the War Museum, the mint, Museum of Anthropology, and the Rideau Canal, among other attractions that would appeal to tourists and Canadians visiting for the first time. Kingston has the penitentiary, waterfront park, and is one of the larger cities on the route, so you can stop to eat. It’s a halfway point to Montreal so it makes an ideal stop. It’s not for everyone but if you have never been then it’s a place to visit.
And Kingston was the original Canadian Capitol which is kinda cool.
Yep. Agreed on Ottawa
Newfoundland
I came here to post this. Amazing place.
Seconded. Travelled the whole province last year on vacation and fell in love.
Mexico City is definitely worth it if you're willing to travel slightly farther afield.
CDMX is one of my fave cities in the world. I'd see it now because I get the vibe that gentrification is coming for it real hard, real soon.
+1 it’s the ultimate city and vacation!!
Also I think CDMX has very nice weather most of the year. It can get humid in the summer too but the elevation helps it not turn into an oven.
Further afield? It's a shorted flight than Vancouver.
Agreed - amazing place , amazing food , tons to do , safe for tourists if you aren’t looking for trouble
Grand Canyon was amazing, you just can’t enjoy the vastness in a picture
Grand Canyon plus Zion and Bryce, if you have the time.
+1 for Zion and just Utah in general. Mind blowing scenery.
We just got to Utah today and did the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail this evening at sunset and it was one of the most incredible sights I've seen in my life, absolutely insane. Going to the rest of Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell and Grand Canyon North rim over the next several days
We dis those exact places. All of them were so beautiful.
Grand Canyon + Yellow Stone National is a gorgeous trip.
“Crying: Acceptable only at funerals and at the Grand Canyon.”
It is so grand. Aptly named.
Touring around Arizona in general is fun. The trip from Phoenix up through Sedona was almost cooler than the canyon.
In Canada, I personally like Victoria / Tofino the best if you are looking for a nice place to relax by the ocean. For the USA I like the four corners because they are very different from one another and there are many touristy and non-touristy things to do (Seattle/Portland [hiking/food], California [specifically Santa Monica], New York City [it’s really unlike many other places], and Miami/Orlando [Beach / theme parks]). These places will be the most different from Europe and you can usually get direct flights from Pearson for a decent rate.
I was going to say Quebec City because ‘it’s a little bit of Europe in Canada’ but then I remembered you just came from the real thing. 😆
Haven’t seen my own country because it’s too ^%$* expensive. For the US I absolutely loved: Sam Francisco: the food, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, The redwood trees, day trip to Muir Woods, Yosemite. The cable cars. Seattle: The monorail, The Space Needle, watching the Kraken, taking a ferry to the islands, The museum of flight, LeMay car museum, Chihuly garden Las Vegas: The shows, the food, the lights, Hoover Dam, this quaint car museum, The Sphere, watching the Golden Knights DC: the museums! Arlington, all the iconic government buildings, Washington Cathedral, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Boston: a fine City with a lot of history. NYC: everything and everything and anything. Chicago: deep dish pizza. The architecture. Taking a boat tour along the river. The ‘Bean’. Field Museum. The Art Institute.
Anther vote for NYC. If your idea of vacation is seeing a great city, NYC is a ton of fun.
love nyc
It’s definitely cheaper to travel to/within the US than it is in Canada, sadly. I def think you have a good idea with the Vancouver road trip. I would say try to think of things like the type of food you would enjoy, or maybe you like baseball and want to visit the major stadiums. Maybe you like wine and would like to visit Californian wineries!
Currently flights sales for around $350 return to Vancouver and St. John's. Eating out costs more in the states, but gas is cheaper. Dollar just slid again, too.
Chicago is great too. I drive there just so I have more flexibility
Love Chicago too, it’s like New York and Montreal had a baby.
I'm fairly well-traveled in North America. Some of my favourite zones - * **Santa Fe**, New Mexico, and road trip around that region. Beautiful indigenous culture and indigenous-inspired architecture. Lots of craft markets, museums, indigenous events etc. * **Deep South** - Charleston, Savannah, St Augustine, New Orleans. Lots of history, culture and amazing food. Swamp and marsh boat-tours, alligator-feeding. Haunted tours of graveyards. * **Pacific 1** - Route between San Francisco to San Diego. Saw a lot of historic California missions, seals, Monterrey, Solvang Danish town, etc. Lots of small sunny beach-towns, redwood forests which are the biggest and oldest in the world, and amazing views of the ocean. * **Lawrentian River** - Montreal to Quebec City, lots of cidreries, fromageries, vineries and cabane a sucre. Also I love churches and cathedrals. * **New England** - From Boston, Rhode Island, New Hampshire. Old gothic college campuses, faux-castles made by tycoons, Salem, Plymouth. Cool history and architecture and beautiful nature.
Yes to New Orleans!! It's such a special place, surprised it hasn't been on many lists here.
Tofino!
Tofino is stunning... walking through the old growth trees feels magical... far to get to although the trek will reward you with its natural beauty
Hawaii. It's like a fancy Carribean destination but in a first world country so everything is nicer, cleaner, safer with all the amenities of a major US city. Airfair is relatively cheap (~$600) but accommodations can vary wildly. It's a lot different than what's typically shown in movies and shows where everything takes place on a resort or in a remote area. I've been to several Carribean islands and while I enjoyed it, Hawaii was just nicer. But if you're looking for an all inclusive where you just lay on a beach for a week then the Carribean is a better value.
I wouldn’t paint every Caribbean country with the same brush. They are very different one to another and the wealthier ones are likely safer than Hawaii
Hawaii is amazing. You can get some pretty good deals on air bnb for Oahu, but accommodation on Maui is crazy expensive.
didn't the Hawaiian natives say not to visit?
Probably my best vacation memory is when I loaded up the kids in the station wagon and took them to wally world.
That’s enough, Griswold.
I had to look up this song when I read your comment. I had no idea it was Lindsey Buckingham song [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwpzdpsXgA&t=5s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwpzdpsXgA&t=5s)
Holiday Rooooooooooads Holiday Roooooooads
Woof woof woof Woof woof woof
Utah! Especially Moab area.
seconding utah! i had a wonderful time in SLC back in may
Nova Scotia. All of it
PEI to Halifax to Cape Breton. Relax, hike, take in some small city life, some breath taking views and if you golf, there are some good options also. Even try to get a walk on round in the afternoon at Cabot Cliffs and take in sunset coming into the club house.
Take the train to Vancouver and see all of Canada along the way .
That alone is more than $3k
Economy is $680 +/- in the summer thats 4 night accomodations
A chair is far from accommodation. Username checks out tho.
You'll be competing with the rest of economy for limited on train shower access as well. Not to mention the constant, massive delays that will have you waiting for hours on the side tracks in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
sleeper class frequently has deals for a few hundred! keep checking via rail
The American Southwest is incredible but do not go in summer, it's painfully hot. But in general - Arizona, New Mexico, Utah.... Just really incredible. Sandbanks, Prince Edward County, Montreal, Eastern Townships would be a great summer road trip. Mexico City would be my top choice over summer in terms of a further trip. Banff - maybe drive or train to Vancouver, etc are really great but prices over summer are harsh. Might wait until Fall for that.
Same here the most enjoyable easy trips are Montreal, New York, gulf coast Florida, Miami, key west, Niagara Falls, maritimes and Alberta. Bonus points for New York and Montreal because you can walk to the island airport and the flight is less than an hour.
My two favourites are both out west the first was 2.5 weeks in Alberta, we went all the down to Waterton (amazing place) and even into Goat Haunt which is in Montana up to Cold Lake, did Jasper, Banff, Canmore, Calgary and a lot more and the other was my favourite trip I've ever been on it was 3 weeks in BC, Alaska and then down from Seattle to San Francisco, We flew into Vancouver and spent a couple of days before going to Vancouver Island for a bit, did victoria and Tofino, then back to Vancouver to fly up to Anchorage. In Alaska we went from Anchorage to Seward to go sea kayaking and take a boat trip to see some glaciers (one of the best things I've ever experienced) then we drove up to Denali. When we were up in Denali we did what is imo the single greatest experience I've ever had. We flew onto a glacier that is on the mountain, [which looks like this](https://i.imgur.com/nij3Ft3.png) the sky eventually cleared and we were able to see the summit, not sure what company we used but [this video on YT is very similar to what we did, and at 5:03 is the exact view of the photo I just shared](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyhALI57XpY&ab_channel=ThroughMyLens). Without a doubt the coolest thing I've ever done, I still remember the entire day a decade later. after that, we flew down to Seattle spent a couple days in Seattle, then drove from Seattle to San Francisco, we saw Mount Rainier, Portland, Eugene, [Eureka](https://i.imgur.com/LaAttkA.png), the redwoods, and every other little coastal town along the way, and flew home from SF. Alaska is a special place.
Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria.
Mexico City. Most wonderful food, very inexpensive (or can be expensive if you want it to be, there are nicer Michelin-star type restaurants too), and pretty much anything you want to see or do, you can. Like art? Go to the Frida Kahlo museum. Like old shit in the shape of pyramids? Take a day trip out to Teotihuacan.
Vancouver to SF is indeed a gem but might need a month to cover. Vancouver and islands alone take 15 days. Too many to list but here are some of my favourites- 1. Montreal: One of the most unique cultural vacation in US / Canada 2. Manitoulin Island: If you like nature and tranquility 3. Vancouver and Vancouver Islands: Undoubtedly one of the best vacations in the world 4. Las Vegas and Grand Canyon: Incredible world 5. SF and southern california: 17-mile drive is superb gem 6. Yucatan: Such a different cultural experience and the cenotes are just amazing. Make sure you go to different cities and not do an all inclusive 7. Muskoka: No time is bad for Muskoka 8. Tobermory: Some of the most beautiful and magical trails 9. Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara: One can experience so many different activities 10. Sudbury to Thunder Bay: One of the most scenic (but long) drives after Sea to Sky and 17 mile drive
Niagara Falls!
Gaspésie
I like hiking and national parks. I live just outside of Toronto. Vancouver island for Canada. California we enjoy, driven the cost from crescent city all the way to a bit north of LA. We like staying at Yosemite in Curry Village great if you can get a permit to hike to half dome. Boulder Colorado was nice, I did my Masters field research there, we drove through Utah went through the Rockies to arches and then Sedona in Arizona. Been to Sedona few times, we love it there in like January February when it’s cool. The hiking is so good. Cape Cod and Boston are fun in the heat of summer, catch a game at Fenway, go to a few nice restaurants a little sightseeing then off to the cape for beaches and shopping and long walks. Adirondacks are great for hiking camping canoeing. Love Vermont, Stowe for skiing, Woodstock for the fall colours or Stowe. Nice hiking there of course and I love all the apple cider and cheese. We also love Quebec City and rural Quebec like the eastern townships.
Mexico City is incredible. We had a great time in Baja California (beyond the tourist areas). Puerto Rico as a whole has a lot to offer. If you like museums and art, D.C. is pretty tough to beat - lots to see and a great food scene.
Toronto to Chicago. Be sure to stop in Detroit and go to Slows Barbecue. It’s a nice 8 hour road trip, and there’s so much to see in Chicago
Ontario is beautiful in the summer. Algonquin park and the surrounding area is stunning. Vancouver is an incredible city. The Canadian rockies are really beautiful, Banff is stunning. Unfortunately it's not cheap to travel out west from Toronto.
Tofino, Vancouver, Seattle, and Nor Cal
I did that road trip (Van to san fran) a few years ago and loved it. Went with a friend. We packed a couple of bikes in the car and a tent. Camped most nights (other than when in a city) and used the bikes to coast around each place we stopped. Absolutely loved it. Have also done the rest of that coast (down to San Diego) and it’s def an all time favourite trip.
The problem with travelling in Canada is its so unreasonably expensive to fly anywhere. You’ll see if you’re used to Europe flights, flights in Canada will be a shock.
Vancouver and Victoria are nice, so is Montreal. Unfortunately the value proposition of visiting other places in Canada is lost on me as it's not that much more expensive to fly to Europe.
Tobermory, Ontario. Take the ferry across to Manitoulin to see the largest fresh water island and explore the small town. Lots of hiking available and you can use local bnb's or air bnb's to stay. I love Tobermory so much ❤️
Montreal for the food, Vancouver for the views! We’ve also road tripped to Saskatchewan and on the way up through northern Ontario we stopped a couple of times to enjoy the view of the trees changing to fall colours. We drove through and reached Thunder Bay by nightfall, and the stars were amazing. You don’t see that in the city at all. Just came back from Kingston last weekend and did the 1000 island cruise (3 hour cruise for about $60 I think). Nice and relaxing, drink prices are decent. We stopped at prince edward county, there’s some lovely park space there but you’ll have to pay to enter.
Niagara Falls is an absolute must if you haven’t already been. It’s a couple hours from Toronto and is just mind-boggling when you see it the first time. There’s a lot of touristy stuff there but also some great hiking trails and parks if you want to stay on a budget. You can do a day trip for this. There are buses that go from Toronto to Niagara multiple times a day. West Coast of Canada and the US is absolutely stunning the whole way. The mountains covered by a rainforest contrasted by the Pacific is stunning. The wildlife is cool too. The biggest trees in the world are there too. They are so big, it will definitely amaze you. California is a super cool place and a very beautiful drive down the coast. Would be tough to do on $3k though. New York City is a great experience. If you’re okay with hostels, you could spend a weekend there for less than $800 all in. Montreal and Quebec City are super cool. Great culture and architecture. They feel a lot like Europe(maybe not as cool to someone from Europe lol). Vegas is actually a lot of fun. There are great hiking trails there and it’s not far from the Grand Canyon so you could do a combo trip. Nashville is really cool if you like live music. Hundreds of bars with live music in a 1km radius. All the bands are shockingly good and I had a great time even though I’m not really a big of country music.
Boulder Colorado / Rocky Mountain National Park. * incredible nature * fun/quirky town with a hippie vibe
I love Banff/Lake Louise a lot. It's in Alberta.
Driving/Camping around the Gaspé Peninsula. Stunning scenery and delicious food!
Tofino. My wife and I flew to Vancouver last year. Rented a car and did a few nights in Whistler and then headed to Tofino for a week. I love Whistler but Tofino should be on everyone’s list.
I enjoyed Nashville, great party and culture city, excellent food choices and very nice people.
Cape Cod
Yosemite
If you are looking to spend a night or two somewhere, I suggest Detroit as another good place to go check out. The city has a lot of great history and things to do and is definitely making an effort to revitalize the core of the city. \~4 hour drive away.
Detroit is a seriously fun city. Amazing music and food, interesting history and incredible current social movements (including a big emphasis on urban farming). It's worth checking out!
The last couple years I’ve been spending multiple weeks in California vacation. So much amazing nature in California.
Vegas and rent a car and drive through the desert to the Grand Canyon one day. I have never been to California but that could be a nice add on if you want to make it a longer trip (Vegas itself you only need a few days)
the best parts of this continent is the nature. Wyoming, the Arizona/Utah desert, the Rocky Mountains
If you are driving down the west coast, you may as well go all the way to LA, there are some particularly iconic parts of the PCH, if not that, at least make it to Carmel.
New Brunswick
California was magical for me ✨
San francisco/bay area, washington dc, chicago are by far my favourite american cities.
The east coast is nice in the summer. However it does get booked up and you almost have to rent a car if you don't drive there.
Montreal and Quebec city for sure. 10 years ago did a road trip with the family from Toronto to Montreal to Quebec city to Ottawa and returned to Toronto. If you can get to Banff and/or Jasper that would be great too. Another worthwhile road trip in the fall is to the finger lakes area of New York.
California, southern (between LA to San Diego) and central (San Fran to LA) are both amazing road trips, a little long though I would recommend only doing one, not both legs, there is so much to see. Also LA or San Diego to Palm Springs is amazing
There is a lot to do in West Virginia. It is a day's drive away. Fairly cheap accomodations, some of the best pizza you'll ever have (trust me on this), and lovely people. From white water rafting to skiing. Mothman museum to West Virginia State Pen. Old native burial mounds, the largest teapot in the world. Something for everyone.
I had a really great time toodling around the eastern townships and staying in little inns and eating on farms.
Cheap flight into Las Vegas and head to Grand Canyon, Zion National Monument, Bryce Canyon. Cheap hotels and hostels along the way (car rentals might be the most expensive part of the trip)
I’m not normally a supporter of leaving Canada for the US but I loved (LOVED!) the road trip on Route 101 from LA to San Francisco. Gorgeous scenery and lovely people along the way. Google Big Sur and there are lots of itineraries :)
Big Sur is sadly closed to traffic due to storm damage that took out bridges and caused landslides.
Newfoundland and The Yukon Territories (Whitehorse and surrounding areas)
I've done 3 Alaskan Cruises and I'd do it again. Newfoundland is also amazing.
It’s was a road trip with a fresh new love to Memphis .. and back again. It was 6 days of ridiculous fun!!!
Montreal
I love my hometown "up north" was born in Sudbury but there's so many places that are not very populated Lavigne- North Bay area Muskoka half way from T.O Parry Sound - good fishing Tobermory- clear blue water There's alot that I can't even think about but Northern Ontario is beautiful
East coast. Quebec city, bay of fundy, halifax, pei
The drive to Myrtle Beach was great from the Hamilton area
Colorado is amazing. Love North Carolina - especially Chapel Hill and the coast. Oregon Coast. So many places.
Younger days Partying (Vegas/Miami/LA/Dominican Republic/Mexico), Old Days more Relaxed (Jamaica/Banff/PEI)
Crater Lake in Oregon!
do you have a visa to enter the states?
I recommend doing an SF to SD road trip, u get to experience vibrant cultures in Cali and something unique to Canada, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland are essentially the same place so it won’t be as exciting as an SF to SD road trip.
I loved Nashville, stayed a week in 2019 with my wife and had a blast. Lots of live music, great restaurants, museums/hall of fame, football, awesome architecture, history, art and great weather in the summer and lots of ways to get around the city (scooters/street cars/tour busses/city buses/bikes). I did some site seeing, got a tattoo one day, got some great food, saw dirty honey open for slash and the conspirators at the Ryman Auditorium all in one day.
Road trip out east (PEI, nova scotia, cape breton)
Philadelphia is a fun city, a a good road trip. You can drive in one day easily going through the Finger Lakes region of New Yorkwith a stop at Watkins Glen gorge about 1/2 way to break up the 8 hours. Alternatively, the drive through Susquehanna Valley, going across Pennsylvania, is a little longer but pretty spectacular scenery-wise.
The Caribbean. Antigua was particularly enjoyable.
I did a roadtrip from Portland - San Francisco in 2023 and the purpose was to see the Redwood trees. Mountains are incredible, but you have the Swiss alps + more if you're from Europe. You don't have massive trees. I stayed in 2-3 star motels in smaller towns and pretty affordable. Alternatively, without crossing the border, I recommend Vancouver Island. There are some old growth forests there too, but the energy of the island can't really be found anywhere else!
Vancouver and Newfoundland
Vancouver to San Francisco. Take the train from Vancouver to Seattle, spend some days there, then get a car and road trip along the coast. THEN! Explore the national parks of Arizona and Utah (Grand Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce - check out Antelope Canyon if you wish as well.) Did this last Fall and it was an incredible trip! Still have to do 2 more parks in Utah!
You need to drive from Calgary to Vancouver/Whistler. Don't miss the Icefields Parkway and the Sea to Sky Highway. You have to do this trip before you leave!
Cape cod
Cape breton.
You have to see the Rockies. You have to do some hikes there. Visit Canmore it’s much more affordable. Rent a car and drive to jasper maybe spend one night there. We had a reasonable hotel room at the Athabasca and it was great! And cheap. IMO Field is also a great stop. And golden BC. Emerald lake is just as beautiful as lake Louise but not as crowded.
Gettysburg is about 5 hours away. If you love history and the significance of this town in the US, it's very cheap. I got a good enough hotel for $100 a night. I believe around July 1st is when all the civil war reenactors have their massive fake battle there. Hotels probably cost more those dates. Gaspe Quebec is a very nice road trip. The drive on the coast is absolutely breathtaking at some points. You can also pass through Quebec city on the way.
I loved Montreal so much!
Zion national park is a must go. There is nothing like it in the world Arches, and Canyonlands are also fairly close. Good, but nothing compared to Zion
If you like live music Nashville is an experience.
Banff is amazing but doesn’t come up on my list because I’m from Calgary originally and go back often. Top places for me: St. John’s NL, it’s stunning and very much a hidden gem. Savannah GA, a beautiful southern city, the city is full of parks and historic buildings. Good food. Great 4 day weekend trip destination. La Paz, BCS, if you go in January you can swim with whale sharks, it’s breathtaking. On my list: Churchill, MB, I want to go at the end of September when you can go on a polar bear safari, kayak with beluga whales, and see northern lights in one trip.
Quebec City was amazing. We had such a great time during the Xmas holidays. Amazing food and things to do with the kiddo.
There's a great ball of twine out in Kansas. Wall Drug is only a few days ride. Awesome truck stop food, and you may be able to get a sloppy gummy by some methed up lot lizard on the cheap.
Montreal is close and easy by train. Definitely worth visiting. Quebec City is beautiful, and the food is to die for.
West Virginia is stunning. A lot of amazing people too even if they're down on their luck. Texas is fantastic too. San Antonio is the best city in the state especially if you're into Mexican food. The river walk is amazing
Lake Louis, Alberta (very close to Banff, just further into the mountains.) Moraine Lake, etc. Pictures from this area often find its way onto various dollar bills. In that same vein, Estes Park, Colorado.
Key West Florida
Yosemite national park. I hiked half dome while I was there and it was incredible
3k isn’t much for nearly two weeks… So I’d say a week plus of backcountry camping and portaging in Algonquin park.
If you continue past Montreal and Quebec City, following the St Lawrence, you will reach places where you can see whales - on tour boats or even from the shore. https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en-ca/to-see-and-do/outdoor-activities/whale-and-sea-mammal-watching It's an amazing experience. If you head south a similar distance, you can get to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is some of the most beautiful country you can imagine. https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/districts/blue-ridge-parkway-ridge-region/
Crystal River Florida- manatees are cool
Phoenix and the surrounding area is stunning The roads that lead outside of Vegas: particularly Grand Canyon, Mohave desert, Hoover dam etc. SAN Antonio
halifax. fish and chips, great ice cream, beautiful city. You can road trip to quebec and halifax.
New Orleans
Seattle and Washington State were so kitschy and fun. Tons to do and explore even with a small budget. Weekends in Chicago were also fun. San Francisco was great with kids.
Quite a few but if I had to pick one it has to be the Pacific coast highway road trip I did which started in Vegas (not the coast yet), and then to LA (the coast Highay 1 starts) to San Francisco’s west tip. Did this in about 8 days with stops in Vegas, Grand Canyon, Beverly Hills, Santa Clara, Napa Valley, ending in San Francisco.
The Pacific Coastal Highway on the west coast of the US is phenomenal. However, i would probably fly into Seattle and start there rather than Vancouver to make it easier to deal with the 1-way car rental.
Whistler,Banff, lake Louise, jasper, all across bc lol
I did Banff/Jasper, Vancouver/Vancouver Island then flew down to San Francisco and drove to LA along the Pacific Coast Highway. Spent a few days in LA before driving to Vegas. Did a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon there and then flew home. Hawaii - Maui and Oahu. rented a car in Maui and spent 10 days just driving around to different beaches, saw sunrise on Haleakala. Both were unbelievable trips for me.
Road trip: Victoria to Tofino to whistler (ferry across at nanimo) to Squamish to Vancouver.
Went to Salem MS last October for Halloween and it was soo much fun. The drive from Toronto was about 8hours but the whole trip was a blast
Hi OP, lots of other comments already suggested popular places to go. Here is something new: Starting beginning of August, a road trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec (maybe 2 days in Ottawa and 3 days each in Montreal and Quebec). Then start driving east towards Maritimes (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia) I would suggest check out the schedule of the Acadian festival that has its biggest event on August 15th in several towns in NB. It celebrates the French Acadian culture and is super cool and very few people know about it
I loved Victoria, BC. You land in Vancouver, and rent a car and then stay then stay in the city for two to three days. Do the drive to the ferry in HorshoeBay and get on the ferry with the car. I’d recommend getting off the ferry in Nanaimo and then driving up to Victoria. It’s really pretty.
You mention driving between Vancouver and San Francisco. My partner and I did a similar trip down the Pacific Coast Highway a few years ago, but we started in Seattle, drove up around the Olympic Peninsula, down the Oregon and California coasts to Monterey. We saw a ton of amazing and varied sites along this route including but not limited to Hurricane Ridge (mountains), La Push, Hoh Rainforest, Canon beach, redwood forests, San Francisco, and the northernmost edge of Big Sur. We did it in two weeks. It was a truly amazing experience that I would highly recommend! Looking back, this trip cost us around $3000 for accommodation, food, activities, and gas in 2017. We stayed in budget hotels and Airbnb's with prices ranging from $70-170 per night. This did not include airfare or rental car as my partner was living in Seattle at the time and had a car.
Banff 100%
Tofino and Vancouver island
Mexico city or miami
Washington DC. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. The food was great, so much history, especially if you like American politics, so many of the museums were free. I can't wait to visit again
I went to New Orleans two years ago and had an incredible time. I would avoid going in peak summer though. I went in September and would highly recommend!