Introduction

My first car held a very special badge of honour. It was the only vehicle among my circle of friends and family, that was ever parked on a beach on both sides of Canada. It wasn't on the same road trip mind you, but nonetheless my red chevy found itself on the shores of Long Beach, Vancouver Island one summer and a year later on Cavendish beach in Prince Edward Island. Pacific to the Atlantic and a whole lot of kilometers in between, and that was just two road trips. There were many others. My car protested, naturally, and as such I learned to be a pretty decent mechanic on the fly.

Road trips are something that is such a quintessentially North American thing. I know that in Europe there are adventurous souls who go on caravan tours and drive all over the place but that is an exception rather than the norm. Growing up road trips were what families did, plain and simple. Most couldn't afford to fly, or if they could it was a rare vacation that would maybe come once every 2-3 years. But mum and dad still needed that vacation right? Local spots like cottage country were always a good option but that got boring so places further away became more enticing.

I cannot imagine tolerating what my parents, and others like them, put up with by loading a gaggle of kids into the station wagon, hitching up the camper trailer, and proceeding to drive from Toronto, Ontario to Jasper, Alberta for a 3 week vacation. That equated to 6 days of driving to get there, 9 days for camping, and 6 days to get back. This was before iPad, Nintendo Switch, or any other form of entertainment one would use today to keep the kids occupied. I think I might have had an electronic quarterback handheld game come to think of it, but mostly it was portable magnetic games, books, car games (plate bingo for example), and tonnes of "Yes & Know Invisible Ink" Books (Battleship was by far the best games in those books).

Road trips are a lot easier now of course. Google maps, Netflix, Apple Arcade. All these things that help the time pass while driving. Perhaps that is why they still remain so popular even though flying has become much more reasonable (relatively speaking) and is certainly a more common mode of vacation transport that it once was. There is just something about a road trip that evokes nostalgia, and brings a sense of adventure because you have total freedom. You wanna make a pit stop and see the Magnetic hill in Nova Scotia? Go for it. The kids insisting on going to the mini golf that was advertised on the billboard you just passed? Why not?

In honour of my parents amazing powers of forbearance, and in the simple pleasures that I learned to appreciate on these trips I decided to present a handful of some truly wonderful road trips one can embark upon. All images © Author except where noted.

Roll out!

1. Route 66: The Mother of All Road Trips

• Duration: 7-10 Days

• Stops: Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Santa Monica

• Ideal Time: Late Spring to early Fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and festivals along the route.

• Highlights:

  • Embark on a nostalgic journey down America’s most famous highway, Route 66. While you cannot traverse the entire historical route there is still upwards of 80% that is still drivable I(some of it has been covered over by new interstates etc.). Technically Route 66 is no longer a highway after losing its certification in the mid 1980's but you will still see the road signs along the way in numerous locations stating it as "Historic Route 66" including one at the starting point. I've marked it as a 7-10 day drive but you could easily make it a two week or more trip as there are plenty of opportunities for detours and side trips.

    

    
    

  • Begin in Chicago with its vibrant cityscape and iconic attractions like Millennium Park and Willis Tower. Start the trip right with a fantastic brunch at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe right next to Millennium Park if you can get in that is. The place is wildly popular and you may have a bit of a wait but one parent can always take the kids over to the park for a bit of fun by the Cloud Gate structure while the other waits.

    

  • Travel through St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch and sample classic barbecue. You can even take a tram up to the top of the Arch. Explore one of the best zoos in the country, featuring a variety of animal habitats, a children’s zoo, and a train ride at the St. Louis Zoo.

  • In Amarillo, marvel at the quirky Cadillac Ranch. The Ranch is visible from the interstate 40 highway (which effectively replaced the historic route 66 in much of the southwest), and though located on private land, visiting it is encouraged. In addition, writing graffiti on or spray-painting the vehicles is also acceptable, and the vehicles are very vibrant with these new decorations.

    
    

  

  • Albuquerque offers a mix of culture and history, from the adobe-style buildings in Old Town to Petroglyph National Monument. Take the kids to ABQ BioPark. Visit the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach. They will love seeing exotic animals, learning about marine life, and exploring beautiful gardens. If you prefer more cultural activities you could plan a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the 19 Pueblo tribes through exhibits, traditional dances, and crafts. Dinosaur enthusiasts would also enjoy a visit to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.

    
    

  • While going through Flagstaff make a detour to take in the splendor that is the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is about 1.5 hours north of the route. Lake Powell is also nearby so perhaps you might want to rent a boat and spend a day on the water.

    

  • If you are on a longer trip you could even consider a trip up into Vegas which is also only a 1.5 hour drive from Kingman AZ on I-40. The kids can enjoy the pools and rides while mum and dad get to do some adult stuff.

    
    

    

  • Finally, end in Santa Monica, taking in the ocean views at the pier, the symbolic end of the road. If you are hungry after that drive why not stop in at The Galley for a meal. Established in 1934, the restaurant is Santa Monica’s oldest restaurant and bar.

    

  • Make sure you pick up some souvenirs along the way!

    
    

    

    
    
    
    
    
    

2. Canadian Rockies Road Trip

• Duration: 7 Days

• Stops: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Edmonton, Calgary loop

• Ideal Time: Late Spring to early Fall (May to September) for the best hiking and views of turquoise lakes. If you do the trip in summer you could also add the Calgary Stampede and/or K-Days (formerly Klondike days) in Edmonton to your itinerary if you enjoy the midway. Edmonton used to have a huge race along the river called the Sourdough Raft Race that coincided with Klondike days. It was absolutely hilarious with hundreds of DIY rafts and floats going down the river usually with massive water fights going on. The participants had to stop at various points and get ashore to grab a garter from one of the costumed 'sourdough sweethearts'. More often than not the racers would just take the whole girl! Something tells me that the city doesn't do that anymore...

• Highlights:

  • Journey through Canada’s majestic Rockies, starting in Calgary with its lively downtown and historical Fort Calgary. Calgary also has the Telus Spark Science Center which is a fantastic place to take the kids and let them burn off some energy before hitting the road. It has a ton of things to do for all ages including a Digital Immersion exhibit that is quite remarkable.

    
    

    

  • Sit out on the patio at the Ship and Anchor pub on 17th avenue near the Saddledome and enjoy some good Big Rock beer from the local brewery - try the honey brown lager. The pub is perpetually busy and noisy and a whole lot of fun. Hockey fans may remember this section of 17th as the Red Mile so named after thousands of fans started congregating there during Flames playoff games.

    
    

    

    
    

  • From there you will drive 2 hours to Banff, where you’ll find natural hot springs, the stunning Bow Falls, and endless mountain views. Make sure to ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain to get a beautiful panorama of the town in the valley below. You can choose to stay in Banff, which is a bit more expensive, or you could opt to stay in Canmore which is just outside of the Banff National Park about 15 minutes away.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Make sure to at least visit the Banff Springs hotel for a walk around the property, it is a lovely castle in the middle of the rockies. In Banff, get a table at Melissa's Missteak which is a Banff icon offering steaks, burgers, and an amazing deep dish pizza. If you are in Canmore (or even just passing through towards Banff) you absolutely must stop at Le fournil Bakery who make some perfectly divine pastries.

    
    

    

  • Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake, with their turquoise waters framed by towering peaks, is a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Bear in mind, due to the popularity of the area you might not be able to park there and may need to reserve a shuttle to access Moraine Lake.

    
    

    

    
    

  • You'll drive along the Bow Valley Parkway which runs along the Bow River for a long stretch. Between Banff and Lake Louise is a lovely hike at Johnson's canyon which culminates in a stunning waterfall. The hike is about 2 hours in and out and is pretty easy for all ages due to the walkways that have been built there.

    
    

    

  • Drive along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper’s serene landscapes. I remember visiting the Icefields as a child and of course they were much bigger then with the glacier having retreated some 20 km since 1980 due to human induced climate change. I distinctly remember stepping into what the tour organizers called 'glacial goop' which was a thick mud/ice slurry that briefly claimed my boot! Although much diminished even today it is an impressive site. The town of Jasper is still recovering from the devastating wildfires but much of the area is still open to tourists. If you feel like another gondola you can take the Jasper Sky tram up Whistlers Mountain, it is the longest and highest guided tram in Canada. Be prepared to see a lot of marmots at the top as you walk along the guided pathways.

    
    

    

  • From Jasper it is about a 3.5 hour drive to end up in Edmonton, where you can both explore the massive West Edmonton Mall with its indoor World Waterpark (wave pool, and 20 waterslides for varying ages) and Galaxyland amusement park. My favorite was the cyclone, it's the pink one doing the near vertical loop. For a more relaxed experience take in the serene Muttart Conservatory Botanical Garden.

    

  • If you feel like a day at the beach (yeah, even in landlocked Alberta) you could always stop halfway (1.5 hours) at Sylvan Lake near Red Deer on your return to Calgary. There is a huge waterfront area with a very gently graded sandy beach that extends far out, like football field length, into the water so even out 100m the water is still only waist level in spots. There is also a large outdoor waterpark there as well. Along the boardwalk that runs a fair length of the beach are a bunch of nice places to grab a bite or an ice cream. The fireside lounge and grill ahs a great rooftop patio. While I do eat periodically in Sylvan Lake I have to admit I have a lot of fond memories of getting car-side service at the A&W in nearby Red Deer too on our many trips between Edmonton and Calgary - mmmmm Grandpa Burger and their famous root beer float. Up until maybe the last decade or so they still had the car hop trays that would attach to your car window served by waitresses on roller skates. Talk about nostalgia.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

• Duration: 5 Days

• Stops: Shenandoah National Park, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Ideal Time: Fall (September to November) for stunning autumn foliage or Spring (April to June) for blooming wildflowers.

• Highlights:

  • The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Begin in Shenandoah National Park, driving along Skyline Drive with its breathtaking overlooks.

  • In Asheville, explore the grand Biltmore Estate and vibrant arts scene.

    
    

    

  • Continue to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike trails, visit Clingmans Dome for panoramic views, and explore the historic Cades Cove settlement.

4. New England Fall Foliage Tour

• Duration: 2-3 Days

• Stops: Boston, Salem, White Mountains, Stowe, Burlington

• Ideal Time: Fall (Late September to early November) for peak foliage and seasonal activities.

• Highlights:

  • Experience New England’s charm during the fall, starting in Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail and let the kids splash around in the Boston Common Frog Pond if it's a warm enough day. Pick up some provisions at the Boston Public Market and maybe enjoy seafood at Quincy Market.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Head up along the coast to Salem for a dive into history and the infamous Witch Trials.

  • The White Mountains offer incredible leaf-peeping opportunities along the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic byway is riddled with overlooks affording plenty of opportunity to stop and take some stunning pictures.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Stowe’s quaint atmosphere and Burlington’s lakeside charm provide a relaxing end to this colorful journey, with plenty of opportunities for apple picking and exploring local breweries. For ice cream aficionados you can make a quick trip from Stowe's to Waterbury on the way to Burlington and take the tour at the Ben and Jerry's first factory and the only one open to the public.

5. Vancouver to San Francisco Coastal Drive

• Duration: 7 Days

• Stops: Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Cannon Beach, Redwood National and State Parks, Mendocino, San Francisco

• Ideal Time: Summer (June to September) for optimal weather and outdoor exploration.

• Highlights: 

  • Begin this epic drive in Vancouver, exploring Stanley Park and Granville Island. If you want to add a side trip you can always take a ferry across to Vancouver island and visit Victoria and the beautiful Butchart Gardens there. You might even consider a day trip up to Campbell river, specifically Seymour Narrows, to do some salmon fishing if so inclined. The Narrows are a very unique spot for fishing because when the tides change, the narrow channel causes a fast (~30 km/hr) flow through it that causes massive eddies where the fish congregate. I chartered a tour there a few years back and caught an 19 pound Chinook salmon. I had an even bigger one, my guide said it was a Tyee of at least 35 lb., on the line but lost it (yeah the one that got away story).

    
    

    Also, if you do cross to the island make sure to head to Nanaimo and buy some Nanaimo Bars at Red's Bakery who have won the title for that treat a couple of years in a row. If you've never had a Nanaimo Bar, more's the pity. You need one, trust me. You'll also need a passport for this drive as it goes through both Canada and the United States.

    
    

    

  • Cross the border to Seattle, visiting Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. You can explore the museums located in the area around the Space Needle. There is the Pacific Science center, the Children's museum, and of course the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly known as the Sci-Fi museum and Experience the Music Project) although that one might not be suitable for the younger kids. You can also see a stunning display of art at the Chihuly Garden and Glass center. If you do plan on doing a few of these attractions you might want to consider a CityPass that will gain you access to them for one price (saving you easily $100).

    
    

  • Continue to Portland, known for its vibrant food scene and lush gardens like the International Rose Test Garden. Cannon Beach in Oregon offers iconic views of Haystack Rock and pristine coastal beauty. If you're up for a bit of adventure you might enjoy a detour east from Portland out to Hood River, known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World although I think it should be renamed the kiteboarding capital as that seemed much more prevalent there. Regardless of the method you choose, surfing in the gorge is amazing! Never tried either? Take some lessons at somewhere like Cascade Kiteboarding and give it a try.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Continuing south you can journey through the towering trees of Redwood National and State Parks in California before stopping in the artsy coastal town of Mendocino.

    
    

    

  • End in San Francisco, taking in landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Make sure to take the trolley to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience if you are a chocolate lover, and one cannot visit San Fran without taking a selfie at the famous Lombard Street.

  
  

  

  • If you want some more Redwood Forest immersion you can also take a ferry to Sausalito and then a shuttle up to Muir Woods for a hike there. Make sure to reward the kids with a trip to the San Fran kids museum too. You might even consider heading into Napa valley for a relaxing stay at a BnB and some vineyard tours. If you do, I highly recommend the Mumms Napa tour as it was fantastic.

6. Great Lakes Circle Tour

• Duration: 10 Days

• Stops: Chicago, Milwaukee, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Duluth

• Ideal Time: Summer (June to August) for boating, hiking, and warm weather along the lakes.

• Highlights: This journey around the Great Lakes region combines urban adventures and natural beauty. You'll need a passport for this drive too.

  • Another road trip with a start in Chicago, enjoying its architecture and vibrant culture.

  • Milwaukee offers beer history and lakeside charm.

  • Mackinac Island is a step back in time with its horse-drawn carriages and Victorian architecture. Make a detour up to Whitefish Point if time permits to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and learn about the many ships lost on the rough waters of the great lakes especially Lake Superior, or Gitche Gumee in the Ojibwe language. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot should be going through your head now.

    
    

    

  • Explore the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie and consider a trip out to Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron which is the world's largest fresh water island, i.e. the largest island in a lake. The island has a permanent population of around 12,600 but this can swell to 20,000 in the summer months due to tourism. While there you can also visit Lake Manitou which is the largest lake on an island found within a lake. Or even better, go to Treasure Island in Mindemoya Lake on Manitoulin Island and you'll be standing on the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake! This whole cyclical thing is called recursive islands and lakes. Fun stuff.

    
    

    

    
    

  • From there, continue to Thunder Bay for outdoor adventures like hiking and visiting Kakabeka Falls. This road is an interesting drive and not one you want to drive after dusk. It is heavily treed and winding and there are a lot of logging trucks that use it as well. When the fog rolls in off Lake Superior it can be treacherous so make sure you get your driving done while the sun is up.

  • End in Duluth with its maritime history and stunning views of Lake Superior.

7. Florida Keys Overseas Highway

• Duration: 3-4 Days

• Stops: Miami, Key Largo, Marathon, Key West

• Ideal Time: Winter to Spring (December to April) for dry, pleasant weather.

• Highlights: The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) spans 113 miles from mainland Florida to Key West, featuring 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. This road trip is all about stunning ocean views, marine adventures, historic sites, and laid-back island vibes.

  • Start in Miami where you can explore Little Havana and kick off your journey with Cuban coffee and pastelitos at Versailles Restaurant. Stroll Calle Ocho for street art and live music. Afterwards you can walk the famous Ocean Drive, admire the Art Deco District, and dip your toes in the Atlantic. If you have time you could always make a detour to visit Everglades National Park and maybe even take an airboat tour at Shark Valley or Everglades Alligator Farm before heading south to Key Largo. Make sure to make a pit stop at Robert Is Here in Homestead, a legendary fruit stand offering exotic fruit milkshakes.

    
    

    

  • In Key Largo, look into snorkeling/diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and if you do, then don't miss the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue.

    If you or others are not wanting to get into the water you can always do glass-bottom boat tour. Maybe even try your hand at some fishing? Afterwards, Enjoy a sunset dinner at The Fish House (try the fresh blackened or jerk mahi-mahi with a conch fritter starter, mmmmm). If you did happen to catch anything while fishing they will even cook that up for you there!

    
    

    

  • Next up is the drive from Key Largo to Marathon. On the way stop at Islamorada to visit Robbie’s where you can feed the massive tarpon fish (if you aren't squeamish about a giant fish engulfing your hand that is). Learn about the evolution of underwater exploration at the History of Diving Museum and stop by the Florida Keys Brewing Co. to pick up some craft beer to enjoy after the drive.

  • Once in Marathon you should visit the Dolphin Research Center to meet and learn about rescued dolphins. Book ahead if you want to partake in any special activities like meet a dolphin. Sticking with the marine animal theme, head over next to the Turtle Hospital and take a guided tour of this rehab center for injured sea turtles. Catch the sunset at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, overlooking Seven Mile Bridge which tomorrow you'll be driving over for the last stretch of the journey (unless you are also going back the way you came!)

  • As you cross the bridge make sure to keep an eye out for Fred the Tree. Fred is a Casuarina (also known as a 'she-oak' or an Australian pine) that despite the harsh salt spray and lack proper soil has defied odds and continues to is grow out of the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Recently a second tree has taken hold and is faring well.

    
    

    

    
    

  • After crossing the bridge make a stop in Bahia Honda State Park which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys. You can also check out the Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key) where you may be able to spot the tiny, endangered Key deer.

  • End in Key West, enjoying the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Lighthouse, and the famous sunset celebrations at Mallory Square. Stop by lively Duval Street to take a bar crawl and see Sloppy Joe’s (Hemingway’s favorite), Captain Tony’s Saloon, and The Green Parrot. Don't forget to join the millions of other tourists that take a shot at the Southernmost Point Buoy. Just don't be one of those who risk life and limb to get their selfies during a hurricane!

8. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

• Duration: 5 - 7 Days

• Stops: Baddeck, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cheticamp, Ingonish

• Ideal Time: Summer to early Fall (June to October) for scenic views and outdoor activities. It should also be noted that many of the restaurants and attractions are only open during this season.

• Highlights: The Cabot Trail is a breathtaking 300-kilometer (186-mile) loop around Cape Breton Island, offering rugged coastal cliffs, dense forests, and sweeping ocean views. Along the way, you'll encounter Acadian, Gaelic, and Mi'kmaq cultures, spot whales and moose, and enjoy some of Canada's best seafood. This itinerary follows Route 30 in a counter clockwise tour of the Trail. Traveling in this direction will make it easier to stop at the lookouts (there are 26 of them!) as most are on the right hand side of the road.

  
  

  

  
  

  Don't forget you'll need to buy a Park Pass at the visitor center in Ingonish prior to entering the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A family pass costs $17.50 per day. There are a few options for accommodations along the way. Camping is the most popular but if you prefer cabins or BnB's you'll be able to find a few of them but you will definitely need to book ahead in either case. There are plenty of food options along the way too but one thing I noticed about Nova Scotia in general is that, being a maritime province, seafood was almost always cheaper than something like a steak or even a burger. It was the exact opposite of what I'd gotten used to in Alberta. I've never eaten so much lobster and shrimp as during my time in Nova Scotia!

  
  

  

  • Start in Baddeck, the gateway to the Cabot Trail. Spend a day exploring the area. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn about the inventor’s legacy in this interactive museum showcasing artifacts from his life in Baddeck.

    Stroll along the Baddeck waterfront with views of Bras d’Or Lake, the largest inland sea in Canada. Take a short ferry ride for a scenic lighthouse photo op at the Kidston Island Lighthouse. Join a sailing excursion with Amoeba Tours out on Bras D'Or lake, where you might spot bald eagles. Up for a hike? Consider taking the 4km round trip through lush forest to arrive at Uisge Ban Falls. After spending the day exploring the area around Baddeck sit down for a lovely dinner at the Freight Shed Waterfront Restaurant or you could go more laid back and grab some pizza (Hawaiian, yes pineapple belongs on pizza!!!) at Tom's Pizza and wash it down with a local brew from Big Spruce Brewery.

    
    

  • Day 2 sees a drive towards Ingonish and the entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. If you are looking to shave some time of your trip you could take the short (very short, <100m) Englishtown Ferry connecting Englishtown and Jersey Cove. Just before you get to the ferry make a stop in St. Anns to learn about Nova Scotia’s Scottish heritage, including Gaelic language, music, and traditional crafts at the Colaisde na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic College). If you are up for a boat tour you might want to check out Donelda's Puffin Boat tours in Englishtown because who doesn't want to see those adorable birds! It's about 2.5 hours offered either in the morning or afternoon and will cost around $70.

    
    

    

    After that make a pit stop at the Clucking Hen Cafe and bakery for a spot of lunch. Continue on to Ingonish where you can take a nice walk along Ingonish beach or ride the gondola at Cape Smokey, or perhaps rent a kayak and do some paddling. Wrap up the day with a deliciously messy "Ringer Burger" at The Coastal Restaurant who incidentally are celebrating 20 years of being open this season (May-October 2025). Don't forget to stop by the visitor center to get your park pass!

    
    

    

    
    

  • Day 3 is when you get to drive the Cabot Trail’s most scenic stretch. Expect dramatic coastal cliffs, rolling highlands, and sweeping ocean views. There are numerous places to stop and walk around to take pictures but make sure you include Black Brook beach as a stop. There are quite a few beaches along the trail actually and some of them have lifeguards for those adventurous enough to brave the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Further along stop in at Neil's Harbour and visit the historic lighthouse there. They used to have a little ice cream shop in the actual lighthouse but I am not certain it is still there - it was as of 2023. You can also grab a delicious bowl of chowder for lunch at the nearby aptly named Chowder House.

    
    

    

    If you aren't into chowder then push along a bit further and grab some pizza at South Harbour Pines woodfired pizza. After that you can do a bit of Zipline fun at the Mountain Pine adventures in the same town. On the stretch to Pleasant Bay make a stop at Lone Shieling park for a short 15 minute hike. Once you get to Pleasant Bay you should visit the Whale Interpretive Centre museum and maybe even book a boat tour that will take you out to see whales in the wild. There are a few operators to choose from. Wrap up today at the Rusty Anchor restaurant with their Best of Both Worlds dish - fresh caught lobster and snow crab legs.

    
    

    

  • Day 4 is a day for hiking and a picnic. You have a couple of options here. The most challenging hike in the area would be the one to Pollet's Cove. The trailhead is just north of Pleasant Bay near the Gampo Abbey (a Buddhist temple). It is roughly 16 km hike ( 8 in and 8 back) along the coast through some pretty rough terrain so if you've got younger kids, forget this hike. A lot of folk will take camping gear in and break it up into two days but if you hit it early enough you could do it in one. The views are worth the trip and you may even see horses running along the beach.

    
    

    

    The other option is the Skyline Trail which is a 7.5 km loop and is much easier in such that it is one a wooden walkway and has minimal elevation changes. The views are equally stunning, and you may even see some moose, but due to the popularity of the hike the parking lot can fill up quick. Depending on which hike you choose you may or may not be leaving Pleasant Bay today. Assuming you do the easy hike then the afternoon will see you heading down to visit Cheticamp to experience Acadian culture and delicious seafood. You'll leave the National park at this point so you won't need a pass beyond here. Finish the day having some fish and chips, quaffing local pints, and listening to lively Acadian fiddle music at the Doryman Pub and Grill. Want more seafood? Try the Harbour Restaurant and Bar next to the Baywind suites hotel.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Day 5 is the return to Baddeck. Start the day with a Home Style Blueberry Loaf (or butter tarts!) bought at Au Coin bakery before hitting the road. Make a stop at the Centre de la Mi-Carême in Grand Etang to look at artwork, and maybe even make some of your own. Continue on to Margaree Valley where you can visit the Margaree Salmon Museum. Yep, a museum dedicated to salmon. While there stop in at the Dancing Goat cafe for lunch. Stretch your legs and take in some lakeside beauty at the Lake-O-Law Provincial Park just a bit further down the road. Finally take a slight detour before the turn to Baddeck and take a moment to explore the beers at Big Spruce Brewery, that was the beer you had on the first night remember? Buy a few to take home and make the last push back up the road to Baddeck and you've done the trail loop. Before you leave Nova Scotia though, make sure to visit Peggy's Cove to take a pic of the iconic lighthouse there.

    

    
    
    
    

Essentials to Pack for Your Road Trip

Devices and Accessories

• Smartphones and tablets

• Chargers for all devices (car and wall adapters)

• Power banks

• GPS or navigation apps

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards (if you don't just use your phone that is)

Entertainment and Comfort

• Audiobooks, podcasts, or music playlists

• Books or e-readers

• Travel games and activities for kids

• Headphones for the kids devices!

• Blankets and pillows for the car

Food and Water

• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Sandwiches or easy-to-pack meals

• Reusable water bottles and a large jug of water

• Cooler with ice packs for perishable items

Car Maintenance and Safety Items

• Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench

• Jumper cables

• Tire pressure gauge and inflator

• Basic tool kit

• Emergency roadside kit (flares, reflective triangles, flashlight)

• Car manual and registration

Personal Care and First Aid

• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Bug spray

• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes

• Face masks

• Travel-sized toiletries

Clothing and Weather Gear

• Layers for changing weather

• Comfortable shoes

• Rain jackets and umbrellas

• Hats and gloves (if traveling to cooler climates)

Miscellaneous

• Travel documents (licenses, insurance, passports for any border crossings)

• Plastic bags for trash

• Maps or printed directions (in case of no cell service)

• Cash for tolls and small purchases

Pre-Departure Vehicle Checklist

Maintenance Tasks

• Check tire pressure and tread depth.

• Test brakes and headlights.

• Inspect windshield wipers and replace if needed.

• Ensure all fluids are topped off (oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc.).

• Check battery health.

Cleaning and Organization

• Clean the car interior and exterior for a fresh start.

• Organize the trunk for easy access to essentials.

Safety and Documentation

• Verify that the spare tire and tools are in good condition.

• Ensure the car registration, insurance, and roadside assistance information are up to date.

• Set up a roadside emergency plan.

Final Preparations

• Load a playlist or download offline maps for areas with limited service.

• Inform someone about your travel plans and expected routes.

• Fuel up the car before departure.

Conclusion

These 8 are just a few of the hundred of potential road trips across North America. While road trips may have dwindled a bit during the late 1990's and early 2000's it seems that they are enjoying a bit of a comeback now. Flying has once again become prohibitively expensive for many, at least in North America it has, unless you are lucky enough to have a major hub nearby or a budget airline that services your local airport. Hybrid vehicles have made the pain of filling the car a little less, and there are several apps that will aid you on your way in planning routes, stops, and accommodations along the way. So, pack up the car, and choose your own adventure. There's a whole lot of Canada and America to be seen.

Happy Travels!