Why go on a self-drive holiday in Canada?
A tour to Canada is always magical. But on a self-drive holiday, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
It’s not only at the country’s spectacular attractions or world-famous national parks that you can experience Canada’s majestic nature; it stays by your side throughout your adventure on four wheels.
Look forward to marvelling at captivating views from your car window as you travel from A to B and savouring the freedom that comes from being your own driver. You can easily make stops along the way, take small detours, or simply enjoy travelling at your own pace.
Our road trips in Canada
Our Canadian road trips are designed to offer you the perfect balance between carefully planned highlights and spontaneous adventures.
We’ve created routes that take you past some of Canada’s most spectacular attractions – from the mighty Rocky Mountains in the west to the iconic Niagara Falls in the east – and on to some of the country’s most exciting cities.
Below, you can read more about the main highlights you can experience on a self-drive tour in Canada.
Rocky Mountains
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are without a doubt one of Canada’s most impressive natural highlights. Here, snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife await you in some of the country’s most famous national parks, such as Jasper and Banff.
When driving through Jasper National Park, you can experience the picture-perfect Maligne Lake and may even spot moose, bears, and eagles in their natural habitat. In Banff National Park, cascading waterfalls and beautiful lakes take centre stage, while the natural hot springs offer the perfect way to unwind after a day spent in the wild. Between the two national parks, you’ll drive along the stunning mountain road known as the Icefields Parkway, where glaciers and mountains rise dramatically against the sky along the 230 km route.
Niagara Falls
The mighty Niagara Falls lies right on the border between the USA and Canada and attracts many visitors thanks to its sheer size. Niagara Falls actually consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, with Horseshoe Falls being the largest, accounting for 90% of the water flow. You can experience the falls from a distance or get up close behind the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls and truly feel the raw power of nature.
Metropolitan cities
One of the highlights of a self-drive tour is exploring Canada’s vibrant cities, alive with culture, gastronomy, and an energetic atmosphere.
In Canada’s capital, Ottawa, you can combine cultural experiences with a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming streets or along the nearby Ottawa River. Discover the magnificent Parliament Building or delve into the country’s history at the Canadian Museum of History.
In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, you can stand on the observation deck 346 metres up in the iconic 553-metre-high CN Tower. It’s also the perfect city to explore if you’re eager to taste Canadian cuisine, indulge in some shopping, or simply soak up the local culture.
Vancouver blends city life with nature in a truly unique way. Visit the urban oasis of Stanley Park, take in the views from the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, or dive into the local food market on the small island of Granville.
Frequently asked questions about self-drive holidays in Canada
Planning a road trip in Canada often raises many questions – from practical details about driving licences and visas to the best time to travel.
We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions so you can feel completely confident and well-prepared before getting behind the wheel on your Canadian adventure.
What’s included in a self-drive tour?
When you choose a self-drive tour in Canada with TourCompass, flights, car hire, hotels, and all scheduled excursions and experiences are included in the price.
If you’d like to make extra stops or explore attractions independently, you’re more than welcome to do so. Admission to attractions not mentioned in the offer is not included.
How much does a self-drive holiday cost?
The price of your self-drive holiday depends on several factors – including the route you choose, how long you plan to travel, and the time of year you set off.
On all our tours, flights, car hire, hotels, and scheduled activities are already included.
The summer months are the high season in Canada, which means prices are higher, while spring and autumn often allow for a little more room in the budget. You can request a quote for the tour of your dreams to get the exact price.
Is it safe to drive in Canada?
Yes, it’s safe to drive in Canada, and we make sure you travel during the best seasons.
The harsh winters can make certain routes challenging, such as in the Rocky Mountains, which is why we only offer tours between May and October.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Canada?
In Canada, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, which is the opposite of what we’re used to here in the UK.
It can take a little time to get used to driving on “the wrong side” of the road, but most people adapt quickly. All our rental cars come with automatic transmission, making the adjustment much easier.
Can you drive in Canada with a British driving licence?
Yes, you can. If your licence is in a language other than English or French, you’ll also need to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP), which provides an official translation into those languages.
Note: You must always bring your physical driving licence.
Why book your road trip with TourCompass?
When you book your road trip with TourCompass, you’ll enjoy the freedom of travelling independently, combined with the reassurance of being supported by an experienced tour operator.
We make sure you have the chance to experience the very best highlights, while also giving you the flexibility to tailor your self-drive adventure with detours to attractions you’ve always dreamt of seeing. Along the way, you can keep track of your tour in the TourCompass app, where you’ll find your daily itinerary along with our recommendations for routes and experiences each day.
If you need help during your journey, we – together with our local partners – are always on hand throughout your tour via our 24-hour emergency hotline.
Do you have questions about self-drive holidays in Canada?
If you’re not quite ready to hit the road through Canada’s majestic landscapes, you can read much more about driving in Canada here.
Mile after mile of mountain views, lakes, and forests await you! Are you ready to press the accelerator and experience Canada on a self-drive tour?
Our travel specialists are ready to help you find the road trip that best matches your travel dreams.
We look forward to helping you embark on the tour of a lifetime.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
