Road trips 101: The Best Local Travel Ideas

What would summer be without a visit to the beach? It is the quintessential activity for soaking up the summer heat and is a well-loved destination for sun-worshipers of all ages! This year let the road take you to a new place to feel the sand between your toes. From Singing Sands in PEI to Long Beach in Tofino, Canada boasts hundreds of beautiful lakeside and coastal beaches for the perfect road trip destination.

Lie back and soak up the sun (safely with some SPF 30, please), build an epic sandcastle, play some beach volleyball, take a scenic waterfront stroll, or suit up and grab a refreshing dip.

Canadian wine is excellent but sipping fine Canadian wine while taking in the view at a scenic vineyard is even better. Pairing those experiences makes a winery visit a must for your next road trip.

Ontario and British Columbia are the top producers of wine in Canada, but you can find great small-batch vineyards, breweries and cideries across most provinces.

Did you know that Canada is the world’s leading ice wine producer? There’s more ice wine produced in Canada than in all other countries combined. If you haven’t tried it, this chilled sweet wine is a perfect dessert on a sunny summer day. Seek it out while you are on the road; your tastebuds won’t be disappointed.

If you want to trade four wheels in for two, look for sip and cycle tours offered by tour guides across Canada. They provide the opportunity to cycle your way through an entire wine region, pairing a scenic ride with visits to multiple wineries.

Wherever or whatever you choose to sip along the way, ensure you have a designated driver and enjoy responsibly.

Is there anything more Canadian than camping in our picturesque wilderness? It’s no wonder that sites fill up so quickly!

Be sure to plan. Finding the perfect site, ensuring that you have the right gear, and curating a meal plan requires some forethought. If you’re missing equipment, asking a friend to borrow a camp stove or extra sleeping bag can be a better idea than buying one, especially if camping is not a regular part of your summer.

If you are looking for a twist on traditional camping, consider embracing the #VanLife – whether you go with a complete van conversion, pull off a DIY car camping hack, or rent a campervan. This option allows you to hit the open road, camp, take in some incredible sights, and get some shuteye without worrying about booking multiple campsites along your route. The possibilities are endless!

Is there anything more satisfying than discovering an off-the-beaten-track diner that serves the best perogies you’ve ever tasted? Or a roadside fruit stand offering bushels of perfectly ripe berries and peaches? There are so many culinary delights waiting for you to discover. If you’re passionate about great food, a road trip is an excellent opportunity to explore new tastes outside your stomping grounds!

Thanks to social media and food blogs, mapping out a culinary road trip is easier than ever. A quick search can yield a scenic journey that provides vast array of options to satisfy your taste buds. Turn the sugar-meter way up by embarking on Wellington County’s Butter Tart Trail. Just avoid asking your road trip mate if they are for or against raisins in butter tarts; such a serious debate can quickly sour your sweet road trip.

Passing through a city? You’re in luck. Both large and small cities across Canada present an opportunity to sample authentic cuisine and flavours from around the globe, adding stamps to your culinary passport without leaving the country.

While hitting the road is exhilarating, planning your trip can be just as exciting. Get out your guidebooks, maps, and magazines, and consult your adventure-loving friends and family for recommendations as you plan your route.

As you start mapping your route, please ensure that you follow local and provincial public health guidelines for travel. Always be respectful of the towns and communities you’re in. Clean up after yourselves and mind local customs.