Hit the Trans-Canada Highway in 2018: top highlights in each province

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(Newswire.net — February 2, 2018) — Want to make 2018 the year you finally drive the length of one of the world’s longest national highways? From Victoria to St. John’s, there is a lifetime of memories waiting to be created along this stretch of road.

Let’s explore the possibilities below…

British Columbia

Start your cross-country adventure in Victoria. Before heading east across Canada, take time to explore one of this country’s most beautiful harbours, as well as its narrowest street (Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown). Make for Nanaimo, home to one of Canada’s best loved desserts (Nanaimo Bars), as well as the BC Ferry terminal that will take you across to Vancouver.

After taking a few days to enjoy Vancouver’s amazing food scene and dynamic downtown core, make your way through the Fraser Valley, which is graced with plenty of u-pick farms and opportunities to climb into the mountains surrounding you. As for the rest of the province, Kamloops offers scenic desert terrain, and Revel stoke & Golden has epic snow sport runs in season.

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Alberta

The Trans-Canada in Alberta starts in the midst of the fabulous Canadian Rockies, taking you past the mountain towns of Lake Louise and Banff. Both have scores of opportunities to connect with this epic landscape, from hiking to taking a dip in Upper Hot Springs.

After leaving the Rockies, you’ll pass through Calgary. Famed for its high-flying dining scene, you won’t leave this town hungry!

Saskatchewan

You’ll get a good look at Canada’s breadbasket during your travels across Saskatchewan. You’ll pass through seemingly endless fields of wheat, and a landscape so flat, the horizon lies as much as 50 kilometers beyond some vantage points.

As for urban attractions, Moose Jaw boasts Prohibition-era tunnels used by Al Capone, and Regina is home to the National RCMP Museum and training centre.

Manitoba

The flat, agricultural land typical of the Prairies continues through much of Manitoba, ending east of Winnipeg, as the Trans-Canada meets the boreal forest and the Canadian Shield. Winnipeg has a number of attractions worth a night or two.

Boasting The Forks Market and National Historic Site, the groundbreaking Human Rights Museum, and a diverse array of restaurants and shops, you’ll be surprised by what this underrated city has to offer. 

Ontario

The drive through Ontario will be the longest of the trip – from Kenora in the west to Stardale in the east will amount to more than 2,000 kilometres of asphalt. The long drive around Lake Superior will be the highlight of this stretch of road, as the bluffs, beaches, and solitude this Great Lake offers will appeal greatly to lovers of the outdoors.

After driving through endless wilderness for the better part of three days, Ottawa will be the reward for city lovers. As the federal capital of Canada, it is home to this nation’s Parliament Buildings, as well as countless national museums on various cultural and historic topics.  

Quebec

Next, you’ll cross over into Quebec, Canada’s only French majority province. The action gets started fast, as Montreal is not far from the western border. Nightlife, exquisite food, and world renowned festivals are a few of the things awaiting you here.

Further north, you’ll run across Quebec City. While Montreal has a European-style Old Town, Quebec City’s is far more impressive in appearance and scale. Don’t miss a chance to check out Chateau Frontenac, or the Quebec Winter Carnival in-season.

New Brunswick

While some dub New Brunswick the drive-through province, those willing to look closer will find an unappreciated gem. Fredericton offers small-town charm and a craft beer culture unlike any place its size, while Moncton has an amusement park perfect for families during the summer season.

Prince Edward Island

Taking the Trans-Canada spur onto Prince Edward Island means traveling across the Confederation Bridge, one of the world’s greatest feats of modern engineering. Once across, you’ll be taken to charming Charlottetown, a town-like provincial capital where talks that formed Canada took place 151 years ago.

A short drive off the TCH will take you to countless idyllic spots like Cavendish Beach, as well as golf courses that have received critical acclaim from numerous players and trusted publications.

Nova Scotia

Whether you choose to join the Nova Scotian Trans-Canada in Amherst or Pictou (where the ferry from PEI docks), the top destination in this province will be the same: Cape Breton.

An island lauded for its simple beauty by Alexander Graham Bell, most of its best spots are a drive off the TCH. But even if you choose to stick to this highway on your way to the Newfoundland ferry, the views of the Bras ‘d Or Lakes will awe you with their perfect simplicity.

Newfoundland

Starting in Port Aux Basques and wending its way across the province for over 900 kilometres, the last stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway will prove to be a fitting end to this epic route.

From the stunning highlands of the Long Range Mountains to the rugged coast of the Avalon Peninsula, as well as the friendly folk all along the way, you’ll love the last days of this epic trek.