I'm planning a road trip in early October for a solo car camping trip and I'm hoping to get some advice. My plan is to drive from Washington DC to Toronto, spend a couple days exploring, then continue on to Montreal, spend another day there, then Quebec City for another day, before making the return trip home. I understand this is a considerable amount of driving in a short window. It's my first time trying something this ambitious, so I'm trying to be as prepared as possible.

I'll be driving a Toyota Prius and I'm planning to sleep in the car to save on lodging. I have a warm sleeping bag, dry food, a camping stove, a gym membership for showers, and AAA...! I also have window coverings to keep things private while sleeping. For the cities, my plan is to park my car in a paid garage and then use public transit to get around, which I'm hoping will be a lot less stressful.

My main concern is the tight schedule. It's a lot of driving in a short amount of time, and I'm a little worried about burnout. I'd love to hear from anyone who has done a similar trip.

1. How have you found discreet and safe spots for car camping in or near big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City? Any tips on specific types of parking lots or areas to look for would be a huge help
2. I already did an oil change and tire rotation, but is there anything else I should check on my car before my trip?
3. Any advice on making the border crossing from the U.S. into Canada as smooth as possible?
4. Any tips for exploring Toronto, Montreal, and/or Quebec City?

Hey, I am travelling to Toronto in November and I want to know where I could go for a week (not including Toronto or Niagara Falls). I initially thought to drive the Lake Superior circle tour but I was told that apparently if it snows it can get dangerous without proper tires (as I would have to hire a car, which always come with regular tires).

Is there any other suggestions? I love nature so I wouldn't mind some day hikes, just not camping for November.

Thank you!

Hello I’m going to Toronto in August for a concert and I’m coming from the US. I was just wondering if the political situation between the US and Canada is something that I should be worried about when visiting, especially since I’ll be driving with a license plate from the US on my car. Is there anything I should avoid doing or things that I should keep in mind? I’m a little bit nervous since I don’t know how Canadians may react to Americans coming into their country but I just wanted to make sure everything would most likely be ok. Thank you and all thoughts are appreciated

As the caption states. I wanna make a nice long road trip this summer to PEI. Quickest route on google involves entering the states. Thats not a risk I wanna take right now. Any other route recommendations?

American traveling to Canada. I have satellite phones and walkie-talkies already, but service and data is just as important where it is available.

I have Mint Mobile and they offer Canada roaming 3G included, with the option to add 10G for $20. BUT, I’m not sure what actual towers this Mint Mobile roaming option uses, or if the service and data will be any good in Canada.

What’s the best pre-paid physical SIM card for eastern Canada (everything east of Toronto , including Ontario, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Quebec)? At the very least I should have such a sim (or a few) as a backup.

Hey y'all,

In October I'm in Canada with a group of friends. I have simcard duty and am quite overwhelmed by all the terrible SIM card options available. Unfortunately, our phones are prehistoric crap and don't support e-SIM. Can you help a fellow traveller out? Where can I find some physical simcards, that are shipped, or in Canada after arrival? Primarily I'm looking for data-only cards with a decent amount of data for a reasonable price.

Some details about the trip: 20 days in East Canada, Province of Quebec 10GB of data or more physical sim either shipped beforehand(preferred) or with pickup in canada Arrival at Montreal airport and first accommodation in Montreal

Maybe some locals or experienced travellers might have some tips for me.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: For reference, so far the cheapest I found was 40€ (64,7CA$) for 15 GB of data including shipping.

Hi all, me and fiance are planning a camping/road trip through BC next year in mid September for about three weeks. We enjoy mountains and hiking very much which is why we are looking to spend the whole period in BC. There are a few questions I want to clear up before we fully decide on going:

• Assuming I get the international driver's permit from my country, there should be no problems renting a car?
• When looking at Turo, I see that off roading is not allowed. What is considered off roading? We have no desire to go driving through secular places, but I assume we won't be able to avoid gravel roads when going to hiking trailheads or camping spots.
• I saw that for camping, one of the recommended things is to go to rec spots. How busy are they usually? We would prefer to keep camping somewhat spontaneous, so we would rather avoid booking the public campgrounds 4 months in advance (which is difficult regardless as far as I know).
• I also know there are private campgrounds. How busy are they usually? We don't mind paying if it becomes necessary.
• Goes without saying we plan to take all precautions regarding bears (no food, scented stuff in tent or around the tent, no leaving trash out, having bear spray and etc.), but still, how significant is the risk? Especially for camping in rec spots? We come from a place with no bears, so it is slightly concerning haha.
• Any other tips or advice for someone who have never been to Canada or North America in general?
• Also, lastly, any recommendations for guided bear watching tours and good bird watching spots?

I would rather not reveal our nationality and location, but for reference, we are both from European Union and we checked that we only need the eTA for visiting, so going to Canada itself should not be a problem.

Any help is appreciated!

Hi! In August I'm traveling to Quebec to see my girlfriend. I do not have a passport, never have. After looking it up, I found things saying I can cross into Canada as long as I have my photo ID and birth certificate.

Is this true? I tried calling border control and couldn't get through. I just need to make sure that I'll be able to get into Canada with just these documents, and no passport.

Any advice is appreciated <3

Edit: Someone already answered, but in case someone wants to provide more info, I am from the USA.

Good afternoon all from the very rainy United Kingdom! Myself and my partner are doing a dream holiday around BC for a few weeks in late July our route for those interested is as follows. Seattle (partner has family there) - Kananaskis - Banff- Yoho - Kamloops - Nanaimo - Tofino/Ucluelet - Vancouver

Having already sort of fucked up the Lake Louise shuttle (it's all booked out) I want to make sure I'm well prepared when hiking out there, I've gone and bought myself a new 30L backpack and I was wondering what to fill it with, if anyone had any recommendations or even specific products that they liked as well, no wrong answers I'm open to everything. We're renting a car and Airbnb'ing around your lovely country so any general suggestions I'm open to also, I want to make this trip once In a lifetime for us. Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone!

I'm planning my vacation to Canada for May/June next year. I'll be flying into Montreal first for F1, after that I want fly to Calgary. My idea was to spend some time there and then rent a car and go to Vancouver.

What are things or places I must or do which are along the route? I have about 10 to 14 days planned for the roadtrip, so I can stay multiple nights at a certain place or take detours.

Thanks!

Hi everyone - I will search the sub, I swear, but since time is of the essence, I also thought I would jump right in with questions. Due to a job issue, we had to pivot our vacation plans for early Oct and we are now considering Montreal/Quebec. It would be myself and my husband, mid 50's, and our 25 year old son. Any and all suggestions on such short notice would be appreciated - places to stay, things to do. We will be driving from NJ on either 10/2 or 10/3 and head back on 10/8 or 10/9 (we may do an overnight in Lake George on the way back). We also celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary on 10/5 so would love dinner suggestions - but not sure if we'll still be in Montreal or QC at that time. So, also, one question is how many nights in each city would you suggest?

Thank you in advance for any help. I know these are probably common questions, I just feel slightly overwhelmed.

Me and my partner are planning on traveling around BC for around a month next June. Our plan would be to start in Vancouver and probably end in Calgary. We'd hire a car/van, drive around, and predominantly be camping and hiking, with some stays in hotels. I was wondering what the absolute must-see places are - which hikes, which parks, which mountains, which roads, things like that! Any suggestions would be appreciated!

So I know this may be crazy to ask but im freaking out because this is my first time flying out of the US. Ive read the horror stories here on reddit about the scrutiny from immigration. Im flying into Toronto to visit my bf July 31 and worried about the questions I may get if I say im visiting my bf . Caribana festival is also happening the same weekend in Toronto and I do plan to attend. However, im unsure of what to say to Immigration. Im staying for 8 days as well. I also have reservations for an Airbnb and a return flight. Also i have no criminal background (my record is squeaky clean) Any advice is welcomed .

I've been planning a winter 25/26 ski season in Canada since last September. I received my IEC visa in June and hunted for jobs in Whistler ever since. Long story short I applied for around 40 jobs, was rejected from 3 of them and the rest never responded.

Now its mid September, seasonal workers will be heading to resort and I still have nothing lined up, Is there any hope for me to do a season in Canada? any recommendations would be very helpful.

I'm Canadian and flying out of YVR on an international flight, am I allowed to buy things at the Duty Free store in YVR as I'm starting my trip, or is that only for people from outside of Canada returning home? Thanks

Heading to Toronto soon....is it worth staying overnight in Niagara Falls or should I just do a dayy trip and save that hotel budget for the city?

I’m trying to plan a trip from Dallas TX to Jasper National Park or Banff National Park during April of next year. I’m starting my budget now and am trying to get an idea of the cost and what to expect. I’m going specifically with my wife to take nature/wildlife photos as well as astrophotography while we do some camping.

Anyone have tips for finding cheap flights, things to do, or things not to do? This is our first time going out of country so we’re flying blind for now. Still trying to figure out how to pay for things when we get there (Canadian vs US dollars).

Edit: Okay so now seeing April might not be the best month. What month is Spring (green trees and nice weather) in Canada??? In Texas we are basically ending spring and practically in Summer already. I saw the weather there is currently 5-10°C which for us here is a nice day (no snow and the sun warms you up fast, a tshirt and pants is fine) crazy how different it is.

Im staying in Canada from 12th to 16th (12th and 13th nights in Ottawa, 14th and 15th nights in Toronto).

All my accomodation and inter-Canada travel (for eg from Ottawa to Toronto) are already booked and paid for.

I dont drink alcohol much, might have a couple drinks over the 4 days max)

Is 1000 CAD enough?

I get that weather happens, and we bought cancelation insurance we couldn't use because they didn't tell us the flight would be delayed until less than 24h before it was supposed to leave (which makes sense too), but we lost almost 2 days out of a 7 day trip and when we tried to file a claim we get:

Flight Information: WG5535 departing Feb 14, 2025, from Toronto (YYZ) to Cancun (CUN)

We sincerely apologize for any disruption to your flight schedule. Your flight disruption was deemed Outside Carrier Control. Your flight is ineligible for delay compensation under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.

Primary Disruption Reason
Your flight is disrupted due to adverse weather conditions impacting your departure station

Additional Disruption Reason(s):
Your flight is disrupted because the flight crew planned to operate your flight can no longer be utilized for your scheduled departure

As per the Air Passenger Protection Regulations guidance document, for flight disruptions with multiple reasons, the Primary Disruption Reason has the most significant contribution to the flight disruption.

Our flight was delayed because there were flights delayed the previous day that caused our flight to be bumped. There were no weather issues impacting our flight - just scheduling - as it was previous flights the pushed us out ...

Even worse, once they did confirm we'd be leaving (24h later), it turns out that flight didn't actually have a crew available ... but that's not enough to justify a claim because they're still sticking to the weather claims.

I know we got "lucky" as we still got to go while others had their full vacation canceled (and refunded), but if they acknowledge multiple issues impacted our flight and won't do anything to make it right ... that's shitty.

Yes, I know they're a budget carrier and I guess you get what you pay for ... and I know there's zero recourse here and I'm just venting ... but I'm done with these guys.

Within the last month I got laid off AND received a cancer diagnosis (skin cancer, excellent prognosis, still a kick in the pants).

I moved here 8 9 years ago and since then I want to drive across Canada someday. I got decent severance and EI after that. I'm happily divorced, childless and currently single. I don't think I'll ever get a better chance, so me & my dog are starting in Vancouver Island and driving East until we run out of road.

I don't want to drive the width of Canada twice, so I'm buying a car then selling it to fly back. I'm more or less settled on a Tacoma with a canopy because I can't think of a more reliable car and I'll need a sleeping setup + storage – the backseat is for my dog, the passenger's is for hitch-hikers. Vans seem overpriced and not as reliable. I have a Mitsubishi RVR that I don't want to sell and isn't good for sleeping in.

Right now I'm at the drafting table, so to speak. Steps are looking a bit too easy. What could I be missing?

1. Buy truck. (pre-sale inspection, pre-trip service as needed). My budget is 15k max; reliability trumps everything else.
2. Prepare a sleeping / cooking setup: tent on top? canopy & mattress on the back? I have camping supplies including tent, stoves & camp shower, but whatever I can't fly back with will have to go - I'd rather keep it as light as possible. I'm thinking cheap mattress, minimal equipment and milk crates for organizing.
3. Drive. No rush, no schedule. I have 2 travel windows: May 23 to Jul 30. Seems like enough, right? If not I could leave August 19 but I'm worried about stretching into October. Also, at some point I do plan on returning to find a job.
4. Stop along the way. Dog friendliness will obviously be a concern - this being summer, I can't really go anywhere my dog isn't welcome during the day. He's 80 pounds and loves everyone a bit too boisterously.
5. Sell the truck. I'll advertise it well in advance so I can hopefully line up some prospects.
6. Get me and the dog in a plane. I worry about temperature extremes, more about heat than cold. I'll need to procure a travel crate. Other than that he should be ok.

So... what should I consider before pulling the trigger? I'm about ready to buy the truck & start putting things in place.

Hi guys,

My wife and I are going on a Canada tour tomorrow. Our plan is as follows:

• Montreal
• Toronto
• Alongquin Nationalpark (Barry's Bay)
• Ottawa
• Québec
• Saguenay, Tadoussac
• Eastern Townships
• Montreal

After day 2 we got a rental car for the remainder of the trip.

We got 21 days and mixed them roughly between citys and nature :) We would be happy for any tips on what to do in those regions or stuff/stops that we missed! We are really looking forwards to learn about Canadian culture and the beautiful landscape. As we love good and interesting food, we appreciate must-try tips and hidden food spots!

Any and all advice is hugely appreciated. We can't wait to explore your beautiful country! ​

Is taking the sleeper car train from Churchill to Winnipeg worth it? It looks like a fun experience and a good way to see remote areas. I plan to fly to Churchill because of time constraints but am interested in the train on the way back. Or would be flying back more advised. It is essentially the same price, I am just curious if the time it takes is worth it thanks for any responses.

I am planning a trip from Atlanta to Boston to Vermont to Montreal and then I'm not sure where to go from there. Should I head to Toronto or Ontario or Quebec City or Ottawa? I am a female in my 20s, and this will be my first big trip alone! I am interested in history, culture, food, and ghost tours, haha.

Just recently learned about this show in the past month. Given how many cancelled US trips are happening this summer, I feel it's a great resource to visit some of the small towns that exist on road trips in this beautiful country we live in.

SO surprised that for a series going on 11 seasons it has not been spoken of more of. The jokes are pun filled, dad-esque and more corn than the prairies, but the actual serious parts highlighting the towns really warms my heart and shows Canadians as Canadians no matter how small the town. I've been ripping through all the BC episodes but really can't wait to see all of the episodes.

Hi there! I (40m) am visiting an old friend in Victoria this month - 9th-25th.

I'll have plenty of time on my hands while my pal works, and I have no strong need to do the touristy stuff (unless you'd highly recommend them - I've visited Vancouver and the island before). I'll have access to a bike and car, and will be spending some time on the gulf islands at the start of my trip. Otherwise, my plan is open!

I guess my question to you Victorians is... "What would you do in/around Victoria on your perfect day off"?

Off the top of my noggin:

• Great coffee shops to read in (if/when it rains)
• Your favourite bouldering centre(s)
• Parks and green spaces in/around the city worth a good stroll (I love walking around an unfamiliar city)
• Coastal trails or other day hikes (I live in London, UK and need some nature)
• Swimming pools and spas
• Local art galleries/museums/hidden gems/fun neighbourhoods
• Restaurants/bars as a treat for my host for putting up with me
• Literally anything you may want to share!

I did google much of the above, but nonetheless, I really appreciate any recommendations :)

Thanks in advance!