This post may contain affiliate links, which at no cost to you, Wanderer Mom may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please read full disclosure here. Thank you for your love and support to this blog.
In my previous blog, I shared how we suddenly have to move from Toronto to Vancouver in September 2020. My husband and I only have less than a month to prepare for this long road trip. I for one, was nervous as I’ve never traveled 4800km by car in my whole life! The longest long roadtrip I could recall was back in the Philippines when I traveled from Manila to Baguio and Manila to Isabela. That’s it!
If you asked me, If I would choose to travel a few days on a road, I would definitely say NO! I was scared to travel on the highway, much worse travel for days! But I had no choice. It’s the safest option to travel during Covid (at least that was my husband’s reasoning). And of course, he was able to convince me. So there you go…the next thing I know, we were having the most amazing times of our lives as a family! Thanks to my husband patience and great effort!
If you are planning on a cross-country travel from Toronto to Vancouver, hope you’ll find this route useful. Read my previous blog HERE for some tips on what you need to prepare before the long trip.
Our route from Toronto to Vancouver: Toronto > Sadbury, Ontario > Sault Ste.Marie,ON > Thunder Bay,ON > Winnipeg, Manitoba > Swift Current, Saskatchewan > Banff,Alberta > Vancouver, British Columbia
First Stop: Sudbury, Ontario
This was our first stop and we rested for a while here to have lunch at Orby’s
2nd Stop: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
We slept overnight here at the KOA campsite. The best campsite in all the three we had been.
The campsite fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 60.46 (including taxes).
If you have ample time, stay at the campsite for a day to enjoy the facilities. This site is mesmerizing during autumn. The site toilet is super clean and they even have shower rooms and hair dryers.
3rd Stop: Thunder Bay, Ontario
We slept overnight here at the KOA campsite. Opted to stay at the cabin instead of setting up our tent. The toilet here was a little old and not as clean as the KOA Sault Ste Marie and there was no hairdryer. I would book a full cabin with an attached toilet if there was or I would look for other accommodation around the area.
Daily site charge plus additional child daily charge ($5.00) – CAD 135.60 (including taxes)
4th Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba
We set up a tent at the KOA campsite. It was drizzling and very cold then. I would find an alternative accommodation for the night that has a heater.
The campsite fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 38.85 (including taxes).
5th Stop: Swift Current, Saskatchewan
I got lucky and found a small inn that’s affordable and has room facilities much like in a 4-star hotel. I would check out this inn called Widus Inn. We spoke to the owner who assisted us with the check-in. He is very accommodating and friendly. As for the room, it’s nicely decorated, very clean, has a super comfy bed with a complete en-suite toilet and hot shower facilities, hairdryer, and towels. They also offer free coffee and tea.
Widus Inn (Superior Queen room with two Queen) fee for 2 adults and 1 kid is CAD 75.00.
6th Stop: Banff, Alberta
We stayed here for two nights at Best Western which is situated in downtown – a great location that’s near to all tourist places, fast foods, and restaurants. The hotel was recently renovated with a modern look and that’s the reason why I chose to book this hotel. The room rate comes with breakfast. It wasn’t a buffet but the management was thoughtful enough to think of packing the breakfast meals for hotel guests. Tip: Request for a room overlooking the mountains We would have stayed for another few days if we could. There are just so many beautiful tourist places to explore and 2 days is not enough!
Best Western Hotel, Banff (Queen Room with 2 Queen Beds incl. breakfast for 2 adults and 1 kid (2 nights) is CAD 278.00
7th stop: – Vancouver, British Columbia
This is our final destination. Beautiful British Columbia! We left Banff a little late and it was already dark when we arrived at our destination. Nevertheless, the trip from Banff to BC was one of my favorites. Lots of greeneries, mountains, and lakes!
Have you experienced traveling cross-country in Canada? What are the funniest and most memorable moment you have? Please share in the comments below. 🙂 Would love to read them.