“Mountains to Maples”: A 29-Day Motorhome Adventure from Edmonton to Montreal
There’s something magical about crossing Canada by road — especially when you have your home on wheels. Our 29-day RV adventure from Edmonton to Montreal took us through the beating heart of southern Canada, from glacier-tipped peaks to prairie towns, lakeside lookouts, and the scent of maple trees in the Laurentians.
This wasn’t just a road trip. It was a full-on family experience powered by a cozy campervan, some solid road trip planning, and a flexible spirit. Starting with our Edmonton to Montreal camper route planner, we set off with a rough idea of where we were going and plenty of room to let the journey unfold.
Westward Wonders: Mountains, Museums & Hot Springs
Our trip kicked off at Fort Edmonton Park, a perfect way to set the stage with interactive history and costumed interpreters. We didn’t need to drive far before reaching Jasper National Park, where a stop at Fiddle River Restaurant served up fresh mountain fare — the kind of food that tastes even better after a day of fresh air.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure was the first "wow" moment for the kids — standing on ancient ice in a place where the world feels huge and humbling. Later, a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs gave us all the kind of peaceful joy only warm water and mountain views can deliver.
Don’t skip The Maple Leaf in Banff for a special dinner. It’s the perfect treat before rolling out toward Calgary.
Prairie Days & Dinosaur Bones
In Calgary, Heritage Park Historical Village charmed everyone with its old-timey streets, steam train, and sweet treats. The Calgary Stampede (if you time it right) is an all-out celebration of western culture — loud, lively, and full of energy. A motorhome makes the chaos more manageable, letting you stay nearby without needing to rush.
We couldn’t miss the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller — a paradise for dino-lovers — or Medalta in Medicine Hat, which mixes art, clay, and history in a way that surprised us all.
An unexpected favorite? Treeosix Adventure Parks in Cypress Hills — ziplining and climbing that had both kids and adults flying through the forest. It reminded us that with a little route planning, the prairies offer more than wide open spaces.
Across the Heart of Canada
As we crossed into Saskatchewan, a detour to Mosaic Stadium gave our sports fans a thrill, and Westman Reptile Gardens in Manitoba was a quirky stop with hands-on reptile encounters. By the time we reached Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo, it felt like we were traveling with wildlife experts — the kids had learned so much.
In Ontario, the journey shifted again — forests grew taller, and the lakes deeper. Fort William Historical Park brought 19th-century fur trade life to our doorstep (or camper door), and Agawa Rock Pictographs offered a breathtaking hike with spiritual echoes in the stone. The trails with Thrive Tours were the perfect way to explore this part of Ontario responsibly and meaningfully, especially with Indigenous guides.
One of our sweetest stops? Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm — because nothing says “you’ve arrived in eastern Canada” like warm syrup and stories from the sugar bush. The final stretch took us past Ottawa’s Canada Aviation and Space Museum, a high-flying finale before entering Montreal.
We wrapped our journey with a stroll (and a little shopping) at Premium Outlets Montreal — a fun way to ease back into city life before returning our trusty camper.
Tips for a Family RV Road Trip from Edmonton to Montreal
-
Plan smart, stay flexible: Use a good camper route planner that allows you to find RV-friendly stops, dump stations, and scenic campgrounds. But don’t overbook — leave space for the unexpected.
-
Pick the right vehicle: Whether you’re in a compact campervan or a full-size motorhome, make sure it’s equipped for long distances and a variety of weather.
-
Campground research is key: Especially in peak summer, make reservations near national parks and big attractions. Use apps or websites tailored to motorhome trip planning in Canada.
-
Mix big attractions with local gems: A well-balanced road trip plan includes museums, natural wonders, small-town eats, and the occasional splash pad or zoo.
How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in Canada from Edmonton to Montreal
Start by mapping your major stops — mountain parks, prairie cities, and lakeside wonders. Book your RV or campervan well in advance, especially in summer, and consider one-way rentals to save time and mileage. Use an Edmonton to Montreal camper route planner to lay out your must-sees, then weave in free days to follow roadside signs and local tips. Pack for variety: cozy clothes for the Rockies, cool outfits for sunny prairies, and rain gear for Ontario forests.
And always keep snacks handy — it’s a long way, and you never know when the next bakery might be hours away.
