From Lakes to Peaks: A 23-Day Family RV Road Trip from Toronto to Edmonton
There’s something undeniably magical about crossing Canada by road—especially when you're doing it in your home-on-wheels. Our 23-day campervan road trip from Toronto to Edmonton took us across Ontario’s glistening lakes, through the heart of the prairies, and up into the majestic Canadian Rockies. With a carefully crafted RV route planner, the adventure blended historic towns, cultural gems, and unforgettable nature.
Starting off in Toronto, we stocked up on local flavors at the legendary St. Lawrence Market—a perfect first stop to load the fridge in our motorhome. Not far from the city bustle, St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours offered a step back in time and a peaceful introduction to Ontario’s Mennonite country. It was a wonderful way to slow down and ease into road trip mode.
As we hugged the northern shores of the Great Lakes, we hopped aboard the Island Queen Cruise in Parry Sound—an epic family-friendly boat ride weaving through the 30,000 Islands. Further north, in Sault Ste. Marie, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre was a surprise hit for both kids and adults—touching real aircrafts and learning about Canada’s wild history from above was a true treat.
One of our favorite natural highlights was the Pukaskwa Coastal Hiking Trail. While we didn’t tackle the full trail, even a short walk along Lake Superior’s wild edge gave us a taste of untouched Canada. A tip for fellow RV travelers: there are peaceful, scenic campgrounds along this stretch—ideal for bonfire evenings with lake views.
In Thunder Bay, Fort William Historical Park offered an immersive step into the fur trade era, while Whispered Dreams Ranch provided a welcome rural break—horses, trails, and a sense of prairie serenity. As we neared Kenora, a cold drink at the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company made for a relaxing stop before crossing into Manitoba.
The drive through Winnipeg was smooth with our trans-Canada highway road trip plan, and the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum gave our teens a fascinating look into military history. In Regina, we found a lush oasis at the Regina Floral Conservatory, and at the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, we dove deep into one of Canada’s greatest obsessions.
A few days later, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park welcomed us with higher elevations and stunning night skies—perfect for stargazing from the comfort of our RV.
Once we reached Alberta, the journey became dramatically mountainous. The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller was a jaw-dropping dive into prehistoric Canada—make sure to book tickets ahead during summer months! From there, we made our way to Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary and then onward to Banff.
In Banff, we traded wheels for pedals at Bike Banff Rentals, cruised the historic town, and relaxed at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. With our campervan parked at a scenic site, it was easy to access nature trails and local dining. We highly recommend using a camper route planner for Banff, as roads can be busy and campgrounds fill quickly.
A family favorite was the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure—a massive, icy ride with plenty of “wow” moments. From there, we marveled at Sunwapta Falls, rode the Jasper SkyTram, and finished off our Rockies experience with the incredible Jasper Planetarium dark sky tour. Sitting under the stars with a telescope, surrounded by silence and mountains, was unforgettable.
Finally, we rolled into Edmonton, where the Edmonton Valley Zoo gave us a cheerful welcome, and a day at the West Edmonton Mall—with its indoor waterpark and roller coasters—was a fitting grand finale.
Tips for Your RV Journey from Toronto to Edmonton
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Plan your route using a dedicated Canada camper route planner. It helps identify RV parks, fuel stops, and road conditions—especially through the Rockies.
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Reserve campgrounds early in national parks and popular towns, especially Banff, Jasper, and Drumheller.
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Pack for all weather—Ontario lakes can be cool, and the Rockies can shift from sun to snow in a day.
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Mix long drives with offbeat detours—small towns and heritage stops often end up as the most memorable.
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Stock up often—the drive between Lake Superior and Manitoba can be sparse in services.
How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in Canada from Toronto to Edmonton
Start with a RV-friendly route planner that maps distances, elevation, and key attractions. Choose your motorhome size based on your family’s needs—larger Class C RVs work well for extended trips. Make a loose itinerary, but allow time for spontaneous stops (and rest days). Many national and provincial parks offer dump stations and full hook-up sites, so planning these overnight stays in advance is key.
From canoe-smooth lake shores to the craggy peaks of Alberta, this 23-day Toronto to Edmonton RV road trip gave our family a deeper appreciation for Canada's vast beauty and culture. And thanks to a bit of planning, some flexibility, and a cozy campervan, we never once asked, “Are we there yet?”
