Travelling can be difficult at this time due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. But, why not try out a road trip with your bubble friend/s this Labour Day weekend?
Since March, Booking.com said it has seen over half of its travellers add domestic spots to their Wish Lists. In April, the company domestic accommodation books also account for about 70% of Booking.com’s total business.
“Booking.com is on a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world both home and abroad, and with 1,600 rental car pick up locations across Canada, your trip can take you as near or as far as your adventurous spirit calls for,” the company said.
So, here’s a list of some amazing domestic road trips that you can try locally this labour day weekend.
Edmonton to Jasper, Alberta
Time: 4 hrs
Jasper (Shutterstock)
Here you will be able to experience Rocky Mountains views, Edson Galloway Station Museum and the Giant Squirrel, Cadomin Caves, the town of Hinton (known as the “Gateway to the Rockies”).
On top of this, you also need to check out the “Beaver Boardwalk” in Hinton. This is the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk and if you’ve never seen a beaver, now’s your chance. You will also be able to see a herd of feral horses near Obed and may even see deer, elk or bears along the way.
Be sure to experience the Miette Hot Springs, just inside the park boundary. They feature the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies (the water is kept between 37 and 40 celsius).
Suggested accommodation: Pyramid Lake Resort
Toronto to the Thousand Islands, Ontario
Time: 3 hrs + OR more scenic route 4.5 hrs
Thousand Islands/Shutterstock
This road trip will allow you to visit Sandbanks provincial park, which is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation. You will also be able to drive through Kingston (aka the “Limestone City”) to see some beautiful 19th-century stone buildings and Victorian mansions, and Gananoque.
When you arrive in the Thousands Island region we recommend checking out Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island.
Suggested accommodation: The Woodview Inn
Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
Time: 10 hrs
Gaspé Peninsula (Shutterstock)
If you decide to try out this road trip during Labour Day, you need to visit Parc des Chutes de la Chaudière, Quebec City, Parc National du Bic, Reford Gardens, Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse, Cap-Bon-Ami, along the way. This road trip may be a little longer, but it’s well worth it. Be sure to plan it all out ahead.
Suggested accommodation: Manoir Hamilton Manor
Halifax, NS to Cavendish, PEI
Time: 3.5 hrs OR the more scenic route, 4 hrs
Cavendish (Shutterstock)
Have you ever wanted to visit the wild blueberry capital of Canada? Well, this road trip will allow you to do so. Not only can you take the trip to Oxford, you can also visit, Masstown Market, Birkinshaw’s Tea Room.
We also recommend making a pit stop at the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick Border to see the amazing view of the Bay of Fundy.
And if you love going to the beach, check out the Cavendish Beach to see some white-gold sand and stunning sand dunes. There is also a Green Gables Heritage Place and an Around the Sea Rotating House near Cavendish.
Suggested accommodation: Cavendish Maples Cottages
Vancouver to Sunshine Coast, BC
Time: 2.5 hrs
Saltery Bay, Sunshine Coast, BC (Tom Baum/Shutterstock)
This route will take you through Powell River, Sechelt, Gibsons, and Madeira Park. You’ll want to plan out a few days to enjoy some local gems like Gibsons Tapworks Microbrewery, Persephone Brewing Company microbrewery and onsite restaurant Farm to Feast. Don’t miss Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, and the Oak Tree Market – Madeira Park.
Suggested accommodation: Sunshine Coast Resort
Disclaimer: To ensure your safety and well-being when visiting parks, practice physical distancing between you and other visitors, stay on marked trails, and abide by trail closure signs. To avoid hazards, we recommend keeping a safe distance back from slopes, bluffs and river edges. More info on how to prepare for a visit to Parks Canada places during COVID-19: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info
And please, leave no trace. Dispose of your waste properly and respect wildlife.
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