By Paul Oswell
People tend to associate the US with road trips - but Canada
offers awesome scenery, cultural cities and wide, wide open spaces too - perfect
for seeing at the wheel.
Best for: Rocky roads: Banff - Lake Louise- Jasper
Who can do it? Anyone who believes there ain't no mountain
high enough, nor valley low enough
Let's go!Begin against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains,
taking in Banff's Bow Falls and Sulphur Mountain. The beautiful Bow Valley leads
you to Lake
Louise, one of Canada's most spectacular spots and home to UNESCO-protected
landscapes. Make plenty of stops amid the snowy mountains, blue lakes and emerald
forests along the famous Icefields Parkway. Once in Jasper,
you can relax in the National Park or head out onto the calm waters of Lake
Maligne.
Top tips: Make a detour to see the Columbia glacier on your
way to Jasper, and get up close on the 'Snocoach'.
Who can do it? Oenophiles who would rather spend time raising
glasses than changing gears
Let's go! After sampling the cultural diversity and sights
such as the CN Tower in Toronto, it's just a short drive out through the countryside
to the famous Niagara
Falls. Pass through the sleepy but picturesque village of Niagara on the
Lake before exploring the Falls themselves. Take a Maid of the Mist tour to
get up close to the raging Horseshoe Falls and enjoy one of nature's greatest
shows. Afterwards, the Ontarian wine region is just a few minutes by car, with
estates such as Andrew Peller offering the best of the local produce.
Top tips: Pick up a bottle of Ice Wine - it's a local delicacy.
Who can do it? City slickers looking for urban adventures
Let's go!See how the land lies from one of the world's highest
buildings at the CN Tower in Toronto, and leave yourself some time to explore
some of the funky local shopping districts before you hit the open road. Ottowa
lives up to its capital city status, with Parliament Hill and fascinating 19th-century
architecture - take a city tour along the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Rideau
Canal. Dust off your French phrase book as you approach the St Lawrence River
and Quebec City, with its historic Old Town and the resort island of Ile d'Orleans.
Finally, the skyscrapers of Montreal beckon, where you can still chill out in
the parks around Mount Royal or marvel at the underground city.
Top tips: Aim to arrive in Montreal during one f its many famous
festivals
Best for: Lakeside lovers. Toronto - Manitoulin Island - Huntsville
Who can do it? Families looking for action adventure and some
calmer times by the water
Let's go! First stop north-west of Toronto is Blue Mountain,
a winter ski resort but a summer action playground with kids' day camps and
outdoor pursuits. The scenic drive through the Bruce Peninsula leads to a short
ferry to Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron, where nature trails and lookout points
await. Leaving the island, loop back around the stunning coast of Georgian Bay
to Killarney Provincial Park, before finally arriving in Huntsville, and the
Algonquin Provincial Park, where all the outdoor activities you could want are
on offer, including cycling and kayaking.
Top tips: The Provincial Parks usually run great kids programmes.
Along with flights and car hire, many of our Canada
fly-drive tours offer a range of selected accommodation en route.
Paul Oswell is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for The
Daily Mail, Travelmail.co.uk and Luxury Travel Magazine