Planning an RV trip in Canada from Edmonton to Halifax a motorhome route planner

Across Canada by Campervan: A 35-Day Family Road Trip from Edmonton to Halifax

Some trips are for sightseeing. Others are for connection—both with nature and with each other. Our 35-day motorhome adventure from Edmonton to Halifax was a blend of both, offering a rolling tour through the heart of Canada’s most majestic landscapes, historic sites, and culinary gems. Traveling by RV gave us the freedom to follow our own rhythm, whether we were soaking in alpine hot springs or sampling maple syrup deep in Ontario’s cottage country.

Our road trip planning began with the basics: deciding on a one-way RV rental, sketching a rough route planner from Edmonton to Halifax, and making sure our campervan was up to the task. This route crosses mountain ranges, prairie towns, lake country, and coastal cliffs—perfect for anyone wondering how to plan a motorhome trip in Canada.

We kicked off the journey close to home at Fort Edmonton Park and the Edmonton Valley Zoo, easing into travel mode before heading west into the wild heart of the Canadian Rockies. Miette Hot Springs was an early highlight—nothing beats soaking in steamy mineral waters surrounded by towering peaks, especially when you can retreat to the comfort of your campervan afterward.

On Alberta Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, we were completely spellbound by the scenery. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure put us right on the ice, while the Lake Agnes Tea House rewarded our short hike with breathtaking views and warm scones. The Banff Gondola and Cave and Basin National Historic Site added a fun mix of learning and leisure for all ages.

Our motorhome allowed us to travel at our own pace through Alberta’s dinosaur country, with a stop at the fascinating Royal Tyrrell Museum and the unique loop of the Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller.

Crossing the prairies felt like gliding over a vast sea of grass. In Regina, we learned about Canada’s law enforcement heritage at the RCMP Heritage Centre, and the MacKenzie Art Gallery offered a welcome splash of creativity. One tip: download a good route planner with campground filters—it helped us find hidden gems and family-run RV parks along the way.

As we ventured into Ontario, the landscape shifted again. The crystal waters of Lake of the Woods were the perfect spot for a lakeside picnic. At Fort William Historical Park, costumed interpreters brought history to life, while the historic ship Alexander Henry made for a fun and educational dockside tour.

In northern Ontario, Agawa Rock Pictographs left a deep impression—indigenous history carved into the cliffs above Lake Superior. And no motorhome trip across Canada is complete without a sweet stop at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm. Learning about syrup production while sipping fresh maple coffee was a memorable break in our drive.

The road began to feel more coastal as we entered Québec. The family fell in love with Montreal’s Jean Talon Market and the lush Botanical Garden, while the Site Traditionnel Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e gave us a meaningful introduction to Huron-Wendat culture.

We started picking up the salty breeze of the Atlantic as we moved through New Brunswick, stopping for a forest walk at Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park and testing our nerves at Zip Zag Ziplines—a kid favorite, no surprise.

At last, we rolled into Halifax, our cross-country journey culminating at the lively Halifax Waterfront. After weeks of hiking, paddling, sightseeing, and endless road trip snacks, it was the perfect spot to reflect. If there’s one tip we’d give to fellow travelers: start your planning early. A cross-country campervan journey isn’t hard to manage with the right tools—a good route planner, flexible campgrounds, and plenty of snacks.

Tips for How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in Canada from Edmonton to Halifax:

• RV, Campervan or Motorhome? Choose based on your family size and comfort needs. We found a mid-sized motorhome was the right balance of space and drivability.

• Use a Route Planner: Look for tools that include RV parks, gas stations, and scenic viewpoints.

• Book Campgrounds in Advance: Especially near Banff, Jasper, and the Maritimes in summer—spots fill up quickly.

• Balance Nature & Cities: Mix national parks with fun urban stops like Montreal and Halifax for variety.

• Pack for Every Climate: Even in summer, temperatures can dip in the mountains and rise near the prairies.

• Use the “Edmonton to Halifax camper route planner” keyword to find forums and itineraries tailored to this exact trip.

Whether you're in it for the glaciers, the maple syrup, or just the thrill of the open road, a 35-day RV journey from Edmonton to Halifax is a spectacular way to see Canada. For families, it offers time to reconnect—with each other and with the land. Just remember: road trip planning is part of the adventure. Embrace the detours, celebrate the little wins (like an empty dump station), and let the road guide you east.