Canada is renowned for its open roads, scenic drives, and long distances between major cities and landmarks. Many of its best sites are spread far apart and best experienced by car. Hiring a private driver when visiting Canada can give you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery without worrying about long distances, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar roads.
This guide covers some of the top destinations to visit in Canada, along with planning tips to make the most of your trip.
Canada is a big country. Routes can stretch for hours along open highways, mountain passes, or small rural towns. Public transit does not always reach scenic areas, and when you drive by yourself, you might miss the view. A private driver lets you skip the stress of navigating long roads, dealing with traffic, and figuring out parking.
With a private driver by your side, you get to enjoy the view fully, make stops as needed, enjoy your vacation, and travel at your own pace. It is a great option for travellers who want more flexibility, fewer logistics, and time to enjoy the journey.
Each route in Canada offers something different. You can expect to see mountains, coastlines, vineyards, or historic towns depending on where you plan to travel. All of these are easier to enjoy when you are not behind the wheel.
This coastal route is one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia. It extends from Vancouver to Whistler with expansive water views along Howe Sound and mountain cliffs as you drive up. You will also pass through small towns like Squamish, with attractions such as Shannon Falls - easily missed if you are only focused on the road.
When you have someone else at the wheel, it gives you more freedom to enjoy the views and stop along the way. You can take time to explore short trails, take pictures, and grab lunch in a small town without having to watch the clock or stress about finding a parking spot.
The stretch between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is one of the most photographed routes in Canada. The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking scenic highway that runs through the Canadian Rockies, where you can drive along massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and sharp peaks along the way.
Why Explore Canada with a Private Driver
Canada is a big country. Routes can stretch for hours along open highways, mountain passes, or small rural towns. Public transit does not always reach scenic areas, and when you drive by yourself, you might miss the view. A private driver lets you skip the stress of navigating long roads, dealing with traffic, and figuring out parking.
With a private driver by your side, you get to enjoy the view fully, make stops as needed, enjoy your vacation, and travel at your own pace. It is a great option for travellers who want more flexibility, fewer logistics, and time to enjoy the journey.
Top Destinations in Canada to Visit with a Private Driver
Each route in Canada offers something different. You can expect to see mountains, coastlines, vineyards, or historic towns depending on where you plan to travel. All of these are easier to enjoy when you are not behind the wheel.
Vancouver and Sea-to-Sky Highway
This coastal route is one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia. It extends from Vancouver to Whistler with expansive water views along Howe Sound and mountain cliffs as you drive up. You will also pass through small towns like Squamish, with attractions such as Shannon Falls - easily missed if you are only focused on the road.
When you have someone else at the wheel, it gives you more freedom to enjoy the views and stop along the way. You can take time to explore short trails, take pictures, and grab lunch in a small town without having to watch the clock or stress about finding a parking spot.
Banff and the Icefields Parkway
The stretch between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is one of the most photographed routes in Canada. The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking scenic highway that runs through the Canadian Rockies, where you can drive along massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and sharp peaks along the way.
Most travellers stop at spots like Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and the Columbia Icefield. Without someone else managing the drive, it’s easy to rush past them or miss the turn-offs. Riding as a passenger gives you more time to actually view the landscape and enjoy the calmness of the area. It’s also helpful if you are not used to mountain driving or snow-covered roads.
Most people know Niagara Falls, but there are many more attractions to explore in this region. The Niagara Parkway runs along the river from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, and it’s packed with scenic spots. Winston Churchill once called Niagara Parkway “The prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.”
Niagara Region
Most people know Niagara Falls, but there are many more attractions to explore in this region. The Niagara Parkway runs along the river from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, and it’s packed with scenic spots. Winston Churchill once called Niagara Parkway “The prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.”
You can stop at Queen Victoria Park, the Butterfly Conservatory, or take a quieter detour through the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Having someone else at the wheel means you can enjoy the view without managing directions or parking. It also makes wine tasting a lot simpler. The region is compact, but there’s enough to fill a full day if you’re not rushing through it.
This route connects two of the most historic and culturally rich cities in Canada. Montreal has a mix of old-world architecture and modern neighbourhoods, while Quebec City is like a walk through European towns with cobblestone streets and 400-year-old buildings. This region is known for its food, festivals, and historic sites.
Montreal and Quebec City
This route connects two of the most historic and culturally rich cities in Canada. Montreal has a mix of old-world architecture and modern neighbourhoods, while Quebec City is like a walk through European towns with cobblestone streets and 400-year-old buildings. This region is known for its food, festivals, and historic sites.
The drive between the two cities takes about three hours, but there is more to it than getting from point A to B. Small towns along the way, such as Trois-Rivières, offer local restaurants and riverfront views that are easy to miss on a rushed schedule. With the driver handling the road, you can split your time between exploring the cities and taking a few meaningful stops in between.
The Cabot Trail is one of the most iconic drives in Eastern Canada. It is located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and it loops through highway terrain, coastal cliffs, and fishing villages. The full drive is about 300 kilometres and can be completed in a day, but most travellers take two or three days to explore the lookouts, trails, and local stops.
The Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is one of the most iconic drives in Eastern Canada. It is located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and it loops through highway terrain, coastal cliffs, and fishing villages. The full drive is about 300 kilometres and can be completed in a day, but most travellers take two or three days to explore the lookouts, trails, and local stops.
This route is known for steep turns and winding hills, which can be challenging if you are not used to mountain driving. Having someone else handle the road lets you focus on the views along the western coast, where the highway runs right along the cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can stop for short hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park or visit small communities like Cheticamp and Ingonish without rushing or doubling back.
The route from Ottawa to Prince Edward County takes about three to three and a half hours of driving. The county lies on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, known for its vineyards, relaxed beaches, and small-town charm. On the drive, you’ll pass through rural farmland and secondary towns that rarely appear in standard tourist plans.
Ottawa to Prince Edward County
The route from Ottawa to Prince Edward County takes about three to three and a half hours of driving. The county lies on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, known for its vineyards, relaxed beaches, and small-town charm. On the drive, you’ll pass through rural farmland and secondary towns that rarely appear in standard tourist plans.
Once you arrive, you’ll find notable spots like Sandbanks Provincial Park, Bloomfield’s shops, and more than thirty wineries and cider houses spread across the region. Having a private driver on this route gives you the flexibility to stop at farm stands, detour through back roads, or plan a full day around tasting without needing to limit your options.
Exploring Canada by road opens up parts of the country that are difficult to reach any other way. Driving through the Rockies, following the coastline in Nova Scotia, or spending time in Wine Country becomes a lot more enjoyable when you’re not the one navigating the path.
How to Choose the Right Private Driver
- Local experience: Drivers who know the region can recommend better routes, avoid traffic, and suggest hidden spots.
- Clear communication: Look for someone responsive during booking and open to adjusting plans while on the road.
- References or reviews: Choose services with verified reviews mentioning flexibility, punctuality, and knowledge.
- Vehicle comfort: Long drives are easier in clean, well-maintained vehicles with enough space for your group and luggage.
- Pricing and duration: Compare prices and confirm whether your driver will stay with you throughout your trip.
Travel Tips for Touring Canada with a Private Driver
- Stay flexible: Road conditions and weather can shift plans. Communicate your priorities to your driver.
- Book accommodations with parking: Ensure your stays include parking to save time and avoid hassles.
- Pack for long drives: Keep water, snacks, chargers, and essentials nearby for comfort on remote routes.
- Plan for motion sickness: Curvy routes like Icefields Parkway or Cabot Trail may cause discomfort - prepare accordingly!
- Download offline maps: Cell service may drop in rural areas, so keep offline or printed maps as backup.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Canada by road opens up parts of the country that are difficult to reach any other way. Driving through the Rockies, following the coastline in Nova Scotia, or spending time in Wine Country becomes a lot more enjoyable when you’re not the one navigating the path.
