Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

14-Day Road Trip from Ste-Catherine to Banff: Nature, Microbreweries & Scenic Stops

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Drive and Short Hike

Ste-Catherine, QC to Ottawa, ON on August 8, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Ste-Catherine

Start your long westward drive early to cover distance efficiently towards Ottawa.
0, 2h

9:00am

Lunch Break at Gatineau Park

Stop at Gatineau Park for a scenic picnic lunch. Enjoy a mini hike on the Pink Lake Trail, a 2 km loop with beautiful views, perfect for stretching legs and soaking in nature.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Continue Driving to Ottawa

Resume your journey to Ottawa, aiming to reach by early afternoon.
0, 1h

11:30am

End drive for the day in Ottawa

Arrive in Ottawa and settle for the night at your accommodation or campground. This day focuses on efficient driving with a nature break.
Variable, Rest of day
Find Hotels in Ste-Catherine

Day 2: Drive onwards

Ottawa, ON to Algonquin Park, ON on August 9, 2025

7:00am

Depart Ottawa

Drive west towards Algonquin Park, focusing on making good progress with minimal stops.
0, 3h

10:00am

Lunch and short walk: Oxtongue River Provincial Park

Take a swift lunch break and brief walk at this park along highway 60 corridor adjacent to Algonquin Park. Ideal for a quick nature exposure before continuing.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Arrive Algonquin Park and set up camp

Settle in at Lake of Two Rivers Campground to prepare for your stay in Algonquin. Ready for full next-day exploration.
CAD30, Rest of day
Find Hotels in Ottawa

Day 3: Algonquin Exploration

Algonquin Provincial Park, ON on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Full Day Hiking and Canoeing

Spend the day hiking popular trails like Mizzy Lake and paddling on Canoe Lake. Included in your Park Canada pass, this provides a full nature experience.
Included with park pass, All day
Find Hotels in Algonquin Provincial Park

Day 4: Long Drive Day

Algonquin Park, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, ON on August 11, 2025

7:30am

Early Departure

Drive a long stretch west toward Sault Ste. Marie, maximizing driving time to cover ground.
0, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch stop and Quick Hike at Agawa Rock

Stretch legs with a short 30-minute hike to see Agawa Rock pictographs. Great cultural site and natural stop along the Trans-Canada Highway for a quick break.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Continue to Sault Ste. Marie

Complete your drive to arrive in Sault Ste. Marie comfortably in the afternoon.
0, 3h

4:30pm

Camp at Pancake Bay Provincial Park

Settle into this attractive and affordable campground on Lake Superior for your overnight stay.
CAD35, Overnight
Find Hotels in Algonquin Park

Day 5: Lake Superior Nature Break

Pancake Bay Provincial Park, ON on August 12, 2025

8:30am

Hike Pancake Bay Trail

Enjoy the full morning hiking the 8 km Pancake Bay Trail featuring pristine lake views and diverse forest, a rejuvenating nature escape included with camping.
Included with camping, 3h

12:00pm

Relax at Lake Shore

Have a peaceful lunch and relax by the sandy shores of Lake Superior for a serene afternoon.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Microbrewery stop at nearby Agawa Bay Brewing Co.

Sample fresh craft beers at this regional microbrewery to refresh before your evening rest.
CAD15, 1h

6:00pm

Campfire evening at Pancake Bay

Relax at your campground enjoying the peaceful evening ambiance.
Variable, Rest of evening
Find Hotels in Pancake Bay Provincial Park

Day 6: Drive Day

Pancake Bay, ON to Thunder Bay, ON on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Thunder Bay

A morning drive of about 2 hours takes you to Thunder Bay with time for a focused nature stop.
0, 2h

10:00am

Short visit Kakabeka Falls

Stop for a short 1-2 hour visit to Kakabeka Falls, a stunning natural waterfall known as the Niagara of the North.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch with Views

Choose a local lookout or park for a brief scenic lunch break with expansive views over Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Campground

Arrive to camp at Thunder Bay KOA or similar affordable site for the night.
CAD40, Overnight

5:00pm

Microbrewery Stop: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

Evening microbrewery visit to sample craft beers before resting.
CAD15, 1h
Find Hotels in Pancake Bay

Day 7: Long Drive Day

Thunder Bay, ON to Winnipeg, MB on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Long drive to Winnipeg

Today is primarily driving day across the prairies to reach Winnipeg by evening, minimizing stops.
0, 8h

12:00pm

Lunch and short walk: Rest Stop near Kenora

Quick lunch and stretch break at a rest area near Kenora with short walking trails to break the journey.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Continue drive to Winnipeg

Resume and complete your long drive to Winnipeg by late afternoon.
0, 5h

6:30pm

Camp at Birds Hill Provincial Park

Set up camp and rest after your long day’s travel in this beautiful park near Winnipeg for your planned two-night stay.
CAD35, Overnight
Find Hotels in Thunder Bay

Day 8: Birds Hill Nature

Birds Hill Provincial Park, MB on August 15, 2025

8:30am

Explore FortWhyte Alive

Visit FortWhyte Alive for wildlife viewing, gentle hikes and nature immersion included in your Park Canada annual pass.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Trail Walking at Birds Hill Park

Enjoy walking the diverse trails within Birds Hill Provincial Park, appreciating the prairie and forest landscapes.
Included with camping, 2h

3:00pm

Microbrewery Visit: Little Brown Jug Brewing Company

Sample local craft beers and unwind at this popular Winnipeg brewery in the afternoon.
CAD15, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Camp Relaxation

Return to your campsite for an easy evening in nature.
Variable, Rest of evening
Find Hotels in Birds Hill Provincial Park

Day 9: Prairie Drive

Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Regina

A long prairie drive westwards bringing you into Saskatchewan to Regina, focusing on minimizing stops.
0, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch and stretch at Moose Jaw Rest Area

Short break for lunch and a nature stroll to stretch your legs in this convenient stop along the route.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Arrive Regina and visit Wascana Centre briefly

Take a brief walk around Wascana Centre for natural and cultural exposure near Regina.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Camp at Regina Beach Provincial Park

Camp lakeside near Last Mountain Lake and prepare for next day’s drive.
CAD30, Overnight
Find Hotels in Winnipeg

Day 10: Drive to Cypress Hills

Regina to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Drive west to this unique natural area, crossing from prairie into hill country. Minimal stops today to cover distance.
0, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch and short trail walk

Quick lunch and a brief nature walk upon arrival to take in the different ecosystem of Cypress Hills.
Included in park pass, 1h

2:00pm

Camp at Cypress Hills Campground

Set up camp for a two-night stay to fully explore the area’s natural beauty and dark sky preserve.
CAD35, Rest of day
Find Hotels in Regina to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Day 11: Explore Cypress Hills

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park on August 18, 2025

8:30am

Hiking and Exploration

Spend the day hiking multiple scenic trails, spotting wildlife and enjoying the fresh air of this distinctive northern environment.
Included in camping, All day

6:30pm

Campfire Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing evening by the campfire, immersing yourself in the peaceful wilderness atmosphere.
Variable, Evening
Find Hotels in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Day 12: Drive to Jasper

Cypress Hills to Jasper National Park, AB on August 19, 2025

7:00am

Morning Drive to Jasper

A long drive through beautiful landscapes into the Rocky Mountains, aiming to arrive by early afternoon for your two-night stay.
CAD10 park entry, 7h

2:00pm

Settle in and quick Maligne Canyon walk

Stretch your legs with a brief walk along Maligne Canyon, a stunning gorge with waterfalls included in your Park Canada pass.
Free with pass, 1h30m

5:00pm

Microbrewery Stop: Jasper Brewing Company

Enjoy craft beer to relax after the drive, sampling local flavors.
CAD15, 1h

7:00pm

Camp at Wapiti Campground

Camp close to town and nature, preparing for a full day in Jasper.
CAD30, Overnight
Find Hotels in Cypress Hills to Jasper National Park

Day 13: Jasper National Park Full Day

Jasper, AB on August 20, 2025

8:00am

Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake

Visit these iconic lakes surrounded by mountain scenery, perfect for photography and short hikes.
Free with pass, 4h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch with Mountain Views

Relax and eat outdoors while enjoying spectacular views at Maligne Lake or nearby picnic areas.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Bald Hills Hike

Take the Bald Hills trail for sweeping panoramic views of Jasper valley, a highlight hike included with your park pass.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Evening camp relaxation

Return to your campsite for rest and campfire, recounting the day’s natural wonders.
Variable, Rest of evening
Find Hotels in Jasper

Day 14: Banff Arrival

Jasper to Banff, AB on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Banff National Park

Scenic drive south through the Icefields Parkway with several quick possible stops; arrive in Banff for your final destination.
CAD10 park entry, 3h

11:00am

Stop at Lake Louise

Visit the iconic turquoise Lake Louise, a must-see setting surrounded by towering peaks.
Free with pass, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moraine Lake

Enjoy a brief lunch with stunning views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Optional Short Hiking around Consolation Lakes

Take a short, beautiful hike to quiet and scenic Consolation Lakes to round out your visit.
Free with pass, 2h

5:30pm

Microbrewery Stop: Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Celebrate the end of your trip with local craft beers and good vibes in Banff's renowned microbrewery.
CAD20, 1.5h

7:30pm

Camp at Tunnel Mountain Campground

Settle at this beautiful and affordable campground close to Banff town to rest after your journey.
CAD40, Overnight
Find Hotels in Jasper to Banff
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Ste-Catherine to Banff in

Best Canada Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Ste-Catherine to Banff in Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go