18-Day Scenic Road Trip from Vancouver Island to St. Catharines via the USA and Canada

Day 1: Departure & USA entry

Vancouver Island, Canada to Seattle, USA on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Vancouver Island

Start early by boarding the ferry from Nanaimo to Tsawwassen to begin the road trip towards Seattle.
CAD50, 2h0m

11:00am

Arrival in Seattle

Arrive in Seattle and check in to your hotel, resting after the ferry and border crossing.
USD150, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pike Place Market

Enjoy fresh seafood or local specialties at Pike Place Market, open from 9am to 7pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Space Needle

See the iconic Space Needle and enjoy panoramic views of Seattle and Mt. Rainier, open 10am-8pm.
USD35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax in Kerry Park

Catch a stunning view of Seattle skyline at Kerry Park, a perfect spot for photos.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pink Door

Savor Italian-American cuisine with a view close to the waterfront; open for dinner 5pm-10pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Seattle to Portland

Seattle, USA to Portland, USA on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café

Enjoy Dutch baby pancakes and coffee in this popular breakfast spot, open 7am-3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Portland

Depart Seattle for the scenic 3-hour drive to Portland, Oregon along I-5.
Gas approx USD30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pine Street Market

Taste diverse food vendors at this trendy food hall open from 11am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Washington Park

Visit the International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden, parks open daily until sunset.
Free - USD18 for Japanese Garden, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Pigeon

Enjoy creative French-inspired dishes in a cozy setting, open for dinner 5pm-10pm.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Drive to San Francisco

Portland, USA to San Francisco, USA on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Grab quality coffee and a pastry before heading out, open 7am-3pm.
USD15, 30m

7:30am

Start drive to San Francisco

Prepare for a long but scenic 10 to 11-hour drive through Oregon and Northern California.
Gas approx USD80, 10h30m

12:30pm

Lunch stop in Ashland, OR

Break the drive with lunch at a local café in Ashland, known for Shakespeare Festival.
USD20, 1h0m

8:00pm

Arrive and dinner at San Francisco

Check into your hotel and unwind with dinner at the Ferry Building Marketplace, open till 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: San Francisco sightseeing

San Francisco, USA on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Enjoy acclaimed pastries and coffee in the Mission District, open 7am-4pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Golden Gate Bridge visit

Walk or bike on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visit nearby parks, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at a waterfront restaurant, open 11am-9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Alcatraz Island tour

Take a 2.5-hour boat tour and self-guided audio tour of former prison, tours begin 9am-last ferry 6pm.
USD45, 3h0m

5:30pm

Explore Chinatown

Wander the bustling streets of one of the oldest Chinatowns in the US; shops mostly close by 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Savor classic prime rib dishes in a traditional setting, open 5pm-9:30pm.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 5: San Francisco to Los Angeles

San Francisco, USA to Los Angeles, USA on July 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Bottle Coffee

Light breakfast with fresh coffee and local pastries, open 7am-7pm.
USD15, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Los Angeles

Set off for the approximately 6-hour drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to LA.
Gas USD approx 50, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Santa Barbara

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a seaside restaurant such as Brophy Bros, open 11am-9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Arrive and dinner in Los Angeles

Check into hotel and dine at Bestia, a popular Italian restaurant, open until 11pm.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Los Angeles & drive to Las Vegas

Los Angeles to Las Vegas, USA on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Famous for oversized pancakes, open 7am-3pm.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Walk the Hollywood Boulevard and visit TCL Chinese Theatre, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Experience the iconic California burger chain, open 10:30am-1am.
USD10, 30m

1:00pm

Drive to Las Vegas

Start the 4-hour drive to Las Vegas for the next leg of the trip.
Gas approx USD25, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check into hotel and rest

Relax at hotel before evening activities in Las Vegas.
USD100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

Dine in style at this famed restaurant along the Strip, open 5pm-11pm.
USD70, 1h30m
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Day 7: Vegas & Grand Canyon

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, USA on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery

Delicious French pastries located in The Venetian, open from 6:30am.
USD20, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Grand Canyon

Begin the approximately 4.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Gas approx USD25, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Canyon Village

Casual dining at the El Tovar Dining Room, known for classic American cuisine.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Grand Canyon National Park

Walk along Rim Trail and visit viewpoints such as Mather Point, park open sunrise to sunset.
USD35 per vehicle, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bright Angel Lodge

Relax with comfort food in this historic lodge, open till 8pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 8: Grand Canyon to Denver

Grand Canyon, USA to Denver, USA on July 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Canyon Coffee

Grab a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich before departure, open 6:30am-2pm.
USD15, 30m

7:30am

Start long drive to Denver

Prepare for a long 11-hour drive spanning Arizona, New Mexico and into Colorado.
Gas approx USD90, 11h0m

12:30pm

Lunch stop in Albuquerque, NM

Enjoy Southwestern cuisine at Sadie's of New Mexico, open 10:30am-9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

8:30pm

Arrive in Denver and dinner

Check into your hotel and eat at Sam's No. 3, a popular local diner, open 24 hours.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 9: Denver to Chicago

Denver, USA to Chicago, USA on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jelly Café

Try unique and hearty breakfast dishes, open 7am-2pm.
USD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Fly or drive to Chicago

Due to distance, recommend flying (approx 3 hours); driving is approx 17 hours and can be done with stops.
Flight approx USD150, 3h0m flight

12:00pm

Arrive in Chicago and lunch at Portillo's

Enjoy Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, open 10:30am-9pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Millennium Park visit

See famous Cloud Gate sculpture and outdoor spaces, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Art Institute of Chicago

Explore one of the top art museums in the country, open 10:30am-5pm.
USD25, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Girl & The Goat

Experience innovative shared plates at this trendy spot, open for dinner at 4:30pm-10pm.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Chicago to Niagara Falls

Chicago, USA to Niagara Falls, USA on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Café

Try their famous pancakes and breakfast favorites, open 7am-3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Niagara Falls

Drive approximately 8 hours east to Niagara Falls with scenic views along the way.
Gas approx USD50, 8h0m

4:00pm

Check into Niagara Falls hotel and rest

Get refreshed after the drive before heading out to see the Falls by night.
USD120, 1h0m

6:00pm

View Niagara Falls illuminated

Enjoy the colorful illumination of the falls after sunset, lights on 9pm-midnight but begin observation earlier.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Dine with views overlooking the falls, open till 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Niagara Falls to St. Catharines

Niagara Falls, Canada to St. Catharines, Canada on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at IHOP Niagara Falls

Classic American breakfast near the falls, open 7am-3pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to St. Catharines

A short 30-minute drive to St. Catharines, your primary destination.
Gas CAD5, 30m

10:00am

Explore St. Catharines

Visit local attractions like the St. Catharines Museum and Montebello Park, open daily 9am-5pm.
CAD10, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Merchant Ale House

Relax with casual pub fare and craft beer, open 11:30am-10pm.
CAD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Lakeside Park

Enjoy waterfront views and walking trails by Lake Ontario.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bostons Restaurant & Lounge

Dine in a comfortable ambiance with diverse menu options, open 4pm-10pm.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Niagara Region viniculture

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at St. James Gate Diner

Comforting breakfast options in a classic dinery setting, open 7am-3pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Short scenic 20-minute drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, famous for wineries.
Gas CAD5, 20m

10:00am

Wine tour and tasting

Visit wineries such as Peller Estates and Jackson-Triggs, appointments recommended, generally open 10am-5pm.
CAD25 per tasting, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Old Winery Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table dining in a rustic setting, open 11:30am-9pm.
CAD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll the historic town

Walk along Queen Street experiencing shops and heritage buildings.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Treadwell Cuisine

Farm-fresh, locally sourced meals in a cozy environment, open until 9pm.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 13: Toronto city tour

Toronto, Canada on July 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Aunties & Uncles

Popular place known for breakfast classics, open 7am-2pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Toronto

Arrive in Toronto within 1.5 hours from St. Catharines.
Gas CAD15, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit CN Tower

See spectacular views from the tower’s observation deck, open 9am-10pm.
CAD45, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

Taste a variety of fresh and remade foods in the famous food market, open 9am-5pm.
CAD25, 1h15m

2:15pm

Visit Royal Ontario Museum

Explore world-class exhibits from art to natural history, open until 5:30pm.
CAD30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Canoe Restaurant

Upscale dining with Canadian inspired cuisine and views overlooking the city.
CAD75, 1h30m
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Day 14: Ottawa cultural day

Ottawa, Canada on July 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Zak's Diner

Classic diner breakfast in Ottawa's Byward Market, open 7am-3pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Ottawa

Approximately 4.5-hour drive from Toronto to Ottawa.
Gas CAD40, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Byward Market

Try local specialties at various cafes and eateries, market open 9am-6pm.
CAD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tour Parliament Hill

Attend a guided tour of Canada’s political heart, open 9am-4:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit National Gallery of Canada

See an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, open until 5pm.
CAD20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine

Enjoy small plates perfect for sharing, paired with excellent wines, open till 10pm.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 15: Montreal urban and culture

Montreal, Canada on July 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bagel Etc.

Famous for Montreal-style bagels and breakfast fare, open 7am-3pm.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Montreal

4.5-hour drive from Ottawa to Montreal with scenic views.
Gas CAD40, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Schwartz's Deli

Iconic Jewish deli famous for smoked meat sandwiches, open 9am-10pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Old Montreal

Walk cobblestone streets, visit Notre-Dame Basilica, open 9am-4:30pm.
CAD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Mount Royal Park

Take in panoramic views of city from the summit, open 6am-11pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toqué!

High-end Quebecois cuisine emphasizing local ingredients, requires reservation.
CAD100, 2h0m
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Day 16: Quebec City charm

Quebec City, Canada on August 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Paillard

French bakery café near Old Quebec, open 7am-6pm.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Quebec City

Approximately 3-hour drive from Montreal.
Gas CAD30, 3h0m

11:30am

Exploration of Old Quebec

Visit landmarks such as Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Aux Anciens Canadiens

Traditional Quebecois cuisine in a heritage building, open 11:30am-9pm.
CAD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Promenade along the St. Lawrence River

Unwind with a scenic walk along the riverfront park areas.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Lapin Sauté

Known for rustic dishes including rabbit specialties, open till 9pm.
CAD35, 1h30m
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Day 17: Homeward via Calgary

Quebec City to Calgary, Canada on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and departure

Fuel up and start the approximately 23-hour drive homeward with rest stops, considered to break into two days.
Gas approx CAD150, 6h0m drive initial

1:00pm

Lunch stop in Thunder Bay

Enjoy local fare and stretch legs at a popular dining spot, open 11am-3pm.
CAD25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Overnight in Winnipeg

Hotels like The Fairmont Winnipeg offer comfortable stay, rest for next day drive.
CAD130, Overnight
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Day 18: Final leg to Vancouver Island

Winnipeg to Vancouver Island on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast before the long drive west.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Vancouver Island

Complete the final leg of the cross-Canada drive approximately 20 hours, includes ferry crossing back to the island.
Gas CAD150 + Ferry CAD50, 20h0m

8:00pm

Arrival at Vancouver Island

Arrive home after a memorable road trip with abundant great experiences across Canada and the USA.
Free, End
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