Trip planning tips

When you think about your epic Canada road trip, your mind may jump straight to breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping adventures. We don’t want to kill the vibe – but let’s pump the brakes for a moment. Firstly, the key to keeping your budget on track is avoiding unexpected expenses that could blow through your budget.

Plan your stay

Often, the earlier you book your accommodation, the better value you will find. If you’re searching last-minute, there are still options to find a great place to sleep.

• Save up to 25% by booking with your BCAA Membership at various BCAA Rewards Partner hotels, like Marriott, Choice Hotels and many more.
• Find campgrounds through BC Parks’ website (often getting a booking is competitive but cancellations can open up), BC’s seven national parks via Parks Canada and rustic sites through Recreation Sites and Trails. You can also see a heap of camping options in BC on this map. Learn more about planning ahead for summer camping in our blog.
• Book RV rentals via CanaDream where BCAA Members save 5%.

Get your vehicle road trip ready

You don’t want anything to derail your vacation or your bank balance, so make sure your ride is in top shape.

• Avoid an unexpected breakdown with these 10 ways to get road trip ready.
• If your car has been sitting for a while or just needs some love, book an appointment with one of our automotive experts at a BCAA Auto Service Centre. BCAA Members save 10% off the labour and select maintenance packages. Check out our website for our latest promos.
• Check your BCAA Membership plan to make sure you’ve got the right coverage in case of the unexpected. BCAA will help keep you moving, and with a Plus or Premier BCAA Membership, you’ll get up to 160km/320km of towing distance. Be sure to upgrade or make any changes before you leave by logging in to your BCAA Online Account.
• Make sure your car insurance is renewed and your documents are in your vehicle. Get a quick quote for BCAA Optional Car Insurance to see how much you could save on your collision, comprehensive and extended third party liability coverage.
• If you're travelling in an RV or recreational trailer, avoid common breakdowns with our RV road trip prep checklist and make sure you've added RV coverage to your BCAA Membership before you leave.
• Don't own a vehicle? Book an Evo for short trips around the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Evo's per minute rate covers the gas, insurance, parking and unlimited kilometres. Bonus: BCAA Members get free Evo Membership, 60 free minutes and save 10%.*
• If you need your own wheels for a while, BCAA Members save up to 20% on car rentals with Enterprise, Alamo and National.

Plan your journey

A smooth trip to your destination means avoiding any unwanted expenses caused by travel delays.

• Be aware of any potential travel disruptions by  checking road, ferry or weather conditions before you go. Make sure you map out your best route – our online TripTik® road trip planner is a great tool to help you find nearby BCAA Reward Partners for some extra savings.
• If you drive a gas-powered car, BCAA Members can now save 3¢/litre on fuel and more at participating Shell stations.** You’ll also get 10% off car washes and products in-store! If you're driving an electric vehicle, plan where to power up by finding charging stations across BC in our blog.
• Speak with local Visitor Centre staff, or search your destination on Instagram or TikTok, to find tips on local attractions and adventures that might be easy to miss, and to learn where to go to support local businesses.
• Bring an extra set of keys and keep them with you when you’re outside your car.
• Don't forget the essentials: bring lots of water, your phone charger and a backup battery pack – they’ll all be critical in the event of a breakdown.
• Keep an emergency kit in the car including a first aid kit, warm clothing and blankets, a flashlight, windshield fluid, pylons, a high vis vest and a fully charged portable battery charger. You can also order an all-in-one F.A.S.T. emergency kit where BCAA Members save 20%. 

Take us with you!

A BCAA Membership comes with 24/7 Roadside Assistance, so we’re always here to help in case of the unexpected. Reminder: you can request BCAA Roadside Assistance online or via the BCAA App for Android or iPhone to connect directly to our dispatch team.  

Pro Tip: your BCAA App is the ultimate travel companion. In addition to helping you get faster Roadside Assistance, you can get real-time travel conditions and savings from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way. Learn more about how to get the most out of your BCAA App.

Three fantastic Canadian road trips

Want some travel inspiration? Discover (or rediscover!) Canada with these three amazing road trip ideas:

Road Trip #1: Visit the beautiful towns and coasts of Vancouver Island

5-7 days, 500 km one way from Victoria

Make the most of summer by visiting some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, forests and waterfalls closer to home. Heading north out of Victoria, you’ll travel through Duncan, Nanaimo, Port Hardy, Parksville, the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Telegraph Cove. Highlights include:

• In Victoria, take in the historic sights, delicious offerings and visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens where BCAA Members save 10% on admission. Take a trip to IMAX® movie experience where BCAA Members save 15% on single admission 2D films.
• As you pass through Duncan, the “City of Totems,” stop to appreciate the beautifully carved totems of the Cowichan First Nation, who have called the area home for thousands of years. In Chemainus, explore the 40+ giant murals.
• Sip your way along the Vancouver Island Ale Trail (as long as you have a designated driver) or snack your way along the Nanaimo Bar Trail.
• Hit the incredible beaches between Ucluelet and Tofino.
• Walk the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge in Campbell River.
• Get to know the wildlife that just like us call BC home with a tour from Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours or Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure.
• Continue north to immerse yourself in rugged landscapes, explore Indigenous culture and view wildlife along the way. Explore Telegraph Cove’s boardwalk village (it’s all on stilts) and check out Eco-adventures in Port Hardy like a kayak, seaplane or wildlife tour.
• Spend the night at the Kwa’lilas Hotel, an Indigenous-owned and operated hotel that uses local cedar designed to resemble a traditional big house with a smoke hole at the top of the building.

Road Trip #2: Cross the Rockies to Banff, Alberta

5-6 days, 1700km round-trip from Vancouver to Banff

Over the course of roughly 850 kilometers, you'll traverse the coastal rainforests of BC and ascend into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a drive where every turn offers a new postcard-worthy view, from sweeping mountain vistas and turquoise lakes to quaint mountain towns.

Highlights:

• Two hours outside Vancouver, Hope marks the beginning of the adventure. Stretch your legs with a scenic walk through the dramatic Othello Tunnels – carved right into the cliffs.
• As you climb higher on the Coquihalla Highway, the view opens up into spellbinding expanses of mountain ranges. This cinematic stretch feels like you're flying through the sky. Stop by the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area and breath it in.
• Perfect for a swim or paddle, Shuswap Lake is a warm-weather gem. Take a break by the beach or try some local produce at a roadside farm stand.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with Revelstoke. Ride the gondola up Mount Revelstoke or hike an alpine trail for jaw-dropping views around every corner.
• Rogers Pass is a highlight of the journey – the gateway to Glacier National Park is steeped in history and surrounded by towering peaks. Ideal for a short walk or a scenic rest stop.
• This trip isn’t complete without a visit to Lake Louise. This iconic glacial lake is pure magic. Rent a canoe, hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House or just stand still and take in the view.
• The soul of the Rockies, the town of Banff is a dream come true. Explore the Banff Gondola, soak in the hot springs, dine in cozy lodges and marvel at the surrounding mountains.

Road Trip #3: Bruce Peninsula, Ontario

2-3 days, 600km from Toronto to Tobermory and back

Nestled along the edge of Lake Huron in Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone wanting to escape and unwind. This journey passes rugged coastline, glistening waters and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're exploring the world-renowned Bruce Trail, soaking in the beauty of pristine beaches or uncovering the region's fascinating history, this great Canadian road trip promises an unforgettable adventure.

• Immerse yourself in Bruce Peninsula National Park, a 156-square-kilometer park and home to some of Ontario’s most impressive natural wonders, including the Grotto, a sea cave with clear, emerald-green waters.
• Visit Tobermory, a picturesque town that marks the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, offering charming stores, tasty local cuisine, and access to boat tours to nearby islands.
• Dive into Fathom Five National Marine Park, an underwater paradise that’s perfect for snorkeling to explore shipwrecks, including the famous Niagara II, a fully intact wreck.
• Flowerpot Island, which is accessible by boat from Tobermory, is famous for its unique rock formations, including the “flowerpots”—tall, slender rock stacks formed by centuries of erosion.
• If you’re a keen hiker, the Bruce Trail offers one of Canada’s premier trekking routes, with spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere, including waterfalls and vibrant forests along the way.
• Known for its stunning, sandy shoreline, Sauble Beach is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the tranquil lake views.
• Lion’s Head Lookout is a 7km hike that offers panoramic views of the bay and surrounding forests, providing a stunning spot for a peaceful picnic or a memorable photo op.
• Wiarton is a small town known for its lighthouse and the legend of the famous groundhog, Wiarton Willie. It’s a great place to stop for a cozy meal and a glimpse of local charm.

Have a great summer exploring beautiful BC & beyond!

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today and get BC’s Best Roadside Assistance and access to hundreds of rewards partner savings!

^{*10% savings valid on driving rates only. BCAA GO Members save a maximum of $80 per year.
**Conditions apply. See bcaa.com/Shell for full Member benefit details.}