Summer may be waning, but that shouldn’t stop Canadians from enjoying the country’s great outdoors. Arguably, fall is a better time for road tripping than summer. Its crisp breezes, vivid foliage and relatively sparse attendance at campsites and outdoor attractions make it the ideal season for packing up the car and hitting the open road.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, people have had to cancel or indefinitely stall their international travel plans this fall. Instead of abandoning your vacation altogether, consider taking a road trip through Canada. Provided that you follow smart safety guidelines and limit your interactions with others, it’s a secure form of travel that’s every bit as fun as international jet-setting.
To plan the perfect fall road trip, follow these four critical steps: pick your ideal vehicle, schedule a gorgeous route, load up ample supplies and queue up some diverting entertainment. Let’s take a look.
Planning the Perfect Itinerary
Luckily, Canada has several fantastic fall road trip routes. Choose one that’s local to you. For BC residents, the Sea to Sky Highway offers a dramatic variety of sights and activities. For Maritimers, the Cabot Trail, the Viking Trail, and the Sun & Sand Trail are beautiful in the fall, with a great mix of rocky hills and stunning shorelines. For inspiration, read through this list Reader’s Digest published recently, which includes routes in several provinces.
Decide Which Type of Vehicle You Are
There are two schools of thought regarding the perfect road trip vehicle. Some prefer a truck that’s dependable, comfortable and has superior hauling capability and payload capacity to accommodate trailers and activities. Others prefer a car that’s fun to drive: a muscle car that revs to life on the open highway.
Either way, Ford seems to be the carmaker of choice for road trips. The Ford F150 and the Ford Mustang, respectively, are built for the open road. If you are on the market for a new vehicle this fall, purchase one ahead of your road trip at a Ford dealership in Surrey BC – you’ll find great deals on both the F150 and Mustang, among other models.
Pack Up the Supplies
Especially during COVID, you should try to limit your interactions with vendors as much as possible. That means making fewer pit stops for supplies along the way. Pack the essentials: clothing, toiletries, electronics and non-perishable snacks. For a more comfortable road trip, consider packing a lumbar pillow or neck support (those long drives can be hard on your spine). To stay connected with the outside world, consider including a portable Wi-Fi device in your packing list.
Choose the In-Car Entertainment
Finally, queue up a generous mix of music and podcasts. You can find premade “Fall Road Trip” playlists on Spotify that include songs suited to the crisp fall atmosphere or put together your own playlist. As for podcasts, explore Time Magazine’s best podcasts of 2020 – there are several fantastic listens on the list for various tastes.
Don’t let the absence of international travel keep you home this fall. Pack your essentials, plan your itinerary, get behind the wheel of a fantastic vehicle and turn up the stereo. Canada is waiting
