The best road trips to take this summer in a pickup

The "route des explorateurs": starting from Montreal

Recognized as an official tourist route by the Ministry of Tourism, the route des Explorateurs travels through the Laurentians, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Outaouais.

A great starting point for this road trip is Parc national d'Oka, near the North Shore of Montreal.

This journey takes advantage of the toughness of pickups to lead you across the province's vast natural regions. It also passes near Refuge Pageau for wildlife, the Canadian Museum of History, and Sentier des Cimes in the Laurentians.

The "route des navigateurs": starting from Montreal or Trois-Rivières

Another official tourist option, the "route des Navigateurs" runs along the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River to the edge of the Gaspé Peninsula.

In addition to offering impressive views of the river, this route passes by several cultural or historical sites, such as Parc écomaritime Anse-du-Port and du Bic National Park, where you can choose to go kayaking and visit Île Saint-Barnabé.

Moreover, this tourist route is an excellent way to make the most of a trip to the Gaspé region.

The Gaspé Peninsula: a spectacular region

Depending on your starting point, a trip to the Gaspé can be considered a road trip in itself.

However, once in Gaspé, you will be glad to be at the wheel of a rugged vehicle, especially if you want to make the most of the 2,600 km of marked trails in the region, which are perfect for an ATV ride.

Whatever your interests, you will find an activity that suits you in this beautiful region. Wildlife reserves, farms, national parks, mountain hikes, and water adventures: Gaspé offers an incredible variety of activities that will let you unwind and disconnect for a few days.

The Trans-Canada highway: a trailer trip across Canada

For the most ambitious travellers looking to live an unforgettable experience this summer, the Trans-Canada highway is the best way to discover some of the most beautiful places in our country.

No matter your starting point, you will be able to explore the rest of Canada. Without even leaving your route, you will come across iconic places, such as the Rocky Mountain National Parks in British Columbia, Kakabeka Falls in Ontario, or the historic parts of Montreal and Quebec city.

For those planning a more solitary experience, slide-in truck campers are available. They offer everything you need for camping while fitting in your pickup bed.

Of course, it is always important to check your pickup's payload and towing capacities before deciding on the equipment you will bring.

Also remember to keep space for more conventional accessories, such as a cooler and folding chairs.

First, have a destination in mind and a few key stops. It is good to improvise on the road and add unplanned stops when you discover something interesting.

Determine the distance you can realistically cover per day by considering the number of drivers who can share the task. Do not set a destination at the very limit of what is possible. Leave a comfortable margin between the distance to travel and the distance you can cover.

This way, you will be ready for the unexpected and ensure that you reach your destination on time. If you arrive ahead of schedule and have spare time, you will no doubt be able to enjoy a range of possible activities on the way back.