Realistically, how much does it cost for a road trip across Canada?

Question

My friends and I are talking about all putting in for a crappy van and driving across Canada (B.C. to the Maritimes), but none of us have any idea how much such a foolish endeavor would cost. The plan is to drive across the country and fly back home. I know how much plane tickets, etc. cost, but can anyone give me a ballpark figure about how much the road trip will cost? Basically food, gas and places to stay. Tourist attractions/souvenirs are perks I'm not sure we can afford. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

It would cost me about $800 in gas for my older VW bus, and about $60 in oil. And of course, car repairs if you need any. If you hurry, it's about a week's drive if you take the direct route but all you'll be doing is driving and sleeping if you do it that fast and you'll miss a lot. Food costs about the same everywhere and obviously how much you spend depends on whether you do all your own cooking, eat at Timmy's or McDonald's, or go to pricier places. Figure a few bucks a day for ice if you bring a cooler and the weather's hot. Motels are going to be anywhere from a low of $60 a night for 2 people, on up to in the low $100s. Campgrounds will cost $20 to $30 a night for a carload of people, or you can save a lot by staying overnight at truckstops and such. Not much atmosphere, scenery, or privacy at them but they're free and they have washrooms. Lots of stuff to see that you don't have to pay for and postcards make cheap souvenirs.

Answer 2

BC to the Maritimes is about 5000 km. Gas will cost you 10 cents/km, so budget $500. Cheap hotels like Days Inn or Motel 6 will be $50 to $80/night. If you stay in hostels, it's a lot cheaper. Food -- you know what fast food costs. It's the same in Canada, say $25/day.



It will take you at least 5 days to drive the route, and that's with no stops.



After you've calculated everything, double the figure because you'll spend at least that.

Answer 3

This is going to depend greatly on the kind of van you get. I drive a Suburban with a 350 in it. With the size of my gas tank, it costs me around $120/ fill when gas is around a $1/litre. That being said, I wouldn't even make it from Niagara Falls, to North Bay, Ontario without having to put in more gas and thats a pretty straight shot up one highway. I do this trip several times a year.......



As far as crappy vans go, we used to have a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport.....we'd roll into North Bay on a little less than quarter tank.



You need to factor in time of year, road conditions, the age of the vehicle, its fuel economy....all these things. So I would say to be on the safe side you would need several grand just for gas, hotels, food and any fun things you may want to do along the way. As for airline tickets, I have no idea.