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Must Haves on your Holiday Road-Trip in Canada Playlist
Top 5 Songs for a Holiday Road Trip in Canada
A review of key points to ensure a happy holiday road-trip, including songs from five top Canadian artists and Road-Trip Tips
Must Haves on your Canadian Holiday Road-Trip Playlist - As someone who's spent the last seven summers towing a camping trailer across the winding roads of Canada (well, riding shotgun while my husband drove…), hopping from one jaw-dropping provincial park to the next, winter road-trips are a whole new ballgame. No campsite bookings, no bug spray, and the only "tent" involved is the metaphorical one you pitch when singing along to the holiday hits in your car. So, this year, I traded my mosquito net for a heated steering wheel and set out to explore the magic of Canada during the Christmas season.
Here's the thing about road tripping in Canada at Christmas: it's like stepping into a snow globe. From the twinkling lights of Québec City to the snow-dusted Rockies, everything feels festive, cozy, and just a little bit magical. But before you dive into the itinerary (hint: hot chocolate stops in the winter are as non-negotiable a roadside poutine stops in the summer), let's talk Holiday Road-Trip in Canada Playlists. Because every great road-trip needs a killer playlist, and I've rounded up the top five songs by Canadian artists to keep you in the holiday spirit as you cruise along those frosty highways.
Top 5 Songs for a Holiday Road Trip in Canada
1. "River" by Joni Mitchell
2. "Snowbird" by Anne Murray
3. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé
4. "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane
5. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
One of my all-time favs, Leonard Cohen's masterpiece isn't just a song; it's an experience. Play this as the sun sets and casts a golden glow over snow-covered hills. It's reflective, hauntingly beautiful, and a quintessential Canadian creation.
Winter Road-Trip Tips from a Summer Camping Pro
Winter road tripping in Canada isn't just summer road-tripping with a winter coat. Here are a few things I've learned along the way:
1. Pack a Winter Survival Kit
Swap out your bear spray and marshmallow skewers for an emergency kit with snacks, bottled water, blankets, candles, matches and a shovel. Trust me, you'll thank yourself if you get stuck in a surprise snowstorm.
2. Know Where to Stop for Treats
Coffee and Timbits are great, but don't miss out on seasonal treats like maple taffy (available seasonally at many sugar shacks) or hot buttered rum at cozy cafés. Supporting local? Even better.
3. Plan for Fewer Hours of Daylight
You're not chasing sunsets at a campsite this time of year, but you'll want to make the most of daylight hours for driving and exploring. Hit the road early and save the evenings for fireside chats at your destination. In rural areas, local wildlife are more active at dusk and evening hours.The risk of driving in the dark and having a run-in with a deer or moose are greatly increased.
4. Keep the Spirit Light
Whether you're stuck behind a slow snowplough or navigating icy turns, remember: the journey is part of the adventure. Throw on those holiday tunes, sip your thermos of cocoa, and enjoy the ride.
Final thoughts on Holiday Road-Trip in Canada Playlist
So, fellow road warriors, as you gear up for your own winter adventures, let the Canadian landscapes—and these incredible homegrown artists—set the stage for an unforgettable Christmas road-trip. Happy holidays and happy travels, eh!
Top 5 Songs for a Holiday Road Trip in Canada
Top Canadian Artists to Add to Your Holiday Road-trip Playlist
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Comments 4
Listened to a lot of Bublé during the holidays at my parents place. I also think Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is a Xmas song.
EH Canada : Support Right!?! Great taste!
What a great little article! Such a fun idea to recommend songs for road trips. The Leonard Cohan plug made me thing of adventure seeker Janel! Tom Cochrane is definitely a year round must have in our vehicle as well.
In the west here, we don't pack away our bear spray though! Cougars don't hibernate, so always safer to keep it close by in the rocky mountains anyways. Great read! Thanks!
Good call Andrea on keeping the bear spray out and accessible depending on where you live in Canada! Great tip!