Congratulations, you’re getting married! Now, you have to worry about choosing a caterer, writing the guest list, selecting a location for the reception, finding a photographer and scheduling the honeymoon, all within a set budget. With the prices of airfare sky-rocketing (forgive the pun) and airport security becoming more stressful and, well, “handsy,” perhaps another means of transportation during your honeymoon will grant the two of you the peace of mind and relaxation you desire. Why not do a honeymoon-road-trip? Cost aside, there are many other benefits to packing your trunk and hitting the road:
- Imagine it; driving through the dramatic, forested slopes of the Rocky Mountains with clear water on your left and spectacular cliffs on your right . . . and barely anyone around. Because you’re in a car and not a train or plane, you can spontaneously pull over and soak in the natural beauty, hike or even picnic. We recommend bringing a tripod so the two of you can take quality photographs of yourself with no one else around.
- Road trips are perfect for couples who love spontaneity, so make sure to give your schedule plenty of wiggle room. When getting gas or restocking food, ask locals if there are any nearby treasures worth discovering. You never know when a beautiful waterfall might be three kilometers away or if there is a historic manor to tour just down the road. Additionally, road trips make it easy for the two of you to diversify your lodgings; perhaps one night you would want to stay at an intimate B&B and another you’d prefer to camp underneath the stars.
- Road trips can be full of excitement and adventure as the two of you forage your own path across the wilderness. You two control the music, the snacks, the speed . . . while there might be hiccups along the way like getting lost or flat tires, the two of you can share a good laugh over your luck, work as a team to fix the problem and proudly conquer the twists and turns of the journey. As most travelers can tell you, road trips make for the best stories and the wildest memories. Furthermore, they allow for increased interactions with locals instead of hotel concierges, providing greater exposure to the culture and lifestyle of the region.
Finally, Canada itself is a fantastic reason to do a road trip as a honeymoon. This is a land of exquisitely untamed terrains, glittery metropolitans and personable small towns. Why not fall in love with your homeland as you celebrate your love for each other? Below, we’ve included some Canadian treasures you might want to stop at during your trip.
Lake Louise
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, Alberta offers unparalleled natural beauty with mirror-like waters, epically snowy mountains and outgoing wildlife. Nicknamed “the gem of the Rockies,” Lake Louise offers honeymooners skiing during the winter and hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding during warmer months. All budgets can be accommodated with lodging ranging from hostels and camp grounds to cushy chalets and chateaus.
Niagara Falls
The sheer magnificence and force make Niagara Falls the perfect finale to any romantic road trip. For a rush of adrenaline, ride the famous Maid of the Mist into the falls to feel the thrill and grandeur of nature’s colossal masterpiece. For centuries, the locale has captured the unblinking attention of the continent and has drawn thousands of honeymooners to the water’s edge.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a region of rain forests, marshes, glaciers, fields, mountains and beaches. Greeting coupes is a richly assorted wildlife and a warm climate that is pleasant year-round. While there is much culture and activities for honeymooners, this destination is perfect for those who love water. Vancouver Island provides some of the best sailing, fishing, canoeing and rafting in all of Canada. No trip to the island would be complete without visiting the Pacific Rim National Park, a place in which diverse natural terrains stripe coexist side-by-side.
Prince Edward Island
When driving to Prince Edward Island, honeymooners will need to cross the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, during which they can soak in thirteen kilometers of uninterrupted sea and sky. What awaits them on the other side is an island of pristine, gentle beauty. They can rest on the soft sands of sparsely populated beaches, hike through lush marshes and lay in fields of tall grasses and playful flowers. The capital, Charlottetown, is a great place to spend a charming day filled with history, farmer’s markets and antique shops.
Quebec City
Honeymooners will find incomparable romance within the walls of Old Quebec; they can dine at intimate Parisian-style cafes, perch by bubbly fountains, stroll along the river’s boardwalk and behold the many historical, grand structures that makes this locale a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. If you feel like splurging one night, you can evens stay in the world’s most photographed hotel, the beautiful and historical Chateau Frontenac. Without a doubt, the memories of this majestic, French-speaking city will be treasured for years to come.
Guest Post by: Cheryl Barr
title image credit: Stephanie Williams for Ruche