Long Weekend Playlist: 10 Canadian Songs For Road Trips

Canadians breathe a collective sigh of relief because the Victoria Day weekend is here! Road trip or not; check out this list of tunes for your drive out of town. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

If you’re in Eastern Canada, you hit up a cottage. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re cabin-bound. Whatever you call it, if you’re lucky enough to take a trip to enjoy our beautiful Canadian scenery, you share something in common.

And whatever you call Victoria Day, May Long Weekend or May 2-4 (even though it doesn’t always fall on the 24th, it was Queen Victoria’s birthday) this public holiday unifies our nation in celebration! Backyard grills, park picnics, cold beer, dazzling fireworks and good tunes.

While we don’t necessarily celebrate ol’ Queen Victoria herself, she’s still the figurehead of the public holiday held every third Monday of May.

Since you’re a traveller, here are some interesting facts about Queen Victoria’s influence on Canadian place-names. Outside of the United Kingdom, Canada has the most places named after the former monarch. 23, according to Wikipedia, followed by Australia with 21.

They can be found coast to coast, from Victoria, British Columbia, to Victoria, Newfoundland. Other notable places named after Queen Victoria include:

• Regina, Saskatchewan.
• Queen’s Park in Toronto.
• Victoria Square and Royal Victoria Hosptial in Montreal.
• Moosejaw (ha, just kidding) but Alberta is named after Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert’s fourth daughter.

Even if you’re not embarking on a road trip and staying home this weekend, fire up the barbecue and cue these up! Here are our Top 10 Canadian songs for the long weekend:

Play this Canadian indie tune for the ultimate road trip along the Trans-Canada highway, that ends where else? In Victoria, BC.

On the subject of highway driving, this Canadian anthem is a must. Nostalgic yet timeless, it practically shouts, “True North Strong and Free!”

The broodingly beautiful Bobcaygeon brings to mind a favourite destination for Ontario cottage-goers.

On the subject of Ontario cottage country, this band’s name doesn’t get more perfect. Before you jump in, the May Long weekend means the water’s still chilly!

Whether you love it or hate it, this Canadian classic’s undeniable long weekend vibe puts this 80s hit on our list, as it pays homage to a favourite summer pastime.

Others might be kicking back at home in the ‘burbs, or be reminded of our childhood long weekends when listening to this great song by Montreal’s Arcade Fire.

Another Montreal outfit, Sam Roberts BAnd is always a good choice for Canadian content. For those of us taking off to international destinations, we’ve chosen this song for its globe-trotting lyrics, “from Montreal to Hong Kong…”

A Canadiana classic to remind us of the lazy, warm summer nights that are coming your way, as you watch the sun go down.

If you happen to get lost on your road trip, don’t get mad at your partner/driver/navigator. Instead, turn the volume up on this one and all is forgiven. This romantic tune might even make even make you a “backseat” driver temporarily, nudge nudge, wink, wink.

Vocalist Emily Haines’ playful, alluring vocals and the song’s adventurous cadence create the perfect soundtrack to a road trip. Feel the excitement build for the journey and the destination.

If the idea of travel is music to your ears, contact us! Whether it’s car rental, accommodation or you want to jet somewhere, we’re all ears. Call us at 1 877 967 5302, visit us in-store or book online.

Don’t forget to sign up for our free Club Red newsletters for exclusive deals, contests, travel news and blogs!