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map markerCross-country

Pitch a Trip: Jess and Sedona’s cross-country adventure

by Jessica M.

October 8, 2024

Dreaming of the open road? Introducing Pitch a Trip, a program designed by Turo to help everyday Canadians and aspiring content creators turn their road trip dreams into reality. Today, we’re excited to highlight Jessica’s adventure with her dog, Sedona, as they explored some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes with Turo.


The pitch

Jess and her dog, Sedona, were ready for a cross-country adventure, pitching a road trip that would take them from Ontario to British Columbia, with stops in Banff, Alberta, and Tofino. Their plan was packed with outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and surfing, with plenty of time to explore Canada’s natural beauty.

The destination

Banff and Tofino are two of Canada’s most stunning destinations, offering an array of outdoor adventures. Banff, nestled in the heart of the Rockies, is known for its turquoise lakes and its endless hiking trails. Tofino, on the other hand, is a coastal gem in British Columbia, perfect for surfing, camping, and sunset hikes.

The journey

Jess and Sedona’s epic road trip began in Ontario, where they embarked on a month-long adventure across the country, with the first stop in Banff, Alberta. The trip was filled with outdoor activities like camping, stand-up paddle boarding, and plenty of campfire meals, including “spider weenies” (hotdogs cut to look like spiders).

They hit favorite spots in Banff like Lake Peyto, Bow Lake, and the Little Beehive Trail. Jess and Sedona also took time to explore Banff’s charming downtown and the nearby town of Canmore.

Meeting up with friends, @roamwildwithus and @venturingwithpaws, in Alberta made the trip even more memorable — with Sedona stealing the show by taking plenty of selfies along the way.

After a week in Alberta, Jess and Sedona drove to Tofino, British Columbia, where they surfed, camped, and trekked up to Cox Bay Lookout for a sunset that painted the sky with vibrant colors. Their week in Tofino was full of adventure and connection with nature.

Returning to Banff, they wrapped up their trip with more hikes and exploration in the surrounding parks. One of Jess’s favorite memories was discovering a secluded lookout at Peyto Lake, where she and Sedona had the breathtaking view all to themselves. For Sedona, hunting for rocks in the rivers was a definite highlight.

Jess has some great advice for those planning a similar adventure:

Sunrise & Sunset: The best time to sightsee during summer is early morning or late evening when you can often have the viewpoints all to yourself.

Lake Louise tip: Take advantage of free parking after 7 pm, especially for late-day explorations!

Be prepared: Summer is fire season, so plan ahead and always have a backup plan in case smoke affects visibility. And don’t forget to bring bear spray if you’re venturing into more remote areas.

Hydrate & stay cool: Summer can get hot, so pack plenty of water and prepare for the heat, especially on longer hikes.

For Jess, this trip was all about bonding with Sedona, and embracing the freedom of the open road—proving that adventure is even better with your best friend by your side.

The Turo experience

Here’s what Jess had to say about her experience with Turo:

I will be a Turo renter for life now! Great selection and an easy to navigate app! It is very straightforward and much less stress than my previous experience with rental companies.” Her advice for future Turo users? “Take lots of photos before you drive off, especially if you’re renting for a long time. You can also score deals if you rent certain cars for longer periods, so keep an eye out for that!”

Feeling inspired by Jess and Sedona’s adventure? Then why not create your own?