There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a cross-Canada road trip. But as exciting as the drive is, not everyone wants to make the return trip. That’s where smart planning—and services like vehicle shipping from Hansen’s—can save time and hassle. Here are some key tips to make your one-way Canadian road trip unforgettable, and how to get your vehicle back home the easy way.
Before embarking on a cross-country drive, ensure your vehicle is road trip ready. A few essential checks include:
• Engine and fluid levels: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be topped up.
• Tires and brakes: Check for wear and ensure they’re in good condition.
• Battery health: Checking the battery health is particularly important if your car is older or has been sitting for a while.
• Emergency kit: A well-stocked kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a spare tire.
Getting your vehicle checked by a mechanic ahead of time can also give you peace of mind for the long drive ahead.
Planning your route ahead of time will help you make the most of the trip. Decide what kind of experience you want: Do you want to explore the Trans-Canada Highway in its entirety? Or perhaps take a more scenic, meandering route through national parks and coastal towns? It’s also important to consider travel times and weather conditions. If you’ll be travelling through popular areas like Banff, Quebec City, or Vancouver Island, remember to also book your accommodation in advance.
Instead of doing a full round trip, many travellers choose to drive one way and ship their vehicle back home—saving time, money, and wear and tear on their car. This is especially helpful if you have limited vacation time, want to avoid retracing the same scenery, or prefer not to rack up extra mileage on your vehicle. Hansen’s offers convenient coast-to-coast vehicle shipping services. To prepare your car for transport, here are a few basic guidelines to remember:
• Remove personal belongings (except fixed essentials like a child seat or GPS).
• Ensure the car is operational with no fluid leaks.
• Keep the fuel tank half full.
• Disable alarms and secure any loose accessories.
• Leave a copy of the vehicle registration in the glove box.
• Provide special start or security instructions if needed.
EV owners should ensure that their vehicle's battery is fully charged, include all necessary charging cables, and disable features such as Sentry Mode and scheduled charging. For older vehicles, specifically those 15 years or older, a mechanical inspection or waiver may be required. Vehicles over 20 years old may also need an appraisal accompanied by photos.
To view our full pre-shipping checklist, please visit our shipping instructions.
Shipping your vehicle back home offers several benefits, especially if you have limited vacation time and need to return quickly. Instead of spending valuable days driving long distances, you can focus on other activities or catch an early flight home. Additionally, shipping your car helps avoid putting unnecessary miles on it, preserving its value and reducing wear and tear, which is especially important for long-term vehicle longevity. It’s a convenient, time-saving solution that lets you enjoy your vacation without the added stress of a long road trip back.
Whether you're planning a two-week trek across the Trans-Canada or a leisurely coast-to-coast journey, let Hansen’s help you complete your adventure the smart way. Hansen’s is Canada’s trusted name in vehicle transport, with terminals across the country for convenient drop-off and pick-up. Contact Hansen’s today to request a free quote for the return shipment of your vehicle.
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