Planning a road trip this summer? Every road trip needs a good playlist, so why not feature some Canadians when you build yours?
Canada has a vibrant and deep music scene. With the decades-long history of music scenes in places like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax, Canadians have been creating quality music for years.
The Ultimate Canadian Road Trip Playlist
The Tragically Hip – “Wheat Kings”
One of the quintessential Canadian bands, The Tragically Hip are a must have on any Canadian road trip playlist. The Canadiana is “Wheat Kings” is especially undeniable.
The Sheepdogs – “I Don’t Know”
Originally from Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs moved to Toronto in an attempt to make it in the music industry. Mission: Accomplished.
The Guess Who – “Runnin’ Back to Saskatoon”
A Canadian band singing about Canada? How can you not include this on your road trip playlist?
Sam Roberts – “Bridge to Nowhere”
Quebec-born musician Sam Roberts has a particular knack for getting you to sing along and tap those toes!
Alanis Morissette – “Hand in my Pocket”
Throw it back to the ’90s with this feel-good anthem from Ottawa’s angsty powerhouse, Alanis Morissette. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Jully Black – “Seven Day Fool”
Jully Black is the youngest of nine children, and grew up in North York, Toronto, near Jane and Finch. Add that to how much this song just rocks, it (and many of her other tunes) deserve a place on our great Canadian road trip playlist.
Arcade Fire – “Creature Comfort”
Did you know that Arcade Fire from Montreal, was co-founded by husband and wife duo Win Butler and Régine Chassagne? Add in Richard Reed Perry, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara, and you’ve got one of Canada’s biggest indie rock breakouts!
Neil Young with Crazy Horse – “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere”
As one of Canada’s finest, it can be hard to pick just one Neil Young song for your road trip playlist. We suggest “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.”
Rush – “The Spirit of Radio”
Rush’s brand of often-experimental prog rock isn’t always for everyone. But even if you’re not a fan of their more obscure work, who can pass up on “The Spirit of Radio” or “Tom Sawyer”?
Steppenwolf – “Hoochie Coochie Man”
We may be hedging on this one a little, since Steppenwolf technically formed in Los Angeles. However, three of the original members were from Oshawa, Ontario. So while the band may not be Canadian, more than half the members were, and the Canadian influence was strong.
Gordon Lightfoot – “Carefree Highway”
There is no greater Canadian folk staple than Gordon Lightfoot. And if you’re picking just one song for your road trip playlist, why not the one that talks about the highway, and where it might take you?
Joni Mitchell – “Big Yellow Taxi”
While this song was covered by American rock group Counting Crows back in 2002, we still think the original is the best. It’s true that Joni Mitchel was famous for using the streets of the Hollywood Hills for her muse, she was actually born in Saskatchewan before moving to Toronto.
k.d. lang – “Summerfling”
Coming from Edmonton, Alberta, k.d. lang got her start on the prairie club circuit before earning her first Juno Award in 1985 for “Most Promising Female Vocalist.”
Feist – “Mushaboom”
If you know Feist, you probably know “1234,” but “Mushaboom” is every bit as good. Plus, the music video is like a good dream: a little weird.
Tegan and Sara – “Walking With a Ghost”
Tegan and Sara’s style and songwriting have grown and evolved over the years. But “Walking With a Ghost” has a timeless feeling to it.
Barenaked Ladies – “Old Apartment”
There are plenty of songs from the famously Canadain Barenaked Ladies we could have included in this road trip playlist. But “Old Apartment” is about living on the Danforth in Toronto, and looking back on things after you’ve moved on.
Bif Naked – “I Love Myself Today”
No matter which way your musical taste go, it’s hard not to rock out when this one comes on. It just begs to be screamed out the window on the highway.
Our Lady Peace – “Clumsy”
Toronto band Our Lady Peace has been rocking for over thirty years now, making them one of Canada’s most enduring modern bock bands. “Clumsy,” off the 1997 album of the same name, reached number one on Canada’s Singles Chart.
Cowboy Junkies – “Horse In The Country”
Not everyone knows that Cowboy Junkies are from Canada, and given the twang of their sound, that’s not surprising. But the fact is, they’re a Toronto fixture.
Spirit of the West – “Home For a Rest”
Let’s finish off our Canadian road trip playlist with one of the ultimate Canadian bangers. The North Vancouver band’s high tempo and driving lyrics are sure to get everyone belting out the words as you fly down the road.
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