By Carter Hammett
Summer and road trips have always gone hand- in- hand. The moment the calendar flips to July, something changes. Maps come out. Coolers get packed. Playlists are debated. Cars, trucks and motorcycles get a little extra attention before they’re pointed toward highways, back roads and places that somehow feel both familiar and brand new.
There’s something uniquely Canadian about a summer road trip. Maybe it’s because we spend so much of the year dreaming about warm weather, or because our country offers no shortage of spectacular scenery just a tank of gas away. Whether it’s a weekend escape to the coast, a drive through the mountains, or simply discovering a town you’ve somehow managed to miss all these years, the journey often becomes just as memorable as the destination.
This year’s road-tripping season, however, comes with a different set of realities. Between ongoing tariffs, stubbornly high fuel prices, rising food costs and just about everything else demanding a bigger bite out of the household budget, many Canadians are thinking twice before planning expensive overseas vacations. Instead, they’re rediscovering what’s been waiting in their own backyard all along.
And honestly, that’s not such a bad thing.
From the rugged coastline of New Brunswick to the sun-soaked highways leading to Florida, our writers have assembled a collection of stories that celebrate the simple joy of getting behind the wheel and seeing where the road leads. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, others carry a touch of nostalgia, and a few remind us that every trip, no matter how carefully planned, has a way of taking on a life of its own.
Road trips have always been about more than mileage. They’re about the conversations that happen somewhere between exits, the quirky roadside attractions you never expected to stop for, the diners that serve the best pie you’ve ever tasted, and those moments when you realize the detour was actually the best part of the day. They become family legends, stories retold around campfires and dinner tables long after the suitcases have been unpacked.
Of course, there is plenty more waiting for you in this issue beyond the open highway.
Our regular features return, including The Green Mile, which explores a remarkable story from Quebec, where one small town has recognized trees as living beings worthy of legal rights—a fascinating reminder that our relationship with the environment continues to evolve in surprising ways.
Music fans will also enjoy our conversation with Brad Merritt, longtime bassist for 54-40, who reflects on more than 45 years of touring, creating music and life on the road. His stories offer a different perspective on travel—one measured not in vacation days but in concert halls, countless kilometres and the enduring passion that keeps one of Canada’s most respected bands moving forward decade after decade.
As always, we’re grateful to our talented contributors who continue to bring fresh perspectives, memorable experiences and thoughtful storytelling to every issue of Auto & Trucking Atlantic. Whether they’re chronicling a cross-border adventure, uncovering a hidden gem close to home or sharing lessons learned from thousands of kilometres behind the wheel, each story reminds us why we fell in love with driving in the first place.
So wherever your own travels take you this summer—across the province, across the country or simply down a road you’ve never bothered to explore before—we hope you’ll find a little inspiration in these pages.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s 35 degrees Celsius outside as I write this, the ice in my drink is disappearing at an alarming rate, and even the keyboard seems to be overheating. That sounds like a pretty good excuse to find some shade, fire up the engine and head for somewhere with a lake, a cool breeze and absolutely no deadlines.
Until next time, travel safely, take the scenic route whenever you can, and enjoy the ride.