From Toronto to Collingwood, a two-day road trip with Cadillac Canada offered a fresh perspective on electric driving, thoughtful technology, and what it means to travel well - and in style.
There's something about a road trip that makes you appreciate the journey just as much as the destination. The right playlist (especially with Dolby Atmos), a great place to stop for lunch, a change of scenery, and of course an enjoyable vehicle that makes getting there part of the experience.
Recently, I had the privilege of joining Cadillac Canada over a few days experiencing their EV lineup. The immersive trip starting from Toronto to Collingwood was designed to explore what luxury electric driving looks like in real life. As someone who enjoys the finer details of everyday living (from personal style and good design to discovering new places), I was curious to see how an electric vehicle would practically fit into that picture.
What I discovered was that the transition to electric driving doesn't necessarily require a change in lifestyle. In many ways, it can make the everyday feel a little more elevated.
A New Chapter for Cadillac
Cadillac has been evolving, and its growing electric lineup is a big part of that story. As Canada's #1 luxury EV brand, Cadillac is giving drivers more choice when it comes to luxury electric vehicles, with models including the OPTIQ, LYRIQ, Escalade IQ, and my personal favourite, the VISTIQ.
It's a different side of a brand many of us grew up knowing - one that brings together distinctive design, modern technology, and the kind of comfort you'd expect from a luxury vehicle.
For me, what makes a vehicle feel luxurious goes beyond its exterior. It's how it fits into your day, how comfortable you feel behind the wheel, and how the little details come together to make an experience feel considered.
That was the lens through which I approached my time with these vehicles.
Starting the Journey in Toronto
Our first stop was Cadillac House in Toronto, where we kicked things off with breakfast before getting acquainted with the experience ahead.
From there, we headed to Universal Music Studios for an introduction to Dolby Atmos, one of the technologies developed through GM Canada's Canadian Technical Centre and featured in Cadillac's electric vehicle experience.
Music is a big part of any drive for me. Whether it's a favourite album on a night drive or a playlist that sets the mood for a longer journey, the right soundtrack can completely change how a moment feels.
Experiencing Dolby Atmos in a studio setting offered a closer look at the technology behind that immersive sound. It's designed to create a more enveloping, three-dimensional listening experience, bringing greater depth and presence to the music. And the coolest part? It's all engineered in Markham, Ontario!
It's also a reminder that luxury isn't always about what you can see. Sometimes, it's about how something makes you feel.
The Road Trip: Luxury Meets Everyday Practicality
With Toronto behind us, we made our way north toward Collingwood, with a few stops planned along the way.
Our first was GoodHawk, where we paused for lunch before continuing to Creemore for a chocolate experience at YF Patissier Chocolatier. It was the kind of itinerary I appreciate most: a little time on the road, a good meal, and the opportunity to discover somewhere new along the way. Having been to Blue Mountain before, I hadn't taken the time to slow down and appreciate what was in the surrounding area - but this was the perfect opportunity to do so, especially on a lovely fall day.
And that's where the EV experience became particularly interesting.
One of the common assumptions about electric vehicles is that driving one requires a completely different approach to travel. You start thinking about charging stops, range, and whether the vehicle will work with the way you already live.
But the more I considered the experience, the more I realized that the biggest shift happens before you even leave home.
With home charging, the idea is simple: plug in when you're back for the evening and start the next day with a full charge. Instead of making a separate stop to fuel up as part of your morning routine, you can begin the day ready to go.
It's a small change in habit that has the potential to make a meaningful difference, especially when your vehicle is already part of your everyday routine.
And when you're heading out of the city for a longer drive, having a better understanding of your vehicle's range and charging options makes the journey feel that much more straightforward.
Of course - every road trip is different, and range depends on the vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors. But the experience reinforced an important point: electric driving doesn't have to mean sacrificing spontaneity. With a little planning, it can be just as much about enjoying the drive and discovering what's along the way.
Technology That Makes the Drive Feel Different
Another highlight was experiencing Cadillac's Super Cruise technology, a hands-free driver assistance feature available on compatible highways.
For longer stretches of highway driving, the appeal is easy to understand. Super Cruise is designed to help make the drive feel more relaxed, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel when the system confirms that conditions are suitable.
It's worth noting that hands-free doesn't mean attention-free. Drivers still need to remain attentive and ready to take control when required. However as part of the broader driving experience, the technology demonstrates how Cadillac is working to make longer journeys feel more comfortable and less demanding.
Paired with the immersive sound experience of Dolby Atmos, it highlights how technology can do more than add another feature to a list. When thoughtfully integrated, it can change how you experience the time you spend in your vehicle.
And that's ultimately what I look for in good design, whether it's a well-made wardrobe essential, a thoughtfully designed space, or a vehicle - the details should work together to make life feel more enjoyable and a little easier.
An Evening in Collingwood
After a full afternoon on the road, we checked into The Dorchester Hotel in Collingwood, giving us some time to settle in before dinner.
There's something refreshing about getting out of the city for a change of pace. The schedule slows down, the surroundings change, and even familiar routines feel a little different.
It's also what I enjoy most about travel. You don't always need to go far to feel like you've stepped outside your everyday routine. Sometimes all it takes is a good drive, a new place to stay, and an evening spent with good company enjoying the moment.
After dinner, it was time to recharge for the next day both literally and figuratively.
The Next Morning: A Closer Look at EV Charging
Charging is naturally one of the first things people wonder about when considering an electric vehicle, particularly if they're used to the convenience and familiarity of a traditional gas-powered car.
The reality is that charging becomes part of a different routine. Home charging can take care of much of your day-to-day driving, while public charging offers another option when you're travelling farther. Understanding where and when to charge, along with the range of your particular vehicle, helps take some of the uncertainty out of the equation.
For anyone considering their first luxury EV, that shift in perspective is important. Rather than thinking only about what might be different, it's worth considering what could become easier.
Is a Cadillac EV Worth Considering?
After two days experiencing Cadillac's electric lineup, what stood out to me wasn't one single feature. It was how the different elements came together.
The design of every vehicle in the 2026-2027 lineup makes a statement. The cabin and entertainment technology bring a new dimension to time spent behind the wheel. Features such as Super Cruise are designed to make compatible highway journeys feel more relaxed. And the ability to charge at home can make everyday ownership feel more seamless.
Cadillac's growing portfolio also gives Canadians more options when considering a luxury electric vehicle, whether they're exploring the brand for the first time or looking to make the transition from a conventional vehicle.
Ultimately, switching to an EV is a personal decision, and factors such as charging access, driving habits, and range requirements will always matter. Though I do want to note that this experience challenged the idea that electric driving has to involve a compromise.
Sometimes an upgrade isn't about doing more. It's about making the things you already do feel better.
And if a road trip can offer a little more comfort, a great soundtrack, and the opportunity to discover somewhere new along the way, that's an experience worth considering in my opinion.
And as always, thanks for reading!
(Photos are courtesy of Graham Baird)