Summer in Canada means road trips. A route to Charlevoix. A Gaspésie getaway. A ferry to the North Shore. Or maybe a spontaneous ride west toward the Rockies. No matter the destination, the road is part of the adventure. And sometimes… it’s a long one.
Between the hours behind the wheel, the skipped breaks, and the A/C blasting on high, hydration can easily slip through the cracks. But that’s when you need it the most.
Why we dehydrate without realizing it in the car?
It’s sneaky. Your body doesn’t sweat much in the car, especially with the air conditioning so the urge to drink is less obvious. But dry air, plus being seated for hours, slowly pulls moisture from the body. The result? You show up at your destination more drained than expected headache, sluggish, legs feeling heavy.
Easy habits to adopt
First thing: always keep a full reusable bottle close at hand. That little detail makes a big difference. And if plain water doesn’t excite you (we get it), just drop in an Ö Hydration pouch. It adds real flavor and helps you absorb water better thanks to essential electrolytes.
Another smart move: schedule “hydration breaks” alongside your gas or washroom stops. Sipping a bit every two hours, even if you’re not thirsty, keeps your energy steady all day long.
The best format for long drives?
Ö Hydration ready-to-drink cans, kept cold in a soft cooler, are a road trip game-changer. No shaker. No fuss. Just open and sip. They’re also a great option for travelling with kids or teens who aren’t always eager to drink plain water.
👉 Check out our ready-to-drink hydration lineup
Avoiding common pitfalls
It’s tempting to grab a coffee at every stop. Or to keep a soft drink handy. But too much caffeine or sugar does the opposite of what you want, leading to dehydration, energy crashes and the occasional upset stomach. A no-sugar electrolyte drink offers a more stable, feel-good boost.
But what if you’re not thirsty?
That’s where flavor helps. Naturally flavored water with a fruity touch like peach-lychee or black cherry makes hydration appealing again. Even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty, you’ll sip more without even thinking about it. And you’ll avoid ending the day feeling wiped.
So this summer, when the road calls, don’t forget: your water tank needs topping up too not just the car’s. One little pouch or chilled can might be all it takes to turn a tiring road trip into one that keeps your energy rolling right through.