Canada is a road-trippers paradise with its vast landscapes, rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse terrain. Spanning coast to coast, the country is filled with unforgettable routes that showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Whether you’re seeking a journey through towering peaks, tranquil forests, or charming coastal towns, Canada’s scenic routes promise incredible vistas, unique stops, and endless adventure. Here’s a guide to some of the country’s must-see drives that will leave you unforgettable memories of Canada’s natural beauty.
Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
Stretching 232 kilometers between Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is one of Canada’s most famous and beautiful drives. This route, which takes travelers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning views of towering peaks, sparkling glaciers, and emerald lakes.
Along the way, you’ll find unforgettable stops like the Columbia Icefield, where you can take a glacier tour, and Peyto Lake, famous for its wolf-like shape and vibrant blue waters. The Icefields Parkway also provides countless viewpoints for spotting wildlife, including bears, elk, and mountain goats. It’s best to plan for a full day or even two to truly soak in this drive’s incredible beauty and give yourself time to explore all the scenic spots.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
Located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer loop that winds through rugged coastal cliffs, lush highlands, and quaint fishing villages. This scenic route is especially famous in the autumn when the leaves turn into a riot of red, orange, and yellow hues.
The Cabot Trail offers numerous opportunities to experience the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. Stop by the Cape Breton Highlands National Park for hiking trails that lead to stunning ocean vistas, or visit the charming town of Cheticamp, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s Acadian culture. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood and try local delicacies like lobster rolls and chowder at one of the many seaside restaurants.
Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia)
The Sea to Sky Highway, or Highway 99, stretches 120 kilometers from Vancouver to Whistler, seamlessly moving from the coast to the mountains. The drive begins with views of the Pacific Ocean’s sparkling blue waters, dotted with islands and boats, and gradually climbs toward the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains.
Make stops at Shannon Falls, one of British Columbia’s highest waterfalls, and the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish for breathtaking panoramic views. In Whistler, known for its ski slopes, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and strolling through the pedestrian-friendly village. The Sea to Sky Highway is a fantastic choice for adventurers, as it combines coastal beauty with mountain majesty.
Viking Trail (Newfoundland and Labrador)
The Viking Trail on Newfoundland’s west coast is an excellent choice for a road trip that combines scenic beauty with a unique historical experience. This 489-kilometer route takes travelers from Deer Lake to the northern tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, where you can explore ancient Viking history.
A significant highlight of this route is L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only known Viking settlement in North America. Stop by Gros Morne National Park to marvel at the park’s fjords, waterfalls, and barren Tablelands, which showcase some of the world’s oldest rocks. The Viking Trail offers spectacular landscapes and a chance to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Norse explorers.
The Cowboy Trail (Alberta)
For a unique slice of western Canadian culture, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) is a scenic drive through Canada’s cowboy country, with landscapes of rolling prairies, rugged foothills, and distant mountain ranges. Stretching from Mayerthorpe to Lundbreck, the 700-kilometer trail offers a glimpse into the heart of Alberta’s ranching heritage.
Stop by the small towns along the way, such as Black Diamond and Longview, where you can explore western-themed shops, art galleries, and local eateries. To taste cowboy life, visit a working ranch or time your trip with one of Alberta’s famous rodeos. The Cowboy Trail is perfect for those seeking a relaxing drive filled with rural charm and stunning mountain vistas.
Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick)
New Brunswick’s Fundy Coastal Drive follows the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides and breathtaking coastal landscapes. This route stretches approximately 460 kilometers from St. Stephen to Sackville, taking you along scenic cliffs, charming fishing villages, and coastal trails.
Highlights along the Fundy Coastal Drive include the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and witness towering rock formations shaped by the tides. In Fundy National Park, you can enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and lush forests, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking and beachcombing. This drive is a treat for nature lovers, offering stunning ocean views and unique experiences along the Atlantic coast.
The Dempster Highway (Yukon and Northwest Territories)
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Dempster Highway is a remote, gravel road that stretches 740 kilometers from Dawson City in the Yukon to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. This road trip is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers a journey through some of Canada’s most rugged and untouched wilderness.
Travelers on the Dempster can witness the stunning scenery of the Arctic Circle, where mountain ranges, tundra, and wildlife create a surreal landscape. Be prepared for potential encounters with caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears along the way. This route is especially spectacular in autumn, when the tundra turns vibrant shades of red and gold. The Dempster Highway is ideal for adventurous spirits looking to experience Canada’s wild northern beauty.
The St. Lawrence Route (Quebec)
Quebec’s Route 132 along the St. Lawrence River provides a road trip rich with history, culture, and striking river views. Starting from Montreal, this route winds through quaint French-speaking villages, past historic lighthouses, and along breathtaking coastal cliffs.
As you enter the Gaspé Peninsula, stop by towns like Kamouraska and Rimouski to experience Quebec’s unique blend of French and Canadian culture. The route offers excellent opportunities to sample regional cuisine, including poutine and locally caught seafood, and to explore Quebec’s artisan shops. The St. Lawrence Route is a scenic and cultural journey that lets you explore Canada’s French heritage amid stunning natural beauty.
Embark on an Unforgettable Journey
A road trip through Canada’s most scenic routes is a lifetime journey. Each route offers something unique, whether it’s the untamed beauty of the Yukon, the dramatic coastline of the Cabot Trail, or the grandeur of the Rockies. Canada’s roads beckon with adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and even up to the Arctic. So gather your travel essentials, hit the open road, and prepare to experience Canada’s landscapes like never before.
