Canada’s vast and diverse landscape offers some of the world’s most breathtaking road trip experiences. From coast to coast, the country boasts scenic routes that showcase stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, and unique cultural attractions. These road trips provide an opportunity to explore Canada’s varied terrain, from rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to pristine lakes and endless prairies.
In this post, I highlight some of Canada’s most scenic road trips that you must add to your travel bucket list.
The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and winds through the lush Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming Acadian and Celtic communities, each with its unique cultural offerings. The trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Stretching 232 kilometres between Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This route takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering views of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers. Key stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. Wildlife sightings, including bears and elk, are common along this route.
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea to Sky Highway, officially known as Highway 99, runs from Vancouver to Whistler. This 120-kilometer route offers stunning views of Howe Sound, coastal rainforests, and the Coast Mountains. Along the way, you can stop at attractions like the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish or explore the outdoor adventure opportunities in Whistler. The drive is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light plays on the water and mountains.
Gaspé Peninsula Loop, Quebec
The Gaspé Peninsula Loop is a 1,235-kilometer journey around one of Quebec’s most scenic regions. This route takes you through charming coastal villages, past lighthouses, and along dramatic cliff faces overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Highlights include Percé Rock, Forillon National Park, and the chance to spot whales from the shore. The region is also known for its excellent seafood and friendly locals.
Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Viking Trail is a 489-kilometer route along the western coast of Newfoundland. This drive takes you through Gros Morne National Park, known for its otherworldly landscape and fjords. The route ends at L’Anse aux Meadows, the site of a 1,000-year-old Viking settlement. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque fishing villages, rugged coastlines, and have the chance to spot icebergs in season.
The Dempster Highway, Yukon to Northwest Territories
For the adventurous, the Dempster Highway offers a unique road trip experience. This 736-kilometre gravel road is Canada’s only all-season road across the Arctic Circle. The route takes you through vast tundra landscapes, offering views of the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter. Wildlife sightings, including caribou and grizzly bears, are common. This remote journey requires careful planning and a well-prepared vehicle.
Niagara Parkway, Ontario
Sir Winston Churchill once described this 55-kilometer route as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” The Niagara Parkway runs along the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque wine country, historic sites, and charming small towns. The highlight, of course, is the magnificent Niagara Falls at the end of the route.
Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
This 460-kilometer route follows the Bay of Fundy coast, home to the world’s highest tides. The drive offers stunning coastal views, charming fishing villages, and unique geological formations. Key stops include Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and the historic town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea. The best time to visit is during low tide when you can walk on the ocean floor at several points along the route.
Cowboy Trail, Alberta
Highway 22, known as the Cowboy Trail, offers a 700-kilometer journey through Alberta’s ranching country. This scenic drive takes you through rolling foothills with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Along the way, you’ll encounter working ranches, small western towns, and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. The route is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom across the prairies.
Pacific Rim Highway, British Columbia
This 130-kilometer route on Vancouver Island takes you from Parksville to Tofino. The drive offers diverse landscapes, from old-growth rainforests to rugged coastlines. Key stops include Cathedral Grove, home to ancient Douglas fir trees, and the surfing town of Tofino. The route also provides access to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, known for its long sandy beaches and excellent whale-watching opportunities.
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