Canada is home to some of the most scenic and diverse road trips in the world, offering landscapes that range from rugged coastlines to pristine mountain ranges and vibrant wine regions. Whether you crave ocean views, alpine vistas, or quaint small towns, a weekend drive can deliver an unforgettable escape without requiring a long vacation. These routes are perfect for spontaneous getaways, family trips, or solo adventures, providing both natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are the 16 bucket-list drives you can do in a weekend.
Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea-to-Sky Highway offers breathtaking views from Vancouver to Whistler. Travelers experience coastal fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests along the route. Popular stops include Shannon Falls, Garibaldi Provincial Park, and the quaint town of Squamish. The highway provides opportunities for short hikes, photography, and local dining. Its combination of natural beauty and accessibility makes it ideal for a weekend escape. Drivers should allow extra time to enjoy scenic pullouts and lookout points, ensuring a relaxed experience while taking in one of Canada’s most iconic drives.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail loops through Cape Breton Island, blending ocean vistas with rugged highlands. The route highlights coastal cliffs, dense forests, and charming villages. Stops like Cape Breton Highlands National Park offer hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities. Scenic pullouts provide panoramic views perfect for photos. Local seafood restaurants and artisan shops add cultural experiences along the way. The trail’s combination of nature, culture, and accessibility makes it an excellent weekend drive, allowing travelers to enjoy both adventure and relaxation while discovering the beauty of Nova Scotia’s eastern coast.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Banff National Parks, showcasing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Key stops include Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The route offers continuous scenic beauty, with pullouts designed for memorable photo opportunities. Driving this highway requires planning for weather and limited services in some stretches, but it remains one of Canada’s most iconic drives. The combination of majestic mountains and pristine lakes ensures that a weekend on the Icefields Parkway is an unforgettable experience.
Niagara Parkway, Ontario
The Niagara Parkway runs along the Niagara River, linking Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The route features gardens, historic sites, and views of the famous falls. Travelers can explore wineries, charming towns, and parks along the riverbank. Bicycle and pedestrian paths parallel parts of the highway, enhancing accessibility. Fall foliage and spring blooms add seasonal beauty, making it a visually appealing drive year-round. With cultural attractions and natural wonders combined, the Niagara Parkway is perfect for a weekend getaway that blends scenic enjoyment with culinary and historical experiences in Ontario.
Pacific Rim Highway, British Columbia
The Pacific Rim Highway spans the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, connecting communities like Tofino and Ucluelet. Drivers experience rainforests, ocean vistas, and remote beaches. Popular stops include Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and local surf spots. The route offers opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and cultural experiences with First Nations communities. Its mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and wildlife encounters makes it a bucket-list weekend drive. The highway is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor recreation and relaxation in one of Canada’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Algonquin Park Scenic Drive, Ontario
The Algonquin Park Scenic Drive winds through forests, lakes, and rivers in central Ontario. Wildlife spotting opportunities include moose, deer, and beavers along the route. Canoeing, short hikes, and photography are popular activities at designated pullouts. Seasonal changes transform the scenery, from vibrant fall foliage to serene winter landscapes. Local lodges, cabins, and campgrounds provide convenient accommodations for a weekend getaway. This drive offers a peaceful retreat into nature while being easily accessible from major Ontario cities, making it perfect for those looking to experience Canada’s wilderness within a short timeframe.
Kootenay Rockies Loop, British Columbia
The Kootenay Rockies Loop showcases British Columbia’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and hot springs. Starting from towns like Nelson or Cranbrook, travelers can explore Kootenay National Park, Kokanee Glacier, and Radium Hot Springs. Wildlife viewing, hiking, and water activities are abundant along the route. Scenic overlooks provide perfect photo opportunities, while local artisan shops and cafés offer regional culture. This loop is ideal for a weekend road trip, offering a combination of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty that highlights the stunning variety of southeastern British Columbia.
Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
The Fundy Coastal Drive follows the Bay of Fundy coastline, famous for the world’s highest tides. Travelers pass through charming seaside towns, historic sites, and rugged cliffs. Must-see stops include Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and Alma for fresh seafood. Hiking, kayaking, and whale watching are popular activities along the route. The drive combines natural wonders with cultural experiences, making it perfect for a weekend escape. Scenic viewpoints and coastal trails enhance the journey, providing travelers with both adventure and opportunities to appreciate New Brunswick’s unique maritime landscapes.
Trans-Canada Highway through Prince Edward Island
The Trans-Canada Highway across Prince Edward Island offers a scenic drive through farmland, coastal roads, and charming towns. Stops include Charlottetown, Cavendish, and the island’s famous red sand beaches. Travelers can enjoy local seafood, picturesque lighthouses, and Anne of Green Gables sites. The relatively short distances between attractions make it ideal for a weekend getaway. Seasonal flowers, coastal sunsets, and cultural landmarks enhance the experience. This drive provides a relaxing and immersive way to explore PEI’s landscapes and heritage while enjoying the slower pace of Canada’s smallest province.
Laurentian Mountains Drive, Quebec
The Laurentian Mountains Drive showcases rolling hills, forests, and quaint villages north of Montreal. Scenic routes include stops in Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur, and surrounding lakeside towns. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling are plentiful depending on the season. Charming cafés, artisan shops, and local festivals add cultural depth to the journey. The drive’s accessibility from major cities makes it ideal for a weekend escape, combining nature, adventure, and small-town charm. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, seasonal colors, and the relaxed pace of Quebec’s iconic mountain region.
St. Lawrence River Road Trip, Quebec
Driving along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec offers views of historic towns, river islands, and scenic waterways. Key stops include Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, and Lévis. Travelers can explore fortifications, museums, and waterfront promenades. Seasonal activities like whale watching, cycling paths, and river cruises enrich the experience. Culinary stops highlighting local cuisine and pastries enhance the cultural aspect. The combination of history, scenic beauty, and leisurely exploration makes the St. Lawrence River road trip perfect for a weekend getaway, providing a mix of adventure and relaxation along one of Canada’s most iconic waterways.
Okanagan Valley Wine Route, British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley Wine Route takes travelers through rolling vineyards, wineries, and orchards in southern British Columbia. Stops in Kelowna, Penticton, and Naramata offer wine tastings, culinary experiences, and scenic lake views. Outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and boating complement the wine-focused itinerary. Boutique accommodations, farm-to-table restaurants, and local markets enhance the cultural experience. This route is perfect for a weekend trip combining gastronomy, relaxation, and natural beauty, offering a full immersion into the Okanagan’s famous wine region and picturesque landscapes.
Highway 101 Lighthouse Loop, Nova Scotia
The Highway 101 Lighthouse Loop highlights Nova Scotia’s rugged coastline, historic lighthouses, and picturesque fishing villages. Travelers can stop at Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay to explore local culture, seafood cuisine, and maritime heritage. Scenic viewpoints along the route provide excellent photo opportunities of the Atlantic coastline. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, coastal hikes, and wildlife spotting enhance the journey. This loop offers a compact yet immersive weekend road trip, combining Nova Scotia’s natural beauty with charming communities and iconic landmarks, making it a must-do for coastal exploration.
Muskoka Lakes Scenic Drive, Ontario
Muskoka Lakes Scenic Drive showcases Ontario’s lake country, with winding roads through dense forests, sparkling lakes, and quaint towns like Bracebridge and Huntsville. Visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and cottage-style dining experiences along the way. Seasonal colors, particularly in fall, provide stunning landscapes for photography and sightseeing. Local artisan shops, farmers’ markets, and waterfront cafés enrich the cultural experience. Ideal for a weekend getaway, this drive balances relaxation and outdoor adventure, offering a quintessential Muskoka experience with lakeside views, charming communities, and recreational opportunities for all seasons.
Churchill Northern Lights Drive, Manitoba
The Churchill Northern Lights Drive in Manitoba offers a unique winter adventure for travelers seeking the Aurora Borealis. Visitors can explore tundra landscapes, spot polar bears in designated safe areas, and experience remote northern wildlife. Scenic drives and guided tours provide opportunities to witness the northern lights in their full glory. Small-town accommodations and cultural experiences in Churchill allow for an immersive Arctic weekend. The combination of natural phenomena, wildlife encounters, and pristine landscapes makes this route ideal for travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime northern Canadian adventure.
Cabot Trail Coastal Detour, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Cabot Trail Coastal Detour in Newfoundland and Labrador presents dramatic cliffs, coastal forests, and panoramic ocean views. Starting from St. John’s or nearby towns, travelers can explore quaint fishing villages, local artisan shops, and fresh seafood stops. Hiking trails, coastal lookouts, and scenic drives along the Atlantic coastline enhance the experience. Seasonal festivals and cultural events provide insight into Newfoundland’s rich heritage. Perfect for a weekend escape, the drive offers a combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, showcasing the rugged beauty and unique charm of Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal landscapes.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
Food prices in Canada have been steadily climbing, and another spike could make your grocery bill feel like a mortgage payment. According to Statistics Canada, food inflation remains about 3.7% higher than last year, with essentials like bread, dairy, and fresh produce leading the surge. Some items are expected to rise even further due to transportation costs, droughts, and import tariffs. Here are 22 groceries to grab now before another price shock hits Canada.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
