Road trips are more than just a means of travel—they’re an escape from the routine, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a way to create lasting memories. Whether you’re driving with friends, setting out with family, or exploring solo, the open road offers a unique kind of freedom. And when you’re surrounded by stunning landscapes, the journey becomes even more unforgettable.
Canada, with its vast geography and breathtaking scenery, is a dream come true for road trip lovers. From coastal highways to winding mountain passes, every province offers a route worth exploring.
Below, we’ve gathered 26 beautiful Canadian roads that promise to elevate your summer adventures and make every mile a memory.
Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
Icefields Parkway is a 230-kilometer-long road that connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. Traveling on this road, you’ll get to see the might and beauty of towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers. Along the way, iconic spots like Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Sunwapta Falls offer a greater window to the depth of nature’s unparalleled beauty.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Island and is sure to satisfy travelers who are especially fond of stunning ocean views with sporadic sightings of whales. The trip also offers a view into the life of the local fishermen and their quaint villages. When on this road, make sure to visit the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and hike the numerous trails.
Sea-to-Sky Highway (British Columbia)
As the name suggests, this highway is packed with dramatic coastal scenery, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures that you’ll have never experienced before. Shannon Falls, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and Garibaldi Provincial Park are the highlights of this highway.
Trans-Canada Highway (Across Canada)
The Trans-Canada Highway is the second-longest highway in Canada, which offers a deeper understanding of the country’s vastness and variety. Along the road, you get to see contrasting sites ranging from urban centers to remote wilderness. Moreover, the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and the stretches of the East Coast are sure to take your breath away.
Viking Trail (Newfoundland and Labrador)
The Viking Trail takes travelers on a journey through history, leading to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows. Along the way, the rugged landscapes and dramatic coastal views make every stretch of the road a visual delight. Adding to the experience are the region’s rich cultural traditions and distinctive local cuisine, making this trail as flavorful as it is scenic.
Confederation Bridge Route (Prince Edward Island)
A road trip on the Confederation Bridge Route will open up the charm of PEI’s red cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling farmlands. On the Island is also situated Green Gables Heritage Place, which will take you back into the 19th century. Moreover, make sure to enjoy the fresh seafood delicacies whose aroma is enough to water your mouth.
Dempster Highway (Yukon and Northwest Territories)
People who wish for rugged terrain and a contemplative ride are encouraged to try Dempster Highway. It is a ride that offers solitude, wildlife, and the northern lights in a way that you’ll come face-to-face with both yourself and the depths of nature. Stop at Tombstone Territorial Park for incredible views.
Highway 132 (Quebec)
Highway 132 is a scenic route that offers travelers a ride along the St.Lawrence River. On the way, it covers historic towns, lush landscapes, and the stunning Gaspé Peninsula. Do visit Percé Rock and Forillon National Park to have a memory of beauty forever etched in your mind.
Highway 1 Through Yoho National Park (British Columbia)
For those seeking a shorter yet stunning road trip, Highway 1 through Yoho National Park delivers some of the most scenic stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway. This route offers a breathtaking mix of towering waterfalls, majestic mountain vistas, and jewel-toned lakes. Highlights include the iconic Emerald Lake and the powerful Takkakaw Falls, both of which make this drive an unforgettable experience.
Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick)
Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides, charming towns and coastal cliffs can all be accessed through the Fundy Coastal Drive. If you’re on this road in the future, plan on stopping at Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park. These places offer incredible views and outdoor activities for a greater coastal experience.
Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park (Ontario)
Cutting through Ontario’s oldest provincial park, Highway 60 blesses the sight with the view of lakes, forests, and frequent wildlife sightings. There are also waterways that you can paddle through, and the Lookout Trail that leads to stunning vistas.
Pacific Rim Highway (British Columbia)
Pacific Rim Highway offers you a coastal ride unlike any you’d have experienced before. It winds through lush rainforests and rugged coastlines to Tofino and Ucluelet, covering beaches and forests. So, when on this ride, make time to explore tide pools, surf the waves, and breathe the fresh air of the rainforests.
Bow Valley Parkway (Alberta)
Bow Valley Parkway winds parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway and is more suitable for people who want a quiet and peaceful ride. It also offers intimate views of the Rockies, and the lucky ones can get a chance to see the wildlife, too. Popular spots on this road are Johnston Canyon and Castle Mountain, which offer stunning views.
Highway 93 South Through Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
Highway 94 is a less-traveled gem that offers its travelers the experience of hot springs, gushing waterfalls, and stunning alpine scenery. Radium Hot Springs offers serene views of Marble Canyon, so plan a day or two there.
Lake Superior Circle Tour (Ontario)
Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake, and one can use this route to circle it, taking in its beauty from all sides. This route has a variety of pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs that will make you wonder. Moreover, popular spots like Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Agawa Rock offer iconic sights and deserve a moment’s stop.
Thousand Islands Parkway (Ontario)
Thousand Islands Parkway offers a scenic ride along the St. Lawrence River, offering a closer view of numerous islands dotting the waterway. It also offers opportunities to swim, cycle, and take a boat tour to explore the many islands and witness the world around which they are.
Cowboy Trail (Alberta)
Cowboy Trail lets you get up close to the lives of Alberta’s cowboys, ranchlands, rolling hills, and foothills of the Rockies. You can visit historic ranches and quaint towns like Longview and lose yourself in the sweeping views of the prairies.
Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway)
Stretching over 1,347 kilometers, Highway 16—also known as the Yellowhead Highway—connects Manitoba to British Columbia, offering a scenic and diverse cross-country journey. The route passes through several national parks and cultural landmarks, making it a rewarding trip for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Notable highlights include the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper National Park and the coastal beauty of Prince Rupert, where mountains meet the sea.
Sunshine Coast Highway (British Columbia)
Sunshine Coast Highway offers a laid-back drive along BC’s Sunshine Coast, and cherry on top, ferries are used to reach the coastal communities. Along the way, you can stop at several places to enjoy artisan shops, secluded beaches, and can also try out kayaking.
Red Coat Trail (Saskatchewan)
Red Coat Trail, a historic path of the North-West Mounted Police, winds through Saskatchewan’s vast prairies, offering a deeper window into the past. While on this route, add a visit to Fort Walsh National Historic Site to your itinerary and ensure you enjoy the serenity of the wild.
Highway 105 (Nova Scotia)
Highway 105 cuts through the heart of Cape Breton Island and offers travelers access to the Bras d’Or Lake and an insight into the lives of the charming native communities. When on this road, make sure to stop at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, check out the place, and relish the local delicacies.
Highway 99 Through Lillooet (British Columbia)
Highway 99 offers a rugged, scenic journey through the dramatic landscapes of Fraser Canyon and winding mountain passes. One of the highlights along this route is Duffey Lake, where travelers are rewarded with breathtaking views that are well worth a stop. Beyond its natural beauty, Highway 99 holds historical significance as part of the old gold rush route, adding a layer of intrigue and heritage to the drive.
Yellowknife Highway (Northwest Territories)
Yellowknife highway passes through boreal forests and has sparkling lakes along the way, leading straight to Canada’s northern capital. Interestingly, in the summers, you can experience the Midnight Sun, while in fall and winter, the northern lights will bless your sight.
Crowsnest Highway (British Columbia and Alberta)
Crowsnest Highway is a picturesque route that winds through the Rocky Mountains, offering travelers a mix of stunning scenery and deep historical significance. Along the way, drivers can explore notable sites like the dramatic Frank Slide, a massive rockslide that shaped the region’s history, and visit historic mining towns that trace their roots back to the late 1800s.
Highway 11 (Ontario)
Highway 11 stretches across Northern Ontario and blesses the traveler’s sight with a mix of wilderness and quaint towns. If you’re traveling on this route, visit the historic sites of Temagami and witness the serenity of the sun reflecting on Lake Nipigon.
Cape St. Mary’s Drive (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Cape St. Mary’s Drive is a short coastal drive that’s packed with stunning ocean views and beaches. It leads to Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, which is renowned for seabird colonies. People who wish for a short coastal ride that offers mesmerizing vistas and dramatic cliffs will love this ride.
Conclusion
Road trips offer the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories with the people you’re traveling with. Canada’s vast and breathtaking landscapes are just waiting to be explored, and there’s no better way to experience them than by hitting the open road. So, plan your route, pack wisely, take your time, and enjoy the journey through these 26 incredible roads that are made for unforgettable summer adventures.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
