Canada offers some of the most scenic drives in the world. From coastal routes to mountain passes, these roads showcase lakes, forests, and national parks. Travelers often slow down to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and natural surroundings rather than rushing to their destination. Whether you prefer ocean views, alpine landscapes, or quiet forested roads, Canada has options that suit every preference. These routes turn simple drives into memorable experiences for road trip enthusiasts. Here are 23 roads so scenic you’ll add hours on purpose.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway is widely known as one of the most scenic drives in Canada. It connects Lake Louise and Jasper through mountain peaks, waterfalls, and glacier views. The road offers clear access to Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Bow Lake. Wildlife sightings are common, including elk, bears, and mountain goats. Many travelers stop multiple times because nearly every turn offers a photo opportunity. The highway is well-maintained, but winter conditions can be challenging. Planning fuel and food stops is helpful because services are spaced out. The Icefields Parkway is a drive that feels worth slowing down for.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island and offers a mix of ocean viewpoints, coastal cliffs, and forest areas. It passes through villages, beaches, and parts of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The road has several scenic pull-offs where travelers can stop to take in the views. Hiking trails are also nearby for those who want to explore outside the vehicle. The route can feel different depending on the season. Fall brings strong colour and is a popular time to visit. The Cabot Trail is long enough that many travelers choose to spread the experience over two days.
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea to Sky Highway connects Vancouver to Whistler and continues toward Pemberton. The route includes views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, and forest landscapes. Popular stops include Shannon Falls, Britannia Beach, Porteau Cove, and the viewpoint near Stawamus Chief. The highway is well-travelled, especially in winter, because of Whistler. Driving conditions can change quickly in colder months, so winter tires are recommended. The route blends mountain scenery with ocean views in a way that feels distinctive. Many people choose to pull over and take breaks to enjoy the landscape rather than rush to the destination.
Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories
The Dempster Highway is a remote road that connects Dawson City to Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. It is known for open tundra, mountain ranges, and wide stretches with almost no human development. The road is gravel for most of the distance, so planning is important. Fuel, food, and weather preparation can make the experience smoother. The highway crosses the Arctic Circle, which is a highlight for many travelers. Wildlife sightings can include caribou and foxes. The landscape feels different depending on the season, with fall colours drawing visitors. The Dempster is a road people often drive for the journey rather than convenience.
Trans Canada Highway Through Banff and Yoho National Parks
This section of the Trans Canada Highway includes views of mountain ranges, forests, and turquoise lakes. It connects Banff and Yoho National Parks and is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country. Well-known stops nearby include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls. Wildlife fencing and crossings help protect animals, but sightings still happen near the highway. The road is busy during peak season, so timing can influence the experience. The scenery remains impressive year-round, making it a memorable part of a longer road trip or a focused scenic drive.
Highway 93, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Highway 93 runs through Kootenay National Park and offers a mix of mountain views, forest areas, and rivers. The route includes access to features such as Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and Redstreak. The scenery changes gradually, and many travelers appreciate the quieter experience compared to busier parks nearby. Wildlife sightings are possible, especially during early morning or late day travel. The road is well maintained, but winter weather can affect driving conditions. Highway 93 is often part of a longer route between British Columbia and Alberta, making it a scenic transition rather than just a direct connection.
Bow Valley Parkway Alberta
The Bow Valley Parkway runs between Banff and Lake Louise as an alternative to the Trans Canada Highway. The road is slower and narrower, which creates a relaxed pace for viewing the surrounding mountains and forests. Well-known stops include Johnston Canyon and Morant’s Curve. The route is popular for wildlife viewing and photography, especially early in the day. Sections of the road may have cycling priority during certain times of the year. The drive offers a quieter experience than the main highway, which makes it appealing for visitors who want more time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Route 132 Gaspésie Quebec
Route 132 circles the Gaspé Peninsula and includes ocean views, cliffs, and coastal towns. Well-known highlights include Percé Rock and Forillon National Park. The road passes through fishing villages and rural landscapes, giving the drive a local feel. Travelers often take their time because the scenery shifts between rugged shoreline and calm water. The route is long, so many people spread the trip over several days. Seasonal changes affect the experience, with summer and fall attracting the most interest. Route 132 remains one of the most scenic coastal drives in eastern Canada.
Fundy Coastal Drive New Brunswick
The Fundy Coastal Drive follows the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having some of the highest tides in the world. The route includes access to Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and Cape Enrage. Coastal views appear throughout the drive, and the landscape can look different depending on whether the tide is high or low. The road passes through small communities that offer local food and places to stop. This drive is slower-paced and works well for people who prefer sightseeing over long hours of uninterrupted driving. It is popular during summer and early fall.
Highway 60, Algonquin Park, Ontario
Highway 60 cuts through Algonquin Provincial Park and offers a scenic drive with forests, lakes, and rolling hills. Many people travel this route during the fall because of the colour change. The highway includes several signed lookouts and access points to hiking trails and canoe routes. Wildlife sightings are possible, especially moose near marsh areas. The pace of the road feels slower than that of more urban highways, and that invites stopping along the way. Highway 60 works well for both day trips and longer park stays. It remains a well-known scenic route in central Ontario.
Yellowhead Highway, British Columbia to Manitoba
The Yellowhead Highway stretches across multiple provinces and includes a wide range of scenery. The drive passes through mountains, forests, lakes, and prairie landscapes. In British Columbia and Alberta, the route includes Jasper National Park and Mount Robson viewpoints. Further east, the highway becomes more open and quiet as it crosses Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The road is long, so many travelers complete it in sections. Small towns along the route offer services and places to stop. The Yellowhead is appealing to people who enjoy variety rather than one single type of landscape.
Pacific Rim Highway, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The Pacific Rim Highway connects Port Alberni and Tofino on Vancouver Island. The road includes views of rainforest, mountains, and lakes. The highway has many curves, and the pace is slower than a typical main road. Several places along the route offer scenic pullouts or short walks to viewpoints. The climate is mild, but heavy rain is common, especially in cooler months. The route leads to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which is known for beaches and coastal trails. Many people take their time because the scenery is consistent and changes gradually as the coastline approaches.
Route 389, Quebec
Route 389 is a remote road that connects Baie Comeau to the Labrador border. It includes rugged landscapes, long forest stretches, and open views near water reservoirs. Portions of the road are paved while others are gravel, and conditions can vary. Planning fuel, food, and timing is useful because services are limited. The highway has become known among road trip travelers who enjoy long distances with fewer stops and a feeling of remoteness. The route pairs with the Trans Labrador Highway for longer trips. Seasonal weather impacts travel, so timing can influence the overall experience.
Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Viking Trail runs from Deer Lake to St Anthony and includes scenic coastline, cliffs, and historic sites. The route gives access to Gros Morne National Park, which has fjords and mountain viewpoints. Further north, the drive reaches L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO site connected to Norse history. Small communities appear along the route and offer places to stop for food or breaks. Wildlife sightings are possible, including moose. The pace of the drive is steady, and many travelers spread the route across several days because there are many places to explore along the way.
Icefields Scenic Drive, Northwest Territories
The Icefields Scenic Drive offers open arctic landscapes, wide skies, and views that feel very different from more southern scenic routes. The road includes tundra, rivers, and large stretches of untouched land. Services are limited, so planning fuel and timing is important. Weather changes can happen quickly because of the location and elevation. The route appeals to travelers who appreciate remote travel and long views without major development. Wildlife sightings are possible, but travelers should remain aware of the distance between towns. The Icefields Scenic Drive is less well-known than other scenic roads, but it offers a distinctive experience.
Highway 16, Jasper to Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Highway 16 between Jasper and Prince Rupert is a scenic route with mountains, lakes, and forest views. The drive follows rivers for long stretches and includes several small communities along the way. The scenery gradually shifts from alpine terrain to coastal rainforest. Wildlife sightings can include bears and elk, especially in the section near Jasper. The weather varies depending on elevation and season. The route is popular with travelers looking for a quieter alternative to busier mountain highways. The final section near the coast provides access to ferry connections and coastal scenery.
Lake Superior Route Highway 17, Ontario
Highway 17 along Lake Superior is known for long stretches of shoreline, forest, and rock cliffs. The road connects several parks, including Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park. Pull-off points provide access to beaches and viewpoints. The route is popular in summer and fall, especially when the colours change. It is a long drive, so people often take multiple days to complete it. Services are available in towns along the way, but spacing can vary. The route appeals to travelers who enjoy a mix of rugged scenery, quiet moments, and a steady pace.
Okanagan Valley Drive, British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley Drive includes vineyards, lakes, orchards, and warm weather views. The road connects towns such as Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon. Many travelers stop at wineries or lakeside viewpoints along the way. The region feels relaxed, and the route works well for slow travel. Summer is the most popular season, but spring and fall offer pleasant conditions without peak crowds. The landscape includes rolling hills and water views. The experience feels different depending on the time of year, because harvest season draws more visitors. The drive is suitable for short sightseeing or longer regional exploring.
Highway 4, Waterton to Pincher Creek Alberta
Highway 4 connects Waterton Lakes National Park with the surrounding prairie region. The drive includes mountain views near the park that gradually transition to open grassland. The scenery feels wide and calm, and wildlife sightings are possible near park boundaries. The highway is straightforward and not heavily developed. The pace depends on traffic and weather, especially during winter. The route is often used as part of a larger road trip through southern Alberta. People travel it for the views rather than the speed and appreciate the contrast between the rugged mountains and the open prairie.
La Mauricie National Park Parkway Quebec
This parkway runs through La Mauricie National Park and provides access to several lakes and forest areas. The route is calm, and many people stop frequently to view the scenery or walk on nearby trails. Fall is a popular time to visit because of the strong seasonal colour change. Wildlife sightings are possible, especially early or late in the day. The road works well for a slow pace and sightseeing rather than fast travel. It offers a nature-focused drive that feels quiet and steady, making it appealing for day trips or longer visits to the region.
Sunshine Coast Highway British Columbia
The Sunshine Coast Highway includes ocean views, forest scenery, and coastal communities. The drive is not fully connected by road, which means ferry travel is part of the route. The landscape has a relaxed pace, and many travelers stop at beaches or viewpoints along the way. The climate is mild, but the weather can shift quickly depending on the season. The route appeals to people who enjoy coastal drives with nature access points. Small towns offer places to rest, eat, or explore. The highway is popular in summer, but the scenery remains attractive year-round.
Mackenzie Highway Northwest Territories
The Mackenzie Highway stretches through remote regions and includes long views of forest, rivers, and wide northern skies. Services are limited, so planning ahead helps the trip run smoothly. The route feels quiet and open, and wildlife sightings can happen along the roadway. The weather can influence travel depending on the season. The scenery shifts gradually, and the drive appeals to people who appreciate long distances and quiet landscapes. The road is often part of larger northern road trips rather than a single destination route. It offers a distinctive experience because of its location and scale.
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