Canada offers road experiences that attract travellers from around the world. Many visitors are surprised by the variety of scenery across the country. Every province and territory offers something different. These routes move through mountains, forests, lakes, and coastal regions. Many road trips are relaxing and accessible for families. Others appeal to adventure travellers who enjoy long drives through quiet landscapes. Here are 19 Canadian road trips Americans can’t believe are this scenic.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway runs between Banff and Jasper. It is widely regarded as one of the most scenic highway drives in Canada. Travelers experience views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, valleys, and mountain peaks. Popular stops include Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Sunwapta Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, including elk and mountain goats. The highway stretches for about 230 kilometres. Many visitors travel the route during summer for clear road conditions and open viewpoints. The drive attracts road trippers from around the world. Americans often express surprise at the scale of the scenery because every turn offers something dramatic.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail circles Cape Breton Island for about 298 kilometres. The route offers coastal views, high cliffs, and forest landscapes. Cape Breton Highlands National Park provides hiking, lookouts, and wildlife viewing. Travelers enjoy seaside towns, fresh seafood, and cultural stops tied to Acadian and Gaelic heritage. Many people drive the loop over several days to visit beaches and walking trails. Fall is one of the busiest seasons due to the colour change. Americans often compare the route to major U.S. coastal drives and express surprise at the dramatic views. The loop remains one of Canada’s most loved road trips.
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea to Sky Highway connects Vancouver and Whistler. The route measures about 120 kilometres and offers coastal and mountain scenery. Drivers pass Howe Sound, waterfalls, and recreation parks. Popular stops include Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Visitors enjoy access to hiking, biking, and coastal viewpoints. Many Americans travel the highway while visiting Whistler and describe the landscape as unforgettable and surprisingly close to the city. The route remains busy year round due to ski season and summer travel. Clear weather days offer the strongest views along the coastline and surrounding mountains.
Trans-Canada Highway Through Glacier National Park, British Columbia
The Trans-Canada Highway section through Glacier National Park offers dramatic mountain views and dense forest climbs. The route includes Rogers Pass, an area known for heavy snowfall and avalanche control systems. Travelers can stop for short walks, viewpoints, and park exhibits. The highway remains vital for cross country travel and commercial movement. Visitors often comment on the steep terrain and sudden scenery shifts. Many Americans express surprise at the rugged landscape accessed directly from the main highway. Summer drives offer open viewpoints and trail access. Winter travellers often experience slower road conditions due to mountain weather.
Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk, Yukon
The Dempster Highway runs from Dawson City to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. The entire route measures more than 700 kilometres. It remains one of Canada’s most remote road trips. Travelers experience tundra, valleys, and mountain crossings. The highway is gravel for most of its length. Services are limited, so preparation is essential. Reaching the Arctic Ocean by vehicle attracts many adventure drivers. Americans often express surprise that a public road leads to the Arctic coast. Wildlife sightings are common. Conditions vary by season. The route provides access to landscapes rarely seen outside northern Canada.
Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
The Fundy Coastal Drive offers ocean views, fishing villages, and access to natural attractions. Travelers use the route to visit the Bay of Fundy, known for some of the highest tides in the world. Many drive the route for coastal scenery, whale watching, and national parks. Popular stops include Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks, and St. Martins. Visitors often extend the trip to explore sea caves and nature trails. Americans frequently express surprise at the scale of the coastline and the tide changes. The route remains active through summer and fall due to favourable weather and accessible viewpoints.
Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Viking Trail runs along Newfoundland’s western coastline for more than 480 kilometres. It provides access to Gros Morne National Park and the UNESCO site at L’Anse aux Meadows. Travelers experience fjord landscapes, cliffs, and ocean views. Small towns along the route offer strong cultural and historical connections. Many visitors explore hiking routes, boat tours, and geological formations. Wildlife sightings include whales and seabirds. Americans often express surprise at how remote and impressive the scenery feels. The route remains a memorable choice for road trippers seeking quiet travel and natural beauty.
Kootenay Highway 93, British Columbia
Kootenay Highway 93 offers some of the most scenic driving in British Columbia. It runs through Kootenay National Park, known for mountain landscapes, turquoise rivers, and natural hot springs. Drivers experience views of the Rocky Mountains and access to popular stops like Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots. Wildlife sightings are common, especially elk and mountain goats. The route connects Radium Hot Springs and Banff, making it popular for road trips. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and photography along the highway. The clear water of the Vermilion River adds to its beauty. It remains one of Canada’s most admired drives.
Lake Superior Circle Route, Ontario
The Lake Superior Circle Route is a scenic trip around the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. The Ontario portion of the route offers rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and sweeping water views. Drivers pass through Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and several small northern towns. Parks such as Lake Superior Provincial Park and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park attract outdoor travelers. Popular activities include hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The route provides access to Indigenous culture and local art. Clear night skies attract stargazers. Many visitors consider this drive one of the top scenic routes in Canada.
Yellowhead Highway to Jasper, Alberta
The Yellowhead Highway to Jasper is a scenic route leading into Jasper National Park. Travelers see mountains, dense forests, and alpine lakes along the way. The drive provides access to outdoor attractions including Miette Hot Springs and Maligne Canyon. Wildlife sightings may include elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep. The approach into Jasper offers some of the most photographed landscapes in Alberta. The highway connects several small communities and provides convenient viewpoints. Visitors enjoy year-round travel, including winter trips for skiing and ice walks. Many travellers say the scenery rivals any mountain drive in North America.
Route 389 to Manic-5, Quebec
Route 389 to Manic-5 is a remote and dramatic drive in northern Quebec. The route begins near Baie-Comeau and passes forests, large lakes, and hydroelectric sites. The road leads to the Daniel-Johnson Dam at Manic-5, one of the largest multiple-arch dams in the world. The drive challenges travellers with long distances between services. It attracts adventure travellers who enjoy less-travelled routes. The landscape offers rugged scenery and peaceful natural surroundings. Drivers experience northern wilderness views uncommon on major highways. Many choose this route for its engineering significance and the unique travel experience through remote Quebec terrain.
Eastern Townships Scenic Drive, Quebec
The Eastern Townships Scenic Drive is popular for rolling hills, vineyards, and charming historic communities. It is close to the United States border, making it accessible for visitors arriving from New England. The route passes through towns such as Magog, Sutton, and Knowlton. Travellers enjoy lakes, nature trails, and local food markets. The drive provides access to ski resorts and wine producers. Autumn attracts many visitors who come for colourful foliage. The region blends natural beauty and cultural attractions. The route is popular for relaxed travel and weekend road trips in Quebec.
Sunshine Coast Highway, British Columbia
The Sunshine Coast Highway runs along the Pacific shoreline north of Vancouver. Access requires a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, which adds to the experience. The route passes seaside towns such as Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour. Visitors enjoy ocean views, forest trails, and artisan shops. It is known for calm driving compared to busy mainland routes. Popular outdoor activities include kayaking, hiking, and fishing. The region offers coastal scenery and peaceful beaches. Many travellers visit year-round because of the mild climate. It remains one of British Columbia’s most scenic coastal road trips.
Prince Edward Island Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Coastal Drive showcases red-sand beaches, rolling farmland, and quiet fishing villages. The route passes through areas known for seafood, lighthouses, and natural coastal scenery. Visitors enjoy peaceful driving with many ocean viewpoints. The route includes access to the Green Gables region, which attracts many tourists. Water sports, cycling, and beach activities are common. The island’s small towns offer local crafts and family-owned restaurants. Travellers often say this route captures the calm pace of island life. It remains one of the most pleasant coastal drives in Canada.
Highway 132 around Gaspésie, Quebec
Highway 132 around Gaspésie is one of Quebec’s most scenic coastal drives. It follows the shoreline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and offers wide ocean views. Travelers pass through fishing villages, coastal cliffs, and quiet beaches. Popular stops include Forillon National Park and Percé Rock, a major natural attraction in Canada. The route offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural heritage experiences. Many travellers enjoy fresh seafood and local hospitality in small towns along the way. The drive provides access to maritime history and geological landmarks. It is well known for calm travel and natural beauty throughout the region.
Highway 6 to Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Highway 6 to Bruce Peninsula is known for clear-blue water, rocky shorelines, and access to protected natural areas. The highway leads into Tobermory, a well-known outdoor destination. Travellers enjoy Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park. Many visitors come for hiking and boating. The drive is peaceful and provides views of rural Ontario and small communities. Summer is the most popular time to travel, and visitors often take the ferry to Manitoulin Island. The area is also known for freshwater beaches and unique rock formations. Highway 6 remains one of Ontario’s most scenic routes.
Stewart-Cassiar Highway, British Columbia
The Stewart-Cassiar Highway is a remote and scenic route in northern British Columbia. It offers views of forests, lakes, and mountain peaks. The highway connects with the Alaska Highway, making it a popular route for long-distance travellers. Drivers often see wildlife such as black bears, moose, and caribou. Small communities along the route provide limited services, encouraging careful planning. Many travellers visit the Salmon Glacier near Stewart, a major highlight. The drive attracts adventure road trippers who enjoy quiet landscapes. It is one of the most untouched routes in Canada and ideal for nature-focused travel.
Montreal to Quebec City River Route, Quebec
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The Montreal to Quebec City River Route follows the St. Lawrence River and connects two of Quebec’s most visited cities. The drive passes historic villages, farmland, and waterfront viewpoints. Travellers enjoy cultural attractions, museums, and local food along the way. Popular stops include Trois-Rivières and small river towns with traditional Quebec architecture. Many visitors explore heritage sites and seasonal festivals. The route is easy to travel and suitable for family trips. It provides access to parks, walking trails, and riverfront areas. The scenery offers a calm and enjoyable driving experience through a historically significant region.
Dawson City to Top of the World Highway, Yukon
The drive from Dawson City to the Top of the World Highway offers panoramic mountain views and unique northern scenery. The highway sits at a high elevation and provides wide open landscapes. The route connects Yukon with Alaska and is popular with adventure travellers. Services are limited, so planning is important. Drivers enjoy quiet roads, long daylight hours in summer, and northern wildlife. The route passes small communities and historic sites from the Klondike Gold Rush era. Travellers value the peaceful environment and remote surroundings. It remains one of Canada’s most memorable northern road trips.
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
