From diverse to varied landscapes, Canada surely is a road tripper’s dream come true. From coastline to coastline, mountain range to mountain range, the country boasts an array of routes that guarantee breathtaking views, unique experiences, and unforgettable adventures. Whether it is the rugged-terrain scenic drives or peaceful routes along serene lakes, this guide has got you covered. Buckle up and hit the road with these top 10 road trips in Canada, each one offering a distinct taste of what this beautiful country has to offer.
Introduction
Not too many traveling experiences rival the exhilaration and freedom of a road trip. In Canada, with its open expanses, scenic beauty, and diverse natural landscapes, going on a road trip is little more than a journey but an adventure that offers exploration of pristine wilderness, iconic landmarks, and secrets that are tucked away from the rest of the world. From adventurous outdoor activities, cultural encounters, to simply great sceneries, a Canadian road trip has it all. Here are the top 10 road trips in Canada that promise an adventure like no other.
Top 10 Road Trips in Canada
The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Arguably one of the most famous road trips in Canada, the Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Towering cliffs and dramatic coastal views line this 300-kilometer route around the park. Along the drive, you will pass by small fishing villages where you can sample fresh seafood, hike through the highlands, and enjoy the stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether it is to show up in summer for the lush green landscape or fall for the brilliant hues of the changing leaves, Cabot Trail is promising to be an unforgettable drive. On the way, one should not miss the stop at Skyline Trail for a panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Best Time to Visit: Late June to October
The Cabot Trail is best from late June until October. The coastlines and greenery look fantastic in the summer, and the weather is warm enough for a lot of outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. But truly spectacular it gets during the fall-season, ranging from the last weeks of September to the middle of October, when most of the forests change into striking shades of red, orange, and gold-one of the best times for fall foliage in Canada.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
One of those road trips through the very heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers between Jasper and Banff. The path always balances towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers easily to earn its title of one of the most picturesque drives in the world. Along the way, you’ll be able to see iconic sights like Peyto Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the Columbia Icefield.
To the outdoors person, Icefields Parkway provides the chance to do some hiking and camping and even a bit of glacier exploring. Your route is shared by free-roaming wildlife such as bears, elk, and bighorn sheep, making this a drive through the wild beauty of Canada’s mountainous landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The best time to drive the Icefields Parkway is during the warmer months from June to September. By late June, snow is sufficiently melted for most hiking trails to open, and the lakes-Lake Peyto and Bow, among others-come out of their winter freeze and display their turquoise-colored water. July and August are the best months for weather: it is mild and usually clear, ideal for outdoor exploration. Another good time could be in September, when by that time most of the tourists will be gone and you can capture the changes of colors of the forests.
The Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
For those in search of an ocean view to towering mountain adventure, Sea to Sky Highway really is the ultimate road trip. Composed of a 120-kilometer drive from Vancouver through the coastline into Whistler, it offers fantastic views at almost every turn.
Other highlights en route include Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief, and the Tantalus Mountain Range. If you’re into truly adrenaline-pumping activities, stop in Squamish-a haven for rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish offers a scenic ride with panoramic views of Howe Sound.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The road is great all year round, and the best time to make the Sea to Sky Highway drive falls from April through October. Spring, between April and June, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers bloom, and summer are especially perfect for water activities, hiking, and rock climbing in Squamish. The fall months of September and October are cooler and less crowded, so it is a good time to enjoy a peaceful trip.
For winter sports enthusiasts, the road is open in winter; it gives access to world-class skiing in Whistler, but be prepared for snowy and icy conditions.
Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
A lesser-known road trip, the Viking Trail offers a whole new experience to Canada’s easternmost province, which runs for about 500 kilometers from Deer Lake to L’Anse aux Meadows, through a grassroot of history and rugged beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador. You’ll drive past ancient archaeological sites down the route, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at L’Anse aux Meadows, a place where Norse explorers had landed.
This drive along the coast is very spectacular, with its jagged cliffs, deep fjords, and villages of the most charming fishing folks lining the area. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many hiking trails providing rewards in the form of dramatic cliff views, waterfalls, and fjords.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The weather is generally warm between June and September, thus allowing one to take part in the Viking Trail. It is normally the best time to see various wildlife such as puffins and whales as there are extended daylight hours. Gros Morne National Park can be taken as a wonderful place for hiking within these months while archaeological sites are likewise up for visitation.
During the fall, however-viz. September-the place is less noisy due to fewer tourists; however, the weather might be more unpredictable.
Trans-Canada Highway
No list of Canadian road trips would be complete without the Trans-Canada Highway, the longest over-7,800-kilometer stretch from coast to coast. Forming one iconic road trip, it gives a wide screen view of the diverse landscape of Canada. The driving all of it may be a bit ambitious, but even the section of the Trans-Canada Highway can provide an unforgettable adventure.
The popular stretch from Vancouver to Calgary takes one across towering Rockies, verdant valleys, and stunning national parks. Trans-Canada Highway is great for any traveler who wants a dose of Canada’s vastness, cities, mountains, and coastlines all together in one road trip.
Best Time to Visit: Varies by Region (May to October for Most)
Since the Trans-Canada Highway ranges from coast to coast, the best time of travel would depend on what part of the highway one is traveling. In general, though, the months between May and October are the most pleasant periods for a road trip since the weather is much milder and the roads are good.
- West (British Columbia, Alberta): Late May to September for beautiful mountain views and outdoor activities.
- Central (Ontario, Quebec): June to October for warm weather and vibrant autumn foliage.
- East (Maritimes): July to September for coastal drives and cultural events.
It’s hard driving in the winter on this highway-particularly through the Rockies and prairies-so snow and ice do make it just a little harder.
Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
One of the most scenic and tranquil road trips in Canada can be made on the Gaspé Peninsula. This 885-kilometer loop starts and ends in Quebec City, taking you along rugged coastlines, passing by small fishing towns, and into the wilderness of Gaspésie National Park. One of the major features along the entire road trip is the famous Percé Rock, a large natural rock formation that rises out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Besides having seafood in the local restaurants, people can go on a nice trek up the brilliance of the landscape and reach historic lighthouses. If you are a nature lover, then this road trip is never going to get completed without puffins and whales.
Best Time to Visit: Late June to September
The best time of the year to visit Gaspé Peninsula is from late June into early September, with periods of warmer weather and coastal towns bustling with festivals, seafood, and other outdoor activities. In July and August, this is a perfect time to see Percé Rock and go on a whale watching tour, including seafood. Early months of September are quiet, yet still very pleasant, especially when one likes hiking or photography for the fall colours.
The Dempster Highway, Yukon
The Dempster Highway-for the real adventurer-is a rugged and remote highway few have traveled. From Dawson City in the Yukon to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, the Dempster is 740 kilometres of gravel roadway crossing the Arctic Circle. Vast tundras, snow-capped mountains, and endless skies greet the traveler as one winds their way through the true wilderness.
If you’re looking for solitude and pure adventure, the Dempster Highway can’t be beat. But it is a challenging ride: a chance to be in the true north of Canada, witness the midnight sun, and perhaps see a glimpse of the northern lights if you go at the right time. So when you’re ready for a road trip that’s a real road trip, then Dempster is calling.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to Early September
The Dempster Highway gives a wild, remote road trip experience that is best done in summer. Mid-June to early September is the best time of year to be on this road because snow and ice at other times of the year make it impassable. During summer, the midnight sun provides almost 24 hours of daylight for exploring the tundra, mountains, and rivers along the route.
The fall season also provides a very excellent time for the trip, usually from late August to early September, when the colors are at their best. Still, the weather may now be changing suddenly, so one needs to be well-prepared.
The Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway is an epic drive that begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and extends 2,232 kilometers to Delta Junction, Alaska. Although it crosses international borders, a great amount of this fabled highway runs through Canada, taking you through British Columbia and Yukon. The highway was originally built during World War II; today, it’s a very important route for people who travel into the northern wilderness.
This trip is replete with panoramic views of the countryside: pristine forests, glacial rivers, and towering mountains. Plenty of wildlife-on or near the roadway-are also seen, including moose, bears, and even caribou. Undoubtedly, the Alaska Highway is one of those journeys that are historic, yet a nature-lover’s dream, filled with adventure in every possible way.
Best Time to Visit: Late May to Early September
The best time taken to travel on the Alaska Highway is between late May and early September. In the summer months, the road condition is usually good; besides, with longer days, there is sufficient daylight to cross long distances. Apart from that, it is a common view to spot wildlife in the area during this time, and the weather isn’t too extreme.
June and July are peak months regarding tourism, so if you want to avoid crowds, consider late August or early September. Autumn is equally stunning to drive this route, as the landscapes get painted with colors of autumn.
Prince Edward Island Coastal Drive
From a leisurely drive along 435 kilometers of scenic coastline, a scenic Prince Edward Island Coastal Drive is sure to charm and soothe your senses. It takes one past picture-postcard fishing villages, rolling farmlands, and sandy beaches. Along the way, iconic sites such as the Anne of Green Gables Museum and famous red sandstone cliffs of Cavendish Beach are always up for a visit.
This is a well-rounded road trip for those who love to see the laid-back charm of Canada’s smallest province. From the red soil to the green fields and blue ocean, this is a scenic adventure that’s vibrant in colour and perfect for photography and peaceful drives.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
In this case, the best time to take the drive down Prince Edward Island Coastal Drive is during the months of June through September. The peak summer period is in July and August when the weather is warm; the tourist attractions are open, and there are lots of festivals. The beaches are sandy, which is perfect for lazing around during summers, while vibrant towns fill with energy during the summer.
If crowds are a bit too much for you, and you’re looking for a laid-back experience, try September when it’s still warm but not as busy-it’s a very good time for relaxing drives along the coast and sightseeing.
The Kootenay Rockies Circle Route, British Columbia
The Kootenay Rockies Circle Route is a 1,000-kilometer-long loop that will take you through some of the most amazing mountain scenery in British Columbia. Combining outdoor adventure with relaxation and cultural experiences, this road trip showcases such things as hot springs, mountain peaks, and historic towns like Nelson and Revelstoke.
For hiking enthusiasts, this road trip has numerous trails to be covered at Kootenay National Park and Glacier National Park. If you are looking forward to relaxing, then stop at any of the many natural hot springs that dot this route. The Kootenay Rockies Circle Route provides just the right combination of activities and relaxation in one of Canada’s most stunning regions.
Exploring British Columbia: A 5-Day Road Trip from Vancouver (With Map)
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The best time of the year for driving on Kootenay Rockies Circle Route falls from summer, at the beginning of June until September. It will be warm, and mountain passes will be clear of snow, with full access to the national parks allowing access to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Moreover, this is a great time to go visit hot springs and to go around the beautiful sceneries of the Rocky Mountains.
While September is a great time to see the temperature cool down and tourists become fewer, it’s also one of the times to capture the fall colors as they begin spreading throughout the region’s forests.
Final Thoughts
Canada is a country of unsurpassed beauty, and what better way to see it than to hit the open road? From the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic across the towering peaks of the Rockies to the remote wilderness of the Yukon, every road trip is unique in experience and adventure. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, here are some of the top road trips in Canada that you will never regret.
Have you taken any of these road trips? What is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your experiences and any road trips you think should be added on this list. Safe travels!
