Canada is a land of epic landscapes, and there’s no better way to experience its grandeur than by hitting the open road. From the jagged peaks of the Rockies to the rugged Atlantic coast, Canadian highways and byways offer some of the most breathtaking—and diverse—road trips on Earth. Whether you’re a local adventurer or an international traveler, these iconic routes showcase the best of the Great White North.
1. Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
A person overlooks a mountainous landscape and ice-covered lake packedagain
The Icefields Parkway, stretching 232 kilometers between Lake Louise and Jasper, is widely celebrated as Canada’s most scenic drive—and for good reason. This route winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, delivering jaw-dropping views of towering mountains, turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and sweeping valleys at every turn. Highlights include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, bears, and mountain goats often spotted along the roadside.
Why it’s famous:
- Named one of National Geographic’s “Drives of a Lifetime”
- Connects Banff and Jasper National Parks
- Home to the largest icefield in the Rockies (Columbia Icefield)
- Endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and glacier exploration
Travel tip: Allow a full day to enjoy the drive, with plenty of stops for photos, short hikes, and glacier tours.
2. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
The Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometre loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, highland scenery, and vibrant Celtic culture. The road hugs the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering spectacular ocean views, especially during autumn when the foliage explodes in reds and golds. Charming fishing villages, artisan shops, and world-class hiking trails like the Skyline Trail make this a must-drive.
Why it’s famous:
- Stunning ocean vistas and highland plateaus
- Whale watching and fresh seafood
- Rich Acadian and Gaelic heritage
Travel tip: Drive clockwise for the best ocean views on your side of the road.
3. Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia)
Connecting Vancouver to Whistler, the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is a 120-kilometre marvel that lives up to its name. The route hugs the edge of Howe Sound, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and towering Coast Mountains on the other. Highlights include Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and the adventure town of Squamish. The drive culminates in Whistler, a year-round resort destination.
Why it’s famous:
- Dramatic coastal and mountain scenery
- Outdoor adventure hubs for hiking, climbing, and skiing
- Gateway to Whistler’s world-class resorts
Travel tip: Stop at the viewpoints and take the gondola for panoramic vistas.
4. Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick)
The Fundy Coastal Drive traces 460 kilometres along the Bay of Fundy, famed for the world’s highest tides. The route features dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and charming seaside towns. Don’t miss the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide, and keep an eye out for whales and seabirds.
Why it’s famous:
- World’s highest tides and unique geology
- Whale watching and coastal wildlife
- Quaint communities like St. Andrews and Alma
Travel tip: Check tide schedules to experience both high and low tide at key stops.
5. Pacific Rim Highway (British Columbia)
On Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) runs from Port Alberni to Tofino, cutting through ancient rainforests and along wild beaches. The route is a gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, beloved by surfers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Why it’s famous:
- Lush temperate rainforests and rugged coastline
- Surfing hotspots and storm watching in Tofino
- Access to Long Beach and the West Coast Trail
Travel tip: Watch for fog and winding roads, especially in the morning.
6. Viking Trail (Newfoundland and Labrador)
The Viking Trail (Highway 430) is a 489-kilometre journey from Deer Lake to St. Anthony, passing through Gros Morne National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive features fjords, mountains, and coastal views, ending at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking site in North America.
Why it’s famous:
- Dramatic fjords and geological wonders
- Viking history and archaeological sites
- Whale and iceberg viewing in spring and early summer
Travel tip: Plan extra time for hiking and boat tours in Gros Morne.
7. Highway 60 Corridor (Ontario)
Winding through Algonquin Provincial Park, the Highway 60 Corridor is a 56-kilometre stretch renowned for its pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. In autumn, the fall colours are among the best in Canada.
Why it’s famous:
- Classic Canadian Shield scenery
- Moose, beaver, and loon sightings
- Canoeing, hiking, and backcountry camping
Travel tip: Book accommodations early in fall, as the area is extremely popular.
8. St. Lawrence Route (Quebec)
The St. Lawrence Route (Route du Fleuve, Highway 362) runs 50 kilometres between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, following the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The drive features picturesque villages, rolling hills, and sweeping river views, with plenty of opportunities to sample local cuisine and art.
Why it’s famous:
- Historic villages and cultural stops
- Panoramic river vistas
- Access to Charlevoix’s gourmet food scene
Travel tip: Combine with a whale-watching tour from Tadoussac.
9. Bow Valley Parkway (Alberta)
Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) is a quieter, more scenic alternative between Banff and Lake Louise. The 48-kilometre route offers close-up views of wildlife, wildflowers, and the Bow River, with plenty of picnic spots and trailheads.
Why it’s famous:
- Intimate views of the Rockies
- Frequent wildlife sightings (bears, elk, wolves)
- Historic stops like Johnston Canyon
Travel tip: Drive early or late in the day for the best wildlife viewing.
10. Chemin du Roy (King’s Road, Quebec)
Canada’s oldest highway, Chemin du Roy, stretches 280 kilometres from Quebec City to Montreal along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Built in the 18th century, it passes through charming villages, historic churches, and scenic farmland.
Why it’s famous:
- Rich history and heritage architecture
- Picturesque rural Quebec
- Local markets and artisanal stops
Travel tip: Take time to explore the small towns and sample regional cheeses and pastries.
11. Meadows in the Sky Parkway (British Columbia)
Climbing 26 kilometres from Revelstoke to the alpine meadows of Mount Revelstoke National Park, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway is aptly named. In summer, wildflowers blanket the slopes, and the summit offers panoramic views of the Columbia Mountains.
Why it’s famous:
- Alpine wildflower displays
- Sweeping mountain vistas
- Short hikes to summit lookouts
Travel tip: The road is typically open from late June to September due to snow at higher elevations.
12. Dinosaur Trail (Alberta)
The Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller is a 48-kilometre loop through the Canadian Badlands. The route features otherworldly hoodoos, the Red Deer River valley, and the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Why it’s famous:
- Dramatic badlands landscapes
- Fossil discoveries and dinosaur history
- Star-gazing and unique geology
Travel tip: Visit the Hoodoo Trail and cross the Bleriot Ferry for a full experience.
13. Highway 17 – Lake Superior’s North Shore (Ontario)
Stretching from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, Highway 17 hugs the wild, rugged north shore of Lake Superior. The drive features towering cliffs, endless forests, and sweeping lake vistas—especially stunning in autumn.
Why it’s famous:
- Largest freshwater lake views in the world
- Pristine wilderness and hidden beaches
- Historic sites and Indigenous culture
Travel tip: Plan stops at Pancake Bay, Old Woman Bay, and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
14. Maligne Lake Road (Alberta)
This 46-kilometre road in Jasper National Park winds through glacier valleys and mountain ranges, ending at the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass Medicine Lake and have a good chance of spotting wildlife.
Why it’s famous:
- Iconic Spirit Island photo spot
- Abundant wildlife (bears, moose, eagles)
- Access to boat tours and hiking trails
Travel tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.
15. Yukon’s Dempster Highway
For the ultimate northern adventure, the Dempster Highway runs 740 kilometres from Dawson City, Yukon, to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. This all-gravel road traverses tundra, mountain ranges, and remote Indigenous communities.
Why it’s famous:
- Only Canadian road to the Arctic Ocean
- Midnight sun and aurora borealis viewing
- Remote wilderness and adventure travel
Travel tip: Carry extra fuel, spare tires, and supplies; services are few and far between.
Planning Your Canadian Road Trip: Essential Tips
- Best time to drive: Summer and early autumn offer the safest weather and most vibrant scenery, but some routes (like the Icefields Parkway) are open year-round.
- Wildlife: Always be alert for animals, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Gas and supplies: In remote areas, fill up whenever possible and carry emergency supplies.
- Accommodations: Book ahead in popular areas, especially during peak season or fall foliage.
Why Canadian Roads Are Special
Canadian scenic drives are about more than just the views—they’re about the sense of journey and discovery. Each road tells a story, from ancient Indigenous trade routes to pioneer trails and modern highways that knit the country together. Whether you’re hugging a wild coastline, crossing endless prairies, or winding through mountain passes, you’re experiencing a piece of Canada’s soul.
So, pack your bags, fuel up, and set your sights on adventure. The open road—and Canada’s unforgettable scenery—awaits.
