10 Must-See Destinations for Road Trips in Canada

Road trips are a great way to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes, with breathtaking views and charming small towns to be found around every turn. There is no better way to experience the country’s natural beauty and distinct culture than by taking a road trip. In this article, we’ll explore ten must-see destinations for road trips in Canada that you don’t want to miss.

1. Banff National Park

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a must-see destination for any road trip in Canada. With stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes, this park is a naturalist’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing, soaking in natural hot springs, or simply taking in the scenery from their car window.

2. Cabot Trail

Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is one of the best scenic drives in Canada. This 300-kilometer route loops around Cape Breton Island, offering a variety of stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastal landscapes. Visitors can also take a detour to explore fishing villages and cultural sites.

3. Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a 232 kilometer-long scenic drive between Banff and Jasper National Parks. The route passes through some of the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes in Canada, including the Columbia Icefield, which is surrounded by glaciers and peaks over 3,000 meters high.

4. Pacific Rim Highway

The Pacific Rim Highway is an iconic road trip route that stretches from Victoria to Tofino on Vancouver Island. The drive takes visitors through several national and provincial parks and along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and rainforests.

5. The Dempster Highway

The Dempster Highway is Canada’s only all-weather road to the Arctic Circle. The route passes through some of the country’s most remote and wild landscapes, including the Tombstone Territorial Park, the Ogilvie Mountains, and the Richardson Mountains. Visitors can expect to see caribou, grizzly bears, and other wildlife along the way.

6. Sea-to-Sky Highway

The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a 120-kilometer stretch of road that connects Vancouver to Whistler. The drive takes travelers through stunning coastal scenery and scenic mountain passes, with a clear view of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.

7. The Viking Trail

The Viking Trail is a 500-kilometer scenic drive in Newfoundland and Labrador, showcasing the region’s history and natural beauty. From fjords to iceberg sightings, this road trip offers travelers the chance to explore Newfoundland’s northern coast and the rugged terrain of Gros Morne National Park.

8. The Alcan Highway

The Alcan Highway runs from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. The route is one of the most adventurous road trips in Canada, passing through the Yukon and offering breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, wildlife, and untouched wilderness.

9. The Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the world’s longest national highway, stretching over 8000 kilometers from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland. The route passes through all ten Canadian provinces and offers breathtaking views of the country’s diverse landscapes.

10. Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province but offers visitors a unique road trip experience. The island is best explored by car, with its coastal drives and scenic routes showcasing both historical sites and rolling potato fields. The famous red sand beaches offer the perfect backdrop for summer road trips.

In conclusion, road trips are a great way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Canada. These ten must-see destinations offer a range of experiences, from scenic coastal routes to adventurous and rugged drives through mountains and wilderness. With stunning views and plenty of historic and cultural sites to discover, any one of these road trips is sure to be an unforgettable experience.