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The 10 Best Scenic Places to Drive in Canada
Beyond our fun-loving hockey games, delicious poutine, and vibrant multicultural cities, Canada has a whole lot more to show off! Yep, that’s right!
Canada has some of the most phenomenal driving routes in the world. Whether it’s cruising along coastal roads or making your way around snow-capped mountains, Canada serves up a smorgasbord of road trip worthy sights.
So grab your double-double, kickstart that car, and read on as we’re about to show you the best scenic places to drive in Canada.
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea to Sky Highway, also known as BC Highway 99, will leave you awestruck at every twist and turn. It is a 162-kilometre-long, mesmerising drive, stretching between Vancouver and Whistler.
As you drive through this highway, you’ll feast your eyes on emerald-green forests, sparkling ocean vistas, and towering mountainscapes.
That’s all you will witness alongside plenty of adventure—I’m talkin’ mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and even some adrenaline-pumping ziplines!
Local tip: Stop at Shannon Falls, just off the highway, to admire the 335-metre-tall waterfall! |
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Now, make way for Nova Scotia’s crowning jewel—the Cabot Trail! Prepare to witness a magical mix of rugged shorelines, quaint fishing villages, and lush forests throughout this 298-kilometre wonderland.
Get ready for jaw-dropping views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean as you journey along coastal cliff sides, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for majestic whales travelling through the waters below.
But wait, there’s more to this storybook-worthy paradise—from mouthwatering seafood to friendly locals, foodies, and adventure seekers alike, the Cabot Trail will capture your heart in no time!
Local tip: Hike the Skyline Trail at Cape Breton Highlands National Park for a stunning view of the coastline. |
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Stretching over 232 kilometres through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, get ready for a jaw-dropping experience on the Icefield Parkways.
Mighty mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and lush valleys collide in an awe-inspiring visual feast that’ll leave you thinking, “Is this even real?”
Along the way, be sure to visit Lake Louise and Peyto Lake for those quintessential postcard shots. Fancy getting up close and personal with the glaciers?
Local tip: Pop into the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center to learn more about the area’s glaciology and history. You can also book yourself an exclusive Ice Explorer tour on the Athabasca Glacier. |
Highway 60 Corridor, Ontario
The Highway 60 Corridor, situated within the iconic Algonquin Provincial Park, serves up 56 kilometres of pristine wilderness.
This picturesque road trip warrants some chill tunes and your favourite toque as you cruise through a serene backdrop of shimmering lakes and dense forests.
Break out your hiking boots, canoe, or fishing gear as you explore more than 7,600 square kilometres of unspoiled nature in Ontario’s oldest provincial park.
Wanna see some cool critters? Then keep your eyes peeled—this park is home to moose, deer, wolves, and over 250 species of birds!
Local tip: Check out the Algonquin Art Center or join a guided walk for a deeper dive into the park’s ecology! |
St. Lawrence Route, Quebec
The St. Lawrence Route in Quebec stretches over 350 kilometres from Quebec City to the Gaspe Peninsula and offers an exquisite blend of picturesque landscapes and delightful little villages.
Gaze upon the majestic St. Lawrence River alongside dramatic cliffs and lighthouses as you cruise through this unforgettable trail.
Be sure to indulge in Quebecois delicacies at local eateries, explore centuries-old churches, and embrace the warm hospitality of friendly locals.
Local tip: Visit Forillon National Park for a chance to spot seals, porpoises, and even whales in their natural habitat! |
Trans-Canada Highway
How can we go through the list of the best scenic drives in Canada without mentioning the Trans-Canada Highway? I mean, this isn’t just a road, eh?
It’s a whopping 8,030-kilometre-long journey stretching from Victoria, B.C. to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador—with captivating sights packed all the way.
Along the route, you’ll encounter the Rocky Mountains, the Prairie landscapes, the Lake Superior shoreline, and it all rounds off with the Cabot Strait.
Local tip: For an extra thrill, take the ferry from North Sydney to Newfoundland to complete the journey! |
Niagara Parkway, Ontario
The Niagara Parkway in Ontario—dubbed “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world” by none other than Winston Churchill—runs from Fort Erie to Niagara-On-The-Lake.
This soothing 55-kilometre route offers wonderful views of the Niagara River alongside the world-famous Niagara Falls! The Niagara Parkway is also packed with monuments, historic sites, military forts, and even an old-school railway tunnel.
Don’t miss out on stopping at one of the wineries along the way, or maybe try your luck at the casino. And before you ask, yes, there are a bunch more too!
Local tip: Visit during the annual Niagara Wine Festival for a positive grape time! |
Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
Website: https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/fundy-coastal-drive
Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick offers an experience that is truly one for the books! Let’s start with the Bay of Fundy, which holds the crown for the highest tides on the planet.
Isn’t it amazing to walk the ocean floor at low tide and, just a few hours later, kayak over the same spot with a fair bit of water beneath you? Next up are the Hopewell Rocks, also referred to as Flowerpot Rocks.
Sculpted artfully by the ebbs and flows of nature, these fascinating rock formations stand tall against time. The region’s rich cultural heritage is the cherry on top.
Dotted with charming little towns, the Fundy Coastal Drive is a goldmine of Acadian, First Nations, and maritime history.
Local tip: Grab some grub at the renowned seaside shacks. The lobster rolls are to die for! Also, don’t forget to drop by the stunning lighthouses scattered along the route, each telling its own unique maritime tale to anyone willing to listen. |
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia is a sprawling valley of vineyards, orchards, and farms that throws its treasures wide open to be explored and admired. The rich historical treasures here are downright awesome.
Nestled between two mountain ranges, Annapolis Valley also offers thrilling hiking opportunities. This valley also offers numerous award-winning vineyards, so you can join a winery tour, too.
If your visit syncs well, you can also enjoy some festive fun at the annual Apple Blossom Festival.
Local tip: Drop by the Farmer’s Market in Wolfville for some fresh produce and local delicacies, including the mesmerising Maple Butter. |
Dinosaur Trail, Alberta
Lastly, allow me to whisk you away to the land of Jurassic Park. No, no, not the movie, but the Dinosaur Trail in Alberta, where history meets adventure in the most unconventional fashion.
Consisting of a circular route encapsulating both the town of Drumheller and the Red Deer River, the views along the Dinosaur Trail are nothing short of fantastic.
Along the way, you can visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology in Drumheller and immerse yourself in the prehistoric world. If you’re a member of the brave-heart club, venture out into the caves of the Canadian Badlands.
The Hive, the Boulder, or Old Man’s Cave allow you to explore the numerous hidden gems deep within the recesses of the world where fascinating ancient life records are cached.
Local tip: Don’t forget to check out the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne for a fun time amid its quaint western charm. Make sure to also visit Drumheller’s Little Church, which seats only six people at a time. |