There is no better way to appreciate the majestic beauty of Canada, than to take a trip through some of the most spectacular sights this country has to offer. Our top ten most beautiful road trips in Canada, from east to west, will take you on a journey through rolling plains, majestic mountains, and everything in between.
See also: 10 Most Scenic Train Routes in Canada >>>
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
What
A 250 km drive along New Brunswick’s southern coast passes through beaches, bays, and coastal towns.
When
There are two high tides and two low tides every day. To time your drive accordingly, use the 7-day tidal chart predictions. Whale watching is best between mid-June and October.
Why
The Bay of Fundy tides are the highest tides on the planet; about one billion tons of water flow through the bay twice a day. When the tide is low, you can take a walk on the ocean floor and discover different kinds of sea life. There are also whirlpools that can be seen at Reversing Falls Rapids during low tide. You can easily spend four days on this trip, so you should plan accordingly.
Stops Along the Way
- Kayak to St. Martins Sea Caves to explore sea caves and caverns.
- Marvel at the Reversing Falls Rapids in Global Geopark.
- Enjoy the funky-shaped Hopewell Rocks at low tide.
- Have tea at Moncton’s 1883 Thomas Williams House
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
What
Cabot Trail is a 298 km road winding through fishing towns and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia.
When
The best time to go is during the summer months, from June to September. You can also go in October when the autumn colours are at their most beautiful.
Why
The Cabot Trail scenic drive is considered one of the world’s most beautiful drives. If you want to fully experience this route, you should spend multiple days on it. You can stay in Baddeck on the Bras d’Or Lake, or visit one of the many artsy Arcadian or Celtic towns in the province. Also, don’t forget to schedule some time to spend at the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park while you’re there.
Stops Along the Way
- Stop at Cape Breton Highlands National Park to choose from 26 hiking trails.
- Tour the Whisky Warehouse at Glenora Distillery, the home of Canada’s only single malt whisky.
- Hike the Skyline Trail
- End or begin at the adorable little town of Baddeck
Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
What
This drive is 975 km from Montreal, along the St Lawrence River to the Gaspé Peninsula. Alternatively, you can also start in Quebec City and make a 1700 km loop around the peninsula.
When
Summertime between June to mid-September.
Why
On this 7-10 day road trip, you’ll experience provincial and national parks, historical towns, culinary and artisanal markets, and dramatic landscapes. Take time to hike, bike, kayak, and watch the whales during your break. You can visit the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America at Île Bonaventure National Park, learn about evolution at Miguasha National Park, and watch whales at Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park.
Stops Along the Way
- Check out Quebec’s oldest lighthouse and Canada’s tallest lighthouse in Forillon National Park.
- Miguasha National Park
- Percé Rock at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.
Lake Superior Scenic Drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay
Where
700 km along Lake Superior, from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay.
When
Go in the summer months between June and September. If you want to see fall foliage, go in September and October.
Why
There are some of Ontario’s most scenic landscapes and historical towns to discover on this road trip. Enjoy the diversity of this road trip; historical towns offer insight into the lives of First Nations, fur traders, and voyageurs, while numerous provincial and national parks are the perfect destinations for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and camping. Explore Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario’s largest provincial park, take a stroll across the suspension bridge in Pukaskwa National Park on the Pukaskwa Coastal Hiking Trail, and hike in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Stops Along the Way
- Pukaskwa National Park
- Chippewa Falls
- Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
- For a difficult trek with striking views, try Top of the Giant Trail.
Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario
Where
176 kilometres between Toronto and Georgian Bay.
When
While the Summer months offer the best weather, go in late August to mid-September to avoid crowds.
Why
Enjoy this wonderful road trip directly from Toronto where you get to experience 2000 km of beautiful shoreline. There are 30,000 islands along this road, including Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. Take a break from driving at Wasaga Beach, the world’s largest freshwater beach. Although the drive can be completed in less than four hours, take a day or two to explore the area at your leisure.
Extend the trip to include the Chatham-Kent Corridor, going all the way to Amherstburg. The most popular stop along the way is Niagara Falls.
Stops Along the Way
- Bruce Peninsula
- Parry Sound
- Killarney Provincial Park
- Manitoulin Island
- Wasaga Beach
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Where
223 kilometres connecting Banff National Park to Jasper National Park in Alberta.
When
The summer months from June to September offer the best weather. We suggest you go in the shoulder months of May and October for fewer tourists. In winter, the road is prone to closures due to inclement weather.
Why
It is not uncommon to find this drive ranked as one of the world’s top road trip destinations. On this highway, you will pass majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and emerald blue lakes and rivers. It is possible to drive through in three to four hours, however, it’s recommended that you take the time to hike, take pictures, and tour the Columbia Glacier during the day. If you intend to get out of your car during this journey, you should pack warm clothing. Even during the summer, the temperatures can be very cold. Fair warning: cell phone coverage is going to be limited during your drive.
Stops Along the Way
- Columbia Icefield
- Athabasca Falls
Sea to Sky Highway, BC
Where
162 kilometres from Highway 99, starting at Horseshoe Bay near Vancouver and ending at the junction of Highway 97 near Cache Creek.
When
Go during midweek to avoid crowds, any time of year works. July to September is the dry season; during the other months, expect rain.
Why
You will be able to go along the ocean, through the forests, around mountains, and along farmland with this road trip. Enjoy the beautiful towns of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton as well as views of dormant volcanoes and fjords. Take the time to appreciate all it has to offer by taking this trip over a few days.
Stops Along the Way
- Shannon Falls
- Whistler Top of the World Cloudraker Skybridge
- Squamish
- Nairn Falls
- Backcountry Brewing
- Sweetwater Lane Farm
Dempster Highway, Yukon
Where
700 kilometres from Dawson City to Inuvik.
When
Go between May and early October, although the road is open year-round. If you want to see the Inuvik Great Northern Arts Festival, begin your trip in early July.
Why
The Dempster Highway offers a unique road trip experience; it’s a dirt road, and there’s only one gas station, accommodation, and restaurant along the way. In fact, this is the only road that goes past the Arctic Circle that is open year-round. Spend a few days driving through the tundra, looking for wildlife along the way. There are a couple ferries that you can take over to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, which will be a highlight of your trip. If you plan this trip carefully, you should take more time planning it than you normally would for an average road trip, since it will be harder on your vehicle.
Where to Stop
- Dawson City
- Eagle Plains
- Great Northern Arts Festival
Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway
Where
7,820 kilometres on the Trans-Canada Highway. Start at one coast of Canada and end at the other. The highway runs from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, Newfoundland.
When
Go from April to October. Be aware that there still is a chance of snow in many parts of Canada until May.
Why
If you are in the mood for a road trip of a lifetime, spend two weeks to a month driving down the world’s longest national road. If you want to go through the territories as well, you may want to add a month or two to your journey.
Where to Stop
Some of the cities and parks along the way include:
- Vancouver
- Banff National Park
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Fundy National Park
- Gros Morne National Park
