Canada Road Trips – Breathtaking landscapes, natural gems and exciting outdoor attractions, Canada is a country to discover and the best way to do so is by travelling along its roads. That’s why we bring you a list of the best road trips to take in the country of the maple leaf. Ready? Fasten your seatbelts and we’re off to the races.
5 Best Canada Road Trips 2025
Why is Canada the perfect destination for a road trip?
The second largest country in the world is full of natural places to explore , has an excellent quality of life and is one of the safest in the world. If you have decided to live in Canada for a while or simply want to go sightseeing, let us tell you whytaking a road trip should be a must on your trip through the north of the American continent.
- You will discover magazine-worthy landscapes:Much of the Canadian territory is occupied by nature, waterfalls, lakes, mountains and forests make the natural environment of this country a worthy place to fill your photo reel with images worthy ofNational Geographic.
- Culture and heritage:Canada has a rich history and culture that you can explore and discover by travelling through its cities and towns. A road trip will allow you to experience different aspects of Canadian culture, from food to music and the arts, in very different parts of the country.
- Unique wildlife:Canada is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, whales and wolves. If you spend a lot of time on the road, you’ll have the chance to see some of these animals in their natural habitat.
- Diversity:Like any other country in the world, Canada is a very diverse country, with different traditions in each of its corners, and a road trip will allow you to much more easily experience and get to know all of the country’s diversity and learn a little more about each of the different communities that make it up.
- Multi-adventure:The country of the maple leaf is a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities . From hiking to skiing and kayaking, if you are passionate about outdoor activities, Canada has a wide range of activities that you can enjoy and take advantage of much more on a road trip.
In short,a road trip through Canada is a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty, culture, history and diversity of this incredible country.
The best road trips to explore Canada
By now you may be convinced to take a road trip across the country, so we are going to tell you which are some of the most interesting ones:
The Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
TheCabot Trailis a unique experience that will allow you to explore some of the most impressive landscapes of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Thisroute of just over 300km is one of the most famous in Canadaand it is not surprising because the views from the road, for the bravest, are unbeatable. It is locatedon the Canadian Atlantic coast and that is why, as you travel along it, you will pass by winding roads that border cliffs where the waves break, you will cross fairytale forests and rocks that are thousands of years old.On your trip, you will be able to rest in small fishing villages that you will find along the route. Quiet towns and above all very, very welcoming, where you can enjoy some of the typical delicacies of the region such as lobster and crab cakes.
There are certainlymany beautiful places to visit in the area, includingCabot Highlands National Park, Cabot Lighthouse, and Inverness Beach.But without a doubt, the ones that can’t be missed on your list on this route are:
- Thevillage ofIngonish,a fishing village and alsoone of the first settlementson the island, andthe town ofCheticamp, bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, where you can immerse yourself in itsfusion of Celtic, French and Acadian culture.
- CapeBreton Highlands National Park, a vast park of almost 1,000 square kilometres, where you can enjoy all kinds of hiking trails,lose yourself in lush forests and enjoy views of the North Atlantic, from where you can spot whales, dolphins and seals.
The Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia)
If we decide to travel fromVancouverto Whistler in British Columbia, we find this134-kilometre Canadian highway. Thissection of Highway 99 begins inHorseshoe Bayand passes throughLions Bay,SquamishandPemberton, ending inWhistler.In 2006, TheGuardiannewspaper ranked this route asone of the most beautiful scenic roads in the worldand we think we know why.
Along the way you can enjoy views of the ocean, the mountains and incredible landscapes, but this route also has obligatory stops.LikeShannon FallsProvincial Park, a natural park that has the third highest waterfall in British Columbia, which you can climb via a trail that will take you to the top. Don’t miss the views from up there!
You also have to stop inthe small town ofPemberton, located in the valley of the same name, this town is known for its agriculture and its views of the mountains.
And if we’re talking about towns, you can’t missthe town ofSquamish, a place where you can stop on your route to enjoy the local culture, food and shops.
Near theRoanoke Valley,we recommend visitingBrandywineFalls, where you can hike along the trail to enjoy spectacular views of the waterfall and the surrounding nature.
Continuing along the route, you will findGaribaldLake,a turquoise alpine lake located 37 km north ofSquamishand 19 km south ofWhistler. The lake is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, which features mountains, glaciers, trails, forests, flowers, meadows, waterfalls and much more.
Finally, onceinWhistler, don’t missone of the main attractions of this town:its cable car to the top of the mountain.This way you will end your trip on a high note, literally.
Okanagan Valley (British Columbia)
TheOkanagan Valleyis a beautiful region of British Columbia, known for its vineyards, lakes, landscapes and sunny climate.And it’s not that the food in the rest of the country is bad, but the truth is thatthis route is the perfect destination for those who love good food and especially good drink. Its many vineyards and farms make this place the Canadian mecca for all those who want to get to know the country by travelling with all their senses.
In total,the area has more than 200 vineyards that produce a wide variety of high-quality wines.Therefore, if you are not only interested in tasting but also want to do something more, you can visit some of the wineries where, in addition to tasting the wine, you can enjoy the panoramic views and learn about wine production.
And if you want to work up a hunger between meals,you can take a stroll along one of its trails such as theMyra Canyon Trail, theMission CreekNature Reserve Trail or theMount BaldyTrail .
The route also includespopular parks such asOkanagan LakeProvincial Park , MountKnox Provincial Park andMyraCanyon Provincial Park .
The Okanagan Valleyis also hometo several quaint towns, includingKelowna,Penticton,VernonandOsoyoos.Each has its own charm and offers awide variety of restaurants, bars, shops and markets, where you can find local produce and crafts.The most famous are: theKelownaFarmers Market , thePentictonRiverside Market and theVernonFarmers Market .
Finally, if you are one of those who are looking for some adventure or to practice some outdoor sport, you should know that this route has an endless range of activities to offer you:cycling, golf, fishing, swimming,paddleboardingandkayakingare just some of the many activities that you can enjoy on your trip.
Ice Trail Inuvik-Aklavik (Northwest Territories)
TheInuvik-Aklavik Ice Trail, also known as theTuktoyaktuk Winter Road, isa 140-kilometre ice road that connectsInuviktoAklavikin Canada’s Northwest Territories.If you’re an adventurous driver, this route will surprise you.A route that opens in winter and that crosses truly frozen placesbut is, without a doubt, worth the effort.
If low temperatures don’t scare you, this route is one of the most spectacular in Canada and will surely leave you breathless in every sense.
The Northwest Territories are known for their extremely cold winters. Along the Ice Road, you will be able to experience life in an extreme cold climate and learn how the people of the region adapt to harsh weather conditions.
Fishing on the MackenzieRiver or dog sledding are some of the activities you can do during your trip betweenInuvikandAklavik.The latter isa small indigenous communitylocated at the mouth of the Mackenzie River. Hereyou can learn about the culture and history of the indigenous peoples of the region.
Andif you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during your trip,something quite common in those far northern lands.
The Trans-Canada Highway (Northwest Territories)
And if what you are looking for is a trip across Canada, this is your ideal route.
This highway, opened in 1962, is 7,821 kilometers long, making it the largest national highway in the world.Traveling along this routeyou can travel across the entire country, passing through each of its 10 provincesand discovering the variety of customs, landscapes, traditions, inhabitants and colors that distinguish each corner of the country.
It is a route for whichyou will need at least two weeks to visit legendary places such as:
- BanffNational Parkis one of the most popular destinations on theTrans-Canada Highway. Here you will findsnow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and a wide variety of wildlife.
- Jasper National Parkis another popular destination along the highway. This park is known for itsglacial lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking scenery.
- Without a doubt one of the most famous places on this tour isNiagara Falls, located in the province of Ontario, near the border with the United States.
- But besides nature, you can’t miss cities like:Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture and delicious food. Or likeToronto,the largest city in Canadawith impressive skyscrapers and delicious food.
- GrosMorneNational Park is located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and offersrugged mountains, spectacular fjords and breathtaking scenery.
- Finally, you cannot miss visitingthe Bayof Fundy, a bay located between the provinces of NewBrunswickand Nova Scotia. Hereyou will be amazed by some of the highest tides in the world and a wide diversity of marine life.
Read Also:- The Best Cities in Canada to Visit 2025
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Tips for Canada Road Trips
Now that you know all the routes and we have given you thousands of reasons to pack your bags and set off to explore Canada on four wheels, let us first give you a couple of tips.
- Don’t forget thatthe unit of measurement there is in kilometers.
- If you are looking to stop or park for an extended period of time in any national park,it is important that you first purchase a park pass,otherwise you could be fined.
- Check the weather in your area before you travel.There may be changes in temperature, but above all, it may rain or even snow. Before setting off, make sure that the road is prepared for this.
- Be careful of local wildlife,animals can often become disoriented and cross roads, soremember to drive carefully and follow traffic signs carefully.
- Let yourself be surprised by the local food, you know what they say:when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
- Plan your trip and fill up your tank.When travelling long distances, make sure you have a full tank and locate charging points if you drive an electric car.
- Create the perfect playlist. This way, your hours on the road will feel like a first-class music video.
