Canada has breathtaking landscapes that stretch through vast distances making it an ideal place for a memorable road trip. The best way to see Canada’s 9.8 million square kilometers is through a self-guided road trip. Whether you are looking forward to a long multi-day journey or a short one, you have plenty of roads to choose from and several beautiful experiences to expect along the way. Here are the best routes to consider.
Sea to Sky Highway, B.C.
It is also called the Highway 99, and it begins in Vancouver and ends in Whistler, covering a total distance of 408 kilometers. The road connects many communities found between West Vancouver and Lillooet. The journey through this spectacular road will take you through the collage of sea and mountains and several stops for people looking to climb, hike, experience the mining history, or enjoy alcoholic beverages.
The Laurentians, Quebec
The crystal-blue lakes, gentle rolling mountains, and the rivers bordered by beautiful villages and towns make the Laurentians quite irresistible. It is a straightforward road located in Montreal and covers a distance of 139 kilometers.
You will get to see various delightful villages and towns like Val-David, which is ideal for relaxing, St. Jerome, Ville de Mont-Tremblant, and the always busy Saint Sauveur-des-Monts. You will also get to see Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, the oldest national park in Quebec province.
Lake Superior Coastline, Ontario
Although Northwestern Ontario is underexplored and primarily overlooked by travelers, it is perfect for those looking to get away and enjoy what nature and Canada have to offer. The experience will leave you wondering why few people have driven through this route. Besides the wildlife and the forest expanse, you will also indulge in delicious food, and receive excellent hospitality.
You may find yourself alone on the road at some time, but that is part of this road’s appeal. It offers a chance to enjoy some solitude as you cruise adjacent to Lake Superior.
North Cape Coastal Drive in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is the smallest Province in Canada, but it offers excellent road trips options with the charming Mi’kmaq, seascape landscape, and the Celtic and Acadian experiences. It also provides pure fresh culinary delights from the sea and land.
The journey will help you understand why the potatoes of Prince Edward Island are famous at the Canadian Potato Museum and indulge in pulled pork, baked spud, and lobster, among other delicacies. If you take your trip between July and August, you may experience Acadian’s authentic culture.
The Viking Trail, Newfoundland
It covers a distance of 489 km along the Northern Peninsula Coast, and although you can complete the journey in about 5 hours, it is better to slow down for a better chance to appreciate what the trail has to offer. It has the monumental Gros Morne National Park and plenty of scenic coastline, historical sites, and communities.
The Viking Trail is a unique bucket list item for people who love the culture, nature, scenic drives, and wildlife. You will pass through snowcapped mountains, ruggedly dramatic windblown coast, fog-clad coves, and cold fjords.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The 230 km trip along the splendid Icefields Parkway will take you through several pristine and elemental landscapes like mammoth moose, cascading waterfalls, giant mountains, turquoise lakes, over 100 enormous glaciers, and craning trees. If you dream of seeing the Canadian Rockies, then this is your ideal road trip. Banff and Jasper national parks have abundant wildlife that will leave you peering at every turn, so you may want to take a hike to a viewpoint during the journey to have a better look and take photos to share with your friends and family.
Before you set out on a memorable journey through some of Canada’s spectacular roads, keep in mind that distance is measured with Kilometers and acquire park passes if you intend to visit a national park. Additionally, drive safely and take in every aspect that makes the world’s second-largest country special.
