Explorers can’t get enough of the panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains out west, and culture seekers are always pleasantly surprised with the historic seaside towns and ocean-side adventures to experience in the Atlantic provinces.

From scenic drives in Ontario to the ultimate cross-Canada road trip, we’ve rounded up the best road trips in Canada to help you discover our country’s natural beauty. You have to see it to believe it!

What are the best road trips to take in Canada?

• Icefields Parkway, Alberta

• Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

• Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

• Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

• Trans-Canada Highway

Best Canadian road trip for: Outdoor adventurers looking for rugged mountain views
Ideal time to visit: June to September or February to April

For the ultimate experience of the Canadian Rockies, an adventure along the Icefields Parkway, also called Highway 93, is the road trip for you. A 232km drive from north to south (or vice versa) between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, this route passes some of Canada’s top hot springs, waterfalls, and Gatorade-hued glacier-fed lakes amidst the Rockies. Hit the road to see why the Icefields Parkway is frequently listed as one of the best scenic drives in the world.

Must-see spots along the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway road trip features some of Canada’s best glacier-fed lakes, so leave room in your itinerary if you want to check a few off. Though not technically part of the parkway, Lake Louise marks the southern starting point. Other must-sees include Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, which are both known for vivid turquoise water and mountain views.

Continue north towards the Columbia Icefields, one of the world’s largest non-polar ice fields. Take a walk along the Glacier Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform that looks out to the glacier below from 280m above the Sunwapta Valley.

Before arriving at Jasper National Park, spend at least a half-day exploring Athabasca Falls. Entrance to the falls is free, and the quick hike (dog-friendly, too!) offers amazing views of the waterfalls, with the mountains serving as the perfect backdrop.

There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in and around the national parks, but because this area is quite popular with travellers throughout the year, we highly recommend booking your accommodation ahead of time.

Best Canadian road trip for: Experiencing the best of Canada's west coast
Ideal time to visit: May to September

Experience the surreal beauty of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Territory by driving along the Sea to Sky Highway in British Columbia. Covering the distance between the city of Vancouver and north to Whistler, this Western Canada road trip offers some of the province’s best scenery, from temperate rainforests to jagged mountain peaks.

Must-see spots along the Sea to Sky Highway

Be prepared to pull over often—these are some of the notable stops you’ll want to make en route to Whistler.

Start your Vancouver road trip to Whistler in Whytecliff Park, a rocky beach popular for swimming, diving, and walking trails. Continue north to the Britannia Mine Museum, where you can see preserved ore carts and a working Lime Tank from this historic mining town.

Next up is Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in all of British Columbia. Right next to it is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, one of the most popular attractions in the Squamish area. Take a scenic ride on the gondola up to the summit, where you’ll get sweeping views of Howe Sound, the surrounding mountain ranges, and lush coastal forests.

For the remaining journey to Whistler, mark the Tantalus Lookout on your map—this quick highway pull-out offers a panoramic view of the snowcapped Tantalus Range. Just before Whistler, check out the 70m waterfall at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, or go take a hike to find the Whistler Train Wreck. In Whistler itself, explore the pedestrian-only village, or head to the Scandinave Spa to unwind after a day of driving.

Want to save money on your Western Canada road trip? We’ve got six tips to help you save money on your car rental here.

Best road trip for: Scenic beaches and hiking in Ontario
Best time to visit: Late August to mid-September

For scenic road trips to explore Ontario's best, there’s nothing like the Georgian Bay Coastal Route. This Ontario road trip brings you to the top sights along Lake Huron, including the Blue Mountains, Manitoulin Island, Sauble Beach, and the iconic Tobermory in the Bruce Peninsula.

Must-see spots along the Georgian Bay Coastal Route

Often considered the "Sixth Great Lake," Georgian Bay is a massive freshwater lake that you shouldn't miss.

From the northern end, make your first stop at the La Cloche Mountains, a mountain range just a short drive outside of Sudbury. Here, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in Ontario in Killarney Provincial Park. Stay a few days in a cozy eco-lodge, and explore parts of the rugged Heaven’s Gate Trail. Next, continue south towards Wasaga Beach, one of the most popular destinations in Ontario during the summer months, where white sandy shorelines stretch along the Georgian Bay.

Make your way to Bruce Peninsula National Park, and hike along dramatic cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. Finally, don't miss the chance to visit the famous Flower Pot Island nearby. Most visitors take a tour boat from the town of Tobermory and spend a half or full day on the island to explore the rock pillars, caves, and hiking trails.

Best Canadian road trip for: Camping, culinary experiences, and some of the best views in Atlantic Canada
Ideal time to visit: July to September

The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is one of many gems along Canada’s East Coast. With the many small communities you’ll pass along the way, this Nova Scotia road trip offers peak Canadian hospitality in a Maritime province.

Must-see spots along The Cabot Trail

Can't-miss stops on The Cabot Trail include Cheticamp, a fishing village with Acadian roots. Learn about Acadian culture and traditions by chatting with the residents and trying some local cuisine at one of the village’s family-run restaurants. If you've never heard of Acadian-style meat pies, you can get a taste in town.

Since this drive takes you right through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, plan some time for hiking one of the many trails at the park. Camping sites are also available for visitors if you’re longing for full days immersed in the Atlantic Canada outdoors.

Along Pleasant Bay, join a whale-watching tour to see pilot whales, seals, and a new perspective of the Maritime ecosystem. On the other side of the park, stop in Ingonish with a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful sandy beaches.

The East Coast of Canada is also famous for its seafood, so combine this road trip with a food tour, whether you take a guided tour or just go wherever your taste buds take you. Sample lobster rolls, crab, oysters, and fresh mussels sourced from nearby St. Ann’s Bay.

Best road trip for: Experiencing one of the world's longest highways
Ideal time to visit: March to October

Can’t decide between the East or West of Canada? With a road trip along Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway, you can see both. The Trans-Canada highway traverses all 10 provinces between St. Johns, Newfoundland, on the Atlantic side, and Victoria, British Columbia, on the Pacific, for about 7,800km.

Must-see spots along the Trans-Canada Highway

As you make your way across Canada, make time to enjoy the unique sights of each stop. Don’t miss Montreal’s culinary experiences, Toronto's many festivals, the character-rich city of Winnipeg, and the opportunity to explore nature and culture in Vancouver’s hip neighbourhoods. As you drive across the constantly changing landscape, there are other lesser-known spots to visit, whether secret hot springs or quiet hiking trails in national or provincial parks.

Many spots are right off the highway, while others may involve more of a detour. Here are some of the top attractions you can visit on the Trans-Canada Highway:

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Lake Superior in Thunder Bay, Ontario

• Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta

• Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC

• Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, PEI

• Old Québec in Québec City, Québec