Cruise Control: Canada’s Top 6 Scenic Drives
As Canadian summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and soak in some of the most jaw-dropping views this country has to offer. Whether you're dreaming of winding mountain highways, coastal curves, or golden prairie horizons, Canada delivers endless stretches of picture-perfect routes waiting to be explored.
From west to east, here are six unforgettable scenic drives that every Canadian traveller should experience, at least once.
1. Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
Where glaciers meet the sky
If you haven’t driven the Icefields Parkway yet, stop what you’re doing and add it to your bucket list. Stretching 230 km between Jasper and Lake Louise, this route is a postcard come to life. Think towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers hanging above the road.
Must-see stops:
Athabasca Glacier
Peyto Lake
Sunwapta Falls
Pro tip: Go early or late in the season to avoid peak crowds and catch the changing colours or snow-dusted mountains.
2. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
Cape Breton’s coastal stunner
The Cabot Trail wraps around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island and is one of the most iconic road trips in the country. With cliffs plunging into the Atlantic and vibrant Acadian culture sprinkled along the way, it’s the kind of drive that feels like a full-on East Coast embrace.
Must-see stops:
Skyline Trail (sunset views, anyone?)
Pleasant Bay (watch for whales!)
Ingonish Beach
Pro tip: If a summer trip is too early for you, the fall season is magic here. The foliage explodes in colour, and the cool air makes for perfect hiking weather.
3. Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia)
Mountains, ocean, and everything in between
The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) links Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, and it packs a serious visual punch into just 120 km. One side: steep coastal cliffs. The other: snow-capped mountain ranges.
Must-see stops:
Shannon Falls
Sea to Sky Gondola
Brandywine Falls
Pro tip: Plan time in Squamish, it’s not just a gas stop. Great hiking, food, and vibes.
4. Grasslands Parkway (Saskatchewan)
Prairie magic, wild and wide
Saskatchewan’s Grasslands Parkway is Canada’s newest scenic route (officially opened in 2023), and it’s pure soul food for road trippers. This 90-kilometre drive through Grasslands National Park is untamed, uncrowded, and unreal. Rolling hills, wild bison, and some of the darkest skies in North America await.
Must-see stops:
Frenchman River Valley
Ecotour Scenic Drive
Night-sky viewing from Rock Creek Campground
Pro tip: Bring binoculars. You’re in prime territory for wildlife and stargazing.
5. Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick)
Where the tides turn the world
The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, and the Fundy Coastal Drive lets you experience them from every angle. This winding road stretches between St. Stephen and Moncton, offering a mix of rugged cliffs, fishing villages, and forested trails.
Must-see stops:
Hopewell Rocks
Fundy National Park
St. Martins Sea Caves
Pro tip: Time your visit with the tides. There’s nothing like walking the ocean floor and then watching it disappear.
6. Laurentian Route (Quebec)
Rolling hills and cozy villages
For a dose of European charm right here at home, head to the Laurentians. Route 117 winds through forests, lakes, and ski towns, with plenty of chances to stretch your legs or grab a fresh croissant. It’s as much about the journey as the destination.
Must-see stops:
Mont-Tremblant
Saint-Sauveur
Lac des Sables
Pro tip: Combine this drive with a stay in a chalet or spa. Treat yourself!
Ready to Roll?
Canada was built for road trips. From glacier-fed highways to starlit prairie drives, these six scenic routes aren’t just drives, they’re invitations to explore, to pause, and to fall in love with the land all over again. So, pack the snacks, cue your favourite playlist, and don’t forget the camera, your next great Canadian adventure is just one turn of the wheel away.
And while you’re at it, let Roamlii be your guide. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, wandering windswept coastlines, or discovering the charm of small towns, Roamlii’s digital marketplace connects curious travellers with authentic Canadian experiences.
Explore roamlii.com/travelwithroamlii, and get ready to roam a little further.
