Most Popular Road Trips in Canada

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Whether you travel in the winter or summer, there is always something exciting to see and do. However, the summer is by far the best time to explore this vast country, with its stunning landscapes and diverse regions waiting to be discovered. For those looking to enhance their travel experience, renting an RV offers the perfect way to combine comfort with adventure. You can explore at your own pace, stopping wherever you wish along the way. For more information, check out our RV rental options in Canada.

In this guide, we’ve curated eight of the most popular and iconic road trips across Canada. These routes will take you through some of the country’s most breathtaking areas, from rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to historic trails and scenic wine regions. Whether you’re traveling by car or motorhome, these unforgettable journeys showcase the very best that Canada has to offer.

1. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

• Route: Baddeck > Ingonish > Pleasant Bay > Cheticamp > Margaree Harbour
• Duration: 5 days
• Distance: 300 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, scenic coastal views, historic lighthouses, whale watching

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic road trips, offering breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant fishing villages. Located in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, this scenic loop takes you through the stunning landscapes of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

Start your journey in Baddeck, a charming village by the Bras d'Or Lakes, before heading north to Ingonish, where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the region. Along the way, you’ll pass historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and panoramic viewpoints, making it a photographer’s dream. For those seeking adventure, whale watching and kayaking are popular activities.

Continue to Pleasant Bay and Cheticamp, where you can experience Acadian culture, music, and cuisine. The trail wraps up at Margaree Harbour, with its scenic river valleys and rolling hills. The Cabot Trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it one of the must-see road trips in Canada.

2. Icefields Parkway, Alberta

• Route: Lake Louise > Jasper
• Duration: 2 days
• Distance: 230 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Athabasca Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Jasper National Park

The Icefields Parkway is often considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it's easy to see why. This road trip through the heart of the Canadian Rockies connects the stunning towns of Lake Louise and Jasper, passing through a landscape of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and expansive glaciers.

Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible sights like the Athabasca Glacier, where you can take a guided tour on the ice, and the shimmering turquoise waters of Peyto Lake. Wildlife sightings are common, with the chance to spot bears, elk, and mountain goats along the road.

The journey concludes in Jasper National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking, exploring waterfalls, or simply taking in the views, the Icefields Parkway offers a truly unforgettable road trip experience through Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains.

3. Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

• Route: Vancouver > Squamish > Whistler > Pemberton
• Duration: 2 days
• Distance: 160 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb, Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic and accessible road trips in Canada, taking you from the bustling city of Vancouver to the outdoor adventure capital of Whistler. This coastal drive offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and towering mountain ranges on the other, making it a photographer’s dream.

Your first stop is Squamish, where you can ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic views of Howe Sound, or take a short hike to the impressive Shannon Falls. As you continue the journey, the road winds through dramatic mountain scenery, offering glimpses of turquoise fjords and rugged peaks.

Arriving in Whistler, you’ll find one of North America’s premier ski resorts, offering activities year-round. From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, Whistler has something for everyone. End your trip with a peaceful drive to Pemberton, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the less-traveled paths.

4. The Alaska Highway, Yukon to British Columbia

• Route: Dawson Creek, BC > Whitehorse, Yukon > Tok, Alaska
• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Distance: 2,232 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to August)
• Highlights: Kluane National Park, Watson Lake Sign Post Forest, Whitehorse, remote wilderness

The Alaska Highway is an epic road trip through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in North America. Originally built during World War II, the highway stretches from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, through the wilderness of the Yukon, and into Alaska. It’s a journey filled with breathtaking views of untouched forests, towering mountains, and endless wildlife.

Along the way, you’ll pass through iconic stops like Watson Lake, known for its quirky Sign Post Forest, where travelers from around the world leave signs marking their hometowns. Further along the route, explore the vast expanse of Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its massive glaciers and pristine wilderness.

The trip ends in the small town of Tok, Alaska, where adventurers can either continue exploring Alaska or return south. The Alaska Highway is a true wilderness adventure, perfect for those seeking a road trip that offers both solitude and unparalleled natural beauty.

5. Trans-Canada Highway

• Route: Victoria, BC > St. John’s, Newfoundland
• Duration: 30 to 40 days (full trip)
• Distance: 7,821 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Banff National Park, Lake Superior, Ottawa, Quebec City, Gros Morne National Park

The Trans-Canada Highway is the ultimate cross-country road trip, taking travelers from coast to coast across one of the world’s largest and most diverse nations. Starting in Victoria, British Columbia, and ending in St. John’s, Newfoundland, this epic journey offers a breathtaking showcase of Canada’s natural beauty and vibrant cities.

Along the way, you’ll pass through iconic destinations such as the rugged peaks of Banff National Park and the stunning shorelines of Lake Superior. The highway also takes you through major urban centers like Ottawa and Quebec City, offering a blend of cultural experiences and natural wonders.

As you approach the eastern end of the trip, explore the dramatic landscapes of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. Whether you’re planning to drive the entire length or just a section, the Trans-Canada Highway provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vastness and diversity of Canada.

6. Route 132, Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

• Route: Rimouski > Matane > Percé > Gaspé > Forillon National Park
• Duration: 7 days
• Distance: 885 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Percé Rock, Forillon National Park, coastal cliffs, lighthouses, whale watching

The Route 132 along the Gaspé Peninsula offers one of the most scenic road trips in Quebec, following the dramatic coastline of the St. Lawrence River. This road trip begins in Rimouski and takes you on a loop around the Gaspé Peninsula, passing through charming villages, rugged cliffs, and iconic landmarks like the famous Percé Rock.

As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the ocean, with plenty of opportunities for whale watching and visiting historic lighthouses. Stop in the small town of Gaspé, known for its rich history and proximity to Forillon National Park, where hiking trails offer incredible vistas of the cliffs and ocean.

With its blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and rich history, the Route 132 road trip is a perfect way to experience the maritime culture of Quebec and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of eastern Canada.

7. The Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador

• Route: Deer Lake > Gros Morne National Park > L’Anse aux Meadows
• Duration: 5 days
• Distance: 489 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Summer (June to September)
• Highlights: Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows Viking settlement, fjords, coastal cliffs

The Viking Trail is one of the most unique and historical road trips in Canada, taking you through the dramatic landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador. The journey begins in Deer Lake and heads north along the western coast, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine fjords, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Your first major stop is Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering cliffs, deep fjords, and unique geological formations. This park is perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring the natural beauty of Newfoundland.

The trip culminates at L’Anse aux Meadows, the site of the only known Viking settlement in North America. This UNESCO site offers a glimpse into the Norse exploration of the New World over 1,000 years ago. The Viking Trail is a perfect blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.

8. Okanagan Valley Wine Route, British Columbia

• Route: Kelowna > Penticton > Osoyoos
• Duration: 4 days
• Distance: 200 kilometers
• Best Time to Travel: Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
• Highlights: Wineries in Kelowna, Penticton's beaches, Osoyoos desert landscapes, wine tastings

The Okanagan Valley Wine Route is a must for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking picturesque landscapes in British Columbia. Starting in the city of Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley is home to some of Canada’s best wineries, offering a perfect blend of scenic drives, wine tastings, and local cuisine.

As you make your way south, stop in Penticton, a lakeside town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant wine culture. Here, you can visit numerous vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and explore the charming local shops. The journey continues through the warm, desert-like climate of Osoyoos, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

This road trip is perfect for those looking to relax and indulge in the rich flavors of British Columbia’s wine country, all while soaking in the region’s natural beauty and warm weather.