Canada feels massive when you hit the road. Mountains rise up out of nowhere, lakes stretch for miles, and forests seem endless. Some highways cut straight through city skylines, while others wind through remote landscapes where you won’t see another car for hours.
Whether you’re driving along the coast or through the mountains, the views never stop. For those who enjoy traveling, these highways do more than just connect places – they make the trip itself unforgettable. Some roads lead to historic landmarks, others pass through wilderness, but all have a story.
If you love road trips, Canada’s most scenic highways are worth exploring.
Canada’s Most Scenic Highways That You Need To Explore
Canada covers over 9.985 million square kilometers, making it the second largest country in the world. With its vast size, it is only logical that it will have countless scenic highways, but these are the most popular ones:
- Icefields Parkway
- Cabot Trail
- Trans-Canada Highway
- Alaska Highway
- Route 132 – Gaspé Peninsula
- Dempster Highway
- Highway 93 – Kootenay National Park
- The Viking Trail
- Pacific Rim Highway
Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
Mountains rise sharply on both sides of Icefields Parkway, making every turn feel like a painting come to life. The road winds between Jasper and Banff, offering views of deep valleys, turquoise lakes, and massive glaciers. One of the largest ice fields in the Rockies, the Columbia Icefield, sits along this route. Visitors can step onto the ancient ice and feel the crisp mountain air.
Wildlife often appears near the roadside. Elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears roam this region. Caution is essential, as these animals move freely. Short hikes lead to powerful waterfalls and hidden lakes, each worth stopping for.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
Few roads compare to Cabot Trail. It follows the coast of Cape Breton Island, climbing through the Cape Breton Highlands. This highway curves along cliffs, offering panoramic ocean views. At sunset, the sky often glows in shades of orange and pink, reflecting over the Atlantic.
History shapes this route. Scottish, Irish, and Acadian influences remain strong, seen in the music, food, and local traditions. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, inviting travelers to explore their unique charm.
Trans-Canada Highway (Nationwide)
Canada’s most scenic highways and the stories they tell come to life on this iconic route linking the country from coast to coast. Passing through all 10 provinces, it serves as the backbone of national travel. Whether stretching across prairies, winding through mountain passes, or tracing the shores of vast lakes, this highway reveals the country’s diverse landscapes.
Its history is just as remarkable as its scenery. Road workers battled extreme weather, treacherous terrain, and isolation to complete this vital route, shaping modern travel in the process. Along the way, museums, roadside attractions, and small towns share the story of Canada’s growth.
Notable highlights along the Trans-Canada Highway include:
• Lake Louise, Alberta – A impressive emerald lake framed by rugged peaks, often seen in photos of the region.
• Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland – A geological masterpiece of towering cliffs and deep fjords.
• The Terry Fox Memorial, Thunder Bay – Honoring a national hero’s courageous fight against cancer.
Alaska Highway (Yukon & British Columbia)
Originally built during World War II, this highway connects British Columbia to Alaska, cutting through the wild Yukon. Today, it remains one of Canada’s most remote yet rewarding drives.
Driving this road feels like stepping back in time. Towns appear infrequently, separated by stretches of wilderness. For those passionate about travel journalling, the landscapes along this highway provide endless inspiration.
Wild bison, moose, and caribou wander near the road, often pausing in plain view. Travelers must remain patient, as these animals move at their own pace. Hot springs, glacier-fed rivers, and sweeping mountain views make this route unforgettable.
Route 132 – Gaspé Peninsula (Quebec)
Waves crash against the rugged cliffs along Route 132, where land and sea meet in dramatic contrast. This coastal road circles the Gaspé Peninsula, offering uninterrupted views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Jacques Cartier, the French explorer, landed here in 1534, marking the beginning of European presence in Canada. The area’s past lives on in historic lighthouses, fishing villages, and local traditions. Perce Rock, a towering limestone formation, stands as one of the most striking sights along the coast. Travelers stop here to see its changing tides and unique arch.
Dempster Highway (Yukon & Northwest Territories)
Few roads feel as wild as Dempster Highway. This gravel stretch runs north through remote tundra and rugged mountain valleys. Unlike paved highways, this one demands patience and preparation. Cell service disappears, gas stations are rare, and weather shifts fast.
Snow-capped peaks and open plains surround the route. In summer, wildflowers burst into color, covering the landscape in reds, yellows, and purples. Winter transforms the road into a frozen world, where the northern lights flicker across the sky. If you crave a challenge and want to choose your road trip based on pure, untouched beauty, this highway delivers.
Highway 93 – Kootenay National Park (Alberta & BC)
Forests, hot springs, and wildlife make Highway 93 a route worth exploring. It winds through Kootenay National Park, where dense trees give way to open mountain views. Visitors stop at Radium Hot Springs, a natural pool with warm, mineral-rich waters.
Fire-scarred landscapes tell a powerful story of nature’s ability to heal. Past wildfires shaped sections of this park, creating a striking mix of blackened tree trunks and fresh greenery. Elk and mountain goats move across the hillsides, often visible from the road.
The Viking Trail (Newfoundland & Labrador)
This highway leads to one of North America’s oldest European settlements, making it one of Canada’s most scenic highways with the most history. Norse explorers arrived at L’Anse aux Meadows over 1,000 years ago, long before other explorers set foot on the continent. The Viking Trail follows this historic path, guiding travelers through Newfoundland’s remote landscapes.
Icebergs drift along the coast, carving their way through the cold Atlantic waters. Fishing villages dot the shoreline, where locals share stories of past generations. Those who visit Canada for its history should not miss this legendary route.
Pacific Rim Highway (British Columbia)
This road cuts through a rainforest, where trees tower above and mist lingers in the air. Pacific Rim Highway connects Vancouver Island’s east coast to the remote beaches of Tofino and Ucluelet. Surfers, storm watchers, and nature lovers all find something special here.
Winter storms crash against the shoreline, creating dramatic scenes. Summer brings calm waters, perfect for kayaking and exploring hidden coves. Indigenous culture plays a key role in the region, with art, language, and traditions woven into everyday life. A visit to the Tofino Botanical Gardens showcases the deep connection between land and culture.
Are You Ready To Hit The Road?
These roads do more than connect cities; they bring history, nature, and culture together. Canada’s most scenic highways reveal stories of past explorers, resilient wildlife, and landscapes that continue to inspire. Each route offers a unique view of the country, waiting to be discovered.
These highways invite travelers to experience something unforgettable. The choice remains yours – plan the route, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!
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