Canada’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the serene coastal vistas of the East, these scenic routes showcase the country’s natural beauty at its finest. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind in nature, each park promises unforgettable adventures and stunning landscapes. Discover the top road trips through Canada’s national parks and start planning your next epic journey.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway is a 232-kilometer stretch of road that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the parkway features dramatic mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and ancient glaciers. Highlights include the Columbia Icefield, where you can take an ice explorer tour, and Peyto Lake, known for its vibrant turquoise waters. Wildlife sightings, such as elk, mountain goats, and grizzly bears, add to the adventure.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a 298-kilometer loop that offers some of the most stunning coastal views in Canada. This scenic drive takes you along rugged coastlines, through lush forests, and across picturesque highland plateaus. The route is dotted with charming fishing villages, hiking trails, and lookout points. Whale watching, kayaking, and exploring the park’s rich Celtic culture are popular activities along the trail.
Trans-Canada Highway through Yoho National Park, British Columbia
The stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway that passes through Yoho National Park offers a spectacular drive through the Canadian Rockies. Known for its towering peaks, emerald lakes, and thundering waterfalls, Yoho is a paradise for nature lovers. Must-see sights include the stunning Emerald Lake, the impressive Takakkaw Falls, and the natural bridge over the Kicking Horse River. The highway also provides access to numerous hiking trails and picnic spots.
Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
The Fundy Coastal Drive along Fundy National Park offers a scenic journey through one of the world’s most dramatic tidal zones. The route follows the Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides on the planet. Visitors can explore coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Highlights include the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide, and the charming village of Alma, a gateway to the park’s hiking and kayaking adventures.
Pacific Rim Highway, British Columbia
The Pacific Rim Highway, or Highway 4, takes you through the lush rainforests and rugged coastlines of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This 160-kilometer route from Parksville to Tofino offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and access to beautiful beaches like Long Beach. The park is renowned for its diverse marine life, old-growth forests, and cultural heritage. Surfing, hiking, and whale watching are popular activities along this scenic drive.
Grasslands Scenic Drive, Saskatchewan
The Grasslands Scenic Drive in Grasslands National Park provides a unique experience through Canada’s prairie landscape. This lesser-known park features vast open plains, rolling hills, and an abundance of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and prairie dogs. The drive offers opportunities to explore the park’s rich cultural history, with sites like the Frenchman River Valley and the Badlands. Stargazing is a must-do activity here, thanks to the park’s status as a dark-sky preserve.
Lakeshore Road, Prince Edward Island
The Lakeshore Road in Prince Edward Island National Park offers a charming drive along the island’s north shore. Known for its red sand beaches, rolling dunes, and picturesque lighthouses, this route provides stunning coastal views and access to some of PEI’s best swimming and picnicking spots. The park also features numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities to explore the island’s rich Acadian culture and history.
Dempster Highway, Yukon
The Dempster Highway is a remote and adventurous route that takes you through the breathtaking wilderness of northern Canada. Stretching 740 kilometers from Dawson City to Inuvik, this gravel road passes through Tombstone Territorial Park and crosses the Arctic Circle. Highlights include the rugged peaks of the Tombstone Mountains, the vast tundra landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. This drive requires careful planning and preparation, but the stunning scenery and sense of adventure make it worthwhile.
Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Highway 93, also known as the Banff-Windermere Highway, offers a scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of Kootenay National Park. This 94-kilometer route features striking contrasts, from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the semi-arid grasslands. Highlights include the Radium Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural mineral pools, and the dramatic Marble Canyon. The park also offers numerous hiking trails and picnic spots with breathtaking views.
Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Viking Trail takes you through the rugged landscapes and rich history of Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. This 489-kilometer route offers stunning coastal views, towering fjords, and ancient geological formations. Highlights include the Tablelands, a unique area of exposed mantle rock, and Western Brook Pond, a breathtaking freshwater fjord. The Viking Trail also provides opportunities to explore the region’s Viking heritage and vibrant coastal communities.
Maligne Lake Road, Alberta
Maligne Lake Road in Jasper National Park offers a scenic drive to one of the park’s most iconic destinations. The 48-kilometer route takes you through the picturesque Athabasca Valley, past stunning lakes and towering peaks. Highlights include Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone gorge, and Medicine Lake, known for its seasonal fluctuations. The drive culminates at Maligne Lake, where you can take a boat tour to Spirit Island, hike along the shoreline, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the area.
Highway 60 through Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Highway 60, also known as the Algonquin Park Corridor, offers a scenic drive through one of Ontario’s most famous parks. This 56-kilometer route provides access to the park’s numerous lakes, forests, and hiking trails. Highlights include the scenic lookouts at Hardwood Lookout Trail and Booth’s Rock Trail, as well as the chance to spot moose and other wildlife. Canoeing, camping, and fishing are popular activities in Algonquin, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highway 132 through Gaspésie National Park, Quebec
Highway 132 takes you through the stunning landscapes of Gaspésie National Park, known for its rugged mountains and pristine wilderness. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountain ranges, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife like caribou and moose. Highlights include the Mont Albert summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the beautiful Sainte-Anne Falls. The park also features numerous hiking trails and backcountry camping options.
Highway 114 through Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Highway 114 offers a scenic drive through Fundy National Park, known for its dramatic coastal landscapes and the highest tides in the world. This route provides access to stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and the picturesque village of Alma. Highlights include the Hopewell Rocks, where you can explore the ocean floor at low tide, and the Dickson Falls trail, which offers a beautiful waterfall and lush forest scenery. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Highway 16 through Jasper National Park, Alberta
Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway, offers a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Jasper National Park. This route provides access to some of the park’s most iconic sights, including the Athabasca Falls, the Miette Hot Springs, and the Jasper SkyTram. The drive also offers opportunities to spot wildlife like elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The park’s numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas make it a perfect destination for outdoor adventures.
Highway 1 through Glacier National Park, British Columbia
Highway 1, also known as the Trans-Canada Highway, offers a scenic drive through the rugged landscapes of Glacier National Park. This route provides stunning views of towering peaks, dense forests, and glacial valleys. Highlights include the Rogers Pass National Historic Site, which offers a fascinating look at the park’s history and geology, and the Illecillewaet Glacier, one of the park’s most accessible glaciers. The park also features numerous hiking trails and backcountry camping options.
Highway 132 through Forillon National Park, Quebec
Highway 132 offers a scenic drive through Forillon National Park, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and rich biodiversity. This route provides stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Appalachian Mountains. Highlights include the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Canada, and the beautiful Penouille Peninsula. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to pristine beaches.
Highway 97 through Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Highway 97 offers a scenic drive through Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. This route provides stunning views of Mount Robson, which rises 3,954 meters above sea level. Highlights include the Berg Lake Trail, which offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views of glaciers and alpine meadows, and the Kinney Lake Trail, a more accessible option with beautiful lake views. The park is also a great spot for wildlife watching and backcountry camping.
Highway 132 through Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec
Highway 132 offers a scenic drive along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, providing access to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This park is known for its unique limestone monoliths, which have been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Highlights include boat tours to the islands, where you can explore the dramatic rock formations and spot seabirds, seals, and whales. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping options.
Highway 2 through Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
Highway 2 offers a scenic drive through Kouchibouguac National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and beautiful coastal landscapes. This route provides access to stunning beaches, salt marshes, and forests. Highlights include the Kellys Beach Boardwalk, which offers a beautiful walk through the dunes, and the Kouchibouguac River, which is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. The park also features numerous hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and camping options.
Highway 99 through Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia
Highway 99, also known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, offers a stunning drive through the diverse landscapes of Garibaldi Provincial Park. This route provides breathtaking views of coastal rainforests, towering peaks, and alpine lakes. Highlights include the Garibaldi Lake Trail, which offers a challenging hike with stunning views of turquoise waters and surrounding mountains, and the Stawamus Chief, a popular rock climbing destination. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, camping options, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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