Canada is a land full of scenic landscapes. The beginning of the summer gives an indication that it is the perfect time to plan a getaway in this northern land. What better way to celebrate the summer than to take a road trip in Canada? Going on a Canadian road trip is the best way to experience the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are 7 scenic road trips in Canada you need to take this summer to enjoy a perfect vacation.

7 Scenic Road Trips in Canada You Need to Take This Summer

Every province in Canada has something to offer to travellers. Canada’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness offer travellers endless opportunities to experience great road trips. The country’s geographic location and enormous size also contribute towards these scenic road trips.

So, start planning right away for these 7 scenic road trips in Canada you need to take this summer!

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Icefields Parkway is the best trip to take to experience the mountains and glaciers of the Canadian region. It is also known as the crème de la crème of Canadian drives due to its beautiful landscape. This is a 230 km road trip that links two of Canada’s most popular national parks, Banff and Jasper.

Icefield Parkway is one of the 7 scenic road trips in Canada you need to take this summer. The road trip takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, covering Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and several waterfalls. There are several viewpoints and hiking trails along this route.

The trip will also be ideal for wildlife enthusiasts to spot the occasional mountain goat, elk, or bear along the way.

Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia: 7 Scenic Road Trips in Canada You Need to Take This Summer

Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, is a route that offers a variety of views and experiences for travellers. Sea to Sky Highway runs for 377 km from the US border to Cache Creek. You can experience everything from the natural calm of rainforest along Howe Sounds to the fierce mountain peaks on your way to Whistler.

The area is popular for climbing, hiking, and also for its mining history. Horseshoe Bay is renowned as the starting point for a rough hike up to Eagle Buffs for breathtaking views over Vancouver. A walk in the region will give you a chance to learn about the mining community of Britannia Beach and Aboriginal art and culture.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, is renowned as one of the most picturesque drives in the world. This makes it a definite must among the 7 scenic road trips in Canada you need to take this summer. In fact, it’s named as the top scenic road trip in Canada and ranks seventh in the world.

A drive through Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, will enable travellers to experience a variety of picturesque landscapes. This ranges from impressive coastal views to stunning valleys and many more. A hike up the enchanting Skyline Trail will give you the opportunity to relax and indulge in lobster at Keltic Lodge Resort. You can also unwind while travelling through charming towns like New Glasgow and Truro.

Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

The coastal drives of Prince Edward Island are another of the names that make up the list of 7 scenic road trips in Canada you need to take this summer. It is the picturesque location in which the story of the popular novel Anne of Green Gables unfolds.

The drives consist of three scenic routes spanning 1,000 km. They include North Cape Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and the Points East Coastal Drive. It takes you along beaches, lighthouses, and quaint fishing cities where you can learn much about the local culture.

The prominent North Cape Coastal Drive offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a chance to experience red sandstone cliffs in the region.

Prince Edward Island is most famous as an island with natural beauty and serene charm. These traits are what attract travellers to the island and make them unwilling to leave it.

Viking Trail, Newfoundland

If you want to experience snow-capped mountains and majestic fjords up north in the Canadian region, Newfoundland is the place to be. The Viking Trail begins from Gros Morne National Park, where you get to awe over 2,000-foot waterfalls and cliffs that date back to a billion years.

It is also one of the best places to be if you are a wildlife enthusiast. There are many places for whale watching on your way, including L’anse aux Meadows, which is a reconstructed Viking encampment. Moving towards the north lies the archaeological and historic site of Port au Choix. Port au Choix is a 5,500-year-old cemetery of different indigenous peoples who lived in the area.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Majestic cliffs, lush forests, and quaint villages are what come to mind when thinking about the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Travellers make this road trip a must in their itinerary in order to witness the marvellous natural phenomenon of the world’s highest tides.

From St. John to Fundy National Park is a 460-km drive along the coastline. The road trip takes you along stunning landscapes for amazing photo ops. These include the picturesque towns of St. Andrews, Hopewell Rocks, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, and Hampton. These areas are best to experience the flavour of local cuisine and to catch a glimpse of a whale while relaxing on the shore.

Klondike Highway, Yukon: 7 Scenic Road Trips in Canada You Need to Take This Summer

Klondike Highway starts in Skagway and goes pass Carcross on route to Whitehorse. When at Whitehorse, don’t forget to experience the taste of local culinary treats like the sweet, soccer-ball-sized cinnamon buns. The town’s McBride Museum is also the perfect stop to wise up on the nuances of the gold rush.

Driving through these roads could be challenging due to their ruggedness. However, it’s well worth the trip due to the natural landscapes and northern Canadian wilderness.

Conclusion

Always take advice from locals and tour guides before going on these road trips. Migrating wildlife uses the highway to travel, which could cause an issue if you are planning a road trip around the same time.