There isn’t a higher method to discover Canada than on a street journey. Being the second-largest nation on the earth, Canada boasts loads of area and a wide range of stunning landscapes, making it a perfect vacation spot for a street journey journey.
Over the previous couple of years, we spent many months traversing the nation in our self-converted Sprinter Campervan. We spent months at a time on the street, touring from one nook of the nation to the opposite, following among the most stunning street journey itineraries within the nation.
You’ve seemingly heard of a few of Canada’s most scenic drives, just like the Sea to Sky Freeway and Icefields Parkway. Nonetheless, there are many different Canadian street journeys value embarking on.
We’ve rounded up the greatest street journeys in Canada, protecting all 10 provinces and two of the three territories. Whether or not you’re planning on road-tripping throughout Canada or on the lookout for a one-week getaway from its main cities, we check out the most effective Canadian street journeys it’s best to add to your bucket record!
Our campervan, Benji, on the street in PEI
Finest Street Journeys in Each Province
Regardless of which province you need to discover in Canada, these are some epic street journeys to absorb each nook of the nation. Pack your automotive and head off-road tripping Canada for one of the crucial memorable journeys you possibly can take within the nation.
Right here is our choose for essentially the most noteworthy street journeys in Canada!
British Columbia
Sea to Sky Freeway
From Vancouver to Whistler
Distance: 125kms
Among the best street journeys from Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Freeway hyperlinks Vancouver and Whistler. This brief Canadian street journey takes in among the greatest surroundings on the West Coast in a matter of hours on Freeway 99. Because the identify suggests, it presents stunning views from the coast to the mountain peaks.
There are many great issues to see on this western Canada street journey, together with Whytecliff Park, Shannon Falls, and the journey cities of Squamish and Whistler. One of many highlights for us was the Sea to Sky Gondola, only a 45-minute drive from Vancouver. The ten-minute gondola experience takes you up over Howe Sound and presents entry to climbing trails, a restaurant, and a suspension bridge. You should purchase your tickets on-line, and reservations aren’t required. To keep away from the strains, get there as early as you possibly can.
If you wish to get out of the town, that is positively one of the crucial fashionable brief street journeys from Vancouver. It’s a BC street journey which you could tackle a leisurely weekend with out a lot planning.
Sea to Sky Freeway
Previous City, Whistler
Ending in Squamish
Sea to Sky Freeway
Okanagan Valley
From Osoyoos to Kelowna
Distance: 125km
The Okanagan Valley doesn’t have a delegated street journey route. However we predict the well-known wine area in British Columbia is unquestionably a street journey value taking. The valley is residence to many wineries, farm-to-table eating places, stunning cities, and Lake Okanagan.
If you wish to absorb the most effective that the area has to supply, we suggest driving from Osoyoos to Kelowna. This 125-km lengthy street journey, simply east of Vancouver, is a good way to absorb the most effective of the Okanagan Valley wine areas alongside the way in which.
The Okanagan Valley street journey could be a nice journey en route from Calgary to Vancouver alongside the Trans Canada Freeway.
Okanagan wine tasting at Summerhill Vineyard Kelowna
Kelowna
Vancouver Island
From Victoria to Port Hardy
Distance: 500kms
Vancouver Island is likely one of the most stunning elements of British Columbia. Unquestionably, probably the greatest methods to get across the enormous island is by automotive. You possibly can take one of many ferries throughout from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. Discover the island with your personal automobile at your personal tempo.
Freeway 19 is the primary freeway on Vancouver Island, connecting Victoria within the south to Port Hardy within the north. The journey spans 500 km and presents loads of issues to see and do alongside the way in which. This street journey is greatest completed as a multi-day journey to profit from every cease.
This Vancouver Island street journey options stunning gardens, epic hikes, surf and diving spots, sandy seashores, and whale-watching excursions within the Pacific Ocean, plus some enjoyable cities like Nanaimo, Campbell River, and Telegraph Cove. This drive is unquestionably a spotlight of any western Canada journey.
Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Whale watching in Vancouver Island, Canada
Bear watching in Campbell River
Qualicum Bay Campground, Vancouver Island
Pacific Rim Freeway (Vancouver Island)
From Port Alberni to Tofino
Distance: 160 kms
This scenic street journey stretches alongside a portion of the island’s rugged Pacific Coast, passing by lush rainforests and pristine seashores. Beginning within the city of Port Alberni, the Pacific Rim Freeway additionally goes by the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve, residence to pure wonders like Kennedy Lake, the Damaged Group Islands, and Lengthy Seaside.
There are numerous issues to see and do, beginning in Port Alberni, a salmon fishing capital with a rising eco-tourism business. Historic websites might be discovered throughout city, in addition to a vibrant arts tradition and cultural facilities just like the downtown Harbour Quay. From Port Alberni, you’ll head south to the Pacific Coast on to Lengthy Seaside, then by lush forest to coastal cities like Ucluelet and Tofino.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast (Nice Bear Rainforest Loop)
From Lillooet, BC to Bella Coola, BC
Distance: 720kms
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is likely one of the final frontiers of wilderness in British Columbia, accessible by automotive. This area is a lesser-travelled a part of British Columbia however presents a peak into BC’s historic previous and an opportunity to attach with true wilderness.
One of many highlights of the world is the Nice Bear Rainforest, 6.4 million hectares of rugged wilderness residence to grizzly bears, wolves, and different wildlife. Spend just a few days climbing and bear-watching in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, try the Farewell Canyon, and check out your probability at salmon fishing at Lac la Hache.
From Lillooet, the drive follows Freeway 99 and 97 till Williams Lake after which heads west alongside Freeway 20 all the way in which to Bella Coola. If you wish to full the complete Nice Bear Rainforest Loop, begin your journey in Vancouver, hop on the Chilcotin Coast Ferry in Bella Colla to make your method to Vancouver Island and finally again to Vancouver. Give your self not less than 1-2 weeks to profit from this epic street journey in BC.
Antarko River, flowing by the Nice Bear Rainforest
Rainbow Valley hike, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Farwell Canyon
Alberta
Icefields Parkway
From Lake Louise to Jasper
Distance: 235km
One of the crucial well-known street journeys in Canada, Icefields Parkway is an epic 235-km drive by the Canadian Rockies. Leaving Lake Louise and Banff Nationwide Park the drive takes you previous unbelievable glacial lakes and towering peaks of Banff Nationwide Park to the city of Jasper, residence to Jasper Nationwide Park.
It’s extensively thought-about to be the final Canada street journey. This street journey presents a chance to get a close-up view of the Rocky Mountains and a few of its most well-known lakes, waterfalls, and different points of interest. There are lots of stops alongside the way in which, so this brief drive is greatest completed as a 1-2 day journey. In the course of the summer season months, there are a variety of lodging choices and campgrounds the place you possibly can keep in a single day to separate up your Banff to Jasper street journey.
A number of the must-see locations on the Icefields Parkway embrace Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Glacier.
Canoeing on Lake Louise
On the Icefields Parkway!
Having fun with the great thing about Bow Lake, Icefields Parkway
Yukon
Dempster Freeway
From Dawson Metropolis to Inuvik
Distance: 700kms
For an actual sense of journey in your Canada street journey, don’t miss an opportunity to drive the Dempster Freeway in Yukon. The extraordinary 700-km lengthy remoted street is called the one all-weather route that passes the Arctic Circle in Canada.
Touring from Dawson Metropolis to Inuvik, the freeway connects Yukon with the Northwest Territories. It’s an especially distant Yukon street journey, with just one service station and lodging on the whole street at Eagle Pains. This implies quite a lot of planning and preparation is required. Nonetheless, those that determine to deal with this street journey, will probably be rewarded with an extremely memorable expertise.
Aurora view from Dempster Freeway. Photograph through Vacation spot Canada
Northwest Territories
Street to Tuk
From Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk
Distance: 150kms
The Dempster Freeway begins in Yukon and ends within the city of Inuvik in Northwest Territories, however for journey seekers, the street journey doesn’t have to finish right here.
The Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk street in Northwest Territories continues farther North into one of the crucial unbelievable distant nation routes. It is only one stretch of the 2000 kilometres of roads cleared each winter within the Northwest Territories. The 150km-long stretch of street connecting the 2 communities close to the far north shore of the nation is the most effective street journey in Canada for journey seekers.
You possibly can admire timeless landscapes and even spot Northern Lights as you journey by this distant area till you attain the neighborhood of Inuvialuit, hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. It is a distinctive place, residence to only 900 residents, and one of many few locations on the earth the place you possibly can expertise how conventional methods of life mix with fashionable Arctic residing.
The “Street to Tuk” opened in 2017 and is maintained all yr spherical. The freeway meanders by the tundra, passing ice hills, clear lakes, and exquisite surroundings.
Photograph through Vacation spot Canada
Saskatchewan
Grasslands Scenic Drive
From Val-Marie to Grasslands Nationwide Park
Distance: 80kms spherical journey
The Grasslands Scenic Drive is taken into account one of the best ways to see the Grasslands Nationwide Park. The well-signposted drive takes you from Val-Marie by the nationwide park and Frenchman River Valley on an 80km course. There are a number of spots to cease at alongside the way in which and brief walks to finish if you wish to discover most of Grasslands Nationwide Park.
The drive presents a terrific alternative to identify some wildlife, together with bison and uncommon prairie canine. It’s the one place in Canada the place the black-tailed prairie canine nonetheless exist of their native habitat.
It’s a little bit of a detour in case you are driving throughout Canada, however is well worth the problem!
Manitoba
Southern Manitoba Street Journey
From Winnipeg to Using Mountain Nationwide Park to Spruce Woods Provincial Park to Winnipeg
Distance: 612 kms
The easiest way to discover the numerous landscapes of Manitoba is on a street journey not far off the Trans Canada Freeway. Ranging from the province’s capital at Winnipeg, you possibly can head northwest to Using Mountain Nationwide Park and Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The 612-km lengthy spherical journey street journey takes in nation cities, a wide range of wildlife, and loads of out of doors actions, together with climbing and horseback using. It’s a straightforward detour to tackle a cross-Canada street journey!
Whereas the 2 parks aren’t far off the Trans Canada Freeway, the street journey is a good way to get away from the crowds and spend just a few days in nature. It’s value staying in a single day within the parks. Additionally, get pleasure from among the leisure lakes and trails on an in a single day tenting journey.
Ontario
Georgian Bay Coastal Route
From Collingwood to Manitoulin Island to Killarney Provincial Park and again to Collingwood
Distance: 700+kms
The Georgian Bay Coastal Route is called probably the greatest scenic drives in Ontario. This street journey loops round Georgian Bay, north of Toronto and presents among the greatest surroundings within the area.
One of the best stops alongside the way in which embrace Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, Killarney Provincial Park, Manitoulin Island and Wasaga Seaside/Collingwood. It’s extensively thought-about probably the greatest street journeys in Ontario, providing a wide range of landscapes and issues to do.
The Georgian Bay Coastal route might be prolonged additional by including on the Chatham-Kent Hall, southwest of Toronto. This street journey takes in some stunning lakes, together with Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the Thames River and might even be mixed with a street journey to Niagara Falls too. This fashion you possibly can mix the most effective street journeys from Toronto into one lengthy journey.
Driving in Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park, Ontario, Canada
The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park
Lake Superior Route
From Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay
Distance: 700km
The Lake Superior Route is one other nice selection in case you are on the lookout for high Ontario street journey concepts. It’s far much less travelled in comparison with the Georgian Bay Coastal Route. Stretching from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay for over 700km, this street journey presents unbelievable landscapes and solitude of the central coastal drive in Ontario.
Whereas the whole loop drive crosses from Canada into the USA, this half-circle Lake Superior drive follows the Canadian aspect of Lake Superior. The lake is large and virtually seems just like the ocean as you drive alongside the shoreline. There are many locations to cease en route, together with Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa Nationwide Park, and Thunder Bay for some climbing and tenting.
Street resulting in Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
Pink chairs on the Southern Headland Path in Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
Quebec
Montreal to Gaspe Peninsula
From Montreal to Gaspe Peninsula
Distance: 1000kms
Among the best Canadian street journeys, the virtually 1000-km lengthy Montreal to Gaspe street journey takes in among the highlights of Quebec, together with among the nation’s main cities. On a street journey from Montreal, you possibly can discover each Montreal and Quebec Metropolis, earlier than heading northeast alongside the coast to Gaspe Peninsula.
This Quebec street journey follows the St Lawrence River on the Trans-Canada Freeway. It connects these vibrant cities en path to the pine forests and spectacular cliffs. When you hit the Gaspe Peninsula, make time to go to the pierced rock in Percé, the Parc de la Gaspésie, and take a ship tour to Bonaventure Island.
For a scenic pit cease, you’ll have your selection of nationwide parks to select from. In case you’re beginning in Montreal, you’ll first come to the Lac-Temiscouata Nationwide Park, then you definately’ll move by Bic Nationwide Park at across the half-way mark. To remain the evening and take your time exploring the parks, there are campsites at each of those parks, plus the close by cities with resort lodging.
Previous Montreal
Nova Scotia
Halifax to Cabot Path
From Halifax to Cabot Path
Distance: 300kms
The Cabot Path is likely one of the most well-known street journeys in Canada. It’s greatest to begin this street journey in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, and head northeast to Cape Breton Island on the east coast of Canada. When you attain the island, you possibly can hop on the scenic Cabot Path. The 300-km freeway hugs the shoreline and presents beautiful surroundings throughout the ocean and rolling mountains.
There are many alternatives to cease on the way in which and discover on foot with an opportunity to identify a moose, eagle, and even a whale. A few nice hikes on the island embrace the Skyline Tail and the Acadian Path. In case you occur to go to throughout the fall season, you possibly can register to take part within the annual Hike the Highlands Competition, a 10-day occasion with guided hikes, night actions, and displays centered on sustainability efforts.
To see the various creations that this well-known inventor developed whereas summering in Baddeck, pop into the Alexander Graham Bell Nationwide Historic Website. This interactive museum presents a White Glove Tour, the place you possibly can contact and take a look at the innovations up shut. You probably have time, take into account exploring the Good Cheer Path, Canada’s first and solely vineyard, brewery, cidery, distillery, and meadery path. There are path stops throughout Nova Scotia the place you possibly can pop in for a locally-made drink and accumulate stamps. This Nova Scotia street journey is undoubtedly a must-do street journey in Jap Canada.
Photograph through Vacation spot Canada
Prince Edward Island
North Cape Coastal Drive
From Summerside to North Cape
Distance: 350 km
Of the three separate scenic drives on Prince Edward Island, North Cape is thought to be the most effective for breathtaking vistas, Mi’kmaq tradition and distinctive stops. The drive begins in Prince Edward Island’s second-largest metropolis, Summerside, and continues north, with some great stops on the way in which.
One of the crucial distinctive locations to go to on the North Cape Coastal Drive is the Canadian Potato Museum, to study why Prince Edward Island’s potatoes are so well-known. One other gastronomic scorching spot is Malpeque Oyster Barn, residence to among the greatest oysters you possibly can style within the northern hemisphere. Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is a superb spot to go for a dip and Kildare Capes is a should to see the pink cliff shoreline. From nature to tradition, breweries to bars, there are many nice locations to take pleasure in good meals and interesting discoveries on the North Cape Coastal Drive.
Prince Edward Island
Factors East Coastal Drive
From Charlottetown throughout the shoreline
Distance: 475 km
Connecting over 50 phenomenal seashores with the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, this street journey is ideal for the summer season. However don’t fear when you can’t go to Prince Edward Island throughout the warmest months – there’s a lot else to see and do.
Alongside Northumberland Strait, you’ll get to go to three spectacular lighthouses and watch the seals and porpoises play. This coastal drive will take you to Panmure Island, residence to one of the crucial fashionable white sand seashores on PEI, and to the boardwalk that runs alongside the Montague waterfront.
For some maritime historical past, cease at Georgetown, residence to the primary harbour constructed on the jap seaboard and check out some wonderful PEI seafood on the Georgetown Inn & Restaurant. One other great place alongside the drive is the Greenwich part of the PEI Nationwide Park, the place you’ll get to expertise certainly one of Canada’s distinctive parabolic dune system.
To discover extra of the island’s historical past, cease on the historic websites on the jap finish of the island. The Orwell Nook Historic Village and Roma at Three Rivers Nationwide Historic Website.
New Brunswick
Fundy Coast Street Journey
From Moncton to Saint Andrews
Distance: 330 kms
The Bay of Fundy is a high spot for an east coastal drive in Canada. The 330-km journey takes you from Moncton following the shoreline all the way down to Fundy Nationwide Park and additional onto the town of Saint Andrews. The bay is legendary for having the world’s highest tides. It has an estimated 150 billion tons of water flowing out and in each six hours.
There are some extremely distinctive locations to cease alongside the way in which, together with Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Nationwide Park, St Martin’s sea caves, the town of Saint John and the city of Saint Andrews. Whereas most individuals consider Cape Breton Island for his or her jap Canada street journey, the Bay of Fundy is a really attention-grabbing various away from the crowds. It’s a must-do New Brunswick street journey!
Photograph through Hopewell Rocks
Newfoundland and Labrador
Irish Loop
From Saint John alongside the south-eastern part of the Avalon Peninsula
Distance: 312 km (a technique)
Ranging from the capital of Newfoundland in Saint John’s, the Irish Loop street journey heads for 300-km across the southern coast of the province. It’s jam-packed with some credible coastal surroundings and wilderness actions together with climbing and wildlife recognizing.
Many individuals head off on a whale-watching tour in Witless Bay and do some climbing alongside the East Coast Path. One of many highlights of this east Canada street journey is the historic city of Ferryland, one of many oldest European settlements in North America.
Ferryland lighthouse. Photograph through Vacation spot Canada
The Viking Path
From Deer Lake to St. Anthony
Distance: 526kms
The Viking Path is likely one of the most well-known street journeys in Canada hugging the shoreline of Newfoundland. The drive begins within the northern a part of the province, within the city of Deer Lake and follows the street to Gros Morne Nationwide Park and L’Anse aux Meadows Nationwide Historic Website, that are each UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
A number of the highlights of the street journey are the fishing village of Woody Level and Rocky Harbour, Gros Morne, in addition to L’Anse aux Meadows Nationwide Historic Website on the far north shore of the island. If you wish to escape the cities and head into nature, there are tenting and strolling trails in Gros Morne. Gros Morne is an unbelievable wilderness space protecting 1800 sq. kilometres. It’s additionally acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Gros Morne. Photograph through Vacation spot Canada
Which of those Street Journeys in Canada have you ever completed?