16 Most Scenic Drives in Canada That Will Show You What a Beautiful Country it Really is

Canada is such an incredibly vast and scenic country. From beautiful Vancouver Island, through Banff National Park, the badlands of Drumheller, the prairies, and all the way to the charming east coast there’s just so much to explore. Since international travel is not recommended right now it’s the perfect time to plan a road trip and explore a little more of what our home country has to offer. No matter what part of Canada you hope to explore, there is a scenic road trip in Canada for you!

To make things easier for you I’ve divided this guide by region. I hope you enjoy this guide on the most scenic drives in Canada.

Before we get started, if you’re looking for more Canadian travel guides you might enjoy these posts:

• 15 Hidden Gems you Need to Explore in Manitoba
• 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
• 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
• 25 Awesome Things to do in Kelowna

Most Scenic Drives in Canada – Western Canada

Starting this guide to the most scenic drives in Canada with Western Canada, we will be exploring everywhere from Vancouver Island, through to the Canadian Rockies and finally the prairies.

Pacific Rim Highway

Recommended by Amanda of My Backpacker Life

A trip to British Columbia is not complete without a visit to Vancouver Island! The Pacific Rim Highway on Vancouver Island is such an incredibly scenic drive in Canada. It offers everything between breathtaking views to magical forests and is a must on your Vancouver Island itinerary.

Vancouver Island is easy to access by taking the ferry from Vancouver to either Victoria or Nanaimo. The Pacific Rim Highway starts just outside of Parksville which is situated around 30 minutes north of Nanaimo. The small village of Tofino is at the end of the highway, which is a popular tourist destination. It’s perfect for people interested in surfing, whale watching, hiking, or just hanging at the beach.

However, there are lots of things to explore along the way as well. The Pacific Rim Highway takes less than three hours without stops but, since there are a lot of places to visit it’s definitely worth taking it slow. You won’t want to miss the incredibly sights on one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

Cruising along the Pacific Rim Highway, be prepared for a winding road among forests, lakes and mountains. One of the first places to visit is Cathedral Grove, where you can walk around among 800-year-old trees. However, any goat lover might also want to check out Coombs before that – it has an old country market with goats on the roof! Further along the highway, there are also several opportunities to visit beaches, go on hikes and stop at beautiful viewpoints. 

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada than the Pacific Rim Highway is definitely for you!

Best hotels along this route: Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, Tofino Resort and Marina

Sea to Sky Highway – Vancouver

Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

Another one of the most beautiful drives in Canada is the Sea to Sky Highway. This 160-kilometer-long road connects Vancouver to Pemberton, or as the name suggests, the coastline of the sea to the heights of the mountains! 

Because the drive is relatively short, you can easily drive this route in one day. However, it’s best to allow for more time to enjoy all of the gorgeous views and stops along the way. What’s the point of driving along one of the best scenic drives in Canada if you don’t get to stop along the way and enjoy it?

Expect to see towering mountain peaks, bright blue lakes and rivers, and of course, the gorgeous coastline. With so much to see there’s no surprise this is one of the most scenic drives in Canada!  

One of the most popular activities along the Sea to Sky Highway is the Sea to Sky Gondola. This sightseeing gondola takes you up hundreds of meters where you’ll experience views unlike any other of both mountains and the ocean at the same time. There is also a really neat suspension bridge at the top!

If you’re into hiking, you can actually hike a trail to the top where the gondola goes called the Sea to Sky Summit Trail. The hiking trail is free, whereas the gondola will cost about $45 per person. 

Stopping in the popular town of Whistler for a day or two is also a must. With so many fun activities in Whistler, you’re sure to fall in love with this vibrant town. Think of small boutique shops, local breweries, endless hiking trails, and of course, a ski mountain where the chairlift starts right downtown! It’s really a special place to check out with something for everyone.  

Other must-visit attractions along the Sea to Sky highway include Garibaldi Provincial Park and Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Both of these are great destinations for hiking in the summer where you’ll be able to snap plenty of Instagram-worth photos! 

Best hotels along this route: Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Evolution Whistler

Best airbnb’s along this route:

Kootenay Loop

Recommended by Bettina of The Next Trip

The Kootenay region of British Columbia is in the southeastern corner of the province and includes all the makings for one of the most scenic drives in Canada. The Kootenays are known for large mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls, and charming small towns. This Kootenay Loop road trip takes about four hours to drive about 300km, however given all of the attractions along the way, it is suggested to take two days to complete the loop.

Start and end your road trip in the small town of Nelson. Nelson makes a great starting and finishing point as it is full of charm, with an historic downtown, vibrant food scene, and more outdoor activities than you can imagine. The Kootenay Loop road trip starts off by heading west towards Castlegar to explore the Columbia and Western Rail Trail, set along an old railroad, it is a popular place to hike, bike, and run over restored trestles and through tunnels. 

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Turning around and heading north along Highway 6, you will drive along the beautiful Slocan Lake. Driving a little bit further north, you will find a short and steep 2 km return hike to the beautiful Wilson Creek Falls in Goat Range Provincial Park. The trailhead to the falls is located along a well-maintained gravel road, however the last 800 m of the road requires four-wheel drive. The impressive waterfall is certainly worth the effort of getting there! After your day of exploring, the nearby towns of Silverton and New Denver offer accommodations or camping and restaurants.

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The next morning hit the road heading east along Highway 31A, with a stop at the nearby ghost town of Sandon. This is a popular stop along the way, offering tours of historic buildings in the former mining town. Back on the road, you will arrive in Kaslo at the perfect time for lunch, and can enjoy a stroll through the quaint downtown and along the shores of Kootenay Lake. 

On your way back to Nelson, make sure you stop at Fletcher Falls and Ainsworth Hot Springs.

Best hotels on this route: Prestige Lakeside Resort, Mistiso’s Place Vacation Rentals,

Yoho National Park

Recommended by Dhara of Not About the Miles

One of the most scenic drives in Canada is definitely through the Canadian Rockies! Lake Louise in Alberta to Yoho National Park in neighboring British Columbia in particular is incredibly scenic. Not only is the drive super scenic, there are lots of beautiful places to see in Yoho National Park!

While you can see many of the major sights on a day trip to Yoho National Park, you may want to spend a few days exploring the park at leisure to get the most out of it.

The first stop on your Yoho road trip is the Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River. You can stand on a man-made bridge to view the bridge created by the forces of nature and to take photos. The roar of the waters as they plunge through the bridge is awesome! Your next stop is Emerald Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Canada. The emerald green waters of the lake are best appreciated when the lake is fully thawed. You can go boating or kayaking on the lake, and there are many hikes to do in the area, including a trail that goes around the lake. 

Another fascinating stop in Yoho is Takakkaw Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Canada. You can get close enough to the bottom of the falls that you can feel the spray on your face. And of course you will hear it long before you see it.

Visit in the summer for long days, the best weather, and easy driving conditions. There’s no denying this is one of the most scenic drives in Canada!

Best hotels on this route: Emerald Lake Lodge

Highway 1 – Kelowna to Lake Louise

Recommended by Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Driving Highway 1 between Lake Louise to Kelowna is one the most scenic and breathtaking drives in Canada. Passing through four National Parks, you will see the best of the Canadian Rockies. Other than taking in incredible views as you drive, there are many fun stops along the way, making it the ultimate road trip route. The drive from Lake Louise to Kelowna takes 5 hours. It’s recommended to do this route during summer from late June – September, when the roads are the safest and you have the least chance of rain.

Must-do things on your road trip:

• Have lunch at Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise overlooking Lake Louise. It’s one of the most picturesque glacial lakes in the world with Victoria glacier as its backdrop. Consider adding a night in Lake Louise to your itinerary.
• Go canoeing on Moraine Lake, another stunning glacial lake that is famous for its vibrant turquoise colour. 
• Stop for lunch at Main Street Cafe in Revelstoke, located in the vibrant and historic downtown area.
• Take a walk through the Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town and relive the pioneer days. You can also spend the night at Three Valley Gap Hotel.
• Spend the night at Sparkling Hill, a luxury resort with a crystal architecture and incredible views of the Okanagan. Its 40,000 sq. ft spa features an outdoor infinity pool and seven unique saunas and steam rooms.
• Tour some of the Okanagan’s best wineries: Cedar Creek Estate, Mission Hill or 50th Parallel Estate. 

Enjoy this adventurous and fun-filled road trip!

Best hotels on this route: Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise, Three Valley Gap Hotel, Sparkling Hill Resort,

Icefields Parkway – Banff to Jasper

Recommended by Kirsten of Kirsten Wendlandt

If you’re going to do just one of the most scenic drives in Canada, let the Icefields Parkway be it! The Icefields Parkway was voted the most scenic highway in the entire WORLD and so you know it’s a must do road trip here in Canada.

This drive between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Think soaring Rocky Mountain peaks, ice fields, glacier fed rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and more. There are so many incredible stops along the Icefields Parkway and you’ll definitely want to plan to do a few of them!

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Along the way some of the most noticeable stops include:

Columbia Icefield: The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Canadian rockies and is an incredible sight to see. Here you can visit the Athabasca glacier, walk the skywalk, visit the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, and spend the night at the incredible Glacier View Lodge with an unbelievable view of the Athabasca Glacier. This is truly an unforgettable experience and a must-do along the way!

Sunwapta Falls: Just a short drive beyond the Glacier View Lodge you’ll come up to Sunwapta Falls. These falls are just a short walk from the parking lot and are such an incredible sight to see.

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Athabasca Falls: Another short drive from Sunwapta Falls will take you to the super popular Athabasca Falls. The Athabasca Falls have a short hike and many great viewpoints.

Mount Edith Cavell: If you have a little extra time it’s definitely worth making the drive up Mount Edith Cavell to see the angel glacier. Here you can also do the Mount Edith Cavell meadows hike which will take you up to some pretty spectacular viewpoints.

The Icefields Parkway is an incredible 268 km drive and is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Make sure you plan to spend plenty of time exploring the area because it really is one of the most spectacular places in Canada!

Best hotels along this route: Glacier View Lodge

Dinosaur Trail

Recommended by Nick Kembel of Spiritual Travels

Dinosaur Trail in the Drumheller region of Alberta is the ultimate road trip for families with young kids. It features stunning badlands scenery, loads of dinosaur-related attractions, and one of the best museums in all of Canada. The entire loop is only about sixty kilometers, or less than an hour’s driving time, but with all the stops along the way, you could easily spend a whole day doing it. What’s more, there are some add-ons you can make to turn into an awesome dino-focused multi-day road trip. 

Dinosaur Trail starts and ends in Drumheller, the self-proclaimed “dinosaur capital of the world,” where you can even climb the world’s largest dinosaur. The route follows Highway 838 (also called N Dinosaur Trail) north of town along the east side of Red Deer River. Stops along it include the world class Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, Midland Provincial Park, miniature Little Church, and the mind-blowing Horsethief Canyon. Watch out for cougars and rattlesnakes! At its northernmost point, cross the Red Deer River on 100-year-old Bleriot cable ferry. On the other side of the river, Orkney viewpoint is a must while returning to Drumheller on Highways 837 and then 575 (S Dinosaur Trail). 

To make this into a longer road trip, you can add Hoodoos trail, located south of Drumheller town, then drive another 1.5 hours south to reach Dinosaur Provincial Park. The latter features more impressive badlands scenery but minus the touristy feel of Drumheller. The park has an excellent campsite and offers interpretive tours on which you can see real dinosaur bones still half buried in the ground! 

There’s no surprise this is one of the most scenic drives in Canada – and it wins for the most family friendly for sure!

Best hotels on this route: Canalta Jurassic Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham

Saskatoon to Winnipeg

Recommended by Mayuri of Canada Crossroads

The Saskatoon to Winnipeg drive is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Canada. If you’re looking to explore the Canadian prairies this road trip is for you! The entire route is 782 kilometres, and if you drive non-stop it will take 8+ hours to reach Winnipeg Manitoba from Saskatoon Saskatchewan. 

There are 4 small towns that are worth stopping by on this Prairies trip:

1. Yorkton: Starting from Saskatoon early morning, Yorkton is a great option for brunch. One can also spend time in Yorkton exploring museums, and provincial parks.  
2. Langenburg: Up next, is the small town of Langenburg, and this is a great lunch stop. There are museums like the Homestead Museum and many provincial park trails that are worth stopping by. This town is located pretty close to the Saskatchewan Manitoba border.
3. Russell: Surrounded by grain farms, this is a perfect photography location to capture the beauty of the Prairies, and fuel up with coffee (Tim Hortons, anyone?)
4. Portage La Prairie: One last stop before Winnipeg is Portage La Prairie. If you are traveling in the summer months, you can catch the beautiful sunset in the evening. There are quite a few things to explore in Portage La Prairie, and Fort La Reine Museum is one of the top attractions in the city. 

After visiting these small towns it is time to head off to Winnipeg! The capital city of Manitoba is filled with many sightseeing attractions, from the Forks Heritage Park, Assiniboine Park, Royal Canadian Mint to the French Quarter/Saint Boniface neighborhood.

Best hotels on this route: The James Hotel,Sheraton Cavalier, Fort Garry Hotel, Fairmont Winnipeg

Most Scenic Drives in Canada – Central Canada

The second region in this guide to the most scenic drives in Canada is Central Canada which includes Ontario and Quebec.

Toronto to Blue Mountain

Recommended by Diana of Diana’s Healthy Living

There is nothing better than an Ontario weekend getaway. The road trip from Toronto to Blue Mountain is beautiful no matter what time of year you travel this route. It’s definitely one of the most scenic drives in Canada!

If you travel this route in the fall you will see all the beautiful fall foliage. I would suggest taking the scenic route to Blue Mountain and skip the highway. The drive from Toronto to Blue Mountain along Airport Road is just over a two-hour scenic drive. You may want to give yourself extra time as you will want to stop along the way for those colourful foliage pics.

Once in Blue Mountain, there are several beautiful hikes with scenic waterfalls to visit. Inglis Waterfalls should be high on your list. This is the largest waterfall in the area and is most beautiful in the fall with the autumn colours.  Next on your road trip head to Eugenia falls, it is considered one of the most beautiful falls in the area.

Before checking into your hotel for the night, make a visit to Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery. Not only is the wine great but the winery is extremely scenic so bring your camera. The three signature wines produced at Coffin Ridge are aptly named The Light White, Back From The Dead Red, and Resurrection Rosé. Compliment your wine tasting with the vintner’s plate of charcuterie, cheeses, and artisanal bread, to complement your glass.

Best hotels along this route: Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites

Toronto to Ottawa through Algonquin Provincial Park

Recommended by Carolin of Happy When Abroad

The road trip from Toronto to Ottawa through the Algonquin Provincial Park is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Canada. It takes about 6 hours (670 km) and gives a good impression of the spectacular highlights that this part of Canada has to offer.

The best way to start the road trip is from Toronto – Canada’s largest city. The metropolis with the unmistakable CN Tower is located directly on Lake Ontario and offers great attractions for its visitors in every season. The journey continues north, passing thick forests and calm lakes. Shortly before the famous Algonquin National Park is the small and charming town of Huntsville. An overnight stay can be planned here so that you can relax and visit the park the next morning.

The Algonquin Provincial Park enchants with a spectacular landscape and is a true nature paradise. Especially in autumn, the park unfolds its beauty through the changing leaves and the deep sun that glitters on the water. With over 2,400 lakes and countless trees, Algonquin is the largest national park in Ontario. Many hiking trails with different levels of difficulty and fascinating viewpoints invite you to go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors. During summertime it is also possible to rent canoes or go mountain biking.

The last stop of the trip is Ottawa – the old and charming capital of Canada. Separated by the Ottawa River, English is spoken in one half of the city and French in the other.  The best places to visit are the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill, the National Gallery as well as the ByWard Market. 

Best hotels along this route: Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn, Holiday Inn Express

Montreal to Tadoussac

Recommended by Melanie of BRB Travel Blog

Going from Montreal to Tadoussac is the ultimate road trip in the Quebec province. This itinerary is the perfect mix of city life and natural wonders so you get the best of both worlds. Along this incredibly scenic drive you will be stopping in Montreal, Quebec City, Charlevoix and Tadoussac. 

Start your trip in Montreal, the city that mixes the charms of Europe and the modernity of North America. The biggest city of Quebec has tons of festivals and it is a foodie hotspot.

Your second stop will be Québec City. The national capital of Quebec is by far one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. Quebec is characterized by being the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. The city is the oldest city in North America, it has more than 400 years. The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it combines colonial architectural styles from France and England.

Then, head to the Charlevoix region. The route between Charlevoix and Quebec city is one of the most beautiful in all of Canada. The Charlevoix region is where St. Lawrence River opens like a sea and it is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

The region is praised by its rolling hills and mountains and dubbed a hikers paradise. The famous Acropole-des-draveurs hiking trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Quebec and in Canada. The viewpoint gives you a 360° views of the Malbaie River cutting through the valley. The trail leads to one of the highest summits in Eastern Canada. 

Only 1 hour away, you will do your last stop, Tadoussac. Saint-Lawrence Estuary is one of the famous places in the world to spot whales with as many as 13 species of whales for you to admire. Tadoussac is a colourful village that sits at the junction between the Saguenay Fjord and the vast St-Lawrence river.

As you can see there is so much to seen on the road trip from Montreal to Tadoussac. It’s definitely one of the most scenic drives in Canada!

Best hotels along this route: Hôtel & Spa Le Germain, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Hotel Tadoussac

Most Scenic Drives in Canada – Eastern Canada

Eastern Canada is so incredibly scenic and charming. Here are the most scenic drives in Canada’s eastern side.

Cabot Trail

Recommended by Stacey of Discover Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic drives in Canada on the east coast look no further than the Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail is an almost 300km long loop around the north of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It can easily be driven in a day, with plenty of time for stops to admire the scenery, or you can take your time and explore more of the many attractions that lie on the route over the course of a few days.

The Cabot Trail is especially beautiful in the autumn when the changing leaves put on a colourful show and many people make it a yearly tradition to drive the vibrant trail.

The trail is named for John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497, though he probably landed in Newfoundland and not Nova Scotia. You can visit Cabot’s Landing Provincial Park just north of the northernmost point of the trail.

A large part of the trail takes visitors around the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As you drive the trail, you will come across local artisans selling all manner of locally produced goods. From leather to wood, glass to chocolate or pottery to soap, there is surely a souvenir for every visitor to take home with them.

Or if you would like to get off the road, the Skyline Trail is an easy hike that allows visitors to explore the park on foot and be rewarded with a stunning view at the end. For avid hikers there are 25 more hikes within the park for hikers of all abilities.

No trip around the Cabot Trail would be complete without a stop at a local eatery to enjoy some local produce. Many restaurants serve lobster, scallops and other fresh seafood and some will even offer some local music to accompany your meal for a true local touch!

Best hotels along this route: Knotty Pine Cottages, Seascape Coastal Retreat

Viking Trail – Newfoundland

Recommended by Lora of Explore with Lora

The Viking Trail is not only one of the best road trips in Newfoundland but also one of the most scenic drives in Canada. It takes you up the Northern Peninsula of the island, commonly referred to as the northern arm. While this scenic road trip is just under 500km, plan to spend a few days as there are so many places to stop.

The road trip starts after you turn onto route 430 by Deer Lake, where there is an airport. The drive first takes you through Gros Morne National Park, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its geological significance. Spend at least one night in the park, there are so many beautiful hiking trails to enjoy. 

Leaving Gros Morne, the drive takes you along the ocean passing by endless fishing villages. After a couple of hours, you’ll see the turn off for L’anse Aux Meadows which is the second UNESCO world heritage site on this road trip. It’s the only Viking settlement in North America! Spend an afternoon here exploring the reconstructed Viking village and Parks Canada interpretation site. 

Spend the last night of your road trip in St. Anthony, one of the larger communities at the end of the peninsula. This is a great place to spot icebergs passing by in the spring and go whale-watching in the summertime. From there, you can enjoy the drive all over again going back.

Best hotels along this route: Grenfell Heritage Hotel, Haven Inn

French Ancestor’s Route – Newfoundland & Labrador

Recommended by Bri of Bucketlist Bri

If you are planning a west coast Newfoundland road trip, you must include the French Ancestor’s Route on your itinerary. The French Ancestor’s Route honors the French-Acadian history of the region (also known as the Port-au-Port Peninsula). This epic 80-mile drive will take you along the edges of towering cliffs, through early-French settler towns, and across wild country roads. There’s no denying the French Ancestor’s Route is one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

As you leave Stephenville and head west, make sure to stop and seek out Hidden Falls located at Sheaves Cove. This stunning waterfall, nestled in the mountainside, can’t be seen while driving so it’s easy to miss. You can see it roaring from the unofficial parking lot at Sheaves Cove, but the mini half-mile trail will bring you up close.

After Hidden Falls, one of the best places to stop along the French Ancestor’s Route is at Boutte du Cap. It’s here, at the edge of the rocky cliffs, that you can enjoy some of the best whale watching in all of Newfoundland & Labrador. What’s more, if you’re traveling in a van or camper, you can park here overnight for free. There are little enclaves next to fire-pits where you can set up camp and marvel at a blanket of stars overhead.

In the morning before you set off, make sure to enjoy the Kittiwake Trails up the cliffside which will bring you to magnificent, jaw-dropping views and the opportunity to see Newfoundland’s many bird colonies. Before you take off, stick around between 12-2 PM to taste the bread that’s baked fresh in the ancient French-style oven outside by one of the locals (summers only). From Cape St. Georges, the rest of the Ancestor’s Route road trip will skirt across the villages and towns of Mailand, Lourdes, and Picadilly, all perched on the coast, before you make the circular loop and head back out on Route 460.

Best hotels along this route: Days Inn Stephenville

Lighthouse Route – Nova Scotia

Recommended by Christin of Christin has Fernweh

Discover the best of Nova Scotia following the Lighthouse Route! The Lighthouse Route is a scenic road trip in Canada of 211 miles (339km). It goes along the South Shore from Halifax to Yarmouth and there’s lots to see along the way. The roads you will be taking are Trunk 3, Highway 103, Route 309, Route 329, Route 330, Route 331, Route 332, Route 333.

20 lighthouses are spread along the Lighthouse Route. The most popular and famous is Peggy’s Cove, don’t miss it on your first day from Halifax. Grad a lobster roll from one of the food trucks in the village and enjoy the view from the rocks by the lighthouse. Just make sure to stay on the dry rocks – the wet ones have proven dangerously slippery. 

Several hiking trails along the South Shore give you the opportunity to get even closer to nature. The High Head trail for example is an easy 2h trail in this area offering great views of the ocean. 

Give yourself at least half a day to explore Lunenburg the next day. This UNESCO world heritage town combines historic significance, colorful local architecture and an active fishing port. There are shops, galleries and lobster dishes to discover. If you have more time you can take a boat out on the bay to get the view from the water side. 

The tiny fishing community of Blue Rocks nearby invites you for a picnic on the rocks by the shore, the historic lighthouse behind you. More off the beaten path, it is considered Lunenburg’s answer to Peggy’s Cove. 

Continue your scenic drive along the Lighthouse Route to Yarmouth and capture your own impressions of historic Nova Scotia.

Best hotels along this route: The Prince George Hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel, Mariner King Inn, Boscawen Inn

Most Scenic Drives in Canada – Northern Canada

The final region of Canada we will be exploring in this guide to the most scenic drives in Canada is the great north!

Whitehorse to Dawson City, Yukon

Recommended by Natasha from the Great Ocean Road Collective

For a truly unforgettable road trip and one of the most scenic drives in Canada, head to the Yukon. The Whitehorse to Dawson City corridor boasts spectacular mountain ranges, gorgeous campsites, and abundant wildlife. The drive is about 550-kilometers along the Klondike Highway, and can easily be done as a day-trip. 

Start off in the capital of Whitehorse, a city that offers great museums, cultural exhibitions as well as several coffee roasters and local breweries. Once you hit the road, the drive is quite easy, so you’ll have lots of time to appreciate the pristine natural beauty around you. In Carmacks, you can stop over and visit Hootalinqua, a historically popular gathering spot for the local First Nations or walk along the riverfront boardwalk. Further pass town, check out the Five Finger Rapids.

A couple of hours later in Pelly Crossing, you can learn about the Selkirk First Nation. There are several government-run campgrounds along the way for those who wish to take their time. Because the area is so remote, there is plenty of wildlife. Bear and moose sightings are quite common, so keep your camera charged and you’ll be ready to go. 

Finally, you’ll reach for Dawson City. This small village was once a base for miners during the 19th century Klondike Gold Rush. Take a walk down Main street and admire the well-preserved frontier-style buildings before checking out the Dawson City Museum. Another fun activity is Peabody Photo Parlor, where you can dress up in frontier-style outfits. Not only will you have a great laugh, you’ll also end up with a great memory to bring home. 

Best hotels along this route: SKYY Hotel, Edgewater Hotel, Canada’s Best Value Inn,

Final Thoughts

As you can see there are so many incredible scenic drives in Canada. Whether you’re looking to explore the Canadian Rockies, the badlands, prairies, or drive along the coastline there’s an incredible road trip for you.

I hope you enjoyed this guide not he most scenic drives in Canada! Which Canadian road trip are you most looking forward to doing? I would love to hear in the comment below!

With love, Kirsten

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