Best Road Trips in Canada for 2024: Top Routes to Explore

1. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

One of the Best Road Trips in Canada for 2024, the Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. This drive offers stunning ocean views, with cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, and takes you through charming fishing villages. Be sure to stop at Cape Breton Highlands National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Highlights:

• Scenic Lookouts: Don’t miss the Skyline Trail, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre to experience Nova Scotia’s rich musical heritage.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall, especially during the autumn for vibrant foliage.

2. Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Connecting Jasper and Banff, the Icefields Parkway is often hailed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. This 232-kilometer stretch of road takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. For 2024, this route remains a top choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Highlights:

• Athabasca Glacier: Take a guided tour on this accessible glacier.
• Peyto Lake: A perfect spot for that iconic blue lake photo.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears, elk, and mountain goats along the way.

3. The Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

Running from Vancouver to Whistler, the Sea to Sky Highway is a 120-kilometer journey that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal rainforests, and rugged mountains. This drive is perfect for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with luxury accommodations.

Highlights:

• Shannon Falls: A quick stop to see one of BC’s tallest waterfalls.
• Squamish: Known as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, it offers hiking, climbing, and water sports.
• Whistler: End your trip in this world-famous ski resort town, with activities year-round.

4. The Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador

For those seeking a road less traveled, the Viking Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador is a journey through history and raw natural beauty. This 489-kilometer route takes you from Gros Morne National Park to L’Anse aux Meadows, the site of the first European settlement in North America.

Highlights:

• Gros Morne National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its geological wonders.
• L’Anse aux Meadows: Explore the reconstructed Norse village and learn about Viking history.
• Iceberg Alley: Visit in late spring to early summer to see icebergs drifting down from Greenland.

5. The Trans-Canada Highway

Spanning the entire country, the Trans-Canada Highway is one of the longest road trips you can take, stretching over 7,800 kilometers from coast to coast. Whether you’re starting in the Maritimes and heading west, or beginning in British Columbia and moving east, this epic journey offers a little bit of everything Canada has to offer.

Highlights:

• National Parks: Visit iconic parks like Banff, Fundy, and Cape Breton Highlands along the route.
• Urban Explorations: Stop in vibrant cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
• Cultural Experiences: Discover the diverse cultures that make up Canada’s identity, from French-speaking Quebec to Indigenous communities across the land.

6. The Yukon’s Klondike Highway

For those with a sense of adventure, the Klondike Highway in the Yukon offers a journey back in time to the days of the gold rush. This 715-kilometer route takes you from Whitehorse to Dawson City, with plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning wilderness of the Canadian North.

Highlights:

• Miles Canyon: A dramatic canyon carved by the Yukon River.
• Dawson City: Immerse yourself in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush.
• Midnight Sun: Experience the phenomenon of nearly 24-hour daylight in the summer.

Tips for Planning Your 2024 Canadian Road Trip

• Timing: Plan your trip according to the best time to visit each region. Coastal areas are best explored in the summer, while autumn offers stunning foliage in the east.
• Accommodation: Book in advance, especially in popular areas like Banff, Whistler, and the Cabot Trail. Consider camping for a more immersive experience.
• Packing: Prepare for diverse weather conditions. Even in the summer, temperatures can vary significantly between coastal and mountainous regions.