is it time to start planning your Canadian adventure?
Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia and one of the least populated. That means that when you venture outside the big cities, you enter a largely empty wilderness of mountains, forests, plains, islands and a rocky coastline. Canada is classic road trip territory, and few people can aspire to travel it in its entirety.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the diverse urban culture of its cities or find yourself in the midst of some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, Canada has it all.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy for you to find the right vehicle for your grand adventure across the country. With pickups all over Canada, including downtown Toronto and Vancouver, we find the most competitive rates so you can enjoy the best road trips in Canada without worrying about your budget.
Here are ten of the best road trips in Canada to spark your imagination
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Winding through the heart of the iconic Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper to Lake Louise, Alberta. Known as one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world, this iconic route features majestic mountain peaks, glaciers and turquoise lakes as its backdrop. Beginning in Jasper National Park, travelers can enjoy a feast of natural wonders, such as the impressive Athabasca Glacier and the expansive Columbia Icefield. Along the way, you may spot moose, bighorn sheep and bears.
In addition to being a breathtaking scenic route, the Icefields Parkway gives you access to a whole host of outdoor adventures. Trails lead to hidden waterfalls and serene mountain meadows; in winter, you can snowshoe and cross-country ski. Take guided tours of the Athabasca Glacier on huge Ice Explorers or venture down the thrilling Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform hangs over the Sunwapta Valley, providing an adrenaline-filled perspective of the surrounding glacial landscapes. It’s a great adventure not to be missed.
- Total driving distance: 144 miles (232 km)
- Driving time: 3.5 hours
Route from Cabot, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Route is a ribbon of road that winds along the spectacular coastal cliffs of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. This varied route traverses lush forests, rugged coastlines and the rolling hills of the Cape Breton Highlands. The Cabot trails, which begin and end in the charming village of Baddeck, skirt the north coast and offer sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.
The winding ascent to Cape Smokey offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline and pristine surrounding waters. The trail passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you may spot bald eagles, moose and whales. The rich cultural heritage of the region can be explored in the traditional settlements of Chéticamp and Ingonish.
- Total driving distance: 185 miles (298 km)
- Travel time: 5 hours
Pacific Rim Highway, British Columbia
The Pacific Rim Highway, also known as Highway 4, winds through the breathtaking scenery of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, connecting the city of Parksville to Tofino. The eastern portion of the Pacific Rim Highway passes through Cathedral Grove, a majestic old-growth forest known for its towering Douglas fir and red cedar trees. Heading west, the highway opens up to breathtaking views of Sproat Lake before descending through the Alberni Valley.
A coastal paradise of long sandy beaches, hidden coves and the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean awaits you as you head west to Tofino. Tofino is a laid-back surf town nestled amidst ancient temperate forests. Whether you’re a surf enthusiast, nature lover or die-hard adventurer, the Pacific Rim Highway offers an unforgettable journey around Vancouver Island.
- Total driving distance: 113 miles (182 km)
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
From Vancouver to Pemberton, this iconic route through British Columbia takes you through vast wilderness where nature is on full display. With rainforests, snow-capped peaks and serene fjords, it’s a journey of contrasts…
Leaving Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky Highway offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and passes through picturesque coastal communities such as Horshoe Bay and Lions Bay. As it ascends into the mountains, the landscape transforms into dense forests with views of waterfalls and steep cliffs. Along the way, you’ll encounter the breathtaking Shannon Falls, a majestic waterfall that cascades dramatically from the cliffs of the Coast Range. The Squamish outdoor adventure is known for its world-class rock climbing and the iconic Stawamus Chief mountain. The road trip concludes in Pemberton, a serene valley surrounded by mountains, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and enjoy the relaxed rural lifestyle.
- Total driving distance: 120 miles
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
Fundy Coastal Route, New Brunswick
The Coastal Route of Fundy, New Brunswick, is a scenic adventure along the Bay of Fundy, famous for having the highest tides in the world. Beginning at the Maine border, the route takes you through quiet coastal communities, where fishing villages and historic lighthouses dot the rugged coastline. Sandy beaches give way to towering cliffs, with the dynamic tides of the bay creating a dramatic backdrop for your journey.
At Hopewell Rocks you can watch the impressive tidal changes up close. When the tide is out, it is possible to walk among the uniquely shaped rock formations. When the tide rises, the water level rises dramatically, transforming the landscape. The Fundy Footpath offers hikers the chance to explore coastal trails with breathtaking views.
- Total driving distance: 400 km (250 miles)
- Travel time: 5 hours
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park, in the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and runs through the heart of Canada’s easternmost province. Covering more than 1,8000 square miles, the park features spectacular fjords, towering cliffs and a great diversity of habitats. The park’s centerpiece, Mount Gros Mourne, rises 2,644 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Take a boat ride on Western Brook Pond, a glacial fjord surrounded by towering cliffs that plunge into its pristine waters. The park also offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes, leading to scenic overlooks, waterfalls and secluded beaches. Gros Morne National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and offers an introduction to this remote and breathtaking corner of Canada.
- Total driving distance: 185 miles (298 km)
- Travel time: 5 hours
Algonquin Park, Ontario
A road trip through Ontario’s Algonquin Park is a journey into the heart of Canada’s wilderness, where dense forests, pristine lakes and diverse wildlife converge to create an unforgettable experience. Algonquin Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with pine-covered hills and serene lakes offering ideal spots for picnics or canoeing adventures.
Algonquin Park is crisscrossed by a network of trails, from the iconic Algonquin Logging Museum Trail to the challenging Centennial Ridge Trail. Animal sightings are frequent, including elk, deer and numerous bird species.
A road trip through Algonquin Park is a journey into the heart of the Canadian wilderness and the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
- Total driving distance: 320 km
- Driving time: 5 hours
Trans-Canada Highway
When it comes to Canadian adventures, few are as grand as the Trans-Canada Highway. Stretching 7,821 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific in the west, this iconic highway traverses Canada’s diverse landscapes. From St. John’s (Newfoundland) in the east, travelers can explore the rugged coastline of the Atlantic provinces, quiet fishing villages and historic sites before venturing into the vast wilderness of central Canada.
The highway traverses vast prairies where golden fields of wheat and canola stretch to the horizon before reaching the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Crossing the western provinces, the landscape transforms into dense forests, coastal cliffs and vibrant cities. Whether it’s the French-influenced charm of Quebec, the cultural vibrancy of Toronto or the coastal beauty of Vancouver, a road trip along the Trans Canada Highway captures the essence of Canada. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip that usually lasts several weeks.
- Total driving distance: 7,821 km (4,860 miles)
- Driving time: 80 to 100 hours
Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
A road trip through Kootenay National Park is always one of the best road trips in Canada for its natural beauty. Stretching along the western slope of the Rockies, the park is a mecca for nature enthusiasts and offers a scenic drive through a diverse landscape. The iconic Icefields Park also runs through Kootenay National Park, giving travelers the opportunity to extend their trip.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the rushing Kootenay River, ethereal Vermilion Lakes and the stunning Paint Pots, where iron-rich mineral springs paint the landscape in vibrant colors. With numerous hiking trails to explore, through mountain meadows and dense coniferous forests, you’ll have the opportunity to spot bighorn sheep, moose and even grizzly bears. With its rugged mountain scenery, this trip through Kootenay National Park will allow you to connect with the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
- Total driving distance: 94 miles (150 km)
- Driving time: 3 hours
Cavendish Coastal Route, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a beloved destination for North Americans and foreigners alike. With its picturesque scenery and its association with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables,” the island is classic maritime Canada, where a more leisurely pace of life still prevails. The Cavendish Coastal Drive passes red sandstone cliffs, sandy shores, historic lighthouses and gently rolling farmland. The route, which begins in Charlottetown, the island’s capital, and ends in West Point, offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Visitors can explore the Green Gables Heritage Place, a famous traditional island that inspired Montgomery’s literary classic. The route also offers access to Cavendish Beach, known for its pristine sands. Prince Edward Island also has a rich musical heritage that reflects its English, Celtic and maritime heritage, with festivals held throughout the year.
- Total driving distance: 250 miles
- Travel time: 6 hours
is it time to start planning your Canadian adventure?
With its young and diverse population, vast expanses of wilderness, vibrant cities and fascinating cultures, Canada is an incredible destination for an adventure.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy for you to find the right car for your Canadian road trips, whatever your budget.
