From the stunning array of mountain ranges of British Columbia to the panoramic beauty surrounding Ontario - and everything in between - it's no secret that Canada is filled with natural beauty in every province. With so much scenery to explore comes nearly infinite road trip opportunities to get better acquainted with all the gorgeous landscapes that abound throughout the country. However, when it comes to the cream of the crop, there are a select few routes that will lead you past one spectacular view after another. Take a look at some of the most scenic Canadian road trips to embark on:
Vancouver to Yoho National Park: 735 kilometres
When plotting out the perfect road trip, you want a long enough journey that not only has plenty of awe-inspiring nature, but also has a variety of opportunities to stop at along the way. An excellent example of just such a Canadian road trip is Yoho National Park in Vancouver. While the 735 kilometre trip may sound intimidating, there are plenty of great places to stop at and soak in the scenery and culture. Okanagan Lake is essentially the halfway marker between Vancouver and Yoho National Park, and is certainly a worthy place to camp out for the night and take part in bike riding, canoeing, bird watching and hiking.
Nothing gets more scenic than cruising past Emerald Lake at Yoho National Park.
After you've gotten your fill of those activities, hit the road again and prepare yourself for all the scenic beauty you'll encounter at Yoho National Park. Do yourself a favour and go for a kayak ride on Emerald Lake, and be sure to cruise past the iconic Takakkaw Falls, the towering waterfall that flows within the Yoho Valley. A road trip to Yoho National Park will only leave you feeling inspired and speechless from all the wondrous scenery around you.
Banff to Jasper National Park: 180 kilometres
For a drive that's certainly doable in one day - without sacrificing any time outdoors - take Highway 93 from Banff to Jasper National Park in order to visit the majesty that is the Icefields Parkway. If you're starting your road trip from Banff, one of the first big nature spectacles you'll come across is the Bow River. Driving past the riverside presents infinite incredible views, as well as some charming towns to stop by and have a meal at a local diner. Afterwards, you need to make it a top priority to park the car and check out the Glacier Skywalk. This is a state-of-the-art observation platform that rests nearly 300 metres above various glaciers and waterfalls while looking out onto the Canadian Rockies wilderness.
Before reaching your final destination of Jasper National Park, places like Lake Louise and the Saskatchewan River Crossing offer up a few can't-miss opportunities to pull over and snap some breathtaking pictures of the surrounding mountain ranges. Finally, be sure to brace yourself for the sheer majesty of exploring more than 11,000 square kilometres of protected wilderness that makes up Jasper National Park. From wildlife watching to mountain biking, this park is your oyster for soaking in all the amazing scenery.
The Cabot Trail remains one of the most iconic Canadian road trip opportunities.
Baddeck to Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia: 120 kilometres
Coastal beauty, winding roads and endless blue skies are just a few of the natural qualities featured on the famous Cabot Trail highway a must-do for all Canadians. The drive from Baddeck to Cabot Trail is a measly 120 kilometres, but every metre you drive past is sure to present you with one incredible view after the next. For starters, take a pit stop at Ingonish Beach, where there are several gorgeous beaches to relax by or enjoy a picnic lunch. Golfers should be sure to pack their clubs, as the Highlands Links Golf Course is considered one of the premier places to play at in all of North America. If the name wasn't a giveaway, driving through Pleasant Bay can only be described as stunning. This area is a nature lover's paradise, and Pleasant Bay is also regarded as the whale watching capital of Nova Scotia, so be sure to pack some binoculars and get your cameras ready to capture these majestic giants of the sea.
Finally, end your road trip journey at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, home to breathtaking scenery just about everywhere you look. There are dozens of hiking trails that overlook the extraordinary coastline that guards the beautiful forests and valleys nestled within the park. This is a quintessential scenic road trip that can easily be conquered in a day.