When it comes to road-tripping, there’s a lot of ground to cover in Canada. The world's second-largest country offers endless possibilities for adventures, and these 24 weekend road trips are designed to reveal the unique charm and character of each region, one journey at a time.
Click through this gallery to discover 24 beautiful weekend road trips in Canada...
The 331-mile (533km) route from the capital of Yukon to the heart of Gold Rush country is appropriately known as the Klondike Highway. At about six hours each way it’s admittedly a lot of driving for a weekend trip, but as you wind through remote stretches of rugged Yukon wilderness, historic mining towns and stunning natural landscapes, you'll realise that the journey itself is just as exciting as the destination.
While it’s only 129 miles (207km), the winding nature of this drive along the Pacific Rim Highway means it takes about three hours to complete. However, most travellers give themselves extra time to stop and explore the beautiful landscapes along the way. Highlights include the towering ancient trees of Cathedral Grove and the quirky 'Goats on the Roof' (featuring actual goats on the roof) at the Coombs Country Market.
The rainforest-laden west coast of Vancouver Island feels like a different world, with the ferocious Pacific Ocean attracting surfers and storm-watchers, who travel out specifically to watch the waves crash in. Both Tofino and Ucluelet to its south are laid-back communities, full of cool restaurants, shops, breweries and relaxing places to stay.
Fraser Valley areas like Abbotsford and Langley are often seen as little more than bedroom communities that serve the big city, but it’s worth making the relatively short drive to spend some quality time in these laid-back towns. Abbotsford is about 44 miles (71km) from Vancouver, but its charming downtown area and locally-owned restaurants, breweries and shops feel like a real escape.
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The river valley makes for some of the most fertile farmland in Canada and many local food producers welcome visitors for either formal or self-guided tours. History lovers can also stop at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, an interpretive centre that served as a working Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post 150 years ago.
Just the name of road from Vancouver to Whistler – the Sea-to-Sky Highway – is enticing. The route, which actually terminates just north of Whistler in Pemberton, is 101 miles (163km) long, and it’s worth slowing down to drink in the coastal views. Cultural Journey interpretive kiosks posted along the way offer the chance to learn about British Columbia’s rich Indigenous history too.
Whistler is a world-renowned destination for winter sports, but the journey from Vancouver offers several must-see stops too. One standout attraction is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, which offers stunning views of Howe Sound and surrounding peaks. For those feeling adventurous, you can hike the Sea to Summit Trail, a four-mile (6.5km) trek that takes you to the gondola's summit. At the top, you'll find the 328-foot (100m) long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and the Sky Pilot Smokehouse, serving up BBQ sandwiches, bowls and more casual fare.
The city of Kelowna is generally considered to be the Okanagan Valley’s main hub, but there is so much more to see in British Columbia’s wine country. The Okanagan Highway runs alongside the long and narrow Lake Okanagan, continuing on past Skaha Lake towards Osoyoos Lake, and passing through communities like Oliver, Penticton and Summerland. Osoyoos, famously one of the warmest towns in Canada climate-wise, is a popular resort destination.
While the lakes and surrounding desert-like landscapes are beautiful, the geography of the area is also prime for grape growing. The highway is dotted with wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings to the public. The famed Golden Mile Bench, BC’s first official wine sub-region, sits between Oliver and Osoyoos, featuring wineries like Culmina Family Estate, Tinhorn Creek and Road 13.
The 145-mile (233 km) Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is one of Canada’s most scenic drives, offering stunning views of glacial lakes like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, as well as the chance to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep and elk. The drive passes through both Banff and Jasper National Parks, winding through rugged mountains and pristine wilderness – making it a must-do for nature lovers and adventurers.
The Icefields Parkway gets its name from the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. One of the Icefield’s 'toes', the Athabasca Glacier, can be accessed at about the halfway point of the journey, its edge within walking distance of the main road. The glacier can be further explored via an on-site discovery centre, snow coach tours and the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that juts out 918 feet (280m) over the Sunwapta Valley.
Alberta’s Bar U Ranch National Historic Site offers a rare hands-on picture of Canada’s Wild West. The ranch dates back to the late 1800s and now offers interactive learning experiences to help visitors understand what life would have been like for Western Canada’s pioneering cowboys and cattle ranchers. It's located near the village of Longview, in the heart of Alberta’s still very active cattle ranching country.
While Bar U Ranch is a worthy destination, another treat is the drive along the southern leg of the Alberta Provincial Highway 22, otherwise known as The Cowboy Trail. The picturesque road rolls through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, past towns like Millarville, Bragg Creek and Turner Valley. Each stop is filled with authentic cowboy culture, as well as unique places to eat, shop and visit.
Drumheller is actually closer to Calgary than it is to Edmonton, but the three-hour drive from Alberta’s capital city gives visitors a better excuse to stay the night and spend a couple of days exploring the province’s otherworldly badlands. The striated hills and unbelievable hoodoo rock formations around the Red Deer River valley make for some truly unique hiking experiences throughout the area.
Those otherworldly hills in Drumheller conceal a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils, earning the town its title as the dinosaur capital of Canada. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world-class palaeontology centre, showcasing awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits. For something a bit more light-hearted, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, located at the visitor centre downtown, stands 82 feet (25m) tall. Visitors can climb a staircase inside and stand in its open mouth for a unique view of the town.
Building roads in the Arctic is tricky business. Until recently, getting from Inuvik to the Arctic Ocean was only possible by plane or a seasonal winter ice road, but in 2017 the 86-mile (138km) Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened, allowing visitors to drive directly to the Inuvialuit hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. The road is rugged and somewhat difficult to drive, but it is the first all-weather road in Canada that reaches the Arctic Ocean.
Once in Tuktoyaktuk (or 'Tuk' as locals call it), visitors will find a small but friendly community who still routinely conduct whale and caribou hunts. The land is cold, but also beautiful, with large ice-cored hills known as pingos cropping up in the frigid ocean near the shore. There aren’t many hotels or restaurants, so visitors tend to head back to Inuvik after exploring the town and dipping their toes in the Arctic Ocean.
Moose Jaw is one of Canada’s more well-known cities, largely because of its uniquely Canadian name. The municipality leans into its reputation – even dubbing itself 'Canada’s Most Notorious City'. The drive from Saskatchewan’s capital city Regina is a fairly quick one at just 44 miles (71km) and leads drivers through some spectacular Saskatchewan farmland.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan’s fourth-largest city, is known for its friendly locals, classic prairie architecture, parks, trails and vibrant murals. Beneath the streets lies a series of tunnels originally built around 1908, where Chinese railway workers hid to escape persecution and avoid paying the head tax. In the 1920s, during Prohibition, these same tunnels were used by bootleggers running rum. Lastly, no visit to Moose Jaw is complete without seeing Mac, the world’s largest moose sculpture.
Saskatchewan roads have a reputation for being flat and boring, but the province is a pleasure to drive through, thanks to the serenity of endless acres of farmland and bright yellow canola fields. Road trippers will get a pretty drive no matter which direction they head out from Saskatoon, but the 191-mile (308km) drive to the Great Sand Hills is particularly worthwhile.
Situated in the middle of the prairie near the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, the Great Sand Hills are a series of golden sand dunes that look like they should be in the middle of a great desert. The dunes are constantly moving, and the area is also a popular spot for bird watching. Those looking to make a weekend trip out of it can stay in nearby Leader, a small and charming prairie town.
Manitoba is known for its beautiful lake country, and the beach community of Gimli is one of the province’s most popular summertime recreation destinations. Gimli sits on the southern tip of Lake Manitoba and is an easy 56-mile (90km) drive from Winnipeg, the province’s capital and largest city.
Gimli Harbour is home to a busy marina that serves recreational boats as well as fishing vessels, which both play an important part in the area’s economy. Gimli is also known for its robust Icelandic heritage, culminating each year in an Icelandic Festival. That Icelandic culture is also represented by the Giant Viking, a 15-foot (4.6m) fibreglass statue that has stood in Gimli since 1967.
The Niagara region is almost directly across Lake Ontario from Canada’s largest city, but it takes about an hour and a half to make the 80-mile (130km) drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Niagara Falls is the most obvious highlight of the destination, but after taking a look at the majesty of Horseshoe Falls, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a weekend in the Niagara area.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is just north of Niagara Falls and is considered the official headquarters of Ontario wine country. The historic town is a perfect picture of charm, with plenty of unique shops, quaint inns, renowned restaurants and well-kept gardens. There are also about 40 wineries in the area, many of which are open to visitors who can get around by bike or guided bus tour.
One of Ontario’s many lakeside cottage getaways, Muskoka is just over a two-hour drive north of Toronto. It sits between Georgian Bay, which is part of the Canadian side of Lake Huron, and Lake Couchiching, with approximately 1,600 smaller lakes scattered in between. All of that lakeside real estate gives visitors plenty of opportunities to relax or play by the water.
Huntsville is the largest town in Muskoka, though most visitors come to the region to escape into nature. Whether they’re relaxing in an Adirondack chair by the water or paddling through peaceful lakes in a canoe, many city dwellers find solace here. For those seeking a bit more activity, Muskoka offers plenty of options – from golfing and hiking to indulgent spa treatments and gourmet dining.
Driving north from the US border through Ontario, travellers can reach one of Canada’s most culturally significant small cities. While the quicker route is along Highway 401 through London – or via Detroit when the border is open – it’s worth adding an extra 45 minutes to take the scenic drive along Lambton Shores on Lake Huron.
Stratford, located on the Avon River (all named after the Stratford in the UK), is best known for its Shakespearean theatre festival. The city was first settled in 1828, and its rich history is apparent at every turn. While theatre is Stratford’s calling card, visitors can also take in various parks and gardens or hit the self-guided Stratford Chocolate Trail to try some treats. Fun fact: Stratford is also the former home of singer Justin Bieber.
While southern Ontarians often flock to the Great Lakes for weekend getaways, many from Ottawa prefer the peaceful retreats of Lanark County. The county’s best-known town, Perth, is just an hour’s drive southwest of the capital. Settled in 1816 as part of a military settlement, Perth is a small town steeped in history, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming streets.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also drawn to the area, largely thanks to the Rideau Trail – a 200-mile (327km) hiking network – that runs through the heart of town. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy canoeing, hiking, biking or camping at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The drive from Montreal to the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula is considered one of Canada’s best road trips, but at around nine-and-a-half hours one way, it’s a bit long for a weekend getaway. For a shorter trip, consider heading in the same direction to the Centre-du-Quebec region. Located south of the St Lawrence River, this agricultural heartland is often called Quebec’s breadbasket and offers a closer, yet equally rewarding escape from the city.
Visitors will find centres like Drummondville and Victoriaville in the area, but it’s the smaller rural towns that make this trip truly special. It’s easy to find local cheesemakers (like the award-winning Fromagerie du Presbytere, located in a repurposed church) cideries, cranberry bogs, sugar shacks and breweries scattered throughout the countryside, for a literal taste of traditional Quebec culture.
The two-hour drive from Quebec City to La Mauricie National Park takes drivers down a scenic route along the northern bank of the magnificent St Lawrence River. The park is one of Canada’s most beautiful, full of lakes, waterfalls and thick forests that are at their most stunning when the leaves change to brilliant colours of orange-red in the fall months.
The natural beauty of La Mauricie is enough of an experience on its own, but the park is also near the city of Shawinigan, which sits right on the Saint-Maurice River. It’s also not far from the luxurious Baluchon eco-tourism resort, a secluded property that features a fine dining restaurant, outdoor activities and a Nordic spa.
The city of Saint John sits right on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, making this weekend road trip all about exploring the bay itself. Famous for having the highest tides on Earth – reaching up to 52 feet (16m), far above the global average – the Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder. It touches both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and visitors can access its stunning coastline from either province.
The New Brunswick side of the Bay can be easily accessed from St Martins, a 40-minute drive from St John. From there, visitors can explore sea caves (at low tide) or go for a kayak. St Andrews is also a good stop, with opportunities for whale-watching and seaside golfing. The famous Hopewell Rocks are also only a two-hour drive north from St John.
As Canada’s smallest province it’s relatively easy to drive from one end of Prince Edward Island to the other, but taking a loop around the central part of the island will arguably give drivers the most bang for their buck. The 157-mile (253km) Central Coastal Drive route takes travellers through the northern Green Gables Shore and the southern Red Sands Shore, hitting many of PEI’s most popular attractions.
The Green Gables Shore features PEI’s most famed sites, particularly those connected to LM Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. The route goes through the Cavendish area, which is home to the Green Gables house as well as some key museums. The Red Sands Shore is a bit quieter and more relaxed, full of small coastal villages and cosy coves.
Cape Breton Island, a large island off of the north coast of Nova Scotia, has a special place in Canadian culture, largely because of the traditional fiddle music that’s so tied to the island’s way of life. There’s no better way to see the island’s culture and stunning natural beauty than to take a drive along the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile (298km) loop that circles the northwestern part of the island.
The Cabot Trail is a spectacularly scenic drive that takes visitors through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the island’s dramatic coastline. The park offers plenty of opportunities to hike, but it’s just as nice to stay in the car and spot the lighthouses, coves and cliffs along the way. The Cabot Trail also attracts art lovers, with a number of small galleries and artist studios on the route.
The east coast of Nova Scotia is home to some of the most postcard-perfect towns in all of Canada, including the famously charming fishing village of Lunenburg. Founded in 1753, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its planned layout and traditional wooden architecture. Today Lunenburg is popular with tourists because of its history and delicious seaside seafood restaurants.
The drive from Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax is about 62 miles (99km) and can be completed in about an hour and 15 minutes, but it’s worth making a detour to Peggy’s Cove in St Margarets Bay. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is probably the most photographed lighthouse in all of Canada, while the rest of the site offers a glimpse of life in a traditional Maritime fishing village.
Newfoundland’s Viking Trail is a 327-mile (526km) route that starts at Deer Lake and stretches northwards up the west coast of the island into Gros Morne National Park. One of Canada’s most spectacularly rugged national parks, Gros Morne is renowned for its fjords, fossil-rich hills and unique geological formations like the Tablelands, which are favoured by hikers looking to explore the forces of continental drift.
If Gros Morne isn’t enough, the Viking Trail continues northwards to L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, located at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. The archaeological site is the only confirmed Norse encampment in all of North America, and its artefacts are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Today the site features a recreated base camp and costumed interpreters.
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Heading south from St John’s, Newfoundland's capital, drivers can take a circular loop around the bottom part of the Avalon Peninsula. The 194-mile (312km) Irish Loop leads drivers through prime seabird and whale watching territory, where tours take off from the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in search of humpback and minke whales. There are also ample hiking trails in the area, for those who would prefer to stop and explore the craggy shoreline by foot.
As they travel towards the bottom of the peninsula, visitors will find Ferryland, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, where archaeologists have found remnants of homes built in the 17th century. Fans of more recent history will also want to stop at the Cape Race Lighthouse, which received the distress call from the doomed Titanic in 1912.