When it comes to epic road trips, Canadians are ready for adventures! While epic road trips exist all over the world, Canada has lots to offer.

The unique beauty of each province from coast-to-coast make road trips ideal family getaways and are a favourite pastime for many Canadians. Here are some ideas and resources to get the most out of your next summer road trip in Canada.

Canada’s Favourite Scenic Road Trip Routes

 

Canada is full of scenic road trip routes. You simply must experience some of these routes for yourself!

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia: 120 km

Winding roads and coastal beauty make this scenic drive a Canadian favourite. Starting at Baddeck, your drive will consist of stunning views.  You’ll want to make time for several stops, including Ingonish Beach, Highlands Links Golf Course, and Pleasant Bay.

What are some notable attractions or stops along this route that can be conquered in a day? Be sure to take in Pleasant Bay’s whales, as this is the whale-watching capital of Nova Scotia. You can also stop by Cape Breton Highlands National Park to enjoy beautiful walking trails, an extraordinary coastline, and amazing forests.

Icefields Parkway, Alberta: 227 km

One of the most beautiful routes on the planet is the Icefields Parkway, which starts at Banff National Park and ends in Jasper National Park, connecting Lake Louise and Jasper. This winding, double-lane highway takes you along the Continental Divide through ice fields, rocky mountain peaks, and immense sweeping valleys.

 There are plenty of stops you can make along the journey. One of the most popular is the Weeping Wall, found about 106 km into the drive. Located at Cirrus Mountain, it’s named for the series of waterfalls that make their way down the mountainside, mimicking tears. The Glacier Skywalk, around 135 km into the journey, is a unique experience you won’t want to miss. This glass-floored observation platform will give you unbelievable views of the Sunwapta Valley below.

Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia: 163 km

The multi-hour  Sea to Sky Highway Route starts in Vancouver and takes you all the way to Whistler, with lots of potential stops along the way.
What are some notable attractions or stops along this route?  Porteau Cove Provincial Park, about 3.1 km into your journey, is a great place to scuba dive north of Horseshoe Bay. Artificial reefs and shipwrecks abound, as do hundreds of species of marine life. If you don’t want to jump in and scuba dive, you can still explore the rocky beach.

Road Trip Tips for Foodies

Another way to plan a road trip is to base it on amazing culinary stops or experiences! If you you’re a foodie, you’ll want to check out all the routes you can take that fall into the best foodie road trip Canada. Two must-have experiences if you’re craving a foodie-inspired journey:

  • Tour of Okanagan Valley: The Okanagan Wine Country Tour delivers the best wine tour experience in the Valley. This magical drive highlights the sparkling blue waters of Lake Okanagan with over 200 wineries, each offering a unique experience.
  • Seafood Trail: Nova Scotia is home to two notable seafood-centric culinary trails. The Lobster Trail highlights several methods  chefs use to prepare lobster dishes, and the Chowder Trail features this favourite maritime dish.

Family-Friendly Road Trip Ideas

It’s important to have entertainment ideas planned when road trips include kids! Be prepared with fun road games, and let your kids suggest some stops along the way to keep them engaged and looking forward to the next stop.  fun destinations. They’ll feel invested in the experience, and have more patience along the journey!

Road Trip Safety Tips

No matter what Canadian summer road trip you choose, staying safe is of the utmost importance. After all, these road trips are long. At times, you’ll be driving isolated expanses, so being prepared is a must. To get started, create an emergency kit with everything you might need if your vehicle breaks down or you find yourself facing bad weather.

Another way to protect yourself is by purchasing travel insurance before you head out on your next adventure. Consider GMS Travel Insurance for all your road trip needs and enjoy discovering what Canada offers!