WORDS TIM McGLONE
It’s hard to imagine a better place for a road trip than Canada.
For a start, the sheer size of the country lends itself to road travel. In terms of size, Canada is larger than the entire European Union, and (islands included) boasts the longest coastline in the world. There’s a lot to see, and arguably, the best way to see all of this is by road. Grab some friends, a good book and earmark a few podcasts because here are three of the best road trips you can take in Canada.
West side of Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Dramatic, rugged coastline is everywhere along the Cabot Trail.
CABOT TRAIL
The Cabot Trail is a 300 kilometre loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. There’s a lot of coastline to explore in the Great White North, but this is some of the best. It’s a hiker’s heaven in summer, when the many trails on offer come to life with people and wildlife. One of the best is to be found on the western side of the loop at the Skyline Trail, in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This eight-kilometre round-trip takes in extraordinary, rugged coastal views, interrupted only by the odd moose and eagle. From here, heading north along the northeast tip of Cape Breton, the driving itself becomes the attraction. Meandering down winding roads, the best way to experience the trail is by popping into the quaint, colourful fishing villages that dot the breathtaking landscapes along the trail. In Ingonish, a small town perched on the eastern side of the island, there is a world-class golf course and the unique Black Brook Beach – where the forest meets the ocean.
The beginning of the Cabot Trail.
Pristine, untouched paradise is a common sight.
TRIP TUNES
Canada’s far-east has a culture steeped in maritime history. We’re recommending East Coast Essentials: an eclectic mix of folkie, sea-shanty tunes that go perfectly with Cape Breton’s rough and rugged coastline.
The mighty Rockies, through which the Icefields Parkway cuts straight through.
ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Could there be a more picturesque road trip? Not just in Canada, but anywhere in the world? We don’t think so. Heading straight through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper in the north to Lake Louise in the south, skirting the border separating British Columbia and Alberta all the while. Starting up north, the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park is a 300-metre high, see-through glass platform which will take your breath away, a theme that will continue over the duration of the time it takes you to complete this entire road trip. Driving south, a series of peaks, ancient glaciers, absurdly Instagrammable emerald lakes and varied wildlife are visible over the 230 kilometre stretch that takes you to Lake Louise. You’ve then got the option of heading to the equally dream-like Banff, another 60 kilometres on the Trans-Canada Highway where helicopter tours and the famous Banff Gondola await.
Rocky Mountains Icefields Parkway.
Go at your own pace on a Canadian road trip.
TRIP TUNES
Breaking out the big guns here: From Beiber to Bryan Adams, Drake to Celine Dion – Spotify’s own Destination Canada playlist has you covered.
If you're looking for an epic challenge, you need look no further than Yukon's Dempster Highway.
DEMPSTER HIGHWAY
Ever been stuck in traffic? Not a problem on the Dempster Highway, an epic 737-kilometre unpaved road trip into absolute wilderness. At the time of its construction in the 1960s, the Dempster was the most northerly major road in the world. It has since been the main artery and lifeblood connecting the north and south of Yukon, in Canada’s breathtaking northwest. You’ll start out in the gold mining stronghold of Dawson City, famous for the late 19th century gold rush that drew a stampede of around 100,000 prospectors. From here it’s northeast into some of the world’s most pristine and remote areas: Tombstone Territorial Park is a rugged patchwork of mountain ranges and open fields, and is a paradise for hikers in summer. Not long after Eagle Plains you’ll find yourself crossing into the Arctic Circle, and just down the road from there (another 95 kilometres) it’s another box that only the most intrepid travellers will have ticked: you’ll cross into the Northwest Territories. The highway finishes at Inuvik, a predominantly Indigenous town and a great place to learn about First Nations culture.
Dempster Highway follows the route miners took during the 19th century gold rush.
A sign for sore eyes: If you see this, you've completed an epic journey.
TRIP TUNES
Not a playlist as such, but the podcast series My Amazing Yukon Life has been a hit in Canada and worldwide. It shares unique stories only possible in the Yukon (there’s even an episode on the Dempster Highway).
SPEAK WITH AN ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL DESIGNER TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM ITINERARY NOW!
Handpicked Nova Scotia
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS | FROM $1205*
Discover the scenic highlights of Nova Scotia.
Spirit of the West
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS | FROM $1539*
One of the most popular driving itineraries in western Canada, this package ticks off all the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, including Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and the spectacular Icefields Parkway.
Footsteps of the Yukon Pioneers
14 DAYS | 13 NIGHTS | FROM $3395*
This circle route from Whitehorse explores the modern and ancient cultures of the Yukon and provides a perfect introduction for travellers who wish to discover the beauty of this rugged and historic region.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL DESIGNER TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM ITINERARY NOW!
Handpicked Nova Scotia
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS | FROM $1205*
Discover the scenic highlights of Nova Scotia.
Spirit of the West
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS | FROM $1539*
One of the most popular driving itineraries in western Canada, this package ticks off all the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, including Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and the spectacular Icefields Parkway.
Footsteps of the Yukon Pioneers
14 DAYS | 13 NIGHTS | FROM $3395*
This circle route from Whitehorse explores the modern and ancient cultures of the Yukon and provides a perfect introduction for travellers who wish to discover the beauty of this rugged and historic region.