Mountain views dominate the skyline of Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon. (File photo)
You cannot truly appreciate the beauty and size of Canada until you travel around the country. The Great White North has the longest coastline globally (at 243,042 km) — so it offers opportunities for endless drives and outdoor adventures.
The best places around Canada are not always popular. You could drive past many unknown places packed with experiences of a lifetime in just a few days.
The best part is that you don’t always have to pay. There are rich coastal road trips or inland travel that can make your Canadian experience wholesome, since the travel season is at its peak in July and August.
You also get to enjoy free or discounted visits at some national parks and attractions under the Canada Strong Pass from June 20 to Sept. 2, 2025. So, get ready to take advantage of the offer when you enjoy these road trips.
#1: Klondike Kluane Loop, Yukon
The trip begins at Whitehorse, located beside the Yukon River and set against a backdrop of deep mountains and forest. This trip takes you through the Millennium Trail and the Hidden Lakes, where you can explore exotic local cuisines.
There’s always room at any of the downtown locations if you like a big pint. But that’s not all. You can drive from Whitehorse to Dawson City for 6 hours, where the mountains and valleys offer a scenic view that will leave you in awe of nature.
Don’t forget an evening meal at Braeburn Lodge; enjoy tasty cinnamon buns and take some for the road as you travel the 434 km to Beaver Creek through the Top of the World Highway.
#2: Dempster Highway, Northwest Territories
You can also enjoy a unique road trip that takes you through the Canadian Arctic from Dawson City to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. This 740 km of gravel road offers you the experience of a lifetime as you travel through the Ogilvie and Richardson mountains.
Some of the best things to do on this trip include:
- stop at the Arctic Circle Cross for great landscape photos
- view the Mackenzie River Crossing
- drive through boreal forests where wildlife can often be seen grazing and lazing around
#3: 1000 Islands, Ontario
Ontario is not just famous for its casinos but also the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway and unique attractions like Boldt Castle. This historic city has become a destination for locals and visitors who want to try world-class casinos with top game selections, whether in person at venues like Shorelines or online through platforms such as LeoVegas Ontario alongside side attractions like boat tours, city festivals, and day activities such as kayaking and even scuba diving for the adventurous.
#4: Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), British Columbia
Snowcapped peaks. Crashing waterfalls. Towering temperate rainforests. This scenic road trip checks it all.
Start your journey from Vancouver and drive 120 km to Whistler, the historic Olympic town, where you can ski, enjoy breathtaking views of snow and lights, and delicious cuisines passed down from generations. This route brings you through Shannon Falls, close to the Pacific Ocean, and the Tantalus Range lookout. Enjoy outdoor games in Squamish, where kiteboarders and rock climbers are willing to show you the ropes.
#5: Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Few routes beat the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, where you can explore Celtic culture, a festival of colors, and scenic views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Your trip begins in Baddeck, and then you travel around the trail either clockwise or counterclockwise, looping around the city.
In Baddeck, you can explore the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, eat late lobster dinners, and sail on Bras d’Or Lake. The route takes you through the Lakie’s Head pink rock formations, the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, and the Gypsum Mine Trail near Cheticamp.
Timeless Roads, Unforgettable Moments
Coastal road trips bring the freedom of the seas and oceans, which merge with the most beautiful views of nature. Canada’s coastlines offer access to charming seaside towns, local attractions, and historic sites. Whether you enjoy quaint fishing, fresh seafood, fine dining, surfing, sunbathing, boating, swimming, and long drives, there are dozens of activities for you.
You can keep coming back each year for the next decade and find something new in autumn and summer to relax, rejuvenate, and make memories that last forever.
