10 Scenic Road Trips between US and Canada
Looking for a road trip that offers epic views, cultural charm? The U.S.–Canada border is home to some of the most scenic and diverse drives in North America — from glacier-carved valleys and rugged coastlines to charming towns and historic parks. These cross-border routes offer more than just pretty views — they promise adventure at every turn.
Whether you’re cruising along Lake Superior, climbing the Rockies, or weaving through Maritime coastlines, you’ll uncover hidden gems, wildlife, and picture-perfect stops. These 10 unforgettable road trips blend natural beauty and cultural flavor — ideal for travelers chasing freedom, foliage, or fresh discoveries.
1. The Niagara Parkway Adventure (Buffalo – Toronto)
Embark on a journey where nature roars and vineyards whisper—starting from Buffalo, NY, cross into Canada and cruise along the breathtaking Niagara Parkway. Marvel at the thunderous beauty of Niagara Falls, then drift through the storybook town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, sipping wine and soaking up lakeside charm. This route isn’t just a drive—it’s a postcard-perfect adventure that ends in the heart of Toronto’s buzzing cityscape. From waterfalls to wine country to world-class culture, this scenic escape offers a little magic at every mile.
- Distance: ~100 miles / 160 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 2–3 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Niagara Falls – 30 km from Buffalo (30–40 min drive), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – 55 km from Buffalo via Niagara Parkway (1 hr drive), Old Fort Erie – 20 km from Buffalo (20 min drive)
2. Icefields Parkway: US to Banff Adventure
Crossing the border from Montana’s wild backcountry into the towering Canadian Rockies is nothing short of cinematic. The drive from the U.S. to Banff transforms from open prairie to snow-dusted peaks, ultimately joining the legendary Icefields Parkway—a high-alpine corridor of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife-strewn wilderness. Winding between Lake Louise and Jasper, this route is more than just a road—it’s a front-row seat to some of North America’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Distance: ~300–350 km (185–220 miles)
- Drive Time: Approx. 4.5 to 6 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Lake Louise – 60 km from Banff, Bow Lake & Glacier Falls – 93 km from Banff, Peyto Lake – 100 km from Banff
3. Sea to Sky Highway: Washington to Whistler Scenic Road Trip
Start in the lush forests of Washington State and cross the border into British Columbia for one of North America’s most cinematic road trips—the Sea to Sky Highway. This dramatic coastal route takes you from oceanfront Vancouver to the alpine peaks of Whistler, weaving through fjords, waterfalls, and cliffside views. It’s a short drive packed with big scenery—where every curve of the road offers Instagram-worthy landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems.
- Distance: ~225 km / 140 miles
- Drive Time: Approx. 4.5 to 5 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Shannon Falls Provincial Park – 60 km (40 miles), Sea to Sky Gondola –
65 km (42 miles), Garibaldi Lake Trail – 90 km (56 miles)
4. Maine to Quebec City via Autoroute 73
Leave behind Maine’s forested backroads and cross into Canada’s French heartland via Autoroute 73, a smooth, scenic highway that delivers you straight into the cobblestone streets of Quebec City. This drive transitions from serene rivers and rolling hills to the timeless charm of Old Quebec, where cathedrals, creperies, and château views await. It’s a seamless blend of rustic calm and European elegance—perfect for travelers craving culture without the flight.
- Distance: ~270 km / 170 miles
- Drive Time: Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), Montmorency Falls – 15 km, Île d’Orléans – 20 km
5. US (New England) to Fundy National Park Scenic Drive
Travel from New England’s charming countryside into the raw coastal beauty of Fundy National Park, where the world’s highest tides meet dense forest trails and rugged cliffside views. This cross-border drive is perfect for nature lovers and road trip explorers, offering a seamless journey from small-town America to Canada’s tidal heartland. From whale watching to waterfall hikes, it’s a wild blend of serenity and spectacle.
- Distance: ~475–550 km / 295–340 miles
- Drive Time: Approx. 5.5 to 7 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Hopewell Rocks – 75 km, Cape Enrage – 60 km, Fundy Trail Parkway – 110 km
6. US to Yukon: The Alaska Highway Journey
Venture deep into the wilds of North America on the Alaska Highway, a legendary route that stretches from the Last Frontier to the heart of Canada’s Yukon Territory. This epic journey to Haines Junction delivers vast mountain ranges, glacial rivers, roaming wildlife, and frontier towns that feel frozen in time. Ideal for RVers, photographers, and thrill-seekers, it’s one of the most ruggedly beautiful cross-border drives in the world.
- Distance: ~950 km / 590 miles
- Drive Time: Approx. 11 to 13 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Kluane National Park & Reserve – 5–10 km, Kathleen Lake – 30 km, Alaska–Canada Border (Alcan) – 250 km from Haines Junction
7. Sault Ste. Marie Drive: From Michigan to Ontario
Take a scenic leap across borders as you journey from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan into Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario via the International Bridge. This short yet symbolic drive transports you from small-town America to Canada’s historic Great Lakes hub. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, boarding the Agawa Canyon train, or exploring old canal locks, this trip is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and nostalgia—just minutes from the U.S. border.
- Distance: ~3 km (1.8 miles) from Michigan to Ontario (across the International Bridge)
- Drive Time: ~5–10 minutes across the bridge
- Nearby Attractions: Agawa Canyon Tour Train – 1 km, Sault Ste. Marie Canal NHS – 1.5 km, Bushplane Heritage Centre – 2 km
8. U.S. to Manitoba: Scenic Yellowhead Drive
Set off on a peaceful prairie drive from North Dakota to Winnipeg via the Yellowhead Highway, where golden fields stretch to the horizon and big skies promise a relaxing, scenic escape. As you cross into Manitoba, the route transforms into a gateway to urban culture, Indigenous history, and lakeside charm. Perfect for travelers looking for a less-crowded border crossing and a serene transition from U.S. heartland to Canadian heritage.
- Distance: Approx. 400–450 km (250–280 miles)
- Drive Time: ~4.5 to 5.5 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site – 35 km north, The Forks – In downtown Winnipeg, Assiniboine Park & Zoo – 10 km west
9. From Montana to Alberta’s Waterton Wilderness
Embark on a jaw-dropping journey from the lively college town of Missoula, Montana, through Glacier National Park, and into the serene alpine beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. This cross-border road trip is a visual feast of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and turquoise lakes—linking two national parks into one unforgettable international escape. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife lover, or photographer, this drive offers back-to-back natural wonders on both sides of the border.
- Distance: Approx. 420 km (260 miles)
- Drive Time: ~5.5 to 6 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Glacier National Park (U.S.) – 80 km south, Red Rock Canyon – 15 km, Cameron Falls – In Waterton townsite
10. North Shore to Canada: Duluth to Thunder Bay
Follow the edge of Lake Superior on a stunning drive from Duluth, Minnesota to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where rugged cliffs, endless water views, and pine-covered hills paint the perfect canvas. This cross-border journey blends wild beauty with rich history—featuring lighthouses, waterfalls, and panoramic pull-offs. Ideal for road trippers, photographers, and outdoor lovers, it’s a lesser-known border crossing packed with postcard-worthy stops.
- Distance: Approx. 315 km (195 miles)
- Drive Time: ~3.5 to 4 hours
- Nearby Attractions: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park – 30 km west, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – 40 km east, Terry Fox Monument – 15 km
