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Best scenic drive destinations in North America

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Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
9.0
The Bow Valley Parkway runs about 30 miles between Banff and Lake Louise. It is a slower road than the Trans-Canada Highway. Elk, deer and sometimes bears feed beside the pavement. Some sections have seasonal restrictions. The Icefields Parkway begins at Lake Louise and leads on to Jasper.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs with mountain views
  • 🥾 Hike Johnston Canyon and explore breathtaking waterfalls
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic Sulphur Mountain views
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
8.8
Maligne Lake is about 14 miles long, longer than Manhattan Island. It lies 27 miles south of Jasper town. Boat tours run to Spirit Island from spring through autumn. The Icefields Parkway ends in Jasper after 141 miles from Lake Louise. Athabasca Glacier is visible right beside the highway.
Highlights:
  • 🧊 Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour
  • 🐻 Spot elk, moose, and bears along Icefields Parkway
  • 🛶 Cruise Maligne Lake and marvel at Spirit Island
Denali National Park
Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife
8.8
Anyone can drive the first 15 miles of the 92-mile Denali Park Road. Beyond the Savage River checkpoint access is restricted and most travellers ride buses. A landslide has blocked the road at Mile 43 since 2022 and a bypass bridge was due in 2026. Check current status before planning.
Highlights:
  • 🛩️ Take a flightseeing tour above Denali’s snowy peak
  • 🥾 Hike the Savage River Trail for rugged alpine views
  • 🐻 Spot grizzly bears and moose in their wild habitat
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
8.9
Builders worked on Going-to-the-Sun Road from 1921 to 1932 and it was dedicated in 1933. The road runs about 50 miles and tops out at 6,646 feet on Logan Pass. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet cannot use its highest sections. Snow can delay opening into July.
Highlights:
  • 🌲 Explore Avalanche Lake’s serene hiking trails
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road for views
  • 🥾 Hike to Grinnell Glacier and stunning turquoise lakes
Boulder
Mountain high living amid vibrant outdoor culture
8.7
Thin mountain air and the sight of Longs Peak at 14,259 feet fill the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Built in 1918, it was Colorado's first scenic highway and runs 55 miles through Boulder County and beyond. Aspens turn gold in September. Several peaks along the way top 13,000 feet.
Highlights:
  • 🍺 Sample craft beer at Avery Brewing Company's rooftop terrace
  • 🛍️ Explore Pearl Street Mall's eclectic shops and street performers
  • 🌄 Hike Flatirons at sunset, capture dramatic shadows
Blue Ridge Parkway
Majestic mountain vistas and serene waterfalls
Construction began in September 1935 and the parkway was established in June 1936. It took until 1987 to finish the 7.7 miles around Grandfather Mountain with the Linn Cove Viaduct. The finished road runs 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. The speed limit never exceeds 45 miles per hour.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Explore the Appalachian Trail segment in Pisgah National Forest
  • 🥾 Hike a Blue Ridge trail, catch sunrise vistas
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic stretch, stopping at overlooks
Carmel-by-the-Sea
European-style charm meets coastal beauty
7.8
Without stops the 17-Mile Drive takes at least 20 minutes from the Carmel gate. Nonresidents pay a toll to drive through the Pebble Beach community. Cypress Point and the Lone Cypress, a salt-pruned tree and the symbol of Pebble Beach, are highlights. Highway 1 south to Big Sur can close after storms.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Carmel Mission Basilica and gardens
  • 🌅 Relax and watch sunsets at picturesque Carmel Beach
  • 🛍️ Stroll along the charming Ocean Avenue shopping district
Squamish
Mountain‑coast escape with breathtaking vistas
8.8
Shannon Falls drops 1,099 feet beside the Sea to Sky Highway near Squamish. It is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. The highway follows Howe Sound for 83 miles from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton and passes under the Stawamus Chief. A $600 million upgrade before the 2010 Olympics widened it.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♂️ Kayak along the crystal-clear Shannon River
  • 🎨 Explore Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's art exhibits
  • 🏞️ Hike rugged trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Cape Breton Island
Coastal charm meets rugged Atlantic scenery
9.4
The Cabot Trail circles the northern tip of the island in a loop of 185 miles. Construction of the first route finished in 1932. It runs along and through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Chéticamp is an Acadian fishing village on the way. The Skyline Trail has ocean views.
Highlights:
  • ⚔️ Explore historic Citadel Fortress in Halifax
  • 🦞 Savor fresh lobster at a seaside shack
  • 🏔️ Climb the Cabot Trail for sunrise views
Route 66
Dusty highways echo with vintage Americana
Neon signs glow along Santa Fe Avenue where the Santa Fe Railway depot still stands. Route 66 was established in 1926 and covered 385 miles in Arizona. Winslow has its Standin' on the Corner park. Meteor Crater lies east of Flagstaff and just off the old highway.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Tour Roosevelt Dam and enjoy panoramic reservoir views
  • 🌌 Stargaze at Lowell Observatory, discover celestial wonders
  • 🚗 Drive the iconic Route 66 segment through Flagstaff
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