Canada is made for road trips. With its sprawling landscapes, diverse provinces, and ever-changing terrai. And there’s something magical about hitting the road and chasing horizons. But while Banff, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls often steal the spotlight, there’s a quieter, wilder side waiting to be explored. If you’re craving offbeat places in Canada that go beyond the ordinary, this is your guide.
These hidden gems in Canada offer scenic drives, quirky stops, and breathtaking detours that make your road trip truly unforgettable.
1. Tofino, British Columbia
Tucked away on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Tofino is a tiny town with massive character. It’s a surfer’s paradise, a storm-watcher’s dream, and one of the best road trip destinations in Canada for those who love the ocean and solitude. The Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) that leads here is a winding, soul-stirring drive through mountain passes and dense rainforest.
🧡 Don’t miss: Chesterman Beach at sunset, where crashing waves and misty skies feel like the edge of the world.
2. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Forget the Rockies, Canada’s prairies hold their own kind of magic. Grasslands National Park is a remote and otherworldly stretch of wind-swept plains, ancient buttes, and bison herds. It’s one of the most off the beaten path Canada destinations, perfect for camping under some of the darkest skies in North America.
🧡 Don’t miss: Driving the Ecotour Scenic Drive loop for wildlife spotting and surreal wide-open views.
3. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Accessible by ferry or small plane, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) is an archipelago steeped in Indigenous Haida culture, mossy rainforests, and rugged beaches. It’s deeply spiritual and wildly scenic. It’s one of the most non-touristy places in Canada that feels a world away from everything.
🧡 Don’t miss: Visiting SG̱ang Gwaay (a UNESCO site) to see ancient totem poles standing quietly in the forest by the sea.
4. Manitoulin Island, Ontario
The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin is a peaceful escape on Lake Huron that most road trippers overlook. With turquoise bays, Indigenous communities, and laid-back charm, it’s one of the most underrated places in Canada. The drive along Highway 6 from the mainland to the island is dotted with small lakes and rolling hills.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Cup and Saucer Trail, a moderate hike with jaw-dropping views over cliffs and forest.
5. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
While Banff and Jasper get most of Alberta’s tourism, Waterton is the shy sibling with serious beauty and barely any crowds. Located near the U.S. border, it combines Rocky Mountain drama with prairie charm and alpine lakes. The scenic drive in is half the magic.
🧡 Don’t miss: Red Rock Parkway, especially at sunrise, a winding road flanked by red cliffs and wildlife.
6. Saint Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
This coastal town in New Brunswick is bursting with charm, history, and salty sea air. While not unknown, it’s still wonderfully under-touristed. Think colorful cottages, whale-watching tours, and seafood so fresh it might still be swimming. It’s a perfect road trip stop in Canada if you’re heading along the Fundy Coast.
🧡 Don’t miss: Driving the ocean-side Minister’s Island road which only appears during low tide!
7. Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
Often overlooked for Fundy National Park, Kouchibouguac (pronounced Koo-she-boo-gwack) offers a mix of white-sand dunes, tidal lagoons, Acadian forest, and coastal trails. It’s a dream for cyclists, kayakers, and those looking for offbeat places in Canada that blend nature and calm.
🧡 Don’t miss: The boardwalk trail to Kellys Beach will be long, wild, and perfectly peaceful.
8. Magdalen Islands, Quebec
In the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies an archipelago of red cliffs, green fields, and Acadian culture. The Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine) are only accessible by ferry or flight, but they’re a hidden gem in Canada like no other. Road-tripping across the islands reveals seaside villages, wind-swept dunes, and jaw-dropping vistas.
🧡 Don’t miss: Driving Route 199, the main road connecting the islands, with ocean views on both sides.
9. Twillingate, Newfoundland
For a truly unforgettable journey, head to Twillingate on Newfoundland’s northern coast. Known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” it offers an old-school road trip vibe — think winding roads, quirky fishing villages, and sea cliffs that drop into endless blue. It’s raw, real, and ruggedly beautiful.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Long Point Lighthouse Trail, where you might spot whales and icebergs in one breathtaking moment.
10. Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia
If you like your road trips with a side of thunderous waterfalls, Wells Gray is calling. Located in interior BC and often skipped in favor of Jasper or Whistler, this park has over 40 waterfalls, epic canoe routes, and empty campsites. It’s one of the best scenic road trips in Canada for pure, untamed wilderness.
🧡 Don’t miss: Helmcken Falls, taller than Niagara and way less crowded.
Tips for an Offbeat Canadian Road Trip
1. Pack for all weather. Even in summer, offbeat Canada can throw surprises, especially in coastal or mountain regions.
2. Go off-grid ready. Many hidden spots have limited signals or services so download maps, bring snacks, and fill up your tank early.
3. Embrace slowness. These are places made for pulling over, detouring, and discovering, so leave room in your schedule for spontaneity.
4. Respect nature and locals. Many of these destinations are home to wildlife, Indigenous communities, and fragile ecosystems so be kind, curious, and responsible.
5. Travel shoulder season. Late spring or early fall offers better weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant scenery (hello, autumn leaves!).
Final Thoughts
Canada’s backroads hold the real magic. From prairie skies and island trails to Indigenous culture and iceberg-studded seas, these offbeat places in Canada reveal stories and landscapes that no tour bus can show you. So fuel up, roll down the windows, and let curiosity guide your way.
This is the kind of road trip you’ll never forget.
