Top road trip routes in the U.S. & Canada for epic exploring
Considering an (air-conditioned) road trip this summer? Explore some amazing routes through the United States and Canada.
Summer is about getting outside, spending time with loved ones, and exploring somewhere new. At Driven Brands, our favorite way to embark on an adventure is by car.
Traveling by car offers a way to experience travel up close, allowing you to pit stop in small towns and discover natural areas that often get overlooked in favor of big cities and iconic monuments.
Spanning between two oceans and boasting almost every landscape imaginable, North America is home to some of the world’s most beautiful highways and road trip routes.
With team members and brands across the U.S. and Canada, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite routes for your road trip inspiration.
Before you hit the road, check out our top tips for long-distance driving and how to prepare your car for a safe and carefree road trip.
The Classic: Route 66
Nothing is more American than a road trip on Route 66.
The complete route runs approximately 2,400 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles; if time is on your side, it’s quite the experience to travel across the country along an important part of its history, but you can also break it up into smaller sprints. Route 66 is known for its quirky attractions and a spattering of small towns seemingly frozen in time. Research what piques your interest to find out what part of the route you want to explore.
If you’re adventurous enough to take on the whole route, we highly recommend visiting an auto repair shop such as your local Meineke to ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition to hit the road.
The Scenic: Great River Road
Travel along the great Mississippi River, known as the artery of America. The Great River Road is a mix of state and local roads totaling 3,000 miles along this major river with a storied past that served as the inspirational setting for artists and writers, most notably Mark Twain. And if you set out on this breathtaking journey, you’ll quickly learn why. There are many ways to tackle the Great River Road, but for the full stretch, you’ll start in St. Paul, Minnesota, and wind your way south for a grand finale in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Family-Friendly: Blue Ridge Parkway
Road trips should be fun for the whole family.
Running 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains between Front Royal, Virginia, and Cherokee, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of our top road trip choices for families thanks to the outdoor and kid-friendly activities you can do along the way. Check out one of the gem mines en route, white-water raft down the Watauga River, hike one of the many trails in Shenandoah National Park or go for a dip at Sliding Rock, one of North Carolina’s most popular swimming holes.
The Coast-to-Coast: Trans-Canada Highway
There is truly no better way to experience Canada.
The Trans-Canada Highway, also known as Highway 1, runs from British Columbia in the West to Newfoundland in the East and takes about 20 days to tackle. Some of the mind-blowing scenery you’ll catch on the Trans-Canada Highway includes impossibly blue lakes, towering mountains, and the country’s most visit-worthy cities.
The Breathtaking: Pacific Rim Highway
Prepare for your jaw to be dropped the whole time as you take a spin along the 78-mile Pacific Rim Highway.
Picking up on Canada’s West Coast in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, you’ll wind past crashing waves and through ancient rainforests en route to your final destination in Tofino — a small ocean-side town celebrated for its surf, hot springs, and an endless list of outdoor activities. Pit stops at country markets, breweries, and wild beaches allow you to make the most of the journey.
The Weekender: Montreal to Quebec City
East Coasters, there’s a weekend-friendly road trip for you, too!
A visit to the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec feels like a mini-getaway to Europe without the transatlantic flight. Montreal and Quebec City are the province’s biggest cities, with 158 miles of gorgeous scenery along the Saint Lawrence River sitting between them. Highlights include Trois-Rivieres — brimming with history as the second oldest settlement in Quebec — the hiking trails of Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, and the wildlife of Batiscan River Park.