If exploring mountains, glaciers, tiny towns, and unforgettable views in one trip excites you, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
This route takes you from city streets to wild places where you might see a moose, eat the fluffiest pancake on earth, or paddle a lake so clear it looks unreal.
You’ll cross borders, drive through epic parks, and discover cool stops you’ve probably never heard of but trust me, you’re gonna want to.
So get ready and let the road lead you to places you’ll talk about for years.
1. Seattle, Washington
We’re starting our road trip in Seattle, a lively city located on Puget Sound, with Mount Rainier showing off in the distance.
It’s known for the iconic Space Needle, the OG Starbucks, and Pike Place Market, where vendors toss giant salmon through the air like it’s a sport.
You’ll also find super cool stuff like underground city tours, the futuristic Amazon Spheres, and the Museum of Pop Culture that looks like a melted guitar.
2. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Just a couple of hours northeast of Seattle, North Cascades National Park is where nature goes all out.
This place has over 300 glaciers (yes, more than anywhere else in the lower 48!), craggy peaks, and bright turquoise lakes like Diablo Lake.
If you’re up for an adventure, hike the 7.2-mile Maple Pass Loop for epic views and the chance to see mountain goats casually hanging out on the cliffs.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
Cross into Canada and suddenly you’re in Vancouver, a city that’s as stylish as it is scenic.
It’s packed with fun neighborhoods like Gastown, known for its iconic steam-powered clock, and Granville Island, home to artsy markets.
There’s also Stanley Park’s 5.5-mile seawall that’s ideal for biking or walking by the water.
You get the best of all worlds here: city buzz, beach breeze, mountain views, and poutine!
4. Whistler, British Columbia
Keep cruising north, and you’ll hit Whistler, a mountain town that feels like a real-life snow globe.
It’s where you’ll find Whistler Blackcomb, one of the biggest ski resorts in North America, open for skiing and snowboarding from November through May.
And when the snow melts, summer brings ziplining, alpine hikes, and Peak 2 Peak gondola rides.
The village itself is super walkable, full of cute cafes, bike shops, and places to grab a maple donut after a day of playing outside.
5. Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Next up is Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies at a jaw-dropping 12,972 feet.
The star trail here is the 26-mile round-trip to Berg Lake, where you’ll hike past waterfalls like Emperor Falls and stare up at glaciers clinging to cliffs.
Even behind the wheel, you’ll be treated to gorgeous scenery with sharp peaks, wild rivers, and fewer crowds than the big national parks.
6. Smithers, British Columbia
After all that hiking, Smithers is a fun surprise with its laid-back atmosphere, rugged backdrop, and a love for all things outdoors.
It’s got a fun alpine-style main street (yep, with Bavarian-style buildings), plus incredible spots to hike, fish, or just hang out by the Bulkley River.
If you’re into music or the local scene, plan your trip around July for the Midsummer Music Festival—it’s small, lively, and full of heart.
7. Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park, British Columbia
Close to the Yukon border, Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (aka Boya Lake) is like a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered.
The lake here is amazingly turquoise and so clear, you can see straight to the bottom as you paddle across.
You’ll also find campsites, peaceful forests, and tiny islands for kayaking, with nights so quiet and dark you can hear loons calling and see a sky full of stars.
8. Haines Junction, Yukon Territory
Pull into Haines Junction and boom—you’re at the doorstep of Kluane National Park, where Canada’s highest mountain and dramatic scenery await.
Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glacier-fed rivers, this little town offers big views in every direction.
It also offers the 9-mile Auriol Trail, which loops through meadows and forests full of wildlife.
You can stop by the Da Kų Cultural Centre to learn about the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, then grab a cinnamon bun from Village Bakery.
9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Cross into Alaska and get ready to explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the biggest national park in the U.S.
It has active volcanoes, giant glaciers, and ghost towns like Kennecott, where you can tour a 100-year-old copper mill that’s clinging to the mountainside.
The drive in brings bumpy roads and nonstop views, but once you arrive, it’s all about hiking, glacier trekking, and wild Alaska views.
10. Anchorage, Alaska
After exploring the wild, Anchorage feels like landing back in civilization, except with moose in the streets and mountains still in the background.
You can bike or walk the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, watch floatplanes take off from Lake Hood, or swing by the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Indigenous cultures.
Grab reindeer sausage from a street cart, check out the local art scene, and don’t be surprised if you spot a bald eagle chilling on a light pole.
11. Talkeetna, Alaska
Then there’s Talkeetna, a small but lively town where Denali often makes a beautiful appearance when the skies are clear.
This place feels like a fun basecamp as well as a historic railroad stop, offering flightseeing tours, riverboat rides, and even a moose-dropping festival (yes, really).
The main street has cool local shops, a bakery that smells like heaven, and the beloved Talkeetna Roadhouse serving face-sized pancakes.
12. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
The road from Talkeetna leads straight to Denali National Park and Preserve, the perfect final stop where wild landscapes steal the show.
At 20,310 feet, Denali is the tallest peak in North America and overlooks a landscape full of grizzlies, caribou, and breathtaking views.
Roam trails like the Savage River Loop, visit the sled dog kennels, soak up the fresh air, and keep your camera ready as this place doesn’t do boring.
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