If you’re dreaming of mountains, lakes, wild adventures, and jaw-dropping views around every corner, this road trip is calling your name.
This drive starts in Seattle then winds through quiet forests, and ends in one of the most famous national parks in the world.
There are ghost towns, hidden beaches, twisty highways, and way too many photo stops (seriously, your camera roll will be packed).
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping wine by the lake, or hiking to views that look fake, this trip has something wild and wonderful around every bend.
1. Seattle
Seattle sits in the Pacific Northwest corner of the U.S., surrounded by water, mountains, and a whole lot of coffee shops (well, it’s where Starbucks was born).
It’s famous for the futuristic Space Needle, Pike Place Market with flying fish (yes, really), and gloomy weather that somehow makes everything feel cozy.
You’ll find tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft here, but also loads of incredible spots like Gas Works Park, cool museums, ferry rides, and indie bookstores.
2. North Cascades National Park
About two hours northeast of Seattle, North Cascades National Park is a place packed with jagged peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and way more goats than people.
This place is called the “American Alps” for a reason, with over 300 glaciers, twisty mountain roads like Highway 20, and epic hikes like the Maple Pass Loop.
It’s wild, remote, and seriously underrated so if you’re into quiet trails, alpine views, and total nature overload, this park is a dream stop on your road trip.
3. Osoyoos
Crossing into Canada, your next stop is Osoyoos, a sunny little town in British Columbia that’s basically the desert of Canada (yep, that’s a thing).
It’s home to the warmest lake in the country, sandy beaches, and rows of vineyards, so don’t be surprised if you end up sipping local wine with your toes in the water.
You can also learn about Indigenous culture at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
Then, take a scenic drive through golden hills that feel more like California than Canada.
4. Kelowna
Next up is Kelowna, a lakefront city that feels like summer vacation all year long, set in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
It’s packed with farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and over 40 wineries scattered across rolling hills that look like they were made for postcards.
When you’re not wine tasting, you can paddleboard on Okanagan Lake, hit mountain biking trails, or wander downtown for cute shops and street art.
5. Kalamalka Lake
Just a short drive north of Kelowna, Kalamalka Lake is where the water literally shifts from deep blue to bright turquoise depending on the season and sunlight.
Locals call it “Kal Lake,” and it’s perfect for a swim, paddleboard session, or a lazy beach day at spots like Kal Beach or Jade Bay.
There’s even a scenic trail called the Okanagan Rail Trail that runs right along the lake, so you can bike or walk with those unreal views the whole way.
6. Three Valley Gap Ghost Town
As you cruise closer to the Rockies, make a pit stop at Three Valley Gap Ghost Town which is a wild west-style village right off the Trans-Canada Highway.
It’s got over 25 historic buildings, like an old-timey saloon, a creepy jail, and even a haunted house that’ll give you goosebumps in broad daylight.
It’s not a real ghost town, but it feels like one, thanks to the antique cars, vintage trains, and the “stepping into the past” atmosphere that makes it a great roadside stop.
7. Mount Revelstoke National Park
Next up, Mount Revelstoke National Park is worth stopping for as it’s filled with wildflower meadows, giant cedar forests, and scenic mountain views.
The best part? You can actually drive to the top of a mountain on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway.
Once you’re up there, hit the trails for alpine hikes, lookouts, and photo ops that’ll make your friends think you climbed Everest (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
8. Glacier National Park
Just down the road from Mount Revelstoke, Glacier National Park (the Canadian one, not the Montana one!) is where things get seriously dramatic.
Get ready for rugged peaks, icy glaciers, and avalanche tunnels carved right into the highway.
Expect bold landscapes and big adventures here, from ancient forests and roaring waterfalls to breathtaking hikes like the Asulkan Valley Trail.
It’s also a hotspot for mountain goats and marmots, so keep your eyes peeled while you’re out exploring.
9. Yoho National Park Of Canada
Next up is Yoho National Park and trust me, you’ll be shouting “yoho” (Cree for “awe”) the moment you see it.
This place is packed with natural showstoppers, like the jaw-dropping Emerald Lake and the thunderous Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada.
You can also hike to fossil beds that are over 500 million years old or hop in a canoe and feel like you’ve paddled into a screensaver.
10. Banff National Park
And finally, you’ve arrived at the crown jewel of the Rockies—Banff National Park, where the scenery is seriously insane and every lake outshines the last.
This park is home to big-name beauties like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, plus hot springs, mountain hikes, and wildlife that casually strolls across the road.
Whether you’re road-tripping the Icefields Parkway, grabbing a coffee in the town of Banff, or catching views from the Banff Gondola, this is the perfect grand finale.
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