It’s road trip season! Now that we’re living on Kauai, the opportunities for a road trip are somewhat limited. 😉 We can, however, recommend these as our top 5 favorites in the U.S. and Canada.
The Road to Hana – Maui, HI – “35MPH never felt so fast!”
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The tropical wow factor from this day trip can’t be beat! Hairpin turns, mountain-hugging one lane bridges, and the spectacular scenery Hawaii is famous for, unimpeded (mostly) by guardrails and road shoulders. Best enjoyed from a convertible. Limited stops and facilities once you’re out of Paia, so pick up a box lunch and fill up your cooler at Anthony’s Coffee Company. Eats and libations can be found in Hana at Hana Ranch Restaurant.
Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Banff, AB “The color of the water!”
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Friends warned us this route would easily make our Top 5 and they were right on the money. The contrast between laid-back Jasper and glamourous Banff bookends a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies past numerous stream beds, waterfalls, and the fabled Lake Louise. In Jasper, splurge on continental cuisine at Villa Caruso. In Banff, stay comfortably and inexpensively by comparison at Best Western Siding 29 Lodge.
The Last Frontier – Fairbanks to Turnagain Arm, AK “Look for the Big 5: moose, bear, caribou, Dahl sheep, wolf”
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Raw wilderness within minutes of Fairbanks, Anchorage, and all points in between. This trip can and should take you several days, as you will want to pay your respects to Denali, the granddaddy of all peaks, in the National Park by the same name. Spot the “Big 5” in wildlife from numerous vantage points, including your vehicle as you speed along a very well-maintained highway. Don’t miss Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage; look for pods of killer whales making their way up the inlet.
Appalachia – Johnstown PA to Asheville NC “Almost Heaven”
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A most marvelous, and perhaps somewhat overlooked, route with understated, yet lofty grandeur. Climbing and plummeting from the Allegheny Range through the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Plateau, this route takes you through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. The magnificent New River Gorge National River and numerous State Parks offer superlative outdoor experiences. Don’t miss: Asheville, NC, a little gem nestled on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lake Superior Circle Tour – MI, WI, MN, ONÂ “Around Gitche Gumee”
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Hailing from Minnesota all those years, we’re partial to the inland sea named “Big Water” by the Ojibwe. Don’t be fooled by the trip estimate of 22 hours. This is a drive that is best savored over the course of a week or more, leading you through the wilderness to stopping points which originated out of historical transfer points for raw materials such as furs, ore, and timber. The southern shores contain sandy beaches, while the northern perimeter is comprised of rocky promontories that plunge into the Lake’s cold water. Time your visit to take advantage of summer festivals celebrating voyageurs in Grand Portage, MN and Thunder Bay, ON. Don’t miss: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.
Writing this post was a fun review of the great road trips we’ve taken over the past couple of years! Happy trails!
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I agree that the Icefields Parkway is a wonderful drive. It’s been too long since we’ve been over it.
Another of our favorites is Beartooth Highway in Montana. Charles Kuralt called it “the most beautiful drive in America.” It’s 69 miles from Red Lodge to Cooke City, both of which are in Montana, though the road crosses over into Wyoming. A series of steeps switchbacks and zigzags lead over the 19,947 ft Beartooth Pass.
Hi Mike – Both Pete and I agree that we’ve spent way too little time in Montana. We’ll definitely add this recommendation to our list for when we return to the mainland. 🙂
Mike – I’m thinking of finally going to Yellowstone this year. Decided there is no point waiting ’til I have someone to go with me. I showed Betsy the Beartooth Highway site last week as I’m thinking of trying to do that route during my trip, so I’m glad you recommend it. Only thing is I’m not a great lover of heights and steep edges. Is the road reasonably wide? 🙂
Our Top 5 Road Trips USA and Canada http://t.co/VS4xe7Zfdj
What a great adventure you just had there. It must be a very amazing trip you had and I’m sure this is very memorable. The mountains are awesome and I just can imagine myself there having a good hike, that would be a great experience in life. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joseff – Welcome to PassingThru! These were all separate trips and they were definitely amazing, agreed!
All these trips look fab Betsy. Jasper – Banff is high on my list. Thank you for sharing. Trouble is they make me want to go over where.
BTW – I went into moderation this time – my comment didn’t get totally blocked. 🙂
Hi Cath – Did you get blocked before? Sorry! Yes, Jasper-Banff is exceptional! I’m like you, whenever I see something inspiring I begin to scheme on how to go there. 🙂