Why Canada makes the cut (Dennis Coello)

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For mountain driving on a grand scale, head north to Canada's Icefields Parkway. This road takes you through Banff and Jasper National Parks, across the Continental Divide, and right past three massive glaciers.

Your first scenic highlight appears at mile 2, where Crowfoot Glacier hangs from a cliff face some 900 feet above. At mile 23, stop to take in the blue-green waters of Bow Lake, flanked by Crowfoot Peak to the left and Bow Glacier to the right. The two-mile round-trip Parker Ridge trail (mile 73) leads you to a lofty ridge overlooking Saskatchewan Glacier and the Columbia Icefield—North America's largest subpolar ice pack.

In addition to the beautiful landscape, look out for big-name wildlife such as grizzlies, black bears, moose, and caribou, especially at dusk and dawn.

Just the Facts

Route: Lake Louise to Jasper on Highway 93.

Length: 137 miles (three to five hours)

Season: Open year-round, with temporary closures in winter due to snow.

Note: Vehicles need national park pass.