Summer Road Trips Near Nova Hotels: The Ultimate Western Canada Guide

When the warm months arrive in Western Canada, the open road calls. From the dramatic mountain passes of the Rockies to the golden prairies of Saskatchewan and the wild, expansive highways of the Northwest Territories, summer road trips in this part of the country are genuinely bucket-list material. With Nova Hotels locations strategically placed across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, you have a network of comfortable, welcoming stops ready to recharge you between every stretch of incredible driving. This guide covers the best summer road trip routes near Nova Hotels — including what to see, where to stop, and how to make the most of every kilometre.

Why Western Canada is a Road Tripper’s Dream

Few places on Earth offer the sheer variety of scenery that Western Canada does. In a single day of driving you can pass through mountain valleys, cross wide-open prairie skies, wind through boreal forest, and reach the edge of the Arctic. Summer unlocks it all — roads that are impassable in winter open up, wildlife emerges in abundance, and the long daylight hours give you more time to explore.

Best of all, Nova Hotels properties act as natural waypoints on some of the most celebrated driving routes in the country. Whether you’re road-tripping solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, you’ll always have a comfortable, well-located base to return to each evening.

Route 1: The Icefields Parkway & Rocky Mountain Loop (Alberta)

Starting Point: Nova Inn Calgary or Nova Inn Edmonton

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stretching 232 km between Lake Louise and Jasper, it passes glaciers, turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife-rich valleys. Start your trip from our Nova Inn Calgary or Nova Inn Edmonton location, both of which put you within easy striking distance of the mountains.

Must-stop highlights along the way:

• Lake Louise: The iconic turquoise lake backed by Victoria Glacier — arrive early to beat the crowds
• Bow Lake: A quieter alternative with stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks
• Columbia Icefield: Walk on ancient glacier ice or take an Ice Explorer tour across the Athabasca Glacier
• Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls: Two powerful waterfalls easily accessed right off the highway
• Jasper townsite: A relaxed mountain town with great dining, hiking, and wildlife watching

Round the loop back through Hinton, where Nova Lodge Hinton offers a great overnight stop before continuing home.

Route 2: The Northern Alberta Adventure (Fort McMurray to Peace River)

Starting Point: Nova Hotel Fort McMurray

This route is for those who want to get off the beaten path. Heading west from Nova Hotel Fort McMurray, you’ll cross through boreal forest, wetlands, and river valleys that few tourists ever see. The drive to Peace River — home to Nova Inn Peace River — winds through some of northern Alberta’s most dramatic river landscapes.

Highlights of this route:

• Wood Buffalo National Park: Canada’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — home to free-roaming bison herds and nesting whooping cranes
• Athabasca River Valley: Stunning views, excellent fishing, and rare solitude
• Twelve Foot Davis Gravesite Lookout, Peace River: A beloved local landmark with panoramic views of the valley
• Sagitawah Lookout: Watch the Peace and Smoky rivers converge below

This drive pairs especially well with an aurora extension in fall — check out our guide on where to see the Northern Lights near Nova Hotels for more.

Route 3: Saskatchewan’s Prairie Highway (Saskatoon to La Ronge)

Starting Point: Nova Inn Saskatoon

Saskatchewan’s landscapes are endlessly underrated. Starting at Nova Inn Saskatoon, head north on Highway 2 toward Prince Albert National Park, one of Canada’s most beloved national parks where prairie transitions to boreal forest. Continue further north to Nova Inn La Ronge for a wilderness experience you won’t forget.

Key stops on this route:

• Prince Albert National Park: Sandy beaches on Waskesiu Lake, excellent hiking, and black bear sightings
• Waskesiu townsite: A charming summer resort community with shops, dining, and boat rentals
• Lac La Ronge Provincial Park: Over 100 lakes, rugged canoe routes, and exceptional fishing
• Amiskowan Trail: A stunning lakeside hike accessible from La Ronge

La Ronge is also one of the best spots in Saskatchewan for fishing near Nova Hotels — pike, walleye, and lake trout are all in abundance.

Route 4: The Dempster Highway — Canada’s Ultimate Road Trip (Northwest Territories)

Starting Point: Nova Inn Inuvik

If you’re looking for the most epic summer drive in Canada, look no further than the Dempster Highway. This legendary gravel road stretches from Dawson City in Yukon all the way to Inuvik, Northwest Territories — the gateway to the Arctic. Begin or end your journey at Nova Inn Inuvik for warm, comfortable accommodation after a long day behind the wheel.

What makes this drive unforgettable:

• Midnight sun: In summer, the sun doesn’t set — driving under endless golden light is a surreal and magical experience
• Tombstone Territorial Park: Jagged peaks, tundra valleys, and extraordinary hiking
• Peel River Ferry crossing: A free ferry crossing that’s an adventure in itself
• Arctic Circle crossing: An unmistakable milestone — don’t miss the photo opportunity at the sign
• Mackenzie Delta: One of the largest river deltas in North America, teeming with wildlife

Important prep tips for the Dempster: Carry two spare tires, extra fuel, and a satellite communication device. Cell service is extremely limited. Check road conditions before departing at 511nt.ca.

Road Trip Packing Tips

• Insect repellent: Summer in the north means mosquitoes — pack DEET-based repellent
• Layers: Even summer nights in the Rockies and NWT can be cold
• Download offline maps: Remote areas have no cell service — use Maps.me or download Google Maps offline sections in advance
• Bear spray: Required for any backcountry hiking in national or provincial parks
• Book accommodations early: Summer is peak season — book your Nova Hotels stay well in advance to guarantee your room

Why Nova Hotels is the Perfect Road Trip Base

Road trips are all about the journey — but everyone appreciates a great place to rest at the end of the day. Nova Hotels properties across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories offer comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and all the amenities you need to recharge for tomorrow’s adventure. Check out our other travel guides — including the best winter activities near Nova Hotels and the charm of Nova Hotels across Western Canada — to plan your perfect trip year-round.

Start Your Summer Road Trip Today

Western Canada is waiting. Whether you’re chasing glaciers in the Rockies, casting a line in a northern Saskatchewan lake, or crossing the Arctic Circle on the Dempster Highway, Nova Hotels is your home base for the adventure of a lifetime. Pack the car, hit the road, and let us take care of the rest.

Ready to hit the road? Book your stay at Nova Hotels today and start planning your ultimate Western Canada summer road trip.