06/09/2026
🏔️🚙 Best Scenic Drives in Alberta — And the Right Used Vehicle for Each
Thinking about road‑tripping Alberta this season? From the Icefields Parkway to Cowboy Trail and David Thompson Highway, here’s how to match the drive to the right used vehicle 👇
🧊 Icefields Parkway (Lake Louise ↔ Jasper)
Glaciers, turquoise lakes, long grades, changing weather.
Best fit: Comfortable AWD crossover/SUV
✅ Subaru Outback/Forester (AWD)
✅ Toyota RAV4 AWD / Honda CR‑V AWD
✅ Toyota Highlander / Kia Sorento (for families)
Look for:
Good ground clearance
Strong brakes + engine‑braking modes
Decent cargo for gear/coolers
🤠 Cowboy Trail (Hwy 22 – Cochrane ↔ Lundbreck)
Foothills, ranchland, big sky, crosswinds.
Best fit: Stable SUV or half‑ton
✅ F‑150 / Ram 1500 / Silverado/Sierra (tow package if you’re hauling)
✅ Toyota 4Runner / Jeep Grand Cherokee
✅ Subaru Outback / Santa Fe / Sorento
Look for:
Crosswind stability
Tow ability (for campers/stock/boats)
All‑weather or mild A/T tires for gravel detours
💧 David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11 – Red Deer ↔ Abraham Lake)
Quieter route, epic Abraham Lake views, some rougher access roads.
Best fit: Roomy SUV or light truck
✅ Toyota Highlander / Honda Pilot / Palisade / Telluride
✅ Toyota 4Runner / Outback Wilderness / Xterra (older)
✅ Half‑ton with canopy for camping gear
Look for:
Clearance for gravel/trailhead pullouts
Roof rails/hitch for boats, kayaks, or roof box
Strong cooling/brakes for mountain grades
🌲 Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40)
Wildlife, campgrounds, steep grades, changing weather.
Best fit: AWD crossover or 4x4
✅ Subaru Forester / Outback
✅ Toyota RAV4 Trail/Adventure AWD
✅ Tacoma/Ranger/Colorado (4x4) for more off‑pavement
Look for:
Hill descent / good engine braking
Winter‑ready tires for shoulder seasons
Visibility + braking for wildlife encounters
🚙 How BSPACE Automotive Fits In
At BSPACE Automotive, we stock used:
AWD crossovers (RAV4, CR‑V, Forester, Outback, Santa Fe, Sorento)
Family SUVs (Highlander, Pilot, Palisade, Telluride)
4x4 rigs & trucks (4Runner, Grand Cherokee, Tacoma, half‑tons)
We’ll walk you through:
Ground clearance & underbody condition
AWD/4x4 system type for snow/gravel/grades
Cargo, roof, and hitch options for camping gear, bikes, kayaks, and pets
So your next scenic drive fits where you actually go, not just what’s on the brochure.