3 of the Steepest Roads in Canada

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An empty road through a forest with mountains in the background — _{Photo: The News Wheel}

Whether you consider steep roads to be an annoyance, a hazard, a fun challenge, or something else entirely, they certainly make drives more interesting. Although Canada has regulations preventing streets from having too much of an incline, its steepest roads are certainly worth noting, so you can decide to either avoid them or check them out yourself.

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“The Hill,” Bella Coola, B.C.

"The Hill" winding through Bella Coola with mountains behind it — “The Hill” in Bella Coola
_{Photo: Bill Poser via CC}

“The Hill,” also known as “Freedom Road,” runs 43 kilometers, or about 27 miles, from Bella Coola to the rest of Vancouver Island. In this short distance, it has an 1,800-meter change in elevation. And at its steepest, this road has a grade of 18 percent. Nevertheless, the most dangerous aspect of this unpaved road is that it’s quite narrow with lots of switchbacks. If you want to take on the hair-raising “Freedom Road,” be sure to do so slowly and carefully.

Rattlesnake Point, Ontario

The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, which looks out at green trees — The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
_{Photo: Mhsheikholeslami via CC}

Located next to the Niagara Escarpment, the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area is a great place to view nature. However, driving through here can be a bit of a challenge. The road has a grade of 15 percent as well as a multitude of switchbacks. It’s also popular among motorists and cyclists, so you need to keep your eyes peeled for them as you travel.

Athabasca Glacier, Alberta

A tour bus driving on the Athabasca Glacier — A bus touring the Athabasca Glacier
_{Photo: Ron Cogswell via CC}

Want to see some beautiful sights without the stress of driving yourself? Consider taking a tour of the Athabasca Glacier. Getting to the Columbia Icefields requires riding in a commercial vehicle up and down a hill that’s a massive 45 degrees. It’s an experience that’s quite different from what the other roads on this list offer, but it can be fun if you’re willing to shell out money for a tour.

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Each of these locations is well worth the visit if you have a craving for adventure and are prepared to brave the steepest roads in Canada.

Amanda Drago

Amanda Drago lives in West Chester, Ohio with her wonderful family, which includes her adorable dog, Coco. Amanda recently graduated from Miami University with degrees in both marketing and creative writing. However, if she was ever forced to change career paths, she imagines that she would train dogs for movies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and watching Netflix. She also has a special place in her heart for theatre and purchases tickets to as many shows as she can. See more articles by Amanda.