Frame clearance can get you too. Cantilever brakes will allow you to fit a lot of tire, but you'll likely rub the frame long before you rub the brakes.
650B is becoming increasingly popular for gravel.
There are a number of 650B tires that have intentionally higher than normal sidewall heights, so the total wheel+tire diameter is actually not that different from something like a 622x23 (aka 700C) skinny road bike tire on a traditional pavement only road bike.
https://off.road.cc/content/buying/13-of-the-best-650b-grave...
https://granfondo-cycling.com/650b-vs-700c/
If you have a disc only frame with wide tire clearance there exists the possibility of swapping between wheelsets that are either 650B or 700C depending on what type of riding you have planned in the near future.