Highways in Canada

[Loco101]

I'm surprised that the Ontario tall-wall isn't being used there.

[craner]

At least there is some type of median barrier there. Some of BCs “divided” highways don’t have any - just painted yellow lines.

[swimmer_spe]

Originally Posted by Loco101

I'm surprised that the Ontario tall-wall isn't being used there.

BC tends to only use the removable ones like what you see.

[Loco101]

Originally Posted by swimmer_spe

BC tends to only use the removable ones like what you see.

Yes, I noticed that when driving there. I don't remember seeing Ontario tall-walls anywhere in Western Canada. Ontario spends big on safety.

[urbandreamer]

I guess because of the weather, I found most of Canada's roads and highways between the Rockies and Parry Sound in rough shape. I broke a wheel bearing in Winnipeg.

[sonysnob]

Night view of Autoroute 73 at the Autoroute 20 interchange south of the Quebec City:


http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/PQ/A/73/A73_cl_130_north_Oct21_night_24x16.jpg

[sonysnob]

Night view of the Ottawa Queensway (Hwy 417) in the inner suburbs of Ottawa:


http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/417_cl_126_east_EB-t_night_Oct21_24x16.jpg

[VANRIDERFAN]

Photo from July 8th, when the eastbound lanes of Sheep Bridge opened to two-way traffic. Further east on the alignment, Bighorn Bridge can be seen as well.

Check our Highway Status Calendar for all upcoming scheduled stoppages and closures: https://www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca/construction/calendar/

[swimmer_spe]

Originally Posted by urbandreamer

I guess because of the weather, I found most of Canada's roads and highways between the Rockies and Parry Sound in rough shape. I broke a wheel bearing in Winnipeg.

That is more due to money spent on roads than weather.

As far as safety, there are many places along the TC 1 that they are dividing that didn't even have guard rails on the side.

[EasternFreeway]

Quebec City, Autoroute 73 rebuilt in 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZDBn4pHLV0

[manny_santos]

Originally Posted by swimmer_spe

That is more due to money spent on roads than weather.

As far as safety, there are many places along the TC 1 that they are dividing that didn't even have guard rails on the side.

If I ever had to drive from BC to Ontario, I'd probably go through the US. Not only is it a shorter route but it's freeway standard the whole way.

[Denscity]

Originally Posted by manny_santos

If I ever had to drive from BC to Ontario, I'd probably go through the US. Not only is it a shorter route but it's freeway standard the whole way.

I've driven and taken the train from BC to Ontario and it isn't much fun east of Kenora that's for sure.
Barely a light bulb.

[J.OT13]

Booth Street overpass replacement near Downtown Ottawa. This section of the Queensway (417) will be closed for 5 days while the work is being done.

• Video Link

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by manny_santos

If I ever had to drive from BC to Ontario, I'd probably go through the US. Not only is it a shorter route but it's freeway standard the whole way.

Driving from Ontario to BC all on the Canadian side is something "you do" as an experience, as opposed to the practical route you'd take.

Unless you have something preventing you from crossing the border.

A lot of people who do it as a long epic road trip will do the Canadian side one way, and the American side on the way back. Or vice versa.

[esquire]

^ I've never driven from Winnipeg to Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal before and it's something I would only do if I had absolutely no alternative. Having done the Winnipeg-Toronto overland journey by train several times, the endless kilometres of forest don't strike me as an enticing road trip.

[Dengler Avenue]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ I've never driven from Winnipeg to Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal before and it's something I would only do if I had absolutely no alternative. Having done the Winnipeg-Toronto overland journey by train several times, the endless kilometres of forest don't strike me as an enticing road trip.

Did the train use the CP tracks along Lake Superior Shore or the CN tracks much further north?
If the latter, you should try driving TCH along Lake Superior Shore at least once. I saw the Lake back in April 2017 (in a much fuller view than when I went in June 2016); ever since, I’ve felt that everywhere else in Ontario is simply overrated.

[esquire]

^ It was always along the CN tracks except for one trip when I was a kid in 1986, and then again sometime in the mid-90s when a disruption on the CN line forced the train to use the CP line instead. However, the train passed by Lake Superior at night so I never actually saw it from the train.

I haven't been to Thunder Bay in almost 30 years, now that you mention it I may be due for a visit to Lake Superior

[Innsertnamehere]

I always figured if I was driving out west for anything other than a "cross canada road trip vacation" it would be through the US, especially now that I live in Hamilton, closer to the US border. Google Maps claims it's 5 hours, or 13%, slower to drive through Northern Ontario.

I already drive through the US to get to Saint John NB when I visit family out there, and that only saves an hour or so over staying in Canada (with the bonus of avoid Toronto traffic / 407 fees).

[VANRIDERFAN]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ I've never driven from Winnipeg to Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal before and it's something I would only do if I had absolutely no alternative. Having done the Winnipeg-Toronto overland journey by train several times, the endless kilometres of forest don't strike me as an enticing road trip.

I've done the trip from MB to Ottawa several times.

MB to Ottawa via Cochrane (turn off 17 at Nipigon) during the winter. Road is fairly strait, very little in places to stop for gas. Trucker going hell bent which meant white outs every time you met them and worrying that some jackass isn't trying to pass!

MB to Ottawa via 17/417 (Both ways) - Have done this a couple of times. The best was when I camped along the shores of Lake Superior. No time limits and an easy drive. The other time I made the mistake of not getting a hotel in TB (thinking I could get a cheaper on further east and not realizing that construction crews had scooped up every room between TB and Marathon). It's a long drive..

MB to Ottawa via US Highway 2 (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mich UP) Pop back into Canada at the Soo. A pretty drive and some interesting towns and cities on the coast. Done it both summer and winter. Lots of amenities along the way which helps. One time I had to stay at a summer hotel because I was exhausted. Walls paper thin and the couple next door were having crazy sex at about 3 in bloody morning!

MB to Ottawa (via Toronto) using the interstates and travelling south of Lake Michigan. Great sightseeing tour as you stop in Minneapolis, Chicago, (avoid Detroit). Multilane highways are great but the Truck Traffic!!!! Holy shit! And the 401? JFC, I have no idea why there isn't more mass murder on that highway with the crazies on there. How people don't go mad is a miracle.

Plane is the way to go if you want speed. If you are on a summer trip and have a camper or a tent do the north of Superior. The Provincial parks are well set up and the beaches are great. The US State Parks and National Forest preserves are pretty good as well if you are doing the UP.

[jamincan]

Originally Posted by VANRIDERFAN

MB to Ottawa via US Highway 2 (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mich UP) Pop back into Canada at the Soo. A pretty drive and some interesting towns and cities on the coast. Done it both summer and winter. Lots of amenities along the way which helps. One time I had to stay at a summer hotel because I was exhausted. Walls paper thin and the couple next door were having crazy sex at about 3 in bloody morning!

Unfortunately you miss Marquette by taking Hwy 2 which is fantastic little city. The Lake Superior shoreline east of it is also spectacular.