Driving from Toronto to Edmonton

July 23rd, 2006, 11:53 AM

Hello,

Is anyone out there familiar with the driving directions to Edmonton from Toronto, WITHOUT entering the US? I have been advised that I would initially have to drive to Thunder Bay, ON to get out of the province. If anyone has done the drive before or are familiar with the directions, please help!

July 23rd, 2006, 12:26 PM

I did that drive with my parents too many times to remember. I can't recall going any other way, except through the states. Enjoy the drive through Ontario, the neverending province.

July 23rd, 2006, 12:30 PM

Try this site, it might be helpful.
http://www.transcanadahighway.com/ontario/Map.htm

July 23rd, 2006, 01:33 PM

Start on Highway 400 north out of Toronto. It'll turn into Highway 69 a little north of Barrie, which'll take you to Sudbury. Pick up Highway 17 west out of Sudbury and it'll take you all the way to Thunder Bay. That drive around the north shore of Georgian Bay and Lake Superior is spectacular. From Thunder Bay you can take Highway 17 or 11 to Kenora, then pick up Highway 1, the Trans Canada, to Winnipeg. Stay on #1 west of Winnipeg to Portage La Prairie, then pick up Highway 16, the Yellowhead, which'll take you to Saskatoon and Edmonton. And you'll learn that the prairies, contrary to popular mythology, are not particularly flat except right around Winnipeg. In particular, you'll encounter a spectacular rise west of Portage La Prairie, which is the old shoreline of glacial Lake Agassiz. It's flat as a sheet of plywood right around Winnipeg because that's the old lake bottom.

It's a nice drive, on balance, and be sure to stop and smell the flowers. And the sweetgrass.

July 23rd, 2006, 01:43 PM

Go to mapquest.com, or google maps, or yahoo maps and you should be able to get precise driving instructions. But basically get your way to Highway 16 and don't get off till you see Edmonton. LOL.

The other way I suppose would be to go via the TransCanada highway to Calgary and north from Calgary, but i think that takes longer.

July 23rd, 2006, 02:04 PM

Thanks to everyone for your replies . Unfortunately, both mapquest and yahoo only provide instructions via the U.S. so all of your assistance is greatly appreciated. I've been advised approximately 3 - 4 days if I drive pretty much all day without making any stops....is this correct?

July 23rd, 2006, 02:15 PM

'Nother half a day maybe, and it's not as pretty a drive either. The TransCanada takes you through the flattest, dullest part of the prairie landscape.

August 5th, 2006, 01:50 AM

I made Calgary from London, ON in less than 2 days last year... But this year I did it in 3 days. Much easier on the hardware.

Do exactly what Dexter Sinister said, and...

My advise ... dont drive Northern Ontario at night... I have had some major close calls with Moose ... especially from the Sault to Wawa on 17. Take your time - in the summer, take a tent and sleeping bag .. save money and enjoy the outdoors ... there are many, many safe areas to camp along the way.
Take your time ... pull off the road at night and soak it all in. And while you pass by Winnipeg... make a stop downtown at the Hemp Rock Cafe/420 Lounge ... good people and good coffee.

September 15th, 2006, 01:30 PM

I'm doing this exact drive next friday but I'm taking my girlfriend, my dog and my cat with me in the car. Can anyone suggest how I can find out where we can stay along the way? I've been frantically googling but without my success. Anyone?

September 15th, 2006, 02:45 PM

I would go along with Dexter.

It would be a good idea to pick up maps for the three provinces you will be traveling in. You will enjoy the trip more if you limit your driving to between 450 and 650 miles a day and plan your stops.

September 15th, 2006, 02:53 PM

Edmontonewbie

What a great time of year to take a cross Canada drive.... with the exception of Saskatchewan which is one big yawn from start to finish the
trip has some great places to drive through - of course I have enough family dotted across the whole country all the way to Victoria never have had to find lodgings.

Relax and enjoy the drive - and don't fall asleep in Saskatchewan :P

September 15th, 2006, 06:02 PM

All I can say about this drive is:

Once is interesting.
Twice is mental cruelty.

September 15th, 2006, 06:03 PM

That might be because there is nothing along the way.

Do you have a tent?


Are you insane?

September 15th, 2006, 06:15 PM

Fuzzylogix, yes the poster is either insane or 12 years old.

It's nice to help people WHO HELP THEMSELVES. Make an effort and then ask questions.

September 15th, 2006, 06:53 PM

Jwhawk...

Toronto, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton...

These are the major cities along the way. I recommend highway 17 from Thunder Bay to Kenora then Winnipeg as it is quicker by an hour and a half. Aside from that, Dexter's route is perfect and most efficient.

As far as lodgings go, if the Super Bowl is not in town, you should be able to find a room with no problems...

Between now and Wednesday, I am not aware of any major events in these cities (well not in T. Bay, Sudbury, the Soo, or WPG). This is not a peak time of the year for travel. Chances are good you will find a room quickly.

October 8th, 2006, 11:52 PM

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