From Urban Slush to Northern Snowdrifts – Travel Across Ontario is a Wintry Adventure Today

Ontario – Sunday, March 23, 2025 – If you’re heading out on the road today across Ontario, whether navigating the 400-series highways in the south or taking on the Trans-Canada Highway and Highways 11 and 17 up north, you’ll need more than just your GPS and coffee. A complex and active weather system is sweeping across the province, creating a messy mix of snow, wind, and rapidly changing road conditions from Toronto all the way to the far north and northwest. Buckle up—and pack smart.

Southern Ontario – Toronto & Sudbury: Slippery Start, Rain on the Way

Toronto is starting with clear skies and a chilly -7°C, but conditions are expected to deteriorate tonight. Snow will move in during the evening, transitioning to rain overnight as temperatures rise to +3°C by morning. This will likely lead to slushy, slick surfaces on the 401, 400, and QEW corridors, especially in untreated areas.

Sudbury is experiencing sunshine now but will see snow develop overnight with up to 4 cm by morning, and another 5 cm during the day Monday. Watch for reduced visibility and blowing snow along Highway 69 and Highway 17 east and west.

Northeastern Ontario – Sault Ste. Marie to Geraldton: Heavy Snow and Poor Visibility

Sault Ste. Marie will see snow begin this afternoon, continuing overnight with up to 10 cm expected by morning and another 2–4 cm Monday. Gusty winds and poor visibility will make travel on Highway 17 hazardous, particularly near the open stretches along the lake.

Geraldton and the surrounding Greenstone region are under a Winter Weather Travel Advisory with 10 to 15 cm of snow possible by Monday morning. Highway 11 will be slippery and potentially snow-covered in spots, with low visibility in heavier snow bands, especially through Caramat and Longlac.

North Shore – Nipigon, Rossport & Thunder Bay: Snowfall Warnings in Full Effect

Both Nipigon and Thunder Bay are under Snowfall Warnings, with 15 to 25 cm expected through tonight. The heaviest amounts will fall over higher terrain. Visibility will be significantly reduced during bursts of heavy snow. Highway 11/17 between Nipigon and Thunder Bay, including the notorious curves along the shoreline, will be treacherous and prone to snow-covered patches, especially near Rossport and Pass Lake.

Northwestern Ontario – Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances: Widespread Snow and Wind

Sioux Lookout will pick up 2 to 4 cm of snow today, tapering off overnight. Highway 72 and Highway 516 will be slippery with patchy visibility.

Dryden and Vermilion Bay are expecting 5 to 10 cm of snow, tapering to flurries tonight. Highway 17 east and west will see snow-packed sections and plow activity.

Kenora is receiving steady snowfall (about 5 cm today) that ends tonight. A brief warm-up begins Monday. Highway 17 west to the Manitoba border may have icy conditions with limited traction.

Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River are under a Winter Weather Travel Advisory with 10 to 15 cm of snow expected and gusty winds. Expect challenging conditions along Highways 11 and 502, especially through forested areas where drifting and low visibility are likely.

Major Highways Impacted

• Hwy 401 / 400 / QEW – Wet/slushy conditions expected overnight in southern Ontario, especially untreated areas.

• Hwy 69 / Hwy 17 (Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie) – Snow-covered stretches and gusty winds reducing visibility.

• Hwy 11 (Greenstone to Nipigon) – 10–15 cm of snow and reduced visibility.

• Hwy 11/17 (Nipigon to Thunder Bay) – Snowfall warning zone, expect whiteout conditions in exposed areas.

• Hwy 17 (Kenora – Dryden – Vermilion Bay) – Accumulating snow and slick roads.

• Hwy 11 (Fort Frances eastbound) – Icy, snow-covered, and difficult driving expected.

Winter Driving Essentials – What to Pack Before You Go

If you’re travelling today or tonight, every vehicle should be stocked with:

• Snow brush and ice scraper

• Shovel and traction aid (kitty litter or sand)

• Jumper cables

• Extra warm clothing, hats, mitts, and blankets

• Fully charged phone and car charger

• Snacks and water

• Windshield washer fluid (winter grade)

• Emergency flares or reflectors

Drivers should also keep the fuel tank at least half full, plan extra travel time, and check local road conditions before departing.

Final Word – If You Don’t Have to Travel, Don’t

With snowfall warnings, advisories, and changing conditions across nearly every major corridor in northern and central Ontario, non-essential travel is discouraged. If you must drive, slow down, drive for the conditions, and expect plows, whiteouts, and blowing snow, particularly north of Lake Superior and across Highway 11.