Your Winter Road Trip Forecast
Winter driving across Ontario and into Northwestern Ontario comes with its share of challenges this week, as snow, icy winds, and bone-chilling temperatures grip the region. If you’re planning to journey from Ottawa to Kenora, passing through Toronto, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Geraldton, Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Fort Frances, here’s what to expect on the roads and highways along the way.
Ottawa to Toronto (Highways 417 & 401)
Forecast:
- Ottawa: Clear skies today with a high of -12°C and wind chills near -15°C. Tonight, increasing cloudiness with light winds and a low of -12°C.
- Toronto: A sunny start turning cloudy by evening, with snow arriving overnight (2-4 cm). High of -1°C, wind chills near -13°C this morning.
Highway Conditions:
Expect clear but cold conditions for most of the drive along Highways 417 and 401. Watch for snow-covered roads and icy patches late in the day closer to Toronto as snow begins to fall.
Toronto to Sudbury (Highway 400 and Highway 69)
Forecast:
- Sudbury: Light snow continues with 2-4 cm expected by this afternoon. High of -7°C, with wind chills near -16°C. Tonight, heavier snow (5-10 cm) with a low of -9°C and wind chills reaching -16°C.
Highway Conditions:
Highway 400 may see slippery conditions as snow begins in the afternoon. On Highway 69 north toward Sudbury, visibility may decrease during snowfall, and roads could become snow-packed. Use extra caution through Muskoka and along the Canadian Shield.
Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie (Highway 17)
Forecast:
- Sault Ste. Marie: Snow and flurries expected throughout the day, with 2-4 cm of accumulation and a high of -3°C. Wind chills will make it feel like -14°C.
Highway Conditions:
Highway 17 may have snow-covered stretches with blowing snow in open areas. Drive carefully, especially near Lake Superior, where conditions can shift quickly.
Sault Ste. Marie to Geraldton (Highways 17 & 11)
Forecast:
- Geraldton: Snow beginning tonight, with 5 cm expected. High of -9°C, wind chills near -16°C, and temperatures dropping to -19°C overnight.
Highway Conditions:
Expect snow-packed and icy sections along Highway 17 through the rugged terrain of Lake Superior’s northern shore. On Highway 11, snow may reduce visibility and create slippery driving conditions closer to Geraldton.
Geraldton to Thunder Bay (Highway 11/17)
Forecast:
- Thunder Bay: Cloudy with flurries today and wind chills near -16°C. Tonight, mainly cloudy skies with a low of -19°C and wind chills of -25°C.
Highway Conditions:
Highway 11/17 will have snow-covered sections and icy patches, especially in shaded areas. Wind chills and snow may reduce visibility and traction—drive cautiously.
Thunder Bay to Sioux Lookout (Highway 17)
Forecast:
- Sioux Lookout: Flurries throughout the day with wind chills near -22°C in the morning. Overnight, temperatures will dip to -19°C, feeling like -23°C.
Highway Conditions:
The highway is likely to have icy stretches and drifting snow. Be prepared for reduced visibility in snowy areas and stay alert for wildlife along the road.
Sioux Lookout to Dryden (Highway 72 Highway 17)
Forecast:
- Dryden: Snow flurries in the morning and a high of -11°C. Wind chills will hover near -19°C, dropping to -22°C overnight.
Highway Conditions:
Highway 72 may be slick with snow-covered sections. Plan extra travel time for this route.
Fort Frances to Kenora (Highway 71)
Forecast:
- Kenora: Flurries tapering off with wind chills of -24°C this morning. Snow expected again overnight with lows near -19°C.
Highway Conditions:
Snow-packed and icy conditions are likely along Highway 71. Watch for drifting snow in exposed areas.
Essential Travel Kit
Prepare for winter road conditions with the following:
- Warm Clothing: Hats, gloves, and insulated boots.
- Emergency Supplies: Blankets, flashlights, and extra batteries.
- Vehicle Tools: Jumper cables, a shovel, and a snow brush.
- Non-Perishable Food and Water: Enough for all passengers.
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies in case of minor injuries.
- Phone Charger: Ensure your phone is fully charged and bring a backup power bank.
- Traction Aids: Sand, cat litter, or traction mats.
- Fuel: Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid freezing.
Travel Safely!
Be prepared, drive carefully, and allow extra time for your journey. Happy travels!
