On my road trip I travelled many highways driving from the west coast to the east coast of Canada and crossing the USA twice. When planning a trip I check out google maps and always have a paper map as well to help me decide on my route. I am old school, I like a paper map to see the big picture. I try to do a little research on the state of the roads I plan to take as well. A search will usually give me an idea of the condition of the road. FYI there are a lot of gravel roads in rural Canada.
Canada Road Trip
Canada’s major transport network is called the National Highway System (French Reseau Router National). The Trans-Canada Highway is the principal highway and is the world’s longest national road. It is 4860 miles (7821 km) long, extending from the west to east between the Pacific coast and the Atlantic coast. The official start is Victoria, British Columbia ending in St. Johns, Newfoundland connecting various Canadian provinces.
My trip across Canada started in Vancouver, British Columbia ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This highway is most often a 4 lane divided highway and runs through Canada’s larger cities. I travelled mostly along the Trans Canada highway also known as the Number 1 highway, only veering off to travel into northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan. This was my first road trip across my beautiful country. I enjoyed it tremendously learning about our history and discovering new places I had not seen before.
The USA Interstate Road Trip
In the United States there are 70 primary Interstate Highways through the 48 contiguous states. Hwy 90 is the longest at 3021 miles (4,862 km). The shortest is I-375 in Michigan which is only 1.06 miles (1.7 km) long. Route 66 is the most iconic path from east to west road trip. This route passes through 11 states and is 2902 miles ( 4670 km) long. I plan to travel this route one day.
My first road trip across USA was on a 6 week vacation. I started in Vancouver British Columbia Canada. I drove down the I-5 through the Washington, Oregon and California. I crossed the southern states travelling along the I-10 which is the most southern interstate. Travelled up the east coast along I-95 through Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Then along Hwy 94 and 90 across the northern US states of New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakotas, and Montana back to Vancouver Canada. That trip I stayed mainly on the Interstate highways as I was on a time crunch having to get back to work.
Second Road Trip across USA
On my second trip across the USA I crossed into the eastern state of Maine from New Brunswick. Travelling south through Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and down into Florida. I spent a lovely month of December touring Florida. I travelled back west through southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and northern California. My final leg of this epic road trip was north along the scenic coastal highway through Oregon and Washington to arrive back into Canada. On this trip across the USA I was retired so ventured off the interstate to enjoy more scenic routes along my travels.
The Speed Limit I Enjoy
The highest speed limit in Canada is in British Columbia along the Coquihalla Highway with a limit of 120 km/h (75 mph). On the major highways in Canada 100 km/h ( 62 mph) is usually the posted limit. I found in Ontario the route I took the speed limit was only 90 km/h (55 mph), which was fine with me as the road was mountainous and windy.
In the US the highest speed limit is 137 km/h (85 mph) along Texas state Hwy 130. The Interstate maximum speed limit is 121 km/h (75 mph) which I often find too fast. My van is a shaking at that speed and I do not feel totally in control. On those fast highways I stay in the right lane, get behind a slower truck and let everyone else fly by me.
When travelling, the most direct route is usually along a major interstate (USA) or along the National Highway System (Canada). They are basically the same thing, defined as an important public road connecting major towns and cities. A secondary or feeder road is designed to connect traffic from collector roads to the major road system. In my opinion there are benefits and disadvantages to both when I travel.
Canadian National Highway System or the USA Interstates
Benefits
- Faster speed limits to get where you are going quicker
- Most often have 4 lane divided highways so safer from ongoing traffic
- More direct routes that save on mileage and perhaps fuel
- Easier passing other vehicles
- Regular rest stops are available
- Good access to gas stations and food
Disadvantages
- More long haul trucks
- Busier traffic
- Speed limits are too high for my personal choice
- Often less scenic
- Go through large metropolis areas
Secondary or Scenic Highways
Benefits
- Usually more scenic
- More historical stops
- Travel through the countryside
- Less traffic
- Lower speed limit so often use less fuel
- More enjoyable
- Very few big trucks travelling
Disadvantages
- Often one lane in each direction
- Few or no formal rest stops
- Takes longer to get to your destination
- Less gas stations
As I said in the beginning of this blog I usually have a plan of my ultimate destination but the route I take to get there is usually very fluid. I plan each evening what direction I will be travelling the next day exploring the sights that I come across. Personally I like to travel on the secondary highways as there are more benefits than disadvantages to my travelling preference. I like the slower pace, the scenic views, and finding interesting spots to stop. Enjoy my travel blog with details of specific places I have enjoyed exploring on my travels.