Braving the Cold: Toronto to Calgary road trip in winter

There a two main routes for a Toronto to Calgary road trip in winter; you can either enter the USA or only stay within Canada.

For those of you who enjoy a bit of international travel, crossing the United States/Canada border is an option. If you take this route you will pass through the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan before entering the United States. Your route continues across Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana until you reach Canada and cross the border near Regina. This route will take around 32 hours of driving with a distance of 3,400 km.

If you stay within Canada the road trip from Toronto to Calgary is around 3,200 kilometres, and it will take about 32 hours of non-stop driving. This more direct route via the Trans-Canada Highway will take you through Toronto, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Medicine Hat, and Calgary. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit heritage sites, national parks, and other exciting sights.

A road trip from Toronto to Calgary offers the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Canada. We have split the list into two lists, one for if you stay in Canada, and another for if you go through the USA.

Lake Ontario is a large freshwater lake located on the border between Canada and the United States. With a surface area of almost 19,000 square kilometres, it is the smallest of the five Great Lakes that make up the Great Lakes region. It has a maximum depth of 243 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in the world.

As you leave Toronto and head west, you’ll pass through the Canadian Shield region, known for its rocky terrain and thousands of lakes. This is a great area to explore if you’re interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

As you continue west, you’ll pass through the prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This region is known for its wide open spaces, rolling grasslands, and picturesque sunsets.

Along the way, you will also see the badlands of Alberta, where you will be able to see the unique and dramatic landscapes that are formed by erosion.

Once your travels take you back to Canada, make sure to explore Banff National Park! Located in Alberta, this captivating park is filled with 6,600 square kilometres of untouched wilderness.

Straddling the border between Canada and the United States, Lake Ontario is an awe-inspiring sight with its vast expanse of nearly 19,000 square kilometres. Not only does it boast incredible beauty but also profound depths – reaching up to 243 meters! This makes it amongst the largest freshwater bodies in North America and all five Great Lakes.

As you traverse through the United States, Lake Erie is one of the many gorgeous sights along your route. It’s the fourth-largest lake in North America and boasts an impressive surface area of 25,000 square kilometres!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an iconic national park located in the western part of North Dakota. Spanning over 70,000 acres, it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as bison, elk, wild horses, and prairie dogs. It’s also home to numerous geological formations and breathtaking landscapes that offer visitors spectacular views.

To complete your US trip, you must add Glacier National Park to your itinerary; this is one of the most stunning national parks in the nation comprised of over 1 million acres and inhabited by bears, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep and a wide variety of other wildlife.

After crossing the border back into Canada, you should make sure to include a visit to Banff National Park. Located in Alberta, this majestic park encompasses 6,600 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. Here you can take in glacier-fed lakes and stunning mountain scenery while taking part in activities like hiking and camping.

Preparing your vehicle for a winter road trip from Toronto to Calgary is essential for a safe and comfortable journey.

Here are some important steps for preparing your vehicle for a Toronto to Calgary road trip in winter:

Make sure your vehicle has winter tires with good tread, as they provide better traction on snow and ice.

Have your vehicle serviced before the trip, including checking the battery, brakes, heating and cooling systems, and windshield wipers.

Pack a winter emergency kit with items such as a shovel, extra clothes and blankets, a flashlight, and food and water.

Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid fuel line freeze-up.

Have a reliable GPS or map and a backup power source for your device.

Check the heating system and make sure it is working properly to keep you warm in cold weather.

Check that all lights are working properly, including headlights, taillights, and marker lights.

Pack extra washer fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper blades.

Navigating winter road conditions can be challenging, but it is important to be prepared and stay alert while driving. Here are some tips for navigating winter road conditions safely:

Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. The Canadian government’s website and the Alberta 511 website provide up-to-date information on road closures, visibility, and other weather-related issues.

Snow and ice can make roads slippery, so it is important to slow down and give yourself extra time to react to traffic and road conditions.

It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.

Using winter tires is essential for better traction on snow and ice, which is important for maintaining control of your vehicle in adverse weather conditions.

Avoid sudden movements, such as sudden braking, accelerating, or turning, which can cause your vehicle to skid on slippery roads.

Be especially careful when driving on curves, as they can be especially slippery in winter weather. Slow down and take curves at a reduced speed.

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on roads, often appearing as a glossy or wet surface. Be aware of this condition, especially on bridges and overpasses, and take extra care when driving over these areas.

Here are some options for finding accommodation during a Toronto to Calgary road trip in winter:

Book in advance at major cities along the way.

Consider staying at a bed and breakfast for a unique experience and a chance to interact with locals.

Rent a home or room in a local area for a more authentic experience.

Consider staying in a hostel as a budget-friendly option, especially in big cities.