
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
1. Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)
Major east-west highway connecting Hamilton and Toronto via Mississauga, known for heavy traffic during rush hours.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Avoid driving during peak times (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to save time and reduce stress.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of ongoing construction projects on the QEW and plan routes accordingly.
- Exits and Interchanges: Familiarize yourself with exit numbers and interchanges to make efficient transitions between highways.
2. Highway 401
North-south transcontinental highway running through Mississauga, connecting Ontario with the United States.
- Long Distance Travel: Plan rest stops and refueling breaks along the route for long distance travel.
- Tolls and Speed Limits: Be aware of toll plazas and speed limit changes along the 401.
- Traffic Congestion: Keep up with traffic reports to avoid delays during rush hours or accidents.
3. Gardiner Expressway
East-west highway along the lakefront of Toronto and Mississauga, connecting with QEW and Highway 401.
- Construction and Maintenance: Stay updated on Gardiner's ongoing repairs and maintenance closures.
- Ramp Merging: Be cautious when merging onto the expressway, as ramps can be steep and abrupt.
- Lakefront Views: Enjoy stunning views of Lake Ontario during your drive on the Gardiner Expressway.
4. Dundas Street
Major north-south street in Mississauga connecting to downtown Toronto, known for heavy local traffic.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Avoid driving on Dundas Street during peak times (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to save time.
- Construction Zones: Keep an eye out for ongoing construction projects along Dundas Street.
- Local Businesses: Discover unique restaurants, shops, and services that line the bustling streets of Dundas.
5. Eglinton Avenue
Major east-west street in Mississauga connecting to Toronto's Yonge Street, known for its commercial and residential developments.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Expect heavy traffic on Eglinton during rush hours, especially near the intersections with major highways.
- Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT): Take advantage of the upcoming LRT construction to ease traffic congestion and explore transit options.
- Community Centers: Find community centers, parks, and recreational facilities along Eglinton Avenue for activities and relaxation.
6. Lakeshore Road East
Scenic road running along the lakefront of Mississauga, offering beautiful views and access to attractions.
- Scenic Views: Take a leisurely drive along Lakeshore Road East for breathtaking lakefront scenery.
- Parking Availability: Be aware of parking restrictions and limited street parking in residential areas.
- Attractions and Amenities: Discover attractions such as Port Credit Memorial Park, Marilyn Monroe Statue, and Cherry Street Village along Lakeshore Road East.
7. Burnhamthorpe Road
North-south street in Mississauga connecting to Highway 403, known for its commercial developments and shopping centers.
- Shopping Centers: Explore popular shopping destinations such as Square One Shopping Centre and Erin Mills Town Centre.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Avoid driving on Burnhamthorpe Road during peak times (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to save time.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of ongoing construction projects along Burnhamthorpe Road.
8. Hurontario Street
East-west street in Mississauga connecting to Highway 401, known for its commercial and residential developments.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Avoid driving on Hurontario Street during peak times (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to save time.
- Shopping Centers: Discover popular shopping destinations such as Heartland Town Centre along Hurontario Street.
- Construction Zones: Stay updated on construction projects along Hurontario Street.
9. Toronto-Mississauga Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
One of the busiest airports in North America, serving Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.
- Airport Traffic: Navigate airport traffic and security procedures efficiently to arrive at your gate on time.
- Flight Information: Stay up-to-date with flight schedules, delays, and cancellations via the airport's website or app.
- Ground Transportation: Plan ground transportation, such as buses, trains, taxis, and rental cars, for your journey to and from the airport.
10. Parking in Downtown Mississauga
Downtown Mississauga offers various parking options for visitors, including street parking and parking garages.
- Street Parking Restrictions: Be aware of time limits, meters, and parking regulations on the streets.
- Parking Garages: Find convenient parking garages in downtown Mississauga for a fee.
- Evening and Weekend Rates: Take advantage of discounted evening and weekend parking rates at select parking garages.
11. Bike Lanes in Mississauga
Mississauga offers a network of bike lanes for safe and eco-friendly travel within the city.
- Safety Considerations: Follow traffic rules, wear protective gear, and be aware of vehicular traffic when using bike lanes.
- Bike Rentals: Rent a bike at various locations throughout Mississauga for short-term use.
- Route Planning: Plan your route using online resources or bike maps to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
12. Mississauga Transit System (MISSA)
Public transportation system serving Mississauga, offering buses, light rail transit (LRT), and GO Transit services.
- Route Planning: Plan your route using transit schedules and maps online or through the MISSA app.
- Fare Options: Choose from single ride tickets, day passes, weekly passes, or monthly passes for unlimited travel.
- Accessibility Features: Find accessible transit options such as wheelchair-accessible buses and trains, ramps, elevators, and priority seating.
13. Road Closures and Construction Updates
Stay informed about road closures and construction updates in Mississauga to plan your routes accordingly.
- Real-Time Updates: Use online resources, social media, or traffic reports to get real-time updates on road closures and construction.
- Detour Routes: Find alternative routes when faced with road closures or heavy traffic congestion due to construction.
- Long-Term Construction Projects: Plan your travel accordingly for long-term construction projects that may impact your route over an extended period.
14. Toll Roads in Mississauga
Some highways in and around Mississauga have toll plazas for electronic payment or cash. Be aware of toll costs.
- E-Toll Payment: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with an E-Toll device for automatic payment.
- Cash Payments: Be prepared to pay cash at toll plazas if you do not have an E-Toll device.
- Toll Rates and Payment Methods: Familiarize yourself with toll rates, payment methods, and location of toll booths on highways in Mississauga.
15. Speed Cameras and Red Light Cameras
Speed cameras and red light cameras are installed throughout Mississauga to ensure road safety. Familiarize yourself with their locations.
- Camera Locations: Learn the specific locations of speed cameras and red light cameras in Mississauga.
- Fines and Penalties: Understand the fines and penalties for exceeding the speed limit or running a red light.
- Safety First: Above all, prioritize safety on Mississauga's roads by obeying traffic laws and driving cautiously.