Major Highways & Driving Tips in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa, Canada, Ottawa, Travel & Transportation, Major Highways & Driving Tips

Major Highways & Driving Tips in Ottawa, Canada

1. Queen Elizabeth Driveway (QED)

A scenic major highway along the Ottawa River offering stunning views of Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa.
  • Scenic Route: Provides a beautiful drive with panoramic views of Ottawa's landmarks
  • Limited Access: Offers fewer interruptions for smoother driving experience
  • Bicycle Lanes: Shared use path accommodates cyclists, promoting eco-friendly transportation

2. 417 (Queensway)

A major east-west highway connecting downtown Ottawa to Gatineau, Quebec.
  • Easy Access: Provides quick access to key destinations like the airport and downtown areas
  • High Capacity: Designed for high traffic volumes, reducing congestion during peak hours
  • Rest Areas: Frequent rest areas offer travelers a chance to relax and refuel

3. 50 (Victoria Parkway)

A picturesque parkway along the Ottawa River, offering scenic views of the Rideau Falls.
  • Scenic Route: Provides a relaxing drive with beautiful views and pedestrian paths
  • Shared Use Path: Accommodates cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians for recreational activities
  • Limited Access: Offers fewer interruptions for a more enjoyable driving experience

4. Aviation Parkway

A major highway connecting Ottawa International Airport with the city.
  • Easy Access: Direct access to Ottawa International Airport for travelers and cargo traffic
  • High Speed: Designed for high-speed driving, reducing travel time between the city and airport
  • Service Centers: Frequent service centers cater to travelers' needs during long journeys

5. Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 17)

An important east-west route connecting Ottawa with Thunder Bay, offering access to stunning natural landscapes.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travelers seeking scenic vistas and adventure
  • Service Areas: Frequent service areas provide facilities for rest, food, and fuel along the route
  • Restricted Access: Limited access points ensure safer driving conditions for long-distance travel

6. Highway 41

A major north-south highway connecting Ottawa with Montreal and the United States border.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travelers seeking connections to Montreal and the US
  • High Capacity: Designed for high traffic volumes, reducing congestion during peak hours
  • Service Centers: Frequent service centers cater to travelers' needs during long journeys

7. Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway

A scenic roadway along the Ottawa River, offering breathtaking views of the Rideau Falls and Gatineau Hills.
  • Scenic Route: Provides a relaxing drive with beautiful views and opportunities for photography
  • Shared Use Path: Accommodates cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians for recreational activities
  • Limited Access: Offers fewer interruptions for a more enjoyable driving experience

8. Highway 7 (Carleton Place)

A major highway connecting Ottawa with the city of Perth, offering access to charming small towns and beautiful rural landscapes.
  • Scenic Route: Ideal for travelers seeking picturesque countryside drives
  • Service Centers: Frequent service centers provide facilities for rest, food, and fuel along the route
  • Limited Access: Offers fewer interruptions for a more enjoyable driving experience

9. Hwy 417 Westbound Lane Closures

Westbound lane closures on Highway 417 during peak hours to facilitate ongoing construction.
  • Construction Updates: Regular updates provided regarding closure times and alternative routes
  • Alternative Routes: Clear signage indicating alternative routes during construction-related lane closures
  • Reduced Congestion: Helps manage traffic and reduces congestion on other major highways in Ottawa

10. Hwy 417 Eastbound Lane Closures

Eastbound lane closures on Highway 417 during peak hours to facilitate ongoing construction.
  • Construction Updates: Regular updates provided regarding closure times and alternative routes
  • Alternative Routes: Clear signage indicating alternative routes during construction-related lane closures
  • Reduced Congestion: Helps manage traffic and reduces congestion on other major highways in Ottawa

11. Highway 744 (Rideau Valley Drive)

A scenic roadway offering beautiful views of the Rideau River and several parks along the way.
  • Scenic Route: Provides a relaxing drive with natural beauty and various recreational activities
  • Shared Use Path: Accommodates cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians for recreational activities
  • Limited Access: Offers fewer interruptions for a more enjoyable driving experience

12. Highway 401 (Ottawa-Kingston)

A major east-west route connecting Ottawa with Kingston and Toronto, offering access to urban centers and scenic landscapes.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travelers seeking connections to Toronto and other cities
  • High Capacity: Designed for high traffic volumes, reducing congestion during peak hours
  • Service Centers: Frequent service centers cater to travelers' needs during long journeys

13. Highway 401 Westbound Lane Closures

Westbound lane closures on Highway 401 during peak hours to facilitate ongoing construction.
  • Construction Updates: Regular updates provided regarding closure times and alternative routes
  • Alternative Routes: Clear signage indicating alternative routes during construction-related lane closures
  • Reduced Congestion: Helps manage traffic and reduces congestion on other major highways in Ottawa

14. Highway 401 Eastbound Lane Closures

Eastbound lane closures on Highway 401 during peak hours to facilitate ongoing construction.
  • Construction Updates: Regular updates provided regarding closure times and alternative routes
  • Alternative Routes: Clear signage indicating alternative routes during construction-related lane closures
  • Reduced Congestion: Helps manage traffic and reduces congestion on other major highways in Ottawa

15. Highway 416

A major east-west highway connecting Ottawa's east and west ends, offering access to several neighborhoods and key destinations.
  • Easy Access: Provides quick access to various neighborhoods and key destinations in Ottawa
  • High Capacity: Designed for high traffic volumes, reducing congestion during peak hours
  • Service Centers: Frequent service centers cater to travelers' needs during long journeys