Major Highways & Driving Tips in Toronto, Canada
1. Gardiner Expressway
A major east-west highway running along the south lake shore of Toronto, connecting to downtown and the QEW for easy access to other cities.
- Heavy Traffic: High traffic during rush hours.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Rush Hour Routes: Rush hour routes can be significantly slower, plan accordingly.
2. Don Valley Parkway
A north-south highway that runs east of downtown Toronto, providing a bypass to avoid city congestion on the Gardiner Expressway.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic at both ends.
- Local Access: Limited local access points along the highway.
- Accident Prone: Prone to accidents due to high speeds and tight turns.
3. 401 Highway (QEW)
The Queen Elizabeth Way connects Toronto with other cities in Southern Ontario and is a key route for travellers.
- Long Distances: Covering long distances, plan for rest stops.
- Tolls: Toll plazas at certain points along the highway.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
4. 404 Highway
Connects the city's northeast suburbs with downtown Toronto.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic on both ends.
- Local Access: Limited local access points along the highway.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
5. 407 ETR (Electronic Toll Route)
An electronically-tolled highway connecting the Greater Toronto Area's highways.
- Toll Charges: Daily and periodic toll charges for usage.
- Speed Limits: Higher speed limits compared to other highways in Toronto.
- Open Road Tolling: Uses Open Road Tolling, no need for physical toll plazas.
6. 427 Express Toll Route
An electronically-tolled expressway connecting Toronto's west end to the city center.
- Toll Charges: Daily and periodic toll charges for usage.
- Speed Limits: Higher speed limits compared to other highways in Toronto.
- Truck Restrictions: Restricted usage for certain types of trucks.
7. 409 Highway
A short highway connecting the 401 and the 402, providing a quicker route to other cities.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic on both ends.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Distance: Short distance makes it a quicker route to other cities.
8. Gardiner Expressway West Extension
An extension of the Gardiner Expressway that connects the airport with downtown Toronto.
- Airport Access: Provides easy access to Pearson International Airport.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic at both ends.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
9. Governor General Bridge
A bridge connecting Toronto's east end with the city center, known for its distinctive arch design.
- Bridge Height Limitations: Height limitations for trucks and trailers.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic at both ends.
10. Allan Road
A major roadway connecting the Mimico neighborhood to Lake Shore Blvd W.
- Local Access: Primarily local access with limited through traffic.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Residential Area: Runs through a residential area with speed limits and traffic calming measures.
11. Eglinton Avenue
A major east-west arterial road in Toronto, connecting the city center with the north end.
- Heavy Traffic: High traffic during rush hours.
- Construction: Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction affecting flow of traffic.
- Bus Routes: Many bus routes make it congested during peak hours.
12. Yonge Street
Toronto's main north-south street, known for its long shopping district.
- Pedestrian Traffic: High pedestrian traffic due to its shopping district.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Bus Routes: Many bus routes make it congested during peak hours.
13. Bloor Street
A major east-west street in Toronto, known for its cultural and historic significance.
- Heavy Traffic: High traffic during rush hours.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Bus Routes: Many bus routes make it congested during peak hours.
14. Spadina Avenue
A north-south street in downtown Toronto, known for its unique one-way traffic pattern.
- One-Way Traffic: One-way traffic pattern makes navigation more complex.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.
- Bus Routes: Many bus routes make it congested during peak hours.
15. DVP (Don Valley Parkway Extension)
An extension of the Don Valley Parkway that connects downtown Toronto with the eastern suburbs.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Heavy rush hour traffic at both ends.
- Local Access: Limited local access points along the highway.
- Construction: Periodic maintenance and construction work affecting flow of traffic.