A Road Trip Guide from Winnipeg to Toronto to Elevate Your Next Adventure
Whoever said “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey” must’ve had some pretty fun road trips in their life.
Even for us, it’s always the new places we get to explore and the people we meet along the way that make road trips so unforgettable. With a solid travel itinerary, classic jams, and our favorite snacks, it’s always a fun time cruising along the open road.
Today, we’re going to help you plan an epic road trip from Winnipeg to Toronto. We’ll show you the best routes and must-see attractions so you can make the most out of your time and have an adventure you’ll never forget.
How far is Toronto from Winnipeg?
Toronto is 1,302 miles (2,095 km) away from Winnipeg if you follow the Trans-Canada Highway. The drive should take more than 22 hours with good weather and road conditions.
Best Road Trip Route from Winnipeg to Toronto
The best route for a road trip from Winnipeg to Toronto is via the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s a navigable and scenic drive with stunning views of mountains and lakes.
For a more urban drive, the US route is a great alternative. There are plenty of cities and tourist attractions to explore.
Canadian Route
If you don’t want to cross the US border during your trip, you can follow Manitoba 1 when you leave Winnipeg, then hop on Highway 17 until you reach Sudbury. From there, the Highway 400 will take you all the way to Toronto.
Just along the Trans-Canada Highway, there are a handful of towns and parks that are worth exploring. But between stops, there are only lush forests and rough terrain, which means you’ll have to fill up at every gas station before hitting the open road.
US Route
Crossing the US Border is an option if you’re traveling from Winnipeg to Toronto, but it will take a few extra hours on the road. We recommend this route if you have the time and budget for sightseeing.
From Winnipeg, drive to Emerson to cross the US border and head to Minneapolis on the same day. You can leave for the Wisconsin Dells the next day, where you spend a few hours sightseeing before going to Chicago, Detroit, and then Toronto.
Best Time to Go on a Road Trip from Winnipeg to Toronto
The best time to go on a road trip from Winnipeg to Toronto is between late April to June and September to November.
During these months, the warm weather makes the road safer for driving. It’s also less busy, which means accommodations are more affordable.
Best Places to Stop Between Winnipeg and Toronto
1. Thunder Bay
After 7 hours on the road, you can make your first overnight stop at Thunder Bay. We recommend going to Kakabeka Falls and Lake Superior if you’re pressed for time and leaving early the next day.
But if you can spare a few extra hours, go on a half-day guided excursion to one of the islands on Lake Superior. You’ll cruise around the lake, see wildlife, and go on a quick hike.
If you leave in the afternoon, you can make it to Wawa in 5 hours.
2. Lake Superior Provincial Park
Driving on Highway 17 will take you to Lake Superior Provincial Park, which is nestled between Wawa and Sault Ste. Maria. It’s one of our favorite camping spots in Ontario because of its convenient facilities and fun outdoor activities.
You have to secure a permit months in advance before you can camp here. You also have to follow park rules when you’re camping or simply visiting the park to protect the wildlife and their critical habitat.
3. Saul Ste. Marie
If you’re traveling in the fall, go on the Agawa Canyon Train Tour, which is accessible through Saul Ste. Marie. This full-day adventure will take you through lush forests, waterfalls, and rivers.
When you reach the Canyon, you’re given 90 minutes to explore before you have to board the train back. Don’t forget to bring a good book with you as it’s quite a long journey with no cell service.
4. Greater Sudbury
The Greater Sudbury is a must-visit city, especially if you’re on a road trip with little ones. You should take them to Science North, which is a museum they’ll surely enjoy because of its hands-on exhibits, IMAX theatre, planetarium, and so much more.
You should also swing by a local restaurant as the city has quite a diverse cuisine. Whether it’s pizza, tacos, or tandoori-oven-cooked wings, they’ve got a great selection of restaurants to satiate your cravings.
5. Barrie
Just an hour away from Toronto, the waterfront city of Barrie can be your final pit stop on this road trip. You can stretch your legs at Centennial Beach and perhaps indulge in a hearty meal in a nearby restaurant.
If you’re traveling in late May, you can probably join the festivities of the annual Barrie Waterfront festival. There will be lots of games, rides, food, and live performances near the beach.
What is the halfway point between Toronto and Winnipeg?
Following the Trans-Canada Highway, the halfway point between Toronto and Winnipeg is Terrace Bay, which is a little town on the north shore of Lake Superior.
Although small, it has a few popular attractions that are worth checking out, including Terrace Bay Beach, Aguasabon Falls & Gorge, and State Islands Provincial Park.
Things to See on a Road Trip from Winnipeg to Toronto
Kakabeka Falls
— Media credit: ehamehendalephotography
No matter the time of year, you can always stop to admire Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River. You can get the best views from the boardwalk, which starts from the parking lot and wraps all around the top of the falls.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
It’s hard to miss Lake Superior as you’ll be driving alongside it while following the Trans-Canada Highway. Throughout the road trip, you’ll have several opportunities to dip your toes in the water.
Prince Arthur’s Landing
— Media credit: darcislife
Another sight that you should not miss while you’re in Thunder Bay is the Sleeping Giant, which you can view right from Prince Arthur’s Landing. It’s a series of flat-topped mountains that look like a giant in deep slumber in the distance; thus its name.
Aguasabon Falls & Gorge
— Media credit: meryoon
Just 2 km west of the Terrace Bay Lighthouse, you’ll find the Aguasabon Falls & Gorge, which is accessible by car. From its parking lot, it’s a two-minute walk down to the lookout area where you can have the best view of the falls.
Pancake Bay
Just an hour away from Sault Ste. Maria, you’ll see Pancake Bay with its beautiful turquoise waters and long stretch of sand. In the summer, it looks like a tropical paradise.
Sunnidale Park
— Media credit: wellbeing.w.wendy
While in Barrie, go see Sunnidale Park Arboretum, which is a local favorite of photographers, natural lovers, and dog owners. We like it because it has an off-leash area, where your dogs can run around and have fun after a long drive.
Where to Stay in Toronto
The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel has become a local hub for art, design, and food since it opened its doors in 2004. Now with 51 rooms, each with carefully curated pieces and bespoke amenities, you won’t find anything boring or cookie-cutter here.
During the warmer months, we like going to the Sky Yard rooftop patio for some late-night cocktails and live music performances.
It’s also home to Drake Underground, which has become a cornerstone of the local music scene in Toronto. From legendary parties to music festivals, it all happens in the basement of this hotel.
Chelsea Hotel
The Chelsea Hotel can be your family’s home away from home during this trip. It is the only hotel in Downtown Toronto with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, and corkscrew waterslide, which we’re sure the entire family will enjoy.
Your little ones can access the Kids Centre, which comes with toys and books to keep them entertained. For your tweens and teens, they can head off to Club 33, where they can play arcade games, foosball, pool, and video games.
Don’t worry; they’ve also got an adult-only zone. It has its own pool and gym facilities so you can relax or get a good workout done without having to worry about screaming children around (whether they’re yours or not).
Fairmont Royal York
Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, The Fairmont Royal York is a gateway to quintessential experiences in the city. It’s just steps away from the best restaurants, retail stores, designer boutiques, nightclubs, and bars.
But if you’re planning on staying in and getting much-needed rest after your long road trip, it has a health club with saunas and steam rooms to help you recharge.
It also has a great selection of restaurants, serving Canada’s bounty sourced from local farmers and sustainable producers. If you can find its hidden cocktail bar tucked away in one of the hotel’s corners, you’re in for a delightful boozy treat.