Driving the 4,860-mile TransCanada Highway from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland offers perhaps the world’s best opportunity to see some stunningly beautiful scenery, as this highway is also the longest in the world! Despite its remote North American location in the Northern Hemisphere and perceived roof-deep snow drifts, Canada’s roads are truly safe! When visiting Canada during the months with the greatest potential for large avalanches from this winter precipitation, be careful and know how to survive winter driving in Canada!

Know the climate of Canada

Weather should be considered when driving in Canada, as atmospheric conditions play a significant role in this part of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, Banff, which is located in the Banff National Forest in the province of Alberta, has snow cover from October through March with an average snow cover of 37 inches in January and an average mean temperature at that time of 16 degrees F. . Of course, the mountain passes surrounding Banff will have much more snow and will have it later in the year than the valleys. Quebec City, on the other hand, has snow cover from November to March with an average snow cover of 79 inches in February. The average mean temperature in January is 12 degrees F with an average low of 3 degrees F.

Because the weather in this northern area of ​​the United States is subject to so much winter precipitation, traffic on highways from Quebec to Alberta is frequently slowed down by heavy rain, snow or fog, and squalls at They often arrive with little real warning. In Alberta, they are subject to Chinook winds which actually heat the air as it moves over their mountains, causing sudden flurries of snow in the winter. It is during this time that visibility can instantly change from clear to zero and drivers on Banff expressways can be caught off guard.

It is important to learn from Canadian drivers who travel the long stretches of highway from Quebec to Winnipeg and Edmonton and are subject to gusty winter air. These drivers know that before going on a long trip, they should be aware of the specific weather forecast and winter road condition reports, as both the long-range forecast and the road report give them a idea about the specific conditions in a certain place. They can be checked online at highwayconditions.com or found on a local radio station for detailed weather information.

Learn about Canada’s roads during snow storms

Busy highways and urban roads across Canada have the highest priority for snow removal during winter storms with heavy precipitation. During these times, they are covered with gravel or rock chips along with a salt mixture. Salt helps melt snow, although salt is much less effective when temperatures drop below 14 degrees F (-10 C).

Snow plows and snow graders are dispatched during or after an extremely heavy snowfall to remove snow from roads and highways. Be sure to leave extra room when passing these winter utility vehicles as the snow plows and plow blades are wider than the truck they are attached to and always remember not to pass any of these vehicles on the right side!

Plan the road trip

Allowing enough time to prepare and plan any trip is essential; however, it is especially true when crossing Canada from Brunswick to Quebec to Ottawa to Winnipeg to Saskatoon to Edmonton and Victoria. This includes calculating the mileage to be traveled, an itinerary, emergency packs and a first aid kit, budgeting, and of course, double-checking the condition of the vehicle. Be very detailed when determining the number of miles from one town or city to another. Be sure to determine at least the approximate number of hours or days it will take to drive from one place to another in winter road conditions. Please double check the listing thoroughly online for accurate road markings, hotel listings, restaurants and other itinerary details. Also, while there are fast food restaurants along the route in the summer, during the winter months it’s best to pack plenty of food and drink in a cooler in case of emergencies.

Preparedness for possible emergencies

Precautions are extremely important, especially for winter driving. Always carry a first aid kit, matches, flares, jumper cables, reflector triangles, a gas can, a tow chain, extra warm clothing, emergency food, etc. Check the recommended things listed in the Canadian Automobile Association brochure or website when planning what to take on a trip. This website is full of useful travel information for all the places in this country.

vehicle preparation

Equip your vehicle with winter tires as this will significantly improve driving safety, especially when driving on snowy or icy roads. Chains should also be carried to provide more traction to the tires if needed. Also, make sure the gas tank is full and the windshield washer fluid is also full so there is enough of both to get you to your planned destination. Not all gas stations are open along the highways during the winter months, so be sure to keep your gas tank no less than half full! Above all, it is always important to have your vehicle serviced before embarking on any journey.

The points listed above are the main essential and basic things that one must know to survive driving during the winter months in Canada! More detailed information about traveling on the 4,860-mile-long TransCanada Highway or any of the country’s highways can be found on the official Canadian Highways website. Remember, common sense is still man’s best resource for survival. With this in mind, winter driving in Canada is survivable, and it’s fun!