List of Ontario provincial highways facts for kids
   
Highway markers for King's Highway 17, King's Highway 401, Secondary Highway 600, and Tertiary Highway 800
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Quick facts for kids System information |
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| Formed: | February 26, 1920 |
| Length: | 17,459 km (10,849 mi) |
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Provincial highways in Ontario are important roads that connect cities and towns across the province. These roads are looked after by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). They help people travel, deliver goods, and explore all the amazing places in Ontario. The network includes different types of highways, each with its own special purpose.
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What are Ontario's Main Highways?
Ontario's main roads are called the King's Highway. This name is used for most of the important provincial highways. These include roads numbered from 2 to 148. It also includes the special 400-series highways and the famous Queen Elizabeth Way.
Discovering the King's Highways
The King's Highways are like the backbone of Ontario's road system. They connect many communities. Here are a few examples of these important routes:
- Highway 3: This highway is 258.2 kilometers long. It connects Detroit, Michigan, to Fort Erie.
- Highway 6: Stretching 472.4 kilometers, this road goes from Port Dover to McKerrow.
- Highway 11: This is a very long highway, 1784.9 kilometers. It starts in Barrie and goes all the way to Baudette, MN in Minnesota.
- Highway 17: Even longer than Highway 11, this road is 1964.0 kilometers. It runs from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Arnprior.
These highways help people travel across the province. They are vital for everyday life and for exploring Ontario.
The Speedy 400-Series Highways
The 400-series highways are Ontario's fastest and busiest roads. They are like superhighways designed for quick travel. These roads are known for having many lanes and no traffic lights. They help people get around big cities and across the province much faster.
- Highway 400: This highway is 226.0 kilometers long. It connects Toronto to Carling. It's a key route for heading north from the city.
- Highway 401: At 828.0 kilometers, this is the longest and busiest highway in North America. It runs from Windsor to Montreal, QC. It's often called the "Macdonald–Cartier Freeway."
- Highway 402: This 102.5-kilometer highway links Point Edward (at the US border) to London.
- Highway 403: This highway is 125.2 kilometers long. It connects Woodstock to Mississauga.
- Highway 407: This is a special 151.4-kilometer toll highway. It means you pay to use it. It helps drivers avoid traffic in busy areas around Toronto. Part of it is even run by a private company!
- Highway 417: This 192.0-kilometer highway is part of the Trans-Canada Highway. It connects Arnprior to Montreal, QC.
These 400-series highways are essential for fast and efficient travel. They are always being improved to handle more cars and trucks.
What are Secondary Highways?
Secondary highways are another important part of Ontario's road network. These roads are usually found in less populated areas. They connect smaller towns and communities to the main King's Highways. They are numbered from 500 to 673.
Secondary highways are often two-lane roads. They are very important for local travel and for reaching more remote places. They help people get to cottages, provincial parks, and other beautiful natural areas.
For example, Highway 527 is a long secondary highway, 235.1 kilometers. It connects Shuniah to Armstrong. Another example is Highway 600, which is 86.4 kilometers long and runs near Rainy River.
What are Tertiary Roads?
Tertiary roads are the smallest type of provincial highway. They are usually found in very remote or northern parts of Ontario. These roads are often gravel or less developed than other highways. They are numbered from 800 to 813.
Tertiary roads help connect very small communities or resource areas. They are important for people living in these remote regions. For example, Highway 805 is 52.5 kilometers long and goes to Obabika Lake.
What are 7000-Series Highways?
The 7000-series highways are a bit different. These roads are "unsigned," which means they don't have a highway shield like the other roads. They are still maintained by the MTO. They are often old parts of other highways or special access roads.
These roads are important for local connections. They might be a short bypass or a road leading to a specific dock or railway station. For example, Highway 7025 is called Shrine Hill Drive. It's only 0.8 kilometers long and is part of the original Highway 60 route. Another one, Highway 7048, is called 5 Mile Dock Road and gives access to a dock.
