Ontario Highway 101 facts for kids
Ontario Highway 101 is a long road in the Canadian province of Ontario. It's a special kind of road called a "provincial highway," which means it's managed by the province. This highway starts near a town called Wawa and stretches all the way east to the border of Quebec. Along its journey, it passes through the city of Timmins. Highway 101 is about 473.3 kilometers (or 294 miles) long, and it mostly travels through quiet, unpopulated areas of northern Ontario.
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What is a Provincial Highway?
In Canada, a provincial highway is a major road that connects different towns and cities within a province. These roads are very important for travel, trade, and getting around. The government of each province is in charge of building and taking care of these highways. Highway 101 is one of these important roads in Ontario.
Where Does Highway 101 Go?
Highway 101 travels across a big part of northern Ontario. It connects different communities and helps people get from one place to another in this large region.
Starting Point: Wawa
The western end of Highway 101 begins near the town of Wawa. Here, it connects with another major road called Highway 17. Wawa is known for its giant goose statue, which is a popular landmark. From Wawa, Highway 101 starts its long journey eastward.
Through Timmins
As Highway 101 continues its path, it goes right through the city of Timmins. Timmins is one of the largest cities in northern Ontario. When Highway 101 passes through the downtown area of Timmins, it's actually known by a different name: Algonquin Boulevard. So, if you're driving on Algonquin Boulevard in Timmins, you're on Highway 101!
Ending at Quebec
After Timmins, Highway 101 keeps going east until it reaches the border with the province of Quebec. This means it connects Ontario with its neighboring province, making it an important route for travel between the two.
Building Highway 101
Building a long highway like Highway 101 through remote areas was a big project. It took many years and a lot of hard work to complete. For example, parts of the highway, like the section between Chapleau and Foleyet, were still under construction in the early 1960s. Building roads in northern Ontario can be challenging because of the forests, lakes, and rocky terrain.
Why is Highway 101 Important?
Highway 101 is very important for the people and communities in northern Ontario. Even though it goes through many unpopulated areas, it connects towns that might otherwise be hard to reach. It helps people travel for work, school, and visiting family. It also helps businesses move goods and supplies. Because much of the area is remote, Highway 101 provides a vital link, making it easier to explore and live in this beautiful part of Canada.
Images for kids
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Highway 101 at Wawa Lake
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Highway 101 is known as Algonquin Boulevard in Downtown Timmins
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Construction of Highway 101 between Chapleau and Foleyet
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Typical Highway 101 between Wawa and Chapleau; the route is extremely remote and few services exist outside of communities.
