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Ontario Highway 17 facts for kids

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Highway 17 shield Trans-Canada Highway shield

Highway 17
Trans-Canada Highway
Route information
Length 1,964.0 km (1,220.4 mi)
Existed February 26, 1920–present
Tourist
routes
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Major junctions
West end PTH 1 (TCH) towards Winnipeg
   Highway 71 – Kenora
 Highway 61 – Thunder Bay
 Highway 11 – Nipigon
 Highway 101 – Wawa
To I-75 in Sault Ste. Marie
 Highway 6 – McKerrow
 Highway 69 – Sudbury
 Highway 11 – North Bay
 Highway 41 – Pembroke
 Highway 60 – Renfrew
East end  Highway 417 near Arnprior
Location
Major cities: Kenora, Dryden, Ignace, Thunder Bay, Wawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Mattawa, Petawawa, Pembroke, Arnprior
Highway system
  • Ontario provincial highways
Highway 16 Highway 17A

Ontario Highway 17 is a very important road in Ontario, Canada. It is also known as the Trans-Canada Highway in this province. This highway is super long, stretching for about 1,964 kilometers (1,220 miles). This makes it the longest highway in all of Ontario!

Highway 17 starts way out west, near the border with Manitoba, close to the town of Kenora. It travels all the way across Ontario, ending near Arnprior. There, it joins up with another big highway, Ontario Highway 417.

Exploring Highway 17

Highway 17 is a huge part of the Trans-Canada Highway system. This system connects Canada from coast to coast. Imagine driving across the entire country! Highway 17 is the main part of that journey through Ontario.

Where Does It Go?

This highway travels through many different parts of Ontario. It starts in the forests and lakes of Northwestern Ontario. Then, it follows the beautiful northern shore of Lake Superior. This part of the drive offers amazing views of the lake and rocky cliffs.

As it continues east, Highway 17 passes through many cities and towns. Some of the bigger places it goes through include Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury. It also connects smaller communities, helping people travel for work, school, or fun.

Connecting Communities

Highway 17 is like a lifeline for many communities in Northern Ontario. Before this highway was fully built, it was much harder to travel between towns. The highway helps people and goods move easily. This helps businesses and makes life better for everyone.

It also helps tourists explore Ontario's natural beauty. Many people use Highway 17 to visit parks, lakes, and other attractions. It's a key route for anyone wanting to see the province.

A Bit of History

Highway 17 officially started on February 26, 1920. But it took many years to build the entire road. Sections were added and improved over time. One big moment was the opening of the Trans-Canada Highway in Ontario. A special ceremony happened on September 17, 1960, near Wawa. This marked a huge step in connecting the country.

Over the years, parts of Highway 17 have been upgraded. Some sections are now wider with more lanes. This helps traffic flow better and makes the road safer. The highway continues to be an important route for travel and trade in Ontario.

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