Ontario Highway 21 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Bluewater Highway | ||||||||||
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Highway 21 highlighted in red
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| Route information | ||||||||||
| Maintained by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario | ||||||||||
| Length | 226.8 km (140.9 mi) | |||||||||
| Existed | May 23, 1927–present | |||||||||
| Major junctions | ||||||||||
| South end |  Highway 402 near Wyoming |
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 Highway 8 in Goderich Highway 9 in Kincardine |
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| North end |    Highway 6 / Highway 10 / Highway 26 in Owen Sound |
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| Location | ||||||||||
| Major cities: | Grand Bend, Goderich, Kincardine, Southampton, Port Elgin, Owen Sound | |||||||||
| Highway system | ||||||||||
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→Ontario Highway 21, also known as King's Highway 21, is an important road in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It stretches for about 227 kilometers (141 miles). This highway connects many towns along the eastern shore of Lake Huron. It is often called the Bluewater Highway because it stays very close to the lake.
Contents
All About Highway 21
Where Does Highway 21 Go?
Highway 21 starts near Ontario Highway 402. This is about halfway between the cities of Sarnia and London. From there, it travels north and northeast. It passes through several towns and cities. These include Grand Bend, Goderich, and Kincardine. It also goes through Southampton and Port Elgin. The highway finally ends in Owen Sound. Here, it connects with Highway 6, Highway 10, and Highway 26.
Why "Bluewater Highway"?
This highway is famously known as the Bluewater Highway. It earned this name because it follows the beautiful eastern shoreline of Lake Huron. As you drive, you can often see the big, blue lake. This makes for a very scenic journey.
History of Highway 21
The road that became Highway 21 first started in 1927. Back then, it was part of Highway 3. It ran across Kent and Lambton Counties. In 1930, the road was extended. It was then officially renamed King's Highway 21. This made it a key part of Ontario's provincial road network.
Driving Challenges in Winter
Highway 21 is known for being a difficult road to drive on in winter. This is because of the heavy snow that blows off Lake Huron. Strong winds can pick up snow from the lake. This causes whiteout conditions, making it hard to see. Because of this, Highway 21 is often closed during the winter months. This helps keep drivers safe.
Images for kids
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Southbound Highway 21 and northbound Highway 6 are concurrent in Owen Sound, the only example of a wrong-way concurrency in the provincial highway network.
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Highway 21 and Highway 6 descend the Niagara Escarpment into Owen Sound.
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Highways 21 and 6 form the only wrong-way concurrency in the Ontario highway network.
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Highway 21 in Port Franks at the junction of what was then Highway 82
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Highway 21 near Petrolia. A Bowstring Arch bridge was constructed to replace the existing county-built bridge shortly after the department designated Highway 21.
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Excavation work to bypass Highway 21 north of the Maitland River near Goderich
