Discussions

this summer we will be driving and pulling a 22 ft trailer, from brandon to the atlantic provinces...has anyone done this, and any recommendations on which highways to take, and what to avoid...thanks

Plan your trip through the US if possible, especially with a trailer. It's a far less treacherous drive than through the sheer rock faces of Ontario.  
 
My dad was a trucker, they never drove through the shield unless they absolutely had to. Can't recall the exact number now, but my hubby did it with a truck and small trailer about twenty years ago and it was about half the time going through the US than through Canada.

You realize how far that is?  
 
There is only one (1) highway in Canada. The North Shore, there are a lot of very steep grades.

Agreed with Foxtrot. Drive through US, roads are smoother and better, gas is cheaper. Easier on vehicle and trailer wear.

I grew up on the north shore of Lake Superior, and if you are interested in scenery along the way, that is the way to go. Much of the highway east of Thunder Bay has been re-done in the last 20 years with the addition of many passing lanes and reduction in curves. The views you will get driving along Lake Superior can be breathtaking.  
 
Having said all that, there are a lot of hills and gas runs about 20-40c per litre more than we pay here, and you will use a fair bit of it in the hills.  
 
Whichever way you go, have a great trip and drive safe!

Your pulling a camper?  
First I'd purchase a good map book. Rand McNallys have all the provinces and states. Plan a route that will keep you away from the major centres. You'll avoid traffic this way and get the added bonus of some great views otherwise missed.  
 
If your planning to stay in Canada for your drive, take 17 in Ontario. The road is a better highway, almost completely resurfaced now and with wider lanes. The scenery great and rest stops are more frequent. Once you get on the other side of Sault there's travel centres to stop and stretch your legs, grab coffee/foodand refill your water jugs.  
Enjoy your trip!

at least one way! I've done the drive a couple times & it was nice to go thru Canada ONCE lol (at least it's in the summer). But would definitely recommend going south at Sault Ste Marie on the way home maybe. Then at least you've done it once & can decide yourself.  
 
I am from the Maritimes originally and it is beautiful. Enjoy your trip!

I have done that trip now I think 8 times. Some of those trips with a large trailer and in winter.  
 
You choose the route you want but...  
 
From here to Manitoba Border easy divided highway.  
 
From Ontario border single lane mostly ( some passing lanes, double lane close to cities, etc ) all the way to close to Ottawa.  
 
Once you arrive in Nipigon, you can choose between 11 or 17. 11 goes north of Ontario, less hills, gas stations are not an issue if you don't push your luck, less scenic.  
 
17 follows the lakes, Lots of hills, passing lanes, Gorgeous sceneries, same with gas stations don't push your luck.  
 
Through US, divided HWY mostly, Lots of gas stations, but have to go through borders etc. The bridge at Sault Ste Marie is pretty cool. I haven't been that way in a long time. I had a speeding ticket using that route maybe that's why lol.  
 
22 Foot trailer is not very big depending what you are pulling with so I wouldn't worry too much. Make sure you have a spare tire.  
 
Once you cross Ontario ( Like 3 freaking days ) lol you'll arrive in Quebec. People drive fast. Stay in right lane you'll be fine. My suggestion there is stay south of Montreal and use the newly built toll route. HWY 30. It's like $4 or something like that but will save you HOURS of traffic and crazy drivers if you stay on the 20. From there pretty busy hwy's all the way until your about 1 hour east of Quebec City then it gets better. Once you cross to NB first town there is my hometown It's French but mostly everyone speaks English. All divided hwy's in NB as well. I can keep going and going but I got you to the Maritimes so if you want or need more info PM me.

We drove it in 2016 but not pulling a trailer. We went through the US to Duluth and across the upper peninsula of Michigan to Sault St. Marie and crossed back into Canada there and continued on through North Bay etc. Avoid Montreal at rush hour which probably ends at 10 and starts at 3. You still have some Lake Superior views just from the south - but much more flat straight roads - lots of state forest - can be kind of boring but when you are hauling a trailer boring is good. Give yourself lots of time - 4-5 days at least. we did 4 down and spend 2/3 of one of those days in Quebec City touring. Took longer coming back and spent a day in Ottawa. We took the US route both ways. Going down we overnighted in Hurley Wisconsin, North Bay, Ont, Quebec City, and then Saint John New Brunswick and took the morning ferry to Digby NS. Came home through PEI and drove shorter days so stops coming home were different.