Discussions

We will be driving to Thunder Bay this summer and I'm wondering what advice anyone has about the drive. We're driving in one day and it is a single driver.  
 
We're trying to decide between continuing east from Kenora on Hwy 17 to Thunder Bay or going south on 71 after Kenora and then continuing east on Hwy 11. Google maps puts taking the southern route at approx an hour longer but we're wondering if it's a lighter traffic route and maybe a little less stressful?  
 
We have never been further than Kenora so we really have no idea what the drive is like but we've heard it is very heavy for traffic. Taking the route down into the states is not an option for us. Thanks for any responses.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. It's been a number of years since we drove that way and I think there's been improvements to 17 in that time. Yes, it's waaaay busier. The southern route is much less traffic. But yes, it takes longer but you have some spectacular scenery on the way. If you have the time, I suggest you take some time to visit Quetico. I remember it being hilly that way too, with fewer towns and services.  
 
Edited by Abbysmum, 2023-06-26 18:21:33

There is also a route through USA that’s a nice drive. Very quiet road. Google map from Brandon to Warroad MN and then Rainy River ON and then to Thunder bay. List the same driving time as the Kenora route

I took the 17 to Thunder Bay this past winter. It was very twisty turvy…. That being said, the road itself was pretty good. I too was a single driver. There were a lot of semis on the road, so it was a tad nerve-racking at some points going around those curves with an oncoming semi. But slow and steady wins the race. I made sure my gas tank was always above half, as the towns are intermittent. I also did the last stretch at night, which was not fun. I left from here around 3 hours later than intended so that contributed negatively to that…. Wildlife would be out more since it is summer time, than when I went in winter. In my whole trip all I saw was a fox, no deer or moose, which is what I was watching for. You need to drive carefully and cautious, is as not Manitoba driving. I’ve driven in many many different types of terrains in numerous countries, so it was easy for me to adapt. But all in all, the road was fine and I made it safe. If you need to take it slow (not too slow that you become a hazard) but don’t try and speed through , imma thinking you’d be okay. It’s really beautiful out there. Hope this helps.

Highway 71 south of Kenora is only 80Km/h all the way to Nestor Falls. It sounds like it sucks but set your speed control to 80-90Km/h and watch the view. It a beautiful area, kinda relaxing and not that may trucks if any at all. I'd get a sandwich or Subway in Kenora, bring it with you and then stop at Nestor Falls for lunch. There is a very nice rest stop right beside the falls. 5 more hours and you're in TB.  
 
Just to avoid the big trucks along, I'd do #71 south.

Take the southern route. Give yourself plenty of time for the trip. You will want to stop for some of the sights and really neat shopping spots along the way. I have traveled Hwy 17 many times and it is very good in it's own right, but 71/11 is pretty much made for those who want to enjoy the trip while getting to their destination. Watch your speed - the OPP keep a sharp eye out for errant drivers.

Highway 17 is way better than it used to be. Passing lanes every 10 k or so and info on when they are coming up. Gone are the days of getting behind a couple of logging trucks and having to follow them for 50 miles or take your life in your hands to pass them. Like another poster said watch your speed$$$

Thanks everyone for your responses. We ended up taking the 17 on the way there and the 11/71 on the way back. The 17 really wasn't as bad as we were thinking. Yes, there was pretty near constant traffic but a lot more divided highway than we thought and all those passing lanes made it much more pleasant. Lots of current construction in Ontario prepping for more divided highway.  
 
As I stated before, we had never been past Kenora and didn't realize how beautiful the area surrounding Thunder Bay/Lake Superior was. It was an awesome trip!