What's the traffic like going from Ottawa to Toronto?

Question

I'm planning a weekend trip, and I would like to know if it's better to travel to Toronto from Ottawa on a Saturday or a Sunday. As well, I would like to know about the traffic going back to Ottawa from Toronto on the Sunday or Monday. (we're planning a 2 day, one night trip).

Answer 1

Don't travel to TO on Sunday all the cottage traffic will be heading back to the big smoke and unless you like to be stuck in traffic I'd go on the Saturday to TO.   The return trip either Sunday or Monday depending on the route you plan on taking 401 to 416 should be no problems,  however if you are planing on taking #7 I'd think about going on the Monday there would be too much traffic heading to TO and it would be just plain dangerous to be heading east on that highway.

Have a good trip and safe home

Answer 2

Traffic is a non-issue any day at any time once you clear the GTA. I wouldn't want to leave on a weekday at rush hour because you'll have traffic till Ajax / Oshawa but that is about it.

When driving to Ottawa from Toronto you'll see signs that tell you to get off the 401 to go to Ottawa. Ignore the first set of those. They do take you to a highway that eventually brings you to Ottawa but it is a one lane highway that goes though some small towns. Keep going on the 401 until you hit Prescott and then you'll see the 416 to Ottawa. The 416 is a speed trap so stay close to the posted limit.

Also if the group is small you might consider flying. I got back and forth between Ottawa and Toronto a lot and if you are flexible with your flights they are fairly economical. Obviously if there is a family of four then driving is the better option but for a single person or even a couple the small extra cost with flying is worth it to save 10 hours.

Answer 3

From Ottawa to Toronto there will be less traffic on Saturday.  The return trip will be smoother on Monday, but that makes it a two night stay in Toronto.