Random Canadian Facts: For Nay-Nay

This week's fact explores the national treasure known as the Trans-Canada Highway. Some of it is freeway, some of it is 2-lane highway, but you can be sure that it will take you from one end of the country to the other in 6 or 7 days.

So, Nay-Nay, did you know that the Trans-Canada highway is the longest national highway in the world?

It stretches 7,821km all the way from Victoria, BC in the west, to St. Johns, NFLD in the east. What is that in miles, you ask? Approximately 4,900. The highway is signified by the number 1, but there is a second arm, called the Yellowhead Route, that goes the northern route. It is signified by the number 16.

While the highway makes many small towns accessible, it has also suffered the fate of many older roads: increased traffic resulting in "death traps." One such was dubbed "Suicide Alley." These problems are being rectified, albeit slowly.

Travelling this route allows you to see many of Canada's wonders: a giant perogy, Confederation Bridge, Moose Jaw, Lake Louise, the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River...be sure to bring your camera.

Perhaps the best part of the highway is that it skips Toronto. I guess it all makes sense now. Torontonians are just jealous that they can't have a piece of the world's longest national highway and are instead stuck with the 401 *shudder*.

So, if you're ever in Canada, Nay-Nay,  look for the green highway sign with the number 1 and a maple leaf. It'll take you everywhere you want to go, as long as you're not going to Toronto.

 

(info gathered from cbc.ca)