The Great Canadian to Californian Road Trip: How Long Does it Take?

Are you thinking of taking a grand road trip from Ottawa, Ontario to San Francisco, California? If so, you're in for a treat! With so many sights to see and experiences to be had, it's no wonder that some people decide to take on the challenge.

But before you pack your bags and get ready to hit the road, you need to consider a crucial element: the time it takes to drive the distance between these two monumental cities. Let's explore your options to help you make an informed decision.

Fastest Route

The quickest route from Ottawa to San Francisco is approximately 4,300 km (2672 miles) and takes around 40 hours of continuous driving. To achieve this, you would take Highway 401 to Detroit, and along I-94 down to US-41 in Indiana, which continues to Evansville, Missouri. After that, you would take I-44 until you reach Route 66, which will lead you to LA and eventually San Francisco.

However, doing this route in one go is not advisable, so you should plan to stop and take a break every couple of hours to stay alert. Also, keep in mind that the busiest highways can suffer from heavy traffic, so planning your journey around peak traffic times could save you time.

Scenic Route

Taking the scenic route is a fantastic way to experience the journey, even though it takes a little longer. One option is to take the trans-Canada highway until you reach Vancouver, then down Highway 1 to San Francisco. This stunning drive will take you across the prairies, through the Rocky Mountains, and along the coast of British Columbia.

However, this route is longer and takes around 60 hours of driving time. It would be best to take your time and plan stops for sightseeing and rest. You'll also experience some significant cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, along the way.

The Golden Middle Road

If you're looking for a balance between the fastest and the most scenic routes, you may prefer to take I-90 West to Seattle, WA. Then go down Highway 101 and US-1 to San Francisco. This route is around 4,900 km (3045 miles) and takes around 50 hours of driving time.

While this route may take a little longer, you'll still get to experience some fantastic views of the great Pacific Northwest, the Redwoods, and the stunning coastline of California.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various ways to travel from Ottawa to San Francisco, each with its perks, travel time, and mileage. While the fastest route can get you to your destination reasonably quickly, you may miss out on some of the best views and destinations.

Our recommendation is to take the scenic route whenever possible, break up the trip into manageable chunks, and enjoy your journey. Driving the 4,300 km (2672 miles) between Ottawa and San Francisco takes over 40 hours, so prepare well, plan frequent stops, and choose a route that suits your tastes and preferences.

So what are you waiting for? Gas up your car and get ready to experience one of the world's most iconic road trips!