Driving Time between Boston, Massachusetts and Pickering, Ontario

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip: From Boston to Pickering

If you are planning to drive from Boston, Massachusetts to Pickering, Ontario, get ready for an exciting trip! You will cross the border between the United States and Canada, see picturesque landscapes, and perhaps even make a stop in Toronto on the way. But how long will it take you to get there?

The Fastest Route

According to Google Maps, the shortest distance between Boston and Pickering is 500 miles (800 kilometers), and it takes around 8 hours to drive non-stop. The fastest route is via the I-90 W and I-290 W highways in the United States, and then continuing on the QEW E and ON-401 E highways in Canada. This route is usually the quickest one, especially during low traffic times, as it bypasses many cities and towns.

The Scenic Route

If you have more time and want to enjoy some stunning views of Lake Ontario, take the scenic route via the I-90 W and I-190 N highways until you reach Niagara Falls. Then, cross the border at the Rainbow Bridge and head towards Toronto along the Queen Elizabeth Way. This way, you can take a break and explore the Niagara Falls area or even spend a night in Toronto before continuing your journey towards Pickering.

Traffic Patterns

Unfortunately, during peak traffic times, both routes mentioned above can take much longer than expected. Rush hour in major cities such as Boston, Worcester, Buffalo, and Toronto can add several hours to your travel time, as can roadwork or accidents. Therefore, it's crucial to check the traffic patterns and plan around them.

Travel Time

To give you an idea of the travel time, we did some research using the Google Maps feature that allows you to calculate driving time based on traffic conditions. Here are some examples of the estimated time it would take to drive from Boston to Pickering at different times:

  • Low Traffic Time: 7 hours 50 minutes via the fastest route
  • High Traffic Time: 10 hours 45 minutes via the fastest route
  • Low Traffic Time: 10 hours via the scenic route
  • High Traffic Time: 13 hours 30 minutes via the scenic route

Final Tips

To make the most of your trip from Boston to Pickering, leave early in the morning or late at night to avoid rush hour. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to cross the border, such as a valid passport, and plan several rest stops along the way to prevent fatigue. Also, keep in mind that gas prices in Canada are usually higher than in the United States, so factor that into your budget. Happy road tripping!