Ottawa to North Bay
Highway 17 through the Ottawa Valley — your warm-up for Northern Ontario
Route Overview
The first leg of the Trans-Canada through Ontario follows Highway 17 from Ottawa along the Ottawa River valley before cutting inland to North Bay on Lake Nipissing. This is the easiest section of the Ontario Trans-Canada — the road is in good condition, services are regular, and the scenery is pleasant without being demanding. Think of it as the warm-up before the real Northern Ontario driving starts.
The highway leaves Ottawa heading west on a four-lane divided section that narrows to two lanes past Arnprior. From there to North Bay, it's mostly a two-lane highway with passing lanes, following the Ottawa River through the valley before heading northwest through Algonquin-adjacent country to North Bay.
Leaving Ottawa
Highway 17 begins at the junction with Highway 417 (the Queensway) in Ottawa's west end near Kanata. You'll pass through suburban sprawl before the highway opens up past Arnprior. If you're starting early morning from downtown Ottawa, allow 30 minutes to clear the city.
Stock up in Ottawa if you need anything. It's a full national capital with every service imaginable. Once you're on Highway 17, the towns are small and your options narrow.
Key Stops Along the Way
Arnprior
First town on Highway 17, at the mouth of the Madawaska River. Population about 9,000. Tim Hortons, gas stations, and a few restaurants. The town has a nice riverfront area if you want to stretch your legs. This is where the highway goes from four lanes to two.
Renfrew
County seat for Renfrew County. Population 8,000. Full services. The downtown strip on Raglan Street has a few decent independent restaurants. The Bonnechere Caves, 30 minutes south, are a legitimate side trip if you have time — they're ancient caves formed 500 million years ago.
Pembroke
The largest town in the Ottawa Valley. Population 14,000. This is your last fully-serviced town before the highway turns away from the river. Canadian Tire, Walmart, hospital, and multiple fuel stations. Pembroke sits on the Ottawa River and the murals around town depict local history — worth a quick walk if you're stopped for fuel.
Mattawa
A small town (population 2,000) at the junction of the Mattawa and Ottawa rivers. Historically significant as a fur trade route junction. Highway 17 turns south here toward North Bay. There's a Voyageur heritage centre and the town makes a good coffee stop. The stretch from Mattawa to North Bay (about 55 km) runs through rocky Canadian Shield terrain that previews what's ahead.
Road Conditions
The road between Ottawa and North Bay is generally well-maintained. The two-lane sections can get congested behind slow vehicles, particularly trucks and RVs in summer. Passing lanes appear regularly but patience is required. The section from Mattawa to North Bay has more curves and elevation changes as you enter the Shield.
In winter, this highway is well-plowed but black ice is a risk, especially in the river valleys where cold air settles. Highway 17 through the Ottawa Valley is a major trucking route, so you'll share the road with heavy transport year-round.
Arriving in North Bay
North Bay (population 52,000) sits on Lake Nipissing and is the gateway to Northern Ontario. It has a full range of services: hotels, restaurants, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and the North Bay Regional Health Centre. The waterfront on Lake Nipissing is pleasant and the Chief Commanda II cruise boat runs tours.
From North Bay, the Trans-Canada continues on Highway 17 toward Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. See the North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie route guide for the next section. If you're exploring the Ottawa Valley corridor in more detail, see the Ottawa Valley Highway 17 page.
Quick Facts
- Highway: 17
- From: Ottawa
- To: North Bay
- Distance: 350 km
- Drive Time: ~4 hours
- Fuel: Every 30-50 km
- Cell Service: Good throughout
- Speed Limit: 80-90 km/h