The Ultimate Guide to Driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Denver, Colorado
Are you planning on embarking on a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Denver, Colorado? Whether you’re chasing the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains or you’re just looking for the ultimate American adventure, there are few experiences more epic than a cross-country road trip. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated driving times in high and low traffic.
Fastest Route: Taking I-80 W
The fastest route to Denver begins in the capital of Canada and takes you through Northern Ontario, around the southern tip of Lake Michigan, on to Des Moines, Iowa and through Omaha, Nebraska before finally reaching the Mile High City. This route, which travels over 2,200 miles, will take you approximately 31 hours to complete under normal driving conditions.
During the summer months, peak traffic times (i.e. weekends and rush hour) can slow you down. At its worst, this route can take up to 37 hours. However, if you plan your trip during the off-season, and avoid travel during peak hours, you can cut down the driving time significantly. Expect to shave off up to 4 hours from your travel time if you’re lucky enough to hit minimal traffic conditions.
Scenic Route: Taking I-90 W
If you’re looking to take the “scenic route” to Denver, you might prefer to take I-90 W. This route, while only slightly longer than the I-80 option, is full of stunning landscapes and geographical landmarks. This route will take you around Lake Superior, through the Badlands of South Dakota, and over the Rockies before finally bringing you into Denver.
The distance for this route is approximately 2,400 miles, and under normal driving conditions, it will take you approximately 33 hours to complete. Just like with the I-80 route, traffic during peak summer months can add approximately 6 hours to your driving time. However, if you decide to take this route you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and incredible memories.
Slowest Route: Taking the Trans-Canada Highway
The slowest route between Ottawa and Denver takes the longest route between the two cities - via the Trans-Canada highway. This route is perfect for those who have extra time and want to see some of the wonders Canada has to offer. This route will take you north through Sudbury, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary before finally crossing the border to Yellowstone National Park and the Rockies.
This route is approximately 3,500 miles long and is by far the longest journey of all three routes. Initially, you may think this route would take less time, as it's all in Canada, but due to the many stops and long distances, it takes an estimated 55 hours to complete. Be warned, the majority of this route is on the Trans-Canada Highway which consists of two-lanes, meaning it can be slow going for long stretches.
In conclusion, regardless of what route you take, a road trip from (Old) Ottawa to Denver is an epic adventure that should not be missed. By choosing the I-80 or I-90 route, you will get to Denver in a couple of days and may be able to fit in sightseeing or detours. If you take the Trans-Canada route, plan plenty of time for this journey, and embrace the slower pace and stunning views along the way. Have a great road trip!