Driving Cost from Detroit, Michigan to Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip from Detroit, Michigan to Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Detroit, Michigan to Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, is an exciting venture. For those who cherish both the journey and the destination, understanding the costs involved is crucial. This post will break down the different routes available for this trip, the distances each covers, the associated costs based on current gas prices, and ultimately recommend the best route for budget-conscious travelers.

Overview of the Journey

The journey from Detroit to Churchill Falls involves a trek of approximately 1,600 miles. The route takes you through various terrains, beautiful landscapes, and several states and provinces. Depending on your choice of route, the cost will vary, primarily driven by current gas prices. As of October 2023, gas prices average around $3.50 per gallon in the United States and $1.70 per liter in Canada.

Route Options

Travelers typically have a couple of prominent routes to choose from when embarking on this adventure. Each route presents unique sights, experiences, and varying costs based on the distance traveled and gas consumption. Let's delve into the primary routes available.

Route 1: The Northern Route (Via I-69 and Trans-Canada Highway)

Distance: Approximately 1,600 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 30 hours
Key Stops: Sarnai, Ontario; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The Northern Route will lead you through the northern states and provinces. Beginning in Detroit, you would travel through Michigan, crossing into Ontario. This route takes you inland, allowing travelers to enjoy the landscapes of both the U.S. and Canada.

The estimated fuel cost for this route requires a few calculations:

  1. Total mileage: 1,600 miles
  2. Average miles per gallon (MPG): Most vehicles achieve 25 MPG.
  3. Total gallons of gas needed: 1,600 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 64 gallons
  4. Gas price in the U.S.: Roughly $3.50 per gallon.
  5. Total fuel cost: 64 gallons × $3.50 = $224

When you cross into Canada, you'll find that prices differ slightly, averaging about CAD $1.70 per liter. To convert that to gallons, you can use the factor: 1 US gallon ≈ 3.785 liters. Thus:

  1. Average price in CAD per gallon ≈ $1.70 × 3.785 = $6.44 CAD
  2. Convert to USD at current exchange rates (~1.36), which yields around $4.73 USD per gallon.

The remaining fuel consumption over Canadian highways (approximately another 600 miles) would then be estimated:

  1. Total gallons needed for Canadian portion: 600 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 24 gallons.
  2. Total fuel cost (Canadian portion): 24 gallons × $4.73 = $113.52 USD.

Total Estimated Cost for Route 1 = $224 (U.S. portion) + $113.52 (Canadian portion) = $337.52

Route 2: The Southern Route (Via I-90 and I-94)

Distance: Approximately 1,700 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 32 hours
Key Stops: Toledo, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; Montreal, Quebec; Quebec City; St. John’s, Newfoundland.

This Southern Route takes a more southerly path through familiar states like Ohio and New York, finally crossing into Canada near Buffalo. From there, it engages with Quebec before finally reaching Newfoundland.

  1. Total mileage: 1,700 miles
  2. Average MPG: 25
  3. Total gallons of gas needed: 1,700 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 68 gallons
  4. Fuel cost in the U.S.: $3.50 per gallon
  5. Total fuel cost for U.S.: 68 gallons × $3.50 = $238

For the Canadian leg:

  1. Remaining mileage for Canada: ~600 miles.
  2. Total gallons needed: 600 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 24 gallons
  3. Fuel cost (Canadian portion): 24 gallons × $4.73 = $113.52 USD.

Total Estimated Cost for Route 2 = $238 (U.S.) + $113.52 (Canadian) = $351.52

Which Route is the Best?

After considering both routes, the Northern Route emerges as the more cost-effective option at approximately $337.52, compared to the Southern Route at $351.52. Additionally, the Northern Route covers a shorter distance. Moreover, it offers potential scenic views of the Great Lakes and Canada’s varied landscapes which may enhance your travel experience.

Additional Cost Considerations

Beyond fuel, travelers should keep additional costs in mind that can accumulate during the trip:

  1. Accommodation: Depending on how long you plan to drive each day, hotel stays can quickly add up. A reasonable estimate for lodging could be around $100 per night.

  2. Food: Expect to spend $10-$20 per meal if you eat at restaurants during your journey. If you're on a budget, groceries can help cut down on expenses.

  3. Tolls: Depending on your route, expect to budget for toll roads, especially in states like New York and Illinois.

  4. Activities and Attractions: Be sure to allocate some budget for sightseeing and accommodation in Churchill Falls.

Conclusion

The journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, is an exciting adventure that is as much about the trip as it is about the destination. Taking the Northern Route offers a more economical travel experience, costing around $337.52, with a total distance of approximately 1,600 miles. This route takes approximately 30 hours of driving, making it both time-efficient and cost-effective. Regardless of the route chosen, the experience of witnessing the beautiful landscapes and unique cultures along the way is worth every penny and moment spent on the road.