Driving Cost from Dunnville, Ontario to North Sydney, Nova Scotia

A picture depicting a gas pump

Navigating the Costs: A Trip from Dunnville, Ontario to North Sydney, Nova Scotia Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dunnville, Ontario to North Sydney, Nova Scotia? It's an exciting journey that offers scenic views and a chance to explore the diverse landscapes of Canada. However, as with any trip, understanding the costs involved—particularly the price of fuel—is crucial for budget-conscious travelers. This article provides an in-depth look at your travel options, possible routes, and associated costs based on current gas prices.

Overview of the Trip

The distance from Dunnville to North Sydney is approximately 1,600 kilometers (about 995 miles), depending on the route you choose. The trip can take around 20 hours of driving time. However, real travel times can vary significantly due to road conditions, traffic, and weather.

Given the current average gas price in Ontario, which is around CAD 1.50 per liter, we’ll break down the costs for different travel routes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your travel style and budget.

Route Options

Route 1: The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 401 and NS-125)

One of the most popular routes starts from Dunnville and goes east along Highway 401, heading towards Nova Scotia through one the busiest highways in Canada.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,585 kilometers (985 miles)
  • Estimated Driving Time: 21 hours

Route Breakdown

  1. Start: Dunnville, ON
  2. Highway 403: Head to Highway 401
  3. Highway 401: Travel East
  4. Highway 20: Merge onto Highway 20 towards Montreal
  5. Trans-Canada Highway: Continue towards New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia
  6. NS-125: Use NS-125 to reach North Sydney

Cost Calculation

  • Fuel Efficiency: Assuming an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 10 L/100 km
  • Total Fuel Needed: Approximately 158.5 liters
  • Total Fuel Cost: 158.5 L x CAD 1.50 ≈ CAD 237.75

Route 2: The Northern Route (Highway 2 and Highway 104)

For a more scenic experience, consider taking the northern route along Highway 2 and Highway 104. This route offers a more relaxed pace and beautiful views, especially along the St. Lawrence River.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,675 kilometers (1,041 miles)
  • Estimated Driving Time: 22 hours, inclusive of some more stops

Route Breakdown

  1. Start: Dunnville, ON
  2. Highway 403: Head towards Highway 401
  3. Take Highway 2: Instead of continuing directly, switch to Highway 2 to travel up to Quebec.
  4. Highway 20: Head towards New Brunswick
  5. Route 104: Enter Nova Scotia and follow NS-104 to North Sydney.

Cost Calculation

  • Total Fuel Needed: Approximately 167.5 liters
  • Total Fuel Cost: 167.5 L x CAD 1.50 ≈ CAD 251.25

Route 3: The Coastal Route (Through New Brunswick and PEI)

If you’re seeking adventure and are willing to add significant travel time, consider the coastal route that includes a ferry ride to Prince Edward Island.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles)
  • Estimated Driving Time: 30 hours or more due to ferry schedules and stops

Route Breakdown

  1. Start: Dunnville, ON
  2. Highway 401: Head towards Quebec
  3. Cross into New Brunswick: Travel along the coast
  4. Ferry from New Brunswick to PEI: This ferry adds time but allows for breathtaking scenery.
  5. Head to Nova Scotia: Continue on to North Sydney.

Cost Calculation

  • Total Fuel Needed: Approximately 180 liters (ferry expenses not included)
  • Total Fuel Cost: 180 L x CAD 1.50 ≈ CAD 270.00

Choosing the Best Route

Considering both cost and travel time, the Trans-Canada Highway route (Route 1) from Dunnville to North Sydney emerges as the most efficient option. It offers a captivating view of Ontario’s landscapes, traverses through New Brunswick, and leads straight into Nova Scotia. With a fuel cost of approximately CAD 237.75, this route saves you money and time compared to the alternative routes.

Additional Costs to Consider

While fuel costs are a primary concern, several additional expenses may arise, including:

  • Tolls: Some sections, particularly in Quebec, may require toll payments.
  • Food: Budget for meals during the trip, which can vary significantly based on your choice of dining.
  • Accommodation: If you plan to make overnight stops, factor in hotel or motel costs.
  • Activities: Depending on your interests, sightseeing fees or other activity costs may come into play.

Conclusion

The road trip from Dunnville, Ontario to North Sydney, Nova Scotia is a journey filled with diverse landscapes, great food, and delightful experiences. Choosing the Trans-Canada Highway ensures you not only save on fuel costs—approximately CAD 237.75—but also enjoy a direct and straightforward travel route. The trip, which takes around 20 hours of driving, can be an enjoyable adventure with proper planning, making it the perfect getaway in the beautiful Canadian northeast.