Your Shades, Layers, and an Appetite for Adventure

Overview: A Weather Rollercoaster on the Trans-Canada Highway

Thunder Bay – Travel Forecast – If you’re planning a springtime road trip from Toronto to Winnipeg, you’re in for a mix of sunshine, warmth, and — true to Canadian form — a little cold air drama. As May kicks into gear, your journey across Ontario into Manitoba offers beautiful driving conditions, with mostly dry roads, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine.

But don’t let the blue sky fool you: from frosty mornings in Thunder Bay to gusty prairie winds in Winnipeg, this route demands smart packing and a few planned pit stops.

Highway & Driving Conditions

As of this morning, 511 Ontario is reporting good driving conditions along Highways 401, 17, and 11, with no major closures or weather-related hazards along the Toronto-to-Kenora route.

Fog patches around Thunder Bay and Geraldton are expected to dissipate early, but visibility may be reduced in some low-lying areas. Winds will pick up significantly in western Ontario and Manitoba, particularly near Dryden, Kenora, and into Winnipeg, where gusts could reach 60 km/h.

If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle or towing a trailer, extra caution is advised.

Weather Highlights Along the Route

Toronto → Sudbury

Your journey starts in Toronto, where light rain and gusty east winds (up to 40 km/h) will greet you by the afternoon. High: 15°C. You’ll move north into Sudbury, where the skies clear beautifully and the temperature climbs to a mild and sunny 15°C. A great day for hitting the road — but don’t forget your umbrella for the Toronto leg.

Stop Suggestion: Grab a butter tart or stretch your legs at Killarney Provincial Park detour or Science North in Sudbury.

Sudbury → Sault Ste. Marie → Thunder Bay

The sun sticks with you through Sault Ste. Marie, warming to 13°C today and 16°C tomorrow. Overnight lows dip to around 4°C, but it’s a clear, beautiful stretch through this scenic drive along Lake Superior. By the time you reach Thunder Bay, you’ll be dealing with a frosty start (-1°C), but sunny skies will warm things to 11°C.

Stop Suggestion: The Agawa Rock Pictographs for a dose of Ojibwe history or Terry Fox Monument near Thunder Bay for iconic Canadian inspiration.

Thunder Bay → Dryden → Kenora

Heading into northwestern Ontario, the warmth returns fast. Dryden and Vermilion Bay are basking in highs of 23°C today and 25°C tomorrow under clear skies. Kenora is sizzling too, with a high of 25°C today and 27°C tomorrow, making it the warmest stop on your drive. These areas remain dry and breezy, with wind gusts up to 50 km/h.

Stop Suggestion: Detour to Blue Lake Provincial Park, or grab a bite on the waterfront in Kenora and soak up some spring sun.

Kenora → Winnipeg

Crossing into Manitoba, you’ll be greeted by full sunshine and a scorching 28–29°C across Winnipeg, though winds here are even stronger, gusting to 60 km/h. Keep both hands on the wheel! It’s almost patio weather — but don’t be fooled: by Tuesday, temperatures will cool down to 16°C, so enjoy the heat while it lasts.

Stop Suggestion: Celebrate the journey’s end with a stop at The Forks Market or take a riverside stroll at Assiniboine Park.

Packing Essentials for the Trip

• Sunscreen & Sunglasses – The UV index is high across Ontario and Manitoba.

• Layered Clothing – Morning frost in Thunder Bay, 29°C by Winnipeg. Be ready for all seasons.

• Rain Jacket – Toronto’s skies could get weepy this afternoon.

• Windbreaker – Gusty conditions in northwestern Ontario and Manitoba.

• Snacks, Camera & Curiosity – With these views and stops, you’ll want to savour every kilometre.

Final Thought:

A drive from Toronto to Winnipeg this time of year is a quintessential Canadian journey — a blend of chilly mornings, sun-drenched lakes, and prairie gusts that make you feel truly alive. With stellar conditions on the roads and some of the finest spring weather around, it’s a great time to hit the highway. Just don’t forget to roll down the windows and let that fresh northern air in.