Best Apps For An Ontario Road Trip

Are you planning an Ontario road trip? If so, then be sure to download the best apps for an Ontario road trip before you hit the road. These apps have been tested personally by me – a life long Ontario road tripper. They’ll assist you with navigation, gas stations, and finding Ontario’s hidden gems. Don’t leave home without them!

Whether you’re taking a long road trip or a short road trip, there are certain apps that will come in handy when taking a road trip through Ontario. They will not only help you to survive the road trip making it less stressful, they will also save time and money.

There are many mistakes you can make on an Ontario road trip, but don’t let having the wrong apps be one of them. Before you hit the road, download these apps which will help to save time, money, and stress while exploring Ontario’s backroads.

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Google Maps: Best Overall Navigation App

I know google maps is a popular app world-wide, and it’s hands down the most reliable app to help you navigate the highways and backroads of Ontario. It’s excellent for either long highway drives or the rural backroads of Ontario, where cell service has a tendency to be spotty.

There are many benefits to using google maps, but the main reason is to get real-time traffic updates and get you to your destination in decent time. This is especially beneficial around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and other big cities in Ontario. It will also provide alternate route suggestions if you opt to avoid the city traffic.

Since I prefer to drive Ontario’s backroads, I also program the app to “avoid highways”. By doing this, the app will take me the backroads which allows me to explore the off-the-beaten-path areas.

Driver’s Tip: Download offline maps before heading to Ontario’s cottage country or provincial parks where cell service can drop fast.

Waze: Best for Traffic & Speed Traps

If you’re road trip takes you through busy corridors like Toronto, Mississauga, or Ottawa, Waze is a must. Waze will provide community reported accidents, speed traps, and construction, as well as real time rerouting to avoid congestion.

This app especially comes in handy during long weekends and heavier summer traffic. It’s an app you’ll definitely want to have when travelling around the GTA to avoid traffic headaches.

Driver’s Tip: If you’re travelling Ontario during the winter months, it’s best to contact Ontario 511 to see if there are any road closures due to snow

AllTrails: Best for Hiking & Outdoor Stops

Ontario is packed with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic lookouts. If you’re an avid hiker, AllTrails will help you find the best trails for your hiking ability. This app will help you find the best waterfall in the Hamilton and Niagara area, as well as some awesome forest walks in Muskoka and Algonquin Park.

Driver’s Tip: Download trails for offline use before entering remote areas, such as Muskoka, Haliburton, and Algonquin

iOverlander: Best for Hidden Gems & Amenities

If you’re like me and love discovering lesser-known spots, iOverlander is one of the best apps for an Ontario road trip. It will help you find campsites, scenic viewpoints, public washrooms, rest areas, and picnic spots.

This app especially comes in handy in Northern Ontario and along long stretches of highway.

WeatherCAN: Best Weather App for An Ontario Road Trip

Ontario weather can change quickly, especially near the Great Lakes. WeatherCAN is an app put out by Environment Canada and it will give you the most accurate local weather forecast.

This app is essential to help you plan your driving days, hikes, and outdoor stops better.

Park Advisor / Ontario Parks App: Best for Camping & Parks

If you plan on doing any camping or visiting any of the Provincial parks, having the Park Advisor app is essential. It will allow you to check park locations and amenities, as well as receive any park alerts and updates.

This app is especially handy if you are travelling in the Algonquin, Bruce Peninsula or Arrowhead areas where camping is a popular activity.

Spotify or Apple Podcasts: Best for Entertainment

No road trip is complete without good audio. You will want to make sure to download this app especially for longer drives, solo road trips, or if your exploring in Northern Ontario. I recommend downloading your playlists or podcasts in advance of your road trip if you will be travelling to remote areas of Ontario where service is spotty.

XE Currency: Best for Cross-Border Trips

Ontario has many border crossings into the United States. If your road trip includes border towns or a quick pit stop in the United States, then XE Currency is a handy app to have. This will make tracking the exchange rates much easier.

Best Apps for an Ontario Road Trip

When you want to have the best Ontario road trip ever, having these apps handy will assist with planning and provide the flexibility needed to make your road trip something special.

With these apps downloaded ahead of time, you’ll be ready for traffic delays, surprise detours, hidden gems, and last-minute stops without the stress of not being able to find a restaurant, gas station, or the best attractions in Ontario.

No matter how long your road trip is, or who you will be travelling with, these are the essential apps needed for an Ontario road trip to keep your journey smooth, affordable, and most importantly, memorable.

Driver’s Tip: If you’re new to Ontario, visit this post to find out my favourite Ontario road trips

SAVE BEST APPS FOR THE PERFECT ONTARIO ROAD TRIP