Fall in Ontario is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but for truck drivers, it can also bring unique challenges. Deliveries into smaller communities and cottage country often mean navigating narrow roads, winding backroads, and changing weather conditions.
Ontario Fall Driving Guide: Tips for Backroads and Cottage Country Routes
At Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, Truck Wash & Truck Stop, we know that staying safe on the road starts with preparation. Here are some must-know tips to keep you moving safely and efficiently during the fall season.
1. Watch for Wildlife
Fall is peak season for wildlife movement, especially deer. Many backroads cut through wooded areas, increasing the chances of sudden crossings.
Tip:
- Slow down at dawn and dusk – prime times for animal activity.
- Use your high beams when safe to spot glowing eyes ahead.
- Always be ready to brake safely if an animal appears.
2. Prepare for Changing Weather
Ontario’s fall weather can swing from sunny afternoons to frosty mornings, sometimes in a single trip. Wet leaves, fog, and early frost create slippery conditions on rural roads.
Tip:
- Keep your windshield washer fluid topped up.
- Reduce speed on leaf-covered or wet pavement.
- Utilize Apps for advanced weather data and alerts, for example:
- Windy.com: Offers highly detailed wind condition information, which is crucial for truckers due to the "sail" effect of strong crosswinds on large vehicles.
- MyRadar: A popular choice for tracking specific weather phenomena like rain, snow, and significant storms, giving drivers detailed visual radar information.
3. Know Your Route in Advance
Many cottage country roads are narrow, winding, and not designed for heavy trucks. GPS apps can sometimes send drivers down routes that aren’t truck-friendly.
Tip:
- Plan your route ahead of time and verify weight limits, bridge clearances, and turnarounds.
- Use truck-specific GPS systems or apps; here are some apps that provide detailed route-specific information for truck drivers in Ontario:
- Trucker Path: Truck-safe navigation that avoids low overpasses and sharp turns, and a trip planner feature for optimizing fuel savings. Best for finding truck stops, real-time parking availability, weigh station status (open/closed), and diesel fuel prices.
- Hammer: Voice navigation, dark mode for night driving, and offline map functionality. Best for its comprehensive truck-specific routing, including hazmat load information, avoidance of tolls and challenging turns, and a large database of points of interest across North America.
- TruckMap: Provides truck-optimized GPS routes for commercial vehicles in both Canada and the U.S. Displays diesel fuel, weigh stations, overnight parking, and rest area locations. It also includes information on truck services like washes, mechanics, and towing. Best for free, turn-by-turn routing with a robust set of features.
4. Watch for Farm Equipment
Fall is harvesting season, which means more tractors, combines, and wagons driving on rural backroads.
Tip:
- Pass only when it’s safe and legal, and give plenty of room.
- Remember that farm vehicles may make wide turns or pull into fields unexpectedly.
5. Use Extra Caution on Gravel Roads
Many cottage country and backroad areas rely on gravel or chip-seal roads that can be uneven or soft in wet weather.
Tip:
- Slow down to maintain control and minimize flying debris.
- Watch for washboard surfaces or potholes that could shift your load.
6. Stay Visible & Communicate
With shorter daylight hours, it’s essential to make sure other drivers see you coming.
Tip:
- Keep headlights, taillights, and reflectors clean.
- Use hazard lights if you must stop on the shoulder.
- Signal turns early to give local drivers plenty of warning.
7. Fuel Up Before You Go Remote
Not every small town has a truck-friendly fuel stop. Running low on fuel in a rural area can cost you time and money.
Tip:
- Top up your tanks before heading into cottage country.
- Stop at Marshall Fuels Petro Pass to refuel, grab a hot drink, and check your truck before your next leg.
Keep Your Truck – and Your Deliveries – on Schedule
Delivering into smaller communities in Ontario can be rewarding, but it also requires extra care and planning. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll protect your truck, your cargo, and your safety – while keeping your deliveries on time.