Ontario Highway 17A (Kenora) History - The King's Highways of Ontario

King's Highway 17A is an important arterial highway which bypasses Kenora and Keewatin. The highway loops around the northern fringe of Kenora along its 34 km route, passing through a particularly rugged region of Ontario. The highway does not pass through any towns along its route, as it is a limited-access highway. Highway 17A is one of Ontario's newest provincial highways. The Kenora Bypass was constructed in numerous stages from west to east. Construction began on the new highway in 1981 and the first section opened to traffic in 1983. The highway did not form a complete loop around Kenora until the final phase was completed in 1990. When the Kenora Bypass officially opened to traffic in 1990, the entire road was assigned the Highway 17A designation. The Kenora Bypass forms a key link in the Trans-Canada Highway System.

Highway 17A is a high-standard limited-access two-lane highway for its entire length. Passing lanes appear regularly along this highway. The Kenora Bypass is a very convenient through route for trucks and other heavy traffic, which previously had no other alternative but to drive right through Downtown Kenora. There are no services located along Highway 17A, so motorists must exit the highway and head into Kenora and Keewatin for gasoline. The speed limit on Highway 17A is 90 km/h (55 mph). Please visit the Highway 17A Mileage Chart page for a list of mileage reference points along Highway 17A.