“A Road for Canada” is a beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched chronicle of the Trans-Canada Highway — a road that not only crosses a vast country, but also connects it. Daniel Francis tells this sweeping story with clarity, insight, and affection for the land and its people.
The book takes readers from the earliest dreams of a coast-to-coast wagon trail to the ambitious, often politically charged construction of a true transcontinental highway. Through stories of daring early motorists and road builders, Francis brings to life the rugged ambition behind a route most Canadians now take for granted.
What sets "A Road for Canada" apart is its stunning visual richness. Among its unique images are a color reproduction of the REO Motor Company’s original 1912 brochure featuring Jack Haney, and a rare photo of Haney’s handwritten diary, “Across Canada or Bust.” These artifacts anchor the narrative with a personal, historic touch that will fascinate travelers and history buffs alike.
An image of Wilby in "A Road for Canada," emptying the bottle of water from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific Ocean, after completing the transcontinental ride across Canada. Jack haney is in the car.
Reviews have rightfully compared Francis’s writing to Pierre Berton’s: it's vivid, character-driven, and layered with juicy detail. As Canada’s History noted, the book stands out by weaving storytelling, archival photos, maps, and political context into a cohesive and compelling whole.
Whether you’re curious about the highway’s role in shaping modern Canada or just planning your next road trip, this book delivers. It’s a tribute to the people who pushed forward — sometimes through mud, snow, and indifference — to build a road that now binds the country.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves Canada, its history, and the stories of the small towns and big dreams that line the highway from ocean to ocean.