Mark Richardson’s Canada’s Road is a smart, engaging journey across the 7,700 km Trans-Canada Highway. Part road trip, part history, it captures the road’s meaning beyond the pavement.
In the summer of 2012, on the highway’s 50th birthday, Richardson drove its entire length to find out how the road came to be and what it has become. His daily account traces the path of early "pathfinders" Jack Haney and Thomas Wilby, who successfully attempted the drive long before a highway existed.
Along the way, Richardson meets the people who bring this road to life and explores the diverse places that define Canada. He carried the original Todd Medal, a 1925 CAA radiator badge, and even a horseshoe from Wilby’s car on the 2012 tour.
What stands out in the book are the fascinating stories from people living in small towns — voices full of insight, humour, and heart. Their stories, paired with Richardson's sharp observations and rich history, make the book a compelling call to anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving the Trans-Canada Highway.
A short YouTube video of the beginning of the 2012 journey is available.
Canada’s Road: A Journey on the Trans-Canada Highway from St. John’s to Victoria is a thoughtful, memorable read — and a great reason to hit the road.