Canadian pride and economic independence are more important now than ever. Amid rising tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics, Canadian businesses rely heavily on internal infrastructure to stay competitive and connected. At the heart of this is the Trans-Canada Highway, a massive 7,821-kilometre route that links the country from coast to coast. It’s more than just a highway, though. It’s the backbone of domestic trade and commerce, carrying goods between provinces and supporting local economies.
Craig Baird’s new book,Canada’s Main Street: The Epic Story of the Trans-Canada Highway, brings much-needed attention to this often overlooked but crucial piece of national infrastructure. Baird, the host of the Canadian History Ehx podcast, argues that the highway is “at least as vital to the nation’s business” as the Canadian Pacific Railway, but has largely been ignored in Canada’s historical narrative.
An epic journey across Canada’s lifeline
Baird traces the origins of the Trans-Canada Highway back to a 1912 cross-country journey that took 55 days and involved driving on railroad tracks and barges. The idea of a coast-to-coast highway officially took shape after a 1949 federal act, with provinces taking on construction responsibilities. Quebec, however, delayed participation for nearly a decade. The highway officially opened in 1960 and was fully paved in the early 1970s, connecting ten provinces and two oceans.
The highway has played a central role in iconic national moments — from Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope to Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion Tour — as well as in countless everyday journeys. It symbolizes Canadian unity and economic vitality, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the vast country.
When tariffs test our trade, the Trans-Canada Highway becomes a lifeline
In 2025, the reintroduction of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods has reignited the importance of robust domestic trade routes. With tariffs of 25% on many non-energy goods and 10% on energy products, Canadian exporters face new challenges that make internal supply chains and infrastructure more critical than ever.
“In the current economic climate, where trade barriers are being raised, the Trans-Canada Highway is the artery that keeps the Canadian economy alive,” Baird told CityNews. The highway carries approximately 77% of Canada’s road freight and links seven of the country’s 15 largest cities, making it indispensable for domestic commerce and supply chains.
The highway supports efforts to reduce reliance on volatile U.S. markets and encourages a growing “Buy Canadian” ethos that prioritizes local production and distribution. Yet, experts warn Canada has historically underfunded highway infrastructure. Recent studies estimate that necessary upgrades now exceed $18 billion. Baird stresses, “If we want to remain economically resilient in the face of trade disputes and global uncertainty, investing in the Trans-Canada Highway is not optional — it is essential.”
The untold story of a national triumph and what it means today
Baird’s Canada’s Main Street reveals how a colossal infrastructure project not only united provinces but laid the foundation for Canada’s modern economy. Through stories of political wrangling, engineering feats and cultural milestones, the book brings to life the epic scale and lasting significance of the highway.
“The Trans-Canada Highway has been by and large ignored in our history, but it’s a mountain of achievement and pride that every Canadian should know about,” he told CityNews. He stresses that the highway is more than asphalt — it’s a symbol of national identity and economic independence.
The book details the political battles that slowed progress, such as Quebec’s delayed entry into the project and interprovincial disagreements, as well as the technical challenges of building a continuous road across vast and often rugged terrain. Despite setbacks and cost overruns, the highway was completed by the early 1970s, paving the way for a new era of Canadian mobility and commerce.
Building a stronger future by understanding our past
For Canadians focused on economic resilience and national unity, Baird’s book offers important lessons. The Trans-Canada Highway is more than a road. It is the backbone of internal trade and the foundation of a more self-reliant Canada.
Baird notes, “Investing in infrastructure like the Trans-Canada Highway means investing in our economic future. In uncertain times, it’s our strongest asset.”
As tariffs and trade disruptions challenge Canadian businesses, understanding the history and importance of this “main street” offers both perspective and inspiration. It reminds us that great national projects require vision, perseverance and cooperation — qualities Canadians will need as they navigate today’s economic landscape.
Sources
1. CityNews: A road trip through history: a new book argues the Trans-Canada isn’t just a highway but a lifeline (July 20, 2025)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.