Chicago To Toronto Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

Traveling from Chicago to Toronto is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA and Canada. The 513 miles of a road trip from Chicago to Toronto takes around 8 hours and 24 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 15 top tips that turn your Chicago to Toronto drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Chicago to Toronto, take your coffee and keep reading!

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Chicago To Toronto

On the Chicago to Toronto road trip, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Chicago – Toronto route!

1. 4411 Inn & Suites: 4411 Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Chicago to Toronto road trip. Driving from Chicago to 4411 Inn & Suites might take around 1 hour and 16 mins. The 4411 Inn & Suites is a mid-century modern-inspired lodging destination near Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches. The inn offers 26 guest rooms, which are available for individual nightly rates or large group buyouts. Check the 4411 Inn & Suites, one of the best hotels in Michigan City, Indiana, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Battle Creek: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Toronto from Chicago is Fairfield Inn by Marriott Battle Creek. Located in Battle Creek, Michigan, the hotel is 170 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 2 hours and 52 mins to drive. Instead, start each morning with a complimentary breakfast, including hot coffee, assorted juices, and grab-and-go breakfast items. Then, stay on top of your fitness at the 24-hour open fitness center, and satisfy cravings at the Corner Market with treats and snacks any time, day or night. If you want to learn more about the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Battle Creek, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Hyatt Place Lansing – East: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to Hyatt Place Lansing – East. Hyatt Place Lansing – East is located in Lansing, Michigan, and it’s 224 miles away from Chicago. You can arrive there in 3 hours and 47 mins of non-stop driving. Offering a pool and lounge, Hyatt Place Lansing is located near popular restaurants and attractions. Free parking is available for guests with a vehicle. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hyatt Place Lansing – East for more information.
4. Idlewyld Inn & Spa: If you are taking a road trip from Chicago to Toronto, London, Ontario, it is must have a place you should visit. Idlewyld Inn & Spa is one of the best hotels in town. It is Idlewyld Inn & Spa, 403 miles from Chicago, and it would take 6 hours and 44 mins to drive. Idlewyld, built-in 1878 as the private home of Charles Smith Hayman, features stunning Victorian architecture that has charmed generations of visitors. Select rooms also feature a spa tub. If you need more info about the price and availability of Idlewyld Inn & Spa, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Visitors Inn: Our next hotel is Visitors Inn, Hamilton, Ontario. It will take 7 hours, and 38 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Chicago. The accommodations at the hotel include 60 guest rooms with queen and king-size beds, Kitchenette rooms, Special Jacuzzi Suites, and Two-Bedroom Family Suites. On-site parking is available at no extra cost. Check the Visitors Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Visitors Inn for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Chicago to Toronto. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Chicago to Toronto route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Chicago to Toronto. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Chicago To Toronto Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Chicago to Toronto road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Chicago to Toronto. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Panini Panini: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Chicago to Toronto road trip with Panini Panini. Panini is located in Michigan City, Indiana, 59.8 miles from Chicago. It would take 1 hour and 13 mins of driving. The menu features a mix of classic European food, sandwiches, pasta, and desserts. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. The food is homemade and fresh daily. For more information about Panini Panini, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Panini Panini.
2. Clara’s on the River: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Toronto from Chicago is Clara’s on the River. Located in Battle Creek, Michigan, Clara’s on the River is 170 miles from Chicago and would take 2 hours and 52 mins of driving. Clara’s is a great place to get together with friends and enjoy delicious food. The beautiful surroundings are reminiscent of a simpler time, and you are always welcome here. If you want to learn more about Clara’s on the River, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Meat BBQ: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Meat BBQ. It will take 3 hours and 43 mins of car drive to take 220 miles from Chicago to Meat BBQ, Lansing, Michigan. Are you looking for some delicious smoked chicken wings, juicy brisket, or tender pulled pork? You’re sure to find the perfect meal at Meat! This is a great spot for good food and good fun. Collect some fun kitsch while you’re here, and invent some tasty things to eat! You can check Meat BBQ on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Waldo’s on King: Waldo’s on King deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in London, Ontario. The atmosphere at Mark’s restaurant is fun, casual, and relaxed. Mark himself will be cooking for you with his hand-picked team and dedicating most of his time to the kitchen. Waldo’s on King is 409 miles from Chicago, and it would take 6 hours and 44 minutes of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Waldo’s on King, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Quatrefoil, Hamilton: If you enjoy dining, Quatrefoil, Hamilton, would be an excellent choice in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s 472 miles from Chicago and would take 7 hours and 43 mins of car driving. The Quatrefoil Restaurant is a renowned French eatery that offers contemporary cuisine. Inspired by locally sourced ingredients from the bountiful region, the Quatrefoil team creates classic menus in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment. The Quatrefoil is sure to please you whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a casual meal with friends. If you want to learn more about Quatrefoil, Hamilton, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Chicago to Toronto. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 513 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Toronto road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Chicago to Toronto. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Chicago To Toronto Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Toronto. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Michigan City, Indiana. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Toronto route.

• Washington Park, Indiana: Washington Park, Indiana, will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Chicago to Toronto road trip. Located in Michigan City, Indiana, Washington Park, Indiana, is 58.6 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 1 hour and 13 mins to drive. The beach is large and clean, with volleyball courts and a bathroom. There is also a small restaurant on site, serving food and beer. The beach is beautiful and large enough to provide some privacy for its visitors. If you want to learn more about Washington Park, Indiana, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Horrock’s: Horrock’s, Battle Creek, Michigan, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Chicago to Toronto route. It’s 214 miles from Chicago, and it’ll take about 3 hours and 35 mins of driving. The grocery store features fresh fruits and vegetables and has an unmatched deli and cheese selection in the area. Prices are reasonable, and service is top-notch. If you want to learn more about Horrock, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Michigan State Capitol: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Chicago to Toronto is Lansing, Michigan. And if you’ll visit Lansing, Michigan, we suggest you visit Michigan State Capitol. You can arrive Michigan State Capitol after 3 hours and 40 mins of driving. This building, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, has served as Michigan’s seat of state government since its completion in 1879. The building’s dome is an impressive sight. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Michigan State Capitol for more information.
• Fanshawe Pioneer Village: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London, Ontario, on the Chicago to Toronto road trip. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is 409 miles from Chicago, and you can arrive there after the 6 hours and 50 mins of drive. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a living history museum located in London, Ontario. It shares the local history of London and Middlesex County between 1820 and 1920. Visitors to the Heritage Village can explore 19th-century homes and buildings, watch demonstrations, and see history brought to life. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Fanshawe Pioneer Village before going there.
• Dundurn Castle: Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Dundurn Castle ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Chicago to Toronto. You must take 7 hours and 41 mins of driving to arrive at Dundurn Castle. Then, join a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830s on Burlington Heights. This was the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813. If you want to learn more about Dundurn Castle, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Chicago to Toronto

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Chicago to Toronto drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Chicago To Toronto?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Chicago to Toronto road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 24 mins to drive. Therefore, the driving distance between Chicago to Toronto is 513 miles.
• If you want to make the Chicago to Toronto road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 22 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Chicago-Toronto route, you will have to walk for six days and 21 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Chicago To Toronto?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Toronto. On the road, you can visit Michigan City, Indiana; Battle Creek, Michigan; Lansing, Michigan; London, Ontario; Hamilton, Ontario. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Chicago to Toronto journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Chicago To Toronto part.

1. Washington Park, Indiana: 58.6 miles / 1 hour and 13 mins to drive from Chicago | 455 miles / 7 hours and 27 mins of driving to Toronto.
2. Horrock’s: 214 miles / 3 hours and 35 mins to drive from Chicago | 307 miles / 4 hours and 55 mins of driving to Toronto.
3. Michigan State Capitol: 219 miles / 3 hours and 40 mins to drive from Chicago | 298 miles / 4 hours and 54 mins of driving to Toronto.
4. Fanshawe Pioneer Village: 409 miles / 6 hours and 50 mins to drive from Chicago | 193 km / 2 hours of driving to Toronto.
5. Dundurn Castle: 473 miles / 7 hours and 41 mins to drive from Chicago | 65.4 km / 50 mins of driving to Toronto.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Chicago To Toronto?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Chicago to Toronto. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Toronto From Chicago section.

• 4411 Inn & Suites: 66.3 miles / 1 hour and 16 mins to drive from Chicago | 450 miles / 7 hours and 18 mins of driving to Toronto.
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Battle Creek: 170 miles / 2 hours and 52 mins to drive from Chicago | 353 miles / 5 hours and 43 mins of driving to Toronto.
• Hyatt Place Lansing – East: 224 miles / 3 hours and 47 mins to drive from Chicago | 299 miles / 4 hours and 49 mins of driving to Toronto.
• Idlewyld Inn & Spa: 403 miles / 6 hours and 44 mins to drive from Chicago | 191 km / 2 hours of driving to Toronto.
• Visitors Inn: 472 miles / 7 hours and 38 mins to drive from Chicago | 67.3 km / 51 mins of driving to Toronto.

Where To Eat Between Chicago to Toronto?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Chicago to Toronto drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Chicago To Toronto.

1. Panini Panini: 59.8 miles / 1 hour and 13 mins to drive from Chicago | 457 miles / 7 hours and 25 mins of driving to Toronto.
2. Clara’s on the River: 170 miles / 2 hours and 52 mins to drive from Chicago | 353 miles / 5 hours and 45 mins of driving to Toronto.
3. Meat BBQ: 220 miles / 3 hours and 43 mins to drive from Chicago | 298 miles / 4 hours and 52 mins of driving to Toronto.
4. Waldo’s on King: 409 miles / 6 hours and 44 mins to drive from Chicago | 193 km / 2 hours of driving to Toronto.
5. Quatrefoil, Hamilton: 472 miles / 7 hours and 43 mins to drive from Chicago | 70.2 km / 57 mins of driving to Toronto.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Chicago to Toronto. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the Chicago to Toronto drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Chicago to Toronto as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Chicago to Toronto road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Chicago to Toronto and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.