Numbered highways in Canada are split by province, and a majority are maintained by their province or territory transportation department. With few exceptions, all highways in Canada are numbered. Nonetheless, every province has a number of highways that are better known locally by their name rather than their number. Some highways have additional letters added to their number: A is typically an alternate route, B is typically a business route, and other letters are used for bypass (truck) routes, connector routes, scenic routes, and spur routes. The territory of Nunavut has no highways.
Classifications
This is a breakdown of the classifications of highways in each province, and an example shield of each classification where available.
Varying between west-east and south-north routes, route numbers in British Columbia span from 1-118, except for Hwy 395 which is a counterpart of US 395. The 400 series highways were renumbered in 1973.
(ex: Hwy 97)
Provincial highways (the King's Highway) in Ontario are divided into four classes:
Hwy 2-148, 400-427, QEW — primary highways
Hwy 2-148 — intercity (ex:Highway 11) usually with at-grade intersections
400-427 — 400-series freeways and limited-access highways
The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) is a de facto part of the 400-series, and is given a numerical designation of 451 in some documents, although this number is not posted on the road itself
Provincial highways in Quebec are divided into three classes. Odd numbers refer to routes that are generally perpendicular to the Saint Lawrence River. Even numbers refer to routes that are generally parallel to the Saint Lawrence River.
