Driving on the 50

[FreeG]

I have a work trip in Gatineau coming up and was thinking of cruising over to Montreal afterwards (someone I'd like to see in Laval). I've driven the 417/40 route and 17 but never tried the 50. It definitely looks more direct and allows me to skip Ottawa and DT Montreal traffic (I'd leave after work mid-week).

Anyone have experience with that drive ? Is there at least a few coffee places to stay fuelled along the way? It looks pretty unpopulated between Gat and Mirabel where I'd jump on the 15 into Laval, just curious if any locals know of pitfalls or warnings for that road (ie, always takes twice as long as the southern routes because of school buses and horse drawn carriages, etc).

Thanks!

 

[jalimon]

I take that road all the time. Definately the way to go between Gatineau and Laval. Since highway 50 is completely finished I never stopped anywhere.

Cheers,

 

[Joe.t]

The 50 is a shared hwy and is scary as hell at night time, I prefer the 417 or 174.

 

[curly]

The 50 is a shared hwy and is scary as hell at night time, I prefer the 417 or 174.

If you've taken the old 148, the 50 is a breeze, even at night. On rainy nights or winter stormy evening though it can get difficult to see.

 

[jalimon]

The 50 is a shared hwy and is scary as hell at night time, I prefer the 417 or 174.

But if you are in Gatineau and need to go to Laval the 50 is so much faster. You avoid crossing over Ottawa and then worst going through west island of Montreal. Just these could add an hour to the trip easily.

Cheers,

 

[TheDon]

The 50 is a shared hwy and is scary as hell at night time, I prefer the 417 or 174.

Agree, took it once at night to get back to Montreal as it was the shorter more direct route.

Never again as the sight of another cars headlights coming in the opposite direction really made me nervous.

That and the fear of a wild animal jumping out from the woods in front the car was enough to make it my first and last journey on the 50.

But I'm sure it's better in the day.

 

[FreeG]

Thanks all for the advice! Sounds like 50 in the day is fine, at night maybe not so much (but then traffic should be lighter to jet down to the 417). Looking forward to the trip!

 

[Pisces]

I take it all the time, but I usually cross at Grenville into Hawkesbury, then to the 417. It adds a few minutes to my travel but fuel-up in Grenville as gaz is always cheaper. I take the same route back home. But since you are going into Laval, you would take it to the 15 South. I never had issues late at night othen then a couple times on freezing rain.