The smarter way to road-trip through Ontario this summer
How to handle everything the open road throws at you—including losing cell service
Two-thirds of Canadians plan to travel domestically this summer—the highest proportion in years—and for Torontonians, that almost always means loading up the car and heading somewhere in Ontario. The only question is: how far are you willing to go?
Whether you’re headed to cottage country, a campsite or a provincial park, getting off the grid is often part of the process. But in a province as vast as Ontario, where traditional wireless networks cover only about 27 per cent of the landmass, long drives can come with a few unknowns: a dropped signal, a missed turn, a vehicle breakdown hours from the nearest town. A good road trip isn’t about avoiding the unexpected; it’s about being ready for it. Here’s how.
Get your phone ready before you leave the driveway
A successful trip starts before you get in the car. Make sure your navigation, weather and messaging apps are downloaded and up to date—you’ll want them ready to go before you lose signal, not after.
It’s also worth loading up your entertainment: a downloaded playlist, podcast or show can make long stretches of isolated highway feel a lot shorter.
Pack smart, not heavy
The temptation is to overpack. Resist it. A few layers—something light, something warm and a rain jacket—will cover most of what Ontario’s summer weather throws at you. Keep a reusable water bottle and a few easy snacks within reach for lengthy drives between stops. And tuck a small essentials kit somewhere accessible: sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer and a basic first-aid kit can make a roadside stop less chaotic.
When the signal drops
The further you get from the city, the more the landscape opens up—and the more your cell service starts to fade. Whether you’re navigating to a cottage in Georgian Bay, a campsite in Algonquin or a trailhead in Bruce Peninsula National Park, you need to prepare for those parts of Ontario where traditional cell coverage simply doesn’t reach.
That’s where Rogers Satellite comes in. It automatically connects compatible smartphones to satellite coverage when you’re outside traditional coverage areas, so apps like Google Maps can keep working—giving you real-time updates on road conditions, closures and weather hazards like flooding, even when you’re far from the nearest cell tower. The same goes when you’re off the road and on the trail: when paths branch off and landmarks start to look the same, having a reliable connection to your mapping app can make the difference between a confident hike and a frustrating or even dangerous one.
Leave room for the unexpected
Once you’re on the road, it’s easy to fixate on the destination. But the best road trips are rarely about getting somewhere quickly. Take the detour, pull over at the lookout, stop at something unexpected along the way—those moments often become the ones you talk about later. Keep a steady pace, take breaks when you need them, drive for the conditions and keep an eye on fuel. When you’re not rushing or second-guessing, the drive stops being something to get through and starts being part of the journey.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
A vehicle breakdown or medical concern feels a lot more serious when you’re hours from the nearest town. In areas without cellular service, Rogers Satellite supports text messaging, including text-to-911 and public safety alerts, so your smartphone can still connect you with help when you need it most. Take a few minutes before your adventure begins to familiarize yourself with your phone’s emergency features. It’s the kind of thing you hope never to use, but should a crisis occur, you’ll be glad you figured it out ahead of time.
One last thing before you go
Before you head out, it’s worth knowing how to get the most out of Rogers Satellite. For the best experience, make sure you’re using a compatible device running the latest operating system. If you need to use it on the road, pull over safely first and check that you have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. A little preparation goes a long way—and with the right tools in place, the only thing left to figure out is where you’re going.
Get Rogers Satellite for $0/month for 24 months with new 5G+ mobile plans. To see where Rogers Satellite connectivity is available, learn more at rogers.com/satellite.
