Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated in style, and Toyota Canada clearly understands how to do it! To celebrate its six decades in the country, the Japanese manufacturer recently concocted for me and 47 other journalists a cross-Canada adventure in six stages along the Trans-Canada Highway, from Mile 0 in the east to Mile 0 in the west. I was lucky enough to join this long journey on the fifth leg, crossing the prairies from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Calgary, Alberta's largest city. During these nearly 2,000 kilometers, my co-driver (and co-author of this blog) Marc Bouchard and I drove no less than five different Toyota models, from the agile Camry to the imposing Tacoma. So, if you'll indulge me, let me tell you about the first half of this journey, my very first trip to this part of our country.
Departure from Winnipeg
Having crossed most of Ontario, the fourth wave of journalists welcomed us in Winnipeg as they were ending their adventure. We didn't get to enjoy the Manitoba capital for very long, however, as by the early hours of the next morning we were on the road in the Toyota Crown Signia, a slightly larger version of the traditional Crown. Spacious, comfortable and equipped with a highly efficient infotainment system, it was a magnificent start to a journey of over 800 kilometers.
Thanks to the Toyota's hybridization, we were able to enjoy the Manitoba landscape - wheat fields as far as the eye could see - while consuming relatively little fuel, just 6.1 L/100km, even though we had no qualms about fully testing its mechanical capabilities, especially on the highway. Despite the lack of curves, we were also able to test its Bridgestone Turanza 6 tires, which easily held their own on the road.
Finally, arrival in Saskatoon
Halfway between Winnipeg and Saskatoon, we switched to the Toyota Tacoma, a rather radical change. First of all, I have to say that I'm not a fan of pick-up trucks, not least for their uncomfortable driving position and sometimes rather heavy performance. The Tacoma is no exception, although I have to admit I was surprised by its hydraulic seats and absolutely gigantic touch-screen. Far less agile than the Crown Signia and, obviously, far less fuel-efficient, I don't think it would be my first choice for several hundred kilometers road trips. For work, however, I'm sure it exceeds expectations!
What's more, the Tacoma was the perfect vehicle for our entry into the city of Saskatoon as we merged into the mass of local pick-up trucks. This time, it was the city itself that surprised me, with its charming downtown and picturesque river, bustling with life on this fine August afternoon. It was the perfect time to relax for a few hours before hitting the road again, this time to Alberta. Stay tuned for the rest of my Toyota trip to the Prairies!
