Route from Shields to Mackay
Interactive map, distance, and indicative drive time for the route from Shields to Mackay — with the live planner for up-to-date turn-by-turn directions.
This page provides the map and indicative distance data for the route between Shields (Saskatchewan) and Mackay (Alberta). Use the live planner below to get up-to-date driving directions by car, on foot, or by bicycle.
Distance from Shields to Mackay
The straight-line distance between Shields and Mackay is 649.9 km. The estimated road distance by car is around 734 km, with an indicative drive time of 8 h 10 min.
Trip cost and route type: Shields – Mackay
Driving directions from Shields to Mackay
The map shows the locations of Shields (A) and Mackay (B). Use the form below to calculate the up-to-date road route with turn-by-turn directions, real distance, and estimated drive time.
Turn-by-turn directions
Prefer another app? Open in Google Maps ↗
Driving directions from Shields to Mackay
Real distance: 720.9 km · Estimated time: 9 h 11 min
- Drive south on Mcmillan Crescent. 160 m
- Turn left. 1.2 km
- Turn right. 5.6 km
- Turn right onto 11/Louis Riel Trail. 41.1 km
- Keep left to stay on 16/Circle Drive. 2.2 km
- Turn right to take the 16 west/11 north/Idylwyld Drive ramp toward 12 north. 2.2 km
- Keep left to take 16/Yellowhead Route toward The Battlefords. 129.4 km
- Keep left to take 16/40. 4.0 km
- Keep left to take 4 South toward Battleford/Swift Current. 2.3 km
- Turn right onto Poundmaker Trail/40. 360.1 km
- Keep left to take 216 West/Anthony Henday Drive. 10.9 km
- Keep left to stay on 216/Anthony Henday Drive NW. 11.4 km
Standard car route without avoiding highways. For advanced options (motorcycle, bicycle, transit, avoid tolls) use the live planner above.
Estimate trip cost: Shields – Mackay
Indicative estimates based on ~734 km. Tolls calculated at ~$0.10/km on tolled segments. The calculator updates with the live planner's real distance. Actual consumption, driving style, weather, and toll rates vary.
Origin and destination
How to drive from Shields to Mackay
The straight-line distance between Shields (Saskatchewan) and Mackay (Alberta) is about 649.9 km. The actual road distance varies by chosen route, road type, and travel conditions — especially in winter and across mountain or northern segments.
Before you leave, consider:
- Check current traffic with a navigation app — particularly around major cities.
- Look up any toll segments on your route (Ontario 407, select bridges).
- In winter or at higher elevations, drive times and conditions can change quickly. Carry a charged phone, fuel reserve, and weather-appropriate gear.
- Plan stops at service centres or towns along the way — fuel and rest stops can be sparse on remote sections.
Route description: Shields – Mackay
The route connects Saskatchewan to Alberta: from Shields to Mackay you cover roughly 734 km on the road (geometric distance 649.9 km). A long route (over 300 km). Plan multiple breaks and check highway traffic, weather, and fuel availability — particularly in remote sections. The live planner calculates the optimal route with step-by-step instructions and trip cost.
The trip starts at Shields (Saskatchewan) — coordinates 51.8200° N, -106.4050° E. The destination is Mackay (Alberta), at 53.6442° N, -115.5830° E.
Practical tips for the Shields – Mackay drive
Terrain along the way
The route starts in Saskatchewan — a province prairie to the south and boreal forest, lakes, and Shield country to the north — and reaches Mackay in Alberta, prairie in the south rising into the Canadian Rockies in the west. The route also passes near Wainwright (Alberta).
When to leave
For a long route, leave early (before 06:30) or wait until after 10:00. Avoid summer long-weekend exoduses and major holidays. Plan a break every 1.5–2 hours of driving — and check weather, especially across the Prairies and through mountain passes.
Alternatives
For this route of about 734 km, consider VIA Rail Canada — VIA's Corridor service connects many Eastern Canadian cities, and the long-distance trains (the Canadian, Ocean) run through the Prairies and the Maritimes. Cross-border trips may also include Amtrak's Adirondack or Cascades. Check schedules at viarail.ca and amtrak.com.
Explore Mackay
Full information about Mackay: interactive map, GPS coordinates, elevation, nearby cities, and routes to and from Mackay.
Mackay profile →Explore Shields
Full information about Shields: map, GPS coordinates, and all routes from Shields to other Canadian cities.
Shields profile →Related tools
Driving Directions
Live planner with turn-by-turn directions from Shields to Mackay.
Interactive map
Open the area between Shields and Mackay on the map.
GPS coordinates
Find precise coordinates for any point along the route.
Distance calculator
Measure straight-line distances between intermediate points.
Elevation
Check elevation along the route — useful for mountain passes.
Satellite map
View the terrain between Shields and Mackay in satellite imagery.
Cities along the Shields – Mackay route
These cities are near the direct route between Shields and Mackay. They may be useful as a stopover or alternate destination.
Routes with intermediate stops: Shields → Wainwright · Shields → Amisk · Shields → Hughenden
Related routes
From Shields to other cities:
To Mackay from other cities:
From Mackay to intermediate cities:
Popular routes from Saskatchewan
Most-searched routes from Saskatchewan, ranked by popularity.
Frequently asked questions: Shields – Mackay
What is the straight-line distance between Shields and Mackay?
The straight-line distance between Shields and Mackay is about 649.9 km. This is the direct geometric distance between the two coordinates, ignoring road geometry.
What is the estimated road distance from Shields to Mackay?
The estimated road distance from Shields to Mackay is about 734 km — derived by multiplying the straight-line distance by a road-deviation factor (1.13–1.30 based on length). For an up-to-date route, use the live planner.
How long does it take to drive from Shields to Mackay?
Indicative drive time from Shields to Mackay is about 8 h 10 min, based on an average highway speed of 90 km/h on a mixed motorway/highway profile. Real time depends on traffic, weather, stops, vehicle type, and conditions.
How do I get up-to-date driving directions from Shields to Mackay?
Use the live planner on this page: select your transport mode and click "Update route". You'll see the route with turn-by-turn directions, current distance, and estimated time based on up-to-date routing data.
Does the Shields–Mackay route involve highway tolls?
CanadaDrivingDirections.com does not provide toll details. Toll roads are limited in Canada — Ontario's 407 ETR, a few Quebec bridges, and the Confederation Bridge to PEI are the main ones. Check the operator's site for current pricing.
How does traffic affect the route from Shields to Mackay?
Traffic varies by time of day, season, and weather. The live planner uses up-to-date routing data; for live traffic, use a navigation app before departure — especially in winter when conditions can change rapidly.
Is there an alternative route from Shields to Mackay?
A common alternative is going via Wainwright or Amisk. Use the live planner to compare routes.
Can I open the Shields–Mackay route in Google Maps?
Yes. Click "Open in Google Maps" on this page to view the route in the Google Maps app or browser. You can also open Google Maps directly and enter Shields as origin and Mackay as destination.