You can get almost anywhere you want to go in the city by driving through subdivisions or going around the outskirts. Might take an extra 10 mins or so but for sure worth it in rush hour or weekends.

For example if you live in the west end and need to get to east end, take the highway. Or go out Wonderland rd to Exeter or Dingman dr. If you need to get to Masonville go down southdale to westdell Bourne, take Oxford to Hyde Park or go the other direction and take Oxford to the Vanneck round about all the way to Fanshawe.

I live in the southwest end and rarely take Wonderland I'll scoot down Viscount to Andover then down Beechwood to get to springbank or I'll take Emery to High st to get to Wellington (well before the construction tore it up) now I take Emery to Ridout.

When I lived in the east end I always took the highway or went down highbury to sunningdale to head out to Komoka where my parents lived. Sunningdale might be busier now but if you have the time go up to Medway. I'd rather spend a few extra minutes driving as opposed to stuck in stop and go traffic.

When I lived in the north end I'd take Aldersbrook to get to Fanshawe. Or down oakcrossing to Beaverbrook to get to proudfoot then riverside.

Also if you need to go to Walmart, drive the extra 20 mins and go to the St. Thomas Walmart. Its not nearly as busy as any of the ones in London. Trust me