Trade Days Time Remaining

One question that pops up repeatedly when planning a shopping trip to East Texas is: how far is Canton TX from Tyler TX? The good news is that this is one of the easiest straight line short road trips in the area and will lead you to one of the largest outdoor malls in America. This guide covers distance, drive time and all the major or interesting stops along the way.

Canton Texas To Tyler Texas: The Exact Distance

From Canton to Tyler, it's about 37 or 40 miles, depending on route and city of origin. Most of the time, travelers take Interstate 20 East. Generally, this route takes about 40 to 45 minutes with light traffic.

For a reverse commute, it's the same distance, about 40 miles, traveling northwest on I-20 from Tyler to Canton. This is definitely a quick day trip. So, be flexible to add this commute to your weekend plans.

Drive Time By Route

• Interstate 20 (fastest route): About 37 miles, 40-45 minutes
• Highway 64: A slightly longer but more scenic option through smaller towns
• Backroads through Van and Edom: Adds 10-15 minutes but passes through charming small-town Texas

Tyler TX To Canton TX: What's Driving The Trip

The main reason people travel from Tyler to Canton is because of First Monday Trade Days. This event is what brings people across Texas and other states to this massive outdoor market. Because Tyler is one of the closest large cities, people use it as a home base since it has hotels, restaurants, and an airport. This makes it easier to travel to Trade Days.

First Monday Trade Days Canton TX: What To Know Before You Go

First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas spans over 100 acres of land with thousands of vendors, making it one of the largest flea markets in the country. It's held every Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month, a tradition that's over 150 years old.

You can find almost anything antique to craft and everything in between. With the flea market only opening for 4 days a month, timing your visit will prove worthwhile. Be sure to check the day before you leave Tyler for the exact weekend to reach the grounds exactly on the days it is happening.

Tips For A First Monday Trade Days Road Trip from Tyler TX

There are things to consider when mapping out your first road trip to Monday Trade Days. The markets attract huge crowds which can feel overwhelming, and the grounds are fairly expansive.

• Get there early. They open the gates before the sun even rises for serious shoppers and parking by mid-morning is full.
• Make sure you wear your walking shoes. The market is multiple sections and covering the entire thing takes hours.
• Cash is a must. A lot of vendors do not take cards or the ATMs have long waits.
• Be ready for anything. It's an outdoor event and the weather can spoil your plans.
• Pack a cooler. If you are planning to drive to Tyler back the same day it is nice to have some snacks and water.
• Don't forget snacks!

Plan around the weather ->

Canton TX Road Trip: Planning Your Full Itinerary

A Canton TX road trip doesn't have to start and end with Trade Days. Many people turn it into a full weekend, visiting the town before or after the market. Since Canton is almost directly in the middle of Dallas and Tyler on I-20, people traveling in either direction will find it convenient to stop for the night.

Here are some ways you can build your canton TX road trip:

Day trip from Tyler: Shopping Trade Days in the morning and returning to Tyler in the evening.

Weekend trip: Spend one night in Canton or Tyler and enjoy the market and local attractions.

Combined trip: Pair Canton with a stop in Tyler's Rose Garden district for a fuller East Texas experience.

Check the First Monday Trade Days calendar ->

Canton TX Attractions Beyond The Market

While Trade Days is the biggest draw, other Canton TX attractions warrant a visit, particularly for those with the time to spare from the trip from Tyler.

Downtown Canton Square has a lot of historic buildings, local eateries, and shops surrounding the local courthouse.

Canton City Lake Park is a nice, quiet spot to take a picnic or a relaxing stroll on a nice day.

Van Zandt County Courthouse is right in the middle of downtown and is quite the historic landmark.

If you are into browsing antiques and shops year-round, you don't have to wait for Trade Days to visit the local antique shops.

There is a lot to do in Canton TX no matter what day of the week you choose to visit, as long as it doesn't fall on a Monday.

Things To Do In Canton TX On A Non-Trade Days Weekend

Canton TX has lots to do even if your travel dates don’t match the market schedule. Year round antique markets, historic local diners (with some of the best East Texas comfort food) and small town charm, create a day trip worth repeating.

Hancock County is well known for its great boating and fishing at neighboring lakes Lake Tawakoni and Lake for Kirk. Both lakes are short drives from bucolic Canton and are great last minute additions to your road trip.

A Complete Canton TX Travel Guide For First-Timers

The best way to plan a trip to see Canton TX is to know the dates of the Trade Days and the way you are planning to spend your time there (day trip vs overnight stay). Build the rest of your stops around your time there.

Once you are past the Trade Days, slow and easy is the Canton TX way of living and for East Texas, that's pretty slow. This makes Canton a perfect town to relax in after a busy day at your bustling base of Tyler TX.

Whatever your plan is, a short drive from Tyler TX means that you can take as many stops as you want without wasting time.

FAQs

How far is Canton TX from Tyler TX?
Canton TX is about 37 to 40 miles from Tyler TX and takes about 40 to 45 minutes to drive on Interstate 20.

What is the best route from Tyler TX to Canton TX?
Traveling west on Interstate 20 is the quickest way to Canton TX, but if you want to avoid major highways, travel on 64, which goes through more smaller towns on the way.

When are the dates for First Monday Trade Days in Canton TX?
First Monday Trade Days in Canton TX occurs Thursday through Sunday leading up to the following Monday, which has been the schedule for the last 150 years.

Can I go to Canton TX and Tyler TX on the same day?
Yes. With them being only about 40 miles away from each other, many do this as a day trip going to Canton TX for shopping and going to Tyler TX for dinner and/ or the night.

What should I bring on a First Monday Trade Days Road Trip?
Bring cash, comfy walking shoes, and a lot of water because Trade Days spans over 100 acres. Arrive early because parking is tough.