The road is mostly a four-lane divided carriageway, with a general speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mph).

The modern highway was formally commenced in the 1920s, with major work commencing in 1927 to upgrade an 8-mile (13 km) section between Suburban Street, South Perth (now Mill Point Road) and Petra Street, East Fremantle.

Apart from minor additional lanes and modifications, the highway has remained largely unchanged since.

One of the most enduring sights on Canning Highway has been the Raffles Hotel at night-time, with its ornamental lighting and an iconic animated rooftop neon beer sign (for many years advertising Swan Lager).

The hotel has reopened with a pub and a bottle shop called Raffles Liquor Merchants.