Trip around the Great Lakes

125992 · 03-29-2019, 09:16 PM

I'm looking for some suggestions for a trip around the Great Lakes. I'd like to leave Western NY and head toward Quebec and then west. Out and back with no real plan yet. I want to stay away from the cities and see the sights along the way. This is likely a two week trip. What suggestions do you have?

Thanks!

kenandterry · 03-29-2019, 09:34 PM

For the section through Ontario....

I suggest picking up HWY 2 at Cornwall and follow this along the St Lawrence River. When you get to a Brockville, look for Thousand Islands Parkway all the way into Gananoque. Then back to HWY 2....largest city along here will be Kingston. Not too bad. Look to pick up HWY 33 (Loyalist Parkway) follow along the shoreline. Free ferry will bring you into Prince Edward County (40 wineries)
At Western end, back along HWY 2 through Apple Country as far as Cobourg.

Then jump on HWY 401 through to Toronto, and take HWY 400 North which will become Trans Canada Highway towards Sudbury. Follow HWY 11 around the top of Lake Huron, through Sault Ste Marie and around Lake Superior. Takes you all around back to USA.

Except for the HWY 401 and 400, this route will keep you as close to the water shoreline as possible. Lots of gorgeous scenery.

If you want to discuss specific scenic and tourist sites, campground suggestions
and more PM me.

Nibbs108 · 05-10-2019, 06:22 PM

I live in the upper part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, so I can't help you when it comes to getting to Sault Sainte Marie where you first reach Lake Superior, but I assume that it will take you a few days unless you like to drive lots of miles. In my circumventing of the lake, it took me 9 days (1,300 miles) because there is so much to see: waterfalls all over the place, vistas that take your breath away, canyons to climb around and nice towns to explore. There is even an amethyst mine where you can search for crystals! Some of the campgrounds are off the main road. so you need to plan for those detours. Be sure to pick up the Lake Superior Circle Tour map booklet that points out interesting locations and things to see. You can order online or look for one i Wawa. Have a great trip.

Irobutterfly59 · 05-10-2019, 06:30 PM

I live in lower Michigan but if ever get a chance to go way up to the UP Copper Harbor, Lake in the Clouds is breath-taking, Porcupine Mountains, so many waterfalls: Tahquamenon and Bonds falls. Brockway Mountain take a drive up there to the top and you can see all around. Also do the Great Lakes Shipwreck Tour in Whitefish Point. Have fun and enjoy our Great State of Michigan.

125992 · 05-10-2019, 07:05 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. We no longer can get two weeks for the trip so we are headed to Maine for a week.

Irobutterfly59 · 05-11-2019, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 125992

Thanks for all the suggestions. We no longer can get two weeks for the trip so we are headed to Maine for a week.

We loved Maine - been there twice but before we bought our TT. Did the Rt 1 tour starting from Portland to Bar Harbor. Have fun.

whj469 · 05-30-2019, 08:14 AM

That is why I was thinking that two weeks was not nearly enough. We spend our summers in the UP of MI.

Irobutterfly59 · 05-30-2019, 01:06 PM

We love UP Michigan Porcupine Mountains, Lake in the Clouds, Copper Harbor, Bond Falls and we did the trail of the trees in the fall on M22.

InsistOnLiveMusic · 05-30-2019, 01:34 PM

Mackinac Island is an interesting day trip. I found the Sault Ste Marie locks interesting as well. Be sure to dine on fresh Lake Superior whitefish!

Irobutterfly59 · 05-30-2019, 01:37 PM

Our son got married on Mackinaw Island 3 years ago. It's beautiful place to explore.

fanrgs · 06-03-2019, 08:05 PM

Just got to Marquette, MI, this afternoon after making a partial circle trip around Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay to Sault St. Marie. Visited the locks yesterday and stayed at the Bay Mills Casino RV Park last night.

Stayed in a couple of provincial park campgrounds in Ontario--Rainbow Falls and Lake Superior Agawa Bay. Both had electric hookups and were right on the beach. Very uncrowded this time of year, so no reservations taken, walk-in only.

Irobutterfly59 · 06-03-2019, 08:49 PM

Upper Michigan is so beautiful, so much to see. We especially love Lake in the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains and Copper Harbor. We did the tour Tunnel of trees in the fall doing route M22.

SailorSam20500 · 06-03-2019, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanrgs

Just got to Marquette, MI, this afternoon after making a partial circle trip around Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay to Sault St. Marie. Visited the locks yesterday and stayed at the Bay Mills Casino RV Park last night.

Stayed in a couple of provincial park campgrounds in Ontario--Rainbow Falls and Lake Superior Agawa Bay. Both had electric hookups and were right on the beach. Very uncrowded this time of year, so no reservations taken, walk-in only.

Stop in L' Anse at the Hilltop restaurant. Try one of their cinnamon rolls (split one between 2 of you - they're huge!). We just got home. Stayed at Lake Gogebic...

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