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Abstract
- Canada’s proximity to the US border makes it an ideal vacation spot for a street journey journey, with many cities, nationwide parks, and pure wonders only a brief distance from the border.
- Highway journey itineraries inside 2 hours of the US-Canada border present straightforward and scenic choices for vacationers who do not need to stray too removed from the border.
- From Duluth, Minnesota, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York, to Toronto, Ontario, to Seattle, Washington, to Victoria, British Columbia, there are a number of street journeys out there with beautiful surroundings, nationwide parks, and historic landmarks alongside the best way.
Stretching 5,525 miles, the land border between the USA and Canada is the longest on the earth. Even excluding Alaska, the border between the decrease 48 States and Canada is 3,987 miles.
As a rustic with pristine pure environments, towering mountains, and loads of open highways, Canada is the right place for a street journey, particularly for these coming from the USA. Vacationers have a mess of beginning factors alongside the 5,525-mile border to select from, so no matter whether or not one is from Buffalo, New York, or Seattle, Washington, a Canadian street journey journey remains to be on the horizon.
Whereas there are lots of incredible road trip itineraries in Canada that go throughout the Canadian countryside, many American vacationers do not need to stray removed from the border, whether or not for ease of entry or for saving time. Fortunately, there are lots of unbelievable cities, nationwide parks, and pure wonders all through Canada which can be virtually in sight of the US border.
Choose from any of the next street journeys into Canada from the USA which can be inside 2 hours of the border, and luxuriate in a straightforward and scenic journey on wheels exploring beautiful surroundings and bucket checklist websites hailing from each international locations!
All of those street journey concepts in Canada, which begin from the USA and enterprise into Canada, have been chosen based mostly on their location being roughly 2 hours from the US border, not based mostly on the street journey’s complete time being 2 hours. Some street journeys on this checklist require longer driving time within the US, or take scenic routes to get to the town or park in query.
10-Day Canada Road Trip Itinerary With Scenic Stops
See the very best of the West with this ten-day route from Calgary, Alberta, to Vancouver, British Columbia.
10 Duluth, Minnesota, To Thunder Bay, Ontario
This 189-mile street journey goes alongside Minnesota’s North Shore, providing waterfalls, forests, and amethyst mining
Readers from the Midwest won’t be shocked by the inclusion of Thunder Bay, Ontario, on this checklist. Positioned slightly below 40 miles from the US border, this Canadian city is the right street journey vacation spot for these touring from Minnesota.
View of Lake Superior’s Port Metropolis, Duluth
An excellent place to start out a street journey to Thunder Bay is in Duluth. From Duluth, it takes about 3 hours and half-hour to cross the 189 miles to Thunder Bay. All alongside the route are attractive views of Minnesota’s North Shore. On a sunny day, the huge Lake Superior will appear as limitless as an ocean for these driving alongside Minnesota State Freeway 61.
All through the route, vacationers may have loads of stops to discover, such because the beautiful Superior Nationwide Forest (the most effective locations within the higher Midwest for tenting, fishing, and mountain climbing), Gooseberry Falls State Park (the house of one in all Minnesota’s finest waterfalls), and Isle Royale Nationwide Park (a distant island in Lake Superior accessible by ferry).
Sleeping Large Provincial Park close to Thunder Bay, Ontario
As soon as in Thunder Bay, vacationers may have a wealth of actions to discover. A few of these embrace Cascades Conservation Area, the place guests will have the ability to hike alongside the rapids of the Currant River ($5 parking charge), Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, the place vacationers can see lovely rock formations, and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the placement of a surprising waterfall and gorge.
Better of all, nevertheless, is the amethyst mining that makes Thunder Bay well-known. At one of many many amethyst mining websites, resembling Amethyst Mine Panorama and Blue Points Amethyst Mine, vacationers will have the ability to hunt for their very own amethysts to convey dwelling a gorgeous and timeless memento.
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Distance:
189 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
3h 30m -
Main Stops:
Superior Nationwide Forest, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Isle Royale Nationwide Park, Cascades Conservation Space, Sleeping Large Provincial Park, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
9 Missoula, Montana, To Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park, Alberta
This 291-mile drive will take vacationers alongside a route stuffed with beautiful forests and blue mountain lakes
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is one in all Canada’s finest nationwide parks for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Positioned solely 20 miles outdoors the US border, this location is the right place for individuals who do not need to stray removed from the USA however who additionally need a distinctive, worldwide journey.
The proper place to begin for this vacation spot is Missoula, which is one in all Montana’s most populous and fascinating cities. On the US aspect of this street journey, vacationers can cease at three main Nationwide Forests: Lolo Nationwide Forest, Flathead Nationwide Forest, and Kootenai Nationwide Forest. At Lolo Nationwide Forest, one of many well-liked hikes is the 5.5-mile Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, which takes hikers alongside the attractive Seeley Lake.
Aerial view of Missoula lined in greenery with a backdrop of mountains
Flathead Nationwide Forest is equally full of fantastic issues to do, together with whitewater rafting, hiking the gargantuan 53-mile trail along the escarpment called Chinese Wall, and viewing the cerulean waters of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Lastly, at Kootenai Nationwide Forest, vacationers can stroll the 1.8-mile Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail that results in the gorgeous Kootenai Falls.
When vacationers arrive throughout the border and arrive at Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park, they’ll discover the various lakes that make up the Waterton Lakes chain for which the park is known as. Plus, they’ll get pleasure from a few of Waterton Lakes’ popular hikes and go birding alongside the steep and scenic 1.5-mile Bear’s Hump Trail.
After an extended day of strenuous outside actions, adventurers can sit again and watch the hundreds of thousands of stars move overhead at this designated Worldwide Darkish Sky Park.
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Distance:
291 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
5h 8m -
Main Stops:
Missoula, Lolo Nationwide Forest, Flathead Nationwide Forest, Kootenai Nationwide Forest, Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
One of many ultimate methods to see the celebrities on this Worldwide Darkish Sky Park is to remain in a single day at a campsite.
8 Buffalo, New York, To Toronto, Ontario
This brief however historic 98-mile street journey goes alongside Lake Ontario to finish in one in all Canada’s premier cities
A visit from Buffalo, New York, to Toronto is the right journey for individuals who need the texture of a street journey but in addition do not need to spend all their time driving. At just one hour and 40 minutes complete, this street journey is each straightforward and enjoyable.
The obvious cease alongside this 98-mile route is, after all, the unbelievable Niagara Falls. Described within the historic transcontinental journey of Moncacht-Apé, the thunder of those falls has been an essential a part of North American tradition since historical instances.
A view of Niagara Falls, a well-known attraction between USA and Canada within the fall
The sight of the electrical blue water of the Niagara River contrasted with the sensible oranges and reds of the Northeast in autumn makes the views right here beautiful. Nonetheless, regardless of the season, there are many different viewing areas to witness Niagara Falls on both the Canadian and US sides, so guests don’t have any scarcity of spots to decide on to get the right photograph.
One lesser-known cease is the little city of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario. This quaint city not solely has beautiful views of Lake Ontario and an cute essential avenue but in addition a stunning variety of issues to do and see. From colonial buildings to historic church buildings, this small city is full of historical past for vacationers to take pleasure in.
The pure magnificence on this city can also be unbelievable, with Queen’s Royal Park on Lake Ontario and an abundance of flowers planted all through the city in spring. Guests can discover the various wineries on this area, together with Peller Estates Winery and Inniskillin Wines.
Downtown Toronto skyline at evening, Toronto, Canada
As soon as in Toronto, vacationers may have a plethora of unbelievable issues to do. This consists of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, artwork museums just like the Artwork Gallery of Ontario, the Hockey Corridor of Fame, and the Toronto Zoo.
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Distance:
98 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
1h 40m -
Main Stops:
Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Artwork Gallery of Ontario, the Hockey Corridor of Fame, and the Toronto Zoo
A Day-By-Day Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s East Coast
Discover the fantastic thing about Jap Canada on this street journey from Toronto to Cape Breton Island.
7 Seattle, Washington, To Victoria, British Columbia
Taking the lengthy path to Vancouver Island from Seattle reveals a scenic 262-mile journey
Driving from Seattle to Vancouver is a visit that the majority who’re aware of the Pacific Northwest have taken. Nevertheless, a extra distinctive location that is solely somewhat bit additional away is Vancouver Island. Though Victoria, British Columbia, is technically solely about 40 miles away from the closest US land border, taking the scenic route from Seattle is a significantly better choice.
A visit from Seattle to Victoria will cowl 262 miles and can roughly take 6 hours and half-hour. Alongside the best way, vacationers will cease in Vancouver and Nanaimo to succeed in their vacation spot.
After beginning in Seattle, vacationers can cease at scenic Skagit Valley, which is known all through the USA for its rows and rows of spring tulips. These tulips are celebrated through the month of April on the Skagit Valley Tulip Competition.
Throughout a cease in Vancouver, guests can take time to discover among the many wonderful websites this metropolis has to supply, such because the Vancouver Aquarium, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Museum of Vancouver. Vacationers ought to be sure you see the gorgeous skyline views of the town from Charleson Park.
A rocky seashore in Vancouver Island, British Columbia
After taking a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, vacationers can get set exploring native sights, resembling Piper’s Lagoon Park, the place the rocky coast meets the deep blue Pacific, the Nanaimo Museum, the place folks can study British Columbia’s Indigenous historical past, and Colliery Dam Park, the place vacationers can stroll alongside the 1.4-mile Colliery Dam Loop Trail.
Lastly, after arriving in Victoria, road-trippers might be amazed by all of the unbelievable actions and sights. This metropolis has quite a few gardens, just like the Abkhazi Backyard, the Butchart Backyard, and Beacon Hill Park.
Victoria additionally has a number of unbelievable architectural websites, such because the spectacular Parliament Constructing, Craigdarroch Fort, and Hatley Fort. Lastly, vacationers may also discover the attractive harbor and will even spot seals or porpoises from the shore.
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Distance:
262 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
6h 30m -
Main Stops:
Seattle, Skagit Valley, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria
6 Calais, Maine, To Fundy Nationwide Park, New Brunswick
See raging rapids, towering waterfalls, and the best tides on the earth alongside this 139-mile journey by way of New Brunswick
Positioned simply over 100 miles away from the US border, Fundy Nationwide Park is the right street journey vacation spot for vacationers beginning in Maine. An excellent place to start out one’s street journey is Calais, Maine, which is a small city on the border of the USA and Canada. Right here, guests can take time to hike the 2.3-mile Devil’s Head Trail, which presents lovely views of the Saint Croix River that feeds into the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The waterfront and lighthouse in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, with Calais, Maine, seen within the background
Subsequent, vacationers can cease within the charming metropolis of Saint John, the place they’ll discover Irving Nature Park (a gorgeous marshland with an extended stretch of seashore), Reversing Falls Rapids (the place the excessive tides of the Bay of Fundy are robust sufficient to reverse the stream of the river), and the King’s Sq. (a public park with flowers, bushes, and statues).
Lastly, road-trippers can arrive at Fundy Nationwide Park. This park is without doubt one of the most unusual in all of Canada, because it has the best tides on the earth. At low tide, the unbelievable world of the intertidal zone is revealed to surface-dwellers, showcasing quite a lot of marine species resembling whelks, periwinkles, limpets, crabs, and extra.
Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada, Fundy Nationwide Park
There are additionally over 25 waterfalls within the park, together with Dickson Falls, Third Vault Falls, and Laverty Falls, all of which are accessible via hikes of varying lengths. Probably the most acclaimed hikes on this park is the Moosehorn Trail, a 4.4-mile loop that leads by way of dense northern forests and permits for an important view of Laverty Falls.
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Distance:
139 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
2h 16m -
Main Stops:
Calais, Saint John, Fundy Nationwide Park
5 Burlington, Vermont, To Québec Metropolis, Quebec
This 216-mile journey reveals off the waters of Lake Champlain, the creative Montreal, Indigenous artwork, and outdated Québec
Positioned about 100 miles from the closest US border, Québec Metropolis is a good vacation spot for these on the lookout for a straightforward, inexpensive, and pleasant metropolis for a street journey to and from the USA. Though many touring to Québec Metropolis begin their travels in Maine, a special place to begin is Burlington, Vermont. By beginning right here, vacationers will have the ability to cease off in Montreal as they head north.
When beginning in Burlington, guests can take time to go to among the finest sights right here earlier than they embark on their journey. A few of these embrace the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and the modern-made mini-Stonehenge clock at Oakledge Park.
On their means in the direction of Canada, road-trippers can take a brief detour to the island reserve of Knight Point State Park. There, vacationers will discover peaceable views of Lake Champlain alongside the park’s seashore.
Montmorency Waterfall in Quebec Metropolis, Canada
As soon as over the border, vacationers may have the creative metropolis of Montreal to discover. From the stunningly attractive Montreal Botanical Backyard to the informative Montreal Museum of Archaeology and Historical past to the historic Montreal Museum of Fantastic Arts, this metropolis has no scarcity of nice sights to come across.
Between Montreal and Québec Metropolis, vacationers ought to cease on the first aboriginal museum in Quebec, the Musee des Abenakis. There, vacationers will study concerning the Abenaki First Nation by way of displays on their mythology, their conventional houses, native archaeological discoveries, and artwork resembling basket weaving.
Lastly, upon arriving at Québec Metropolis, road-trippers will finish their journey in a metropolis of waterfalls, towering structure, and impeccable tradition. In Québec Metropolis, guests can discover the sprawling Plains of Abraham Park, stroll by way of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Québec, and even zipline close to the crashing Montmorency Falls at Parc de la Chute Montmorency.
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Distance:
216 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
3h 55m -
Main Stops:
Burlington, Knight Level State Park, Montreal, Musee des Abenakis, Québec Metropolis
Guests ought to do not forget that in Quebec, the official language is French, so vacationers ought to be sure you examine some French phrases earlier than their journey!
4 Skagway, Alaska, To Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Discover nearly 1000 miles of untouched Canadian wilderness alongside this journey by way of Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia
Probably the most really distinctive street journeys to Canada from the US on this checklist is the journey from Alaska to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Regardless that Prince Rupert is just round 30 miles from the closest US border, getting there takes some effort and time because of the topography and infrastructure of this area.
There are two routes that road-trippers can take. Firstly, the extra direct route is to easily take a 6-hour ferry from the town of Ketchikan. Vacationers who go for this can have the ocean sights of a cruise with the aesthetic of a street journey. The second route, whereas a lot, for much longer, makes for a extra fascinating street journey and is the main target of this entry.
Downtown Skagway In Alaska
This route begins in the scenic town of Skagway and takes vacationers alongside Yukon Freeway 1 East and BC 37 South, traversing nearly 1,000 miles. When beginning in Skagway, guests can cease to hike the 5-mile path round Higher Dewey Lake at the Upper Dewey Lake Trail. One other good thing to do is to cease at Bridal Veil Falls, which contains a 2-mile hike to see the falls and is taken into account a straightforward hike.
Higher Dewey Lake Path is taken into account to be a really difficult route, so vacationers ought to proceed with warning.
Nearly all of this route leads vacationers by way of the untouched wilderness of Alaska, the Yukon, and Northern British Columbia, that means that the views from the highways are sights in and of themselves.
This route goes close to and thru the towering Cassiar Mountains in British Columbia and thru the Kitimat Ranges close to southeast Alaska. Alongside the best way, there may even be some nice parks to discover, resembling Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park, which has attractive views of Boya Lake, Kinaskan Lake Park, the place vacationers can see the inexperienced and white waters of the broad Cascade Falls, and may kayak and fish at Meziadin Lake Park.
Nevertheless, there’ll nonetheless be some cities to discover earlier than reaching Prince Rupert. The city of Teslin, Yukon, is a good cease on this path to study Tlingit Indigenous Individuals, with notable sights together with the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre and the George Jonston Museum.
Guests may also cease at Watson Lake, Yukon, the place they’ll see the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, a facility that goals to show folks concerning the Aurora Borealis and the Canadian house program.
Cow Bay Marine harbor in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Lastly, after reaching Prince Rupert, guests will have the ability to see sights resembling Sunken Gardens Park, which is an elaborate backyard created out of the stays of a WWII ammunition bunker, the Butze Rapids Path, and the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which presents a novel have a look at the realm’s indigenous historical past and native archeological discoveries.
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Distance:
902 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
16h 31m -
Main Stops:
Skagway, Higher Dewey Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park, Kinaskan Lake Park, Meziadin Lake Park, Teslin, Watson Lake, Prince Rupert
This Gold Rush Train Connects Skagway With The Yukon’s Whitehorse & Is Still Running Today
This heritage prepare is without doubt one of the most beautiful prepare journeys on the earth and a visit again in time to the Klondike Gold Rush.
3 Spokane, Washington, To Slocan, British Columbia
Nationwide Forests, glacier-fed lakes, and a 32-mile hike are on this 187-mile street journey throughout japanese Washington and Southern British Columbia
Roughly 50 miles from the US border lies the pristine village of Slocan, which is the gateway to a few of Canada’s finest Provincial Parks. This route will start in Spokane and can take them by way of Washington State and into southern British Columbia, totaling round 217 miles.
An extended publicity photograph of Spokane at evening
Firstly, vacationers can discover the various Nationwide Parks and Forests in japanese Washington State. For a rare waterfall, guests ought to cease at Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. That is additionally an important cease for chook watchers! One other great place on this route is Colville National Forest, the place folks can see the majesty of the Selkirk Mountains amid an old-growth forest.
As soon as in British Columbia, vacationers ought to cease at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, the place they’ll have the ability to see two distinct glaciers, the Kokanee and the Woodbury. Guests may also go fishing for rainbow trout within the park’s quite a few glacier-fed lakes.
This space of British Columbia is chock-full of Provincial Parks, so vacationers may have no scarcity to select from. One other nice park to go to is Valhalla Provincial Park, the place guests can get pleasure from canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Slocan Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Lastly, after arriving in Slocan, vacationers can discover among the many waterfalls that this space is thought for. Among the best on this area is the Springer Creek Waterfalls, which presents nice tenting alternatives.
Bold guests may even undertake a number of sections of the 32-mile Slocan Valley Rail Trail, which contains a path by way of a number of British Columbia biomes, resembling forests, wetlands, and rivers.
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Distance:
187 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
3h 50m -
Main Stops:
Spokane, Little Pend Oreille Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, Colville Nationwide Forest, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Valhalla Provincial Park, Slocan, Slocan Valley Rail Path
10 Scenic Alberta Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List
The Canadian Rockies’ boundless magnificence awaits on these scenic street journeys in Alberta, from majestic mountains and alpine lakes to huge prairies.
2 Grand Forks, North Dakota, To Driving Mountain Nationwide Park, Manitoba
This 311-mile journey presents the wealthy tradition of Winnipeg and the pure marvel of Manitoba and North Dakota
Nearly 100 miles outdoors the US border is Riding Mountain National Park, a spot of forests, prairie, and waterfront, which is known for being the residence of Canadian conservationist Gray Owl. An ideal place to begin for this street journey is in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This 311-mile route will take vacationers alongside a few of southern Manitoba’s finest spots.
Aerial view of Grand Forks, North Dakota
Whereas nonetheless in North Dakota, vacationers can cease at Turtle River State Park. Located alongside the eponymous Turtle River, this valley is filled with woodland and little waterfalls. For these excited by fishing, this can be a excellent place to fish for trout.
As soon as road-trippers have crossed into Manitoba, they’ll head to St. Malo Provincial Park. This park, which contains a reservoir seashore, is a good place for canoeing and kayaking. There are additionally aspen forests for vacationers to hike by way of.
Town skyline of Winnipeg, Canada
After arriving in Winnipeg, vacationers may have all of the tradition that this metropolis has to supply. Even in winter, Winnipeg is still a great place to visit. Some nice cultural actions to do right here embrace visiting the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Qaumajuq (a contemporary artwork museum that includes the artwork of up to date Inuit artists), and Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Upon arriving at Driving Mountain Nationwide Park, vacationers can discover Clear Lake, which is precisely like its identify suggests: clear. One other good thing to do right here is to go to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, the place guests can see native bison of their pure habitat.
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Distance:
311 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
5h 40m -
Main Stops:
Grand Forks, Turtle River State Park, St. Malo Provincial Park, Winnipeg, Driving Mountain Nationwide Park
1 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, To Pukaskwa Nationwide Park, Ontario
This 261-mile goes alongside Canada’s Lake Superior shoreline, the place waterfalls and nautical historical past await
Pukaskwa Nationwide Park, Ontario, is situated solely round 70 miles from Canada and Michigan’s Lake Superior border. When heading to this park from Michigan, an important place to start out is Sault Ste. Marie, which is conveniently situated proper on the border of Canada. This whole route is 261 miles and takes roughly 4 hours and 40 minutes.
This aerial photograph of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
Town of Sault Ste. Marie, the place to begin on this journey, is definitely bisected and has areas in each the USA and Canada. This city has an extended historical past of nautical adventures. Its essential sights, the Museum Ship Valley Camp (a museum inside an out-of-commission Nice Lakes Freighter) and the Soo Locks (a sequence of nautical locks that permit ships to journey between Lake Superior and the opposite Nice Lakes) mirror this historical past.
Subsequent, vacationers can head to Montreal Falls. The Montreal River that feeds into Lake Superior is thought on this space for its understated however lovely waterfalls. It is a excellent spot for vacationers who’re excited by tenting and kayaking. Extra adventurous hikers can take the trek as much as Upper Montreal Falls, which is close by.
An individual mountain climbing above Orphan Lake, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
After this, an important place to go to is Lake Superior Provincial Park. As one of many largest provincial parks in Ontario, this space presents quite a bit for vacationers to do. Probably the most rewarding issues to do right here is to hike as much as Agawa Rock, the place guests can see unbelievable historical pictograms left by the Ojibwe. Guests may also canoe, swim, and fish right here, as nicely, with Orphan Lake being a scenic spot to hike to.
Lastly, vacationers can arrive at Pukaskwa National Park. At this park, guests can discover the gorgeous Cascade Falls and Horseshoe Bay. On the park, among the many enjoyable issues to do are mountain climbing, boating, wildlife viewing, and birding.
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Distance:
261 miles -
Highway Journey Size:
4h 40m -
Main Stops:
Sault Ste. Marie, Montreal Falls, Higher Montreal Falls, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
The 5,000+ miles of the Canadian-US border supply so many distinctive areas to select from for a street journey journey. Locations like Thunder Bay, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, and Prince Rupert all supply vacationers vastly totally different however nonetheless great experiences.
Whether or not vacationers select an journey that ends in Manitoba, British Columbia, or Ontario, there are such a lot of wonderful issues to see on these scenic street journeys in Canada close to the US border.
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