bsinmich wrote:
I did the trip in June from Thunder bay to Pembroke, Ontario via Hwy 17. The road around Superior is excellent for driving but worthless for sightseeing. The new road is a couple miles away from the Lake and out of sight for most of the trip. It is 2 lanes with very narrow shoulders and a cable fence for most of the distance. Pulling to the side for a picture is almost impossible as the semis are whizzing past at 120+kph. I did have a black bear run across the road in front of me and almost got rear ended by a semi when I slowed to avoid it. Later I saw 2 moose feeding at the roadside and knew it was time to stop for the night. To see anything you have to get off of 17 and go to the small towns. Many of those roads are not in good shape leaving the highway, and many of the towns have suffered by the highway being moved away from them. Sault Ste. Marie has a lot. The Agawa Canyon train is great, Soo Locks boat tour. all the other things on both sides of the border. Antlers restaurant on the Mich side is an experience. Sudbury has a lot to see and do also.
Wow - I guess each to their own - can't say I recognize much of this route in the above description .....
Google "Hwy 17 Lake Superior Views" - then toggle on "images" - you'll get an idea of what you will see.
In the view of most folks Hwy 17 from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie is one of the more scenic drives you will find anywhere. It is an amazing chunk of Canada's Canadian Shield that was made famous by The Group of Seven painters in the early part of the last century. And trucks? - most will be taking Hwy 11 - the more northerly and flatter route - for those you do encounter there are passing lanes on most (not all) grades. SSM and Sudbury as tourism destinations? - well - maybe - each do have their own solid attractions - good add-on's to be sure - but IMHO not significant enough to be the main destinations on this route.
I suppose the difference in opinions may be that some most enjoy places where other's aren't - and some most enjoy places where others are .....
Jay
