Forum Discussion

nomad2013's avatar
nomad2013
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015

anybody every take this route?

Great Lakes Naval Station to Sault Ste. Marie to Nigeria Falls?
Good roads, bad roads?
Things to see?
Camp grounds to stay in, including Canada?
Any situations to avoid?
Thanks in advance!
  • We went the other direction, Niagara Falls to Sault Ste. Marie through Canada, really enjoyed the route, 400 to 17. The highways near Toronto were confusing, and there was a fairly long wait to cross the border at Sault Ste. Marie. Other then that it was nice once you are away from the traffic around Toronto. We stayed in Provincial Parks, don't recall which. Roads were fine, but this is a few years ago.
  • Haven't gone to Niagara as an adult, but we did go to the Soo. One route recommendation: I-94 across Michigan to I-69 (or I-88? we have an old atlas) north past Saginaw, then get over to US 23 (for a more scenic route that follows the Lake Huron shoreline); catch up with I-75 at Mackinaw City and follow it north to Sault Ste Marie. Unless you have been there before, DO NOT MISS Mackinac Island (you have to take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace; no vehicles allowed on the island, just horses, bicycles or shank's mare). Several decent CGs in Mackinaw City for a base camp. Allow a full day for the island.

    Good CG in Sault Ste Marie: Aune-Osborn CG. Not much to look at, but you get up close & personal with the freighters! Take the Soo Locks tour if you have time; allow at least a full day in this area. Be careful of cellphone calls; you may get routed to a Canadian-side tower & be charged international rates.

    Forgot to mention a couple CGs along the way. Bay City SP is nice, has electric hookups. And we have also stayed at the Oscoda KOA, also decent (especially when not full) :). Both nice & shady CGs.