Cross-country US2 or CAN1?

[GordonThree]

Heading out from Michigan's Upper Peninsula heading to Banff, what are some pro's and con's for sticking to US2 versus versus heading North right away (US53) to pick up CAN1? If I stay on US2, I'd cut North on US52 to Portal ND.

Biggest pro for US2 I can see is gas prices are a bit lower in the USA than Canada.

I drove CAN1 from Calgary to Winnipeg last year, it was nice enough, not much to see, can't remember much else about it.

Thoughts?

[Medic_Chick]

Hwy 1 through Canada is the closest thing we have to your interstates. 2 lanes each direction with a wide grassy median between E & W bound traffic. It is the major E/W thoroughfare and as such is heavily traveled by semis. Well maintained though, and a pleasant (assuming it's not windy), if not particularly scenic (unless you like prairie) route until you get West of Calgary.

Also, unless you enjoy fighting city traffic and messing around with traffic signals (I hate city driving), save yourself the headache & take the Stoney Trail NE around the city. It will add 5-10 miles (?) onto the trip, but is worth it IMHO.

You should be prepared though, gas in Alberta is close to an all-time high right now, with gas prices ranging from $4.35 - $4.61/gal for regular; and $5.10 - $5.25/gal for diesel (based on gasbuddy.com prices from this evening). I think the provincial average for regular is sitting at $1.20/L or $4.54/gal.

[hyattjlbb]

Can't help with US 2 anywhere but ND as I live in Minot and travel the State a lot for my kids hockey season. Coming from MN US2 is four lane and fairly good shape across the entire State.

Here is where it gets tricky. You stated that you would more than likely go North from Minot on US52 into Canada, best choice. Minot is your last option going West for things like low truck traffic and the option of staying at a Wal-Mart. Once you get West of Minot, truck traffic increases dramatically and without cutting anyone down (because there are good ones), they hire anyone to drive trucks out there. Many accidents with semis out there due to lack of experience. Add fog or rain and recipe for disaster. Truck stops are full as well as hotels and stores as it is way too busy for rural ND.

Minot and East, smooth sailing. US52 through Portal, nice two-lane road and 24hr port of entry. Good luck and have a great trip!

[GordonThree]

Winged One wrote:

GordonThree wrote:
Depending on how energetic I'm feeling, three marathon driving days from home to Canada, then onward through Banff NP to Alaska.

Day 1: Home to Duluth / Saginaw (MN); US 31 to M-28, picking up US-2 in Bessemer MI... about 600 miles.

If you plan on taking US-2 through Superior Wisconsin (next to Duluth) check on construction. They were tearing all that up something fierce when we went through. If I were to do it again, I think I would take I535 over the St. Louis river.

Good to know! MS Streets had that section flagged to avoid. I think part of it was ripped up when I drove over it last August too.

[Winged_One]

GordonThree wrote:
Depending on how energetic I'm feeling, three marathon driving days from home to Canada, then onward through Banff NP to Alaska.

Day 1: Home to Duluth / Saginaw (MN); US 31 to M-28, picking up US-2 in Bessemer MI... about 600 miles.

If you plan on taking US-2 through Superior Wisconsin (next to Duluth) check on construction. They were tearing all that up something fierce when we went through. If I were to do it again, I think I would take I535 over the St. Louis river.

[GordonThree]

Depending on how energetic I'm feeling, three marathon driving days from home to Canada, then onward through Banff NP to Alaska.

Day 1: Home to Duluth / Saginaw (MN); US 31 to M-28, picking up US-2 in Bessemer MI... about 600 miles.

Day 2: Saginaw MN to Minot ND (450 miles), maybe further depending on US2, maybe not based on Winged One's advice.

Day 3: Minot to Medicine Hat Alberta, about 500 miles / 800 km (overnight suggestions?)

Day 4: Medicine Hat to Lake Louise, about 300 miles

[Winged_One]

FWIW.

We stayed overnight at WalMart in Iron Mountain. That is the only WalMart we stayed at, that I wouldn't do again. No problems, but made me feel the most uneasy. It's also the WalMart where we ended up with a bat in the FW.

If miles wise it works out for you, you can stop around Minot, you would be fine. It doesn't get crazy until 50 miles west of there (we actually went down to Bismarck to see family).

We stopped in Glasgow Mt, at a little motel/overnight campground that was very nice and reasonable. Cottonwood Inn.

[GordonThree]

A lot of experienced US-2 drivers travelers in the thread... If I may ask, whats the availability of places to park overnight, to catch a nap?

I was wondering, with the heavy oil worker and trucking traffic in the area, are places that once allowed temporary RV parking now prohibiting it, so the oil workers don't set up house?

Also are places that were once safe now seedy with the fringe-industry that comes along with a lot of lonely guys working long hours?

[Tripalot]

When we go west from Southern Ontario, we go across the UP of Michigan and take route 2. Gas and camping costs in the US are so much cheaper than in Canada.

At the moment the US $ is worth more than the Canadian $ so that is also something to consider when choosing your route.

[Dfresh]

Gas Prices here in Canada are $.30 to $.40/Litre more expensive. Where I live gas would be $4.73/USG. Pretty sure gas in MT and ND are still under $3.50/USG so big difference.

[GordonThree]

I'll be heading west as far as practical in the US... coming home heading east, well, if North Dakota / US2 was awful I'll stay in Canada a bit longer 🙂

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[catkins]

Yes, gas costs are much higher in Canada. If fuel cost is not an issue, do whichever you prefer.

[Jim_Shoe]

There's certainly one reason to drive thru Canada. Gas is sold in CN$ per Liter. It just isn't worth the time to figure out gas mileage. 🙂

[Winged_One]

Came back on US2 from (I-15) MT to the Bridge. I can say that it was good 90% of the way. Wisconsin section sucked, but not bad enough to avoid. And ND, west of Minot to Williston gets progressively worse as you get closer to Williston) because of the ridiculous truck traffic (fracking trucks, lol). They were putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt portion that should be open to you. The problem is they are using blacktop not cement and with all those trucks, they will be constantly repairing.

Overall, after the hell of the Interstates, US-2 was a dream. Be sure you have your passports.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Why not do both? Take one road going, and t'other coming home. Never see the same thing twice that way!