Sault Ste. Marie to Niagara Falls

I don't think there is that much difference in mileage in the two routes. Also crossing the border at Port Huron is not a big deal - usually quite fast. It is not as busy as the Ontario/New York border crossings. We haven't crossed at Sault Ste. Marie for a few years now but I can't imagine it being much of a hassle either.

The Michigan route gives you the opportunity to cross the Mackinac Bridge. You might want to plan an overnight in that area if you have never been.

This route will be far more relaxing than 60 - 100 km. of white knuckle driving around Toronto. It is a no-brainer . . . . .

If you choose to go via Sudbury you are dealing with 2 lane highway from S.S. Marie to about 35 km. west of Sudbury. Other than that piece and a short stretch between Sudbury and Parry Sound it is divided highway for the rest of the trip.

There is some construction on The Q.E.W. in Burlington just before the junction with Hwy. 403. The backup can be as far back as Appleby Line starting around noon to the end of the afternoon rush hour. If you don't mind the outrageous toll charges, and are under 5,000 kg. registered gross weight, you can avoid most of the Toronto traffic and the Q.E.W. construction by taking the 407 toll highway from Hwy. 400 to the Q.E.W. It will probably be around $20 to $25 depending on the time of day. They take a picture of your plate when you enter and exit and bill you by mail. If you are over 5,000 kg. don't even think about using the 407 without a transponder. Out of province people do get billed as well. 407/ETR

While the Michigan route might be less traffic and cheaper gas, it's also a much longer route and unless they've improved I-75 since the last time I drove it wouldn't be my first choice.

Add on to that 2 border crossings and you could make a heck of a detour around Toronto and still be faster than going through Michigan.

I agree through the Michigan. The gas price being the decision. Stop and have a coffee before crossing at Sarnia. It is a long boring road on the 402 to the 401. We live in southern Ontario and travel to Port Huron quite a bit. The road is known for accidents due to people falling asleep.

Another vote for Michigan. Avoids greater Toronto traffic and as a bonus, you will get cheaper gas in the US. Take it from someone who lives north of TO, still trying to find an easier way to Niagara.

Beverley & Ken

My vote is to go through Michigan. We live in southern Ontario and avoid Toronto as much as possible. The traffic from Toronto through Mississauga, Burlington and on through to the Falls on the 403/Queen Elizabeth Hwy. is crazy - especially after 3 p.m. Once you get on the Niagara side of Hamilton it is not too bad. Also fuel is much cheaper in the US. If coming through Michigan fill up before crossing the bridge.

If looking for an overnight stop there is a decent county park at Port Huron about 3 miles before the bridge. Also a Cracker Barrel at the same exit and beside the c.g.

We just did this last Sunday - only difference is we left from St. Ignace (one hour south of Sault St. Marie). We left at 9 am and got to the falls at 7:30 - waited on the bridge for 85 minutes and then proceded home. It was a doable drive but long. We took 75 south and then got on 69 to Sarnia and then to the Falls. Not sure if it was shorter but I was able to get gas before getting to Canada and was able to make it through to home without getting gas again. I would not want to pay for diesel in Canada.