September 2016 Trip Help

[portliz]

Our nephew is being married in Cranbrook, BC Sept. 17. At this point we are planning on taking our rig and exploring on our way west. We live near Sarnia Ontario (Port Huron). We are thinking of heading to Mackinac and then heading Hwy 2 through the northern US. Maybe all the way to Glacier National Park and then north to Cranbrook. Are we too far north missing all the sights! Any suggestions of route, what to see and campgrounds. We also have a dog who does not travel well so our days are limited to about 5 hours of travel. We have done Hwy 2 from Mac to Duluth so no need to stop along here to see the sights. Planning on leaving Sept 1. Coming home I think we will stay in Canada. Not firm on that.

[Uncle_Rj]

There's two ways to get to Cranbrook from Glacier.

If you are on the east side of the Park, I'd highly recommend traveling from Browning to Babb on Hwy 464 (Duck Lake Road) instead of Hwy 89. From Babb, take 89 to the border and then into Canada either via the Carway or Chief Mountain crossings. Hook up with Highway 3 through Fernie to Cranbrook. Chief Mountain will take you into Waterton National Park.


The other way is to go through Whitefish and up Hwy 93 into Canada via the Eureka (Roosville) crossing. Hook up with Hwy 3 again into Cranbrook.

We've done all of those roads with no issues. Hwy 3 through the Crowsnest pass east of Fernie can be slow because of all the small towns and traffic, but isn't a bad way to go. It will take quite a bit longer than the other way through Whitefish.

While you are in Glacier, make sure to drive the Going-To-The Sun Road. You can not take your trailer on this road, but it is a great drive.

Sounds like a great trip. The fall can be some of the best times to see the mountains as the weather can still be good and there are far fewer people. The nights will tend to be colder though.

Make sure you check the crossing times as you will be travelling in non-peak times. I know Chief Mountain has restricted hours after Labour Day.

[portliz]

Thanks all for the replies. We have done the north shore of Superior already. We also have family in the Sault. Will look at Hwy 14. Keep the suggestions coming. Any comment on the road north through Glacier to Cranbrook.

[camp-n-family]

I second the suggestion to cross at the Sault and take the route on the north side of Lake Superior. We did it last summer and it was spectacular. Lots of scenery and plenty of parks along the way. Sleeping Giant PP is not to be missed.

Met several people on that route going to BC. Some good hills to pull though.

[Roy_Lynne]

I've taken Hwy 2 a couple of times and loved it, but I hate freeways. Make one of your stops at Fort Peck. There is a nice campground right on the lake and a nearby museum and interpretive center. It's a few miles off Hwy 2, but worth the drive.

[agesilaus]

I wouldn't say that there is a lot to see on US 2 going across the Dakotas and Montana until you get to Glacier. US 2 does not go thru GLacier it circles the park to the south. For more scenery I'd drop down to US 14 which will lead you to the Badlands and Black Hills and eventually to Yellowstone and Tetons, you can always find a route north to take you to Glacier if you want to see that park.

[Matt_Colie]

What a plan!!

If I were you, I would get to Sault Sainte Marie (three nice camp grounds), watch them flush a couple of ships through the locks and see the museums. Valley Camp is good and so is River of History. The tower is only worth it if it is free.

Cross the bridge to SSM ON, there are a bunch of good museums there and I have seen two.....
The north shore of Superior is all uber scenic and not much else to say except be sure you know your tank range.
TC PH-17 will take you to Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.
And, my help ends right there.

Matt

[ken56]

Be prepared for cold weather. September is getting late in the season for being that far north and remember, you are gaining altitude heading west and will be going through the mountains so snow may be possible too.