Kenora to Sault Ste Marie?

[randyd]

I'm planning a ride from Edmonton this summer, and one candidate is Hwy 17 from Kenora to Sault Ste Marie, and then around the south shore of Lake Superior through Michigan.

Has anybody done this ride? Is it worth it? It's a long way from Edmonton!

[gdb069]

I did a cross Canada ride a long time ago. The Kenora / Soo area is great scenery. The tough part for me was Sask and half Manitoba that is quite flat and straight.

G.

[randyd]

Originally Posted by gdb069

I did a cross Canada ride a long time ago. The Kenora / Soo area is great scenery. The tough part for me was Sask and half Manitoba that is quite flat and straight.

G.

Yes. That's my concern. The two or three day stretch of flatlands between the Rockies and the Ontario boarder is daunting, and I just don't know if there is any way to make it interesting.

But I've ridden BC and the Southwestern United States many times, so I'd like to make an eastern trip for a change.

[DRVMN]

Are you passing through Kenora, Ontario? When I was a child, my family would go to Rushing River Provincial Park. Absolutely loved it and would like to return some day with my family.

The North Shore of Lake Superior (Minnesota) is a pretty drive (car or motorcycle). Grand Marais, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and Canal Park in Duluth are all great places to stop and visit (I'm sure there are more, but those are some family favorites). It's fun watching the big ships go through the canal and Ariel Lift Bridge in Duluth.

Sounds like a fun trip - enjoy!!!

[vzshadow]

I haven't made that ride or any thing like it. However I try and ride provincial highways instead of national roads. It may take a bit longer but will be much more interesting!

[randyd]

Originally Posted by DRVMN

Are you passing through Kenora, Ontario? When I was a child, my family would go to Rushing River Provincial Park. Absolutely loved it and would like to return some day with my family.

The North Shore of Lake Superior (Minnesota) is a pretty drive (car or motorcycle). Grand Marais, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and Canal Park in Duluth are all great places to stop and visit (I'm sure there are more, but those are some family favorites). It's fun watching the big ships go through the canal and Ariel Lift Bridge in Duluth.

Sounds like a fun trip - enjoy!!!

Thanks. I really have no idea what to expect because I've never been there.

[randyd]

Originally Posted by vzshadow

I haven't made that ride or any thing like it. However I try and ride provincial highways instead of national roads. It may take a bit longer but will be much more interesting!

I agree. Main highways are designed to straighten the curves and smooth out the bumps - in other words to take all the fun out of riding a motorcycle.

[DaWadd]

I suggest taking Hwy 71 south after leaving Kenora and then travelling east on Hwy 11 to Thunder Bay. Much more scenic and you can avoid most of the idiots driving big semi's . Highway 17 can be a pain going east from Kenora.

[randyd]

Originally Posted by DaWadd

I suggest taking Hwy 71 south after leaving Kenora and then travelling east on Hwy 11 to Thunder Bay. Much more scenic and you can avoid most of the idiots driving big semi's . Highway 17 can be a pain going east from Kenora.

Thanks DaWadd. I hadn't considered that option, but looking at a map I can see your point.

[williewonka]

Originally Posted by randyd

I agree. Main highways are designed to straighten the curves and smooth out the bumps - in other words to take all the fun out of riding a motorcycle.

Hwy 17 between T.Bay and the Soo is beautiful! Not a lot of semis will take Hwy 17 because of the hills, most of them take Hwy 11.