Driving from Winnipeg to Montreal?

khokon

New Member
May 14, 2017
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The Canadian route is preferred by me because of the spectacular scenery along a section of the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is the longer route, though and you drive through trees and rocks ... rocks and trees for many hours. The US route south of Lake Superior is more direct and fuel is cheaper "over there" but there was nothing else to recommended the route.

Besides, you haven't lived 'til you've been to Wawa.

Thank you so much. Actually, I need the shorter distance rather scenic drive.
 

Jinentonix

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Sep 6, 2015
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The Canadian route is preferred by me because of the spectacular scenery along a section of the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is the longer route, though and you drive through trees and rocks ... rocks and trees for many hours. The US route south of Lake Superior is more direct and fuel is cheaper "over there" but there was nothing else to recommended the route.
Don't listen to him about the scenery on the US route. Northern MN, WI and Michigan's U.P are beautiful. While it is true you won't get the same visuals you would taking the Canadian route, it's still beautiful country to drive through. All in all though, for the rather small difference in estimated drive time plus the potential for added time taking the US route due to two required border crossings, your best bet would be to take the Canadian route if time is a concern, plus as CC previously mentioned, you'll see some spectacular scenery.

One last thing, is the drive for visiting purposes or are you moving to Ottawa? I only ask because if it's a planned move, then save yourself a WHOLE lot of hassle and just take the Canadian route.
 

Bar Sinister

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Jan 17, 2010
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There is one other consideration besides distance and that is the quality of the roads. US roads are generally better and as a result you can make better time.
 

Jinentonix

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Sep 6, 2015
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There is one other consideration besides distance and that is the quality of the roads. US roads are generally better and as a result you can make better time.
Uh, the some of the major interstates maybe, but I know that route on the map. Unless it's been widened the whole length since I last made that drive, it's pretty much two lane black top once you're out of Duluth.
 

Bar Sinister

Executive Branch Member
Jan 17, 2010
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Uh, the some of the major interstates maybe, but I know that route on the map. Unless it's been widened the whole length since I last made that drive, it's pretty much two lane black top once you're out of Duluth.

It has been a while since I drove it, but the highway north of Lake Superior was definitely not world class. Do you know if it has been upgraded?
 

Curious Cdn

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Feb 22, 2015
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It has been a while since I drove it, but the highway north of Lake Superior was definitely not world class. Do you know if it has been upgraded?

There is more than one Trans Canada Highway route. The more southerly one is in better condition, although a fair bit of it is built on muskeg and is subject to constant maintenance as it sinks into the goo (A patch of Lake Superior muskeg swallowed a CNR locomotive whole). A fair bit of of the highway is three lane as you are never far from a passing lane on that route. I can't imagine how many tens of billions it would take to widen that highway but we're wrung out enough here in Ontariariario, thanks very much.
 

Bar Sinister

Executive Branch Member
Jan 17, 2010
8,252
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Edmonton
There is more than one Trans Canada Highway route. The more southerly one is in better condition, although a fair bit of it is built on muskeg and is subject to constant maintenance as it sinks into the goo (A patch of Lake Superior muskeg swallowed a CNR locomotive whole). A fair bit of of the highway is three lane as you are never far from a passing lane on that route. I can't imagine how many tens of billions it would take to widen that highway but we're wrung out enough here in Ontariariario, thanks very much.

If I remember correctly it was a CPR locomotive as the railroad was being built. Muskeg is fun stuff. I had to work on it during my youth. Amazingly enough snowshoes are a good way to cross it.
 

khokon

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May 14, 2017
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Hi ! I am driving from Winnipeg to Ottawa on June 8, 2017. I am wondering about ferry service between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. Can you guys suggest me any ferry on my way which will reduce my driving.

Thanks
 

Curious Cdn

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Feb 22, 2015
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Hi ! I am driving from Winnipeg to Ottawa on June 8, 2017. I am wondering about ferry service between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. Can you guys suggest me any ferry on my way which will reduce my driving.

Thanks

Fifty three years ago, Canadian Pacific used to run a really cool ferry service from Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) to Port McNichol (Midland) stopping in S.S.Marie. They had two beautiful little ships, the Assiniboine and the Keewatin (now a floating museum).

You are too late by a half a century but you missed a really classy ride.
 

khokon

New Member
May 14, 2017
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Fifty three years ago, Canadian Pacific used to run a really cool ferry service from Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) to Port McNichol (Midland) stopping in S.S.Marie. They had two beautiful little ships, the Assiniboine and the Keewatin (now a floating museum).

You are too late by a half a century but you missed a really classy ride.
Ha ha ha. Thanks though