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Driving from Toronto to Calgary through the U.S.

Driving from Toronto to Calgary through the U.S.

Old Jul 24th, 2013, 05:14 PM
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Driving from Toronto to Calgary through the U.S.

My daughter and I will be driving her car from Toronto to Calgary in August. We have 4 days. Any suggestions for a route and where to stop for the night? Any areas to avoid? Suggestions welcome!
Mogulhunter is offline  
Old Jul 24th, 2013, 07:32 PM
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Recently did the trip again, but went all the way through Canada, did it in three days in late March. Fresh snow in most of Ontario, clear after that. Flew back.
With all the improvements in the Trans-Canada Highway over the years, it is my preferred route. For scenery, Northern Ontario is great, especially the stretch along Lake Superior. Going through the US, below Lake Superior, does not have the same wilderness feel that going north of the lake has. And the Prairies are not all flat/all boring scenery. Rather pretty in the summer, especially when the Canola is in bloom.
However, I realize that you may want to go through the US for other reasons. The "best route" is probably dependent on what you want to see along the way.... but if you are going west of Chicago, expect to see a lot of corn growing!
The US Interstate system is very good, and as you are going to have to put in almost 600 miles a day, you won't have a lot of time for sightseeing. It sounds like you are getting into the area of 'personal preference' determining your route. Good luck deciding!
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Old Jul 25th, 2013, 04:17 AM
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gas will be cheaper in the US; how many fir trees do you need to see?
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Old Jul 25th, 2013, 08:34 AM
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If you want to avoid the drabness of the interstates, look at Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie via Sudbury for the 1st day (about 430 miles). The US 2 across the UP of Michigan and all the way to Shelby in MT where you turn north on I-15 toward the border. The Highline across ND and MT isn't as boring as some would have you believe. But it isn't dramatic either. Probably a bit faster is to drop down from Duluth, MN to pickup I-94 all the way to you join I-15 at Butte, MT. IMO that route isn't as scenic as US 2.
OR, go all the way down to I-90 and cross South Dakota and part of Wyoming before the MT portion. Takes you though the Badlands, Black Hills, past the Little Big Horne Battlefield and along the Yellowstone River. Probably the most scenic, but longest of the options.
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