Michigan to Bar Harbor - route recommendations

[Countryboy59]

Looking for suggestions on the best route from SE Michigan to Bar Harbor, Maine. Probably crossing into Canada at Port Huron unless Windsor makes more sense. Thoughts/experiences?

[RxGuy]

I would go the Port Huron Route. That is the route that we took when we went to Maine a few years ago. Went to Niagra Falls, then through NY.

I would think that the Sarnia customs might be a little less busy than Windsor.

Another option is to travel through Canada most of the way, up towards Ottawa/Montreal then cross into US. Make sure you have a passport.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by RxGuy

I would go the Port Huron Route. That is the route that we took when we went to Maine a few years ago. Went to Niagra Falls, then through NY.

I would think that the Sarnia customs might be a little less busy than Windsor.

Another option is to travel through Canada most of the way, up towards Ottawa/Montreal then cross into US. Make sure you have a passport.

X2, used to live about half way in between. Port Huron is just way more pleasant.

[Rivet Rocket]

If you go the Sarnia crossing, which I recommend and decide to re-enter the US at Buffalo use the northern most entry point and hit it as early in the day as you can. In summer the delays can be extensive from mid-morning on. The trip thru Canada is stress free, good roads, nice travel plazas, well marked and minimal elevation changes.

[Countryboy59]

Yep, crossing at Port Huron. Really wondering about the last part of the trip, through Maine. What's that like?

[loft47]

From SE Michigan; 90, 480, 80, 81, 84, 95

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

Yep, crossing at Port Huron. Really wondering about the last part of the trip, through Maine. What's that like?

What part of Maine are you asking about, and where would you be coming from? If you stay in Canada until Montreal, the route across central/southern ME would be one thing. If, however, you are re-entering the US at Niagara Falls, and heading east towards Boston, you would probably be coming into ME from the south.

These would be quite different routes.

Thanks,

Peter

[Airjeep]

Originally Posted by Rivet Rocket

If you go the Sarnia crossing, which I recommend and decide to re-enter the US at Buffalo use the northern most entry point and hit it as early in the day as you can. In summer the delays can be extensive from mid-morning on. The trip thru Canada is stress free, good roads, nice travel plazas, well marked and minimal elevation changes.

If you are going to go through upper New York state, Lewiston is nicer than Buffalo, IMHO.

Do you travel interstate type of highways?

Port Huron-Sarnia 402-401-403-Lincon Alexander-QEW-406?-Lewiston would be my suggestion. 401 east of Toronto is very dull. Toronto 401 is very busy, busiest HWY in N. America.

Backroads, lots of choices.

Cheers, John

[HoWee]

Did thid trip last summer. Went south of great lakes on east leg of trip, folloeing the great lakes southern shore till e got to the "top" of Lake Champlain, then down the middle of that Lake (admittedly turned out to be not as pretty as many Upper Michigan drives along the Lakes). Then across the Kancamagus Scenic byway through the white mts. to Acadia. We did a side trip to Mouse Lake State Park to see moose on the hoof. Went back to the Main shore at Portland (didn't find good camping options there), then back across NH to Woodstock, VT. Then via Niagra Falls, through Canada to Port Huron. So much to see and do. Almost can't choose a bad route. Just need to return to those states more often. Enjoy the Trip! Howee!