[sdan451]

I'm in the early stages of planning our big trip this summer and have set our destination on traveling around the Great Lakes. We live in Kansas and I'm not sure right know whether we'll start from the west side or head east but one thing I do know for sure we'll be heading up into Canada. We already have our passports and I know not to carry any weapon into Canada. For those that have gone into Canada or live in Canada could you share some advice on anything that would help in my planning?

 

[bikebits]

Pretty much everything you need to know about entering Canada is here: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html Note you don't need a passport to visit Canada, but it's a bit of a Catch-22 as you do need one to get back into the US.

You should check with USCBP regarding what you need to know to re-enter the US.

 

[Munmi]

When travelling around Lake Superior, it is suggested to travel clockwise. In doing this, the scenic turnouts overlooking the lake will be on the right side of the road making it easier and safer for getting out of and back on to traffic.
If riding through Lower Michigan, the drive along Lake Michigan shoreline is a must-do from Mackinaw City south to Petoskey on the Tunnel of Trees, Traverse City, Lelennau Peninsula and on to Manistee.
If staying in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Lake Superior Circle Tour continues all the way back to Duluth, MN, with many miles of great riding in between. See the UPCruising link in my sig below.

 

[JonfromCB]

I did this trip two years ago and loved it. It starts to frost anytime after mid August in
the northern parts of your planned trip. Snow Squals and light overnight accumulation
aren't uncommon before 1 September in some of those areas so earlier in August is
best. Be prepared for quick weather changes that can be real cold and real wet.
If you like great fish you'll be in heaven. We ate great salmon, walleye, pearch, and
whitefish almost every day...with beer of course. I did over 6K on this trip with
no reservations for lodging. We found plenty of "Mom and Pop" motels and restaurants
along the way. I'll absolutely do this trip again! Have fun.

 

[rmcclure]

If you happen to be in Southern Ontario in August, BMW Summerfest at Mosport may be of interest. Motorcycle racing, BMW motorcycle demo rides, both on road and offroad, and usually some demos from other manufacturers as well. PM me if interested in a camping spot for a night or two.

 

[sdan451]

Thanks for the link to the CBSA. I'm still a little confused about a list I have to make of stuff that I'm bringing into Canada. Do I have to make this list even though I'm just a visitor or is for someone who's staying for awhile? Also I'll be pulling a Unigo trailer that we have. In Kansas this small trailer is not required to be registered and I don't know if that'll be a problem bringing into Canada. Anybody's thoughts on this?

I like the idea of starting up on the western side and going with the flow of traffic. We don't fish but we love eating them and we don't plan on making any reservations, we like to "wing it".

Thanks everybody for your insight. This is the kind of information I'm looking for.

 

[sdan451]

I did this trip two years ago and loved it. It starts to frost anytime after mid August in
the northern parts of your planned trip. Snow Squals and light overnight accumulation
aren't uncommon before 1 September in some of those areas so earlier in August is
best. Be prepared for quick weather changes that can be real cold and real wet.
If you like great fish you'll be in heaven. We ate great salmon, walleye, pearch, and
whitefish almost every day...with beer of course. I did over 6K on this trip with
no reservations for lodging. We found plenty of "Mom and Pop" motels and restaurants
along the way. I'll absolutely do this trip again! Have fun.

I figured we'd be dealing with some weather up there, but I didn't count on the snow. Oh well, if it snows I guess well just have to extend the trip.

+1 on the beer

 

[alanrd]

Ask your vehicle insurance company for a proof of insurance card for Canada.

 

[WildBil]

I do recommend the clockwise approach. But you will find that unless you are running low on time, the trip to the bottom of Lake Michigan is the worst part.

You can check out the ferry from Luddington, MI to Wisconsin. You may miss a bit of the western Michigan wine country, but you will miss i-80, 90, 94, toll roads, the steel mills in Gary, IN and some of the worst traffic.

But check with them about the schedules for that time of years. They do have experience tying motorcycles down for the trip. There is a lot of info on the intern

I was going that route myself after taking a look at the MOA Sedalia, MO meet, but decided at the last minute to ride to the BMW RA meet in Copper Mt., CO.

Just a thought.
Bill

 

[dceggert]

Here is something for you to chew on to get your appetite ready!

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711847&highlight=lake+superior

Lots of good stuff in the many that contributed besides just the riders.

 

[jeffdean]

http://bmwdean.com/lake-superior.htm

 

[Risky]

As I have traveled these roads many times, the road from Thunder Bay across Hwy 17 is the best part, then down to Sault St Marie. From there over to Sudbury and down to Perry Sound to Barrie Ontario, I would suggest going across the top of Ontario to wards Thousand Islands crossing into Alexandria Bay NY This will keep you out of The Greater Toronto area, unless you want to visit? Just stay off Hwy 11 Very flat a very boring..... :dance:

 

[TWheels]

As I have traveled these roads many times, the road from Thunder Bay across Hwy 17 is the best part, then down to Sault St Marie. From there over to Sudbury and down to Perry Sound to Barrie Ontario, I would suggest going across the top of Ontario to wards Thousand Islands crossing into Alexandria Bay NY This will keep you out of The Greater Toronto area, unless you want to visit? Just stay off Hwy 11 Very flat a very boring..... :dance:

+1 ....The ride from Wawa south to Sault Ste. Marie is the best part of the ride on 17. Turn south at Sudbury on 69. If you have the time, turn east from 69 onto 141. This is a great road to ride and will take you through Rosseau in the Muskoka tourist district. Fantastic scenery. (Unfortunately, you will be too early to see the Autumn colours.) Stay on this road until it meets Hwy 11. Ride north on 11 to Huntsville. Ride east on Hwy 60 which will take you through Algonquin provincial park. Also great riding and scenery. If you stay on this road it eventually meets with Hwy 17 near Renfew. Bonus is that you will stay clear of the cities and enjoy some of the best touring riding in Ontario.

 

[pkpr1998]

Pretty much everything you need to know about entering Canada is here: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html Note you don't need a passport to visit Canada, but it's a bit of a Catch-22 as you do need one to get back into the US.

You should check with USCBP regarding what you need to know to re-enter the US.

Uh, I wouldn't leave for Canada without my passport! You'd be a fool by not taking it.

 

[Risky]

Uh, I wouldn't leave for Canada without my passport! You'd be a fool by not taking it.

That is the problem.... you don"t need a Passport to leave, Just to come home! You might want to look at a Advanced Auto Licence.Depending on state, it has you your security features built in for crossing in and out if the US. As far as Insurance. just your Ins. proof with Title with you at all times. Our OPP and RCMP (Ontario provincial police)... (Royal Canadian Mounted police) are great, but the local cops are the same every where.... :histerica

 

[rwbloch]

You must stay at the Naniboujou Lodge, on the shore of Lake Superior, about 1 1/2 hours east of Duluth just off Highway 61. Check the website: http://naniboujou.com/

 

[itspossible]

If you're visiting Thunder Bay you should stop in at the Hoito (on Bay St) for Finnish pancakes, served all day, also Kinniwabee Pines just south of Wawa is a must for a great lunch or supper. Some long stretches with no gas so keep the tank topped up. Also Serendipity restaurant in Rosspot is a great spot to dine. The willows B& B in Rossport is a great spot to stop for a night...if they have room. I'm from Thunder Bay and prefer the clockwise direction.

Watch your speed near White River and especially 20 miles either side of Wawa, they support the town treasury on speeding tickets.

have fun

r