Toronto, ON to Victoria, BC through the USA

[glc]

I think Buck got it backwards, I-90 is preferable to I-94, and that would pretty much preclude you going "over the top" to Soo. Besides, didn't you say you will be returning home through Canada?

You can avoid the Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit traffic if you take 401/402 to the border and cross at Sarnia. You can avoid the bulk of the Chicago traffic and a bunch of tolls if you stay on I-80 to Omaha and take I-29 to I-90.

You can always take the Tsawwassen ferry on your return trip.

[Lifemagician]

... look at the Port Angeles-Victoria which would let you avoid much of the Seattle area and the lines at the I-5/BC-99 border crossing.

The last couple of times I crossed the WA/BC border, I avoided the lines at I-5 by going to Sumas. The extra miles was worth not having to wait the hour plus, which I had on a previous occasion.

I agree with staying on I-80 to avoid the worst of Chicago traffic. Head up north a bit further up.

Lifey

[DonnaR57]

We've crossed at Sumas, too. It was awhile ago, but there were practically NO lines. We were traveling in a "caravan" of two, and when we pulled up to the border crossing, there was one person being screened in a car. My folks got in line, and then us. We were done in less than 15 minutes. (However, this was so long ago it was before 9-11, so it may take longer these days with passports, checking vehicles, etc.) But we went to Sumas purposely, to avoid long lines.


Donna

[mcleand79]

Thanks to some friendly suggestions, I'm successfully planning a trip out west (Toronto-Victoria) through the states.

I'm a big microbrew / craft beer fan and I am wondering if anyone has suggestions of good spots along the way. I must admit, when it comes to American microbrews and craft beers, I am a little naive (I've been spoiled here in Toronto).

Secondly, I plan on stopping in at Mt. Rushmore and Badlands but wondering what other must sees people recommend. I am definitley not opposed to weird and wonderful.

Finally, I'm traveling on my own. Not planning on camping, but need to keep the costs down as much as possible? Suggestions?

This is the first time that I've made a trip like this solo.
Cheers.

Please do not start multiple threads about the same trip. - Mod

[Lifemagician]

I recall on a previous occasion you were given a list of sites to see along I-90.

As for keeping costs down with hotel/motel stays. Look out for the discount booklets at rest areas, welcome centres and some truck stops. These are generally for walkins and offer some great deals. Many of us use these all the time.

Sorry, I don't know anything about breweries or beer.... other than my son makes his own. (lol)

Lifey

[mcleand79]

I recall on a previous occasion you were given a list of sites to see along I-90.

As for keeping costs down with hotel/motel stays. Look out for the discount booklets at rest areas, welcome centres and some truck stops. These are generally for walkins and offer some great deals. Many of us use these all the time.
Lifey

Thanks for the tip on the booklets, I'll keep my eyes open. As for must sees, Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands were suggested, I just wasn't sure if there was anything else. This part of the US is completely unknown to me.

[glc]

If you are looking for non-mainstream beer, stop in Missoula, MT and have a Moose Drool. If Missoula is not convenient, you should be able to find it in most places in Montana. It's a pretty decent brown ale.

You could take a brewery tour, and of course they have a taproom. It's right off I-90 at Exit 99.

A trip through the Badlands is not complete without a stop at Wall Drug. By the time you get there, you will be sick of seeing their billboards!

[mcleand79]

If you are looking for non-mainstream beer, stop in Missoula, MT and have a Moose Drool. If Missoula is not convenient, you should be able to find it in most places in Montana. It's a pretty decent brown ale.

You could take a brewery tour, and of course they have a taproom. It's right off I-90 at Exit 99.

A trip through the Badlands is not complete without a stop at Wall Drug. By the time you get there, you will be sick of seeing their billboards!

These are perfect suggestions. Going to add them to the itinerary!

[DonnaR57]

Also in the area of Mt Rushmore and the Badlands are three other places: Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. Custer has the distinction of being one of the largest state parks in the US, and has lots of wildlife (particularly bison) as well as the Needles district scenic drive.


Donna

[Lifemagician]

Once you get your maps from CAA for those northern States, you will see that there are dozens more attractions along the way. It is a case of deciding which you will see, and which to pass by, and perhaps call in on the way back.

I agree with glc, Wall Drug, as tacky as it is, is an essential stop. Make sure you get your free iced water and your five cent cup of coffee. It's the sort of place you want to go to, but only once! Actually, it is a really great place to have lunch. It is some years since I was there, but lots of variety in food.

Lifey