Question on Trans-Canada Hwy 17

[Papa4]

We are planning a trip for next summer and considering riding the Trans-Canada Hwy 17 for a ways. My question is can we do the 270 mile leg from Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon easily in 1 day? Or should we overnight in Wawa (about 150 miles). Not sure about speed limit, road conditions, etc. Any help or experiences from those whove ridden this would be appreciated.

[mervt198]

Its any easy day trip. We had to wait for the snow to melt, and made it to SAult ste Mariebthat day.

[Nana]

We found it an easy day trip also. Enjoy!

[Pegasus1300]

I guess it depends on where you start that day. If you start at SS Marie then 270 mi should only be a "good stretch of the legs" to quote an old movie. If you are traveling to SS Marie from somewhere else then you need to factor in that mileage for the day also. I try to keep my travel days around 400-450 mi max. Sightseeing days are less sometimes a lot less.

[Papa4]

Thanks to all you friendly helpful folks. This is a great site. Right now we would plan to overnight in SS Marie so just the 270 mi to Marathon. Just wanted to make sure there were not too many "can't miss" stops along the way. Thanks

[427dave]

We are planning a trip for next summer and considering riding the Trans-Canada Hwy 17 for a ways. My question is can we do the 270 mile leg from Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon easily in 1 day? Or should we overnight in Wawa (about 150 miles). Not sure about speed limit, road conditions, etc. Any help or experiences from those whove ridden this would be appreciated.

We rode from Marathon to Sault ste Marie in a day easy. We stayed overnight a few miles east of Marathon in a motel called Gloria's. They had a great little resturant. Price was reasonable and room was clean. As normal in that area, gravel parking lot. They have not discovered asphalt for gas stations and motels. Make sure you fill up with gas in Sault ste Marie, the nearest gas after that is Wawa. Go into town in Wawa to the General Store, they have gas and all kinds of stuff along with a giant goose out front.

Have fun, we rode the circle around Lake Superior. If you do that or get near Thunder Bay make sure you see Kakabeka Falls (spelling???)

[Papa4]

Great info. Thanks. We plan to do the circle and re-enter states at Thunder Bay. Thru Ely, MN to Int Falls and back home. Thanks again

[427dave]

We came from Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls down to Highway 61 and entered US at Grand Portage. Then we rode Highway 61 along the Lake to Duluth. We stayed overnight at the casino in Grand Portage. They have a great Walleye and egg breakfast. Make sure you stay on OLD highway 61 as it is along the Lake and a nice ride. New 61 turns 4 lane and bypasses some of the neat old towns and the lake.