| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| beatnik |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 08:49:45
I'm not 100% sure that I'm driving but if so I'd love to hear some opinions from people of where to stop on the way. I'd be leaving from the coast of NJ and heading to Toronto on day 1 I guess. Of course I could do the American route first but will probably circle around North first. Basically, I'm going to be circling the damn Great Lakes in order to see the Pixies! But anyway, I've driven two-thirds of the American route already; up until the point where I would have to turn north and head through Minneapolis. As far as the Canadian route goes any recommendations on where to stop (and no "in the middle of nowhere" or "on the frozen tundra" cracks are needed)?
Between Toronto and Winnipeg I see several potential places to stop. If anyone has ever been to any of them please give some insight and feel free to point out any hidden gems (whether it be a cool little town or a beautiful landscape). Along the potential route I see Sault Ste. Marie and several parks (I've read good things about Isle Royal NP but wonder if it is too out of the way?) along with many towns along the lakes, some of which must be decent stops. For those driving the American route I could give you some good tips too, just specify your route.
Since it seems that many people are obviously driving to the shows from great distances perhaps we can help each other out a bit. If it works half as smoothly as the Winnipeg ticket exchange program then it will be a big help. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks... |
| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| gunner |
Posted - 03/01/2004 : 09:04:59
Actually, I would check into that ferry thing first. I'm not sure when it starts operations as I'm sure the lake is frozen until sometime late March early April. Like I said, it's been 12 years since I went that route, so I don't know about cost. If you look at a map, there is a highway that goes around Georgian Bay. The ferry cuts acrossed the mouth of the bay. It's a short trip, but a real time saver.
As for what's on in Winnipeg, it's hard to know what to tell you without knowing what you like. A good website to check out is www.mywinnipeg.com They have all kinds of information about what is going on in and around the city. We do boast the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada. We have an incredibly diverse ethic mix in the city and it is reflected in the restaurant cuisine available here. You name a type of food you want, and we've got it.
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| porkbone1 |
Posted - 02/29/2004 : 18:58:38
Jangis --
Funny, I grew up in Seattle and have only lived here for about a year now... had this show happened a few years ago I'd be going to Vancouver, probably. Anyway, hope you enjoy the show!!
Beatnik --
I'm probably not the best person to ask about Minneapolis, since I just moved here recently. I also work an obscene number of hours, so I generally don't find myself doing much! Except one time I went to see Frank Black and the Catholics at a place called the Quest Club. Used to be a nightclub owned by Prince. What a great venue! |
| beatnik |
Posted - 02/29/2004 : 18:17:41
Gunner: Where does the ferry from Owen Sound deliver you too? And how long does it take?
You also say that there is lots to do in Winnipeg? Like what?
hhands & Porkbone: What's to do in Minneapolis?
Thanks for the feedback. And to anyone traveling through the US I have plenty of advice to give, just ask. |
| jangis |
Posted - 02/29/2004 : 14:27:24
OK, I'm a huge lurker but I finally had to post. Even though I am in the Seattle area and am going to the Spokane show, I just had to congratulate someone from my home town, Hudson WI, on getting Pixies tickets. Congrats porkbone. It's good to see someone from the center of the known universe. I'm sure that your car will make it no problem. |
| porkbone1 |
Posted - 02/29/2004 : 09:10:41
I live in Hudson, Wisconsin -- just on the border of Minnesota and will be driving to Winnipeg. So if anyone else taking that drive north of Fargo sees a little gold Honda Civic with Pixies stickers in the window broken down on the side of the road...help!! My car only has 250,000 miles on it, though, so it should be fine. |
| hammerhands |
Posted - 02/29/2004 : 00:28:42
On the Trans-Canada from Kenora to Thunder Bay is beautiful, but is nasty driving, lots of serious accidents. Of course if you've driven through Idaho, you shouldn't have any problems.
T.Bay is about 8 hours to Winnipeg. If you could get a cheap hotel in Kenora it's a nice straight drive to Winnipeg in an hour and a half to two hours, depending on construction. They're always doing something to the roads in Kenora.
That reminds me, Chicago is pretty flat, but the Red River Valley (Fargo to Winnipeg, and 50 miles on either side) is about as flat as you will ever see. You'll see! April should also be pothole season, could be expensive.
Do BYOB and smokes.
I've done the trip Winnipeg to Chicago a few times. Best time was 14 hours, worst time was 16 hours. I love Chicago. I also like Minneapolis, Shelly's Woodroast Smoke House SW corner of 100 and 394, if it's open.
Minneapolis to Winnipeg best time was about 5.5 hours, worst time about 7 hours. Must have been UFOs that day. |
| audiodr |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 22:43:19
I've done the drive from Winnipeg to Toronto, and it is definitely very scenic in the Northern part of Ontario. Be very aware that along the Trans Canada highway, there are many little towns for which you must adhere to the speed limit. The RCMP will catch you for speeding, there's no question, and despite the American dollar going further in Canada, fines are never fun - so if you're gonna speed, DON'T do it in any of the small towns. I'm from Toronto, and was considering doing the drive all the way to Vancouver, but when I found out how affordable Westjet was, hell I'm flying! |
| gunner |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 17:35:19
The last time I drove to Toronto was 12 years ago. I've been there 5 or 6 times since, but I have always flown. I do remember a couple of things about the drive though. Driving from Toronto north, you can save a lot of time by going through Owen Sound and taking the ferry acrossed Georgian Bay. If you decide to drive north of Lake Superior, they have a great statue of a Canada Goose in Wawa. As you drive through the Nipigon area, much of the highway has been carved out of the Canadian shield. A lot of it is single lane each way. There are some sections where you feel like your flying an X-Wing along the surface of the Death Star. When you get west of Thunder Bay you are entering the Lake of the Woods area, which many call "God's Country". It is prime cottage area and is very beautiful. If you decide to go Toronto, Sault, Northern Michigan, and then Winnipeg, you will be crossing the border 3 times. This may be a detraction depending upon how you feel about that. There is tons to do if you are spending any time in Toronto. If you are any kind of a hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is an absolute MUST.
However, if you want to get to Winnipeg as quickly as possible, there is plenty to do here as well, and I am sure there are many Winnipegers who would be more than willing to show you around. We are not called "Friendly Manitoba" for nothing.
By the by, I picked up my tickets today. It sure feels good to have them in my hands. I have been in a state of disbelief since I bought them online and having the actual tickets in my hand should provide me with a better sleep tonight.
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| chrischob |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 11:20:35
Thunder Bay is really nice, its a days drive from Winnipeg. Actually that whole area is very scenic.
Chris Choboter
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| beatnik |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 09:52:55
Gunner,
Thanks, that was a great tip. I was considering going through Michigan north to south on the way back but had not thought of the east to west route. Something to consider, thanks.
You also touched on a few spots along the way (Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, north of Lake Superior) but didn't really get in to specifics. Assuming you just drove through on a 26 hour blitz you probably don't have much insight but figured I'd ask anyway. I mean, any recommendations of specific things to do or see in those places (or any others along the way)? |
| gunner |
Posted - 02/28/2004 : 09:30:58
The drive north of Lake Superior is beautiful. You can get from Toronto to Winnipeg in 26 hours if you don't stop. (I did that once...) If you stop at Nipigon you're a little more than half way there.
The other option is to turn south at Sault Ste Marie and go through northern Michigan. If you stop around Marquette you are also about half way there. This takes you north of Minneapolis and should save you a bit of time. The trip through Northern Michigan is not a scenic as Norther Ontario, but is a smoother drive and probably a little shorter. |
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