Robert c

Winter is here and time to start planning my road trip for 2013. The plan is to take a lap around Lake Ontario: starting in NYC and heading north to Montreal, then west towards Ottowa and Toronto, swinging south around the western edge of the lake to Buffalo and Rochester, before heading back to NYC, presumably through the finger lakes region.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on sights to see, roads to take (or avoid), places to eat or sleep, from any riders familiar with any section of that route.
thanks

DCinCT

should have no problems getting suggestions from the folks here...should be in for some great riding and would only suggest making it a point to go thru the adirondacks on your way..preferably the week of july 10-14 when we have our summer rally...Yankee Rally...this year in Lake George...spend a nite or two before continuing on your journey and meet some of the folks this part of the country. Regardless...have fun and enjoy.

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AikinutNY

I live on Lake Ontario, Three Mile Bay, NY. and last year I took off for a lap around the lake. My route was NY 12E to 3 south to 104, near Mexico. Stay on 104 to Rochester where I got on the Lake Ontario State Parkway, runs aloside the lake. All the roads have a view of the lake.

I crossed into Canada on the 405 to QEW which will take you to Toronto. Then I took the 401 east to Belleville and dropped down into Prince Edward County, riding through the wine country to Picton on the Loyalist Trail. A short ferry ride over to Kingston where I took another ferry to Wolfe Island.

There is a seasonal ferry from Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent, NY. Customs at the 405 and coming back at Cape Vincent were very quick and easy coompared to crossing at Alexandria Bay, NY.

You could come up the North Way to Lake George or further north and go through the Adirondacks to Cape Vincent and run the trip counter clock wise around the lake. One the south shore near Sodus Bay you can drop south to the Finger Lakes. Pick you way to the Catskills and home.

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cknowles

How long do you plan to take for the ride?
You can super slab it through Toronto and around to Fort Erie and avoid all of the pretty roads, or you can get off the highway and explore some beautiful riding through the Niagara region starting at Burlington/Hamilton.

You can take Ridge road along the escarpment from Hamilton then make your way to Niagara on the Lake and ride the Niagara Parkway down to Fort Erie and cross back in to the US.

Here's the route.
http://goo.gl/maps/tYfLM

AikinutNY

Cknowles, I broke my trip into two days, so some was on the Canadian highways. The route from the border to Hamilton looks like a nice area. I wish I had more time to spent in Canada, the place is pretty, and the people are friendly. Not even a bad experience on the roads with any cars.

I HATE that bridge going over to Burlington! It was so windy I kept leaning left to stay straight the whole time going over it.

Here is part of my route from Quinte West off of the 401 to Kingston. At Kingston I crossed to Wolfe Island and used the ferry to Cape Vincent, NY.

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

Make sure you find a place to buy Cheezies if you like Cheetos! These are much better and made in the Belleville area. Lots of wineries around Picton and Bed & Breakfast Inns.

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2007 V Star 1100 Silverado

I have flying monkeys! Don't make me use them! ! !

cknowles

I agree, I hate that bridge too, and the one in St. Catharines that goes over the Welland Canal is no better. Way too windy up there.

You can take the lake shore under the bridge and across a lift bridge, which isn't too much of a delay unless a ship is going through

I love the area around Prince Edward County, good choice!

bipestuff

Looks like a cool trip, may have to add that to the bucket list...

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Lois Mack

I was thinking the same thing, Bipestuff - my hubby works thru the summer, but I get the summer off (school secretary) - I might plan this as a mini-vacay for me! Thanks for the idea!

I agree with AikinutNY - cheezies are the best! You can get them in most places in Ontario tho - don't hafta look around the Belleville area.

wayne ian

I live in Oshawa Ont. You will pass within 1000 ft of me if you take the 401 from Bellville. If you take Hwy #2 it takes you thru small town Ont and will make your day that much better. Also you can go north from Oshawa and turn west and take in the true beauty of Ont without the hassel of the 401. I did this trip last year east to west and agree with others that the finger lakes are amazing and not to be missed. If you do this trip please post and if you like, I would be glad to show you thru ONT. or meet and point out good roads to keep you off the superslab.

AikinutNY

Important things to consider for a trip is whether the destination is the important fact or the trip there is.

I had two days to do my trip around the lake, so there were a lot of highway miles to get to a certain place. My trips from Three Mile Bay to Buffalo had no time constraints so I took a lot of back roads and really enjoyed the ride.

The last half of my trip along the Loyalist Trail to Kingston was the best part of my ride there. My next trip will be more back roads along the western end of the lake.

There are lots of interesting places to see just riding up from NYC to Montreal. There is West Point, Rhinbech, Saratoga, Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga, Ft Henry, Lake Champlaine, those are just of the Northway.

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2007 V Star 1100 Silverado

I have flying monkeys! Don't make me use them! ! !