Way back when, I trained at college to work in the travel industry. I started out at the customer service desk for (at that time) Northwest Orient Airlines. I don’t think they exist anymore. While doing that I also worked part time at a travel agency. Remember when all tickets were paper? It was a nightmare. But my favourite job was at Travelways Tours (also now defunct) where I arranged bus tours for groups and motor coach excursions that we sold to individuals. So when my friends asked me to help with a driving itinerary from Florida to Canada, I was more than happy to comply.

By the Way “The Big Loop” is a thing. And you’ll be seeing a part of it (by car mind you) but the The Big Loop around the Great Lakes is a part of the big, big loop which includes Florida all by boat.

Here’s a possible route for y’all:

Day One: Polk to Chattanooga

Leave Polk County and take I75 north to Chattanooga TN. Take a pit stop at Buccees en route just south of Macon, GA. Maybe a tipple is in order? Whiskey 🥃 is never a bad idea! After an 8.5 hr drive you deserve it.

Day Two: Chattanooga to Columbus

Leave Chattanooga heading north on I75 towards Cincinnati OH. Aside from another Buccees pit stop, take a minute to check out a distillery on the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky as you head north. In Cincinnati, get off I75 and head northeast on 71 toward Columbus OH. Depending on your time in KY, your drive will be approximately 8 hrs.

Day Three: Columbus to Niagara Falls

Stay on 71 north to Cleveland OH where you can visit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Peggy and Rick! Then jump on 90 east towards Buffalo. At Buffalo take I190 to Niagara Falls. There’s a good view from the US side then cross the border on the Rainbow Bridge into Canada 🇨🇦 (you need a passport) and the view of the Falls doubles! The drive from Columbus is only 5.5 hrs so depending on your visit(s) in Cleveland, you’ll have time to see the falls in daylight and enjoy a romantic dinner!

Day Four: Niagara Falls to Blue Mountains

Take the scenic Niagara River Parkway from the Falls, you will pass a few interesting places: Floral Clock – a clock made from plants and flowers (there’s a landscaping school who manages the park so the flowers are gorgeous) there’s also a butterfly conservatory and a lot of historical sites pertaining to the war of 1812. The Niagara River Pkwy is a lovely winding roadway following the river as it leads you into Niagara-on-the-Lake and Ontario’s Niagara Wine Region. This is a great area to stop for a coffee or a glass of Ontario wine. From here take Lakeshore Rd to The Welland Canal where you can see massive freighters move between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. From Welland it is about 3 hours to your destination unless you divert.

Possible Diversion:

Take a scenic drive from Welland along 81 which winds through a few pretty towns. Aside from grapes (for wine) this is a plentiful produce growing region so you will see roadside fruit and veg stands. You may also smell cannabis as it’s legal in Canada and there’s a lot of growers in the region. Hwy 81 will take you to Hwy 8 and into The City of Hamilton This Rudy’s hometown and there’s lots to see and do including the HMS Haida, a tribal warship which is now a museum.

From Hamilton, take Hwy 6 north to Elora and Fergus where you can stop to see the gorge in Elora or walk the quaint village shops in Fergus. Continue on Hwy 6 N to Durham (you will pass through more small villages like Arthur and Mount Forest). At Durham you will take Hwy 4 to Flesherton. Just past Flesherton take a left on Grey Road 13 and take a beautiful trip through The Beaver Valley nestled between the escarpments. At Hwy 26 turn right to go east following along the shores of Georgian Bay.

Arrive at the Blue Mountains.

When you’re ready to leave Blue (which may be never!) you will take Hwy 26 to Owen Sound. There’s a few interesting stops here: Harrison Park has a lovely walking trail next to the river leading to a waterfall and there is also an outdoor tribute to the Underground Railroad that is very cool. From here take Hwy 1 to Tobermory – there is an alternate route if you want to experience the worlds greatest sunsets in Sauble Beach Located at the most northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory has a lot of neat places to see and things to do. Take the ChiCheemaun Ferry to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island The ferry ride is very scenic and once you’re on the island there’s a few great places to stop for a bite or shop. Canada’s indigenous culture is on display here with artisans and folklore. Continue on Hwy 6 to Espanola where you will meet up with Hwy 17 – the Trans Canada Highway. The scenery is unbelievable!

Driving time (without stops) from Blue to The Sault is about 7 hrs.

At Sault Ste Marie you will cross the border back into the USA and enter Michigan at I 75. From here, take the highway all the way home.

Safe travels 😊