Maine Road Trip in June

Question

We are going to be seeing NY then Niagra Falls then heading to Maine. Would the road trip be prettier traveling up through Canada from Niagra Falls and then back over Maine. Or just go back and travel up the east coast to Maine. It didn't seem to add much time or miles to the trip going through Canada. Thanks!

Answer

Your road trip sounds amazing, and both routes offer beautiful experiences! Here's a breakdown of each option to help you decide:

Option 1: Traveling through Canada (Niagara Falls to Maine)

Taking the route through Canada has a few advantages in terms of scenic beauty and a slightly different experience:

Scenic Drive: The drive through Ontario and Quebec, particularly along the shores of Lake Ontario, is stunning. You can explore charming towns like Kingston, with its historic waterfront, or enjoy the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands region.
Crossing the Border: If you don’t mind the border crossing (which can take a little extra time depending on the line), this route offers a chance to experience a different side of Canada. You can visit cities like Montreal or Quebec City, both full of culture and European charm, but they might add some travel time.
Less Traffic: Depending on the time of year and the border crossing, the Canadian route might have less traffic than traveling along the eastern U.S. coast, particularly near major cities like Boston or New York.

Option 2: Traveling Up the East Coast (Niagara Falls to Maine)

Traveling back through the U.S. and up the east coast is the more traditional route, and it has its own appeal:

Familiar Terrain: If you're interested in sticking to U.S. highways, this option is straightforward. You'll get to see the picturesque countryside of New York, the rolling hills of Vermont, and the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Historical Sites: You could visit historic sites in the northeastern U.S., including the charming towns of Vermont and New Hampshire. There are scenic spots like the Adirondacks, and plenty of cozy villages to stop in along the way.
Proximity to Major Cities: Traveling through the U.S. brings you closer to iconic New England destinations such as Boston, Portland, and Portsmouth, where you could stop for sightseeing or meals.

Which is the Better Option?

If you have the time and are interested in experiencing both Canada and the U.S., the Canadian route offers some variety and potentially fewer crowds in some parts. However, if you prefer a more direct, traditional New England experience with plenty of American charm and historical sights, traveling up the east coast might be a better option.

Given that you mentioned that the extra time and mileage seem minimal for the Canadian route, it could be worth considering if you’d like to cross into Canada for a slightly different experience. On the other hand, if you want to focus purely on the U.S. and have the option of exploring charming New England towns and landmarks, the east coast route will serve you well!

Whichever route you take, it sounds like a fantastic trip with lots of great memories ahead!