Week-Long Road Trip Around Lake Erie
Road trips are where the FUN and MEMORIES are at!
Day 1: Buffalo, New York
Morning: Niagara Falls
Kick off your road trip with a visit to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world—Niagara Falls. Though it's technically on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, it's an essential stop if you're starting in Buffalo. Experience the breathtaking views from Prospect Point and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close to the thundering waters.
Afternoon: Buffalo Waterfront
After the falls, head back to Buffalo and spend your afternoon exploring Canalside, Buffalo's vibrant waterfront district. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, rent a kayak, or take a riverboat cruise. The Buffalo Naval Park is also nearby, where you can tour decommissioned naval vessels.
Evening: Downtown Buffalo
In the evening, explore Buffalo's burgeoning culinary scene. Head to the Elmwood Village or the Theater District for a variety of dining options. Don't miss the chance to try Buffalo's famous chicken wings at the original Anchor Bar.
Day 2: Buffalo to Erie, Pennsylvania
Morning: Drive to Erie
Leave Buffalo in the morning and head west along the lake shore towards Erie, Pennsylvania. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Presque Isle State Park
Upon arrival in Erie, spend the afternoon at Presque Isle State Park, a beautiful peninsula offering sandy beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for bird-watching. Rent a bike to explore the park or simply relax on one of the many beaches.
Evening: Downtown Erie
In the evening, explore Erie's charming downtown. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the area's naval history. For dinner, head to one of the local restaurants offering fresh Lake Erie perch or walleye.
Day 3: Erie to Cleveland, Ohio
Morning: Drive to Cleveland
Leave Erie in the morning and drive along the lake shore to Cleveland, Ohio. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Upon reaching Cleveland, head straight to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Spend a few hours exploring exhibits dedicated to the history and impact of rock music and its greatest artists.
Evening: Cleveland Museum of Art and University Circle
In the evening, visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, located in the University Circle neighborhood. The museum features a vast collection of art from around the world. Afterward, enjoy dinner in one of the nearby restaurants, many of which offer a variety of international cuisines.
Day 4: Cleveland to Sandusky, Ohio
Morning: Drive to Sandusky
Leave Cleveland in the morning and drive to Sandusky, Ohio, about an hour's drive west along the lake shore.
Afternoon: Cedar Point Amusement Park
Spend the day at Cedar Point, one of the best amusement parks in the world, known for its thrilling roller coasters and extensive rides. It's a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Evening: Sandusky Waterfront
After a day of excitement, unwind with a stroll along the Sandusky waterfront. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, offering beautiful views of Lake Erie.
Day 5: Sandusky to Detroit, Michigan
Morning: Drive to Detroit
Leave Sandusky in the morning and drive north along the lake shore to Detroit, Michigan. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Museum
Upon arrival in Detroit, visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to an impressive collection of artwork spanning centuries and cultures. Afterward, head to the Motown Museum, where you can learn about the history of Motown Records and see the iconic Studio A.
Evening: Downtown Detroit
Spend the evening exploring downtown Detroit. Walk along the Detroit Riverwalk, visit the Campus Martius Park, and enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Detroit to London, Ontario
Morning: Cross the Border and Drive to London
Cross the border into Canada via the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Ensure you have all necessary documents for border crossing, such as a valid passport. The drive to London, Ontario, takes about 2 hours from Windsor.
Afternoon: Springbank Park and Museum London
Upon arrival in London, visit Springbank Park, a large green space perfect for picnicking, walking, and enjoying nature. Then, head to Museum London to explore its collections of art and historical artifacts.
Evening: Downtown London
In the evening, explore downtown London. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants and take a walk around Victoria Park, a lovely green space in the heart of the city.
Day 7: London to Port Stanley, Ontario
Morning: Drive to Port Stanley
Leave London in the morning and drive south to Port Stanley, a charming village on the northern shore of Lake Erie. The drive takes about an hour.
Afternoon: Port Stanley Beach and Port Stanley Terminal Rail
Spend the afternoon relaxing on Port Stanley Beach, known for its sandy shores and clear waters. After some beach time, take a scenic ride on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, a historic railway offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Evening: Return to Buffalo, New York
In the evening, begin your journey back to Buffalo. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and you will cross the border back into the United States. Enjoy a final dinner in Buffalo and reflect on your incredible road trip around Lake Erie.
Travel Tips and Border Crossing Information
Documents and Requirements
When crossing the border between the United States and Canada, ensure you have the necessary travel documents. A valid passport is required for most travelers. U.S. citizens can also use an enhanced driver’s license or a NEXUS card. Check the specific entry requirements for your nationality before traveling.
Border Crossing Points
There are several border crossing points around Lake Erie, including the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in Detroit, and the Blue Water Bridge at Port Huron. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
Currency and Mobile Service
In Canada, the currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), while in the United States, it’s the U.S. dollar (USD). It's a good idea to have some local currency on hand, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted. For mobile service, check with your provider about international roaming plans or consider getting a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone frequently.
Driving Tips
Both Canada and the United States drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h) in Canada and miles per hour (mph) in the United States. Be mindful of these differences when driving. Additionally, make sure your car insurance covers cross-border travel.
A road trip around Lake Erie offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and historic attractions on both the Canadian and American sides. From the majestic Niagara Falls and the cultural richness of Detroit to the serene beaches of Port Stanley and the excitement of Cedar Point, this week-long journey promises unforgettable experiences and scenic vistas. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and embark on an adventure around one of North America's Great Lakes.
