Hudson to Mackinaw City Road Trip Guide: Epic Northern Drive

This 750-mile journey traces the historic Erie Canal corridor, then arcs across the Canadian border and the Great Lakes. The route uses I-87 north to I-90 west, then crosses into Ontario via the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (near Niagara Falls) and continues along Highway 401 to Highway 402, rejoining the US at Port Huron, MI, and finally I-69/I-75 to Mackinaw City. Total driving time is about 11-13 hours without stops.

One little-known fact: the town of Hudson was the first chartered city in the US under the newly ratified Constitution in 1785, and it serves as the gateway to the Berkshires. In contrast, Mackinaw City marks the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan's two peninsulas and is the third-longest suspension bridge in the US.

The drive offers striking contrasts. Hudson's Hudson River School legacy transitions to the rolling Finger Lakes region (visible from I-90 near Waterloo). After crossing into Canada, you'll pass the fertile Niagara Peninsula, famous for its vineyards and orchards. The Lake Huron shoreline near Sarnia affords breathtaking views of the blue water.

Further north, Michigan's Au Sable State Forest and the Huron-Manistee National Forests line I-75 with dense mixed woods. The Mackinac Bridge itself crosses the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

• Best natural attraction: Niagara Falls (detour 15 minutes off I-90 on the US side, or direct on Canadian side).
• Hidden gem: The 12-mile stretch of Highway 402 along Lake St. Clair near Sarnia, with lakeside parks like Canatara Park.
• Local commerce: In Hudson, antique shops along Warren Street; in Mackinaw City, fudge shops and maritime museums.

For tips on finding unique stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent on major highways: I-87, I-90, Highway 401, 402, and I-75 are well-maintained. Be aware of deer in rural Michigan, especially at dawn/dusk. Ontario's 400-series highways have high speed limits (100 km/h) and are monitored by photo radar.

For families: stop at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester (off I-90 exit 46). In Canada, the butterfly conservatory in Niagara Falls is a hit. In Michigan, the Great Lakes Children's Museum in Traverse City (a 30-minute detour from Mackinaw City) is ideal.

Pet-friendly: Many rest areas have designated pet walk areas. In Ontario, ONroute centers often have fenced dog runs. Hotels along I-75, like Baymont by Wyndham in Gaylord, allow pets.

• Fatigue management: Schedule breaks every 2 hours. Ideal rest stops: Palmyra (NY) service area at milepost 320, Port Huron's Blue Water River Walk.
• Hidden off-route spot: Explore the historic town of St. Ignace (just across the bridge from Mackinaw) for its Native American heritage and boardwalk.

UNESCO sites along the way: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is a detour, but the only site directly on route is the Niagara Escarpment, part of the Niagara Parks Commission, a World Biosphere Reserve (not a full UNESCO site).

Crossing into Canada requires a valid passport or enhanced driver's license. Toll roads: I-90 (New York Thruway) and Highway 407 in Ontario are tolled; have E-ZPass or pay online within 48 hours. Fuel costs are generally lower in the US than in Canada, so fill up before crossing into Ontario.

Rest areas: New York's Thruway has service areas about every 30 miles with restrooms, snacks, and fuel. Ontario's ONroute centers (off Highway 401) offer similar amenities. Michigan's rest areas are spread further apart, about 50 miles apart on I-75.

• Key exit: Exit 24 off I-87 leads to I-90 west toward Buffalo.
• Border crossing: Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (recommended for less traffic) or Rainbow Bridge (congested).
• Ontario highway 402 connects Sarnia to Port Huron via the Blue Water Bridge.
• US side after border: I-69 west from Port Huron to Flint, then I-75 north to Mackinaw City.

Remember to set your GPS to avoid downtown Toronto; instead, bypass via 407 toll road. Plan for an extra 30-45 minutes at the border, especially on summer weekends.