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We are driving to the falls from Montreal. Was wondering if it was better to drive on the U.S or the Canada side. Primarily want to avoid traffic. But I guess I can be persuaded either way. We've been before and we think that the falls are better to see in the Canadian side. Thanks.
For the first half of your trip it is very much faster to stay on the 401. You can consider crossing into the states around thousand islands but you have to head south for about an hour before heading west on the NYS thruway again. I think staying on the Canadian side is faster as long as you time it so you don't hit Toronto rush hour traffic. By crossing into the states and back to Canada in Niagara you are adding two possible delays. I take the US side at times for a change of pace. The 401 gets boring after a hundred trips down it.
Pretty much what Marc said. There's almost no traffic from the Thousand Islands on I-81 where you'll pick up I-90 West. The Thruway (I-90) might be sort of busy but it's nothing like Toronto traffic, even outside of rush hour. When you get to the Buffalo area, take the I-290 W to I-190 N. I think the I-290 signs say Niagara Falls. I know the I-190 signs along the I-290 do.
PS. I think there might be construction on I-90 between Syracuse and Canandaigua. If you do decide to take the Thruway and you get annoyed by the construction, get off and take US 5/20 WEST. It parallels the Thruway and takes you through some picturesque countryside and villages.
Pretty much what Marc said. There's almost no traffic from the Thousand Islands on I-81 where you'll pick up I-90 West. The Thruway (I-90) might be sort of busy but it's nothing like Toronto traffic, even outside of rush hour. When you get to the Buffalo area, take the I-290 W to I-190 N. I think the I-290 signs say Niagara Falls. I know the I-190 signs along the I-290 do.
PS. I think there might be construction on I-90 between Syracuse and Canandaigua. If you do decide to take the Thruway and you get annoyed by the construction, get off and take US 5/20 WEST. It parallels the Thruway and takes you through some picturesque countryside and villages.
I'll second CKH's suggestion of 104 if you want something a little more scenic. During my school years (Oswego), I frequently took the route up toward Kingston and points north and west. If you are interested, I would certainly be able to toss you a few suggestions in terms of cool sites / good food.
In terms of quickness and avoiding traffic, I imagine that 401 would be a smooth ride aside from localized areas of construction.
We almost always take the roads -- the Thruways and expressways are fast, but you miss so much of the area. 104 is a good road. If you wanted to come father south and into the Buffalo area, you can go down to Rt. 20 and go thru very small towns all the way. However, you'd then need to swing north to go to the Falls
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