Anyone dive St Lawrence Sea Way?

[reefseal]

I'm going next week. Can't wait. Just curious as to best way to get there from S. NH. Mapquest, AAA, all indicating head south across Mass Pike then north 81 towards Syracuse. Seems way out of way but is probably most direct way. Thought there may be better way heading west across Vt, NY State then north. Just curious if anyone has tried that way before and saved time.

 

[jonnythan]

Unfortunately, that is going to be the best way.

Once you hit exit 24 on the NY Thruway, it's about 4 hours to the border.

 

[reefseal]

thanks. Any good places to stop along way? Going to be quite the road trip. 6 to 7 hours depending on Pee breaks.

 

[Randy43068]

Some friends of mine put together a dive trip to the St. Lawrence Seaway this September 9-10-11th if anyone is interested.

We're leaving Columbus Ohio Friday morning. We could meet you on the way there if you like. Send a PM to me if you're interested in going.

 

[jonnythan]

What kinda stops? The Thruway has the big travel plazas every 30-50 miles, but then you hit 81. I wouldn't advise getting off the Thruway at all unless you have to.

Ideally you'll take the 481 around Syracuse so you won't see much there. There are a couple of gas stations/rest stops spotted along 81, but all the "stuff" is in Watertown (exit 45 has a mall, Wal Mart, a bunch of gas stations, etc) then it's pretty much nothing until you get into Canada.

Once you're on 81, it will be ~ 2 hours to the border, with Watertown being 1-1.5 hours away.

 

[Soggy]

I just spent the weekend diving up there and used Brockville Dive Charters. I was very happy with them.

Trip report coming later.

 

[reefseal]

From S. NH, what about going west on Rt 89 twds Burlington, turn west into New York before crossing into Canada.

Southerly route is 438.5 miles, 7 hours vs. 363.5 Miles, 6 hours and 50 Min. Save 10 min but 74 miles.

Anyone recommend this route??

 

[Soggy]

From S. NH, what about going west on Rt 89 twds Burlington, turn west into New York before crossing into Canada.

Southerly route is 438.5 miles, 7 hours vs. 363.5 Miles, 6 hours and 50 Min. Save 10 min but 74 miles.

Anyone recommend this route??

I believe this is the route that the guys from Waterfront Diving Center in Burlington, VT used (the group I was diving with). They may have crossed into Canada on 89, though.

 

[jonnythan]

From S. NH, what about going west on Rt 89 twds Burlington, turn west into New York before crossing into Canada.

Southerly route is 438.5 miles, 7 hours vs. 363.5 Miles, 6 hours and 50 Min. Save 10 min but 74 miles.

Anyone recommend this route??

What time of day? I hear it's a PITA to deal with driving throug/around the Montreal area, and I certainly don't recommend driving through the Dacks.

 

[markfm]

When I go to the Jazz Fest at Saratoga every year, I bypass a bit of the Thruway. So, if the route you take puts you on the Northway (87) headed south towards 90, you can get off at Sara, take 29W to Johnstown, 30A south to Fonda/Fultonville, pick up the Thruway there. The distance is shorter than taking 87 down to Albany and then 90W from there, though the time is about the same. It's a much nicer drive, my opinion only, goes through a small bit of the Daks and the road is pretty clean 55mph. (If it takes X time to go from A to B, either way, I prefer a bit of outdoor scenery).