Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
I've read that 11/17 in Canada is not recommended for touring. It's the equal to I80 in the U.S.
Have not done it, though.
Highway 17 in Ontario is not really comparable to I-80. It does form part of the Trans Canada, so it's a continent-crossing road, but it's not a divided, controlled-access freeway. It's mostly a two-lane road with many passing lanes, mostly on long grades.
While bike touring on busy highways does not appeal to me, many tourers ride the north shore every year. According to online trip reports, many enjoy it. The scenery is spectacular, the shoulders are wide and paved and the folks are friendly. On the other hand, the distances are great, there are a lot of hills, the towns are small, few and far between, and there's heavy truck traffic at times. Late spring and early summer will be buggy -- bring repellant.