I recommend going to the Tourist Information places in person. Here in Australia just about every town has one somewhere in the middle of town ... in Canada, many larger towns and cities have one, and they are usually located on the outskirts of town on a main highway. I have been able to find some in the US, in similar locations as in Canada.

You can find state/province maps for free or a small price. You can find quite detailed maps for a price. And you can often find smaller tourist maps which will show the scenic routes ... those kinds of maps are free.

I usually carry a general state/province map if I'm on a long tour, as well as the appropriate tourist maps. If I'm on a shorter tour, I just bring the tourist maps.

One of the nice things about the tourist maps is that they often make note of interesting things to see and do along the way.

Tourist Information centres also have accommodation information, activity information, restaurant information, etc. etc. which can be quite interesting.


When I get into a new area, one of the first things I do is to head for the local Tourist Information centre to have a look around.

Oh, as it happens, here in Australia some Tourist Information centres have campgrounds right behind them ... so that's really convenient for cyclists.