Originally Posted by
LarDasse74
The last time I drove that road was a few years ago and I recall the road my not have been ideal for bicycles, but traffic was not too heavy so people still did it. In fact, if you wanted to ride across canada, skipping Northern Ontario (between Saut Ste Marie and Thunder Bay) is probably not a bad idea - cross into Soo, Mi and return at Pigeon River... then take Highway 11 through Atikokan as it is less busy than hwy 17.
There have been some recent upgrades on route 61 in Minnesota (like within the last two years or so). Ya do face a pretty stiff climb just after crossing the border, but the hills are not too brutal beyond that into Duluth.
I do see quite a few cyclists on that route during the cycling season.
If I were going to go around the south side of Lake Superior, I'd carry on to the International Falls/ Fort Frances crossing, and take 71 back to the Tcan.