Burlington to St. Thomas: A Road Trip Adventure
Are you planning a trip from Burlington to St. Thomas and wondering which route to take? While it's only an hour and a half drive, there are several routes you can take and places to stop along the way. Here are some options:
Route 1: Highway 403 East to Highway 401 West
Distance: 96.1 km Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
This is the quickest and most direct route. Take Highway 403 east to Highway 401 west, then exit onto Highway 4 south towards St. Thomas. While this route doesn't have many scenic stops, it's ideal if you want to get to your destination quickly.
Route 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake and Lake Erie Shoreline
Distance: Approximately 175 km Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (without stops)
If you want to make a day trip out of it and see some sights, this is the route for you. Take the QEW Niagara to exit 38B, then follow Highway 55 south to Niagara-on-the-Lake for some wine tasting and sightseeing. From Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can take Highway 3 along Lake Erie's shoreline, which offers stunning views and opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. This route is longer but offers several chances to stretch your legs and explore.
Along the way, stop at Port Dover's beach and pier, where you can find some restaurants and ice cream shops. You can also check out the Port Stanley Beach, a popular beachside town known for its beautiful beach and charming shops. Finally, stop by the famous Elgin County Railway Museum.
Route 3: Grand River and Oxford County
Distance: Approximately 98 km Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
If you're interested in scenery and history, this route is for you. Take Highway 403 west to Highway 24 north, then follow the Grand River. This route offers stunning views and the opportunity to stop for a picnic or even go on a canoe or kayak ride. You'll also get to see the historic town of Paris, Ontario, where you can walk around and explore the beautiful downtown streets.
Continue further north on Highway 24 towards Ingersoll and Woodstock, where you can visit the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, which tells the story of one of Canada's most important agricultural regions. You can also check out the Pittock Conservation Area, which has several trail options for hiking and biking.
Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to take the time to stop and explore some of the quaint towns and landmarks along the way. Happy travels!