The Great Northern is a route that features nearly 3,600 miles of mountains, lakes, badlands and valleys. This epic cross-country road trip closely parallels US-2. U.S. Route 2 (also known as U.S. Highway 2) was nicknamed "The Great Northern" in commemoration of the the historic transcontinental railroad that helped pioneer the settlement of the West. Highway 2 is the Northernmost east-west route in the country, and driving it continuously will even take you into Canada! Plus, as one of America's longest transcontinental road trips, you'll enjoy unsurpassed scenery as you journey from coast to coast, bisecting the North American continent, just like Lewis and Clark over a century ago.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a replica of the Notre Dame in Paris, and is the perfect way to learn about Montreal's French history. Note that the stained glass windows on this basilica actually depict scenes from the religious history of Montreal instead of Biblical scenes!
The Montreal Botanical Garden is huge, and literally every square inch is gorgeous. From the Rose Garden to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens to the arboretum and the collection of rare orchids, you'll find yourself in pure, natural bliss. Plus, you can visit the always-interesting Insectarium, and the garden is close to the Olympic Stadium as well.
Canada has a fascinating history with space and aviation that doesn't often get the attention it deserves. A guided tour of the massive Canada Aviation and Space Museum is the perfect way to brush up on the coolest parts of Canadian aviation.
Normally, you want to avoid spending the night in the slammer, but the Ottawa Jail Hostel is just too cool to pass up. Sleep in a bunk bed in a jail cell, enjoy the mug shot decor, grab a drink in the jail bar, and have fun!
Kick back and get a burger and a pint at the 140-year-old grist mill-turned-brewpub, Mill Street Brew Pub. Even though this is the second location for the Mill Street Brew Pub, you can find beers here on tap that you can't find anywhere else, and the setting is perfection.
The best time of year for a Great Northern road trip is late spring, summer and early fall. Since you're traveling along the northern part of the states, weather definitely will play a role in your trip. Also, consider getting a National Park pass if you plan on hitting up several national parks along the way, because it will definitely save you money.