Traveling from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to New Bern, North Carolina

Are you planning a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to New Bern, North Carolina? Before hitting the road, it's important to plan out the different routes, distances, and estimated travel time. In this article, we'll highlight some of the different options for traveling from Canada to the southern United States.

Route 1: Via I-87 S and I-95 S

This is the most direct route to New Bern and will take you through some major cities like Washington D.C. and Richmond, VA. From Ottawa, take Highway 416 to Highway 401, and then towards Montreal to catch Interstate 87. Continue to follow I-87 south into the United States, passing through Lake Champlain and Albany, NY. Then, take Interstate 95 south and follow signs for New Bern. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,135 miles and will take you around 18 hours of driving time.

Along the way, there are some great places to stop and stretch your legs. In Washington D.C., take a stroll around the National Mall and see the monuments. In Richmond, Virginia, visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or take a tour of the historic Virginia State Capitol.

Route 2: Via I-81 S, I-40 E, and US-70 E

For those who want to experience a more scenic route, taking I-81 through the Appalachian Mountains is a great option. This route will take you through Tennessee before heading east towards North Carolina. To start, take Highway 416 to the Thousand Islands Bridge and cross into the United States. Continue on I-81 south through Virginia and Tennessee, then take I-40 east and exit onto US-70 east towards New Bern. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,292 miles and will take around 21 hours of driving time.

Along the way, be sure to stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee or the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. There are also plenty of charming small towns along the way that are worth exploring.

Route 3: Via I-87 S, I-278 E, and I-95 S

For those who want to take a quicker route but still want to avoid major cities, this is a great option. To start, take Highway 416 to Highway 401, and then towards Montreal to catch Interstate 87. Follow I-87 south to New York City, where you'll take I-278 east towards the George Washington Bridge. Take the upper level of the bridge and follow signs for I-95 south towards New Bern. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,124 miles and will take around 18 hours of driving time.

While avoiding major cities, this route still allows for some fun stops. In New York City, visit the Empire State Building or take a walk through Central Park. In Delaware, stop at the historic Hagley Museum and Library or the picturesque Longwood Gardens.

No matter which route you choose, taking a road trip from Ottawa to New Bern can be a fun and memorable experience. Be sure to plan out your stops and enjoy the journey along the way. Happy travels!