I like to stay at the Circle Inn on my way to the Q. I live roughly 35 miles from Detroit. The 1st day is my big travel day. Not much too see going up I-75 to the Mackinaw bridge, so I get up about 2 am, and set the cruise control at 70 mph, and head for the Mackinaw city. Get there between 6-7 am, gas up and head for Sault St. Marie. About an hours drive from the Bridge. Get thru customs, and stop for a real breakfast.

Set cruise for about 65 mph and head for Terrace Bay. There's a city camping park with shower facilites in Terrace Bay, but I've never stayed there.  The Circle Inn is the other side of it, on the left hand side, can't miss it. Combination motel/bar/restaurant/gas station. Get in there about 3-4 pm. Gas up and get a room. Rooms are neat and clean, about $50 Canadian if I remember right? This also entitles you to a free breakfast next morning ;) I take a power nap, and then have a nice supper and a few drinks. Watch a little cable and crash. Up at 5 AM, shower and make coffee in room. Restaurant opens at 6 am. quick meal, and then I'm off to Atikokan. With time change, I get into town about 1 pm or so. Gas up, eat lunch and then about 3 pm head for Park headquarters. Get permits, stop for some cold beer and then on to Q-Dave's for the night.

I stop for photo ops on the way to Terrace Bay, so if your a road runner you could get there even earlier.  Part of the trip for me is the scenic drive up too Thunder Bay. Never get tired of it.