The Great Lakes on a Budget
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posted in Travel Tips, US, Lake, Midwest |
By: Amanda Diaz
Five freshwater lakes make up the Great Lakes of North America. Located at the Canada-US border and sometimes referred to as the Third Coast, their physical mass is only overshadowed by the variety of activities available to the tourists that visit them.
Lake Michigan
The second largest of the five Great lakes in terms of water volume, Lake Michigan lies completely within the US. Tourists tend to gravitate to its southern basin region, where Milwaukee and Chicago hostels offer the best access to the lake itself.
A series of lakefront parks and beaches dominate the Michigan Lake coastline, with each offering plenty for the budget traveler. However, to avoid the humdrum of the more touristy areas, travelers are advised to head to Rogers Park and Rainbow Beach where the locals tend to dominate.
Summer is undoubtedly the best, if the busiest, time to visit, although the seasoned festival-goer will no doubt be keen to take in some of the city’s musical offerings too. Major events include the Blues Fest, Gospel Fest and Jazz Fest that take place throughout June and August.
Lake Ontario
Located along the coast of Canada’s largest city, Toronto, it is a lake that can be enjoyed on foot without straying too far from hostels in Toronto . The beaches are home to some popular standard freebies including volleyball and rollerblading leaving budget travelers with plenty to do.
Reassuringly, the water on Lake Ontario on the Toronto side is also well supervised, particularly useful for those tourists keen on having a dip. Additional biking and walking tours are also available on Toronto Island.
However, it is the Niagara Falls part of the lake on the Canadian side that generally proves more popular with tourists. Stunning views are available minutes from the most well-located Niagara Falls hostels - and there are few free attractions in the world that are so valuable.
However other activities, including boat trips to the base of the falls and a visit to the elusive Cave of Winds do come at a price. However, tourists are advised to shop around to find the most budget-friendly options.
About the Author:
Amanda Diaz is a freelance travel writer with more than a touch of the vagabond in her blood. Budget travel’s her specialty, and on a recent backpacking trip she stayed in Chicago hostels, writing up her experiences as she went along.
