We’re contemplating a cross-country drive this summer, starting in the Boston area and heading west.  I asked Google Maps to start plotting out the trip with some stops along the way, and it was doing well until I asked for a detour through Niagra Falls and Canada.

I find step 59 (“Make a U-turn”) a little alarming,  since it occurs on the provincial highway system — Canada’s equivalent of the Interstate highways in the United States.

I zoomed out to see what might have brought Google to this unfortunate recommendation.  I think this explains the problem rather well:

So basically, Google is just acknowledging what’s bound to happen anyway.  “This way is 420!  No, it says this way is!  No, this way!  Ahh, screw it; just turn around over here.”

Well played, Google.  Well played.

(In Maps’ defense, there actually is a cut in the median just beyond what Street View shows there where a U-turn looks legal, at least, but let’s at least pretend I’ll be able to take the right “420” exit in the first place.)