Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario has always had a special place in my heart. The border crossing between Canada (Ontario) and the USA (Michigan) is the location where I first left my home country to enter a new one! If you are just travelling through, you may want to extend your stay in the Soo and partake in activities at these exciting venues!
1.) The Agawa Canyon Train Tour
While you are in the Soo, you are going to have to save a full day for the 10-hour Agawa Canyon train tour if you want to see breathtaking views! The 2023 season will run from August 3 – October 15 with a peak season occurring between September 17 – October 10. (Full schedule and booking online can be found here). All ages are welcome on the tour to experience a 4 hour train ride up to the Agawa Canyon Park, a 90-minute stop upon arrival, and a 4.5-hour return trip! The fall colors are a spectacle to witness!
2.) Hike at Hiawatha Highlands
The Hiawatha Highlands host a ton of outdoor activities throughout all seasons! Surrounding the area include Kinsmen Park and Minnehaha Falls on Crystal (782 Landslide Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6J8) as popular scenic locations for the area. There is beauty in every season, however the amount of winter activities you can do here are plentiful, i.e., snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, and a simple winter hike on the beautiful surrounding trails.
3.) Pointe aux Pins Range Front Lighthouse
On the western end of the Soo, you have to check out Pointe Louise to visit the Pointe Aux Pins Range Front Lighthouse and Rear lighthouse. It is a popular landmark among tourists, especially to people arriving at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport because of the short 10-minute drive to the lighthouses. Make sure to bring your camera!
4.) The Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre
People who enjoy aviation or even the evolution of air crafts don’t want to miss this stop while in Sault Ste. Marie! The bushplane museum has many different attractions such as types/models of bush planes, inside tours of aircrafts, mini movie shows that display the history of the bush plane and guided tours. My last visit to the bushplane museum had a new wildlife (reptile and amphibians) venue to provide further awareness of local wild animals that may be endangered. To complete your visit, why not grab a souvenir at the gift shop before you leave for good memories!
5.) The Art Gallery of Algoma
The art gallery of Algoma gives tourists a chance to view local talent! Currently, as stated on the website, there are three different galleries to visit where you can view Indigenous Woodland art in the lobby, the sculpture park outside the museum, and a special online student exhibition. New to art or don’t know how to navigate the art gallery? Check out the programming, events, and gallery tours on the website to better help guide you.
6.) Gros Cap Bluffs
The west end of the Soo on highway 550 leads to one of the most rewarding views in Ontario. The steep cliffs give a beautiful view of Lake Superior and is a must-see for any tourist! To get this amazing view, follow the 40 km voyageur trail in the Saulteaux Section of the Conservation Area.
7.) 3 Golf Courses
Sault Ste. Marie has a few options for golfers to enjoy the sport they like during their stay in the city. If you are in the downtown area, your closest option will be the “Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club” on Queen Street. The two other courses are north of Sault Ste. Marie with “Crimson Ridge Golf Course” located at Fourth Line West and “Root River Golf Club” on highway 17 north. (85 Old Highway 17 N). If you are in the Soo for a short visit at least go for a round at one of the local golf courses.
8.) How About Disc Golf?!
Time to switch it up! Try learning a new sport in the form of Disc Golf! The same rules apply as regular golf, however, you will be throwing a frisbee from tee off (Start) to the green (Finish) in as little number of throws as possible! The two locations are “Pointe Des Chenes Disc Golf Park” on the west end of city and “Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Disc Golf Course” downtown.
9.) Walk along St. Mary’s River at Bellevue Park
There is something calming and natural about walking along the St. Mary’s River and spending the afternoon at Bellevue Park. There are plenty of areas to bird watch, admire nature, go hiking within the park, and enjoy a nice picnic. Whatever the activity is, it will definitely allow you to slow down and appreciate the day!
10.) Experience the past at Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Built in 1895, you will be in awe when visiting the historical landmark of the Soo’s “Canal National Historic Site”. There are trails in the surrounding areas and guided tours can further support tourists looking to understand and gain knowledge about the history of Sault Ste. Marie. If you are in the area, take your time to learn about the canal and border bridge and enjoy the experience!
Sault Ste. Marie has a unique experience for anyone! For further information on what Sault Ste. Marie has to offer, visit here