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Sault Ste. Marie sits on the St. Marys River, which carries Lake Superior's waters down to Lake Huron. The rapids here were an important Anishinaabe gathering and fishing place long before European fur traders arrived, and today the city faces its Michigan twin of the same name across the water. Steel, shipping, and the forested Algoma region beyond define its working character.
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site preserves a historic lock and offers pleasant walking paths onto an island in the river. The Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site includes one of the oldest stone houses in northwestern Ontario, while the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, set in a former waterfront hangar, celebrates the aircraft that opened up the north. A waterfront boardwalk runs past Roberta Bondar Park, named for the Canadian astronaut born in the city. The Art Gallery of Algoma and the Sault Ste. Marie Museum add local art and history. Most famously, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train heads north through Group of Seven country to a deep canyon with waterfalls and lookout trails.
The city suits road-trippers on the Trans-Canada Highway, rail enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers. Fall color draws the largest crowds to the train. In winter, Searchmont and Hiawatha Highlands offer skiing, and the International Bridge links to Michigan.
WiserMap travel guideSault Ste Marie Ontario Agawa Canyon Train and CanalPlan a trip to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: the historic canal, Agawa Canyon train, Bushplane Heritage Centre, riverfront boardwalk, local food and winter fun.Read the guide
Historic canal and lock on the St. Marys River, opened in 1895 as the first electrically operated lock in the world. Today a modern lock inside the old one serves pleasure boats. Walk the trails across the lock gates to the islands and watch boats pass in summer.
Island beside the canal, part of the national historic site and a traditional fishing place of the Anishinaabe for thousands of years, now owned by Batchewana First Nation. Trails and boardwalks loop through woods and past the rapids. Watch for birds and read the signs on its history.
Home to the Ermatinger Old Stone House, built around 1814 by fur trader Charles Oakes Ermatinger and his Anishinaabe wife, one of the oldest stone houses in Ontario's north. Costumed guides show the restored rooms. Check seasonal opening hours and visit the nearby Clergue Blockhouse.
Local history museum in the grand former post office downtown, with exhibits on Indigenous history, the fur trade, steelmaking and city life over the centuries. It is compact and easy to see in an hour. Look for the old building's interior details and the changing exhibitions.
Museum in a former Ontario Provincial Air Service hangar on the waterfront, with dozens of bush planes and water bombers that tell the story of forest firefighting and northern aviation. Kids can climb into some aircraft. Allow two hours and see the flight simulator.
Regional art gallery on the waterfront with a collection that includes Group of Seven works inspired by the Algoma landscape, plus Indigenous and contemporary art. Exhibitions change regularly. Pair it with a walk along the boardwalk just outside the gallery.
Waterfront park named after Canada's first female astronaut, a Sault native, with a large tent pavilion used for concerts, markets and festivals. The boardwalk along the St. Marys River starts here. Check local listings for summer events and walk the riverside path at sunset.
Large park on the St. Marys River east of downtown, with lawns, picnic areas, a playground, a greenhouse and views of passing lake freighters. It is a favorite spot for families. Bring a picnic and watch the big ships head toward the locks.
Long steel truss bridge crossing the St. Marys River to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with views of the rapids and the locks below. On the US side you can watch huge freighters pass through the Soo Locks. Bring a passport and allow time for border crossing.
Hiawatha Highlands, just north of the city, offers hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and the pretty Crystal Falls, while Searchmont Resort further north is the region's main downhill ski hill. Both are year-round outdoor escapes. Check trail and snow conditions before heading out.
High cliffs west of the city where the Voyageur Trail climbs to lookouts over the point where Lake Superior meets the St. Marys River. The views are some of the finest in the area. The trail is steep and rocky, so wear good shoes and keep away from cliff edges.
Park on the St. Marys River west of the city with a long sandy beach, a campground, picnic areas and short trails through the woods. It is a local favorite for swimming on warm summer days. Bring a picnic, watch freighters pass in the channel and stay for the sunset.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
