Sault Ste. Maire
Welcome to Sault Ste. Marie, the third largest city in Northern Ontario situated on the US and Canada border and close to three of the Great Lakes. It’s the perfect place to explore the outdoors!
Here is how to spend three days in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.
Day 1 in Sault Ste. Marie:
Morning
Take a boat tour on Miss Marie to learn about Sault Ste. Marie, visiting the Canadian and American locks (no passports required) travelling from Lake Huron into Lake Superior and back.
The tour runs twice a day (morning and afternoon) and takes approximately 2 hours. Alcohol and non-alcohol drinks along with food are available for purchase.
The boat departs from 65 Foster Drive beside The Roberta Bondar Park and costs $48 for adults, $35 for seniors (60+), $16 for children 5-12 years old and free for children 4 and under.
To book tickets visit Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours.
Afternoon
Head over to Northern Superior Brewing Co. to relax on the patio or rooftop bar for locally made pints or non-alcoholic options. The taproom only offers appetizers but features nearby restaurants to order takeout.
After refuelling, visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center next door to the brewery.
The center offers interactive, hands-on activities, exploring aviation history, bush flying, forest fire management and showcases 20+ aircrafts.
Tickets are $18.50 for adults, $17 for seniors, $11.50 for students/youth, $7.50 for children 5-12 and free under 4 years.
Miss Marie and Roberta Bondar Park
Going through the historic Canadian Locks
The rooftop bar at Northern Superior Brewing Co.
Day 2:
Morning & Afternoon
Hop on the Agawa Canyon Train for a full 10-hour day trip through the backcountry of northern Ontario.
This iconic adventure takes you to the Agawa Canyon Park, north of Sault Ste. Marie. You can’t get here by car!
The canyon was created from faulting 1.2 billion years ago and was further eroded by the Agawa River.
During the 4-hour train ride to the canyon, you hear about facts and historical tidbits about the area. This is a bucket list tour, especially during the peak of Ontario’s fall colours.
A few tips if you’re looking to go:
Arrive early. Train cars are assigned but not seats. Leaving Sault Ste. Marie heading to the canyon I found it best to sit on the right side of the train.
Bring a book or something to do. The train ride provides lots of great facts and views but it’s a long day and there is no cell service.
Keep your eyes on the markers outside along the tracks. At Mile 92 the train crosses the Montreal River trestle providing great views on both sides of the train and an opportunity to see the train from end to end as it curves along the tracks. At mile 102 the train descends into the Agawa Canyon floor with views of the winding Agawa River and Bridal Veil Falls on the right.
You only get 90 minutes in the canyon so eat your lunch on the train. You are welcome to bring food or you can purchase some on the train. There are three water falls and a look out in the canyon. You have to hustle but it is totally doable to see everything within the 90 minutes.
The train runs from August to mid-October only and is famous for seeing the beautiful fall colours which typically happen mid-September to early October.
The train ride costs $145-$160 per adult depending on when you go (fall colours are peak time), $109 for seniors, $73 for children (2 and under are free).
Agawa Canyon Train in Agawa Canyon
Agawa Canyon Train Tour
Agawa Canyon Park with Bridal Veil Falls
All photos were captured and provided by Tony F Photography.
Day 3 in Sault Ste. Marie:
Morning
Book a tour with Thrive Tours, Indigenous guided educational eco-tours.
Thrive Tours offers unique experiences that showcase local indigenous practices and philosophies.
Head out on the water in a kayak or canoe (all experience levels welcome) or take a hike to learn more about the landscapes and connections to the land.
Brad, Thrive Tours, singing and playing the grandmother drum.
Kayaking on Lake Superior with Thrive Tours.
Afternoon
Grab lunch in Sault Ste. Marie at Sunset Noodle House for delicious Vietnamese before heading north of the city for views of Lake Superior.
Take in one of the best lookout hikes in Ontario at Robertson Cliffs or go for a dip in Lake Superior on the beach at Batchewana Bay Provincial Park.
Owned and managed by Algoma Highlands Conservation, Roberston Cliffs has three hiking routes taking anywhere from 45 minutes to over 2 hours. The trails are moderately difficult and range from 3-7km with steep hills and rock scrambles.
This is another amazing spot to take in the Ontario fall colours! Check out Ontario Parks fall colour report for changing leaves updates.
If you opt to take in a more relaxing day at the beach be sure to stop at Chippewa Falls on the north side of the highway just before you can get to Batchewana Bay Provincial Park.
For more stops between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay check out the The Ultimate Ontario Road Trip.
I’d also recommend visiting The Voyager’s Lodge and Cookhouse on the north side of the highway just past Batchewana Bay Provincial Park entrance for their famously huge apple fritters!
Sunset Noodle House
Map by Algoma Highlands Conservancy
2 Comments
Tony Felgueiras
Solid 3-day itinerary. So much to do in the Sault!
Marybeth
So much to explore in the Sault!