Sault Sainte Marie Travel Guide

A complete guide to Sault Sainte Marie, including where to go, what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.


Introduction to Sault Sainte Marie

Sault Sainte Marie is a beautiful city located in Northern Ontario, Canada. It is situated on the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The city is known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and outdoor adventures. Sault Sainte Marie is a great destination for those who enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Sault Sainte Marie

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre: This museum showcases the history of bush planes in Canada and is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
  • Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site: This museum is a restored 19th-century home and offers a glimpse of life in the fur trade era.
  • Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site: This site features a lock system that dates back to the 1800s and provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area.

Natural Attractions of Sault Sainte Marie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Agawa Canyon Tour Train: This scenic train ride takes you through the stunning Agawa Canyon and is a great way to enjoy the natural scenery of the area.
  • Hiawatha Highlands: This park features hiking and biking trails, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
  • Batchawana Bay Provincial Park: This park offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and is a great place to enjoy water sports such as kayaking and canoeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sault Sainte Marie

  • Algoma Highlands: This area is known for its scenic hiking trails, such as the Chippewa Trail and the Voyageur Trail, which offer stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests.
  • Sault Ste. Marie Canal: This historic site also offers scenic hiking trails that provide a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.
  • Great Lakes Waterfront Trail: This 3,000 km trail runs along the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. There are several sections of the trail that are accessible from Sault Sainte Marie.

Best Things to Do in Sault Sainte Marie: Activities and Tours

  • Soo Locks Boat Tour: This tour takes you through the famous Soo Locks and provides a unique perspective on the area’s industrial past.
  • Algoma Fall Festival: This annual festival celebrates the beauty of fall in the Algoma region and features art exhibits, live music, and outdoor activities.
  • Kayaking Adventure: There are several tour companies in the area that offer guided kayaking tours of the St. Marys River and the surrounding lakes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sault Sainte Marie

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Day 2 Explore Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site
Day 3 Take a scenic train ride on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Day 4 Hike the Chippewa Trail in Algoma Highlands
Day 5 Visit the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Day 6 Go kayaking on the St. Marys River
Day 7 Relax on the beach at Batchawana Bay Provincial Park

Food and Drink Scene of Sault Sainte Marie

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Sault Sainte Marie is known for its delicious fish and chips, which can be found at several restaurants in the area.
  • Game Meat: If you’re feeling adventurous, try some game meat at one of the local restaurants. Elk, moose, and venison are popular choices.
  • Tourtière: This French-Canadian meat pie is a regional specialty and can be found at several local bakeries.

Local Beverages

  • Soo Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of craft beers that are brewed on-site.
  • Northern Ontario Winery & Brewery: This winery and brewery produces a variety of local wines and beers using ingredients sourced from the area.

Where to Stay in Sault Sainte Marie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront: This hotel is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the St. Marys River.
  • Algonquin Hotel: This historic hotel has been recently renovated and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant with a view of the river.
  • The Water Tower Inn: This hotel offers a variety of room sizes and styles, as well as an indoor pool and fitness center.

What to Buy in Sault Sainte Marie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Native Arts & Crafts: The area has a rich Indigenous culture, which is reflected in the local arts and crafts.
  • Maple Syrup: Ontario is known for its maple syrup, and you can find several local brands in Sault Sainte Marie.
  • Local Wine & Beer: Bring home a bottle of wine or beer from Northern Ontario Winery & Brewery or Soo Brewing Company.

Local Culture and Customs of Sault Sainte Marie

  • Indigenous Culture: The area has a rich Indigenous culture, which is reflected in local festivals, traditional dances, and arts and crafts.
  • Winter Sports: The area is known for its winter sports, such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Best Time to Visit Sault Sainte Marie

The best time to visit Sault Sainte Marie is from May to October when the weather is milder, and outdoor activities are more accessible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sault Sainte Marie

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • litter or damage natural areas.
  • trespass on private property.
  • ignore safety regulations when participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sault Sainte Marie

Sault Ste Marie is generally a safe place to visit, but you should take normal precautions such as locking your car and being aware of your surroundings at night.

Health in Sault Sainte Marie

The city has several medical facilities, including a hospital and clinics, if you need medical attention during your visit.

Getting to Sault Sainte Marie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sault Sainte Marie

  • Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM): This airport offers flights to several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Thunder Bay, and Sudbury.

Bus Stations Near Sault Sainte Marie

  • Greyhound Canada: Greyhound Canada offers bus service to Sault Sainte Marie from several cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury.

Other Options

  • Driving: Sault Sainte Marie is about 10 hours from Toronto and 6 hours from Ottawa. If you’re driving, take Highway 17 to reach the city.
  • Train: VIA Rail offers train service to Sault Sainte Marie from several Canadian cities, including Toronto and Winnipeg.

How to Get Around in Sault Sainte Marie

The city is relatively small, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need transportation, there are several taxi companies and car rental agencies in the area.

Where to Go Next from Sault Sainte Marie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lake Superior Provincial Park: This park offers stunning views of Lake Superior, hiking trails, and camping facilities.
  • Pukaskwa National Park: This park is located on the shores of Lake Superior and offers hiking trails, beaches, and camping facilities.
  • Thunder Bay: This city is located about 5 hours west of Sault Sainte Marie and offers several attractions, including Fort William Historical Park and the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Conclusion

Sault Sainte Marie is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to its stunning natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons to visit. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Sault Sainte Marie.

International Bridge International Bridge Bruce the Moose at the Waterfront Park Bruce the Moose at the Waterfront Park Sault Ste. Marie Museum in downtown Sault Ste. Marie Sault Ste. Marie Museum in downtown Sault Ste. Marie Sault Ste. Marie Canal, with the International Bridge and rail bridge in background Sault Ste. Marie Canal, with the International Bridge and rail bridge in background Ontario Highway 548 Ontario Highway 548