Beyond the Soo Locks: Things to Do in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
They call it "The Soo," a phonetic nod to the old French Sault, meaning waterfall or rapids. But to me, Sault Ste. Marie is the rugged, pounding heart of the Great Lakes, a city defined by the rushing waters of the St. Marys River, which connects the icy depths of Lake Superior to the vastness of Lake Huron. It sits on the edge of everything—the edge of the border, the edge of the wilderness, and the edge of history. In that spirit, this guide will suggest some of my favourite things to do in Sault Ste. Marie.
Sault Ste. Marie is always a stop on my solo cross-Canada road trips in my campervan, Wanda. There is a specific relief that comes with arriving in the Soo after the long, winding drive along the north shore of Superior. It feels like a return to civilization. It's a place where you'll want to stop and take a short break from your road trip.
My journey through Sault Ste. Marie was a stop on my cross-country adventure. You can read more about that specific solo drive here: Cross Canada Road Trip: My Solo Journey from Coast to Coast.
If you are planning to explore more of the province, or are perhaps driving the Trans-Canada Highway yourself, be sure to check out my detailed guide to driving across the province: Road Trip Through Ontario.
Table of Contents
Sault Ste. Marie: City of Rapids and Resilience
Before you walk the boardwalk, watch a freighter glide by, or explore other things to do in Sault Ste. Marie, it helps to understand the ground you are standing on. This small city is steeped in a history that long predates modern borders.
For most of history, this area was known to the Anishinaabe people as Baawitigong ("Place of the Rapids"). It was, and remains, a vital gathering place for Indigenous communities, serving as a hub for fishing and trade due to the abundance of whitefish in the fast-moving waters. French missionaries and fur traders arrived in the 1600s, establishing it as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Over time, it transformed from a fur trade outpost into an industrial powerhouse, driven by the arrival of the railways and the construction of the canals.
Geographically, the city is a bridge. It sits directly across the river from its twin city, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The landscape is dominated by the Canadian Shield—granite rock, dense forests, and fresh water. The climate here is humid continental. Summers are generally warm and humid, making it perfect for exploring the waterfront, while winters are snowy and crisp.
The city has a gritty, hardworking soul, anchored historically by the steel industry (you can’t miss the massive Algoma Steel works) and forestry. However, the culture is shifting. Today, the Soo is experiencing a renaissance in tourism, higher education, and the arts. It is a place where its industrial heritage meets a growing appreciation for eco-tourism and Indigenous culture, and offers more options for visitors to do while visiting Sault Ste. Marie.
Getting Around: Public Transportation
Although Sault Ste. Marie is largely a car-centric city—and I certainly appreciate the convenience of having Wanda with me—navigating without a vehicle is manageable if you plan ahead. Sault Ste. Marie Transit operates a reliable network of bus routes that connect the downtown core, the Station Mall, and key attractions across the city. On Sunday evenings, when fixed-route service winds down, the city uses an on-demand transit service that operates like a rideshare and can be booked via an app or phone to get you where you need to go. That said, I found the historic downtown and the waterfront boardwalk incredibly pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore the heart of the city entirely on foot once you’ve parked for the day.
Things to Do in Sault Ste. Marie
When I visit "The Soo", I find that cramming everything into a single afternoon is a mistake. The city has a distinct rhythm—part industrial hum, part natural whisper—that requires a slower pace to fully appreciate. This two-day itinerary is designed to guide you through the very best of things to do in Sault Ste. Marie, balancing the rich Indigenous heritage and fur trade history with the rugged beauty of the waterfront. It follows a logical flow to minimize driving and maximize your time exploring the unique intersection of culture and nature.
I’ve structured these days to group nearby attractions, making it easy to park your vehicle (or Wanda, in my case) and explore on foot. Day One focuses on the historic Canal District and the natural beauty of the St. Marys River, while Day Two dives into the cultural heart of downtown, from bushplanes to art galleries. Note that I have treated the famous Agawa Canyon Tour Train as a separate, optional add-on at the end of this list; since it requires a full-day commitment (approx. 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), it is best viewed as a "Day 3" or a dedicated alternative if you have extra time.
Day 1: The Canal District & Waterfront
The first day of this itinerary is all about the water. You will be exploring the historic Canal District and the shoreline where Lake Superior begins its descent into Lake Huron. This entire route is walkable once you park your vehicle at the Canal site.
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
This is the perfect place to start your morning. Completed in 1895, this canal was once the longest lock in the world and the first to operate using electricity. Today, it is a peaceful, park-like setting where you can walk across the lock gates and watch recreational boats being raised and lowered between the lakes. The red sandstone architecture of the Superintendent's Residence and the Powerhouse is stunning against the blue water. If you have time, renting a fat bike here is a fun way to cover more ground.
Address: 1 Canal Drive
Cost: Entry to the grounds is free. Guided tours are approx. $19 CAD per adult.
Hours: The grounds are open year-round; the Visitor Centre is open daily from mid-May to mid-October (typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Whitefish Island
Just a short walk across the lock gates from the Canal site, you will find the entrance to Whitefish Island. This island is a National Historic Site and has been a traditional fishing ground for the Anishinaabe people for over 2,000 years. The contrast here is striking: one moment you are looking at heavy industry, and the next you are walking on boardwalks over wetlands and rushing rapids. The trails here (the Attikamek and Whitefish Island trails) are flat and easy, offering the absolute best views of the St. Marys Rapids.
Access: Cross the swing dam footbridge from the Canal National Historic Site.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Accessible year-round, dawn to dusk.
Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk
After exploring the island, head back to the mainland and join the boardwalk. This scenic, paved 1.5 km multi-use path is part of the city's larger "Hub Trail" network. It hugs the shoreline of the St. Marys River, connecting the Canal District to the downtown core. The walk is breezy and beautiful, offering uninterrupted views of the massive Great Lakes freighters passing by—so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them.
Access: You can join the trail directly from the Canal District.
Cost: Free.
The Machine Shop
End your day back in the Canal District at The Machine Shop. This building was once the bustling St. Mary's Paper Mill and has been transformed into a premier venue with restaurants, a pub, and event spaces. The industrial architecture has been preserved, featuring high ceilings, exposed brick, and massive original beams.
During my visit, I grabbed a table at The Boiler Room, the venue's wood-fired pizza and tap house. The atmosphere was exactly what I wanted after a day of walking—rustic, warm, and lively. I ordered their signature wood-fired pizza and a flight of local craft beers. The crust was perfectly charred, and the service was friendly and fast. If you are looking for something more upscale, The Mill Steakhouse is right next door in the same complex and is famous for its dry-aged steaks and carrot cake.
Address: 83 Huron Street
Hours: The Boiler Room typically opens for lunch and dinner (check for seasonal variations); The Mill Steakhouse opens for dinner at 4:30 PM.
Day 2: Downtown Culture & Heritage
Day 2 dives into the stories that built Sault Ste. Marie—from the fur trade to the era of bush pilots. All of these stops are located downtown or along the waterfront, making for an easy loop. I suggest taking advantage of the free parking in the Canal District and exploring the rest of the day on foot.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Start your morning at one of the most unique museums in Canada, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This massive hangar is dedicated to the brave men and women who opened up the north by air and to the crucial work of forest fire protection. It’s incredibly interactive—you can climb into the cargo holds of real vintage aircraft, sit in a cockpit, and even feel the spray of water in the flight simulator. The on-site Entomica Insectarium is a surprise hit, offering a chance to get up close (and I mean very up close) with exotic bugs. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here; there is a lot to see. I really enjoyed the short film dedicated to fighting forest fires.
Address: 50 Pim Street
Cost: Adults approx. $14.25 CAD; Seniors $12.50 CAD.
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Summer). Note that hours may reduce to Wednesday-Sunday in the winter season.
Art Gallery of Algoma
A short walk along the river brings you to the Art Gallery of Algoma. The gallery’s location alone is inspiring, with large windows overlooking the St. Marys River. The permanent collection is a tribute to the landscape you are visiting, featuring works by the Group of Seven (who painted extensively in the Algoma region) and contemporary local artists.
Address: 10 East Street
Cost: Approx. $10 CAD.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, typically 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and Mondays).
Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site
Next, step back into the early 19th century. This site features two of the oldest stone buildings in Canada: the Ermatinger "Old Stone House" and the Clergue Blockhouse. The interpreters here are excellent, often dressed in period costume to explain the realities of the fur trade and the life of the wealthy Ermatinger family. The gardens are particularly beautiful in the summer. They often host "Heritage Teas" and special events, so check their schedule before you go.
Address: 800 Bay Street
Cost: Adults $15 CAD; Seniors $12 CAD.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and Mondays).
Soo Locks Boat Tour (Miss Marie)
Finish your time in the Soo with the ultimate perspective: from the water. While you can see the locks from land, the Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours boat takes you through them. You will board at the downtown marina and cruise up the river, experiencing the engineering marvel of being lifted 21 feet to the level of Lake Superior. The tour crosses into American waters, passing through the massive US locks (often alongside a giant freighter) before returning through the historic Canadian lock.
Location: Board at the Roberta Bondar Marina (65 Foster Drive).
Cost: Adults ~$48 CAD; Seniors (60+) ~$35 CAD.
Hours: Daily tours typically depart at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM during the season (mid-May to mid-October).
Optional Add-On: Agawa Canyon Tour Train
I have a confession to make: despite my multiple visits to Sault Ste. Marie and my love for Northern Ontario landscapes, I have never actually boarded this famous train.
My travel style with Wanda is intentionally unscripted. I rarely know where I’ll be sleeping three days from now, let alone weeks in advance. I prefer to let the weather, local wildfire conditions, and my own whim dictate my schedule. Because the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is incredibly popular—often selling out weeks or even months in advance—it requires a level of rigid planning that my road trips usually lack. However, I have heard rave reviews from fellow travellers at campgrounds across the country who count it as the highlight of their Ontario experience. It is officially on my list for my next cross-Canada adventure, where I promise to be a little better organized!
For those who do book ahead, this is considered the crown jewel of Algoma tourism. The train departs from downtown Sault Ste. Marie and travels 114 miles north, deep into the Canadian Shield. The journey takes you over towering trestle bridges, past pristine northern lakes, and through granite rock formations that inspired the Group of Seven.
The train descends 500 feet into Agawa Canyon, where it stops for a 90-minute layover. During this time, passengers can disembark to picnic or hike the trails to waterfalls and the Lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the canyon floor. This is a full-day commitment, typically departing at 8:00 AM and returning around 5:30 PM (approx. 10 hours).
Location: The station is located at 99 Huron Street (near the Canal District).
Season: Runs daily from early August to mid-October. The fall foliage season (late September/early October) is the most sought-after time to visit.
Cost: Prices vary by season, but expect to pay approximately $155+ CAD per adult.
Final Thoughts
Sault Ste. Marie is often treated as a convenient stopover—a place to gas up and grab groceries before tackling the long, isolated stretch of Highway 17 North or before crossing the border into Michigan. But if you linger, even just for a couple of days, you find a city that serves as a vital bridge. It bridges two Great Lakes, two nations, and two distinct histories. It connects the industrial grit of steelmaking with the silent majesty of the northern forest. Whether you are watching a freighter navigate the locks or feeling the mist of the rapids on Whitefish Island, "The Soo" invites you to slow down and appreciate the journey.
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