Attractions and Places To See around Sault Ste. Marie - Top 4
Best attractions and places to see around Sault Ste. Marie include a blend of historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. Located at the confluence of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the city offers access to the Great Lakes and the Canadian Shield. Visitors can explore significant landmarks and diverse outdoor spaces. The area provides opportunities for both historical exploration and engagement with nature.
Best attractions and places to see around Sault Ste. Marie
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: November 5, 2026
St. Mary's Island
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Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area
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International Railroad Bridge
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Across the lock gates
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Emergency Swing Dam, Sault Ste. Marie Canal
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The Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area is located north of Sault Ste. Marie. The protected area was established on private land as early as 1926. After the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority purchased the property in the 1950s-1970s, the area became an official nature reserve; interestingly, this was a condition of the sale. The protected area is visited by nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, and in winter by cross-country skiers. It is managed through partnerships between the Conservation Authority, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, the Kinsmen Club, and private landowners. (Visit on May 28, 2026) Source: https://ssmrca.ca/conservation-areas/hiawatha-highlands-conservation-area/ https://www.algomacountry.com/partners/hiawatha-highlands/ Hiawatha is an important figure in the pre-colonial history of the Iroquois; he is known for uniting five warring tribes into a confederation. However, it is unclear whether the tradition refers to a real person or a legend. Source: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/hiawatha
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In the 1870s, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company built a railway line, the so-called Soo Line, from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. With the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge over the St. Marys River to Michigan in 1887, a single-track railway connection across the border to Michigan in the United States was established; in the USA, the Soo Line runs to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the past, the railway line was used, among other things, for passenger transport from Chicago to Vancouver, and from Minneapolis to Montreal. For decades, the tracks in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, have been mainly used for freight transport, but also by the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. (Visited on May 27, 2026) https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=truss/internationalrail/ https://ontariorailwaystations.wordpress.com/home/district-of-algoma/sault-ste-marie-railway-stations/
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The Emergency Swing Dam was built in 1896 at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. It serves for emergencies, in case a lock gate is damaged and the water outflow can no longer be stopped. The steel structure is then swung over the canal and lowered. In an accident in 1909, it was successfully used and enabled an immediate and rapid repair of a damaged lock gate. The Emergency Swing Dam in Sault Ste. Marie is functional and the last of its kind globally; it is part of the national historic site. (Visit on May 27, 2026) Sources: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/ingenierie-engineering https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sault_Canal_Emergency_Swing_Dam
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Due to damage, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was decommissioned in 1987. Only in 1998 was the lock reopened, but with a length of only 77 meters instead of the original 274 meters. The lock is now open from mid-May to mid-October for recreational activities. (Visit on May 27, 2026) https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/histoire-history
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On the Canadian side, two islands lie in the river, St. Marys Island and Whitefish Island. The islands were an important meeting place for the Anishinaabe First Nation for fishing and trade between Lake Huron and Lake Superior until colonization by Europeans and were called Baawaating, place of the rapids. To make the St. Marys River navigable for trade, especially with furs, a huge canal was built through St. Marys Island at the end of the 19th century; it was the longest lock in the world at the time. There is a height difference of approx. 7 meters between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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St. Mary's Island is a popular tourist destination in the Whitefish Channel on the St. Mary's River. There are many wild animals to see on the island, such as beavers, muskrats and minks. You can also observe numerous water birds and songbirds. It's worth packing your binoculars.
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Your way to South St. Mary's Island takes you through one of the lock gates. The Visitor Center is located right next to the lock, where you can find out more about the island and its walking trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural attractions to explore in Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie offers a blend of natural beauty. You can visit St. Mary's Island, a popular spot in the Whitefish Channel for wildlife viewing, or explore Ashmund Bay Park for river views and a walking trail. Beyond the immediate city, the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area features waterfalls and extensive nature trails, while Robertson Cliffs offers one of the best lookout hikes in Ontario.
Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is an engineering marvel with a rich history. You can also delve into aviation history at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, or step back in time at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. For local history, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum and the William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial along the riverfront offer unique insights.
What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
The area around Sault Ste. Marie is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and running trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Round Island Point Nature Preserve Trail' or the 'Attikamek Trail'. If you're looking for more challenging hikes, the 'Mission Hill Trail' is a moderate option. Explore more options in our guides for easy hikes, running trails, and general hiking around Sault Ste. Marie.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie offers several family-friendly options. Kids will enjoy observing boats at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site or the Soo Locks (U.S. side). St. Mary's Island is great for spotting wildlife, and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre offers interactive exhibits and flight simulators. Many local parks, like Ashmund Bay Park, also provide pleasant spaces for families.
Where can I get a good view of the city and surrounding landscape?
For panoramic views, the Tower of History (U.S. side) rises 210 feet, offering expansive vistas of Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks, the St. Marys River, and the Canadian landscape. Additionally, St. Mary's Island and Ashmund Bay Park provide scenic riverfront perspectives.
What is the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and is it worth experiencing?
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a world-famous adventure offering a scenic full-day journey through Northern Ontario. It's particularly popular in the fall for its vibrant autumn colors, granite rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. The tour includes a stop at Agawa Canyon Park, where you can hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Black Beaver Falls, making it a highly recommended experience for nature lovers.
Can I observe large ships and their operations in Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes, witnessing the massive freighters navigate the Soo Locks (U.S. side) is a fascinating experience. These iconic locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron, allowing ships to bypass the St. Marys River rapids. You can also observe boats locking through at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site on the Canadian side.
Are there any unique local spots for coffee or breakfast?
For a local breakfast experience, 'Ernie's Coffee Shop' comes recommended for its sumptuous and reasonably priced offerings. It's a great spot to fuel up before exploring the city's attractions.
What is there to do along the St. Marys River?
The St. Marys Riverfront is a hub of activity. You can enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling along the Waterfront Boardwalk at Roberta Bondar Park. The river itself offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for walleye, perch, or salmon. You can also visit St. Mary's Island, accessible via Across the lock gates, for leisurely strolls and wildlife viewing.
What is the best time of year to visit Sault Ste. Marie for outdoor activities?
While Sault Ste. Marie offers activities year-round, the fall is particularly spectacular for its vibrant autumn colors, especially if you plan to take the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Summer provides ideal conditions for hiking, kayaking, and exploring natural areas. Winter also offers opportunities for activities like winter hiking and cross-country skiing in areas like Hiawatha Highlands.
Are there any accessible attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
Many attractions in Sault Ste. Marie strive for accessibility. For example, the William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial is noted as wheelchair accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites or contact them directly for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
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