Best Things to Do & See in Sault Ste. Marie

Credit: Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

If you’re considering or planning a getaway this summer, you might be surprised to learn that Sault Ste. Marie has everything you could want. From relaxation to adventure, culture to the rugged Canadian wilderness, the city and the area surrounding it is chock-full of adventures just waiting to be discovered. The city boasts beautiful views and is steeped in history and culture. There are a ton of different museums and galleries to help you take everything in. The incredible St. Mary’s River runs through the city and the Provincial Parks in the area are simply stunning. The city also boasts great shopping, incredible dining options, exciting places to stay, and many natural sites to see to round out your trip.

1. Sit and watch the boats go by

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal was built in 1895 and was once the world’s longest lock. It was also the first one to use electricity in its day to day industrial use. The Canal is now a National Historic Site and is used only for recreational watercraft. Maybe you’re visiting and you’ve never had the opportunity to see a sailboat up close and personal. Maybe you just want to kick back and relax in the beautiful area and watch the boats go by. The Canal actually connects Lake Huron and Lake Superior, so there is generally quite a bit of boat traffic that you can take in. It’s a gorgeous area and definitely an experience you should take in while you’re in the city. There is also a short trail system right by the Canal, a favorite for walking and biking.
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2. Take a waterfront walk along the St. Mary’s River

The waterfront walkway, also known as the city’s boardwalk, is located along the St. Mary’s River right in downtown Sault. Ste. Marie. The boardwalk runs right past the Alberta Bondar Park and the Algoma Art Gallery, among others. There are historic plaques along the boardwalk that tell the story of the city’s past. The boardwalk comes complete with observation and fishing platforms. The boardwalk is the perfect place to go on a bit of a self-guided tour to learn about the city and see some of the sights. It’s also just a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy a beautiful walk.
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3. Learn all about the bushplane at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

If you’re interested in aviation history, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is just the place for you! Even if you didn’t previously have an interest in planes, you should still check out the centre. It has so many exciting things to offer, see, and do. You can take in the collection of bushplanes and enjoy the many different, informative exhibits. There is a huge collection of articles and photographs offering a glimpse back in time. The centre is open all year round and also offers and hosts different events. Be sure to check the website, as there might just be something exciting going on around the time you’re planning a visit that you won’t want to miss.
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4. A mouth-watering tour with Blaq Bear Culinary Adventures

One of the best parts about visiting a different place is finding that perfect restaurant or hidden gem to sample the local fare. Blaq Bear Culinary Adventures offers opportunity to see the sights and take in the sounds of Salt Ste. Marie, and they pair it with a culinary experience that is sure to be memorable. They do all the work of finding that hidden gem for you. All you have to do is book one of their tours and show up hungry! You get to take in all of the city’s unique history, and sample some of the best cuisine and beverages the region has to offer on these tasty tours. Yes, that does include locally grown and made foods and beverages. There are two different tours you can go on. Why not book them both!
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5. Buy some local veggies at Mill Market

Mill Market is located right by the St. Mary’s River waterfront area and features the best of Northern Ontario. Local farmers, ranchers, artists, and fishermen bring their wares to the market, making it easy for you to enjoy fresh fruit, veggies, and meat. You can also shop the amazing arts and crafts made by the local artisans at the market. Not only will you get the best fresh and tasty offerings, you’ll be helping support the local economy.
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6. Check out the live entertainment at Roberta Bondar Park and Tent Pavilion

If you’re looking to enjoy an event or take in some live music while you’re in town, you should check out the Roberta Bondar Park and Tent Pavilion. The Pavilion is an outdoor venue that can actually be rented out and of course hosts different events. The Park and Pavilion are located right by the St. Mary’s River waterfront area. Be sure to check out their website for the many exciting events happening this year.
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7. Traverse Agawa Canyon Park

Credit: Agawa Canyon Tour Train

The Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park is an incredibly beautiful area. If you’re looking to see the best of Northern Ontario and the Canadian Wilderness, you should base your next adventure here. The park is beautiful at any time of the year, but it’s especially vibrant in the fall, when the leaves start changing colour. There are many different trails to hike in the park, beautiful bodies of water to canoe, and four waterfalls! One of the best ways to see the park is to book a ticket on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. The rail trip is sure to be a memorable experience. There are one-day adventures or you can book overnight packages. The train operates from June until October.
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8. Finish a Race at Laird International Raceway

If you’re looking for an action packed experience that everyone can enjoy, look no further than the Laird International Raceway. There are exciting races almost every single week this summer, starting in June. You can take in a race by yourself or bring the whole family. The ticket prices are very affordable and it’s sure to be a unique evening or afternoon out.
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9. Discover Marks Bay Conservation Area

Marks Bay Conservation Area provides the perfect setting for a day of wilderness discovery and adventure. You don’t have to venture into the heart of a provincial park to find breathtaking scenery, sparkling waters, sandy beaches, and gorgeous forest. Marks Bay stretches over 250 acres and includes 10,000 feet of shoreline right on the St. Mary’s River. The River is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing while the forested area is great for exploring. There are no actual hiking trails, but you just might find a path that runs the length of Marks Bay, or make your own. The forest is teeming with wildlife and different species of birds, so keep your eyes peeled.
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10. Take in a massive park right in the city

Bellevue Park is the city’s main park, and as you can imagine, it’s huge. There are 42 acres of exciting things to do. If you’re adventuring with kiddos this summer, there is a huge playground in the park. There are a ton of things to enjoy at the playground, so kids can literally spend an entire morning or afternoon playing and discovering. There are also 2.4km of walking paths in the park, perfect for walking or jogging. During the summer months, the park even shows movies outdoors. Be sure to check out the website before travelling.
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11. Explore two unique stone buildings

Credit: Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

History buffs and lovers of old architecture will be drawn to the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site. Okay, even if you’re not either of those things, these unique old buildings are still really neat to go and see. The Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse are actually two of the oldest stone buildings west of Toronto. You can see for yourself how the Ermatinger Old Stone House has been restored and learn all about what life was like for the house’s past residents. There is also a Heritage Discovery Centre is on site where you can take in other historical exhibits.
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12. Take in the past at Sault Ste. Marie Museum

Located right in the heart of downtown, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum is a must see. To start with, the building itself is absolutely incredible. The iconic red brick and the green roof make for the perfect picture. The museum contains a whole host of artifacts, and materials as well as many interesting and informative exhibits all related to the history and development of the city and the surrounding area. The museum’s permanent collection is impressive, but it also hosts different exhibits and displays on loan from other museums. The museum is sure to be a blast for people of all ages to take in.
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13. Learn all about St. Mary’s River at this dedicated museum

For a unique experience, you should consider a visit to the River Of History Museum. You can learn all about the St. Mary’s River at this beautiful, modern museum. The museum covers all the history, right from the formation of the river by glaciers to the present day! The exhibits are filled with local historical artifacts and you can listen to the stories of how the river played an important role throughout history.
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14. Explore Art Gallery of Algoma

Credit: Art Gallery of Algoma

No trip to Sault Ste. Marie would be complete without a visit to the renowned Art Gallery of Algoma. The gallery, which was established in 1975, is known as a premier art destination on Northwestern Ontario. Plan for a day, or maybe a couple days, to take in the 10,000 sqft gallery. You’ll be sure to be delighted, informed, and amazed by the incredible exhibits. The gallery also offers classes and workshops throughout the year as well as exciting events.
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15. Play in the park named after pancakes

There’s actually a reasonable explanation as to how Pancake Bay got its name. The Bay was named for the fur traders and voyagers who would come to the area to trade and since the bay was near the end of the line for them, their supplies were usually running low and they’d make a meal of pancakes with what they had left before going on to Sault Ste. Marie. At least, that’s the popular story. Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a pretty great place to visit. Near Sault Ste. Marie, the park features incredible whit sand beaches, outstanding hiking trails with lookout areas, scenic landscapes, and rich forests teeming with wildlife. The park is a great place for those who want to canoe or kayak. You can stay right in the park. Camp out or check out one of the yurts!
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16. See the Graveyard of the Great Lakes

If you’re booking a stay in Pancake Provincial Park and you feel adventurous, you should hike to the viewing platform located on the Lookout Trail. From the platform you can actually see straight to Whitefish Point, also known as the graveyard of the Great Lakes. It’s where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. If you’ve visited the Valley Camp Museum Ship in the city, you can see the exhibit on the doomed Edmund Fitzgerald and see two of the lifeboats that were found after the vessel’s sinking.
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17. Escape without leaving the city at Kinsmen Park

Spend a morning, afternoon, or even a full day in the scenic Kinsmen Park right in the city. The park features walking paths, hiking trails, sparkling water, forested area, and even a small falls. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when all the leaves turn, but of course it’s a beautiful spot to visit in the summer as well. Pack a picnic so you can have lunch or dinner. The park makes for a great escape and you don’t even have to leave the city!

18. Shop ‘til you drop at the Trading Post

It’s easy to see why the Trading Post is a favorite stop in Sault Ste. Marie. The shop offers a huge variety of items. You’ll be able to find anything from souvenirs to moccasins, handbags, blankets, mukluks, and seasonal items like hats and mitts. The shop is well-known in the city and is a must stop destination for tourists and locals alike.
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19. Go on a treasure hunt

With over ten thrift stores and antique stores in Sault Ste. Marie, you can treasure hunt for days! Find that unique item for your collection or score that deal of a lifetime. With so many different options and an ever-changing supply, no store will be the same twice! Half the fun is the discovery, but of course, finding that new to you treasure is always exciting too.
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20. Tantalize your taste buds at Gliss Restaurant

Of course, you can’t visit a new place without trying some of the local restaurants. The Gliss Restaurant offers delicious and creative dishes that will sure to satisfy even the toughest critic. Seriously. Look up some of the reviews on the place. It’s rated as the second-best restaurant in the whole city and the best steakhouse on one of the popular review sites and it’s not hard to see why! The presentation of the dishes is absolutely amazing and the food is even better!
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21. The culinary experience of a lifetime

Credit: Arturo Ristorante

Foodies rejoice! The Arturo Ristorante is a fine dining experience that won’t soon be replicated. The restaurant has been touted as the number one place to eat in Sault Ste. Marie by numerous review websites and they’re not wrong! The food here is simply outstanding! The menu is quite diverse, with something that everyone can enjoy. The restaurant also carries a large selection of wines to pair with their delicious and unique offerings.
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22. Sample a local beer at Outspoken Brewing

Located downtown, Outspoken Brewing is the perfect place to sample some of the city’s best local craft beers. The microbrewery offers four distinct ales, but they also brew speciality ales throughout the year. One of the beers even uses hops sourced and grown locally. The brewery’s back tap room is available for booking, for many different events or just for that causal get together with friends. The brewery also hosts different events throughout the year. It’s so much more than just a great beer, although they definitely brew that too!
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