Agawa Train
‘It will take you away and leave you breathless.’
There are many words that can be used to describe Northern Ontario’s rugged beauty: awe-inspiring, astonishing and inspirational are just a few. There are just as many opportunities to experience and explore these incredible landscapes on a trip to Sault Ste. Marie. Climb aboard the one-day Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a Northern Ontario travel experience that will leave you breathless.
Tickets for the 2023 season are available now for tours August 3rd – October 15th. Book your tickets here!
What to expect on your one-day adventure
The train departs at 8am sharp from the new train station in the Canal District, downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before, free parking is available next to the train station. Then the train doors will close and your one-day adventure to the Agawa Canyon will begin!
Sit back and enjoy the 114 mile excursion north, which truly showcases the rugged beauty of Algoma, and the Canadian Shield. At the Agawa Canyon, enjoy a 90-minute stop, where you can take in the sights, including a 30-minute roundtrip lookout hike and a walk along the canyon to Bridal Veil Falls. A conductor’s whistle will signal “all aboard”, then it’s back on the train, to return to Sault Ste. Marie by around 5:30pm.
The train and Canyon Park are both wheelchair accessible and certified service animals are allowed. The train ride itself is restful, with comfortable seats and large windows to enjoy the view. Restrooms are available on board for your comfort. Interpretive programming is delivered by wireless headsets in English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin for the train portion of the journey.
So put your phones and tablets away, (Wifi is not available on the train) sit back, relax and enjoy beautiful scenery on this one of a kind train ride.
THE JOURNEY
As you settle into your comfortable coach, traces of city life soon fade away as the Northern Ontario wilderness begins to unfold outside the windows. The mixed forests of the Canadian Shield open up as you skirt the shores of northern lakes, rivers and cross towering trestles. Set eyes on the same rugged landscapes and majestic views that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada’s most notable works of art.
As you head north you’ll pass logging roads, quiet holiday camps and intriguing sign posts. Then at mile 102, just after a glimpse of Lake Superior, the train starts its descent into the canyon. As the rail line hugs the top of the canyon wall, you’ll descend 500 feet over the next 10 miles to the floor of the Agawa Canyon, created more than 1.2 billion years ago by faulting and widened and reshaped by the last ice age that retreated 10,000 years ago.
AGAWA CANYON PARK
As the train pulls to a stop at mile 114, you’ll have an hour and a half to experience the jewel of the tour – Agawa Canyon Park, which is only accessible by rail. There are plenty of picnic areas for those wishing to have lunch during the stopover or you may want stretch your legs and go explore!
Enjoy scenic walks on graveled trails leading to the famous Bridal Veil Falls or the lesser know Black Beaver Falls, or experience the invigorating climb up over 300 stairs to the breathtaking lookout, perched 250 feet above the canyon floor.
Experience The Group of Seven
Sault Ste. Marie played an important role in bringing together Canada’s greatest art collective, the Group of Seven. The group traveled to the city many times, capturing the landscapes with their beautiful brush strokes.
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train will pass several sites captured by the Group of Seven, including The Solemn Land (based on Montreal River Harbour) and Algoma Waterfall (based on Bridal Veil Falls), by J.E.H MacDonald. The original sketch of The Solemn Land, painted after MacDonald first visited the area in 1918, is part of the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Algoma.
When the train stops within the Agawa Canyon, hike towards Bridal Veil Falls where you’ll see the cascading tiers of water which inspired multiple sketches and paintings by members of the Group of Seven including Lawren Harris and the aforementioned J.E.H. MacDonald.
Other things to DO in Sault Ste. Marie
A train ride on the famous Agawa Canyon Train will be a memorable experience, and why not extend your stay and see some of the other great attractions, trails, museums, restaurants and other things that Sault Ste. Marie has to offer? Check out these suggestions below or browse the website and discover so many fun things to do here.
So visit Sault Ste. Marie and join us on one of the most popular train tours in North America. 2023’s tour season is for August 3 through October 15, 2023. More details on pricing and purchasing tickets are available on the Agawa Train website or call 1-844-246-9458.
Planning your stay
Every great trip starts with a great plan. Let us help! Whether you are looking for a Northern Ontario outdoor adventure experience, a ride on the scenic Agawa Tour Train, or just a long weekend getaway in Sault Ste. Marie, here are the tools to help you make that plan.
