By Sault Tourism

 

explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region

The Ojibway Park Nature Trail is a beautiful, easily-accessible, hiking trail located in Garden River, just east of Sault Ste. Marie. This trail offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region.

The trail, which is a mixture of gravel footpath and wooden boardwalk, leading to a scenic lookout, winds through lush forest and wetland ecosystem, creating plenty of opportunities for getting close to wildlife. There are also interpretive signs and markers that share the knowledge and history of the region, offering a unique educational experience. Keep reading to learn more about this nature trail. 

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

Where Is the Nature Trail Located?

Ojibway Park Nature Trail is located 20km east of Sault Ste. Marie, in Garden River, on highway 17b. 

Where Can I park?

The parking lot is located just south of highway 17b, on the right as you approach from Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River. 

How Long Does the Hike Take and How Difficult Is It?

The hike is 2.5km if you do the full loop, so leave around 1 hour for it from start to finish. You will be on flat paths and boardwalks the whole way, so it is suitable for hikers of all fitness levels!

Are the trails Signposted?

A large map of the trail system is located at the trailhead, near the parking lot. Shortly after the sign you’ll see a fork in the path to give you the choice of which direction around the loop you want to take. To get to the scenic lookout gazebo, you’ll need to be aware of second T-junction in the trail.

What other information is displayed along the trail?

Along the trail you will come across a number of information signs that speak of the history and cultural significance of the area as well as what wildlife you may see along the way. 

Scenic Lookout Gazebo

The trail ultimately leads to a scenic lookout gazebo, with views over the grassland, beach, the most northerly part of Lake Huron, and with views all the way to Sugar Island in the US. 

Part of the Trans Canada Trail

The trail, built in 2016, is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Get more information, including a link to the map here

Are there any Tour guides?

Two local tour guides can help enhance your experience by giving you cultural teachings, indigenous storytelling, culinary delights and information during the hike. 

Check out Thrive Tours, and Walk Among The Trees‘ websites. 

All you need to know when visiting the Soo for Sports

By Sault Tourism

Whether you’re here for a tournament, camp, coaching course, or race, you’re in for a treat. Beyond your main event, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Sault Ste. Marie.

We understand how hectic traveling for sports events can be, so let us make your visit smoother and more enjoyable in a way your team and team managers will appreciate. Read on for help with:

Where to Eat?

Let’s start with some essentials – food. Sault Ste. Marie has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and breweries. You’ll find all the information you need here

Below is a specially selected list categorized of establishments known to welcome groups, organized in a way that hopefully relates to your needs. If you see an asterix*, it means that establishment also has private rooms. 

Restaurants with games / activities

Centre Ice
The restaurant inside the Pee Wee Hockey Arena.

Hard Line Grill*
The restaurant inside the YNCU Curling Centre.

Ice Breakers*
Inside the John Rhodes Community Centre

Northcrest Lanes
Ten-pin bowling with pub-grub food

Soo Blaster
Eat, drink, play. A fun-zone with a restaurant. Pool, air hockey, video games and more!

Wacky Wings
Family-friendly wings and pub style menu with entertainment arena.

* = private rooms or areas available

Larger Groups / Family Friendly

The Blockhouse Pub
All day breakfast, gourmet sandwiches and grilled cheeses and pub fare.

The Boiler Room*
Specializes in wood fired pizzas with other gastropub style meals

Casey’s Grill Bar*
Casual pub style dining located inside the Water Tower Inn.

Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill
Chuck’s is known for their laid-back sports bar atmosphere and savory steaks.

Chummy’s Grill
Indigenous owned and operated offering daily features, hearty portions, all day breakfast and pub favorites.

Gino’s Fired Up Kitchen*
Wood fired pizzas, build your own pasta dishes and a wide range of classic pub fare.

Montana’s BBQ & Bar
The home of BBQ and pub fare featuring a large atmospheric dining room with waterfront views.

For Smaller Groups or Adults

Aurora’s Restaurant
Family owned and operated Italian restaurant.

Giovanni’s Restaurant*
Family and group friendly restaurant featuring authentic Italian cuisine.

North 82 Steak and Seafood*
Famous for seared steaks, seafood and Greek inspired menu items.

The Root (golf course)
A variety of hearty and elegant meals from pastas and seafood to steaks and roast beef.

Sandro’s Restaurant
Handmade Italian pasta dishes and North American comfort food.

The Mill Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The fine dining option in the Canal District

Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Features classic Irish specialties like fish and chips, cottage pie and an array of burgers and sandwiches.

Something Special!

Embers on the Ridge*
Unique up-scale fine dining options located on Crimson Ridge golf course

Golden Dragon
A wide selection of Chinese food and specializing in their dinner buffet.

Peace Restaurant
Vibrant Asian Fusion based bar and restaurant with an ever-changing menu

Quattro Vinotecca
Upscale dining featuring steaks, fish, pastas, and wide range of elegant entrees

Shogun Sushi
Offering a wide selection of fresh, authentic Japanese food.

Sunset Noodle House
Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

The Taj
High quality Indian Cuisine in a modern up-scale dining atmosphere.

Local Caterers

Looking to eat-in? The Soo has plenty of great caterers / take-out options for you!

A-E

Absolutely Delicious
Homemade…serving breakfast and lunch daily!!! Desserts…frozen meat pies, homemade lasagna ready

Alina’s Kitchen
Family owned Italian Restaurant
Take-out only

Aurora’s Pizza and Spaghetti House
Delicious Italian and American fare – all made fresh and in-house – for the whole family

F-L

Feeding Your Soul Cafe
Homemade…serving breakfast and lunch daily!!! Desserts…frozen meat pies, homemade lasagna ready

Giovanni’s Restaurant
Authentic Italian cuisine.

Grand Gardens
Delicious Italian take-out and catering establishment

M-Z

Marconi Multicultural Centre Classic Italian menu

Paesano Foods
Italian food and takeout menu

Primavera Catering and Banquet Hall
Serving traditional Italian food, handmade ravioli, or something like a double burger.

Sandros
Delicious Italian take-out and catering establishment

What To Do In The Soo?

Maybe you have a few hours been between games, or maybe you want to extend your stay by a day or so. Depending on when you visit, there will be a wide range of options to make your trip to the Soo fun and enjoyable.

Team Building Ideas

Does your team need to stay active between games? Are you looking for a fun activity that everyone can take part in? Here are some team building suggestions.

KBX Performance Club is a sports training facility that offers gym and on the field/ice training for sports such as hockey. Goat Yoga is very popular with visiting teams who want to try something different and fun. Swing Away Batting Cages operates out of Strathclair Park. Bellevue Park is 17 hectares big, so plenty of space to run around in. It includes a splash pad, 4 play area and there are also picnic tables and benches – perfect for outdoor lunches. A great team building event is attending a hockey game at the local OHL team, the Soo Greyhounds – catered boxes can be booked too!

Sault Ste. Marie also has has 24 lanes of ten-pin bowling at North Crest LanesSoo Blaster has video games, pool, air hockey. There’s golf simulators Up and Down Lounge and axe throwing!

What Do in Spring, Summer or Fall​

Sault Ste. Marie is one of Ontario’s best adventure towns. Mountain Biking, hiking, paddling, boat tours, sandy beaches – and that’s just within the city limits! There are plenty of activities you can do in just a couple of hours, and more if you have half a day or more to spare. The summer months is also when our outdoor events really ramp up – classic car cruises, beer festivals, poutine and rib fests… when you visit, visit our Events page for all the latest happenings.

Here are a few ideas to hopefully get you inspired.

What Do in Winter

Searchmont is one of Ontario’s best ski hills with over 700 feet of vertical. Hiawatha Highlands is a winter wonderland with cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing available. The City maintains a number of outdoor rinks in winter months, and The Rink at the Canal District has bookable as well as free public skating options.

For indoor activities check out the always-popular Bushplane Museum or the excellent Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. y and more and Station Mall has a number of stores, a big Galaxy Cinema and a food court.

Accommodation

If you haven’t yet arranged accommodation, visit the Stay page of our website for a full list of hotels, motels and campsites within the city. 

And of course, head to our home page, or our Travel Inspiration page for even more ideas of what to do when visiting the Soo!

Merchandise and Swag

T-shirts, keyrings, stickers… don’t leave without a piece of swag or a keepsake! You can pick up some great merch at the Bushplane Museum’s awesome (and large) gift shop, the Ontario Travel Centre, at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, or at the ‘Hound Pound’ of the Soo Greyhounds inside the GFL Gardens. 

Here are the places where you can pick up some merch. 

With a vast network of trails on land, lake and river, Sault Ste. Marie is Ontario’s best Trail Town

By Sault Tourism

Cradled by the ancient mountains of the Canadian Shield and the biggest fresh water lake in the world, Sault Ste. Marie is home to some of the best trails for hiking, biking or paddling in Ontario.
 
Hike trails that will lead you to incredible lookout vistas, or along the largest fresh water lake in the world. Bike on newly built machine-cut mountain bike trails, or along some quiet yet beautiful gravel roads. Or paddle one of our many and varied waterways, from winding rivers to portage-friendly inland lakes, or course the Big Lake, Lake Superior. Whatever your own personal mode of transport is, be it foot, peddle or paddle, we’ve got a trail for you.
 
So keep reading and get inspired by a sample of these routes ready make for hiking, biking or paddling, and learn why Sault Ste. Marie is known as ‘trail town’. 
Odena Loop at Hiawatha
Hiking the Voyageur Trail
Canoeing
Paddling Inland Lakes
Mountain Biking
Biking at Hiawatha

Hiking

From the stunning Lake Superior coast to the rugged mountains of the Canadian Shield, Sault Ste. Marie has easy access to a vast network of hiking trails. Our mixed hardwood and conifer forests provide a vibrant canopy of colour in the summer and fall months, and are starkly beautiful and perfectly quiet in winter.

The Voyageur Trail at the Hiawatha Highlands
  • Length: 20km                          
  • Difficulty: easy to intermediate    
  • Must See: Crystal Falls

The Voyageur Trail is a public hiking trail consisting of almost 600km of wilderness style trails in Northern Ontario. The Hiawatha Loop (which goes past the stunning Crystal Falls), Odena Loop, Beaver Loop and Mabel Lake Loop make up around 20km of trails in this area.

Lots of information is available on the Voyageur Trail Association website here. With maps of the trails at Hiawatha here. 

King Mountain Via Robertson Cliffs
  • Length: 12km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate    
  • Must See: Robertson Cliffs Lookout

This there-and-back trail in the Algoma Highlands takes you past one of best lookout hikes in Ontario, on the way to one of the higher mountains in Ontario. The trail begins at Robertson Cliffs road and takes you to three incredible south and west facing lookouts. From there you head through beautiful maple forests of the Algoma Highlands to King Mountain. 

The trails are owned and cared for by Algoma Highlands Conservancy, a not for profit organization that is run by local volunteers. To access maps of the trail system click here.

Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout
  • Length: 13.5km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate    
  • Must See: Lookout over Pancake Bay

The Edmund Fitzgerald lookout trail is another trail with a spectacular lookout. This one overlooks Pancake Bay Provincial Park (in which the trail is situated), Lake Superior and even as far as place where the Edmund Fitzgerald ship tragically sunk in 1975.

The trail system has 3 hikes available; 6km, 10.5km and 13.5km, with the latter hikes taking you to waterfalls and the inland Tower Lakes. For further information click here.

Lake Superior Coastal Trail
  • Length: 65km                          
  • Difficulty: Difficult    
  • Must See: The Rugged Beauty of the Big Lake

For those seeking true adventure, consider this spectacular and rugged coastal trail. It extends from Agawa Bay in the south to Chalfant Cove just north of Warp Bay in the north and will give you a true experience of Lake Superior. Local experts recommend taking 5-6 days because many sections require climbing over rocky headlands and cobble beaches, which can be technically challenging and require a steady pace for safety.

There are various spots for beach camping along the trail; you’ll enjoy incredible coastal scenery during the day and perfectly dark starry skies from your beached down tent at night.

Paddling

Nestled between the Great Lakes, Sault Ste. Marie has wild rivers, majestic channels, hidden coves, stunning waterfalls and, of course, more freshwater lakes than you could ever count. Here are 4 mouthwatering paddling routes to wet your appetite.

St. Marys River
  • Length: 1-10km                          
  • Difficulty: Easy    
  • Must See: Lake Superior ‘Lakers’

There are a number of entry points to the river including Pine St. Marina, Bondar Marina and the Waterfront Adventure Centre (which has rentals). A paddle west will take you to the historic canal, rapids and International Bridge. East will take you towards Bellevue Park and Topsail Island. Keep an eye out for the formidable Lake Superior ‘Lakers’ who use this waterway daily. 

 

Gros Cap and the Lake Superior Water Trail
  • Length: 10km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate    
  • Must See: The Rugged Superior Coastline

Lake Superior is a huge draw for paddlers, and the Water Trail maps out the 1,000km Canadian route from the Bobbi Bennett Memorial Park in Gros Cap to Lorne Allard Fisherman’s Park in Thunder Bay. Paddling west from Gros Cap’s entry point provides an immediate glimpse of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline; you’ll see spectacular cliffs, gravel beaches and a vast, open horizon along the 10-km section to Red Rock.

Goulais River
  • Length: 70km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult    
  • Must See: The Goulais River Falls

A backcountry paddler’s dream; 70km of winding river from Witchdoctor Lake in the heart of Algoma to Lake Superior’s Goulais Bay just north of Sault Ste. Marie. The full route can take up to 5 days with numerous portages to get past some pretty lively waterfalls. A logging road leads to the Witchdoctor Lake, though there are of course many other entry points. For a half day paddle consider starting at Mountain View Lodge and paddling to Kirby’s Corner in Goulais. This section includes Class I and II rapids, as well as plenty of swift water, making it suitable for novice whitewater paddlers. Paddling in spring or fall is best when water levels are high.

Jarvis Circle Route
  • Length: 30km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult    
  • Must See: Tiny moss-topped islands perfect for camping

The Jarvis Circle Route is a perfect inland-lake paddling route, and with all the shore-lined maple trees, a great route to paddle in the fall. The full loop is 30km long, with fifteen rugged portages along the way varying from 50 to 750 metres. You start and end at Northland Lake then take a clockwise or anticlockwise route through numerous small lakes including Jarvis, Reserve and Clearwater.

Check out this great video below: 

Biking

Sault Ste. Marie has world-class mountain biking trails on newly machine-built flow trails as well as challenging cross country climbs over the Canadian Shield. For gravel riders we have flat open gravel roads where you can burn through the kilometres while enjoying picturesque Northern Ontario countryside.

Mountain Bike trails at Hiawatha
  • Length: 40km                          
  • Difficulty: easy to intermediate    
  • Must See: Newly built trail ‘Berm Baby Berm’

More than 40km, over three unique systems; Crystal, Red Pine and Pinder. A mix of newly machine built trails, and older traditional single-track trails, alongside (and over) beautiful creeks, waterfalls and towering forests. Trails are available for all skill levels, plus there is a new skills park!

Get all the info including trail maps and videos on our Mountain Bike page here

Farmer Lake Trail
  • Length: 7km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult    
  • Must See: The view across Farmer Lake

This 7km out-and-back trail through the stunning Canadian Shield will take you to the beautiful Farmer Lake. Navigate the technically challenging Climb to Canyon section, climbing almost 50 metres, then take on the many berms and hairpin turns of Farmer Lake trail. On the way back advanced riders may want to test their skills on the new Crazy Train trail; an adventurous and aptly named downhill trail which has enough vertical to keep any adrenalin junky interested.

Gravel Biking the Sylvan Valley
  • Length: 140km                          
  • Difficulty: Intermediate    
  • Must See: Fall colours and wide open vistas

Just east of the city is the relatively flat and fertile Sylvan Valley, with almost endless kilometers of picturesque and winding gravel and backcountry roads. One popular day ride, at around 140km is the Rock Lake loop. The route threads through Sylvan Valley road, south along McCarrel Lake, circles Otter Lake then back north past Rock Lake, before returning to Sault Ste. Marie. Of course, Google maps and the many plan-your-route apps means you can tailor any version of this route to your own tastes.

Go Guided or Get outfitted

Sault Ste. Marie has expert guides to help you get the most out of your adventure. Visit our Tours & Guides page for more info. 

Needing to get outfitted? We have plenty of stores with the latest and best equipment to help you out. Visit our Outfitters page for more info.