Explore The Natural Beauty Of Ojibway Park Nature Trail

Just east of Sault Ste. Marie in Garden River, the Ojibway Park Nature Trail offers an accessible hiking experience through lush forests and wetlands. A mix of gravel footpaths and boardwalks leads to a scenic lookout, with interpretive signs sharing the region’s rich history and ecology.



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. 

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

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!

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

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.

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking 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. 

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

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. 

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

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

Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail
Ojibway Park Hiking Trail

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ojibway Park Nature Trail is located 20 km east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. If you’re traveling from outside Northern Ontario, you can reach the trail by flying into Sault Ste. Marie Airport and then driving to the trailhead via Highway 17B. Alternatively, you can drive directly to the trail if you’re coming from nearby cities.

Yes, local guides from Thrive Tours and Walk Among The Trees can provide cultural teachings, indigenous storytelling, and a deeper understanding of the trail’s significance. Learn More about Thrive Tours and about Walk Among The Trees

Yes, the Ojibway Park Nature Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, which provides a scenic and educational hiking route for outdoor enthusiasts.

Absolutely! The Ojibway Park Nature Trail is a great stop if you’re exploring Northern Ontario. It’s located just a short drive from Sault Ste. Marie and can be incorporated into a scenic road trip through the Canadian Shield, with plenty of other outdoor activities along the way.

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

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 Routes

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 Trails

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. 

just 45 minutes north!

Just a short drive north of the Mackinac Bridge lies one of Canada’s best-kept secrets — Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Nestled on the banks of the St. Marys River and directly across from our American twin, the Soo is a vibrant city of 78,000, known for our natural beauty, friendly charm, and uniquely Canadian experiences.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a spontaneous day trip from down south, the Soo offers something for everyone — iconic train rides, epic waterfalls, delicious treats, and four-season outdoor adventures.

Grab your passport and come say hello, because Canada is calling!

The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Set against the backdrop of the Great Lakes and the rugged Canadian Shield, Sault Ste. Marie is where nature meets city life. Paddle crystal-clear waters, hike through maple and pine forests, or explore rich local history and culture.

You’ll find:

And the best part? We’re just 45 minutes north of the Mackinac Bridge and easily accessible.

What You Need to Know Before You Head North

Crossing the Border: It really is easy. All you need is a passport, Nexus or enhanced driver’s license.  Canada does not require visa for visitors staying under 180 days.

For details on what you can bring with you, visit the CBSA website.

Currency Exchange: As of May 2025, $1 USD = $1.40 CAD.

That means your dollar goes further here — shop more, spend less, and yes, U.S. currency is accepted at many businesses.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

This bucket-list train ride starts and ends in Sault Ste. Marie, taking you deep into the untouched beauty of Northern Ontario. Enjoy views of tranquil lakes, endless forests, and breathtaking canyon scenery—especially stunning during fall foliage season, from mid-September to early October. 🚂

Don’t miss:

  • Bridal Veil Falls, painted by Canada’s Group of Seven
  • A scenic lookout hike above the canyon
  • Family-themed events in August and early September

Poutine, Buttertarts & Beavertails

You haven’t truly been to Canada until you’ve tried these iconic comfort foods! 🍴

Poutine – A delicious mix of French fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy. Try it at Blockhouse Pub, Burger Don, Chummy’s Grill and Wacky Wings.

Buttertarts – A classic Canadian dessert with a flaky crust and gooey center. Choose from 50 varieties at The Queen’s Tarts.

Beavertails – Deep-fried, sweet dough shaped like a beaver’s tail and topped with your favorite fixings—only in Canada! Grab one by the waterfront near the Miss Marie Tour Boat.

Also worth tasting: brunch at The Breakfast Pig, fresh-caught fish at Fluid, and ice cream from The Big Moose or Holy Cows.

Take a Hike to Crystal Falls

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest walk or a waterfall-worthy photo, Sault Ste. Marie has hundreds of miles of trails waiting to be explored. 🥾

Just 10 minutes from downtown, Crystal Falls is an 80-foot stunner nestled in Kinsmen Park. A short, scenic trail leads you to incredible views — whether at the base, halfway up the stairs, or the bridge at the top.

If you are looking for further hiking adventures, visit our blog post ‘12 Hikes In and Around Sault Ste. Marie‘. 

 

Miss Marie Sault Lock Tour Boat

Step aboard the Miss Marie for a 90-minute cruise through the St. Marys River, traveling through two international locks and under the iconic International Bridge. Wave to your friends as you pass through the American and Canadian lock systems. 🚢

You’ll enjoy:

  • Views of both Canadian and U.S. Soos
  • A relaxing ride with onboard snacks and craft beer from Northern Superior Brewing
  • A chance to experience life on the border from the water.

Bushplanes and Bugs

Step into the fascinating world of aviation and entomology at two of our most unique attractions.

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (Bushplane Museum) features 24 real bushplanes, hands-on exhibits, flight simulators, and more. 🛩️

Entomica Insectarium, located inside the museum, lets you hold live insects from around the world and learn about nature’s tiniest superheroes. Great for families and science lovers! 🦋

🪲 Fun fact: Entomica is home to beetles that can lift over 100 times their body weight, and walking sticks longer than your hand! 

Introducing Big Ben Tour Bus!

Discover Sault Ste. Marie in style aboard “Big Ben,” the iconic red double-decker bus! Operating Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this all-day pass lets you explore the city at your own pace. With 11 convenient stops, including the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, Agawa Canyon Train Station, and the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, there’s something for everyone. 🚌

You’ll Enjoy:

  • Engaging audio-visual commentary in English on board.
  • A multilingual web app offering walking tours, maps, and GPS guidance in English, French, and Spanish.
  • Wheelchair-accessible buses (limited spaces available).
  • The freedom to hop on and off at top attractions, including museums, markets, and the waterfront.

Souvenirs & Shopping

No trip to the Soo is complete without a few take-home treasures: 🛍️

Ontario Travel Information Centre sells postcards, magnets, hats keyrings. Outfitters has a good range including train-themed merchandise. There is also The Trading Post at the Frontier Village, The Canadian Carver and The Voyageur Lodge north of the city.

As well as souvenirs the Soo offers everything from locally-made maple products to Indigenous crafts, quirky Canadian souvenirs, and stylish boutiques. You’ll find a great selection in the downtown core at SOO MRKT, as well as and along Great Northern Road.

Get Inspiration from our new Insider Info Videos!

Check out our videos below or visit our YouTube channel for a full list of videos! We have videos about fishing, hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and more!

Enjoy The best Sandy Beaches In Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie has some of the best sandy beaches in Ontario. Our beaches are incredible! All around our city you’ll find perfectly beautiful, long sandy beaches with crystal clear water that are perfect for a swim, a play in the sand or just to relax and soak up the sun. Great beaches are just one reason Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect place for a summer vacation.

Click here to check out 6 of the best sandy beaches in Ontario, all just a short drive from Sault Ste. Marie.  

Experience Lake Superior

Lake Superior is wild, rugged and beautiful. It can be angry and violent, it can be calm with glassy water reflecting a perfectly clear blue sky. The sunsets can be some of most beautiful anywhere, and the maple forests that hug the coastline put on a fall colour display of bright reds, oranges and yellows so spectacular you’ll be telling your friends for years.

A drive along the coastline from Sault Ste. Marie will let you experience all of this. Get out of your car, RV or motorbike at any of the many stops along the way. Fill your camera up with countless shots of this beautiful coast. Visit in spring, summer, fall or winter for a different experience each season. Be inspired by the incredible Lake Superior coastal drive from Sault Ste. Marie.

All you need to know when visiting the Soo for Sports

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.