One of the perks of living in Ontario is that this beautiful province can be enjoyed all year round. With an abundance of natural beauty and opportunities for adventure, there’s one question every Ontarian has to face — where should my next staycation be?
That being said, current restrictions are keeping us from going farther afield, and anyone itching to escape their surroundings and step into nature is encouraged to stay as close to home as possible. But when we are allowed to freely travel again and explore all Ontario has to offer, you might want to consider looking north.
Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately nicknamed “the Soo”) is the place to go for unforgettable experiences right in your own backyard.
Nestled in between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the Soo is just an hour by plane from the GTA (or a scenic seven-hour road trip) and has something to offer every adventurer.
From camping and fishing to kayaking, biking and much more, it can be hard to know where to start. Arriving with a convenient three-day itinerary like this one will help you make the most of the Soo for when it’s safe to go exploring once again.
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By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
During spring, summer or fall, hiking is a great way to explore the beauty of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area. Sault Ste. Marie is home to some of the best hiking in Ontario. Explore hiking trails to great Ontario waterfalls; hikes with great Ontario views; and trails to ancient historical sites. Here is a list of six of the best hikes around Sault Ste. Marie.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Google Map link here
Beautiful Bellevue Park is the perfect spot for a family to enjoy themselves at. Easy hiking trails and paths weave around the park and take you to the adjoining Topsail Island and Algoma Sailing club.
At seventeen hectares its Sault Ste. Marie’s largest park and is immaculately maintained by the city’s many gardeners. It consists of three large children’s playgrounds, a splash pad and offers a little over two kilometres of easy walkways, leading past floral beds, a display greenhouse as well as many other natural attractions. Feed the birds and watch the great freighters go by along the St Mary’s River.
The park is located in the heart of the city ample parking is available just off Queen Street East on the south east end.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Google Map link here
Hub Trail website here
If you are looking for a family-friendly hike in Sault Ste. Marie, then the Hub Trail is perfect for you. The trail as a whole is 22.5km long and circles the city but you can choose the section you want to hike.
The Fort Creek section is a popular route for hikers as it offers the beautiful scenery of the creek itself and many opportunities to spot all the amazing creatures that live there, including hawks, great blue herons, and monarch butterflies.
The paved trail is approximately 1.6 km and leads you over two picturesque bridges. Visit Hub Trail webpage for more information to help you plan your hike.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Google Map link here
Choose Whitefish Island for a beautiful and well paced hike within the city limits. Parking and trailhead is located at Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and you can access the Island across the locks itself.
Whitefish Island is a National Historic Site for Canada. It’s also a traditional territory and meeting ground of the Anishinaabe peoples of the Great Lakes due to the abundance of natural resources and fish in the St. Mary’s River.
This site is complete with an easy to follow trail system marked with informational plaques explaining the importance and historical relevance of the island. These trails will lead you through nature preserves right to the historic fishery of the St. Mary’s River Rapids.
Duration: 1-4 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Google Map link here
Hiawatha Highlands and Kinsmen Park area has many loop trails that offers hikers choices of terrain, lookouts and varying lengths to suit anyone’s schedule and abilities. Walking beneath towering Pines and beautiful Maple’s, these trails are well signposted at each entrance and along the way. Descriptive name of trails including Beaver Loop Trail or Mable Lake Loop trail and some of these link up with the larger Voyageur Trail systems. For a downloadable map here. Or visit the Trailforks, Alltrails, or Voyageur Trails websites.
A highlight along in the Hiawatha Highlands area is the impressive Crystal Creek Falls. You can park at Kinsmen Park and take a two minute walk to the base, followed by a short climb up wooden steps to the top.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Google Map link here
The lookout from the top of Robertson Cliffs is fast becoming a must see for tourists and locals alike. Take a 30-minute drive north from Sault Ste. Marie where you’ll find parking and the trailhead 5km down Robertson Lake Road. For more information visit the Alltrails or Voyageur Trail websites.
The 5km hike through ancient forest is beautiful and the 150 metre climb / scramble up rocks can be challenging to some, but the view over Goulais River valley is well worth the effort.
The cliffs are part of the Algoma Highlands Conservancy who protect the area. Follow the white markings which will lead you to the top of the cliffs.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Google Map link here
Chippewa Falls is a 35-minutes drive north of Sault Ste. Marie, parking and trailhead is right along the Trans Canada Hwy. The falls are visible from the highway itself and stand 25 feet high.
The hiking trail offers an easy 2.5km hike to the upper falls, which starts in the parking area and follows the river upstream to the top of the main falls. The path continues alongside the river past the upper falls if you want to explore further.
By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
Experience high calibre fishing in the legendary St. Mary’s Rapids, or fish year round for some of Canada’s most sought after species in the numerous lakes and rivers in the Algoma region.
Take advantage of this unique and historic fishing destination with local experts for a full or half day guided experience; all equipment and bait provided. Links to guides can be found at the bottom of the page.
Located in the downtown core of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the St. Mary’s River is legendary for its annual runs of Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon. In the heart of the Great Lakes where Lake Superior flows to Lake Huron, this historic fishery is home to a vast variety of iconic Canadian species.
An original gathering place for the Anishinaabe peoples of the Great Lakes, this historic location is renowned in the fishing community. Accessible only from the Canadian side the rapids offer wadeable open river conditions that will challenge your angling savvy. Get your feet wet and test your skill where Lake Superior meets Lake Huron.
Target iconic Canadian species including Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon and four kinds of Pacific Salmon!
We take our fishing very seriously! Sault Ste. Marie is a year round playground for anglers of any skill. Your gateway to a unique guided adventure, experience fishing for some of Canada’s most iconic species in the numerous rivers available all over the Algoma Region.
Enjoy a fully equipped day of fishing action with a local expert and guide. Spin, troll, wade or shore fish the remote wilderness visiting one of the hundreds of tributaries in the Algoma Region. Distance to rivers can vary from 5 minutes to 2 hours in any direction.
Target various species including Bass, Walleye, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead or Rainbow Trout.
Experience fishing the Great Lakes with your personal local guide. Fly fishing, spin fishing, kayak fishing or boat fishing are all available.
Fishing from the comfort of your personal boat or a beautiful northern shoreline, the options are endless. Offering year round, world-class freshwater fishing, accompanied by a vast wilderness and an abundance of wildlife; you won’t be disappointed exploring
the natural beauty of Algoma with one of Sault Ste. Marie’s top anglers.
Target the generous population of Trout, including Brook Trout, Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout or during specific times of the year, various species of salmon. Click here to read about fishing in Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Ice fishing is a true northern experience you can build an entire vacation around. Dress warm, pack for the day and snowmobile or snowshoe into a remote lake in the surrounding Algoma Region.
Take in the peaceful surroundings, winter scenery and wildlife, cutting through layers of thick ice from the comfort of a warm ice hut. Full gear provided with a local ice fishing guide.
Target various species including Trout, Panfish, Walleye or Northern Pike. Click here to read about ice fishing just north of the city.
Sault Ste. Marie has some of the best fishing guides in the business. Click below for more information.
By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
Looking for a family-friendly bike ride in Sault Ste. Marie? The 22.5-km John Rowswell Hub Trail stretches like a ribbon through the city’s residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and urban greenspace, with minimal hills and a paved surface for easy bike trips for the family. This non-motorized trail is your gateway to family friendly cycling in Sault Ste. Marie.
Riding the entire Hub Trail is an excellent half-day trip for adventurous families looking to cover some distance. An interactive map is available online to help identify starting points around the city, plan your route and discover all the sights along the way. Or, if you prefer a shorter family cycling tour, focus on these shorter sections of trail. A dedicated website here has maps and info to help you enjoy your day!
Fort Creek is a natural oasis in Sault Ste. Marie, the perfect destination for a family bike ride along a 3-km (one-way) forested path. Access the trailhead on Second Line West, a short drive from The Water Tower Inn. The great Northern Ontario wilderness is closer than you think on this easy ride suitable for all types of bicycles.
You may see herons, eagles, hawks and monarch butterflies along this section of Hub Trail, with the potential of spotting beaver hard at work in wetland areas as well. The trail features two stunning bridges spanning deep valleys cut by meandering streams. Mature trees along the trail provide natural air conditioning on even the hottest days.
The historic Sault Ste. Marie Canal is located a short side trip west of the downtown Hub Trail. Leave your car at the Machine Shop, a great spot for a post-ride coffee and gelato (Italian ice cream). Ride along Canal Drive to the stately sandstone Parks Canada buildings commemorating what was the world’s longest lock when it was built in 1895. Today, the lock is used by recreational boaters travelling between Great Lakes Superior and Huron in the summer months.
It’s easy to spend a half-day at the canal: Sign up for a tour with a Parks Canada interpreter, explore the Visitor Centre, or enjoy Victorian tea at the Superintendent’s Residence. Cycle to the end of the pier, watching for vessels navigating the canal along the way. Or, you can rent a fat bike (adult and youth sizes are available) and explore the easy gravel trails of South St. Marys and Whitefish islands, rolling alongside vast wetlands and beneath the monstrous International Bridge.
Check out the Hub Trail along the downtown waterfront for an easy family-friendly bike ride in Sault Ste. Marie.
The broad river is the centre of attention, with passing freighters and great views of whitewater rapids cascading along the international border. Allow your spirit to fall back in time as you retrace this ancient pilgrimage to Bawating, the community’s Indigenous Anishnaabe namesake meaning “place by the rapids.”
Bring your camera for a pretty sunset bike ride, with dining options along the way (check out Fluid Boardwalk Patio + Grill at the Delta Hotel). Head east away from the muted roar of the St. Marys Rapids and ride 2.6km towards the Historic District along a smooth asphalt path and wooden boardwalk that’s suitable for any type of bicycle. Go past the Clergue Park (near the Sleep Inn on Bay Street), and end up at the iconic Canadian Heritage Bushplane Museum, one of Sault Ste. Marie’s top attractions. A happy day with the family can be spent looking at these iconic planes and exhibitions. Complete your family’s itinerary with a visit to the fascinating Entomic Insectarium too.
Located adjacent to the east end section of the Hub Trail, Bellevue Park is Sault Ste. Marie’s largest park featuring 2.4 km of paved paths. Towering trees and cool breezes off the St. Mary’s River make this 17-ha greenspace a great refuge on hot summer days. Combine a family bike ride with stops at Bellevue Park’s multiple playgrounds, picnic areas and splash pad. Post-ride, Sandro’s Family Restaurant, also located in the city’s east end, is a wonderful place to introduce your kids to tasty and authentic Italian cuisine in a casual dining setting.
Need a bike? No problem. Fat bike rentals at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. Bikes are also available for rent from the Roberta Bonda Marina during summer months.
By Conor Mihell
With water all around, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the best places in Ontario to go paddling. The city is located in the heart of the Great Lakes, with pristine freshwater coastlines, wilderness lakes and rivers located within easy access. Great Lakes Superior and Huron offer some of the best sea kayaking in the world; the St. Marys River is a scenic and historic waterway flowing right through downtown; and Lake Superior Provincial Park offers excellent canoe tripping, backcountry angling opportunities and rugged Canadian Shield scenery. Whether you love sea kayaking, canoeing or standup paddle boarding, Sault Ste. Marie is an amazing destination for an Ontario paddling trip.
The Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy and the Metis Community offer big canoe experiences on the St Mary’s River in downtown Sault Ste Marie. No previous experience is necessary to participate in our safe and stable 36-foot canoe led by 2 trained canoe guides. Metis guides sharing stories of the culture and wildlife is enjoyable for participants of all ages and most abilities. For multi-generational families, co-workers, and friends looking for a fun time together. Make memories paddling on this historic waterway linking Lake Superior with the lower Great Lakes. Tours are 2 hours and group bookings available
Based just north of Sault Ste. Marie in Goulais River, Forest The Canoe provides guided interpretive in Lake Superior Provincial Park. This brand-new outfitter focuses on small-group tours that reveal the wonders of nature in Northern Ontario. You don’t have to be a veteran paddler to participate. Forest The Canoe provides inclusive wilderness programs for families and beginners, as well as rentals and logistical support for more experienced paddlers.
Naturally Superior Adventures in Wawa has offered guided sea kayak trips and certified instruction since 1994. The company specializes in Lake Superior sea kayak trips for all experience levels. Multi-day wilderness tours are offered in Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park—world-class sea kayak destinations located within a short drive of Sault Ste. Marie. The company also offers accommodations on Lake Superior, vehicle shuttles and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Indigenous owned and operated Thrive Tours Thrive Tours offers land-based experiences in the Sault Ste. Marie region that are designed to connect people with each other and Mother Earth’s offerings with respect for the land, water, and all living things.
Looking for a quick paddling trip in Sault Ste. Marie? Check out the Sault College Waterfront Adventure Centre on the St. Marys River. You can rent a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard to explore the shoreline and get a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a coffee and baked snack when you’re done on the waterfront patio.
Great Lakes Outfitters is a locally owned Sault Ste. Marie outdoor store that has recently invested in a fleet of canoes, sea kayaks and standup paddleboards. Experienced paddlers can rent gear and set off on their own adventure, near or far.
Bring your canoe or kayak down to this new public dock! Complete with accessible transfer system, this new feature to the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront is located in Bellevue Marina and features user friendly technology suitable for all skill levels. The location is connected to a paved path leading from the car park for greater accessibility.
Standup paddleboards can use it too, just off to the side. Click on this link to view the facebook post, see more photos and join in the discussion!
Looking for a place to stay while visiting Sault Ste. Marie? Consider visiting Kayak.com for an UpToDate list. Click here for more info.
