Cycle Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

Whitefish Island

Take one of the bridges across the canal lock gates to get over to Whitefish Island. Bike or hike along trails and boardwalks as you take in views of the rapids along St. Marys River. You can learn about the island’s culture and history by reading the information signs along the trail. Make sure you also keep a lookout for the fairy doors painted around the island!

The main loop will take a family with young kids around 45 minutes to complete by bike or an hour hiking. Side trails are available if you want to extend your adventure – like going under the international bridge! There are plenty of trail maps to keep you on track.

Whitefish Island

The Hub Trail

After exploring Whitefish Island, you can continue your bike ride or stroll along the John Rowswell Hub trail. This beautiful trail & boardwalk provides you with amazing views of the St. Marys River as you pass significant landmarks along the waterfront. Stop to eat a sweet treat at BeaverTails located right on the boardwalk and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The whole loop is 22.5km and a great ride for the adventurous family, but equally, you can divide and conquer smaller sections too. The Fort Creek section is a beautiful 6km there-and-back trail with three awesome bridges that take you high over the ravine below. Parking is available at the south end.

The Hub Trail

Bellevue Park

Next, head into town to get some lunch or continue along the Hub Trail to Bellevue Park to enjoy a picnic. With 7 separate playground structures, Bellevue Park is a kid’s dream come true. Along with its impressive playgrounds, the park also includes a splash pad, beautiful paths along the waterfront and picnic areas.

Bellevue Park

Bellevue Marina Kayak / Canoe Launch Dock

Now it’s time to experience Sault Ste. Marie from the St. Marys River! You can launch your canoe or kayaks from the accessible boat launch located at Bellevue Marina, making it easy for you to get in the water and explore the river. Don’t have your own boat? No problem! Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the Waterfront Adventure Centre or from Thrive Tours who operate from the same building.

Bellevue Marina Kayak / Canoe Launch Dock

City Murals and Incredible Ice creams

After enjoying your time on the water, head downtown to see the incredible mural artwork around Sault Ste. Marie. These murals have been painted by local and visiting artists, adding vibrant character to the city! If you are visiting during the month of June, you can watch new murals being painted as part of the Summer Moon Festival.

While you’re downtown, be sure to stop by Elliot’s Ice Cream for a treat that not only tastes delicious but also looks like a work of art!

Murals

Elliot's Ice Cream

Crystal Falls

Crystal Falls is located in Kinsmen Park at the North edge of Sault Ste. Marie. The falls are a short walk from the parking lot and can be accessed by walking along a wooden boardwalk. The amazing views keep coming as you walk up a series of steps to viewing platforms and experience the many layers of this waterfall.

If you have time, you can continue your hike along some of the many great trails nearby into the Hiawatha Highlands and the Voyageur trail system.

Crystal Falls

Now it’s time to relax while eating supper at one of the many delicious restaurants in town. Finish off your day by watching the sunset over the St. Marys River and then get some well deserved rest at one of Sault Ste. Marie’s hotels.

After such a great day of family fun and activities, the whole family will want to come back and do it all again! Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect place for family adventure.

Check out more Adventures From The Hills here on Instagram and here on web!

By Sault Tourism

7 Ways To Experience Fall Colours In Sault Ste Marie

Witnessing summer’s deep greens change into an explosion of red, orange and yellow is one of the many perks of living in Ontario. There are plenty of places across the province that are perfect for watching the leaves change, but if you want to experience the season’s vibrancy in new and exciting ways, consider looking north of the GTA.

The region of Sault Ste. Marie (also affectionately known as “the Soo”) is one of Canada’s top five locations for fall foliage, according to Forbes. Think of a place where maple forests turn cozy shades of red, where you can lose yourself in the coast’s orange and yellow splendour, and where the vast multicolour landscape takes your breath away — this is Sault Ste. Marie in the fall.

But the Soo is more than just a pretty face. On top of being a magical spot in autumn, Sault Ste. Marie — which is just a one-hour plane ride or six-hour scenic drive north of the GTA — is one of Ontario’s most exciting outdoor adventure destinations.

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By Ashley Corbett

Camping, kayaking, mountain biking and more!

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.

Day 1: A Healthy Mix Of The Outdoors & City Life

Mountain Bike The Hiawatha Highlands

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By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

Four Great Kid-Friendly Rides on One Awesome Urban Bicycle Trail

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 Conservation Area

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.

Fort Creek Conservation Area

Fort Creek Conservation Area

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

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.

SAULT STE. MARIE CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Whitefish Island Cycling Trail

Along St. Marys River Waterfront to the Historic District

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.

Downtown Waterfront trail

Downtown Waterfront trail map

Bellevue Park

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.

Bellevue Park

Eastern Neighborhood trail map