Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, skating, Snowmobiling, Fat Biking, Ice Caves and more - Sault Ste. Marie is a true Winter experience

By Sault Tourism

Sault Ste. Marie is a true winter paradise with so many outdoor activities to choose from. We have one of the highest vertical downhill ski hills in Ontario, over 150km of incredible cross-country Skiing, an abundance of stunning snowshoe trails… Plus we have beautiful woodland skating trails, a new  snowmobiling day loop, groomed fat biking trails and Sault Ste. Marie has some iconic, and awe-inspiring ice caves. This winter visit Sault Ste. Marie for your true winter experience. 

Getting to Sault Ste. Marie is easy too with several flights a day from Toronto, Sudbury and Thunder Bay and rental cars waiting at the airport. And course you can drive on the Trans-Canada highway, which is well maintained over the winter months. 

Ski One Of The Highest Verticals in Ontario

Big vertical, rugged terrain, Searchmont Resort has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario. And… new snowmaking equipment means a planned November opening day – one of the earliest in the region!

On top of the 703 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, terrain park, 4 lifts, snow school, Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop, ski and snowboard rentals and accommodations. Escape the crowds and the lift queues of jam-packed southern Ontario ski hills and get away to this stunning, adventure-packed mountain.

If you like your vertical off the beaten track, check out the incredible backcountry skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge.

Cross-Country Ski over 150km of Groomed Trails

Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best cross country skiing in North America. Stokely Creek Lodge has 100km of trails, groomed for both classic and skate skiing and spread over 12,000 spectacular acres of the Algoma Highlands.

Breathtaking scenery including frozen lakes and waterfalls, endless forests, and amazing vistas like the one at the top of King Mountain, make Stokely a bucket-list destination for nordic skiers. Enjoy Scandinavian lodging and stay warm in one of the six warming huts along the way; it’s an experience that will bring you back year after year.

Situated just 10 minutes from downtown, Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50km of beautiful skiing in towering Pine forests. Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about all that Hiawatha Highlands has to offer! Top-tip: enjoy a nighttime lantern ski, which happens a few times a season!

Bon Soo, Sault Ste. Marie's winter Carnival is BAck in 2025!

The Bon Soo winter carnival is back for its 62nd edition! Join from February 7th to 15th for this iconic Sault Ste. Marie event! 

Check back for details on the 2025 program soon!

Fat Biking trails and races!

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports, and has perfectly groomed trails at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge

We also have some awesome fat bike races! The Frozen Toe race happens on February 8th, and the Beaver Freezer happens March 8th.

Try Ice Climbing!

Ice Climbing is a truly unique winter experience and one that you can do just outside of Sault Ste. Marie. Shaun Parent (Superior Exploration) and Steve Foster (Steve Foster Adventure Instruction) are certified, highly experienced, expert ice climbers who will help you have the best possible adventure. Visit their websites for details on how to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures. 

Get your skates on!

Sault Ste. Marie has a number of some skating rinks and trails, all within a walk or drive of downtown. Check out our new downtown plaza and it’s brand new skating rink (pictured)!

The City also maintains five over outdoor rinks including the popular waterfront Clergue trail

Sled our new Snowmobile Day Loop

Sault Ste. Marie has a new day loop for riders! The Soo Highlands Loop starts in the city and goes north to Searchmont and the surrounding area. Sledders can explore the natural beauty of Algoma Highlands, and its rugged landscapes just north of Sault Ste. Marie, in this 169 km loop. 

For inspiration watch Cristy Lee enjoy her recent sledding experience in the Soo here!

Axe Throwing and Golf Simulators

Sometimes you just need a break from the snow and cold. Well, have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities!

Missing golf and still need a fix? The Up and Down Lounge has state of the art golf simulators, which can be booked by the hour. You can also grab a drink and some food to be able to make an evening of this fun winter activity!

Snowshoe on the Canadian Shield

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. We have well-marked and beautifully scenic trails all over the city, including at Hiawatha, Crimson Ridge and Stokely Creek.

We also have some expert tour guides who can not only show you the way, but can also provide information about the area and its cultural significance… you may even be treated to a cup of hot chocolate 😉

Check out our Tours & Guide page for all the info!

Relax, Dine and Drink

After a day in the snow and ice you’ll want to refuel and recharge, and we have some great restaurants serving some fantastic food to warm you right up!

From Syrian Shawarma to spicy Indian, delicious Italian or sizzling steak, the Sault has so many great restaurants

Enjoy a delightful range of winter activities perfect for a Family Day visit

By Sault Tourism

Looking for the perfect place to spend Family Day weekend? Look no further than Sault Ste. Marie! The Soo blends outdoor adventure, rich history with cozy winter charm. Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by beautiful forests, the Soo offers endless
opportunities for families to bond, explore, and make lasting memories.

Ski down one of Ontario ski hills – and you won’t in the lift line for long either! Skate on a beautiful waterfront trail, or at our new downtown plaza complete with warm changing room and concession stand for hot chocolate! Go snowshoeing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing… almost every winter sport you could want to do is available in Sault Ste. Marie.

Ski with the family!

Escape crowds but enjoy big vertical and rugged terrain at Searchmont Resort this family day weekend. Searchmont has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario with steep runs for experts, long, easy gliders for intermediates and a beginner hill, the Buzzsaw, which is perfect for beginners. 

Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop and rentals available. 

Ski the Mabel Lake trail at Hiawatha

On Family Day weekend, ski to Mabel Lake as this beautiful backcountry ski trail opens up. Bring snacks, a picnic, friends and make a day of it!

Situated just 10 minutes from downtown, Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50km of beautiful skiing in towering Pine forests. Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about all that Hiawatha Highlands has to offer! 

There is also a Lantern Ski on Friday, February 14th. This is always a popular event for locals and visitors alike. 

Bon Soo 2025

The Bon Soo winter carnival concludes on Saturday, February 15th, but there is still lots happening on the first part of Family Day weekend including the iconic Polar Bear Plunge!

Check back for details on the 2025 program soon!

Get your skates on!

Sault Ste. Marie has a number of some skating rinks and trails, all within a walk or drive of downtown. Check out our new downtown plaza and the brand new skating rink (pictured)! There is a concession stand on site that serves delicious hot chocolate!

The City also maintains five over outdoor rinks including the popular waterfront Clergue trail (also pictured!)

Gathering AT The Rapids Powwow

The 19th annual Gathering At The Rapids Powwow happens at GFL Gardens on February 15th and 16th and is likely to be one of biggest Powwows in Ontario in 2025!

All are welcome to attend, whether it to enter the dance competition (with big prizes!) or simply watch this spectacular gathering!

Family Day & Teacher Open House at the Bushplane Museum

The Bushplane Museum is hosting a specially themed day this Family Day – a Teacher Open House! 

Bring the whole family for a day full of fun. Families will enjoy engaging activities and crafts, while teachers can join special experiment sessions with Tim to learn what we do for all the kids in the Algoma district!

It’s a perfect blend of creativity and connection—there’s something for everyone!

50% Off Admission, Members – FREE and Teachers FREE & up to 3 Family Members (Teacher I.D. required)

Fat Biking trails

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports, and has perfectly groomed trails at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge

Try Ice Climbing!

Ice Climbing is a truly unique winter experience and one that you can do just outside of Sault Ste. Marie. Shaun Parent (Superior Exploration) and Steve Foster (Steve Foster Adventure Instruction) are certified, highly experienced, expert ice climbers who will help you have the best possible adventure. Visit their websites for details on how to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures. 

Axe Throwing and Golf Simulators

Sometimes you just need a break from the snow and cold. Well, have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities!

Missing golf and still need a fix? The Up and Down Lounge has state of the art golf simulators, which can be booked by the hour. You can also grab a drink and some food to be able to make an evening of this fun winter activity!

Snowshoe on the Canadian Shield

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. We have well-marked and beautifully scenic trails all over the city, including at Hiawatha, Crimson Ridge and Stokely Creek.

We also have some expert tour guides who can not only show you the way, but can also provide information about the area and its cultural significance… you may even be treated to a cup of hot chocolate 😉

Check out our Tours & Guide page for all the info!

Relax, Dine and Drink

Sault Ste. Marie has plenty of restaurants for all tastes, and many perfect for families. 

Two Wacky Wings restaurants have entertainment arenas that’ll keep kids amused for hours. We also have restaurants serving pizza, Syrian Shawarma, spicy Indian, delicious Italian and sizzling steak… the Sault has so many great, click here for a full list restaurants

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

Hard Line Grill*
The restaurant inside the YNCU Curling 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 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.

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.

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. 

Head to Sault Ste. Marie and enjoy spring skiing through till April, A Maple Syrup Weekend and more!

By Sault Tourism

Sault Ste. Marie has just experienced a fantastic winter with plenty of snow meaning our ski hills and trails will be open well into April!

So come and enjoy Searchmont Resort, one of the biggest vertical downhill ski hills in Ontario, all the way through Easter! Or cross-country ski over 150km of incredible cross-country Skiing at Hiawatha Highlands and Stokely Creek Lodge. Visit on April 1st or 2nd and enjoy Hogan’s Homestead’s Maple Syrup Weekend! Or, weather and ice cover permitting, enjoy a one of a kind experience with an ice caves tour with Forest The Canoe. 

Keep reading to help plan your Spring skiing and other things adventure!

Ski One Of The Highest Verticals in Ontario

Big vertical, rugged terrain, Searchmont Resort has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario. And… new snowmaking equipment means more snow and staying open later in the year.

On top of the 703 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, terrain park, 4 lifts, snow school, Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop, ski and snowboard rentals and accommodations. Escape the crowds and the lift queues of jam-packed southern Ontario ski hills and get away to this stunning, adventure-packed mountain.

Cross-Country Ski over 150km of Groomed Trails

Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best cross country skiing in North America. Stokely Creek Lodge has 100km of trails, groomed for both classic and skate skiing and spread over 12,000 spectacular acres of the Algoma Highlands.

Breathtaking scenery including frozen lakes and waterfalls, endless forests, and amazing vistas like the one at the top of King Mountain, make Stokely a bucket-list destination for nordic skiers. Enjoy Scandinavian lodging and stay warm in one of the six warming huts along the way; it’s an experience that will bring you back year after year.

Situated just 10 minutes from downtown, Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50km of beautiful skiing in towering Pine forests. Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about all that Hiawatha Highlands has to offer!

Hogan Homestead's 'Everything Maple Festival'

On the weekend of April 1st and 2nd, Hogan’s Homestead, one of Ontario’s best maple syrup producers, hosts a Maple Weekend. The ‘Everything Maple Festival’ includes a local market, operational tours, food + drinks and maple activities. Stay tuned and visit their website here as more details become available!

Check out our incredible Ice Caves!

Lake Superior’s phenomenal ice caves are a sight to behold. Enigmatic, unpredictable, subject to nature’s whims, but wholly worth it, these incredible structures will leave you speechless. They form in mid-winter when wavy conditions followed by a deep-freeze sculpts the rugged Lake Superior coastline into caves and chasms of blue ice.

Weather and ice-cover permitting, Forest The Canoe offers guided day trips to the best ice caves, including crampon-equipped snowshoes and a snack. We do recommend you use a local guide with experience of the conditions as walking on ice can be dangerous. 

Try Ice Climbing!

Steve Foster, from Sault Ste. Marie, is a certified, highly experienced, expert ice climber who will help you have the best possible adventure. His company, Steve Foster Adventure Instruction, offers half day experiences for all abilities, to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures.

 

Sled our new Snowmobile Day Loop

Sault Ste. Marie has a new day loop for riders! The Soo Highlands Loop starts in the city and goes north to Searchmont and the surrounding area. Sledders can explore the natural beauty of Algoma Highlands, and its rugged landscapes just north of Sault Ste. Marie, in this 169 km loop. 

For inspiration watch Cristy Lee enjoy her recent sledding experience in the Soo here!

Ride our Groomed Fat Biking trails!

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports.

The Soo has perfectly groomed trails to the north of the city at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge. Enjoy some challenging elevation in the beautiful Hiawatha forests as well as the picturesque trails at Crimson Ridge. 

Downtown, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site has easy fatbike trails for use on St. Marys and Whitefish islands, adjacent to the St. Marys Rapids. In addition, the St. Kateri Outdoor Learning Centre has around 3.5 km of fat biking trails. 

Lots of Events this Spring!

Sault Ste. Marie is hosting a variety of events all spring, from comedy acts to conservatory music and of course the dramatic conclusion to the Soo Greyhounds season.

Stay up to date with all  the events via our Events page!

Relax, Dine and Drink

After a day in the snow and ice you’ll want to refuel and recharge, and we have some great restaurants serving some fantastic food to warm you right up!

From Syrian Shawarma to spicy Indian, delicious Italian or sizzling steak, the Sault has so many great restaurants

For a ‘hot’ new tip check out Gino’s Fired Up, one of the latest new restaurants in town. 

Getting here

Getting to Sault Ste. Marie is easy with several flights from Air Canada, Bearskin and Porter a day from Toronto, Sudbury and Thunder Bay and rental cars waiting at the airport. And course you can drive on the Trans-Canada highway, which is well maintained all year. 

By Martin Lortz

Looking for a long-distance snowmobile tour in Ontario? A new full-day tour for sledders is now open in Sault Ste. Marie. Learn more about why riding out of the Soo is the perfect way to enjoy a day on the trails.

Welcome to the Soo, aka Sault Ste. Marie. When it comes to Ontario snowmobiling, it’s all about adventure and good times. With 32,000 kilometres of groomed trail reaching far-flung corners of the province, planning the perfect snowmobiling experience can be a time-consuming challenge. Luckily, thanks to the efforts of many, we have at our disposal 36 OFSC self-guided snow tours to choose from. An impressive list to which we can now add the new Soo Highlands Loop.

Click here to continue reading

By Craig Nicholson

Riders Can Still Count on Major Snow, Primo Trails & Great Hospitality! Sault Ste. Marie is one of the best places to go snowmobiling in Ontario.

Located in Northern Ontario, Algoma Country is a vast territory of 28,000 square miles comprised of two unique snowmobiling areas, Algoma East and Algoma North. Come winter, all of Algoma Country turns snowy white and remains that way for a long season. That makes it a perfect and convenient winter destination enjoyed by thousands of riders.

Anchored by the TOP Trail D, Algoma Country’s 2,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails typically attract numerous American visitors through its international border at Sault Ste. Marie or its TOP Trail D107 border crossing on the ice bridge from Drummond Island, MI. to St. Joseph Island, ON. Many visiting snowmobilers from Southern Ontario have also discovered Algoma Country sledding and return to experience more each winter.

Click here to continue reading

By Jennifer McCartney

Sledding from Ontario’s Gateway Cities. Reporter and host of All Girls Garage, Cristy Lee stages from Sault Ste. Marie for an adventure on the famed trails of the north.

When motorcyclist and host of All Girls Garage, Cristy Lee, got the opportunity to go snowmobiling in Sault Ste. Marie, she didn’t hesitate. “I live in Michigan which is only a couple hours away,” she says. “I’m also a motorsports enthusiast.” She figured the switch from bike to sled would be a fun one. And while she didn’t have any experience with snowmobiling, she was excited to give it a shot. Luckily, for this all-around athlete, it was a pretty easy transition.

Click here to continue reading. 

And click here to watch Cristy Lee’s video of Snowmobiling in the Soo!

By Rob LaRue

Looking for tips on the best places to go snowmobiling in Ontario? Here’s what you need to know to get free snowmobile maps, real time trail status updates and club information.

If you’re a sledder from Ontario or Michigan, below is some information that will help you plan for the 2020 winter snowmobile season in Ontario’s Algoma Country. You’ll find a complete list of where to find trail updates from our region’s clubs, what trails are open and where you get request free travel information, or even where to buy your trail permits online.

Click here to continue reading…