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:
- World-renowned attractions like the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and Bushplane Museum
- Delectable Canadian cuisine like poutine, buttertarts, and maple syrup treats
- Year-round outdoor adventures from skiing and snowshoeing to hiking, biking, and paddling
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: 🛍️
- Hogan’s Homestead for maple syrup in over 20 flavours (bourbon and coffee-infused too!)
- Bushplane Museum Gift Shop Lots of choices including bushplane-themed souvenirs.
- Ermatinger Clergue Historic Site. Great for t-shirts, keychains, fun Canadian gifts and lots more!
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!
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.
