Visit Northern, Ontario
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!
Located across the St. Marys River, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is connected to Michigan by the International Bridge, making it easy to cross the border and explore a different side of the Great Lakes. In less than 15 minutes from the Soo Locks, visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, summer attractions, local food and some of Northern Ontario’s main landscapes in less than 15 minutes from the Soo Locks.
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 March 2026, $1 USD = $1.36 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
Crystal Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls near downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Located within Kinsmen Park, the trail leads visitors to scenic viewpoints overlooking an 80-foot waterfall surrounded by forested landscapes.
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Visit Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and explore our guide to the best hikes in and around the city, find routes ranging from short walks to full-day excursions.
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!
Explore the Soo on the Big Ben Tour Bus
See more of Sault Ste. Marie aboard Big Ben’s hop-on hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus. With convenient stops throughout downtown, visitors can explore top attractions, waterfront destinations, museums, and local businesses at their own pace.
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!
Explore Beaches Near Sault Ste. Marie
The Algoma region is home to a variety of beaches along Lake Superior and inland waterways. Popular destinations include Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Batchawana Bay, Harmony Beach, and Pointe des Chênes.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, beach walks, and scenic shoreline views throughout the summer season.
Explore our guide to the best beaches near Sault Ste. Marie.
Experience Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and one of Northern Ontario’s defining natural attractions. Its rugged coastline, scenic lookouts, beaches, and provincial parks draw visitors throughout the year.
A drive along the Lake Superior Coastal Route offers access to waterfalls, hiking trails, viewpoints, beaches, and some of the region’s most memorable landscapes.
Visit Sault Ste. Marie and plan your Lake Superior coastal adventure today!
Frequently asked questions
Yes. U.S. citizens crossing into Canada by land are generally required to present a valid passport or other approved travel document. Before travelling, visitors should review the latest entry requirements on the Government of Canada website: Government of Canada travel and entry requirements.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is located directly across the St. Marys River from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and is connected by the International Bridge. Visitors can reach downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in less than 15 minutes from the Soo Locks, depending on traffic and border wait times. Learn more about crossing the border at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Authority.
Sault Ste. Marie offers activities in every season. Summer is popular for beaches, hiking, paddling, and sightseeing, while fall attracts visitors looking to experience Northern Ontario’s famous autumn colours, including aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Winter offers skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Seasonal trip ideas can be found on Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s travel guides.
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Many businesses accept major credit cards, making it easy for U.S. visitors to make purchases without exchanging cash. For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Canada exchange rate converter.