Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect Ontario destination for your next fall family adventure! The Soo is one of our absolute favourite places to visit year round as a family. Combine the city’s northern appeal with the fresh beauty of fall and you have the perfect combination for guaranteed family fun!
Here are 6 things for you to do on your fall getaway to Sault Ste. Marie:
1. Get out on the water with a Sault Lock Tour aboard the Miss Marie
The Miss Marie Sault Lock Tour Boat, a two hour boat cruise, is the perfect way to experience Sault Ste. Marie from the water! Enjoy your tour along the St Marys River as you pass through the historic Canadian locks and take in the sights upriver. Then, make your way back through the American locks, returning to the Canadian waterfront.
Learn more about the surrounding area with live commentary that offers insights about the landmarks you’ll pass, the river’s lock system and the rich history and geology of the area.
The Miss Marie offers a variety of comfortable seating options and a selection of snacks for purchase to enjoy as you take in the sights all around you!
2. Chase fall colours in Northern Ontario
Fall is the perfect time to explore the beautiful trails around Sault Ste. Marie. Take a hike to the lookouts at Robertson Cliffs for epic views over the treetops! Spend some time at the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area to enjoy the forest in all of its fall glory. Be sure to visit Kinsmen Park and see Crystal Falls while you’re here!
If you’re interested in a guided hike, you can book a tour with a local company. We suggest Thrive Tours or Forest the Canoe.
3. Visit the Canadian Bushplane Museum
Everyone in the family will love a visit to the Canadian Bushplane Museum in Sault Ste. Marie. Check out the impressive collection of heritage planes on site as you learn more about bushplane aviation and forest protection in the area. Kids will love all of the hands-on exhibits throughout the centre!
While here, you can also visit the Entomica Insectarium. See a variety of insects from around the world up close in this beautiful habitat!
4. Explore the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront
Make a stop at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site! You can watch as boats make their way through the historic locks and learn more about the history of this National Historic Site.
From here you can explore the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront along the Hub Trail. Bring your bikes or take a walk on this delightful multi-use trail!
Spend some time playing at Bellevue Park. Young kids will especially enjoy the endless playgrounds at this park!
5. Hop across the border for some fun in Sault Ste. Marie USA
Did you know there are two Soos? Take a drive across the International Bridge from Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada to explore Sault Ste. Marie, MI, USA.
Visit the Soo Locks on the American side of the St. Marys River and watch from the viewing platform as the big laker boats go through the lock system. Stop in at the Visitors Center for hands-on exhibits and learn more about the history of the locks, how they work and present day operations on the river.
Make your way to the top of the 210 foot tall Tower of History for amazing views of the area! Take some time to explore the charming shops along Portage Ave, indulge in the delicious fudge made on site at Fudge du Locke and enjoy a family game at Lockside Mini-Golf.
Be sure to bring your passports and cash/credit card for toll fees.
6. Ride the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Take the iconic train ride through the rugged Northern Ontario wilderness to explore waterfalls and climb the steps to a beautiful lookout over the Agawa Canyon.
Most of the train ride takes you through forested wilderness, but there are opportunities to catch amazing views as you pass by lakes and over bridges! Snacks and meals are available for purchase on the train.
Consider booking your tickets for earlier in the season before the big crowds arrive to see peak autumn colours. We visited in early September and had lots of room on the trails, at the lookout and on the train!
Note: This experience involves an 8-9 hour train ride; use your discretion as to whether or not this would be an enjoyable experience for your children. We suggest bringing along some books, games, a device for screen time and snacks to keep everyone entertained as you make your way through the forest to the canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to eat?
Sault Ste. Marie has many delicious restaurants to choose from! Some of our favourite restaurants in the area include Gino’s Fired Up, Quattro Vinotecca and Chummy’s Grill. Looking for a cool treat? Visit the Gelato Mill by the locks or grab some yummy smoothies at Mane St Cafe.
Where to stay?
There are lots of great places to stay in Sault Ste. Marie. We have had great experiences staying at Quattro Hotel & Conference Centre, Quality Inn & Suites Bay Front and the Water Tower Inn.
Getting Here…
Book your flights to the Sault Ste. Marie airport or plan a road trip! The Soo is about 7-8 hours from the GTA, or 5-6 hours from Southern Michigan for reference. However you get here, Sault Ste. Marie is sure to be a hit for your next fall family getaway!
Thank you to Tourism Sault Ste. Marie for hosting us on this trip! All opinions are our own.