"Race hard, hang out harder"
By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
When the Salty Marie Trails Fest launched in the summer of 2023, it was clear Sault Ste. Marie had something special spinning in the woods. With salty race names, a welcoming community vibe, and a killer trail network, the inaugural and second-year editions punched way above their weight. In 2025? It’s leveling up once again.
We caught up with organizer Graham Atkinson, of Red Pine Tours, to talk about what’s new, what’s big, and what to expect for this year’s edition of Salty Marie — happening this July in the heart of Northern Ontario’s rugged trail country.
Q&A with Organizer Graham Atkinson, Part 1
Question: Salty Marie years one and two got a lot of buzz — how has it evolved going into year three?
Atkinson: We were honestly stunned by the response in years one and two — over 600 participants (total) and a ton of folks from out of town. This year we’ve really leaned into that momentum. We’re growing the number of races, bringing back vendors, introducing different food options and music, and just really building out that festival atmosphere. It’s still all about the trails, but it’s starting to feel like a full-blown summer celebration.
Question: Where were participants coming from last year?
Atkinson: We had people from across Ontario, which was amazing — but what really surprised us were the long-haul visitors. We had folks come in from Michigan, Wisconsin, even Kansas City. That was a huge confidence boost. It told us we weren’t just putting on a fun local event — we were tapping into something bigger. Sault Ste. Marie is starting to land on the radar as a mountain bike destination, and that reach is only growing.
Question: What are you hoping to see this year in terms of turnout?
Atkinson: We’re aiming for 350+ participants, and we’re making a big push to get more regional and out of province riders involved this year. Last year showed us we have a community that’s hungry for this kind of thing, and the trail running scene here is really strong too. The vibe we’re after is “race hard, hang out harder” — bring your friends, bring your family, and soak up the day.
Question: The dates for this year’s event are July 25-27, what does each day look like?
Atkinson: Friday is race-setup day for the organizers, for the racers it’s the day to grab your race packs, maybe head up to Hiawatha and check out the location if you’re new to the area. Friday is also when the ‘Sultra 200’ begins. Saturday is race and festival day all day long. Sunday is a day for casual group riding, which we’ll be organizing closer to the date, and also just a day to hang out and enjoy a more casual day of riding, while we, the organizers, tear down the event.
Photos from the inagural 2023 event
Q&A with Organizer Graham Atkinson, Part 2
Question: We heard there’s a new ultra-distance event being added — tell us more.
Atkinson: Yeah, this year we’re piloting a 200 km ultra-distance route — we’re calling it the ‘Sultra 200’. It’s a beast. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it showcases the region’s long-haul potential in a way that shorter courses can’t. We’re launching it with a Grand Depart from the Downtown Plaza the night before the main festival, right after packet pickup. It’ll be a great moment to bring everyone together — riders, spectators, the whole community. That downtown energy is something we want to build on in the future too.
Question: Beyond racing, what can people expect at the festival?
Atkinson: Even if you’re not racing, there’s a lot to do. Music all afternoon, local craft beer, good food, gear demos, all kinds if things — we’re creating something that’s fun whether you’re a hardcore rider or just want to hang out in the woods and watch bikes fly by. This year we’re putting more focus on making the venue really interactive. There’ll be a few surprises too — we like to keep it fresh.
Question: Any advice for first-timers thinking of checking it out?
Atkinson: Don’t be intimidated. We’ve got everything from a 2 km kids’ loop to the full 50 km and now the ultra. You can race it, ride it, run it, or just cheer people on. You don’t have to show up with the fanciest bike or the best fitness — just come ready to have a good time. That’s what the Salty Marie is all about.
Question: Final thoughts going into year three?
Atkinson: We’re excited — and really grateful. This event wouldn’t exist without the support of the local community, the businesses, and the volunteers who stepped up last year and are coming back in full force. We’ve got big dreams for where this could go, but at the end of the day, it’s still about getting people out on the trails, making memories, and celebrating the wild beauty of this part of the province. That’s the magic.
The Details, including the Races
This year the Salty Marie Trails Festival is July 25-27. There are multiple mountain bike race options, ranging from the beginner friendly 2km ‘Saltine Shred’, to the epic 50km ‘Big Brine’. There are also mid-distance races, the 10km ‘Low Sodium’ and the 25km ‘Saline Short’ events.
In addition, there also 10km and 25km running events happening during the Salty Marie Trails Fest.
Register online for the Salty Marie Trails Festival, hosted by Red Pine Tours and the Sault Cycling Club at the Hiawatha Highlands
Photos from year two, in 2024
Make a weekend of it!
Come for a races, stay for the weekend! Enjoy a 90-minute river cruise on the Miss Marie Soo Locks Tour boat! If you are just looking to relax and enjoy some local drinks, check out our own microbrewery Northern Superior.
Check out our famous Bushplane Museum featuring 24 real Bushplanes to explore! Inside the Bushplane Museum you’ll also find Entomica Insectarium, complete with a host of real life insects and bugs you can actually hold!
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.
Get info about hotel stays or any other info by visiting the respective page on our website… and enjoy the races!
