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Sault Ste. Marie
ℹ️Practical info — Sault Ste. Marie
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book the Agawa Canyon Tour Train well in advance, especially for autumn colors.
- Visit the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site to see the historic lock.
- Keep your passport handy if you plan to cross the International Bridge to the US.
- Walk or bike the Hub Trail for a great overview of the city.
🍽 Food
Order fresh whitefish at a local diner or waterfront restaurant.
Explore the West End for authentic, hearty Italian meals.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Pick up regional maple syrup from local grocers or markets.
Stroll along Queen Street for unique local shops and cafes.
Walk across the lock gates to this peaceful island with historical significance.
Relax in this large waterfront park with gardens and walking paths.
Water temperature…
Sault Ste. Marie is located on the St. Marys River in Ontario, directly on the international border with the state of Michigan, USA. Often referred to simply as 'The Soo,' the city is one of the oldest European settlements in Canada and served as a vital fur-trading post for centuries. The Soo Locks, which bypass the rapids between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, are a feat of engineering and remain essential for shipping across the Great Lakes system. The economy of Sault Ste. Marie has long been anchored by the steel industry, with Algoma Steel being the region's primary employer. Beyond industry, the city is a recognized hub for forestry research and environmental science. Tourists flock to the city as the starting point for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, which travels through the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield. The scenic waterfront boardwalk and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre showcase the city's deep connections to aviation and the northern landscape.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre · Administration Buiding / Visitor Centre · Frying Pan Island Lighthouse
- Population: ~72.051 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -9 | -9 | -4 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 7 | 1 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 45 | 49 | 74 | 76 | 86 | 79 | 83 | 98 | 120 | 84 | 70 |
Geography
Facts
- Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 as a Jesuit mission.
- The Sault Ste. Marie Canal lock was the longest in the world when it opened in 1895.
- Algoma Steel was founded in 1901 and remains the city's largest private employer.
- The city is home to the Great Lakes Forestry Centre, a federal research facility.
- The International Bridge connects the city with Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in the USA.
- The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is housed in a former provincial air service hangar.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sault Ste. Marie (12)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Agawa Canyon Tour Train?
Is the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre worth it?
What are the Soo Locks?
Where can you go hiking?
How do you cross to the USA?
Sault Ste. Marie: where is it located?
Sault Ste. Marie: what is there to see?
Sault Ste. Marie: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
