Sault Ste. Marie Travel Guide: Undiscovered Canada

Sault Ste. Marie in Canada is one of Ontario’s premier adventure towns, known for its rugged lakes, mountains, and world-class outdoor activities. Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect location to embrace Canada’s outdoor splendour, providing endless appeal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, families, and couples. A visit can also be paired with a trip to iconic cities like Toronto as part of a wider Canada holiday.

Here at Canadian Affair, we are the Canada travel experts, so get in touch today to start planning your trip. Read this in-depth guide to learn more.

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Where is Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie is in Northern Ontario, on the border with Michigan, USA. This picturesque city is at the heart of the Great Lakes on the St. Marys River, between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Sault Ste. Marie is a three-hour drive from Sudbury (the largest city in Northern Ontario) and 7-8 hours from Toronto. For those who fancy a grand Canada road trip, Sault Ste. Marie is an excellent destination to include on your itinerary.

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What is the weather like in Sault Ste. Marie?

There is an adventure awaiting travellers in every season at Sault Ste. Marie. As the gateway to outdoor activities, you can look forward to something special all year round.

Here is what to expect with Sault Ste. Marie weather:

• Summer (June–Aug): Warm (20–25°C), great for hiking, biking, and water activities.
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Vibrant and cool (3°C-19°C), perfect for the Agawa Canyon train.
• Winter (Dec–March): Cold and snowy (–10 to –1°C), popular for snowmobiling and skiing.
• Spring (April–May): Cool but scenic (0°C-17°C) and quieter for travel.

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Summer to early autumn are very popular times to visit Sault. Ste. Marie. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy all the activities Sault Ste. Marie is most known for, such as kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. Summer is also the best time to hit some of the best sandy beaches in Ontario.

Autumn is also very attractive, perfect for scenic walks in Sault Ste. Marie’s majestic forests or along the area’s mountainous terrain. The cold, snowy winters mean there is also plenty to enjoy during the winter months. Look forward to downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiling, ice caves, and more. Visitors can also participate in a variety of indoor, outdoor, and cultural activities at the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.

What is Sault Ste. Marie known for?

Sault Ste. Marie is known for its world-class outdoor activities and position among the Great Lakes. The city is also famous for its Agawa Canyon Tour Train, a scenic rail trip through the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield, with rides beginning in August of each year. Sault Ste. Marie is also known for the St. Marys River locks and canal system, a National Historic Site. Further still, the city is the gateway to Lake Superior and the Trans-Canada Highway.

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Key facts about Sault Ste. Marie

• Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest settlements in North America.
• Sault Ste. Marie is known locally as “The Soo”.
• Sault Ste. Marie borders the USA via the International Bridge.
• Sault Ste. Marie is located on the Trans-Canada Highway.
• Sault Ste. Marie provides easy access to two of the three Great Lakes.

• Ride the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
• Explore Lake Superior Provincial Park
• Kayak or canoe the St. Marys River
• Go mountain biking at Hiawatha Highlands
• Visit the Art Gallery of Algoma
• View wildlife and go birdwatching
• Snowmobile on world-class winter trails
• Ski, snowshoe, and ice skate
• Take a boat tour or a fishing charter
• Explore the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
• Go stargazing in the nearby dark sky preserves

A Sault Ste. Marie holiday allows for endless opportunities, largely thanks to its incredible lakes, water sports and world-class outdoor activities. Lazy days on its sandy beaches are also an option, as well as plentiful hiking opportunities.

Book a ticket aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train to experience the best of the area, offering spectacular views of the Canadian Shield and its forests and mountains.

Are there any good places to eat in Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie offers a wide range of great restaurants, making it easy to find a tasty meal when you are in town. From family-friendly eateries to classic diners, there are plenty of options. Some of the best restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie include:

• Giovanni's Restaurant: A family-friendly Italian dining restaurant.
• Ernie’s Coffee Shop: This is a small, classic diner, known for its tasty seafood.
• The Whisky Barrel: A cosy pub with Scottish fare and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Arturo's: A friendly restaurant serving up a fresh menu of Italian cuisine.

Can I stay in Sault Ste. Marie?

You can stay in Sault St. Marie at one of the city’s hotels or B&Bs. You can also stay at one of the area’s campgrounds or RV parks, which is a perfect option for those with their hearts set on an Ontario road trip.

You can also choose to stay elsewhere in Ontario, allowing you to travel between Sault Ste. Marie and some of the province’s other must-visit destinations. Get in touch, and we can offer you tailored hotel recommendations.

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