Adventures and Hospitality

LEARN

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a vibrant community providing a mix of urban and natural amenities and experiences. Conveniently located on the Michigan border on the St. Mary’s River, approximately a 40-minute drive from Lake Superior, there is always something to enjoy on a visit to “The Soo.” Sault Ste. Marie has many unique attractions with opportunities to learn about the area’s rich history, including the Canal National Historic Site, the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. 

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre was founded in 1989 by a group of volunteers who aimed to preserve Ontario’s rich bushplane and forest firefighting heritage. To this day, it is the only museum in Canada dedicated to the history and preservation of bushplanes and the story of the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Inside the museum, groups can explore a variety of interactive exhibits, watch a forest fire fighting film, and even climb inside the planes. 

CRUISE

Disconnect from the modern world and travel back in time aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, a full-day scenic rail adventure through the rugged, untouched landscapes that inspired the iconic “Group of Seven” Canadian artists. Comfortable coaches with large picture windows allow passengers to experience the awe-inspiring fall colors and crystal-clear lakes while carving through rock formations of the Canadian Shield. During the 90-minute stop at the Agawa Canyon, only accessible by rail, groups will be able to enjoy a picnic, go on a hike, chase waterfalls, or climb the stairs of Lookout Trail to take in panoramic views of the park.

All aboard the Miss Marie! Groups can enjoy a two-hour boat tour on the St. Mary’s River that cruises into Lake Superior and through both the historic Canadian and American lock systems. During the ride, commentary will teach passengers about the river, the locks, and surrounding areas. This is a great way to learn about some local history as well as an opportunity to see Sault Ste. Marie from a different vantage point. 

Routinely listed as one of the top 10 drives in North America, a drive along the coast of Lake Superior is nothing short of spectacular. The largest freshwater lake in the world by area, Lake Superior is vast and moody, and full of stories and legends. A drive along the breathtaking coast will serve up ever-changing scenery including waterfalls, rugged bluffs, expansive sand beaches, and awe-inspiring colors if traveling in the fall. Tourism Sault Ste. Marie has crafted customizable full-day itineraries for groups. 

SAVOR

Hogan’s Homestead is a family-owned and operated award-winning maple syrup producer located in Goulais, about a 25-minute drive north of Sault Ste. Marie. With 30,000 tapped maple trees, the Hogans ship their syrup all over the world. During March and April, groups can enjoy a true Canadian experience making their own syrup to take home with one of Hogan’s “Maple Maker Adventure” packages. There are two tour options available, each one providing groups with their own fully equipped sugar shack for syrup making and all the packaging required to take their syrup home. 

Sault Ste. Marie is well equipped to accommodate groups. It is located approximately an eight-hour drive from both Toronto, Ontario, and Chicago, Illinois, and a one-hour drive from Mackinaw City in Michigan. There are 11 hotel properties and many group-friendly local restaurants. Being a smaller city, driving around in the coach from one destination to the next is simple and fast. There is coach parking throughout the city at nearly every hotel, restaurant, or attraction. During a visit to Sault Ste. Marie, groups will be greeted with unmatched Northern Ontario hospitality!

Learn More
Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
saulttourism.com

Lead image:
Lake Superior coastline
Photo by Colin Field