“Situated at the heart of the Great Lakes, along the banks of the St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste. Marie is an international port of entry to the United States and continues to be an important destination for business, trade, and travel.”–City of Sault Ste. Marie website
Welcome to “The Friendliest City” 🏙️
If you have ever traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, then you most likely are familiar with “The Soo.” Despite the fact John, my husband, and I traveled to and briefly stayed in this area June 2023, I never picked up on the name. However, after spending a short time in Sault Ste. Maria, Ontario, I can say with confidence that I now not only know what “The Soo” is, but also I have been there and would highly recommend visiting this welcoming, community-centered place.
According to the city’s website, Sault Ste. Marie is known as the “Friendliest City” in Algoma, a district in Ontario. I can certainly believe that assessment based upon our encounters during our recent visit. John and I met numerous friendly and helpful people throughout our short stay. During our stay, the Sault Ste. Marie was energetic and bustling during a temperate June weekend. The city was dressed in its best, filled with murals, gigantic art sculptures, and stunning, overflowing flower-lined streets and walks.
A bridge apart
Sault Ste. Marie is nestled along the St. Mary’s River, which serves as an international divide between the US and Canada. The city was incorporated 1912, but it was founded in 1680. The town’s rich history makes sense given the fact it is situated among three of the five Great Lakes, including Superior, Huron, and Michigan. Specifically, The Soo Locks, located on the St. Mary’s River, allow freighters to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. In fact, according to Sault Ste. Marie Pure Michigan, these locks move 86 million tons of cargo each year, which includes 95% of the United States’s iron ore.
Walkable/Bikeable City 🚶🚲
One of the first noticeable highlights of Sault Ste. Marie is how walkable the town is! Sidewalk lined streets, a boardwalk along the St. Mary’s River, and numerous other trails connected various parts of the city. We were fortunate enough to stay at the Delta, a hotel right along the Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk. Measuring 2.6 km (1.6 miles), this boardwalk offers delightful views of the river, The Soo Locks, river traffic, and ample opportunities for people watching at the Roberta Bondar Park and Tent Pavilion. There are numerous picnic tables, benches, and gorgeous landscaping along the path.
Visual Appeal 🖼️
Images from the Elsie Savoie Sculpture Park at the Art Gallery of Algoma.
Just steps from the end of Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk is the Art Gallery of Algoma. Overlooking the St. Mary’s River near public parks and trails, the Art Gallery of Algoma, according to its website, is committed to “celebrating culture, educating visitors, and enriching lives through the visual arts.” This commitment could be clearly seen and felt from the outside (They were closed on the day of our visit.) via their permanent outdoor exhibit, the Elsie Savoie Sculpture Park. These larger than life sculptures feature both Canadian and American artists and offer visitors and pedestrians alike visual interest, and, of course, plenty of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Additionally, the gallery offers numerous tours, a gallery shop, a cafe, numerous special programing, and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Historical Walk 🏢
At the other end of the Waterfront Boardwalk is the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, Saint Mary’s Island, and the Attikamek Trail. The island can only be explored by walking or biking along the Attikamek Trail. This 2.5 km (1.5 miles) loop offers visitors spectacular opportunities to view and photograph wetlands, wildlife, the International Bridge, and the Canal Historic Site. Additionally, visitors can also view Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan directly across the river. According to one person, the island and trail are popular attractions for both locals and visitors.
The Hub of the City 🚶🏽♀️
Additionally, the Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk is part of the 25 km (15.52 miles) John Rowswell Hub. This trail was designed to create recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike as it connects several important sights of historical, cultural, and natural areas throughout the city. John and I couldn’t help but notice that our hotel offered bike storage for those visitors hoping to take advantage of this trail and numerous other nearby biking and hiking trails. (There are even opportunities for winter fat biking!)
Flying High 🚁
Unfortunately for John and me, our visit was short, so we only had time to explore the riverfront area of The Soo. However, one attraction we would have loved to have visited was the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This unique museum, according to its website, was established in 1987 by a nonprofit (www.bushplane) to safeguard Canada’s beloved bush planes and their history of forest fire protection. Most reviewers wholeheartedly recommend setting aside two-three hours to get the most out of this museum. Appropriately located in a waterfront airplane hangar, this interactive center offers visitors 24 aircraft exhibits, including a CL-215 water bomber and the original De Havilland Beaver. If we have the opportunity to travel to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, this is one attraction that we definitely plan to visit.
A Boatload of Fun 🛳️
Another fun draw to The Soo includes a boat tour on the Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours. This two hour tour takes visitors through both the Canadian and American Locks. It does not require a passport, and offers various package and group rates. Based upon the group John and I saw heading out, these boat tours look like a popular, and highly demanded attraction, and it is another adventure we wouldn’t mind experiencing on another visit.
Goat what?
Imagine a goat beside you on the yoga mat instead of your beloved dog or cat? Sound impossible, but it’s not!
One of the more whimsical sites I wished I could have visited was Goatopia. This singular business, according to its website, offers goat therapy as a way to feel “calmer, lighter, and internally more spacious.” Goatopia offers group socials where participants of all ages can go to interact, groom, and learn about goats. They also offer goat-yoga, which involves practicing yoga while goats roam freely throughout the space, interacting with practitioners. Plus, they offer group classes/corporate team building, community events, and birthday parties with their mobile goat petting farm!
Catch the Soo Vibe 🤙
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario offers has much to offer tourists. From the local farmer’s market to numerous parks and beaches, from a wide array of shopping opportunities to a number of museums and cultural events, and from sports and recreational activities to numerous restaurants and dining venues, this town has something for everyone. The welcoming vibe of “The Soo” can be felt in its warm people, interconnected footpaths, and centrally located, community-focused commerce, culture, and recreation along the beautiful St. Mary’s River. Whether you’re visiting the Upper Peninsula, traveling through Ontario, or simply looking for a unique destination, Sault Ste. Marie is a vibrant and highly recommended locale.
Steph Simply 