Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Algoma Country is a great big wilderness playground with endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bordered by both Lake Superior and Lake Huron, surrounded by magnificent landscapes of old growth forest in the rugged Canadian Shield, Algoma offers some of the best freshwater fishing, canoeing and kayaking and hiking adventure in the country. Its rugged terrain is the perfect setting for amazing ATV and mountain bike adventure, while over 2,000 miles of groomed trails mean snowmobilers will never run out of track.
Algoma’s largest urban centre, Sault Ste. Marie is home to family friendly attractions and festivals, notably the annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival. The character of this well-connected spot was shaped over centuries by Indigenous people, explorers, voyageurs, traders, soldiers and artists, and is still evident in the lively, modern city.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma, scroll down or visit the region's tourism websites.
Where is Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma?
Algoma County hugs the north corner of Lake Huron, the southern shoreline of the mighty Lake Superior, and extends into the heart of Northern Ontario.
Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately known as ‘The Soo’) is perched on the banks of St. Marys River, which flows between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge provides convenient passage between the Soo and her American sister city, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, via US Interstate 75. The Sault Ste. Marie Airport (IATA: YAM, ICAO: CYAM) is a quick 20-minute drive from downtown and welcomes daily flights from Toronto.
Places to Visit in Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma
Key cities in this region include Sault Ste. Marie, Bruce Mines, Hearst, Searchmont, Dubreuiville and Wawa.
A familiar landmark that welcomes visitors to the entrance of Wawa is the Canada Goose. It is one of the most photographed monuments in North America.
Bruce Mines is the oldest copper mining town in Canada. Tours can be arranged at the Simpson Mine Shaft, the nation’s first copper mine.
Various events and festivals take place in the Franco-Ontario community of Hearst, like Ride Your Harley Davidson to Hearst and the Constance Lake First Nation Annual Pow Wow.
Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, is known as ‘Gichigami’ (Big Water) by the Ojibwe. Formed from volcanic activity over a billion years ago, its diverse shoreline undulates between forested wilderness, rocky cliffs and gorgeous beaches.
Things to Do in Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma
Experience pure exhilaration and freedom on a motorcycle tour in Algoma. Some of the best routes include Ride Lake Superior, The Grand Algoma, the Deer Trail Touring Route and The Island North Tour.
Tour Algoma’s wilderness by train! Board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in Sault Ste. Marie for an immersive 180 km journey north alongside pristine lakes, awesome granite rock formations and the vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. Midway through the tour, you’ll step off the train for a 90 minute stopover in Agawa Canyon Park. Head down to the floor of the great canyon and hike to one of its famed waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Black Beaver Falls, or climb up to the lookout platform 76 metres above the tracks.
With Sault Ste. Marie as your base, car and RV travellers will be nothing short of amazed at the stunning beauty that awaits along the coastal Lake Superior Route of the Trans-Canada Highway. Set out for a day of rock climbing in Batchawana Bay, hike out to the sacred Agawa Rock Pictographs in Lake Superior Provincial Park or get out on the ‘Big Water’ on a guided ‘big canoe’, stand-up paddle or sea kayak excursion.
At over two million acres (700,000 hectares), Chapleau Crown Game Preserve in the heart of Algoma Country is the largest crown game preserve in the world and renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing. Protected species include moose, beaver, fox, wolves, waterfowl, loons, owls and a healthy population of black bear.
There are endless options for both experienced anglers and those new to fishing. Fly-in, drive-in or train-in to the most remote and peaceful lakes for the best uninterrupted fishing adventure. In winter, access your favourite ice fishing spot by snowmobile.
Key Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie landmarks inspired the art of the Group of Seven. Retrace their steps by visiting interpretive installations throughout the region and gain a deeper appreciation how the Bruce Mines Area inspired Tom Thomson’s View Over a Lake, Shore with Houses, or how Chippewa Falls inspired A.Y Jackson’s sketch Stream Bed, Lake Superior Country. Admire samplings of their paintings and sketches at the Art Gallery of Algoma.
Just under an hour’s drive east of Sault Ste. Marie, cross the bridge to St. Joseph Island, the second-largest island on Lake Huron after Manitoulin. Opportunities abound for anglers of northern pike, trout, bass and salmon, and meandering country roads make the island a popular destination for touring by motorcycle or bicycle.
From Spanish to Blind River, Wawa to White River and Hornepayne to Hearst, explore local communities and towns with unique attractions, great dining and inviting accommodations, all within reach of Algoma Country's incredible outdoors.
Last updated: September 20, 2021
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