Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I’d come back for sure. The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Canadian history and engineering. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the site was constructed in the late 19th century to bypass the rapids on the St. Marys River, allowing ships to safely navigate between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The site offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the historic powerhouse and lock, interactive exhibits, and beautiful walking trails along the river. Visitors can also take a boat tour to see the canal from the water, which provides a unique perspective on the engineering marvel. One of the highlights of the site is the ability to witness the operation of the lock and hydropower generating station, which is still in use today. The engineering behind the canal is truly impressive, and visitors will appreciate the ingenuity and skill required to construct such a complex system over a century ago. Overall, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is a well-maintained and informative attraction that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Canada's industrial heritage and the engineering feats that helped shape the country. It's a great destination for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in the intersection of nature and technology.
Fernando PagésFernando Pagés
20
We came here on a weekend. It was really relaxing and calm. Lot of the locals came out here for workout, walking etc. The place has enough free parking and there are clean restrooms. Met a local person who mentioned the locks are hardly used as they usually see very little traffic from vacation vessels and other similar boats. Most of the heavy cargo ships go through the locks at the US border as they have better bigger locks. The place also had a historic house (guess the lock guards used to stay in) and well maintained lawns and flowers. You can also cross the locks to enter into the White Fish Island which is a nice swamp to watch birds and salmon. Definite recommend if you are going to visit the SOO.
Vimal VVimal V
10
We were fortunate enough to still get tickets to ride a boat through the locks and back. The tell you the history of the licks, but also of the bldgs. that are all around. Very clean boat, friendly, and attentive staff who would answer any questions about the boat, lakes, ships, and sights. They also offer refreshments shortly after leaving the dock for a nominal charge, and restrooms are available for both sexes independent from each other Though the tickets were a bit pricey, ( even with our discounts they were $30.00 each), I would certainly recommend this sensational tour of the locks between 2 of Michigan's Great Lakes.
Paula ThomasonPaula Thomason
10
Small information visitor center but on large grounds and expanding to include more buildings. You can walk right up to the canal and walk across it on one or two of two possible gate/dam bridges that will be in place that lead to Whitefish Island. Personal tours are also available for an additional fee. Historical information of the locks and their technology is available in a small visitor information area. Looks like you can rent bikes to ride around the park too. TIP: The US side has the Army Corps of Engineers visitor center that fully explains the Soo Locks which are the ones that all the main shipping uses now.
Cory SakaiCory Sakai
00
A National historic site, a very exciting place for kids to see how a lock system works. You can walk across a lock to the other side and explore hiking trails that cover natural water ways. Some areas were partly covered by water even on a dry day. We managed to keep our feet dry by skipping over few rocks. Depending on water levels, the entire loop may not be possible. The shorter route making a left after entering the trails will get you to the closest observation deck, and the path was pretty dry.
Waruna CWaruna C
00
Beautiful place to go to on a summer's day, can bike, drive or walk there. Have lovely, scenic trails on whitefish Island, on the other side of the canal. Can walk across the canal bridge, and sometimes watch as they drain the canal to open the doors to let boats or kayakers through. They sometimes host events here too, which is nice in the summer. I highly recommend the trails on whitefish Island,they are easy, accessible, and great to see up close the rapids.
Mo ConsMo Cons
00
Nearby Attractions Of Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Station Mall
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Galaxy Cinemas Sault Ste Marie
Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk
Cineplex
Whitefish Island
Biriyani House 786 Ltd
Minelli's Takeout
Savoy's Jewellers
Station Mall
4.0
(854)Click for details
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
4.2
(529)Click for details
Galaxy Cinemas Sault Ste Marie
4.2
(434)Click for details
Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie
3.8
(489)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Westside Cafe
The Mill Steakhouse and Wine Bar
The Whisky Barrel
Ernie's Coffee Shop
New York Fries Station Mall
The Boiler Room
Gus's Pizza
Hard Wok Cafe
Blockhouse Pub
Royal Momo
Westside Cafe
4.3
(407)Click for details
The Mill Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4.1
(352)$$$
Click for details
The Whisky Barrel
4.7
(287)Click for details
Ernie's Coffee Shop
4.7
(267)$
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6W4, Canada
Map
Phone
+1 705-941-6262
Call
Website
pc.gc.ca
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(704 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is a National Historic Site in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and is part of the national park system, managed by Parks Canada. It includes a lock to bypass the rapids on the St. Marys River. The first canal near the site was built in 1798, but was destroyed in 1814 during the War of 1812.
attractions: Station Mall, Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Galaxy Cinemas Sault Ste Marie, Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk, Cineplex, Whitefish Island, Biriyani House 786 Ltd, Minelli's Takeout, Savoy's Jewellers, restaurants: Westside Cafe, The Mill Steakhouse and Wine Bar, The Whisky Barrel, Ernie's Coffee Shop, New York Fries Station Mall, The Boiler Room, Gus's Pizza, Hard Wok Cafe, Blockhouse Pub, Royal Momo
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