Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours — Attraction in Sault Ste. Marie

Sadly disappointed with our experience here yesterday. We reserved spots on the haunted Soo Locks cruise. The only thing haunting about it was the money I wasted. This experience was supposed to be hosted by the UP paranormal society and be a two hour ride that was described as "spine chilling with history and stories of the haunted area .. The evening started with a local dance group doing witch themed dances from shore. They were entertaining and engaging. We thoroughly enjoyed watching them however it seemed like they had volunteered to be there and were a planned part of the attraction. The boat's sound system lacked volume, with many speakers not working so when someone was on the PA it was hard to tell what they were even saying. There is a upper and lower deck, we chose to sit on the upper deck. Again we went for the haunted experience and that was never given. Up paranormal "celebrity " guests never came out of cabin or introduced themselves. When we could hear some of the stories being told it was in a monotone voice and vague descriptions of buildings in the distance. None were pointed out to us with the commentary so we weren't entirely sure where we were looking in the first place. In fact we thought we were listening to a prerecorded story track until there was a vague comment about a eagle flying around. Most stories were not local to the area. No mystery or enthusiasm were added to the stories. There were concessions available for cash in the bottom deck. Popcorn, cider, beer, doughnuts. Many other guests on the boat were complaining as well. It was a boring ride , lacking in the haunted experience we were promised. We paid a premium of $45 per person to ride this cruise and it was a waste of time and offered none of the promised experience. Would not recommend the haunted cruise to anyone it's a tourist...

Well, kind of loved it. Five stars tho!!!! The Soo locks is always a must see!!! No matter what. So so cool!!! The Locks, boat tour , the big ships coming in! That being said, It's sad to say since our last visit a few years ago, it's not close to what it used to be. Run Down houses not as pretty. I would hope this review is seen and some action taken with all the money we and many , many others who drive miles to be here, because we LOVE IT would please start doing something to bring the Soo we know, historical, majestical, awesome!!! I get the economy, trust me. Not having the means by the locals to do anything to fix what they own. Government Grants are available if someone would put the work in to do it! ( I have done this for my area ) But then what's the Historical Society for? Surely here should be number one!!! Limited sites historical and otherwise All closed! On a Monday. I enjoyed the small strip of cute shops and the big ships and locks. Saw a couple shipped come in Should be more pet friendly to be honest. We have a little one we never leave so that made it hard for hubby and I look at the very few sites. As far as lodging. DO NOT BOOK ECONO USED TO BE LOCK VIEW. THEY MAY BE FIXING UP WITH NEW OWNERS called "ADOBE" ( I believe ) a new franchise I think but we book 3 weeks in advance having stayed a few ago. First they r NOT CABINS! AND WE ARRIVED ON TIME With NOT ONE PERSON THERE TO CHECK US IN !! IT TOOK A WORKER TO FINALLY GET US IN PROBABLY THE DUMPIEST ROOM THERE WAS. DIRTY, OLD Dumpy...THANK Goodness IT WAS HERE at the Soo.. SO WE COULD Walk around. The price for what we got wasn't worth it. We paid less at a nice hotel with pool...

It looks like they have 2 boats and a rival boat tour business also had 2 boats out. We were probably about 1/3 capacity for the Saturday locks and lighthouse tour scheduled for 4.5 hrs. 1 of the locks temporarily broke down after we had passed thru which caused a bit of congestion resulting in closer to a 6.5 hour tour so they gave everyone a free drink (a beer if desired) and free popcorn. They also sold drinks, popcorn and candy on the boat

The crew consisted of 3 people who were all very friendly.

I really enjoyed the trip but if one brings young children who cannot tolerate staying onboard a ship for multiple hours then I suggest avoiding the longer tour in case one of the locks goes down resulting in a longer than planned trip.

I brought with me a sandwich, banana, pastries and a drink in a little collapsible, lunch cooler so the extra time didn't bother me. Had I naught, then I probably would have gotten 'hangry' (lol) trying to eat only popcorn, candy bars and soft drinks.

Most people spent the trip on the top deck until we turned back at the halfway point when cool winds picked up but very shortly afterwards the mid-day sun warmed everyone up so few stayed on the lower deck.

The upper deck is just a roof and benches for sitting whereas the lower deck had windows and a mixture of benches, chairs and tables.

If one comes all the way up to the area, you're kind of missing a unique opportunity if one doesn't take atleast 1 boat...