Attractions and Places To See around Sault Ste. Marie - Top 4
Best attractions and places to see around Sault Ste. Marie include a blend of historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. Located at the confluence of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the city offers access to the Great Lakes and the Canadian Shield. Visitors can explore significant landmarks and diverse outdoor spaces. The area provides opportunities for both historical exploration and engagement with nature.
Best attractions and places to see around Sault Ste. Marie
- The most popular attractions is St. Mary's Island, a natural island located in the Whitefish Channel on the St. Mary's River. It is known for its wildlife, including beavers, muskrats, minks, and various water and songbirds.
- Another must-see spot is Across the lock gates, a bridge that provides access to South St. Mary's Island. A Visitor Center is located nearby, offering information about the island and its walking trails.
- Visitors also love William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial, a man-made monument. This statue commemorates a local figure known for his passion for dog sledding and is situated near the riverfront.
- Sault Ste. Marie is known for its natural islands, historical monuments, and riverfront parks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Sault Ste. Marie are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 upvotes and 2 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
St. Mary's Island
Highlight • Natural
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Sault Ste. Marie KOA Campground, Ernie's Coffee Shop, and Canal Locks
Highlight • Rest Area
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Across the lock gates
Highlight • Bridge
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William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial
Highlight • Monument
His statue is very close to the river front.
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Ashmund Bay Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tips from the Community
St. Mary's Island is a popular tourist destination in the Whitefish Channel on the St. Mary's River. There are many wild animals to see on the island, such as beavers, muskrats and minks. You can also observe numerous water birds and songbirds. It's worth packing your binoculars.
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Your way to South St. Mary's Island takes you through one of the lock gates. The Visitor Center is located right next to the lock, where you can find out more about the island and its walking trails.
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Ashmund Bay Park is a great, small park on the banks of the Upper St. Mary's River. There are great views of the river from the park, as well as a picnic area and walking trail.
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William Henry “Bill” Orazietti was a well-known local man from Sault Ste. Marie. His passions included dog sledding. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 50. His statue is very close to the river front.
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KOA place in the premium category. Not cheap, but everything "the very best". Good starting point for sightseeing and to recover from cycling. All "suppliers" can be found on the 9 km long way to the city center. A bicycle shop with a workshop ("Velorution") is almost on the way. In "The Soo", as the locals call their city, "Ernie's Coffee Shop" is recommended for a sumptuous breakfast. Slightly grubby, but tasty at reasonable prices. A visit to the lock systems (USA and Canada) is also worthwhile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural attractions to explore in Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie offers a blend of natural beauty. You can visit St. Mary's Island, a popular spot in the Whitefish Channel for wildlife viewing, or explore Ashmund Bay Park for river views and a walking trail. Beyond the immediate city, the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area features waterfalls and extensive nature trails, while Robertson Cliffs offers one of the best lookout hikes in Ontario.
Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is an engineering marvel with a rich history. You can also delve into aviation history at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, or step back in time at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. For local history, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum and the William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial along the riverfront offer unique insights.
What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
The area around Sault Ste. Marie is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and running trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Round Island Point Nature Preserve Trail' or the 'Attikamek Trail'. If you're looking for more challenging hikes, the 'Mission Hill Trail' is a moderate option. Explore more options in our guides for easy hikes, running trails, and general hiking around Sault Ste. Marie.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie offers several family-friendly options. Kids will enjoy observing boats at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site or the Soo Locks (U.S. side). St. Mary's Island is great for spotting wildlife, and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre offers interactive exhibits and flight simulators. Many local parks, like Ashmund Bay Park, also provide pleasant spaces for families.
Where can I get a good view of the city and surrounding landscape?
For panoramic views, the Tower of History (U.S. side) rises 210 feet, offering expansive vistas of Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks, the St. Marys River, and the Canadian landscape. Additionally, St. Mary's Island and Ashmund Bay Park provide scenic riverfront perspectives.
What is the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and is it worth experiencing?
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a world-famous adventure offering a scenic full-day journey through Northern Ontario. It's particularly popular in the fall for its vibrant autumn colors, granite rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. The tour includes a stop at Agawa Canyon Park, where you can hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Black Beaver Falls, making it a highly recommended experience for nature lovers.
Can I observe large ships and their operations in Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes, witnessing the massive freighters navigate the Soo Locks (U.S. side) is a fascinating experience. These iconic locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron, allowing ships to bypass the St. Marys River rapids. You can also observe boats locking through at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site on the Canadian side.
Are there any unique local spots for coffee or breakfast?
For a local breakfast experience, 'Ernie's Coffee Shop' comes recommended for its sumptuous and reasonably priced offerings. It's a great spot to fuel up before exploring the city's attractions.
What is there to do along the St. Marys River?
The St. Marys Riverfront is a hub of activity. You can enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling along the Waterfront Boardwalk at Roberta Bondar Park. The river itself offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for walleye, perch, or salmon. You can also visit St. Mary's Island, accessible via Across the lock gates, for leisurely strolls and wildlife viewing.
What is the best time of year to visit Sault Ste. Marie for outdoor activities?
While Sault Ste. Marie offers activities year-round, the fall is particularly spectacular for its vibrant autumn colors, especially if you plan to take the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Summer provides ideal conditions for hiking, kayaking, and exploring natural areas. Winter also offers opportunities for activities like winter hiking and cross-country skiing in areas like Hiawatha Highlands.
Are there any accessible attractions in Sault Ste. Marie?
Many attractions in Sault Ste. Marie strive for accessibility. For example, the William Henry 'Bill' Orazietti and Canine Heroes Memorial is noted as wheelchair accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites or contact them directly for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
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