15 Fun Things to do in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario this Summer

Summer in Sault Ste. Marie is nothing short of spectacular. With easy access to the rugged wilderness of Lake Superior and the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, there are endless opportunities for hiking, paddling and spending time in nature. With a fun and relaxed city vibe, Sault Ste. Marie is also a great spot to delve into arts and culture, with cool museums, iconic and urban art, and a delicious culinary scene just waiting to be devoured. If you’re looking for a summer getaway mixed with adventures in nature, exciting sightseeing experiences, and a laid-back vibe, then Sault Ste. Marie is your spot.

Hit the Water

Sault Ste. Marie Lock Boat Tour

Ever wonder what it’s like to “lock through” in the Soo? Get the unique experience of locking through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal locks onboard the Miss Marie. Choose from two daily tours which pass through both the Canadian and American locks, and watch as your boat slowly lifts and lowers, bypassing the turbulent St. Mary’s rapids. There are also sunset cruises available throughout the summer months, complete with complimentary snacks, and unforgettable sunset views.

Paddle with Forest the Canoe

With easy access to Lake Superior and the beautiful landscapes north of the city, paddling is a must-do activity while in Sault Ste. Marie. Forest the Canoe is a local outfitter specializing in paddling experiences on Lake Superior and the Goulais River. Owner Ryan Walker is a Paddle Canada certified canoe and kayak professional, expert in waterways in the region, and provides a truly unforgettable experience on the water.

Take a half-day paddling tour on the curvy Goulais River or beautiful Lake Superior, then head to a secluded sandy spit to enjoy a much-deserved break with a snack of locally smoked Whitefish from Agawa Fisheries, paired with homemade cedar blueberry iced tea. No paddling experience? No to worry. Paddle pro Ryan provides the perfect introduction for those looking to learn, giving first-timers the confidence and skills necessary to hit the water.

Have a Beach Day at Pancake Bay Provincial Park

It’s one of the best beaches in Ontario, and when you get your first glimpse of Pancake Bay Beach you’ll see why. This stunning 3.2 km stretch of white sandy beach at Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a must for sun seekers, and those with sandcastles as their specialty. The sandy bottom and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the cool refreshing waves will be calling your name on hot summer days.

Fun Downtown Attractions

Discover Urban Art on the Sault Ste. Marie Mural Walking Route

When driving into the city there’s no doubt you’ll do a double take as you catch glimpses of colourful urban art popping out around every corner. Head out on foot and follow the self-guided Sault Ste. Marie mural walking tour to discover 19 significant works of urban art by local, Indigenous and international artists adorning prominent street corners, and tucked into hidden alleyways. Don’t miss the beautiful mural “Battle of the Seven Clans” by Ojibway artist Thomas Sinclair, and stop for a giant octopus selfie at the larger-than-life piece “Changing Tides”.

The Canadian Bush Plane Museum

Aviation lovers and anyone with a curiosity about Canada’s aviation past will want to make a stop at the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre, one of Sault Ste. Marie’s top attractions. Walk among iconic aircrafts like the De Havilland Beaver bush plane, the Canadair CL-215, an important firefighting aircraft and the biggest in the museum’s collection, and the bubbly Bell 47, the first helicopter allowed for civilian use. Take a spin in the flight simulator, learn how to send Morse code, and climb into the cockpit of a vintage Saunders ST27 passenger plane for those vintage captain vibes. Be sure to catch the captivating film “Wildfires!” highlighting the important work that aerial firefighting crews undertake each year in the Canadian North.

Get Inspired at the Algoma Art Gallery

Art lovers will want to make a stop at the Art Gallery of Algoma, brimming with amazing Indigenous art, contemplative contemporary painting, and iconic pieces from famous Canadian artists. Since many of their masterpieces were painted in the Algoma Region, the Group of Seven is predominantly featured, and you may even spot artworks depicting the scenes on your camera roll from your travels around the region. Be sure to stop in the art gallery giftshop; it’s a great place to pick up beautiful art prints, photo books, handmade jewelry and cool ceramics from local artisans.

Ride the Big Ben Sightseeing Bus

Leave the driving to the pros and spend a day exploring the city on the Sault Ste. Marie Big Ben Hop-on Hop-off bus. Tour the city on the 120-minute route, which passes by the city’s main neighbourhoods including the Canal District and Downtown Plaza, and hop on and off as much as your heart desires. The bus makes stops at popular attractions like the Bush Plane Museum, Art Gallery of Algoma and the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic site, perfect for those looking to spend a day seeing the sights with ease.

Hikes and Historic Sites

Spend a day at Lake Superior Provincial Park

Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect home base for anyone looking to explore the stunning Lake Superior Provincial Park. Pick up a day-use permit at the Agawa Bay Visitors Centre, then head north and spend the day hiking spectacular trails, exploring rugged shorelines, and picnicking at scenic beaches. Some highlights from the park include the cascading waterfalls along the Sand River Falls Trail, the sacred Indigenous pictographs of Agawa Rock, epic views from the Nokomis Trail and the secluded rocky beach of the Orphan Lake Trail.

Take a Sunset Stroll Along the Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk and Waterfront Trail

When the sun begins to dip behind the International Bridge, it’s time to head out for a stroll on the Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk. Follow the beautiful 2 km waterfront trail skirting the shoreline of the St Mary’s River, and watch as boats head to and from the locks as the sky turns scarlet. Don’t forget to take a selfie on the giant blue Muskoka chair fit for four at Clergue park, and watch as avid anglers troll the still evening waters in search of one final catch.

Locks and Trails at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site of Canada

No trip to Sault Ste. Marie is complete without a stop at the famous Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. Start at the Visitors Centre and learn about the history of the locks, once the longest in the world, and the final link in the Canadian Great Lakes St. Lawrence shipping route. Check out the historic Superintendent’s house (or join an afternoon tea event on the verandah in the summer months), then watch as boats of all shapes and sizes pass through the 77-metre-long locks. The Emergency Swing Dam at the west end of North St. Mary’s Island is also worth the walk. Constructed to reduce water flow in the event of an emergency lock failure, the majestic structure is the last of its type in the world and something to behold.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, cross the locks to South St. Mary’s Island, and head out for a hike along the 2.2 km Attikamek trail. Pass through woods and wetlands, over scenic boardwalks, and get postcard-worthy panoramic pics from lookout points along the way. You’ll often see fishing enthusiasts casting into the turbulent St. Mary’s Rapids looking for a bite, and if you’re lucky you might spot a giant cargo ship (some the size of a football field!) exiting the American lock system to the south. Look up as you pass under the majestic international bridge as cars cross above, and keep an eye on the ground as wildlife scurries, slithers and saunters across the trails. If fat biking is your thing, you can rent a set of wide wheels at the Visitor’s Centre and explore the trails with the wind in your hair.

Hike Whitefish Island National Historic Site

Located on the territory of the Batchewana First Nation, Whitefish Island was formed more than 2000 years ago, and was an important Indigenous settlement and trading post. It gained its name from the abundance of whitefish in the waters surrounding the island; an important food source for First Nations Peoples in the region.

The island is now home to a beautiful 1.5 km loop hiking trail, accessed from the Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site’s Attikamek Trail. Take the peaceful wildflower-lined trail around the island and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. Late in the day, you may even spot beavers which maintain an important dam system responsible for the marshland habitat much of the wildlife on the island calls home.

Learn About the History of Sault Ste. Marie at the Ermatinger Clerge National Historic Site

The Ermatinger Clerge National Historic Site is a great place to dive into the storied history of the region, get an understanding of lives of European settlers, and learn about the dynamics around the war of 1812. Discover the famous figures in Sault Ste. Marie’s colonial, industrial and military past, and gain an appreciation of the role Indigenous communities and the British military played in gaining and maintaining the sovereignty of Canada in the region. Catch the introductory movie in the cinema for some much-needed background, then dive back in time and explore the famous Blockhouse and Old Stone House, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the iconic founding figures of Sault Ste. Marie’s past.

*Save with the Sault Cultural Attractions Pass

A great deal for anyone wanting to visit multiple Sault Ste. Marie attractions, the Sault Cultural Attractions Pass offers admission to five of Sault Ste. Marie’s best attractions for a discounted Price. Buy a pass online and get access to the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre, Entomica Insectarium, Art Gallery of Algoma, the Ermatinger Clerge National Historic Site, and the Sault Ste. Marie Museum - all must-see when in the city.

Eat and Drink in Sault Ste. Marie

Breakfast and Baked Goods

It’s the most important meal of the day, and Sault Ste. Marie has you covered when morning hunger strikes. Perhaps the most well-known spot for a scrumptious breakfast bounty is the famous Breakfast Pig. Fuel up for the day with a plate of peameal bacon, eggs and addictive home fries, or satisfy your morning sweet tooth with fluffy French toast layered in Canadian maple syrup.

If coffee culture is more your vibe, satisfy your caffeine cravings at one of the Soo’s local cafés. Sip a frothy cappuccino paired with some much-revered butter tarts at the Queen’s Tarts, or grab a java and flaky croissant at Shabby Motley surrounded by balls of yarn and all things knitted.

If you’re looking for some tasty treats for the road, take the short drive out of downtown to Superior Home Baking. This highly rated European-style bakery serves up all the classic bakery goods, from fresh-baked loaves of rye and sourdough, to sinful donuts, cinnamon buns and giant apple fritters.

Dinner and Drinks

Avid foodies will be in heaven with Sault Ste. Marie’s amazing and diverse culinary scene. Slide into a waterfront seat at Fluid Boardwalk Patio and Grill’s scenic waterfront patio for hip al fresco eats, or dive into inventive Asian-fusion cuisine paired with handcrafted cocktails at Peace Restaurant. The historic Canal District is also home to some great dining options. Chow down on a gourmet grilled cheese or giant Train Wreck Burger at the Blockhouse Pub surrounded by towering red brick walls, or indulge in a tender prime rib dinner at the Mill Steakhouse and Wine Bar.

If you’re looking to sample some local brews, Sault Ste. Marie has some noteworthy pints just waiting to be cheersed. Head to the source at Northern Superior Brewing’s Tap room and sample a flight of their best brews, including the Northern Superior Lager, Northern Superior Red Maple or Northern Lights Pilsner. Enjoy your brews with a tasty charcuterie board or pretzel with beer cheese, and relax on their lively two-story patio as the day fades away.

Cool off with a Cone

There’s nothing better than a cool treat on a hot summer day, and Sault Ste. Marie has some serious scoops worth exploring. With an extensive selection of tempting flavours, Holy’s Cow’s Ice Cream Parlour is a go-to in the Soo, while the Big Moose Ice Cream Parlour is a favourite among road-trippers returning from a day exploring northern parks. If traditional gelato is more your vibe, then head to the Gelato Mill in the historic Canal District for a cup of house-made gelato, or customize your own ice cream sandwich with tasty flavours like salted caramel, mango, and cherry cheesecake.

To find more information to plan your visit to the Soo, visit Sault Ste. Marie Tourism.

Some activities in the above were provided by Algoma Country Tourism, although all recommendations are our own.