The Sault has the most outdoor play space available for the adventurer and great trail systems in and around the surrounding area. If you have your bike or just enjoy walking, check out the Hub Trail and Waterfront Boardwalk. The Sault also offers bowling, mini-golf, which I have not commented on because they are self-explanatory. You really need to know about the gems and rockin' spots in town to play.
In my opinion, you must, MUST, at least once in your life visit the Sault Ste. Marie Museum whether you live in Sault Ste. Marie or not. Take pride in heritage and collective history and you take pride in your community as a whole. Remember, you are a part of this community even if you are only visiting. Anyway, on with the reviews!
1. Agawa Canyon Tour Train What's so great about a tour train? I'll tell you: this tour takes you on a Northern adventure through the heart of the Canadian Shield . You will see vistas you never knew existed and in our own backyard to boot! The tour leaves from the Station downtown Sault Ste. Marie and heads north into the great wilderness 114 miles. The tour is offered in five languages, in a non-smoking and relaxing environment. All four seasons are a spectacle to see; however, I recommend going either in the fall for the spectacular view of the changing colours or in the winter to enjoy the beauty of the snow fall.
2. Searchmont Resort For the skier in winter or hiker in the summer, Searchmont Resort is the place for adventures.
3. Tree Top Adventures Zip-lining anyone? Only the brave and adventurous need apply.
4. Spruce Haven Zoo Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh MY! Okay, maybe not but they do have an exotic group of animals waiting for you.
5. OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie Like to Gamble? You'll like our quaint casino for all your cards and slot cravings, and their restaurant doesn't get enough credit either. Fun for ages 19+ :)
HISTORICAL SITES
1. Ermatinger Old Stone House - The one thing the Sault isn't short on are historical sites. In case you didn't know, our community was first founded by Europeans in 1622 and that's old. Many a warring tribe forced any kind of settler or mission out of the area and it really wasn't until the late 18th Century that Sault de Gaston started to make a name for itself. With the help of the Northwest Company and a ship yard, this area started to attract more settlers. By the 1812, a fur trader by the name of Charles Oakes Ermatinger built this home out of the pudding stones found naturally in the St. Mary's River. Since 1814, this home has been used as a house, courthouse, boarding house, tavern and schoolhouse (talk about multitasking). It's a wonder to see as one of the oldest buildings west of Toronto. Also on the grounds,is the Clergue Block House . Used as a powder magazine by the Northwest Company in the 18th Century, Francis H. Clergue (one of the founding industrialists of the early 20th Century) decided to make his house out of it prior to building a staunchy mansion on the hill. It was removed from it's original grounds near the Casino and placed next to the Old Stone House. Both places are a great historical reminder of the beginnings of our city and should be visited at least once in your life time. It's also downtown and across the street from the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Museum.
2. Sault Ste. Marie Museum - For those of you who love history, the Sault Museum is a great place to visit. It's not large and overwhelming nor is it bursting at the seams with information to throw you off. Each section of the museum is carefully selected to bring it's visitors the best exhibits. If you visit their website, you can obtain a feel for what our community was like 100 years ago. I love history, so I could spend all day talking to their curator and looking at our community's historical artifacts. The museum is located downtown and within walking distance from any downtown hotel.
3. Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre - Ah, the fun of flight! This museum is interactive and hands-n and boasts a myriad of functions such as conference and meeting hosting. Did I mention the suspended and grounded planes that are everywhere and the flight simulator - it's truly a wonder! The cost of the tour is cheap for families and they do have a gift shop. This museum teaches you about the wonders of flight and forest fire displays. The CBHC is located downtown and a few minute walk from most hotels downtown.
4. Sault Locks Canal The first and oldest Lock in Ontario, was built in 1798 by the Northwest Company and burned by the Americans in the War of 1812 . It was re-built in 1895 and again in 1998 as a recreational watercraft lock. Enough about the lock, it's the trail system and bird conservation area on St. Mary's Island. If you want an up-close encounter with ancient rockbeds, nature and a great green space within the city, this is the place for you! Bring your leashed dog, or take a bike ride around the trails.
5. Historic Fort St. Joseph If you're feeling up for a drive, head east on HWY 17 to St. Joseph's Island to visit Historic Fort St. Joseph. The site has the original foundations of the Fort from 1812 and the museum holds archaeological pieces from the era. Worthy of a family picnic and drive to scenic St. Joseph's Island.
SPORTS
1. Soo Greyhounds We in Sault Ste. Marie love our hockey and pride ourselves on our local OHL team. Many of our players go on to play in the NHL and can boast our local boys, such as Ron Francis and Tyler Kennedy, who learned to play the game here and went on to the NHL. Check out the Soo Greyhound game schedule and catch a live game at the Essar Centre
2. Sault Amateur Soccer Association It's the premier Soccer association here in town. The list of leagues and game schedules are all listed and most games are played on Strathclair Fields, located on Second Line East. If you want to catch a game or enrol your child, visit SASA's website for information.
3. Golf, Golf, Golf! There are several courses in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area:
i) Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club - (705)759-2695 - A semi-private course, the Sault Golf Club is located on Queen St. East. Call them today for a tee-off time.
ii) Root River Golf Club - (705)759-8780 - Located off of HWY 17 North, this 9 hole course is just what amateurs and beginners alike can handle.
iii) Crimson Ridge - (705)254-4653 - Located on 4th Line West, plan to have a car available for the journey as there is no public transportation to this course. It's a beautiful and scenic course, match for beginners and pros alike.
iv) Island Springs Golf Resort - (705) 246-1400 - Pretty St. Joseph's Island, this course is challenging and fun for being only 9 holes but I do recommend you post your scores back to us for the 2nd hole. It's always been our arch-nemesis.
v) Silver Creek Golf Course, Garden River (705) 942-2080 - Just down HWY 17 East, Silver Creek is the newest addition to our golfing enthusiasts.
