I visited incredible places on my Northwestern Ontario Road Trip. And there is a charming little town perched on the edge of the Canada border which does not draw attention. This city is Sault Ste. Married. Although there are a multitude of things to do in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario is also an excellent base for exploring the surroundings. Excursions of a day of Sault Ste Marie go from the idyllic islands to the epic train journeys.
Traveling north of Sudbury, Ontario takes a completely different feeling. Everything seems bigger! The views are epic. The waterfalls are majestic. And there is a lake with the size and power of the sea. All the following places near Sault Ste. Marie has something special, incredible natural wonders to the charming small towns, and even an island that will bring you back in time.
Top 5 day trips from Sault Ste Marie
Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur
Just north of Sault Ste. Marie is one of the largest provincial parks in Ontario, Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur. Kissing the shores of Lake Supérieur, the largest lake in the world, this day’s day in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario is a must. The park is home to a richness of natural beauty, cascades with epic views, and can easily be appreciated in one day.
During your day trip to the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur, especially if it is your first visit, I recommend that you do the following. Your first stop in the park should be the reception center, where you will find out about the history and meaning of the park, pay your day pass and take a card. Then the historic pictograms of Agawa Rock. After a short hike, you will arrive at the edge of Lake Supérieur where you will be welcomed with a large massive cliff. Here you will find 35 old rock paintings along the cliff. One of the few pictograms sites in Ontario are accessible on foot.
Another stop to be made is in Old Woman Bay for a breathtaking view of the Lake Superior and the Grande Falaise which would be in the form of an old woman. Two hiking trails in the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur are Pinguisibi and the Nokomis trail. The Pinguisibi trail is 6 kilometers and takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. You don’t have to do everything hiking, but even with a short trek along it, you will find gushing waterfalls, quiet wooded trails and beautiful orchids. The Nokomis trail is a 5 -kilometer loop path that takes 2 to 3 hours and takes you through the boreal forest and up to an epic view of the upper lake.
Distance from Sault Ste. Marie – 140 km
Time to reach the destination – 1.5 hours
Recommended time spent – Full day
Agawa Canyon
One of the most epic day excursions of Sault Ste Marie Ontario is in Agawa Canyon. Presented as one of the best Things to do in OntarioThe AGAWA canyon is accessible by a remarkable train trip from Sault Ste. Married. This ten -hour adventure takes you north through rich forests, through the Canadian shield and on an imposing Trestle bridge. Sit down and look at the beautiful Canadian wild as it plays through your window.
During your train trip by Agawa Canyon, you will discover the history of the region, various points of interest and the stories of Ojibway through the current comment. But the main attraction is when the train descends into the AGAWA canyon where it stops for about an hour and a half. Here you can go out and explore the wonders of the canyon, such as waterfalls and a hike that will take you to an amazing belvedere.
(The visit is 10 a.m.)
The eastern upper peninsula of Michigan
During my last trip to Sault Ste. Marie, I made a magic day trip in the eastern upper peninsula of Michigan. It was early November but it was a winter wonderland! Although there is a lot to do and do on the upper Michigan peninsula, charming small towns with headlights, I recommend two main stops, especially if you only had a few hours.
After a journey through paradise (yes, you have read this property, paradise is in Michigan, well, at least a charming little town called paradise), you will first stop at Whitefish Point. It is known for many things, its panoramic view of the superior lake, the lighthouse, and it is an important area of designated birds. But Whitefish Point is famous for one of the most dangerous areas to ship to the Great Lakes. He is even nicknamed the Great Lakes cemetery. Although there has been a brilliant lighthouse here for almost 150 years, he did not throw his faithful light, the night when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. But nowadays, you can visit the lighthouse and museumFrom May to October. Or look at the powerful Thunder superimning lake in winter.
Your next stop should be Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the second largest Michigan State park. There are about 64 kilometers of trails in the park. And you can visit at any time of the year. But the draw is the beautiful falls of Tahquamenon. There are actually two falls, up and down. Tahquamenon falls are the second largest waterfall, after the Niagara falls, east of the Mississippi river in the United States.
Distance from Sault Ste. Marie – 120 km
Time to reach the destination – 1.5 hours
Recommended time spent – half a day for full day
Mackinac Island
One of the most enchanting Sault Ste. Marie’s excursions are Mackinac Island. Located in Lake Huron, a short ferry journey from St. Ignace, Michigan, Mackinac Island is something special. I have not been for years but I still remember this island without a car, accessible on foot which has something for the interests of all. There is a reason why he was elected as one of the best islands in the United States.
The island of Mackinac is home to a multitude of things to do, hiking trails with epic views, superb natural landscapes, history and a relaxing charm that is difficult to find. There are no cars on the island and with a circumference of about 13 kilometers, you can easily walk to most sites or rent a bicycle.
Some essential attractions on the island of Mackinac are the History Fort Mackinac, the Little Stone Church and Arch Rock – a natural rocky formation which creates a arch where you can see the blue waters through it. Even the picturesque city center, full of fun stores, restaurants and other notables is a must to wander because it shouts the old town in the United States. And before leaving, don’t forget to collect part of their world’s renowned Mackinac island.
Distance from Sault Ste. Marie – 88 km
It’s time to reach the destination – 1 hour
Recommended time spent – half a day for full day
Bruce Mines
If you are looking for a Charming little town in Ontario To visit an excursion of a day of Sault Ste Marie, then consider Bruce Mines. Located on the north shore of Lake Huron, Bruce Mines is full of charm. If you are hiking, you can enjoy part of the traveler path, the Grand Lakes Waterfront Trail, or you can opt for one of the natural trails like the historic mine path.
You can also enjoy navigation through their beautiful shops ranging from antiques to gift shops with pieces made by local craftsmen. Take a coffee and bite to eat at Copper Bean Café before visiting the museum, which is located in an old church. And don’t forget to visit the Simpson copper mine rod that pays homage to the history of Canada mines.
Distance from Sault Ste Marie – 70 km
It’s time to reach the destination – 50 minutes.
Recommended time spent – half -day
Which of these day trips from Sault Ste Marie would you choose?
Pin for subsequent reference!
