Lots to do in 3 hours or less.

Sault Ste. Marie's Time-Travelers Cultural Experiences

Travel through time when you visit the gateway to the north; the beautiful community of Sault Ste Marie. #TheSoo is steeped in a wide range of historic moments, cultural alliances and engineering designs that were established way before their time. During your stay you will discover the many stories of interesting people that paved the way for the future of the waterways, fur trade and the industrial era. Come meet our friendly, passionate interpreters of historical moments when you visit #TheSoo. You will truly feel as though you have travelled back in time!

FORT ST. JOSEPH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Average Length of Stay: 2.5 to 3 hours

Walk among the ruins and take in the stories and wonder of the place. 200 years ago this fort was the most westerly where there was a forming of alliances between the Indigenous, Métis/voyageur and the British to carry out the first military manoeuvre that won the war of 1812. 

ST. JOSEPH ISLAND MUSEUM
Average Length of Stay: 1.5 hours

Over the years, the Island has developed into a popular tourist destination, attracting boaters and vacationers from all over the world. Our largest industries include maple syrup production, with Ontario's largest producer calling St. Joe's home. The St. Joseph Island Museum Village has fascinating exhibits to represent the Island's 200+ year history, and the various facets of Island life during that time.

SAULT STE. MARIE CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Average Length of Stay: 2 to 3 hours

This site was the last lock completed to create an all Canadian water way, first electrically operated and is home to the last remaining Emergency Swing Dam. Visit the Powerhouse, emergency swing dam and view boats locking through.

ERMATINGER•CLERGUE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Average Length of Stay: 1 to 2 hours

At the Ermatinger•Clergue National Historic Site you will become immersed in the lifestyles, customs, and surroundings of early residents who built the foundations for modern Sault Ste. Marie. In the two oldest stone buildings northwest of Toronto, and surrounding gardens, you will find historical interpreters in authentic period dress who will demonstrate and explain how people lived, worked and played in historic Sault Ste. Marie. The Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse stand witness to the growth and transformation of a small encampment into a Northern Ontario hub.

CANADIAN BUSHPLANE HERITAGE CENTRE
Average Length of Stay: 2.5 to 3 hours

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is located in the historic waterfront hangar that was once home to the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Explore the centre at your leisure; we boast over 30 aircraft displays, two theatres, flight simulators, and interactive children's activities.

SAULT STE. MARIE MUSEUM
Average Length of Stay: 1 to 2 hours

This building was constructed by local craftsmen, using Lake Superior sandstone from the excavation of the locks. The Old Post Office is a prime example of eclectic Ontario architecture, combining Romanesque arched windows, Italianate decorations, and Classical cornices. Its interior consists of a magnificent oak staircase and a three-story skylight. The distinctive clock was installed in the tower in 1912. Tour three floors of exhibits that depict the heritage of our city.

ART GALLERY OF ALGOMA
Average Length of Stay: 30 minutes to 1 hour

A public art gallery dedicated to cultivating and advancing the knowledge and appreciation of visual arts in Sault Ste. Marie and district. Approximately 20 exhibitions are mounted each year featuring local, national and international artists. Our permanent collection includes original paintings by the iconic Group of Seven..

About Staff Writer Tourism SSM

Tourism Sault Ste. Marie (TSSM) was formed to bring the local tourism industry together to promote the city and assist in developing its economy.

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