23 Reason You Will Not Be Bored This Winter

Mother Nature doesn't have to hold you back from having fun.

2015 is here and it's a time to get out, be adventurous and take advantage of some new experiences in the beautiful city of Sault Ste. Marie! Here is your Winter Bucket List of things to see and do while visiting this winter!

To begin, the weather here in Sault Ste. Marie varies greatly. Our seasons are quite distinct, allowing us to offer many types of adventure and travel options, but dressing for the unpredictability is important so Mother Nature doesn't hold you back from having fun!

This winter, bundle up and enjoy some of the city's best winter adventures!
 

Weather Information

Average Monthly Temperatures
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
°C/°F 11/11 6/19 0/32 8/47 16/61 20/68 24/75 23/74 18/65 10/60 4/39 4/24

Yearly Precipitation: 906 mm (35.66")
Average Snowfall: 472 cm (189")
Record Snowfall: 1989-90, 782 cm (308")
Latitude: 46°30-N
Longitude: 84°30-W/O

Weather Links

Environment Canada 5-day Forecast
The Weather Network

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Without further ado, and in no specific order, here is your Bucket List for Sault Ste. Marie this winter!

  1. Alpine Skiing
  2. Cross-Country Skiing
     

     JJS2900

    Photo credit: Searchmont Ski Resort

  3. Ice Skating
  4. Cafes Locals Love
  5. Best of Italy
  6. A Day At The Spa
  7. Snowshoeing

     

    spa party girls

    Photo credit: Greenhouse Spa

  8. Local Entertainment
  9. Mill Market
  10. Entomica - Insectarium
  11. Fly Fishing - St. Mary's Rapids All Year Round
  12. Drop In For A Class At A Wellness Studio
     

    Shaun leading

    Photo credit: Superior Exploration

  13. Snowmobiling
  14. Scenic Drives
  15. Ice Climbing
  16. Ice Fishing
  17. Shopping Downtown
     

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    Photo credit: 49th Apparel

  18. Local Attractions
  19. A Sleigh Ride At Mocking Bird Hill Farms
  20. Arts
  21. Musical Comedy Guild
     

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    Photo from Jackson Reed's post on Live at Cafe Natura - Sault Ste. Marie

  22. Festivals and Events
  23. OHL Hockey - Go Hounds Go

If you have a Bucket List item to add, I would love to hear from you!

Here's a sneak peak of a few NEW local gems that are visit worthy!

The Artist's Alcove

The Artist Alcove

Photo and content curtsey of The Artist's Alcove

The Artist's Alcove is a venue for for local artists to exhibit their talents as well as providing the availability of their work for sale to art enthusiasts. This venue was started by Doris Anne Ray after attending many outdoor exhibits, group exhibits such as the Spring and Winter exhibits done by the Algoma Art Society, the Arts Council Christmas venues, the Art Space at the Station Mall through the Arts Council, Exhibits on St. Joe's Island at Arts at the Dock and also the venues at Richard's Landing. Doris also participated in exhibits at the Bruce Mines, Blind River, Echo Bay, Sylvan Valley and the Art Gallery of Algoma.

On Nov 1st 2014, the location of The Artist's Alcove was opened at 807 Queen St East in Sault Ste Marie, ON. This location is near the Heritage Square near The Old Stone House with the entrance is off the 2 hour Free Heritage Parking Lot.

The wall was bare and not very inviting until a mural was painted with a huge birch tree and wild flowers. The door is painted yellow and the entrance is enhanced by a white picket fence made by her husband Randy.

The Artist's Alcove has grown in one year from the first three artists to a total number of 25-29 artists exhibiting. The bulk of the visits occur in the summer time with the tourist season being the highest. The Artist's Alcove has had visitors from numerous countries across the world and is proud to say that some of the work that has been purchased there has made it's way across Canada, USA, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Finland, Holland, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and so on.

The Artist's Alcove exhibits original paintings in Oils, Acrylics, Watercolours, Mixed Media, as well as other specialty artwork such as free style Pottery, Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass creations of jewellery and functional pieces such as bowls, coasters, etc. The shop exhibits the traditional "Shaker Boxes", Wooden Carvings, Photography, Soap Stone Carvings, Cards, Miniature paintings, magnetic bookmarks, and fridge magnets. Although most of the work is original, some of the artists do have giclée prints of their originals.

The fall of 2014, The Artist's Alcove has hosted the 57th Annual Touring Exhibit arranged by the Northern Ontario Arts Association. This exhibit was a juried show in which 40 pieces of work were selected to tour from about 200 pieces of work that were entered by members of art clubs across northern Ontario. Four of our own members of the Algoma Art Society had their work chosen to go on this tour.

The Artist's Alcove also hosted the En Pleine Air Exhibit in October 2014, which was part of the larger events of the Algoma Fall Festival Events. This event brought in approximately 300 visitors to the shop for that night! It was a successful event and very entertaining. This event has brought new clients to the shop. It is a great place to find a special gift for family and friends, and also co-workers. There is something for everyone.

The Artist's Alcove is run by Doris Anne Ray with the assistance of her husband Randy Ray. Doris is an active member of the Algoma Art Society, the Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce. She continues to participate in local art venues outside of the shop. You will often find her at the shop working on a new painting, or encouraging others in their own journey of artistic adventure by encouraging art students to continue in their pursuit of art as a hobby or as a career.

Located in the Heritage Square Downtown Sault Ste. Marie, 807 Queen St. E. You can also visit The Artist's Alcove on Facebook and www.artistalcovessm.com or you can give Doris a call at 705-575-7197, she would love to hear from you!

Mill Market

Mill Market

Image courtesy of Sheri Minardi Photography | Content courtesy of Mill Market

Mill Market is conveniently located right off the Hub Trail, just steps away from the Ontario locks and the scenic St. Mary's River waterfront. Grown, raised or crafted by Northern Ontario's farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artists and artisans; Mill Market brings the best of our lakes, fields and forests to the heart of the historic Canal District in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. From farm to table, Mill Market connects Northern Ontario farmers to local consumers strengthening the local food economy and nurturing healthy communities. Mill Market is a place to find fresh food, good people, culinary delights and artisan crafts.

The reuse of the former Municipal Fish Hatchery building as a Regional Food Hub and Farmers' Market speaks to the resourcefulness and dedication that Mill Market management has to sustainable development. Mill Market is the latest in a multi-dimensional and multi-phased plan to redevelop the former St. Mary's Paper Mill site into a dynamic mixed used space — Mill Square — that invites visitors to learn, to connect with nature, engage in culture, and discover the rich history and beauty of the area. In its current location at 35 Canal Drive, in the Municipal Fish Hatchery building across from the Francis H. Clergue Generating Station and Whitefish Island, Mill Market has 13,000 square feet of indoor space, 15 acres of property for green parks and community gardens, ample vehicle parking, and easy accessibility via public transit, bike or foot.

Mill Market is open Wednesdays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 8am-2pm year round. In addition to being a healthy food hub and artisan fair, Mill Market will also feature live entertainment weekly and educational programming.

More information about The Mill Flea including their opening hours can be found here. If you're looking for something fun and educational to do with the whole family, check out Entomica at Mill Market.

At Mill Market you'll come for the freshly grown produce, locally-raised meats, baking, gourmet prepared foods, plants, flowers and artisan crafts, and family fun but we promise you'll stay for the friendly faces and good conversations.

You can find Mill Market at 35 Canal Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
W. www.millmarket.ca
E. info@millmarket.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millmarket
T. 705 257-9658

Shabby Motley

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You can find this brilliantly created cafe downtown Sault Ste. Marie Ontario. Shabby Motley opened it's doors for the first time on October 1st, 2013 by owner and operator Ashleigh Sauve. The space is dedicated to showcase an array of regionally produced goods, including handcrafts, textiles, art and edibles as well as, wool, yarn, felting, embroidery, books, needles and hooks, spinning and weaving.

This richly unique Café offers classes and workshops that are held throughout the year, in knitting, crocheting, spinning, dyeing, crafting and offer drop-in class as well!

Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, with some delicious homemade baking by Shabby Motley's own house baker Ray. Ray's freshly baked goodies are his own recipes, that have been crafted and perfected over many years of experience.

You can work on your projects, indulge in creating something completely new, or just come to relax and enjoy visiting this downtown gem.

Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday from 10am - 6pm, Friday 10am - 8:30pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm and closed on Sunday.

Located at 356 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
705-575-YARN
Email: ashleigh@shabbymotley.com
Website: www.shabbymotley.com
Facebook: Shabby Motley

* Content and photos courtesy of www.shabbymotley.com

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About Dionne Elgie

Dionne Elgie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and has a deep personal love for this city, and like many Saultites, a real passion for the great outdoors. Along with her team at DIG (Digital Intelligence Group)—she works with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie to curate compelling travel stories and collect truly useful tour tips that appeal to both local residents and out-of-town visitors. You can contact Dionne at dionne@digdeep.ca—she’d love to hear from you!

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