Choo-Choo Choose Adventure!

Ride the rails with the Agawa Canyon Tour Train

No visit to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is complete without a ride on the legendary Agawa Canyon Tour Train. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the region, and rightly so; it’s a conduit to one of the most beautiful and pristine natural wonderlands that you’ll find in Ontario, a vast wilderness that inspired countless masterpieces by the Group of Seven.

Your one-day adventure begins at the train station at 129 Bay Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, just steps from the Holiday Inn and Delta Hotel. Every day between Tuesday, June 20, and Sunday, October 15, 2017, the train departs from the station at 8 am and returns to the Sault at 6 pm.

It’s important to note that fares differ between summer and fall. Both are excellent times to visit, but fall is the most popular due to the absolutely breathtaking yellow, orange and red hues of the fall foliage. So if you’re visiting then, it’s best to book in advance to make sure you get a spot.

From the station, it’s all aboard! As you find your seat, you’ll notice the extra large windows, perfect for drinking in the stellar views of Algoma Country. And for another perspective, monitors have been installed throughout the coach to give you an engineer’s view of the upcoming sights.

Throughout the ride, you’ll also enjoy a GPS-triggered commentary, available in five languages, highlighting everything from points of interest, to stories of the Ojibway and reflections on the rich history of the region.

The tour itself whisks you 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie past old-growth forests, serene northern lakes, babbling brooks and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. At mile 102, you’ll begin the descent 500 feet into Agawa Canyon. As the train draws to a halt, you’ll finally get to see the unrivaled beauty of the park up close.

Perfect for families, couples and adventurous spirits, the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park is home to a wealth of picturesque trails that you’ll be able to explore during the stopover. One of the most popular is the Lookout Trail, ascending 76 metres above the tracks to an absolutely breathtaking view of the canyon. It’s no wonder that Group of Seven members Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Franz Johnston, J.E.H. MacDonald and Arthur Lismer drew such inspiration from the Algoma region.

For an easier walk, The River Trail along the Agawa River is another good option for those looking to stretch their legs. It’s a 30-minute return trip to Black Beaver and a 40-minute return trip to Bridal Veil Falls. On your stroll, you’ll get a chance to acquaint yourself with the parks lush flora and thriving fauna.

Then, after a picnic-table lunch, it’s back on the train. By this time, your camera or phone should be chock-full of amazing, share-worthy photographs that you can relive over on your ride back to the Soo!

View Agawa Canyon Tour Train Packages

About Greg Smart

Greg Smart is an avid traveller, passionate about exploring new horizons, collecting unique experiences and sharing the interesting stories of his adventures abroad.  

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