DESTINATION

Sault Ste. Marie

The Sault Locks connect Lake Superior with the St. Marys River and Lake Huron. The Canadian lock, now operated as a national historic site , was built in 1895 and is 77 metres (253 ft.) long, 15.4 metres (51 ft.) wide and 3 metres (10 ft.) deep. The lock provided the final link in an all-Canadian passageway between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Superior and eventually became a part of the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority. It now is used for recreational craft and integrates new and old technology.

Other interesting local attractions include Bellevue Park, which has a playground, sailboat marina, greenhouses and attractive seasonal flower gardens. The marina serves as a Canadian customs checkpoint. Band concerts are held in the park in summer. Roberta Bondar Park and Pavilion presents outdoor festivals and special events throughout the year. Murals on the pavilion's fabric walls depict local scenes. A downtown boardwalk along the St. Marys River displays plaques about area history and serves as an observation point.

Recreational activities available in the area include bicycling, boating, golfing, hiking and fishing in summer, while winter offers skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling.

The Bon Soo Winter Carnival is held in early February. The 10-day affair features more than 125 activities, including curling, skating, skiing, snowmobiling, snow volleyball, sleigh rides, a “polar bear” swim, snow sculptures, entertainment and fireworks.

Visitor Centers

Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce 369 Queen St. E., Unit 1 Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Z4. Phone:(705)949-7152

Shopping

Station Mall, 293 Bay St. on the waterfront, has more than 120 stores. Queenstown is a downtown shopping area on Queen Street E. between Pim and Dennis streets.