Waterfront Attractions Tour in Sault Saint Marie

Sault Saint Marie’s waterfront attractions tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich industrial legacy. Tracing the pivotal role of the St. Marys River and its intricate canal system, the self-guided walking experience chronicles the evolution of industrial mechanization through vintage photographs and paintings. Accessible to all, the tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the community’s transformation from a logging and shipping hub to a modern manufacturing center, fostering a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability that have shaped Sault Saint Marie’s identity. With highlights ranging from the city’s storied past to its present-day innovations, this tour promises to transport visitors on a journey through time, leaving them eager to…

This experience made our list of the 22 Best Tours In Ontario.

Key Points

• A self-guided walking tour exploring Sault Saint Marie’s industrial history, featuring canal development and evolution of mechanization through old photographs and paintings.
• The tour allows visitors to witness the pivotal role of the St. Marys River rapids in shaping the city’s economy and workforce over time.
• Accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible surfaces and nearby public transportation, ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors.
• The visual artifacts, such as vintage photographs and paintings, provide a unique window into the community’s industrial and cultural transformation.
• The tour showcases how Sault Saint Marie’s residents have adapted to the changing tides of industry, from logging and shipping to modern manufacturing.

History of Industry and Labour

The history of industry and labour in Sault Saint Marie is deeply intertwined with the city’s riverfront, where the rapids have long played a pivotal role in shaping the local economy and workforce.

Visitors can explore this rich history through the self-guided walking tour, which delves into the evolution of industrial mechanization and the development of the canal system.

Along the way, they’ll discover how the city’s residents have adapted to the changing tides of industry, from the early days of logging and shipping to the rise of modern manufacturing.

Old Photographs and Paintings

Old photographs and paintings provide visitors with a unique window into Sault Saint Marie’s storied past. These visual artifacts allow tour-goers to travel back in time and witness firsthand the evolution of the city’s industrial landscape and the daily lives of its residents.

By carefully studying these rich historical sources, participants can gain a deeper appreciation for the triumphs and challenges that have defined the community’s development over the decades.

The tour highlights several captivating historical images, including:

• Vintage photographs depicting the construction of the city’s iconic canals
• Vibrant paintings showcasing the bustling activity along the waterfront
• Archival images documenting the lives of the hardworking laborers
• Artistic renderings that capture the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

Canals and Industrial Evolution

Integral to Sault Saint Marie’s industrial development was the construction and expansion of its expansive canal system, which played a pivotal role in harnessing the power of the mighty St. Marys River and transforming the city into a bustling center of commercial activity.

The first canal, built in 1798, allowed ships to bypass the rapids and opened up the upper Great Lakes to trade and transportation.

Over time, the canal system evolved, with newer and larger locks being added to accommodate the increasing size of vessels.

This evolution of industrial mechanization is vividly chronicled through old photographs and paintings, providing visitors with a tangible link to the city’s remarkable past.

Self-Paced Walking Tour

A self-guided walking tour allows visitors to explore Sault Saint Marie’s waterfront attractions at their own pace, seeing the city’s rich history and industrial evolution.

This tour provides the opportunity to learn about the significance of the canals and the transformation of industrial mechanization, as chronicled through old photographs and paintings.

Visitors can:

• Study historical photographs and paintings to travel back in time
• Explore the development of the canals and the evolution of industrial mechanization
• Learn about the history of industry, life, and labour in Sault Saint Marie
• Experience the city’s rich history firsthand at their own leisurely pace

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with nearby public transportation options, making it an inclusive experience for all.

Practical Tour Information

The self-guided walking tour can be taken at one’s own pace, allowing visitors to explore Sault Saint Marie’s waterfront attractions on their own schedule. Travelers can download the appropriate app to embark on the tour, which starts at 49 St Marys River Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6G9 and concludes at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, 1 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6W4. The tour is accessible 24/7 and available until June 29, 2025.

Accessibility	Availability	Booking
Wheelchair	24/7	Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Stroller	Until 6/29/2025	Confirmation at booking
Service animals		Maximum 4 travelers

Accessibility Features

Sault Saint Marie’s waterfront attractions tour is designed to accommodate visitors with a variety of accessibility needs, offering wheelchair accessibility, stroller access, and allowing service animals.

The tour route features wheelchair-accessible surfaces, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all. Plus, nearby public transportation and wheelchair-accessible transportation options make the tour easily accessible.

The tour’s accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation and wheelchair-accessible transportation

These inclusive measures demonstrate the city’s commitment to providing an engaging and inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities to explore Sault Saint Marie’s rich waterfront history and attractions.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can learn about the history of industry, life, and labour in Sault Saint Marie as they explore the waterfront attractions tour. They can study old photographs and paintings to travel back in time and understand the building of the canals and the evolution of industrial mechanisation.

The tour highlights these fascinating aspects of the city’s history, allowing visitors to enjoy the past. They’ll discover how the rapids shaped Sault Saint Marie’s development and gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and hard work that went into transforming the region.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The tour is available 24 hours a day from July 5, 2020 to June 29, 2025, allowing visitors to explore the waterfront attractions at their own pace.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in planning their visit.

Key features of the tour duration and cancellation policy include:

• Tour available 24/7 for over 5 years
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Confirmation received at time of booking
• Maximum of 4 travelers per tour

Whether visitors have a tight schedule or need to make last-minute changes, the tour’s duration and cancellation policy cater to their needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience along the Sault Saint Marie waterfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrooms or Restaurants Along the Tour Route?

The tour route includes the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, which has public restrooms and a cafe. Plus, there are several restaurants located near the starting and ending points of the tour.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour and Share Them on Social Media?

Visitors are welcome to take photos during the tour and share them on social media. The tour allows for a self-guided experience, so participants can capture and share their favourite moments from the historical sites along the route.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for families with young children. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and allows service animals. The self-guided nature lets families explore at their own pace.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors can receive a 10% discount, while students with valid ID can get 15% off the regular tour price. These discounts make the experience more accessible for all visitors.

Can We Bring Our Own Water and Snacks During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own water and snacks during the self-guided tour. The tour allows for a flexible pace, so guests can enjoy refreshments as they explore the city’s rich history and attractions.

Recap

The waterfront attractions tour in Sault Saint Marie offers a captivating journey through the city’s industrial past.

Visitors can explore vintage photographs and paintings that chronicle the evolution of the local economy, from its roots in logging and shipping to its modern manufacturing prowess.

The self-guided walking experience provides a unique opportunity to witness Sault Saint Marie’s resilience and adaptability, fostering a deeper appreciation for the community’s history.