LAST CALL FOR FALL: VIBRANT ADVENTURES IN SAULT STE. MARIE

One of the most stunning areas of Ontario in the fall can be found around the city of Sault Ste. Marie (often referred to as the SOO). This Northern Ontario city is a staple in the fall as travellers flock to the area for its outstanding displays of fall foliage. We spent a week in the SOO as our home base as we ventured into town, around the region, and up the coast. Here are some of my favourite things to do to maximize your fall colour fun!

Agawa Canyon Train

The most famous experience in the fall is the famous Agawa Canyon Train. People come from far and wide just to ride (or even watch) this train. This train only runs during certain weeks of the fall and takes passengers from the centre of the SOO to out in the middle of an incredible secluded canyon. We enjoyed doing some light train spotting as we followed its route to some of the iconic bridges and crossing around the region.

Robertson Cliffs

One of the best hikes in the area can be found at Robertson Cliffs. The 4.7-km loop can be found just north of the city by the Goulais River. The hike is fairly easy and takes you to outstanding views of the region. For extra pop, aim for sunrise and you’ll be treated to a calm and serene view that you won’t forget. It is recommended to hike with a buddy and obviously a flashlight if you are going for sunrise. If you are lucky, you can catch morning fog rolling through the hills for a soothingly hypnotic display. Bonus, it is located close to some train spotting areas… so you can double up your activities!

Kayaking Robertson Lake & Goulais River

Just because it’s fall, doesn’t mean we can’t go kayaking still… right? Right! We made the most of an extra unseasonably warm stretch during the stunning fall colours by taking to the water. Various vendors around the SOO rent out kayaks and canoes by the day so you can get a unique view of the vivid leaves. The Goulais River is quite interesting as it has a winding route through the region.

Driving up the Superior Coast

Lake Superior is a gorgeous lake. It has such notably unique rock formations all along it… this makes for some great daytime and nighttime views. As we ventured north of the SOO, we made a variety of stops around some of the provincial parks… interesting land formations… and popular spots for photographers.

Some of our favourite spots to check out were Hibbard Bay, Alona Bay and Batchewana Bay. The coast all faces the setting sun so you are in for a treat if you stick around for that!

Hiawatha Highlands

This area has a few unique gems… the area is a thriving mountain biking mecca as trails are all over the region. One extremely popular and photogenic spot is the Pinder Tail. This path through the trees is gorgeous in all seasons but fall hits differently. Next up, we worked our way to Kinsmen Park to check out Crystal Falls. Something about waterfalls and fall colours just feels extra special.

Hiawatha to Searchmont

The drive from Hiawatha to Searchmont is incredibly colourful. Along the way, there are various waterfalls, hikes and so on. First up, we hiked up Odena Lookout (a 5-10min hike depending on the trail). Next, we ventured to Beaver Falls, a locals-only hidden gem. Last, but not least, we ventured to Searchmont for cool river views and to catch the Agawa Train. Although, we missed it (oops)… what a view!

Fort Creek Conservation Area

One of the coolest areas in the SOO for a light hike is Fort Creek. The tails actually connect to a variety of hub trails all around the region if you want to keep your step counter going. Fort Creek has a unique view from the bridge in the center. Who doesn’t love a good bridge?

Bonus: Whitefish Island

One of my personal favourite spots around the SOO is Whitefish Island. This area is right along the waterfront of the SOO. Down the road from where the Agawa Canyon Train station is and near some great food spots! The area makes for epic sunset spots, adorable wildlife, cool trails and rumbling rapids… so if you are looking to wind down on a chill night or some epic photo spots… this is a solid one. You won’t find fall foliage here as much, but variety is the spice of life!

Enjoy your trip to the SOO! There are lots of other great spots for you to discover! Get out there and explore! Cheers.

~Jonathan