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- Geocaching. For those looking for a more educational and strategic experience at the canal, and are savy with a GPS, the site’s Geocaches provide visitors with a challenging and fun way to learn more about the history of site.
- Fat Biking. Whether you’re looking for you daily dose of exercise or just looking for a quick ride around the islands, the canal also features a fat bike rental program.
- Endless Photo Moments. The historic buildings and structures at the Canal provides all Instagram-savy socialites the perfect place for a photoshoot. The red sandstone walls, industrial features of the emergency swing dam, and the lush green walking trails are the perfect backdrop for every kind of photographer’s profile.
- Poké-Lock? For both locals visitors and those travelling from away who continue to enjoy the thrill of capturing and battling on Pokémon Go, take away a unique experience from the canal site.
- The Canal Was The First of Its Kind When It Was built.
- The Last Remaining Emergency Swing Dam in The World.
- The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh Have Visited The Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
- It Was The Final Link System to Connect The St. Lawrence Seaway.
- The Superintendent’S House Was Still Occupied Until The 1980s.
- The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site Offers Fat Bike Rentals!
An achievement for our city! Upon completion in 1895, the Canal was the world’s longest measuring 1.6 km (1 mi) long with the lock portion of the canal measuring 274 metres (899 ft) long and 18 metres (59 ft) wide. Additionally, the Canal was the first in the world to operate with electrical power. The electricity was generated in the Powerhouse ad...
One of the most unique features of the locks is the Emergency Swing Dam located on the north side of the upper entrance to the Canal. The swing dam is designed to reduce the flow of water in the event of an accident or gate failure. Thankfully, the Canal was equipped with this countermeasure. On June 9th, 1909 the locks were severely damaged when t...
That’s right! We’ve not only had Royalty visit the Canal but, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip actually went through the Canal on the Royal Yacht HMY Britanniaon July 8th, 1959. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip took a 45-day, cross-country tour through Canada to visit all 10 provinces. This also included the then 2 territories and ...
The mighty 3,700 km St. Lawrence Seaway is an extremely important part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Not only does the Seaway allow for ease of shipment throughout Canada but, has had a major economic impact on both Canada and the United States. Once completed in 1895, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was the last connection to link the St. Lawre...
Among the historical buildings located at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is the two-and-a-half-story Superintendent’s House. Built in 1896 using the very sandstone excavated from the Canal Site and St. Marys River. The house was specifically built for the Canal’s Superintendent and their families. The Superintendent of the Canal ...
Want to cruise and view the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site in style? Well, now you can with the addition of Fat Bike Rentalsat the Sault Canal! What better way to explore the 2.2 km of trails available on South St. Marys Island? Rentals are available for only $10.00/hour and include a helmet and bike lock. Enjoy the beautiful landsca...
Sail your boat through the lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, or do your exploring of this fascinating site on foot. Learn how this Canal – once boasting the longest lock in the world and the first one powered by electricity – allowed ships, and now pleasure craft, to bypass the rapids caused by a change in elevation in the St. Marys River.
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- Attraction
- 1 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, with the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge in the background. The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is a National Historic Site in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and is part of the national park system, managed by Parks Canada. It includes a lock to bypass the rapids on the St. Marys River.
Sail your boat through the lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, or do your exploring of this fascinating site on foot. Learn how this Canal – once boasting the longest lock in the world and the first one powered by electricity – allowed ships, and now pleasure craft, to bypass the rapids caused by a change in elevation in the St. Marys River.
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- 1 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, P6A 6W4
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal, built in 1895, was the world’s longest lock, the first to operate using electricity and the last link in an all-Canadian navigational chain from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. Today, the Canal is a great spot for boat-watching, picnics and a variety of other activities. Let a Parks Canada interpreter ...
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Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, established in 1895, is a remarkable attraction comprising guided tours, hiking trails, bike rentals and seasonal boating. It is a significant historic site that showcases the functioning of lock systems and offers an opportunity for children to witness it firsthand. The trails cover natural waterways with some sections partially submerged even on ...
