Cross Country Skiing in Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma has many features that allow for some of the best Nordic skiing you’ll find in North America.
- The Canadian Shield, a vast wilderness region resting on 2 billion-year old rock, provides river flats to mountain tops for all-terrain skiing.
- The eastern location on the shores of Lake Superior provides heaps of lake-effect snowfall (200 inches, 508 cm, annually).
- A historically embedded Northern European skiing culture by immigrants to the city, leading to the development of endless kilometres of groomed trails, classic and skating, catering to all levels of cross country ski prowess.
- Two amazing wilderness trail systems: Stokely Creek/Algoma Highlands and Hiawatha Highlands.
Your Ski Inn:
- Trailhead Rooms – designed for the outdoor adventurer, they provide a larger foyer to store your gear and two Queen beds.
- Inn Packages – Combine your adventure with a stay at the Inn and enjoy the pools and whirlpools of Club Cabana Aqua Spa after your day’s adventure. Find out more.
- Lunch to Go – The Inn’s kitchen will create a hearty and healthy boxed lunch for you to enjoy.
- Adventure Hosts – Consult with a Adventure Host for activity assistance.
Stokely Creek/Algoma Highlands
Stokely Creek has a 40+-year history of land conservation and shares stewardship with the Algoma Highlands Conservancy to oversee this 8000-acre (3237 ha.) preserve and its extensive trail system.
The Stokely Creek/Algoma Highlands is one of the four largest Nordic ski areas in North America…130 km are groomed for classic and skating ski styles, but there are many additional wilderness km of sometimes-groomed but well-signed trails. Ski to ice-covered lakes, enjoying the pristine silence and the snow-draped evergreens. Stay on the flats, or climb as high as King Mountain’s 1880-ft. (573 m.) vertical, with views over magnificent Lake Superior. For more information and trail maps, visit Stokely Creek’s website.
Facilities:
- Lodge with dining.
- 4 warm-up huts.
- Snowshoe trails.
- Rentals and certified instruction.
Hiawatha Highlands
Towering pines, rugged rocks, sparkling creeks and waterfalls punctuate this incredible cross country trail system. This is genuine Canadian Shield terrain just 5 driving minutes from The Water Tower Inn. You’ll find a vast network of well-marked cross country trails (50 kilometres/30 miles) that provide fantastic Nordic skiing at every level. Main trails are groomed for classic and skating ski styles. Two kilometres are lighted for night skiing until 10pm.
This wonderful recreation park, set amid hundreds of forested acres operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Conservation Authority, is one of the city’s greatest natural assets. The facility is open daily from December to March. Learn more and see trail maps on Hiawatha’s website.
Facilities:
- Ski and snowshoe trails.
- Ski and snowshoe rentals.
- Indoor facilities with hot and cold beverages, snacks.
- Washroom facilities.
- Repair and service.
- Learn to Ski.
- Group Rates.
- Fat Bike trails.
City Trails
You can ski in the city at Bellevue Park, Parks Canada Historic Canal Site, and the John Rowswell Hub Trail. Our Adventure Hosts will provide you with maps and directions.
Call 1-888-461-7077 for more information on packages, adventures and more, or book online.
