Sault Ste. Marie Outdoor Adventure Partners
The Inn’s Trailhead Adventure Hosts work with the following attractions and outfitters to give you optimum help in planning your outings when you stay at the Inn. You may be interested in our Room Packages.
MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
A delightful 1 and 3/4-hour, 64-km link between scenic Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsulato the equally charming village of South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, the biggest fresh water island in the world. Explore this mystic island, then venture across its bridges and causeways, your gateway to exploring Northern Ontario and the heritage Huron/Superior Great Lakes regions. Sault Ste. Marie is a 4-hour drive from the dock, with eye-feasting vistas, and points of interest and nature along the way. If you’re heading to the Sault, visit The Water Tower Inn. Stay with us and consult with our Trailhead Adventure Hosts to plan your Sault and area adventures. For information, fares and schedules for this one-of-a-kind Great Lakes voyage, visit www.chicheemaun.com.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
You’ll be wowed on this one-day rail excursion into the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Experience an incredible journey over towering trestles, viewing northern lakes and rivers, and the awesome granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. Your tour is highlighted with a two-hour stay in Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park to enjoy trails and lookouts. The Inn features an Agawa Canyon Tour Train package that includes tickets, breakfast, our INN-credible gift bag and more. To learn more about the train excursion, click here or visit the tour train website.
Agawa Indian Crafts & the Canadian Carver
Take a scenic 69-km drive north from the Inn along the coast of Lake Superior to Pancake Bay. This is a must-visit, family-owned and operated for over 30 years. There are three stores: Agawa Indian Crafts, The Canadian Carver and The Campers’ Store. Tens-of-thousands of travellers stop in to visit, view and shop the authentic and unique crafts and artwork created by Canadian and First Nations artisans. Open May to the end of October. Online shopping also available. See 5-star TripAdvisor review for details from a traveller’s perspective. www.pancakebay.com
Northwest Trading Company
Don’t miss this delightful traveller’s stop and gift centre at McKerrow on Hwy. 17 East. It’s easy to spot…there’s a gas station and a Tim Hortons on the site. This is not your typical store…it’s an experience! Photograph the life-size black bear, wander among the displays of moccasins, clothing, décor, artwork, kidstuff, pottery and tons more. Enjoy some yummy fudge from the Northwest Fudge Factory or flavour-rich ice cream made at a local dairy. You can preview the store and its products at www.northwesttradingcompany.com, and even shop online.
Serpent River Trading Post
Travelling to the Sault on TransCanada Hwy. 17 from Manitoulin Island or Sudbury? Take a break here to visit this First Nations retail attraction housed in a stunning log building. Browse through for moccasins, art, paintings (including Native artists), jewellery, coats, pottery, authentic Native crafts, souvenirs and crafts from local artisans, as well as a museum. Open May to October, 7 days a week. Hwy. 17 East, Cutler. www.serpentrivertradingpost.com
Naturally Superior Adventures
Naturally Superior Adventures is a kayaking/canoeing mecca on the northeast coast of Superior, the greatest lake of them all, located just south of Wawa, Ontario. Here you can learn/kayak/canoe/paddle board/hike/thrill and fill your soul. Expert instruction, day trips, multi-day paddles and hikes…you can get it all here. Camping, accommodations and food available, too. Dave Wells is your host. www.naturallysuperior.com
Mountain View Lodge
Float trips down the Goulais River. Kayak and canoe rentals. Guided ATV tours. Fishing in local lakes. Brennan and Chris will set you up for your perfect outdoor adventure. Just a ½ hour drive from the Inn to this wilderness trailhead. Stay at the Inn and let our Trailhead Adventure Hosts help you with your itinerary. Learn more about these guided adventures.
Vélorution Bike Shop
How convenient is this…a top-notch bike shop right across the street from the Inn. Founded by our friend André Riopel…he’s a major push behind Sault Ste. Marie’s bike trails, including the urban Hub Trail. Bicycle and cycling gear sales, repairs, rentals and tips on where to ride, road or mountain. velorution.ca
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a Biosphere Reserve. Here are massive rugged cliffs, ancient cedar trees, rare alvars, forests and lakes. Fathom Five Marine Park preserves shipwrecks, historic lighthouses, and deep freshwater ecosystems. Access via Cheechimaun Ferry from Manitoulin Island.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Exhibits and displays of the forest-fire fighting and bush-plane flying industry including interactive opportunities located in a waterfront aerodrome. Located on the St. Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie. See more.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Lake Superior Park is internationally renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery and backcountry trails. Highlights include the Agawa Rock Pictographs, Sand River and Old Woman Bay. Natural and heritage attractions abound for artists (this is Group of Seven country) as well as hiking, kayaking and canoeing adventurers. www.lakesuperiorpark.ca
McGuffin Gallery
Photographic artwork displays that feature outdoor experiences and travels of acclaimed journalists and photographers, Joanie and Gary McGuffin: the Adventurers. Located at The Water Tower Inn.
North of Superior Climbing Company
The rock and ice climbing school offers instruction and guiding at many sites along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Website: www.superior-exploration.ca. Phone: 705-946-6054
Sault Trailblazers
Official trail organization that builds, manages and grooms 450 kms of connected trail system providing access to Algoma and beyond for snowmobile adventures. Phone 705-759-0023
Searchmont Ski Resort
The Mountains of the Midwest. A year round resort featuring winter recreation activities on a 750 foot vertical. Learn more about Searchmont or visit their website. Check out our Packages page for Winter Searchmont Ski Packages.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Daily departures to historic Mackinac Island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan. An exciting and comfortable ride aboard Star Line’s Hydro-Jet Ferries. Ferry dock an hour and a half from the Inn., across the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. www.mackinacferry.com
Soo North Fly Shop
Guided fly fishing tours, including a half-day trip on the St.-Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie. Website: www.soonorthflyshop.com
The Great Spirit Circle Trail
The Great Spirit Circle Trail encompasses eight First Nation communities on Manitoulin Island and the Sagamok region in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Truly blessed by the Creator, it is one of the most beautiful and serene regions in Northeastern Ontario Canada. Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world and Sagamok are home to the “Anishnawbek” – the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi people with a long and storied history, rich culture and abundant lands.
Tobermory Outdoor Adventure
Picturesque, nautical village atop the Bruce Peninsula offering exceptional hiking, parks, nature interpretation, diving and boat excursions. Take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Southbay mouth to Tobermory, a 1 ¾ hr. marine excursion.
Voyageur Trail Association
Hike the Association’s true wilderness trails that traverse the Great Lakes Heritage Coast …designated as part of the Trans Canada Trail. Website: www.voyageurtrail.ca.
