One of my favourite places to go on a light hike is around Hiawatha Highlands.

Not far... a mere 20-25 min drive from downtown Sault Ste. Marie you can immerse yourself into the beautiful Hiawatha Highlands which includes Kinsmen Park that has the lovely "Crystal Falls".

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9YUrK832gBMMuy199

Here are some other hiking locations around the "Soo" depending on your level of difficulty in hiking!

Information: https://saulttourism.com/travelogues/how-to-spend-a-day-hiking-in-sault-ste-marie/

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.

I love walking/biking around here and just looking at the magnificent freighters going by!

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YC8RaPVqduMbe4fy7

Information: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie

Interested in kayaking along the Saint Mary's River like Mike did? You can rent a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard to explore the shoreline and get a new perspective of the city.

Within a few minutes drive from the wedding location, you can rent watercraft here:

1. Waterfront Adventure Center

18 McPhail Avenue

(705) 759-2554 ext. 2920

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8aQtLneiZtx3c4pM7

Information: https://www.saultcollege.ca/why-us/our-campus/waterfront-adventure-centre

https://www.saultcougars.ca/facilities/Waterfront_Adventure_Centre

Enjoy a coffee and baked snack when you’re done on the waterfront patio!

2. Guided Tours through "Thrive Tours"

Thrive Tours is a premier 100% Indigenous owned eco-cultural tour company based in Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario).

From beginners to experienced kayakers, Thrive Tours provides experiences for anyone looking to enjoy nature.

Information: https://www.thrivetours.ca/tours

Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G7

Phone: 705-862-1558

Email: info@thrivetours.ca

They offer 1 day watercraft rentals here:

https://www.thrivetours.ca/book

Kayak Rental Information: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLA360FYDM60W/checkout/5GZFUOIA2ZDFUPO2DTZYOPD5?src=embed

Local swimming? Look no further!

You can take Highway 17 north up to to reach Batchawana Bay.

While there, make sure to stop by the "The Voyageurs Lodge", renowned for their delicious apple fritters.

There is a public beach at Batchawana Bay, and Harmony Beach where you can enjoy swimming in the pristine waters of Lake Superior.

Harmony Beach (38 min drive)

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQMzAzMsXs5YDhVXA

Batchawana Bay Beach (1 hr drive)

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RuFS2JdJAyVVZYSY6

The Voyageurs Lodge

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dZ6gKJuawcHDpXpy7

Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours provides an educational tour of historic Sault Ste. Marie and an engaging experience of passing through the Soo Locks. Operating since 1959, experience lovely views of the river as well as highlighting history and attractions for a relaxing and memorable experience for locals and visitors. The yellow and blue boats accommodate 150 passengers and feature a full snack bar with beer, wine and hard seltzers.

https://www.soolocks.com/

Explore aviation history and adventure at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

Just a 5 min drive from the wedding location.

Located in a historic waterfront hangar, this interactive museum showcases 24 aircraft exhibits, including the original De Havilland Beaver and CL-215 waterbomber.

Interactive displays, movie, children's centre and more!

*Great for kids!*

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RgGtHKyUa7Ex1Pfz6

Information: https://bushplane.com/

I love this local art gallery! It has a collection of over 5000 local, national, and international artworks. Not far from the Bushplane Museum (1 min drive)!

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FbVVEh2TmfLTBAY69

Information: https://www.artgalleryofalgoma.com/exhibitions.html

Located just an hour's drive from Sault Ste. Marie lies the renowned Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Accessible only by ferry from Mackinaw City, this island transports you back in time to an era of horse-drawn carriages. Don't miss the chance to indulge in some delicious Mackinac Island fudge! With no cars allowed, visitors can explore the island by renting a bike (highly recommended!) or enjoying a scenic ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan as you immerse yourself in the charm of this historic destination.

*Note this is an American tourist spot so bring your passport/identification when crossing the American/Canadian border.*

Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ib9eMmVm6waZgkqN6

Information: https://www.mackinacisland.org/