Sault Ste Marie is best known for its locks that raise and lower 1000ft-long freighters between the different lake levels. The downtown visitor center features displays, videos and observation decks from which you can watch the boats leap 21ft from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. To get there, take exit 394 off I-75 and go left.
© Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock
Soo Locks Visitor Center
Upper Peninsula
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site
0.81 MILES
On the Canadian side of St Mary's River, follow the 2.2km Attikamek walking trail around South St Mary's Island to see this canal dating from 1895, once…
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
1.27 MILES
A visit to the Soo's most dynamic and kid-friendly museum is a great way to get a sense of how Northern Ontario works: bush planes are crucial to remote…
1.17 MILES
Occupying the old post office dating from 1906, this three-story museum is a tribute to the early 1900s, detailing the town's history from several…
0.97 MILES
Behind the library, this gallery has a permanent collection and seasonal exhibitions to inspire Group of Seven–themed trips along Lake Superior…
29.75 MILES
This series of powerful waterfalls, 55km north of Sault Ste Marie on the side of Hwy 17, are at their best in spring when the volume of melting snow turns…
23.94 MILES
Heading north from Sault Ste Marie on Hwy 17 for about 40km, look for a left-hand turn to 'Harmony Beach Road,' to reach this popular summer swimming spot…
Nearby Upper Peninsula attractions
1. Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site
0.81 MILES
On the Canadian side of St Mary's River, follow the 2.2km Attikamek walking trail around South St Mary's Island to see this canal dating from 1895, once…
0.97 MILES
Behind the library, this gallery has a permanent collection and seasonal exhibitions to inspire Group of Seven–themed trips along Lake Superior…
1.17 MILES
Occupying the old post office dating from 1906, this three-story museum is a tribute to the early 1900s, detailing the town's history from several…
4. Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
1.27 MILES
A visit to the Soo's most dynamic and kid-friendly museum is a great way to get a sense of how Northern Ontario works: bush planes are crucial to remote…
23.94 MILES
Heading north from Sault Ste Marie on Hwy 17 for about 40km, look for a left-hand turn to 'Harmony Beach Road,' to reach this popular summer swimming spot…
29.75 MILES
This series of powerful waterfalls, 55km north of Sault Ste Marie on the side of Hwy 17, are at their best in spring when the volume of melting snow turns…