Power Canal Trail
Explore the Power Canal Trail's scenic paths and witness the grandeur of Great Lakes freighters at the historic Soo Locks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for freighter viewing
Power Canal Trail
Best Time
Ideal for freighter viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Power Canal Trail's scenic paths and witness the grandeur of Great Lakes freighters at the historic Soo Locks.
"A lovely spot to explore with breathtaking terrain and well-groomed trails."
🚢 Watch the Freighters
Time your visit to see freighters pass through the Soo Locks. Check schedules online!
👟 Trail Comfort is Key
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, jogging, or biking on the well-groomed trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Freighter Sightings at Soo Locks
Soo Locks
Witness massive Great Lakes freighters navigate the historic Soo Locks. A truly impressive spectacle!
Scenic Power Canal Trail
Power Canal Trail
Paved, well-groomed paths with beautiful creek views and scenic overlooks. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Sault Ste. Marie Station
A breathtaking 10-hour day trip through stunning fall colors and wilderness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Great Lakes Vibe
Seasonal Beauty & Trail Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Watch the Freighters
Time your visit to see freighters pass through the Soo Locks. Check schedules online! +1
👟 Trail Comfort is Key
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, jogging, or biking on the well-groomed trails.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
If walking late, be cautious of bears. Enjoying berries is fine, but stay alert!
🍁 Fall Colors Galore
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is spectacular in fall. Book tickets well in advance!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Watch the Freighters
Time your visit to see freighters pass through the Soo Locks. Check schedules online! +1
👟 Trail Comfort is Key
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, jogging, or biking on the well-groomed trails.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
If walking late, be cautious of bears. Enjoying berries is fine, but stay alert!
🍁 Fall Colors Galore
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is spectacular in fall. Book tickets well in advance!
🌉 Scenic Bridge Views
Cross the International Bridge for views of both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the scenic beauty of the Power Canal Trail, praising its well-maintained paths and lovely creek views. The spectacle of freighters passing through the Soo Locks is a major highlight, offering a unique maritime experience. Some mention caution regarding wildlife on trails, especially later in the day.
"We started our walk at the Fort Creek entrance. This is a lovely scenic trail that is paved and easy to walk on. There are lots of scenic vantage points on the bridges that overlook the flowing creeks underneath. A lovely spot to explore on the Rowswell Hub trail"
Colin Hazell
"It had bridges where you could see breathtaking terrain. Trails well groomed for walking, jogging, biking. People respectful. Made me appreciate the beauty of nature. Less crowded at 8 pm although one has to be cautious of bears. Snacked on some berries"
Dale Lutes
"Trails are snow covered but packed down from foot traffic, great walking paths that shoot off from main trail."
Natasha M Fischer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sault Ste. Marie is accessible by car via I-75 in Michigan and Highway 17 in Ontario. The city also has a regional airport (SAU) with connections.
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie is strategically located on the St. Marys River, connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron, making it a key port on the Great Lakes. +1
Yes, the International Bridge connects the two cities, allowing for easy cross-border travel between the US and Canada.
The Soo Locks are the prime spot to watch freighters. You can also see them from various points along the waterfront and bridges. +1
Indeed! Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is the oldest city in the state, founded in 1668 by French explorers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Power Canal Trail is a public access area and does not require tickets for entry. Enjoy the scenic paths freely!
Viewing the Soo Locks from the public areas is generally free. Some visitor centers or tours might have a nominal fee.
Ticket prices for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train vary by season and seating. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and booking.
Due to its popularity, especially during peak fall colors, it's highly recommended to book your Agawa Canyon Tour Train tickets several months in advance.
Some natural areas, like Robertson Cliffs in Canada, might have parking fees or require park passes. It's best to check local park information before visiting.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Power Canal Trail is a paved, scenic path perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. It features bridges with views of creeks and ravines. +1
Most of the trail is easy and well-groomed, making it accessible for most fitness levels. There are also smaller paths branching off. +1
Lookout points on the bridges offer breathtaking terrain views, especially overlooking the former 'power canal' area.
Absolutely! The paved surface makes it ideal for biking, jogging, and walking.
While enjoying nature, be aware of local wildlife. Some visitors have mentioned seeing berries and being cautious of bears.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sault Ste. Marie offers a variety of dining options. For a treat, try crepes at Oh Crêpe & Coffee or ice cream at Zak & Mac's Chocolate Haus.
Yes, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train offers an in-train food experience to enjoy with the scenic views.
Given its location, fresh fish from the Great Lakes is often a highlight. Local diners and cafes offer comfort food.
While the trail itself doesn't have concessions, you can find snacks and treats in nearby Sault Ste. Marie before or after your walk.
Many local diners and pubs offer casual dining experiences. It's worth exploring the downtown area for options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photographing freighters at the Soo Locks is a must. The Power Canal Trail offers scenic nature shots, and fall colors are stunning. +2
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful over the Great Lakes.
Yes, the bridges provide excellent vantage points for capturing the creek scenery and the trail itself.
Drone usage is subject to regulations in both Canada and the US. Always check local airspace rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
The sheer scale of the freighters, the historic Soo Locks, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the vibrant fall foliage are unique photographic subjects. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a treat from Zak & Mac's Chocolate Haus for a sweet reward after exploring.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
For those interested in maritime history, spending time observing the Soo Locks and the freighters is a fascinating solo activity.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
For landscape photographers, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is unparalleled, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Power Canal Trail
Visitors appreciate the trail for its accessibility and the sense of tranquility it provides. Even with some snow cover in winter, the packed-down paths remain great for walking.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or an active way to explore the local landscape, the Power Canal Trail is a highly recommended spot. Its ease of access and natural charm make it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a connection with the outdoors.
The Majesty of Great Lakes Freighters
TikTok creators often capture the impressive scale of ships like the Paul R. Tregurtha, the largest ship on the Great Lakes, noting how quickly they can pass through.
For the best viewing experience, plan your visit around ship schedules. Many visitors find the experience captivating, offering a unique glimpse into the world of Great Lakes commerce and engineering.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train: A Fall Spectacle
The train ride itself is an experience, with panoramic views of forests, lakes, and rivers. A significant highlight is the 90-minute stop at Agawa Park, allowing passengers to explore the canyon floor, hike to waterfalls, and truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty.
Due to its immense popularity, especially during peak leaf season, booking tickets for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train well in advance is crucial. It's an experience that captures the essence of Ontario's rugged beauty and is often cited as a favorite date idea or a memorable outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit