St. Marys River Boardwalk Sault Ste. Marie Michigan
Experience the majesty of Great Lakes freighters and scenic river views along the St. Marys River Boardwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
St. Marys River Boardwalk Sault Ste. Marie Michigan
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majesty of Great Lakes freighters and scenic river views along the St. Marys River Boardwalk.
"A fabulous waterfront trail with the unique 'Barker Bark' salute and historic Soo Locks."
🚢 Catch the Freighter Salute
Time your visit to witness the 'Barker Bark' from freighters like the James R. Barker. Check schedules for the best chance!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the clean, well-maintained boardwalk with art and shaded spots. Perfect for a relaxing walk or exercise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous 'Barker Bark'
St. Marys River
Witness the impressive 'Barker Bark' salute from freighters like the James R. Barker. A truly unique Great Lakes experience!
Soo Locks Viewing Platform
Soo Locks
Watch massive freighters navigate the historic Soo Locks, connecting Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes. An engineering marvel!
St. Marys River Boardwalk
Waterfront
Enjoy a scenic walk along the well-maintained boardwalk, featuring art and shaded seating areas with river views.
International Bridge Views
St. Marys River
See the impressive International Bridge connecting Michigan, USA, and Ontario, Canada, right from the waterfront.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Freighter Views
Embrace the Boardwalk Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Catch the Freighter Salute
Time your visit to witness the 'Barker Bark' from freighters like the James R. Barker. Check schedules for the best chance! +2
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the clean, well-maintained boardwalk with art and shaded spots. Perfect for a relaxing walk or exercise.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of freighters, the International Bridge, and scenic river views, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🎮 Pokémon Go Hotspot
This area is a great spot for Pokémon Go players, with numerous PokéStops and diverse Pokémon sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Catch the Freighter Salute
Time your visit to witness the 'Barker Bark' from freighters like the James R. Barker. Check schedules for the best chance! +2
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the clean, well-maintained boardwalk with art and shaded spots. Perfect for a relaxing walk or exercise.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of freighters, the International Bridge, and scenic river views, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🎮 Pokémon Go Hotspot
This area is a great spot for Pokémon Go players, with numerous PokéStops and diverse Pokémon sightings.
☕ Nearby Dining Options
Grab a bite at Lockview Restaurant for whitefish or enjoy crepes at Oh Crêpe and Coffee. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the St. Marys River Boardwalk for its well-maintained paths, scenic river views, and the unique experience of watching freighters pass through the Soo Locks. The 'Barker Bark' salute is a particular highlight. Some reviewers noted potential issues with air quality on certain days, but overall, it's considered a great spot for relaxation, exercise, and enjoying the natural and industrial beauty of the area.
"This fabulous waterfront trail is part of Sault Ste Marie’s Rowswell Hub Trail (about 35 km all the way round). We enjoyed a lovely evening stroll along the river to the historic locks.
It is very nicely maintained.
Take some time to enjoy the art in “Rocky the Snake”
There are lots of shaded areas to set up lawn chairs and eat take out, enjoy a drink or sit and enjoy this wonderful park."
Colin Hazell
"The boardwalk by the waterfront is well built and clean, very nice to walk along to the lock nearby. From there you can see the States from a distance.
The down side, on the day we were there, was the air quality."
Gary Fung
"Good spot to relax in the evening.
Also can be a good place to exercise or just walk with friends and family.
There are chairs to seat and enjoy the view of the river.
It's a pretty clean Broadwalk. Also very close to the station mall."
Tolu Balogun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The boardwalk is easily accessible in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, often mentioned in conjunction with the Soo Locks and Station Mall area. It's a central point for exploring the waterfront.
While specific parking details aren't extensively covered, the boardwalk's proximity to the Station Mall and Soo Locks suggests ample parking options are likely available in the vicinity.
Yes, the boardwalk is part of the Rowswell Hub Trail, a 35 km network, making it ideal for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenery.
The International Bridge connects Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. While you can see the bridge from the boardwalk, direct pedestrian access to the Canadian side from the boardwalk itself is not implied.
Many visitors enjoy walking the boardwalk, watching freighters at the Soo Locks, and exploring nearby attractions. Some also enjoy riverfront stays or activities like electric biking. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the St. Marys River Boardwalk is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free-to-access waterfront trail.
The Soo Locks have specific operating hours that vary by season. It's best to check the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Access to the Soo Locks Viewing Platform is generally free, allowing visitors to observe the lock operations and passing freighters without charge.
While the boardwalk itself is free, some nearby parks or attractions might have separate fees. However, general access to the waterfront and viewing areas is typically free.
While self-guided viewing from the platform is popular, official tours might be available through local tourism operators or specific events. It's advisable to check with local Sault Ste. Marie tourism resources.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Barker Bark' salute from freighters, the Soo Locks Viewing Platform, the International Bridge, and the various art installations along the boardwalk. +3
The 'Barker Bark' is a unique salute performed by freighters, most famously the James R. Barker. Check freighter schedules for the best chance to witness this impressive display. +1
The boardwalk features various art installations, including a piece called 'Rocky the Snake,' adding a creative touch to the scenic walk.
Absolutely! The well-maintained boardwalk is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling as part of the larger Rowswell Hub Trail system.
You can watch freighters from the Soo Locks Viewing Platform, walk along the boardwalk, or even from private riverfront properties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lockview Restaurant is recommended for its whitefish dishes, and Oh Crêpe and Coffee offers delicious crepes. +1
Whitefish is a popular local recommendation, especially at Lockview Restaurant, whether in a sandwich, wrap, or as bites.
Yes, the boardwalk offers shaded areas perfect for enjoying takeout food or drinks, making it a great spot for a casual meal with a view.
Zak & Mac's Chocolate Haus is a recommended spot to grab ice cream after your boardwalk stroll.
The boardwalk has numerous shaded areas with seating, making it ideal for setting up lawn chairs and enjoying a picnic or takeout meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The Soo Locks, passing freighters, the International Bridge, and the riverfront itself offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful golden hour lighting for capturing the scenery and freighters.
Yes, from the Soo Locks Viewing Platform and along the boardwalk, you can get impressive views and photos of the large Great Lakes freighters.
The 'Barker Bark' salute from freighters is a unique and highly photogenic event. Also, consider capturing the scale of the International Bridge. +1
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, offers beautiful fall colors, making it a great destination for photographers during the autumn season. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shaded seating areas along the boardwalk, or grab an ice cream from Zak & Mac's Chocolate Haus.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The International Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop, and the riverfront scenery is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, offering beautiful golden hour light.
Consider visiting in the fall for vibrant fall colors that enhance the landscape. 🚢 Boat & Freighter Aficionados
Beyond the locks, the St. Marys River Boardwalk offers excellent vantage points for observing freighters as they travel along the waterway.
Many locals and visitors enjoy simply relaxing by the river, waiting for the next majestic ship to appear on the horizon. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Freighter Watching: A Great Lakes Tradition
To maximize your chances of seeing a freighter, it's recommended to check the Soo Locks schedule in advance. These schedules indicate when ships are expected to pass through. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography and a more serene viewing experience.
Beyond the 'Barker Bark,' simply observing the sheer scale and engineering of these ships as they transit the locks is awe-inspiring. It's a tangible connection to the industrial heritage and ongoing commerce of the Great Lakes region.
+1Exploring the St. Marys River Boardwalk
Along the boardwalk, visitors can discover public art installations, including the notable 'Rocky the Snake.' The path also provides numerous shaded areas with seating, perfect for relaxing, enjoying a takeout meal, or simply taking in the views of the river and passing boats.
For those interested in interactive experiences, the boardwalk is also a known hotspot for Pokémon Go players, offering plenty of PokéStops and diverse Pokémon encounters. It’s a versatile space that caters to relaxation, recreation, and even a bit of gaming.
The International Bridge: A Symbol of Connection
From the Michigan side, particularly along the boardwalk and near the Soo Locks, visitors can get excellent views of the bridge. It stands as a testament to international cooperation and the shared heritage of the Great Lakes region.
While the bridge is primarily for vehicular traffic, its presence is a significant part of the Sault Ste. Marie landscape, symbolizing the close relationship between the two nations and offering a striking visual element for photographers and visitors alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit