Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

Fondly referred to as The Soo

Chris has a few things he needs to get done with work and the cell at Pancake Bay is less than expected. We decide to head into Sault Ste Marie where the cell will be good to get our work done.

Prior to our visit, I didn't know there was both a Sault Ste Marie, Ontario  and a Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The twin cities are connected by the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge - the only fixed vehicular crossing between the two countries within 1000 kilometers. 

Roberta Bondar - Canadian Astronaut

After work we head down to the waterfront Bellevue Marina and unload the bikes. We bike the hub trail through the downtown. It's a wonderful trail meandering the waterfront. We did not know there was a famous woman astronaut from Sault Ste Marie. Roberta Bondar was selected in 1983 and flew on a NASA mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1992.

The hub trail takes us to The Sault Ste Marie Canal, designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1987.

Sault Ste Marie Canal + The International Bridge

This canal was the final link in an all-Canadian waterway stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. When it opened in 1895, it was the world's longest lock and the first to utilize electricity to operate. Quite a feat back in the day. 

Lock gate closed and water coming into the lock

We watch an American lock tour boat go through the locks. It totally reminds us of our days in Europe locking Tioga through literally 100's and 100's of locks.

Boat raised and moving along the canal

St Mary's Rapids + American part of the International Bridge

We cross the canal and head onto the bike trails around Mary Island and Whitefish Island. The islands are connected by a bridge and we get right out to the St. Mary's rapids. Sault Ste Marie means 'St. Mary's Falls' The name originates from the rapids on the Saint Mary's River, which flow between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The French word 'sault' refers to a waterfall or rapids. 

These rapids are known for great fishing.

Old Administration Building at the canal lock

There are many nice old red brick buildings along the route. Sault Ste Marie is really nice so far. Tons of history here. 

Angie and Mike's home

Back to the truck and off to Angie and Mark's home just on the out skirts of The Soo. My niece, Melissa, and her daughter, Elia, are visiting family here and they have kindly offered us a place to stay while visiting. 

Chris, Melissa, Sheila and Elia 

Once set up Melissa and Elia hop in with us and we head off to The Wacky Wing for supper. It is wonderful to see them and be with family...I am missing mine :)

Sheila, Elia and Melissa - treat time

After supper we head to the Trading Post as Melissa is looking for gifts for the kiddos back home. It is closed but we find ice cream instead. So many flavors and it is delicious :)

Elia enjoying her cone - Yummy

Angie and her little friends Mango and Buddy

We head back to meet up with Angie our host. Her husband is away working on their cottage so we never meet him. 

Angie is so kind and welcoming to their home. We have a night cap and call it a day.