Agawa RR recommendation needed

[petitnj]

 Can you recommend accommodations in Sault Ste. Marie and other activities? We plan to ride the Agawa Canyon RR in late July.

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

When I was there several years ago, it was all about the train and the train ride, so I didn't sample much else. 

There used to be a tour of a Great Lakes freighter = 'lakeboat' that's tied up there.  It might be the Norgoma - see: http://www.saulttourism.com/tourism/play/attraction_details.asp?tNav=t2&sNav=s1&ID=54

There might also be a waterfront boat tour of some kind - or maybe that's over on the Michigan/ US side instead. 

There's a small shopping center next to the station area, if I recall correctly - the Station Mall - see: http://www.saulttourism.com/tourism/play/attraction_details.asp?tNav=t2&sNav=s1&ID=47

More generally, see the SSM tourism website at - http://www.saulttourism.com/tourism/play/attractions.asp?tNav=t2&sNav=s1 

I don't know if there's much to see of the ACR in town - though it does or did  have one of the few covered turntable still in existence.  Also, it's not that far up to the lakeside town of Wawa, which may be about the last outpost of civilization heading north on a paved road.  Way further north are Hearst and Franz, but they may be too far.

Down in Michigan, the drive along the southern Lake Superior shore is nice.  There are some large wildlife refuges there.  Not far away at Whitefish Point - 1 hr. 10 mins or so from the 'Soo' - is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - http://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/ - you just gotta know which famous ship that's all about.  About 2 hours west is Marquette, which I enjoyed a lot - but that's another destination. 

- Paul North. 

[MJChittick]

Paul_D_North_Jr

There used to be a tour of a Great Lakes freighter = 'lakeboat' that's tied up there.  It might be the Norgoma -

The boat you're thinking about is the "Valley Camp".  It's on the US side.  See the following link: http://www.thevalleycamp.com/museum-ship-valley-camp-3/

 

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

Yep, that's it instead.  Thanks, Mike. 

[LWales]

The boat tours through the Soo Locks begin down by the Valley Camp museum ship on the Michigan side. The tours go through both the US and the Canadian locks. They also go relatively close to the Algoma Steel mill too (best light for pictures would be in the afternoon). There are viewing platforms near the Soo Locks too, so you can watch the Lakers (and the Salties) go through the locks.

 Although it was a while ago (1998), we stayed at the Lockview Motel right across from the locks on the Michigan side. It was a fun family weekend--there was enough for the wife and daughter to do, and other than riding the Canyon Train there isn't a whole lot of railroad activity. The former ACR mostly runs at night, freights coming across Michigan are probably only one a day, each way. There is the Huron Central (or whatever they are called now) that runs the former CP eastward out of SSM, ONT over to Sudbury. I figure that they aren't very busy either.

Look over the visitors guides to SSM--there should be enough to keep you occupied for a couple of days.

 Lance

[Extiger]

We were there about 3 years ago.  Spent a night on the Canadian side at the Holiday Inn which was great and right on the water and close to the train station.  Ate Italian food that night.  Rode the train the next morning The Sea Plane museum was good.  Spent the next night on the American side, had drinks at the old downtown hotel with the great view of the canals.  Did the dinner cruise, great views soso food. 

[dknelson]

Well this is where I stayed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk9MwntlIO8&feature=related

and obviously I wouldn't recommend it 

I recollect a park with a children's playground that included a small (prototype) steam locomotive that was kind of neat.  The Soo Locks boat trip is well worth it.

Dave Nelson

[BNSFwatcher]

I have stayed on both sides of the border.  I prefer the U.S. side, so I don't have to pay the exorbitant Ontario Provincial Tax, on top of the (Federal) General Sales Tax, rooms-and-meals tax, ad infinitum.  I think it totals to 12% + now, but I'm not sure if my figures are current.  Crossing the border can be a hassle, as the ICE loons are too dilligent, on both sides.  Don't bring a gun!!!  SSM is a cool place, and much to watch.  Next to Duluth, MN it is the "Erector Set" of the world, methinks.  Try a "Pastie".  Bring your own ketchup, maybe some Worcestershire sauce!  Do check out the G&W's "Huron Central".  I think they got a life-extension 'stimulus' recently.  Please report back!  If you go in the winter, don't root for the Lake Superior State team!  They are nasty bast.......!  Do have fun!

Hays

 

[petitnj]

Yes we do business in Canada and the cost of most everything is quite high. We are staying 4 days on the U.S. side for a work project and then 2 days in Ontario to take the Agawa train. The latest pictures look like we will be riding the ski train. We couldn't get hotels in the center, but found a fine motel off the main drag. Will give you a complete report from both sides when we return.