Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site



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canal
Sault Ste Marie

Park Amenities:
Hiking
Interpretive Signs
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Washrooms


Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is a sightseeing and historical destination located on the banks of the St. Mary's River in the community of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Sault Ste. Marie is located in Algoma Country in Northern Ontario.

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is a waterway canal system connecting Lake Huron and Lake Superior of the Great Lakes of Ontario. The waterway is used, mostly, by recreational boats and yachts with the odd kayak group and freighter passing through.

The canal is located off the shores of Sault Ste. Marie and passes by Whitefish Island and St. Mary's Island therefore avoiding the rapids on St. Mary's River.

The first canal lock was constructed by the North West Trading Company in 1798. In 1814 the canal was destroyed by attacking U.S.A. troops during the War of 1812.

The locks were recreated soon later and the reconstruction was finally completed in 1895. At the time the locks were considered the longest in the world and were the only electric lock system of its kind. They were the first locks to implement a "swing dam" to protect the canal system in case of emergencies.

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal was recognized in 1987 as a Canadian National Historic Site to protect and maintain the cultural significance of the canal system in Canada. In 1998 the Sault Ste. Marie locks were upgraded with modern equipment.

Today, the locks are a sightseeing attraction with viewing decks, heritage buildings and lots of marine activity. Some of the historical buildings on site include the superintendent's residence, the blacksmith shed, the administration building, the canalmen's shelter and the electrical powerhouse.

Also on site is a Visitor Centre which provides guided tours and gifts. Throughout the grounds there are outdoor signs, information boards, a viewing deck and a trailhead to a hiking trail.
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, Sault Ste Marie, Algoma Country, Northern Ontario, Canada

 

Address:

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Canal Drive
Sault Ste Marie
Canada

How To Get ToSault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

:
From the downtown area of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada travel west on Queen Street to Huron Street. Turn left and travel south on Huron Street to Canal Drive and take another left. Follow the signs to the canal.
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