Sault Sainte Marie ON

Algoma is the name of the large region in northern Ontario

Camp OLG Casino Sault Ste Marie

 We spent 2 nights at the OLG Casino in Sault Ste Marie.  It is in a great location: right on the Saint Marys River waterfront and the boardwalk.

Looking upstream from the boardwalk to the Sault Ste Marie Historic Canal and lock and International Bridge

On the Sault Ste Marie boardwalk

 The Saint Marys River at Sault Ste Marie has a rich history.  It was a gathering place for the native peoples due to its rich fishing. Traders were drawn due to its strategic location.  All the waters flowing from Lake Superior flow down the river and over the rapids which drop 21 feet.   Locks were built to facilitate traffic on the river.  There have been a number of locks throughout history.  Currently the US operates 4 large locks on the Michigan side and all the commercial traffic use these locks.   The Canadians operate a smaller lock on their side and it passes only pleasure craft.

Lunch at the Waterfront Legend Restaurant

 While walking the boardwalk we got hungry and walked into the Waterfront Legend Restaurant for lunch.  The waitress described the specials, which included a pulled pork on a beef hot dog on a large bun with mixed cheeses.  That was a new one for me and I had to try it.  It wasn't bad, but next time I think I'll get the Reuben.

What????

We saw this product at several food stores and were very intrigued.  At our last food run we bought a can.  I'll let you know how it is if we ever eat it.

Tour boat entering the historic lock

 We have visited Sault Ste Marie several times on the Michigan side.  During a visit last year we took the tour of the Saint Marys River, which took us through both the American and Canadian locks.  You can read about that visit here. 

For more information on the locks click here and here. 

Looking up-bound from the historic lock and the International Bridge

Tour boat up-bound in the lock

 We spent half a day at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.  There were dozens of vintage aircraft on display, as well as other exhibits relating to early aviation in northern Ontario.  Most of the exhibits related to firefighting.  It was a very enjoyable stop and highly recommended.  For a list of the aircraft on display and their descriptions click here.

Sectional canoes for packing inside a float plane

 Early float planes could not tolerate the drag when one or more canoes were strapped on the outside.  The government commissioned a fleet of wood and canvas canoes that broke down into 4 sections and could be carried inside the fuselage.

Larger and more powerful planes could carry a canoe outside on a pontoon.

Remote control models were being assembled for an event over the weekend.

Yet another bridge under construction

Since leaving Sault Ste Marie the terrain has been less spectacular.  It is still a pretty drive, but more built up, more traffic and not as scenic.  I expect we have left the best of our Canadian adventure behind.

My navigator doing her thing.  Including our mobile devices we have at least 6 GPS receivers on board.  We still get lost on a regular basis.

We are parked tonight at the Walmart SuperCentre at Parry Sound ON.  Tomorrow (Saturday) we will pass through Toronto and cross the border at Niagara Falls.