This hike was a pleasant surprise. I was originally planning on heading out to Gros Cap but time constraints warranted something closer. I had noticed trails running along and under the International Bridge on previous crossings and had been curious about what there was to see along them. Ii had never been down to see the famed St. Mary's Rapids up close and so I quickly decided that this day would be a good a day as any to give into my curiosity.
What I didn't know was that the trails are adjacent to the Sault Sainte Marie Canal National Historic Site, a site I didn't know existed! A hike with some history mixed in!! How could I go wrong?! The 2 mile loop began and ended at the old canal which was opened in 1897. Though no longer open to commercial shipping it does serve Canadian pleasure craft during the warmer months. I was not able to get inside any of the buildings but the park has numerous informational kiosks that help explain the history of the site. After filling myself up with a helping of history I set out around the adjacent islands to see what I could see...
Mileage Hiked: 2.0 miles
Trailhead Temp: 55'F
Min. Elevation: 590'
Max Elevation: 620'
What I didn't know was that the trails are adjacent to the Sault Sainte Marie Canal National Historic Site, a site I didn't know existed! A hike with some history mixed in!! How could I go wrong?! The 2 mile loop began and ended at the old canal which was opened in 1897. Though no longer open to commercial shipping it does serve Canadian pleasure craft during the warmer months. I was not able to get inside any of the buildings but the park has numerous informational kiosks that help explain the history of the site. After filling myself up with a helping of history I set out around the adjacent islands to see what I could see...
Mileage Hiked: 2.0 miles
Trailhead Temp: 55'F
Min. Elevation: 590'
Max Elevation: 620'
This hike began and ended at the Sault Sainte Marie Canal National Historic Site...a nice historical bonus to go along with a nice nature hike...
This canal, or lock, was first constructed in 1895 completing a Canadian system of locks connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Though closed commercially in 1987 it continues to serve pleasure craft sailing between the lakes...
This canal, or lock, was first constructed in 1895 completing a Canadian system of locks connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Though closed commercially in 1987 it continues to serve pleasure craft sailing between the lakes...This is the lock from the downstream entrance...
This structure was the old powerhouse located adjacent to the canal. Today it serves as the visitors centre (like the Canadian spelling:) for the historic site...
This old building, located next to the powerhouse, was the stores and blacksmith building...all materials for maintaining the lock in its early days had too be produced on location...
This is the old administration building and marine Post Office...Today, it houses park offices and a gift shop...
Crossing the old lock to get to the trails...
Looking downstream as I cross the old lock...
Looking upstream along the canal as I cross the old lock...
Thus ends the historical part of the hike...now, off into the woods...
New comment: Requires approval