Sault Ste. Marie Canal, Historic waterway and national site in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is a lock system along the St. Marys River that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The site includes historical buildings and a lock chamber that manages water level changes between the two lakes.
The canal was built in the 1890s and marked a major advance in lock technology for its time. It became essential to shipping traffic between the lakes and contributed significantly to regional economic growth.
The buildings surrounding the canal showcase early industrial architecture with red sandstone construction and period details that reflect worker life. You can still observe how these structures shaped the daily routines of the people who operated and maintained the waterway.
The canal is accessible by foot along paved paths that run beside the water and offer views of the lock system. Visit between late summer and early fall when the lock system operates for recreational boats.
The lock was a technical marvel when completed, as it operated on electricity instead of steam power like earlier systems. This innovation made it a model for lock facilities worldwide.
Location: Sault Ste. Marie
Website: http://pc.gc.ca/sault
GPS coordinates: 46.51278,-84.35139
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53
Soo Locks
1.1 km
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
994 m
MS Norgoma
1.3 km
Whitefish Island
281 m
Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge
1 km
International Bridge Walk
995 m
Soo Lock Visitors Center
1.2 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal office building
64 m
Sault Ste. Marie Memorial Tower
1.1 km
Galaxy Cinemas Sault Ste Marie
936 m
Poe Lock
1.1 km
The Machine Shop
347 m
Hussey Block
1.2 km
Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse
1.5 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal superintendent's house
312 m
Red River Expedition plaque
676 m
Fort Brady Historical Marker
1.6 km
General Office Building of the Consolidated Lake Superior Company/Abiti-Price Head Office
360 m
Sault Ste. Marie Cenotaph
1.4 km
Great War of 1914-1918 Veteran's War Memorial
1.2 km
North West Company Lock
376 m
Coronation Block
1.1 km
Barnes Block
946 m
Barnes-Fawcett Block
1.3 km
St. Marys Falls Park
1.4 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal workshop
148 m
Roberta Bondar Pavilion
1.2 km
International Hotel Stone Cairn
1.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes