Whitefish Island in Sault Ste Marie comes highly recommended and is well-known amongst the locals, yet never feels busy and always holds some sort of new discovery. I’ve been home for September and have been on a kick for sharing free ways to escape the city feel, with options for all ages and abilities. If you’re not into strenuous hikes but want something a bit more rugged than a paved path, look no further than Whitefish Island.
A walk on the boardwalk with a friend the other day led us to the Sault’s canal, where we decided to cross the white bridge over the locks and head to Whitefish Island. With no fees to enter or use the trails, this quick decision had no negatives and ended up being the perfect way to kill an hour before our dinner plans.
I figured the best way to explain the trail system here would be to share this pic right from Sault Tourism’s website, found at this link. This should give you a rough idea of the total distance, but I think you could easily spend two hours here if you really wanted to. The trails are relatively flat, with bridges here and there, lookouts over the St. Mary’s Rapids and other marshy areas, and views of the international bridge. The paths branch off at many points, leaving lots to be discovered around every corner.
If you wanted to incorporate this into a fun date or simply a relaxing afternoon with friends, I would recommend parking in the lot of the train station, where there are a few restaurants and the Gelato Mill. Here’s my “perfect day” itinerary: First, park in the lot and grab a coffee from the Gelato Mill, which serves Starbucks coffee (they also have tea, lemonade, etc.). Next, follow the Hub Trail towards the canal and make your way over to Whitefish Island. Walk the trails, take in the views, and remember to pitch your trash in one of several garbage bins along the trail. If you choose to bring birdseed for the ducks, remember to be respectful of these wild animals and stay on the designated trail.
After your walk, head back towards the car and grab food at one of the many great local restaurants in that parking lot. I’d recommend the Boiler Room for great pizza, or the Blockhouse for an amazing grilled sandwich. If you’re feeling dessert, which you won’t want to skip out on, head back over to the Gelato Mill for a delicious cold treat. I’d tell you my favourite flavour, but I try to get something different every time I go.
Getting outside and disconnecting from city-life, even if it’s a small city, doesn’t have to be an all-day affair that requires an hour or more of driving. Cause who wants to pay for gas in this economy? Whitefish Island is close to the downtown core and can easily provide an afternoon escape at no significant cost to you. Drop your email in the subscription box below to be notified when another post like this one comes out! Thanks for reading!
