Communities in Algoma
Sault Ste. Marie...naturally gifted!
Sault Ste. Marie's slogan brags that the city is naturally gifted and it is! The International Bridge links this beautiful waterfront city to the U.S., providing easy access from southwestern Ontario and the mid-west states. Sault Ste. Marie, shares it's name with our twin sister city in Michigan creating an International flavor. The city is easily recognized from anywhere in the world, due to our strategic location at the center of the Great Lakes. The St. Marys River connects Lake Huron and Lake Superior with Sault Ste. Marie at the Heart of the Heritage Coast. These waters contain more than sixty species of fish including lake trout, walleye, pike, perch and more. Fly fishing in the St. Marys Rapids at the city's edge is popular for salmon, whitefish and rainbow trout-catches are made just in time for dinner! The rich lush forests of the area provide a colourful backdrop in any season; the cool greens of summer offer hikers, bikers and campers a great setting for fresh air enjoyment. The spectacular array of orange, yellow and reds of autumn splendor, bring the forests alive and are a photographer's paradise. This is a great time to ride the rails 114 miles north of the city aboard the famous Agawa Canyon Tour Train.
The Sault has earned a reputation as a Gateway to world class outdoor adventure experiences. The city and area recently hosted the North American Eco Challenge, proving the caliber of adventure offered can be as extreme as you want it to be. From soft adventure pleasures such as a stoll through a wooded trail at a nearby park to raging over the waters of Lake Superior in a kayak - it is at your fingertips in Sault Ste. Marie. Sault Ste. Marie is home to the popular Searchmont Resort boasting 700 foot vertical for great downhill skiing and ten kilometers of cross-country ski trails. Snowboarders will find a shredder's playground here too.
The Agawa Canyon Snow Train is a great way to discover 114 miles of brilliant white winter beauty, from inside the warmth and comfort of the railway's coaches and dome cars. Snow laden trees and waterfalls that have been transformed into fantastic ice sculptures, offer a panoramic view. For the true adventurer, explore the white forests of a northern winter on a snow machine safari using the Snow Train to access the taste of adventure waiting on 1,200 miles of trail system around the Sault area. Sault Ste. Marie is a winter playground offering you a variety of experiences from Dog Sledding, Snow Shoeing, Snow Camping and Ice Fishing. This naturally gifted community truly offers it all!
For the city lovers there is much to consider. Arts and culture are within easy reach using the 4Culture Passport value card providing admittance to the Canadian Bushplane Museum, Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, Art Gallery and Sault Museum. For those who want to shop 'til they drop, visit Station Mall located at the center of it all on the city's waterfront with 12 movie theatres in the Galaxy complex and over 120 shops and services. The nearby downtown shopping district is home to many fine restaurants showcasing menus with an emphasis on our renowned Italian cuisine.
Sault Ste. Marie is a city designed to offer visitor and local alike, many different activities from gentle adventure to bright lights and action such as can be found at Casino Sault Ste. Marie, featuring Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride and Roulette, along with 450 slot machines, open 365 days a year. Walk the mile long waterfront boardwalk and watch thousand foot ships lock through the world's busiest lock system or see them up close aboard Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruise or at the Sault Canal Parks Canada, at the most westerly point of land under the International Bridge. Our community has a great legacy of hosting annual festivals and events such as ROTARYFEST taking place in July and bringing 80 years of summer celebration followed in January by Ontario's Winter Carnival Bon Soo, operating for more than 40 years! Sault Ste.Marie celebrates over twenty annual festivals-check for details at sault-canada.com.
Stopping at the centre of the waterfront will find you in Roberta Bondar Park, named after the city's most famous citizen and Canada's first woman astronaut, Dr. Roberta Bondar. Be sure to look up and see the colourful tent pavilion, noting the ten viewing panels located around the park, each one telling a part of the city's history depicted on the tent surface in an artwork called Meeting Place, created by local artist, John Hornstein. A special treat to visitors are the wood carvings dotted along the waterfront area inviting folks to take their picture.
One of the city's newest features is Crimson Ridge 18 hole Championship Golf Course. Crimson Ridge is a scenic and challenging golf course boasting many natural features showcasing Northern Ontario landscape. Waterfalls, creeks, numerous elevation changes and mature hardwood forests create spectacular views and exciting golfing pleasures from many vantage points along this scenic par 72 layout. Four sets of tees give players a course suitable to their game from 5,274 yards to a demanding 6,728 yard challenge. Crimson Ridge will provide a memorable golf experience for players of all abilities.
Sault Ste. Marie is known as the city of smiles with warm, northern hospitality waiting for you in a wide variety of accommodation facilities from bed and breakfast through to full service brand hotels; 1500 rooms in total are located in and around the city. Local accommodation facilities have special vacation packages year round built around key experiences such as the Agawa Canyon Rail Tour, Searchmont Resort for skiing and a Play and Stay golf vacation. Most packages include a 4Culture Passport value card and Casino Sault Ste. Marie has developed a special value package as well which is available at all local hotels.
The city's central location at the heart of the Great Lakes and at the intersection of I-75 from the south and the trans Canada highway from the east and west, has earned Sault Ste. Marie a reputation as a great place to meet; in any season, for many reasons!
Heyden, Goulais, Searchmont, Havilland, Harmony, Batchawana, Pancake Bay, Montreal River Harbour
Taking a ride on the ACR, Lock Tour or just visiting Sault Ste. Marie, be sure to grab your bathing suit, cross-country skis, skidoo, fishing equipment or camera (depending on the season, of course) and head up Highway 17 North, 20 miles to Harmony Bay Beach with its tent and trailer park, hotel, great beach, or travel 35 miles to Batchawana Bay and Village with miles of safe, sandy beach, picnic area, hotels, motels, cabins, resorts, restaurants, gift shops, fly-in services and much, much more. Stop in at the Batchawana Tourist Association Information Centre at the entrance to Batchawana Provincial Park. They will direct you to the Agawa Indian Pictographs, Chippewa Falls - the half-way point on the Trans Canada Highway, to trails to forgotten mines for bird watching, rock hounding and breathtaking scenery and act as your guide to area accommodations and meals. Fantastic fishing, along with miles of hiking and biking trails through accessible wilderness. This area, and further up Highway 17 North to Montreal River Harbour and Wawa, is also prime touring country for the do-it-yourself fall colour tour mid-September to mid-October when the greens of summer transform magically into an explosion of spectacular colours - bright red, yellow, scarlet, brown and orange. Just beyond Batchawana is the Pancake area with the newest attraction "The Trapline Trading Post" and "Canadian Carver" a combination gift shop, trapping supply depot, Camper's Grocery Store and Agency Liquor Store. Montreal River Harbour on the southern entrance to Lake Superior Provincial Park boasts some of the region's most spectacular scenery, with two lodges located on opposite sides of the Montreal River for your overnight stay, meals and camping pleasure. Montreal River is noted for its fishing - Lake trout in particular, and boats, motors, bait, fly-in services can be arranged through outfitters in the area. A bonus on this stretch of highway is the early-spring and late-fall run of the mighty Rainbow trout, Salmon, Lake trout and other species of fish.
Wawa
A small town of 4,000, Wawa is a 2 1/2 hour drive north from Sault Ste. Marie on the Trans Canada Highway. Famous for its huge, steel Canada goose, Wawa took its name from the Ojibway word meaning "wild goose." The 30 foot steel goose sculpture dominates the landscape as travellers exit Hwy. 101 from the Trans Canada into Wawa. It was dedicated in 1960 to commemorate the opening of the last and most difficult link of the Trans Canada Highway. Under its giant wings is the Wawa Tourist Information Centre, which is open to greet visitors from early May through Thanksgiving weekend. Wawa had its beginnings in 1897 with the discovery of gold on the south shore of Wawa Lake, triggering the gold rush of '98. Iron mining began in the 1900's and became the mainstay of the economy until the close of the George M. MacLeod Mine in 1998. It was the only underground iron mine in Canada.
Hidden Natural Treasures
Beyond the goose there are many hidden natural attractions found while wandering the back-roads. Everything from waterfalls to scenic lookouts and historic drives. Just south of Wawa, Scenic Magpie High Falls and Silver Falls provide a spectacular show for Visitors. Scenic Magpie High Falls plunges 75 ft. over a rocky gorge and reaches 200 ft. in width. Silver Falls is a quiet roadside falls, with a short hiking trail that takes visitors just beyond the falls for a view of two hidden waterfalls. Both waterfalls are accessed from Highway 17 and are well signed. Michipicoten River Village Road, 8 kilometres south of Hwy. 101 provides visitors a great scenic drive. Along the way visitors will pass Bethune Cemetery, an old burial ground dating back to the 1833 grave of Louisa MacKenzie Bethune, a cousin of Sir Alexander MacKenzie, a well known fur trader and explorer. Further along visitors will find themselves on the shores of Lake Superior at a beautiful white sand beach. Locals refer to this place as Sandy Beach. It's a great place to spend the day or enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Summer Events
Wawa has been known in the past years as the Salmon Capitol of the north. Each year on the third weekend of August, the Wawa Salmon Derby attracts anglers from all over to fish on Lake Superior at the mouth of the Michipicoten River. The event offers Chinook and Coho salmon fishing. The annual Summerfest happens on the third weekend of July and features a weekend of outdoor musical entertainment, children's games and activities.
Dubreuilville
Looking for a unique place to escape? Dubreuilville is the place to visit! Located just over three hundred kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie, Dubreuilville is a friendly, vibrant community ready for you to explore. Here you can take advantage of an exceptional hunting and fishing experience; Dubreuilville is the outdoorsman paradise. Our lakes and our rivers are abundant with pickerel, northern pike and trout. The majestic forests that surround us contain the heaviest moose population of Northern Ontario, as well a healthy grouse population. In short, the perfect opportunity to hunt large or small game awaits you.
While visiting in Dubreuilville, you can experience an unforgettable guided sawmill tour. You will be mesmerized how the industry transforms a log into a finished manufactured lumber product. As a matter of fact, in Ontario, the Dubreuilville sawmill is ranked among the first three in size and production volumes. Visit the Buchanan Group gem and see why we are ranked 1st in Northern Ontario! We have something to be proud of!!
Our 95% Francophone community will be more than happy to welcome you to celebrate with us our St-Jean Baptiste Day which is held annually. This event takes place on June 24th, with activities for the whole family. Magic balloons, games, face painting and live music are just a few to mention. Venez célébrer avec nous!!!
For the avid snowmobiler, Dubreuilville's trails are not only situated on the "Trans Ontario Provincial Snowmobile Trail System" (TOPS) but we are also the trail hub for our sister communities of Wawa, White River, Hornepayne and Chapleau. We guarantee the best-groomed trails in the area and unique breathtaking scenery once you visit our snowmobiling paradise.
In the summer months, our snowmobile trails convert to complimentary trails for the ATV rider. These unrestricted trails are all accessible from your hotel or campground location.
Dubreuilville offers tourists a number of affordable housing/camping options. Relax in the comfort of Heritage Inn a.k.a. Motel Bienvenue or experience the beauty at either one of our campgrounds. Overlook the Green Lake Beach and capture the natural splendor of our forests, lakes and wildlife unique to Dubreuilville.
Hornepayne
The Community of Hornepayne, 97 km north of White River on Highway 631, is situated in the heart of the Boreal Forest. Its surrounding lakes and forest make it a haven for sport fishing and hunting. This railway and lumber community boasts such tourist attractions as the unique "Town within a Town" Hornepayne Hallmark Town Centre and Cedar Point Park, with beautiful sandy beaches and tranquil hiking trails. The Hallmark Hornepayne Centre: A model for northern living, the Centre is a multi-million dollar complex, combining hotel and shopping facilities, a recreation complex, family resource center, offices, schools, a library, medical centre, financial institution and LCBO all under one roof.
White River
Located half way between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie on the Trans Canada Highway, White River is an idyllic small town completely surrounded by the grey granite and tall dark pines of Northern Ontario. A "must do" in White River is a tour of Domtar's state-of-the-art sawmill. Visitors witness the transformation of whole trees into dimension lumber. Experienced tour guides explain the process each step of the way. Tours are arranged through the Visitor Information Centre. Two Provincial Parks are very close by, making it a convenient spot to enjoy the sundrenched summer months. In addition, there are many beautiful lakes, boasting a variety of lodges which have made the region famous for its hunting and fishing. Winnie the Pooh While its railtown heritage is still evident, it was recently discovered that White River is the birthplace of the most famous of all Bears - "Winnie the Pooh". Captain Harry Colebourn, a Canadian soldier, purchased the small bear for $20.00 during the first World War, in 1914. His bear "Winnipeg", later known as "Winnie", was taken overseas and given to the London Zoo when Captain Colebourn's regiment was called to the front lines in France. She became the main attraction at the Zoo, and the favourite of writer A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin. The bear gave her name to the story "Winnie the Pooh" and A.A. Milne, along with Ernest H. Sheperd gave "Winnie the Pooh" to the world. The "Winnie Hometown Festival" is held in the third week of August each year and celebrates White River's "Pooh" heritage, appealing to families, bear lovers and collectors alike. A huge statue of "Winnie the Pooh" stands at the entrance way to White River, on the Trans-Canada highway. Quality accommodation, dining and shopping compliment the excellent fishing and hunting. A friendly and hospitable reception is always assured.
Chapleau
Welcome to Chapleau, a true four-season Northern Ontario region, a noted lumbering centre and black bear capital of Ontario. Chapleau offers a magnificent vacation playground with numerous resorts, camp-grounds, excellent dining, shopping, accommodations, golfing, excellent fishing and hunting accessible by good highways and the best snowmobiling trails in Ontario.
Our 700,000-hectare Chapleau Crown Game Preserve is the largest in the world and is considered a true wilderness experience. Outfitters can arrange for canoe and camping trips complete with all necessary equipment and a guide if required. In the winter many of the outfitters can arrange excellent snowmobile excursions that will leave you breathless. Wilderness adventures both summer and winter. Come find out what it's all about!
Nakina
One of the most northern towns in Ontario, Nakina is in the centre of a pristine wilderness that attracts, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from Canada, the U.S. and around the world. Favourite catches include walleye, northern, perch, whitefish, speckled trout and lake trout. Every year there are many successful moose and bear hunts. Just a 45-minute drive from Geraldton, and less than four hours from Thunder Bay, Nakina is both an exceptional drive-in and fly-in fishing getaway. The local airport is busy shuttling vacationers and sportsmen to adventures on the famous Ogoki and Albany waterways. Outfitters, resorts, camping grounds and outpost cabins, along with in-town motels, restaurants and bed and breakfast establishments offer a wide selection of hospitality services.
Nakina, a community of 650, retains its frontier personality, with a restored Canadian National Railways Station Museum. There's a special feeling in sitting on the shore of a peaceful northern lake, following a path through cedars and jackpine, or staring up at the infinite depth of the starry night sky on a cool, clear evening. Many people dream of this life-you can experience it yourself in Nakina.
St. Joseph Island
Many colourful stories - some legend, some historical fact - are told about St. Joseph Island, the most western of the Manitoulin chain of islands, situated in the channel between Lakes Huron and Superior. About 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, the 140,000 acre island is 28 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie via Highways 17 and 548. Originally named Anipich, the Ojibway word for "place of the hardwood trees," the island was given its present name by Jesuit missionaries to honour the patron saint of a new Indian church they were building. The island is linked to the mainland by a free bridge, opened in 1972, and just 3 1/2 miles from the bridge is the St. Joseph Island Museum, a six-building complex housing over 5,000 artifacts from the island's past.
There are two villages on the Island, Hilton Beach and Richards Landing, which have a variety of business to serve the traveller as well as many special events. There's a private airstrip near Gawas Bay and excellent trout fishing in the streams that criss-cross the island. Pike and Walleye fishing is usually good in the off-shore waters of the channel which also offers Perch and Bass. Few places in Ontario offer the rockhound such an array of fascinating minerals - including the beautiful Pudding Stone. From Sailor's Encampment, a beautiful wooded shore on the St. Mary's River, you can watch ships from every country in the world navigating the channel between lakes Huron and Superior - a part of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Each spring, St. Joseph Island attracts hundreds of visitors to its Maple Syrup Festival. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling make it the place for a snow-filled adventure. Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site of Canada In 1796, Fort St. Joseph was constructed on the southeast shore of the island to become the most westerly post in British North America. Fort St. Joseph was established to maintain an alliance with First Nation peoples and was a key link in the fur trade routes to Montreal during the years from 1796-1812.
Fort St. Joseph soldiers, Aboriginal allies and fur traders occupied Fort Mackinac at the beginning of the War of 1812. In 1814 American forces retaliated and burned Fort St.Joseph to the ground. Today, the Fort is one of a Canada-wide family of special places operated by Parks Canada. A modern visitor reception centre has exhibits that depict military, Aboriginal, fur trade, and archaeological themes. Interpreters greet and orient visitors and videos are shown in the theatre. The site is open from May long week-end to Thanksgiving.
Thessalon
Now the hub of a large recreation area to the north, Thessalon was and is a lumber town set on a beautiful river mouth on upper Lake Huron. It has an excellent shopping district, good restaurants and fine accommodations. It also has a 23 acre trailer park at lakeside with a beautiful sand beach. The large Municiple Wharf and deepwater harbour provide excellent docking facilities and full marina services. Thessalon sits on a two mile point of land jutting out into Lake Huron where prevailing seasonal crosswinds ensure full sails. A 3,200 foot paved and lit airstrip is also located just 5 miles away. Thessalon is commonly referred to as the Gateway to the Mississagi Valley; a scenic area stretching from Thessalon for 70 miles north on Highway 129. Summertime sees an influx of outdoor enthusiasts on this stretch of well kept road following the mighty Mississagi River. Top quality overnight accommodations are available from motels, hotels to housekeeping cabins, lodges and American Plan accommodations, while enjoying the bountiful lakes and rivers of the area. Your hosts can provide expert advice on unlimited area activities. Located 80 km north of Thessalon along Hwy 129 is Aubrey Falls, an impressive 60 metre (180 ft.) waterfall on the Mississagi River with a hiking trail to the top of the falls and a spectacular view of the valley. A beautiful, nine hole golf course, at Livingstone Creek is conveniently located just a few miles from town. In the fall, Algoma Country is ablaze with stunning colours, making it a Triangle Tour driving tour a photographer's dream with its vast stand of forest, white rapids, stark cliffs and unspoiled wilderness. During the winter, snowmobilers and cross country skiers can travel on some of Algoma's best snowtrails, which are well-groomed by the Thessalon Point Riders, and link directly with the rest of Algoma Country and the Trans Ontario Provincial Trail System.
Mississagi Valley
Often described as the most scenic drive in Ontario, Highway 129, "Gateway to the Mississagi Valley", connects Thessalon to Chapleau, 70 miles north. As it meanders, the road climbs to quite an elevation and in many spots hugs the Mississagi River, every curve bringing breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll find an unprecedented selection of superb accommodations from Motels, Hotels and Housekeeping Cottages to Lodges and American Plan accommodation. Here you'll find excellent opportunities for fishing, rockhounding, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and canoeing. This is truly an area for all seasons. Each business has an optimum season - call for details.
Let your hosts provide you with expert advice on the unlimited area activities. Aubrey Falls, a highlight of the area, is 80 km north of Thessalon. Meandering through a parkland setting, the scenic trail leads to the Falls, which drop 60 meters (180) to the valley below. Or hike your way to the top of an extinct volcano! Rock Candy Mountain, overlooking two large lakes, is a great place for picnic and photo opportunities.
Municipality of Huron Shores
How do you want to explore Nature? The choices are many. Snowmobiling, golfing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, boating, camping, hunting and fishing offer year round recreation. Snowmobilers have access to over 600 kilometres of trails with links to Provincial, National, and International networks. Cross-country skiers will find over 12 kilometres of picturesque trails. Visit the vast Kirkwood Forest with its stands of red pine. Hike along the Voyageur Trail. Huron Shores contains the Deer Trail, part of the famous Circle Route from Hwy. 17, up Hwy. 108, over Hwy. 639, and down Hwy. 546. Travel that route on the third or fourth weekend of September and enjoy the fall colours in all their glory. The municipality is the gateway as well to the Mississagi Valley Tourist Area, offering an extremely scenic drive along the Mississagi River. The community is also the entrance to the Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve, marking the mouth of the largest river flowing into Lake Huron. Future plans are to provide for day-use trails, viewing opportunities and interpretive sites. Community events include the Lioness Club Winterfest the first weekend in February and the Lions Club Community Days the second weekend in August. The long running Agricultural Fall Fair takes place the second weekend in September. A new ball field in Little Rapids plays host to recreational games throughout the warmer months.
Blind River
Tourism Is Our Business! Midway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on the Trans-Canada Highway #17, Blind River provides services to over 4 million travellers per year. Angling for lunkers in any season, sightseeing, shopping, business, or visiting friends whatever the reason for visiting you'll find Blind River is the heart of the North Channel for very good reasons. On the North Channel, Blind River Marine Park offers unlimited comfort for boaters on the most scenic sailing waters in North America! Boaters and residents mingle to enjoy this park setting with barbecue pits, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, and food services. And for the boaters there are charts, full dock services, spacious personal stations, a boaters- lounge and weekly events.
The Timber Village Museum offers a living legacy of area history with exciting exhibits to explore, an Art Gallery featuring the work of Canadian artists and artisans. The museum offers guided tours and a variety of public workshops and presentations. Drop by for your souvenir items at the Ted Smith Gift Shop featuring Canadiana and local crafts for the most scrutinizing tastes.
From rustic campgrounds to first class motel rooms, Blind River has great places to stay, interesting places to shop, and a full spectrum of restaurants and fast food outlets.
Elliot Lake
ATTRACTIONS
Whether one visits Elliot Lake for a weekend getaway or a family vacation, the combination of outdoor attractions and special events make it a vibrant and exciting destination for travel. A modern City of 12,500, Elliot Lake is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in North America and offers a wealth of vacation activities that are as delightful as nature itself... and very affordable. A must for all visitors is the "Deer Trail", a stunning 120 km driving tour with many stops that combine history, geology and nature into an exciting and educational experience. Within minutes of the City centre is the Fire Tower Lookout, a replica of an old-fashioned fire rangers' lookout station with a 360° panoramic view. When in Elliot Lake, visit our Nuclear and Mining Museum. It traces the origin of the local uranium mining industry as well as the fur and logging days at the turn of the century. The museum also contains various exhibits and is the northern home of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.
ACTIVITIES
The Elliot Lake area offers a variety of trails featuring some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ontario. Within the City limits are a number of well marked trails for both the beginner and more experienced hiker. For more adventure, venture north along any one of the challenging nature trails within Mississagi Provincial Park that offer spectacular lookout points. This paradise of nature also has special magic for those who love to canoe or kayak. There are many mapped canoe routes surrounding Elliot Lake - all well developed. With thousands of freshwater lakes and fast flowing rivers in the area you can easily plan your own route or hire one of our local guides to assist you. For the hunter or fisherman, there is an abundance of fish and wild game and a wide choice of resorts and lodges within an 80 kilometre radius. Winter in Elliot Lake can be quite enjoyable. There are scores of cross-country ski trails to choose from in and around the region. The Mount Dufour Ski Hill, which has a 315' vertical drop served by a quad chair lift and poma lift, is located in the heart of the City. Snowmobilers have endless paths and the ice fisherman has an excellent choice of lakes. There are numerous lakes for the boater or windsurfer within the heart of the community. For family swimming, two supervised sandy beaches offer picnic areas, washrooms and playgrounds for children. Other local sport facilities include a challenging nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness centre, an arena, and several ball and soccer fields.
ALL TERRAIN ADVENTURE IN ELLIOT LAKE!
The adventure of a lifetime starts in Elliot Lake, which boasts the largest all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail system in all of Ontario. Located mid-way between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, over 300 kilometres of trails, all within 30 kilometres of town, have been carved through the extraordinary landscape of this unspoiled part of Northern Ontario. Racing past rivers, ancient rock escarpments, and transition forests, they offer more than just the thrill of the ride, but an unfolding journey through the history of a wild and majestic terrain.Whether you are an expert rider or a novice, Elliot Lake's ATV trails are perfect for day trips, overnight stays or extended three- to five-day excursions. And, as the trails are looped, riders are never more than a 30 minute ride from the modern amenities of the City, which is home to a choice of affordable hotels, lodges, restaurants, service stations and equipment suppliers. Off-road adventurers can also enjoy wilderness camping, nature photography, hiking, canoeing and fishing, both in and around the City, not to mention some pure relaxation along Elliot Lake's wide sandy beaches.
EVENTS
Community events include the Jewel in the Wilderness Heritage Festival in June, the NRHA Drag Races and Motorcycle Rally & Poker Run in July, ATV Rally Rides in May and August, the Deer Trail Studio Tour in September, Winterfest and the Annual Snowmobile Rally in February.
Township of the North Shore
The Township of the North Shore is comprised of three small communities: Algoma Mills, Spragge, and Serpent River that stretch out along highway 17 between Blind River and Spanish. About 11 km. east of Blind River, Algoma Mills is nestled between Lake Huron and Lake Lauzon. Public boating access is available at the Lauzon Beach as well as a picnic area, a cedar gazebo and public toilet facilities. Breathtaking sunrise scenes can be viewed at the Algoma Mills causeway on Lake Huron, inviting guests to take advantage of the fishing, parking, launching, docking facilities, and picnic area. A covered pavilion for hosting festivals and events is a wonderful feature of this part of the great lake shoreline.
Spragge is east of Algoma Mills along Highway 17. In season, smelt fishing and a network of scenic snowmobile trails in the area are excellent features to be experienced. Throughout Spragge are various locations where you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent Lake Huron North Channel. Still further east is Serpent River. The unique name originates from the focal point of the community, which is a serpentine body of water that features a parkette adjacent to the bridge on the highway. In the parkette you will find a small waterfall surrounded by old cedars, a wonderful location for photographs. A walking trail for the purpose of nature viewing can be found at this location. "The North Shore" is also well known as the snowmobile link between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, with miles of excellent groomed trails.
Spanish
A Natural Pitstop for North Channel Island-Hoppers A mere 15 miles from the beautiful Benjamin Islands group and closer still to the island-speckled waters of Whalesback and McBean Channels, Spanish prides itself on being a convenient beginning to these popular anchoring spots. But the community of Spanish should not be thought of as a place to simply fuel up and run. The many local businesses in the downtown core can provide all the amenities needed - boat and auto repair, restaurants (licensed and unlicensed), grocery stores, hardware store, liquor and beer store, bank, post office, gift shop and on Saturday a farmers' market. Medical, dental and chiropractic services are also available. Near the marina are a bed & breakfast, a roller blade rink, and a baseball field. The 3rd weekend in August is Spanish Fun Days which features ballgames, children's games, a horseshoe tournament, food concessions and a dance, all licensed under LCBO. Stop in and enjoy the festivities. A Relaxation Destination The Spanish River Delta is abundant with birds, fish and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The new Municipal Marina and Four Seasons Complex is located on the north side at the mouth of the Spanish River. A large wind turbine that supplies power to the facility stands as a sentinel on the bluff above the marina. At dock side there is gas, diesel, oil, pumpouts, ice, maps, charts and sundries available. All slips are serviced with water and shore power. End docks can accommodate boats up to 70 feet. There is a large parking lot with 24 hour security, a launching ramp and a mast stepper that makes Spanish an ideal place for "trailer sailors." The Four Season Complex houses a laundry room, games room, showers, sauna, workout room, tuck shop and conference room. Directly behind the marina are the remnants of two residential schools built in 1912 for native children. Channel dredged in the fall of 2002.
For more information about the towns and cities in Algoma Country visit Algoma Country Travel Association's website for a Free Summer and Winter Travel Guide.
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