Yesterday, Bruce and I went on an impromptu trip to Sault Ste Marie. The day was gorgeous, bright and sunny with a nice breeze. We were interested in finding out about train trips through the Agawa Canyon, which is pictured above. We could have easily found information on the internet but decided to have a look ourselves since we were in the area. We found the station where you purchase tickets with a bit of difficulty. We stopped at the tourism center to ask for directions. It turned out to be right outside the Sault Ste Marie shopping mall. We went in and I gathered up pamphlets while Bruce inquired about times and prices. This will have to be a pre planned trip for another day since the train leaves at 8:00 am and it is necessary to make reservations. Rather than trying to explain about the trip I will paste an article I found below..................................................................................Welcome aboard one of the most popular train excursions in North America. This one day wilderness excursion will take you 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the awesome granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield.
Through the large picture windows of your comfortable coach, you will experience the same vistas and panoramas that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada's most notable landscape art.
Only the hardiest made this rugged land their home and the marks of the Ojibway, fur traders, lumber jacks and prospectors are barely discernible in this unspoiled wilderness. During your excursion our friendly tour attendants will tell you more about this fascinating country and its history.
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, we'll coast 500 feet down to the floor of the Agawa Canyon, where you will have almost two hours to experience the pristine beauty up close. The whole family can enjoy scenic walks on gravelled trails, four waterfalls or an invigorating climb up over 300 stairs to the breathtaking Lookout platform, perched 250 feet above the tracks.
If you are looking for something more relaxing, you can stop in our Souvenir Car, enjoy a peaceful lunch in our groomed picnic areas or pull up a bench and watch the Agawa River flow by. Our park rangers will also be on hand to answer questions or possibly point out some local wildlife.
There will be plenty to photograph during your excursion so be sure to pack your camera and lots of film.
For your stay in Canyon Park we recommend that you wear recreational clothing and footwear.
FALL COLOUR SEASON
Algoma Country is ablaze with colour during the fall! Though peak colour varies with each season, the last two weeks of September and the first week of October can offer the most spectacular colour and should be considered when planning your fall tour. Due to popularity of the fall season, early bookings are recommended................................................................................
After we finished up at the train station we decided to go into the mall for a look around. I went into one store which had displays of autumn home accessories. They had a lot of different fall silk flowers for sale. It made me want to purchase a bunch of them and an unusual vase to do an arrangement in. An idea for another time. At the back of the mall is St Mary's River and there is a boardwalk around the waterfront which I have posted a photo of above. We decided to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine. It was beautiful. The sun was sparkling on the river. There were people sitting along the boardwalk, some reading a book, some just enjoying the scenery and the nice day, others were jogging or walking, like us. We came upon a farmers market with vendors selling their fall bounty. It was late afternoon at this point and we decided we better be heading home.
We stopped in at St Joseph Island which was on the way home just off highway 17. We discovered St Joseph Island not too long ago. It is a great place, with plenty of things to see and do and many areas to explore. It doesn't take long to get around to the four townships on the island. We stopped in to grab a bite to eat at a place called Mom's Restaurant at Kent's corners which is close to where you enter St Joseph Island. They advertise home cooked meals. We both had penne with meatballs served with home made bread. It was good. After supper we drove around a bit on the island and found Gilbertson's Pancake House which is located at Richard's Landing. We had heard and seen advertisements for this restaurant and would like to check it out one day soon. Here is a blurb about St Joseph Island which I found .................................................................................................St. Joseph Island is a Canadian island in Lake Huron, near the mouth of the St. Marys River which connects Lake Huron with Lake Superior.
St. Joseph Island has a year-round population of around 2000, and is connected to the mainland by the Highway 548 bridge spanning the North Channel of Lake Huron. There is another segment of Highway 548 that circles the island. The largest towns on the island are Hilton Beach and Richards Landing. Tourism is the primary source of income, while logging, maple syrup, and agriculture are of lesser importance. The island has c.10,000 tourists each year.................................................................
We arrived home just before nine.
There are so many side roads off the main roads that will keep us busy for years to come. There is a lot to see and do if you just look for it. I just love the north! It is a great place to live and travel.
