Sault Ste. Marie Live Cam

Sault Ste. Marie is a city located in the province of Ontario, Canada, and is one of the oldest settlements in North America. It sits at the intersection of the St. Mary's River and the Canadian-US border, which separates the province of Ontario from the state of Michigan.

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous people, including the Ojibwa and the Huron, who used the St. Mary's River as a transportation route. In the mid-17th century, French explorers arrived in the region, establishing the first European settlement in 1668. The settlement was named Sault Ste. Marie, which means "the rapids of Saint Mary" in French, after the rapids in the St. Mary's River.

Sault Ste. Marie became an important trading post for the fur trade industry, with French and British fur traders setting up posts in the area. In the 19th century, the city became a hub for the timber industry, as logs were floated down the river from northern forests to be processed in the mills located in the city.

In 1851, the first Canadian lock was built on the St. Mary's River, which allowed ships to bypass the rapids and navigate the river. The locks played an important role in the growth of Sault Ste. Marie as a transportation and shipping hub.

During World War II, Sault Ste. Marie became a center for the steel industry, with the Algoma Steel Corporation establishing a plant in the city. The steel industry continued to be a major employer in the city until the late 20th century, when the plant closed due to declining demand for steel.

Today, Sault Ste. Marie is a vibrant community with a diverse economy. The city is home to several post-secondary institutions, including Sault College and Algoma University, and is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Sault Ste. Marie Top Tourist Attractions

• Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site: This historic site is located on the St. Mary's River and features a national historic site, which includes the world's longest lock, along with hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• Agawa Canyon Tour Train: This train ride takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Algoma wilderness, offering stunning views of the Canadian Shield and Agawa Canyon.
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre: This museum is dedicated to the history of bushplanes in Canada, showcasing over 30 aircraft and offering interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
• Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site: This historic site features two restored 19th-century homes, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the region.
• Bellevue Park: This park is a popular destination for families, offering a beach, a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.
• Art Gallery of Algoma: This art museum features contemporary and historical art from the Algoma region and beyond.
• Sault Ste. Marie Museum: This museum showcases the history of Sault Ste. Marie, with exhibits on the fur trade, shipping, and industry.
• Hiawatha Highlands: This recreational area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
• Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site: This historic site is located on the US-Canada border and was once an important trading post for fur traders.
• Pancake Bay Provincial Park: This park is located on the shore of Lake Superior and offers camping, swimming, and hiking opportunities.

Sault Ste. Marie Climate

Sault Ste. Marie has a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The city experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year.

In the winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -30°C (-22°F) with snowfall being common. The winter season usually lasts from December to March.

In the spring, temperatures begin to rise and snow melts, with April and May being the wettest months of the year.

In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), with July and August being the warmest months of the year. This is a popular time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping.

In the fall, temperatures begin to cool down and the leaves of trees change color, making for a picturesque season. September and October are popular months for tourists to visit, as the fall colors are at their peak.

Overall, the climate in Sault Ste. Marie can be quite variable and visitors should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, depending on the season.

Sault Ste. Marie Geography

Sault Ste. Marie is located on the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The city is situated at the northeastern end of Lake Superior, about 700 km northwest of Toronto, Ontario.

The terrain in the area is characterized by rugged and rocky Canadian Shield, which is a vast area of ancient rock that covers much of northern Canada. The city itself is built on a plateau that rises above the St. Marys River, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with hills, forests, and lakes.

The St. Marys River is an important transportation route for shipping and trade, and the city is home to the Soo Locks, a system of locks that allow ships to bypass the rapids in the river and navigate between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.

The area around Sault Ste. Marie is known for its natural beauty, with several provincial parks and wilderness areas located nearby, including Lake Superior Provincial Park, Batchawana Bay Provincial Park, and Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park. The region is also rich in history and culture, with several national historic sites and museums located in the city and surrounding area.