Adventure Collective
Land Adventures: Agawa Canyon Tour Train in Northern Ontario - Sault Ste. Marie

Land Adventures: Agawa Canyon Tour Train in Northern Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

Step aboard the iconic Agawa Canyon Tour Train and traverse Northern Ontario’s rugged landscape, discovering dramatic cliffs and lush forests. Perfect for a scenic getaway that blends natural beauty with history, this journey promises unforgettable views and a connection to the region’s rich heritage.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Stone Gardner

Epic Views Onboard the Stone Gardner Car

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About This Adventure

Embark on the breathtaking Agawa Canyon Tour Train, a 4-hour journey through Northern Ontario's stunning landscapes. Experience the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, enjoy a 90-minute stop at Agawa Canyon Park, and learn about the region's rich history with engaging commentary. This unforgettable adventure awaits!

Join us on one of the most popular train tours in North America!

Duration

4 Hours up to Agawa Canyon Park 90 Minute stop at Agawa Canyon Park 4.5 Hour return trip

About

There are many words that can be used to describe Northern Ontario’s rugged beauty: awe-inspiring, astonishing and inspirational are just a few. There are just as many opportunities to experience and explore these incredible landscapes on a trip to Sault Ste. Marie. Climb aboard the one-day Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a Northern Ontario travel experience that will leave you breathless.

Riding the Rails

Departing from the train depot (87 Huron St.) in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, this 114-mile excursion truly showcases the rugged beauty that is exclusive to the region. As you settle into your comfortable coach, you can feel the pace of life slow as the ride evokes a sense of simpler times while raising expectations of the journey that lies ahead. Traces of city life soon fade away as the Northern Ontario wilderness begins to unfold outside the large tinted windows. The seemingly unending mixed forests of the Canadian Shield open up as you skirt the shores of northern lakes and rivers, cross towering trestles, and set eyes on the same rugged landscapes and majestic views that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada’s most notable works of art.

As the train winds its way through this one of a kind terrain, a GPS triggered commentary weaves the story of the region. Available in five languages including English throughout the coaches and in French, German, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin via wireless headsets, you’ll learn about upcoming points of interest as well as some of the rich history of the Ojibway, fur traders, explorers and entrepreneurs that opened up this vast wilderness. And to enhance the scenery outside your window, locomotive mounted cameras provide an engineer’s ‘eye-view’ via flat screen monitors installed throughout the coaches. Just when you thought you’d experienced it all, the train starts its descent into the canyon at Mile 102. As the rail line hugs the top of the canyon wall, you’ll descend 500 feet over the next 10 miles to the floor of the Agawa Canyon, created more than 1.2 billion years ago by faulting and widened and reshaped by the last ice age that retreated 10,000 years ago.

AGAWA CANYON PARK

As the train pulls to a stop at mile 114, you’ll have an hour and a half to experience the jewel of the tour – Agawa Canyon Park, which is only accessible by rail. There are plenty of picnic areas for those wishing to have lunch during the stopover or you may want to eat prior to arrival or after departure, in order to have the most time to explore the park.

There are several trails and a lookout at Agawa Canyon Park. Climb 300 stairs and gravel paths for a panoramic view above the tracks on the Lookout Trail. Other nearby attractions include Black Beaver Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Please Note: Wheelchair lifts have weight restrictions and cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs or scooters. Wheelchairs should be collapsible and not more than 26” wide (outside wheel to wheel)

Adventure Tips

Dress for the weather

Bring layered clothing as temperatures can vary along the route and during stops.

Arrive early

Get to the station early to secure good seats and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Bring binoculars

Enhance wildlife and landscape viewing during the ride and at the canyon stop.

Stay hydrated

Carry water for the trip and canyon stop to maintain energy during the excursion.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • White-tailed deer

History

The railway was completed in 1912, opening up Northern Ontario for tourism and development.

Conservation

Efforts focus on preserving the natural beauty and respecting Indigenous lands in the region.

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Adventure Hotspots in Sault Ste. Marie

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Camera

Essential

Capture the stunning canyon views and scenic landscapes.

all specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Explore the canyon or walk around the station area comfortably.

spring, summer, fall specific

Windbreaker

Stay warm during outdoor stops in cooler months.

winter specific

Sun hat and sunscreen

Protect yourself from UV rays during the outdoor walk and stops.

summer specific