The best hikes from bus stations around St. Marys River
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Bus station hiking trails around St. Marys River offer accessible outdoor experiences in a region known for its significant biodiversity and as a migration flyway for birds. The landscape features waterways connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron, with islands and shorelines providing varied terrain. While specific detailed hiking trails are less prominent in general information for this particular St. Marys River, the area supports general outdoor activities.
Best bus station hiking trails around St. Marys River
- The most popular bus…
Last updated: October 5, 2026
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.01km
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10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Whitefish Island is the upstream island at the rapids in the St. Marys River on the Canadian side. It was declared a nature reserve, the Whitefish Island Reserve, in 1981. https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=510 Today, the island is located in the territory of the Batchewana First Nation. The indigenous population was driven from their land in 1905, and the island was only officially returned to them in 1998. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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On wooden boardwalks and small bridges, the Baawaating Walk, we can circle Whitefish Island. Here we have the best view of the rapids in the river and can watch anglers as they try to catch Whitefish. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge has a total length of 4.5 kilometers; it was opened in 1962. Like the railway bridge from 1887, it crosses the St. Marys River and the ship locks, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal in Canada and the Soo Locks in the United States. Generally, pedestrians cannot use the bridge; however, the International Bridge Walk takes place annually and the bridge is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic - usually at the end of June. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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In the 1870s, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company built a railway line, the so-called Soo Line, from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. With the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge over the St. Marys River to Michigan in 1887, a single-track railway connection across the border to Michigan in the United States was established; in the USA, the Soo Line runs to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the past, the railway line was used, among other things, for passenger transport from Chicago to Vancouver, and from Minneapolis to Montreal. For decades, the tracks in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, have been mainly used for freight transport, but also by the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. (Visited on May 27, 2026) https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=truss/internationalrail/ https://ontariorailwaystations.wordpress.com/home/district-of-algoma/sault-ste-marie-railway-stations/
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The Emergency Swing Dam was built in 1896 at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. It serves for emergencies, in case a lock gate is damaged and the water outflow can no longer be stopped. The steel structure is then swung over the canal and lowered. In an accident in 1909, it was successfully used and enabled an immediate and rapid repair of a damaged lock gate. The Emergency Swing Dam in Sault Ste. Marie is functional and the last of its kind globally; it is part of the national historic site. (Visit on May 27, 2026) Sources: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/ingenierie-engineering https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sault_Canal_Emergency_Swing_Dam
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The construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal began in 1889 and was completed in 1895. The canal was carved out of the Red Sandstone, the bedrock of St. Marys Island. The material was used for, among other things, the construction of buildings on the site. The buildings are beautiful examples of Canada's late 1800s architectural heritage. (Visited May 27, 2026) https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/architecture
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Due to damage, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was decommissioned in 1987. Only in 1998 was the lock reopened, but with a length of only 77 meters instead of the original 274 meters. The lock is now open from mid-May to mid-October for recreational activities. (Visit on May 27, 2026) https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/histoire-history
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On the Canadian side, two islands lie in the river, St. Marys Island and Whitefish Island. The islands were an important meeting place for the Anishinaabe First Nation for fishing and trade between Lake Huron and Lake Superior until colonization by Europeans and were called Baawaating, place of the rapids. To make the St. Marys River navigable for trade, especially with furs, a huge canal was built through St. Marys Island at the end of the 19th century; it was the longest lock in the world at the time. There is a height difference of approx. 7 meters between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station accessible hiking trails are available around St. Marys River?
There are 3 dedicated hiking trails around St. Marys River that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a convenient way to explore the area without needing a car.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these bus-accessible hikes?
The bus-accessible hikes around St. Marys River, particularly those starting from Sault Ste. Marie, generally feature relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes. For example, the Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop has an elevation gain of only 32 meters over 9.3 kilometers, making for a pleasant walk.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes accessible by bus?
Yes, there are two easy routes perfect for families. The Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop is 6.2 kilometers long and offers gentle walking. Another great option is the Spirits Rising Monument loop, which is just over 4 kilometers and also rated easy.
Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible trails?
While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendliness for each individual route, generally, many outdoor trails in the St. Marys River area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always best to check local regulations or specific trail signage before heading out with your furry friend.
What are the best circular routes available from a bus station?
All three routes featured in this guide are circular, meaning you'll end up back where you started, which is ideal for bus station access. Options include the moderate Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop (9.3 km), the easy Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop (6.2 km), and the shorter, easy Spirits Rising Monument loop (4 km).
What can I see or explore along these bus-accessible routes?
The routes starting from Sault Ste. Marie offer views of the St. Marys River, which is a significant international border and a migration flyway for birds. You can expect to see diverse natural features and potentially historical elements related to the area's maritime importance, such as the lock gates mentioned in one of the route names.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in the St. Marys River area?
The komoot community rates the St. Marys River area highly, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Hikers often appreciate the accessibility of these trails from public transport and the opportunity to experience the unique environment of the river and its surroundings.
Are there any longer or more challenging bus-accessible hikes?
Among the bus-accessible routes, the Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop is the longest at 9.3 kilometers and is rated as moderate. While not extremely challenging, its length provides a good workout compared to the shorter, easy options.
Is the St. Marys River area good for birdwatching or wildlife spotting?
Yes, the St. Marys River is known for its biodiversity and serves as a migration flyway for birds. While specific sightings depend on the season and luck, the natural settings along these trails offer good opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
Where can I find more information about the St. Marys River as an international border?
For more general information about the St. Marys River, particularly its role as an international border between Michigan and Ontario, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's entry on the Michigan-Ontario St. Marys River.
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