We managed to break free from all the chaos for a few days and escape to Sault Ste Marie for a train ride to Agawa Canyon. Kinda glad we had the trip booked months in advance or else it probably wouldn’t have happened with all the house hunting and renovations. It was great to take a much deserved break to escape and decompress in such a beautiful environment.
For anyone planning on undertaking the Agawa Canyon tour train I recommend booking off a minimum of 3 days off. From Toronto, the drive to Sault Ste Marie is just under 8 hours. Although with a few stops along the way the drive easily exceeds 8 hours. The first day of our trip was dedicated solely to driving up to Sault Ste Marie.
We stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste Marie Waterfront with a view of the boardwalk and waterfront facing the American Sault Ste Marie side. One of the benefits of staying at the Delta is that the Agawa Canyon train station is only steps away from the hotel. Also of note is that the Delta had the most comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in. It was like a spongy waterbed and the pillows were even softer.
The next morning we arrived at 7 am to pick our tickets up from the train station. Boarding starts at 7:30 am and only the cars are reserved. Everyone picks their own seats within the car and most seating is set up in groups of four. The train departs at 8 am sharp and it is a four hour train ride to Agawa Canyon. During the train ride you will get to experience spectacular views of some of Ontario’s most rugged, yet beautiful landscapes. Landscapes that inspired artwork by the Group of Seven.
While both sides of the train will offer spectacular views, the right side of the train offers a bit more scenery. In case you’re wondering which side is right, it is the one closest to the street, not the plaza side.
Taking the train was like riding into the future. We left lush greens with subtle hints of yellow to a more consistent yellow and orange spread. By the time we were nearing Agawa Canyon there was a lot more dominant oranges and reds. Not too bad for the end of September. During the drive up we hadn’t seen too many autumn colours and I was beginning to think we wouldn’t catch any of that spectacular leaf change. But the further North we went the more autumn vibes were present. The colour change definitely enhances the experience, although the Agawa Canyon tour train ride and stopover is just as beautiful and breathtaking in the middle of the summer.
Once the train arrives at Agawa Canyon you will have 1.5 hours to enjoy at the canyon. There are three main attractions and you’ll need to hustle just a little bit if you want to experience all three.
There are two waterfalls, Bridal Veil and Black Beaver falls. Both are located within close proximity to eachother and are a good starting point. Bridal Veil is the furthest one out and should take approximately 40 mins there and back from the train.
The other attraction is a scenic lookout point which takes quite the climb to reach. It is about 300 steps to the top. Although it is quite strenuous (even moreso if you’re out of shape like me) it is totally worth it. At about the halfway point of our climb I didn’t think I’d make it to the top. But the other tourists who were already on their way down were very encouraging; that helped motivate me when I was exhausted beyond belief.
The scenic lookout is absolutely breathtaking with almost a 360 degree view of the entire canyon. The reason I would save this activity for last is if we had done this first there is no way I would have had the energy to hike to any of the waterfalls. The way down is easy enough, although be careful if it has been raining as some of the leaves on the stairs may be slippery.
The train leaves Agawa Canyon promptly at the 1.5 hour mark and there is a warning horn blast 10 minutes prior to leaving. If you are late, the train will leave without you. So be sure to manage your time accordingly. There isn’t any activity at the canyon aside from the stopover tour, so if you get stranded there you’re kinda screwed. You would literally have to wait until the next day when another tour shows up.
For those who’d rather chill than explore there is a picnic area where you can eat or simply relax during the stopover. Food is available for purchase on the train but we packed our own lunch and it seemed like most people did the same. If you’re looking to explore the canyon I would suggest eating your lunch on the train and leaving that precious 1.5 hour time limit for hiking the trails.
Also of note is that Agawa Canyon is out in the middle of some pretty lush bush in the Canadian shield. That means there is wildlife like bears and coyotes in the area so it’s best not to walk around smelling like a blueberry muffin and potentially attract a bear while you’re out on the trails.
The train ride back is also 4 hours. If you happened to be sitting backwards during the trip to the canyon you will be facing frontwards for the journey back to Sault Ste Marie. The journey back seems to go by much quicker than getting there. The train should arrive back at the station between 5:30 and 6 pm.
For dinner we went to an Italian restaurant called Giovanni’s and the food was just delicious. In fact it was so good that we ate there two nights in a row. Another bonus is that Giovanni’s is open a little later than some of the other restaurants making it great for night owls like us. All the food we tried was amazing. I would highly recommend a bottle of their house wine with a charcuterie board.
Regardless of where you’re staying, a walk along the Sault Ste Marie boardwalk and waterfront is a great way to end the evening. Even better than that tho are the comfy beds at the Delta. I feel like I would have needed an extra day just to stay in bed and enjoy the room service.
Have you ever been to Sault Ste Marie and the Agawa Canyon tour train or are you planning on going? Would love to hear what the highlights of your trip were.
xo