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All Canada Ontario Sault Ste. Marie Sault Canal Locks

Sault Canal Locks

Beautiful scenery, history, science, and physics come together in this remnant of shipping lore.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Added By
April Killins
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View at the top of the Locks, Lake Superior.   aprilmackillins / Atlas Obscura User
Lake Huron (left) and Lake Superior (right).   aprilmackillins / Atlas Obscura User
Mechanical Room, Operating the Locks.   aprilmackillins / Atlas Obscura User
Sault Locks Historical Infrastructure.   aprilmackillins / Atlas Obscura User
Lake Huron Level.   aprilmackillins / Atlas Obscura User
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About

 

Every year 7,000 to 10,000 ships use this free connection between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, which allows ships to traverse all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the iron ore and grain ports of Minnesota. 

Lake Huron and Lake Superior are elevations, and the locks are like a water elevator that allowed ships to move between the two. Think of it as a man-made replacement for a waterfall, where a ship can move in either direction. As a spectator standing at the top of the locks, visitors are at the level of Lake Superior looking down at Lake Huron while steel doors hold back all the water of Lake Superior from flooding the bay. 

A visit to the locks is rich with history and beautiful architecture and a must-see for boat nerds who get an opportunity to see the 1000 foot ore boats close up. During Engineer Days, on the last weekend of June, visitors are allowed onto the locks for the closest views, though there is a viewing tower that is available any time during the shipping season. Commercial boat tours also allow visitors to experience the locks themselves.

 

Related Tags

Boats Engineering Architecture

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There are parking lots at both the bottom of the locks and the top, so this attraction is accessible for wheelchair users. There is a large trail system so the locks can be visited as a walking excursion along with a hike on Whitefish Island. 

 

Community Contributors

Added By

aprilmackillins

Edited By

yooperann, michaelmtallman

  • yooperann
  • michaelmtallman

Published

October 18, 2022

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Sault Canal Locks
1 Canal Dr
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 6W4
Canada
46.51323, -84.350907
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Nearby Places

Whitefish Island

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

miles away

Tower of History

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

miles away

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario

Places 4

Nearby Places

Whitefish Island

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

miles away

Tower of History

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

miles away

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario

Places 4

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