Echo Bay is located about 25 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie. The main attraction is the Loonie monument, as well as the regular auto races held at Echo Bay Elks Club. Windsurfing is becoming very popular during the summer season in the area with the area of Lake George in front of Echo Bay being the safest area for windsurfing.
Just northwest of Echo Bay is the Garden River First Nation. The area’s Ojibway-Chippewa-Algonquin Indians which had controlled a vast area of land stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains. A group of warriors from the Sault area, under Chief Shingwaukonce, fought for the British in the War of 1812. Chief Shingwaukonce was also signatory to the 1825 Treaty at Prairie du Chien between the United States and the Chippewa Nations. The Garden River First Nation Reserve was created in 1850 with the signing of the Robinson-Treaty, and provides a home for the area’s Ojibway-
The Trans-Canada used to go through the First Nation and meanders along the St Mary’s River with views to Sugar Island. The bypass is now designated Highway 17, and the old highway is now designated 17B. The garden River First Nation hosts bingos and also has a native art gallery.
Echo Bay Attractions
Loon Dollar Monument
20 km east on Highway 17 east at Echo Bay
The Loon Dollar (the “Loonie”) was designed by local resident Robert Ralph Carmichael in 1987. The monument was built to scale and completed in 1992, with the help of the loonie’s designer. There is a wheelchair accessible park and picnic area with flowers.
Echo Bay Elks Club
96 Church St, Echo Bay, ON P0S 1C0
Follow highway 17E to Echo Bay(from Sault),and turn right just past Dinelles Fresh Mart.
(705) 248-2989
Come watch the excitement at the race track, with up to five different classes.