Here are the top museums in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario:
Art Gallery of Algoma
10 East St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3C3
(on East St. along the waterfront, just behind the library)
(705) 949-9067
Exhibits of historic and contemporary art by, local, national and international artist. Committed to the advancement of Visual Arts in Sault Ste. Marie and District, Algoma Art Gallery is a not profit facility. The Gallery consist of multiple levels with the gift shop on the main floor. The Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission by donation.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
50 Pim St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3G4
(705) 945-6242
This fascinating Centre is filled with different sorts of bushplanes. The planes include historic biplanes, water bombers and modern bushplanes, you can even experience bushflying of the past and present within a 1940s waterfront hanger. Floatplanes are also welcome to use the docks and slip facilities. The Centre is open daily all year long, from June through September the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the hours for the rest of the year 10 am to 4 pm. Admission.
Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site
Located at 831 Queen St. E.
(705) 759-5443
Canada’s oldest stone house west of Toronto. The site was built in 1814, originally used as a house for a fur trader Charles Oak and his wife. Since 1828, when they moved back to Montreal, the house has been used as an Anglican missionary’s home, a hotel, the Algoma District’s first courthouse, the sheriff’s house, the YWCA, a social club and an apartment building. The city of Sault Ste. Marie bought the house in 1964 and began full restoration on it, ever since 1970 the house has been declared a national historic site and open for the public. You can still receive a full guided tour, with demonstrations on cooking, baking and crafts in the Summer Kitchen. This historic site is open April to late November, or by special appointment. Hours vary. Admissio.
Museum Ship Norgoma
Located at the Roberta Bondar Marina
(705) 256-SHIP(7447)
(705) 942- 2919
The last passenger vessel to be construction on the Great Lakes. The ship is 188 feet long, with accommodations for 100 people, the dining holds up to 50 people at a time and more than 40 cars as well as a considerable amount of cargo can rest on the lower and main decks. Tours are available daily from mid May to October, with summer hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and shorter hours in early spring and fall. Admission. All funding made from the tours goes into restoring and renovating the ship.
Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site
Canal Drive, off Huron
705 941 6205
This historic site offers special views for boaters and boat watchers. The original lock, completed in 1895, was then the world’s largest. The new recreational locks are built inside the original locks. The site and a 2.2 km wheelchair-accessible nature trail with excellent birdwatching and fly-fishing. The locks operate from May 15 to Oct 15.
Sault Ste. Marie Museum
Located on the corner of Queen and East St.
(705) 759-7278
Originally a post office, the museum is know one of the many designated heritage buildings within the city. The building is comprised of three floors, displaying the rich heritage of the Algoma district. Exhibits date anywhere from prehistoric times to present day. The upper two floors are permanent displays while the main floor is for traveling and changing displays. The Clock Tower gift shop is also within the Museum for souvenirs. Admission.
The Great Northern Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame
Ramada Inn, 229 Great Northern Rd
(705) 254-1650
“The Country Club” room with its Hall of Fame is open daily. The Great Northern Opry hosts shows and dances weekly, featuring Northern Ontario country talent. This venue also hosts the annual Northern Ontario Country music Awards.