The Sault Ste. Marie center point is around 3 miles southwest of Roberta Bondar Place and 3 miles south of Station Mall.
Sault Ste. Marie offers temperate weather that can change dramatically, which is common for the Upper Peninsula. The warmest months to visit are June, July, and August, but since summer is peak tourist season, you'll need to plan your trip in advance to save money on your hotel. Highs in mid-July are normally around 78 degrees Fahrenheit with lows rarely dipping below 57 degrees.
The shoulder seasons in Sault Ste. Marie can be quite pleasant if you don't plan your trip too close to winter. May, for example, offers highs averaging around 61 degrees and lows around 41 degrees. September's temperatures are slightly warmer, but you'll still want to pack a few layers and wear a light jacket. Since spring and fall aren't considered peak tourist season, you can also save quite a bit of money on your hotel.
If you're planning a trip to Sault Ste. Marie in the winter, expect snowy conditions. The city has led the nation in snowfall totals, recording 158.7 inches in 2015. However, this heavy snowfall doesn't mean you can't enjoy a memorable vacation to this northern winter wonderland. Winter activities abound in Sault Ste. Marie, including snowshoeing, tubing, and snowmobiling. When you need a break from the cold, head indoors to the Kewadin Casino or Dondee Lanes bowling center. Be aware that flights into the area may be affected by severe weather conditions, so play it safe and book refundable tickets and accommodations.
If you know where to stay, you can save more money on your trip to Sault Ste. Marie by taking advantage of discounts.
Military families and government employees can save up to 30 percent off regular room rates at hotels such as the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Sault Ste. Marie Ojibway. Situated in historic downtown, this lovely hotel places you within walking distance of nearby attractions. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, enjoy room service, or soak in your in-room Jacuzzi. The property features pet-friendly rooms and bridal suites, and the hotel provides a free local shuttle service to and from the Kewadin Casino. Rooms are traditionally decorated and feature free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, ironing facilities, and work desks.
Seniors can also save big at area hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie. This property features an indoor heated pool and whirlpool, guest laundry facilities, a fitness center, free high-speed internet access, a business center, and a full breakfast buffet. Guest rooms offer ironing facilities, hair dryers, bathroom amenities, blackout shades, tea and coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, and work desks.
AAA and CAA members can also save on area hotels. Simply book the preferred rate and provide proof of eligibility upon check-in.
Sault Ste. Marie offers many midrange hotels that give you extra value for your dollar.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sault Ste. Marie ON is located on the Canadian side of the river. The hotel offers on-site fitness facilities, a lounge, free breakfast, a 24-hour reception desk, and oversized vehicle parking. Guest rooms feature coffee and tea service, 32-inch flat-screen high-definition TVs, mini-refrigerators, and microwaves. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy an in-room whirlpool or kitchenette.
Hampton Inn Sault Ste. Marie is located close to the River of History Museum and History Tower. Amenities include a modern indoor pool with pool loungers, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a free hot breakfast each morning. Spacious rooms feature mini-refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, fresh Hampton beds, and irons and ironing boards.
One of Sault Ste. Marie's biggest tourist attractions is Soo Locks Park. This beautiful park and information center educates guests on the Soo Locks engineering marvel. Learn about its construction and use as a maritime wonder.
For panoramic views of the city, head to the Tower of History on Portage Avenue. This stunning building offers three viewing platforms with 20-mile views. The Tower of History is open only from mid-May through mid-October, so plan your trip carefully if you want to visit this popular attraction.
Other notable landmarks and destinations include the Chippewa County Courthouse, the Cloverland Electric Cooperative Hydroelectric Plant, and the Kemp Coal Dock Office and Industrial Museum.
Planning a trip to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is more reasonable than you may think. Whatever your reason for visiting, you'll discover a gorgeous region steeped in history. From luxury accommodations to roadside lodgings, Sault Ste. Marie has the ideal hotel that meets your travel needs.
Below are reviews of the city of Sault Ste. Marie, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
All the things you can do. Shops and Soo Locks.
Nice restaurants, nice shops, beautifully kept grounds at the locks.
It was quite interesting how the locks work and seeing the ships pass through. The Locks tour boat ride is always fun and the history tower was also very interesting. The city has very good restaurants (Lock View & Antlers) and gift shops.
Sault Ste. Marie is a nice city. Very scenic.
The city has plenty to do.
Beautiful city!
Beautiful city!
It's a scenic area.
Visited the Soo Locks, of course, and some really awesome bars.
Rockhounding, beaches, gambling, food, Northern Lights!
Enjoyed seeing the Soo Locks and the Lock View Restaurant had very good food.
Love watching the ships come in.
Town was great 😃
We really enjoyed the famous Soo Locks Boat Tour and the Tower of History. The Lock View Restaurant was excellent, the food and the service. We even got to see a freighter go through the locks while having dinner on Wednesday evening.
We did the train ride to Agawa Canyon. Loved it. So relaxing!
Far more to see and do than we ever imagined. Easy access to Algoma region with lots of opportunities to get out in the wilds without having to contend with Southern Ontario crowds. We'll be heading back there again soon.
Good stores. Good casino.
Calm and quiet environment.
Calm and quiet hotel.
The Soo Locks were fantastic!
Loved the Soo Locks tour and the viewing stand! Also enjoyed our time at Calvary Baptist Church.
Great selection of restaurants, reasonably priced. Very friendly people in the UP.
Always a nice place to stay!
A lot of kid things to do! Very kid friendly!
Clean and quiet hotel.
Very clean room and friendly staff.
Beautiful area! I love being here!
We enjoyed the Agawa Canyon Train Tour and nice dinners at the Gliss and Peace restaurants.
The best thing was the Agawa Canyon Trip.
The train ride was very good!
Came for the complete Sault Ste. Marie experience. Witnessed several freighters pass thru the locks as well as taking the boat tour.
Wings at Wacky's, beers at 2 craft breweries. Riverwalk.
The mountain bike trails at Kingsmen were awesome!!
It was pretty and I loved it. I loved the big boats.
The vistas and the people.
The vistas and the people!
Not to crowded when I was there mid week.
Great views and atmosphere!
Downtown shopping, very friendly staff, excellent restaurants!
Good stay.
Good hotel.
This city of Sault Ste. Marie was fantastic! Very friendly people and lots of great history and food at local restaurants.
The Soo Locks are interesting.
The Soo Locks are interesting!
Made this reservation through a pretty nice agent. The hotel is conveniently half way between our home in Kitchener and our destination in Thunder Bay.
Tower of history. Wasn't expecting that. Plenty of bars and restaurants in heart of downtown. The locks were educational and seeing 1,000 footers was amazing. Pretty view across river.