St. Mary's Island and the Attikamek Trail

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st-mary-island
Sault Ste Marie

Ontario
Canada

Trail Length: 2.5 kilometre loop

Difficulty: Easy - Family
Park Amenities:
Hiking
Sightseeing


St. Mary's Island is a hiking and sightseeing destination located in Whitefish Channel on the St. Mary's River in the community of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Sault Ste. Marie is located in Algoma Country in Northern Ontario.

The trailhead entrance to the Attikamek Trail is located near the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. The island can only be explored on foot via the Attikamek Trail. It is a popular destination for activities like walking, biking, sightseeing and birdwatching.

"Attikamek" means whitefish. The word comes from the Ojibway First Nation people meaning the "caribou of the waters."

The Attikamek Trail is a 2.5 kilometre loop trail providing sightseeing opportunities of wetlands, the International Bridge, fish hatchery, wildlife, Michigan U.S.A. and the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.

There are also said to be artifacts hidden in the forests and berry bushes on St. Mary's Island left behind from the builders of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal.

Most of the main loop trail follows a dirt and gravel pathway with some sections of boardwalk. The trail is considered easy going, level and suitable for all ages. However, there are many other smaller connector trails. For the best hiking views stay on the main trail. The trail should take no longer than an 1-2 hours to complete.

Hiking adventures can be extended by visiting the loop trail on Whitefish Island. From St. Mary's Island there is a bridge connecting pathways. Whitefish Island Trail is a smaller loop route measuring 1.5 kilometres.

There are wildlife sightings on the island from beavers, muskrat, minks, garter snakes and toads to waterfowl and songbirds like ducks, kingfishers and loons.

Visitor Centre, washrooms and day use picnic area are available near the trailhead entrance at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site of Canada.

One can also walk from the canal and connect to the St. Mary's Boardwalk Trail which follows the waterfront on the St. Mary's River leading into the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
St. Mary's Island and the Attikamek Trail, Sault Ste Marie, Algoma Country, Northern Ontario, Canada

 

Address:

St. Mary's Island and the Attikamek Trail
Canal Drive
Sault Ste Marie
Canada

How To Get ToSt. Mary's Island and the Attikamek Trail

:
From the downtown area of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada travel west on Queen Street to Huron Street. Turn left and travel south on Huron Street to Canal Drive and take another left. Follow the signs to the canal. The Attikamek Trail begins from the canal.
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