The best cycling routes around Sault Ste. Marie

There are several touring cycling routes around Sault Ste. Marie, with 5 routes detailed in this guide. These include 4 easy routes and 1 moderate route, offering diverse experiences for cyclists.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experiences in Sault Ste. Marie, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from waterfront views to forested trails, and the accessibility of routes like the John Rowswell Hub Trail.

Sault Ste. Marie offers a mix of terrain. You'll find extensive paved multi-use trails like the John Rowswell Hub Trail, flat routes along the St. Marys River shoreline, and options with rolling hills in the surrounding Algoma region. There are also increasing opportunities for gravel cycling on mixed surfaces and forestry roads.

Yes, the John Rowswell Hub Trail is an excellent family-friendly option, offering a 22.5 km paved loop around the city with scenic views. Additionally, routes like Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre provide mostly flat terrain suitable for an easier ride.

Absolutely. Sault Ste. Marie is gaining recognition for its gravel cycling. Areas like Maki Road offer climbs out of the city before descending to Lake Superior on mixed surfaces. The forestry roads around Echo Bay, about 45 minutes east, provide beginner-friendly gravel options with gentler terrain and many offshoots to explore.

You can experience a rich variety of natural beauty. Routes often feature views of the St. Marys River and Lake Superior shoreline. The Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Greyhound station takes you past St. Mary's Island and the historic Across the lock gates. The Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station explores the scenic Fort Creek Conservation Area with its ravines and bridges. Whitefish Island, accessible from the Hub Trail, is also a great spot for birdwatching.

Yes, for longer rides, you can explore routes into the surrounding Algoma region. Options include the 154 km Sault or Echo Bay to Bruce Mines route, which features mixed surfaces and rolling hills. St. Joseph Island also offers a full day of cycling on low-traffic, scenic roads.

The John Rowswell Hub Trail is a 22.5 km multi-purpose paved trail that encircles the city, making it highly accessible for cyclists of all abilities. It offers scenic views of the St. Marys River waterfront, passes through ravines and bridges at Fort Creek, and connects to downtown attractions and green spaces like Bellevue Park. A three-kilometer gravel stretch on Whitefish Island provides a different experience and birdwatching opportunities.

The best time for touring cycling in Sault Ste. Marie is typically from spring through fall. The fall season is particularly spectacular, with the Algoma region renowned for its vibrant autumn colors, which can be enjoyed on many routes. Always check local conditions for spring thaw or early winter weather.

Yes, many of the routes in Sault Ste. Marie are designed as loops. The John Rowswell Hub Trail is a prime example, offering a complete circular route around the city. Other routes like Bike loop from Sault Ste. Marie and Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station also provide circular journeys, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Parking is generally available at various access points for popular routes. For the John Rowswell Hub Trail, you can find parking at locations like Roberta Bondar Park or Bellevue Park. For routes starting from specific points, such as Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Greyhound station, parking would be available near the Greyhound station or other public lots in the city.

While specific rules vary by trail, many multi-use paths in Sault Ste. Marie, including sections of the John Rowswell Hub Trail, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Always check local signage or the Sault Ste. Marie tourism website for specific regulations regarding pets on trails and in parks.