While there are plenty of great attractions to see in Sault Ste. Marie, sometimes you need to stretch your legs and take in the great outdoors. Luckily the Soo is home easily accessible walking and hiking trails within city limits. Here are four trails located minutes from downtown Sault Ste. Marie that are great stops to enjoy the outdoors. These trails are great for day trips or for a quick break to reconnect with nature.

The Power Canal Trail is a newer trail in Sault Ste. Marie located near the southern part of the downtown area. It is one mile in length and stretches from West Portage Avenue near the International Bridge eastward to Johnston Street near the Museum Ship Valley Camp. It follows the power canal that feeds into Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s Hydroelectric Building. The trail is comprised of a paved 10 ft. wide pathway for an easy to walk experience. While on the Power Canal Trail you can expect to see historic signage providing insight into the construction of the Hydroelectric Power Canal. There also trees, trash receptacles, and plenty of places to take a seat and enjoy the sights.

We especially recommend visiting the Power Canal Trail in the evening while the sunsets over the International Bridge.

The Ashmun Creek Trail takes advantage of the area between 3 Mile Road and Sanderson Field. This winter it received an upgrade in the form of the Pam and Kevin Cooper Bridge. This new bridge connects the entry of the trail near Cascade Crossing to the rest of the system. We think this trail especially shines in the winter, but it’s also a great escape from the bustle of the city during the summer.

Remember to pack bug spray and tick protection if you’re bringing your dog! We look forward to Ashmun Creek Trail growing to cover more ground around Ashmun Creek over the coming years.

Don’t let the name fool you! The Algonquin Cross Country Ski Trail is a well maintained and groomed hiking and walking trail in the summer. This system is located minutes from Downtown Sault Ste. Marie westward towards Sherman Park. It’s comprised of loops and is a relaxing collection of trails that’ll have you feeling like you’ve taken a day trip to enjoy this tranquil piece of nature.

Nothing highlights the diversity of the trails within Sault Ste. Marie city limits quite like Voyageur Island. This trail system is only accessible by water, so you’ll need to make sure you have a paddleboard or kayak to access it. But once you paddle out from Rotary Park and reach the dock system to access Voyageur Island, you’ll be experiencing one of the most unique

Remember to pack plenty of bug spray if you’re going to spend a lot of time exploring these trails within city limits along with water. Luckily, these trails are perfect to scratch the hiking itch if you only want to go for a short amount of time before heading back to Downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

Do you have a favorite hiking area within the Sault Ste. Marie area? Be sure to share it with us on social media by using the hashtag #ilovethesoo. Follow along to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok  for more on Sault Ste. Marie