A Delicious 3-Day Itinerary in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: Algoma’s Friendliest City
Affectionately known as Algoma’s friendliest city, Sault Ste. Marie is a delicious destination perfect for foodies to combine their love of good food and to re-connect with nature.
We’ve rounded up an ideal three-day itinerary to help guide you through the best local food spots and exciting outdoor activities to help you make the most of your summer adventures in Northern Ontario.
Let’s dive into a delicious journey through Sault Ste. Marie!
Day 1: A Farm Fresh Start and Culinary Delights
Stop 1: Thomson Farms Cider & Winery
Where: 4057 Third Line W, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
Start your day with a visit to Thomson Farms Cider & Winery. Family owned and operated the farm is bursting with fresh seasonal flavours! Unwind with a glass of craft cider and wine, either in the rustic Wine Barn which has been on the farm for over 100 years, or take a seat on the breezy outdoor patio, overlooking the expansive 40-acre property.
Made onsite sample seasonal flavours with the farms unique lineup of craft ciders and unique fruit wines. Their classic Apple Cider is a refreshing crowd favourite and trust us it’s a favourite for good reason.
For a unique summer sip the Rosé cider is an equally delicious choice! Playfully flipping the vine-to-glass experience on its head, Thomson Farms also offers an adventurous lineup of fruit wines that include everything from a sweet Strawberry Dessert Wine (made using the farm’s own strawberries) to a bubbly Rosé Sparkling Wine, ensuring every sip is as fun and as flavourful as the farm itself.
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the farm shop to pick up homemade jams and preserves and an extra bottle of cider or wine, as perfect souvenirs to bring a taste of Sault Ste. Marie back home with you.
Stop 2: Sunset Noodle House
Where: 133 Spring St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
After a refreshing morning at the farm, head to Sunset Noodle House for a filling lunch packed with delicious Vietnamese flavour! This local gem serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a menu featuring flavourful noodle dishes, savoury soups, satisfying sandwiches, and a great variety of shareable options but only if you’re feeling generous enough to share.
This local spot is great for foodies who are on the look out for vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu. Although the dining room at the noodle house is currently under renovation we encourage you to grab your meal to go like we did and enjoy a lakeside picnic at Bellevue Park just a short drive from the restaurant. Very soon, Sunset Noodle House will be offering an elevated dining experience on-site too!
Heating up our tastebuds with the Pho Chay, a hearty vegetarian Pho packed with noodles, tofu, cabbage, and delicious mushroom broth, was a comforting addition to the classic chicken Pad Tai and pork belly Bahn Mi sandwich. To top off the meal, cool down with a refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee, making the most of the scenic park setting!
Stop 3: Holy Cows Ice Cream Parlour
Where: 938 McNabb St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
No visit to Sault Ste. Marie is complete without a sweet treat from Holy Cows Ice Cream Parlour. Using dairy sourced locally from a family-run farm in Sault Ste. Marie, enjoy a scoop or two of their handmade ice cream, available in a variety of unique and classic flavours.
From fun scoops like the “Butterfinger Crunch” or “Cookies and Cream”, to classic soft serve swirls and on the go options called “twisties” which combine multiple ice cream flavours and toppings into one cup, it’s the ultimate stop to keep cool and indulge your sweet tooth pre or post meal!
Stop 4: Chummy’s Grill
Where: 262 Frontenac St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
End your first day with a hearty meal at Chummy’s Grill. Known for its generous portions, cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Chummy’s offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. From juicy burgers like the “Growling Grizzly Burger” stacked with mozzarella, caramelized bacon, and topped with onion jam and sweet maple sauce to fresh salads and loaded poutine dishes, you’re sure to leave with a full belly.
While you dine you’ll soon notice the unique Indigenous wood carvings throughout the dining room that adds to the restaurants warm atmosphere.
The artist behind the sculptures is renowned chainsaw carver Pete Ryan. These sculptures are just one of the many ways the restaurant incorporates Indigenous culture into their space which includes a holistic approach to teaching staff about traditional Indigenous food preparation alongside community members from Batchewana First Nation which includes hunting, cleaning, butchering and smoking.
Day 2: Famous Apple Fritter, Scenic Adventures and Local Brews
Stop 1: The Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse
Where: Hwy 17 North, Batchawana Bay, ON (View Map)
Kick off your second day just west of Sault Ste. Marie with a delightful breakfast at The Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse enjoying Algoma’s famous apple fritters. Located on Hwy 17 North, right across from the beach at Batchawana Bay on Lake Superior, this historic site was once a a rest stop for voyageurs passing through during the fur trade.
After you try their renowned apple fritters from the lodge’s general store (seriously, they come out warm and oh-so-soft), you might be tempted to extend your stay. Why not grab a meal from the Cookhouse, now a convenient Deli and Bake Shop, or book a cozy overnight stay? For an even better view of Lake Superior, grab some coffee with your fritters, and head down to the sandy shores of Pancake Bay—just a 10-minute drive away—for an impromptu picnic.
While you’re exploring, dive into Canada’s rich artistic heritage on the Group of Seven Experience Trails in Algoma Country, Sault Ste. Marie, and the North Shore of Lake Superior. These trails connect the stunning art seen in galleries to the landscapes, vistas, and waterways that inspired the famed Group of Seven and Tom Thomson.
On your way back into town, we encourage you to pull off at Chippewa Falls where you can safely take in one of these beautiful road side stops.
Stop 2: Northern Superior Brewing Co.
Where: 50 Pim St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
Unwind with a visit to Northern Superior Brewing Co., where tradition meets taste. This local brewery not only offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site but also prides itself on using heritage recipes that are over 100 years old. You can try the signature recipe for yourself with their Northern Superior Lager.
Sitting patio side we suggest ordering a flight to sample the breweries delicious craft beverage menu pairing your sips with charcuterie bites for the perfect alfresco dining experience! To learn about the breweries historic brewing process and enjoy a tasting session to discover your new favourite brew, be sure to book a tour before visiting.
Before heading off to dinner take learning break next door at the Bush Plane Museum to immerse yourself in the history of Canadian aviation. For those intrigued by the smaller wonders of nature, don’t miss out on a visit to Entomica Insectarium located inside the museum, where you can get an up-close look at a fascinating array of insects and reptiles from around the world.
Stop 3: Ernie’s Coffee House
Where: 13 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
This next stop comes highly recommended and is easily considered a local favourite across the Soo! For a cozy and flavour packed dinner, make your way to Ernie’s Coffee House. Open since the 1950s, this charming eatery has been transformed under new ownership to serve up a delicious rotating menu of “new” diner classics crafted using only fresh seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
From an equally exciting cocktail and non-alcoholic drinks menu, enjoy the seasonal Rhubarb Margarita, perfectly paired with the Chicken Sandwich, or a refreshing Verbena Lemonade to sip on as you eat your way through the Verdé Gnocchi. To round out your meal, we suggest adding a lighter companion to your plate, — the chef’s salad — which features greens piled sky high on the plate and dressed with a delicious garlicky green goddess dressing.
If you haven’t yet, you’ll soon taste why Ernie’s comes so highly recommended—it’s the perfect meal to end your day.
Day 3: Breakfast Bliss and Outdoor Exploration
Stop 1: The Breakfast Pig
Where: 265 Bruce St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
Gearing up for an active final day, your first stop needs to include a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Pig. Feast On® certified, The Breakfast Pig is well known for its creative locally-focused delicious breakfast dishes, and is easily the spot every breakfast lover needs to come and visit. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savoury, you’ll find something to satisfy both cravings!
Working double duty, the PB and Damn blew us away! Enjoy french toast layered with peanut butter and jam made from Thomson Farm’s strawberry rhubarb jam topped with beer battered fried chicken thighs served with a spicy syrup. For more of a savoury option try the owner’s namesake dish, “The Angela” — a potato hash dish served with sautéed onion, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, and topped with bacon, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze.
Trust us you’ll leave here feeling full and ready to tackle your day!
Stop 2: Walk Among the Trees
Where: 780 Landslide Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
Explore the Hiawatha Highlands and connect to Sault Ste. Marie’s vibrant food scene on a guided 4km walking tour that works to uncover the regions rich Indigenous heritage and expansive natural environment. Follow guides Mario and Cheyene from Walk Among the Trees Tours, a 100% Anishinaabe-owned and operated tour organization.
Blending their Anishinaabe heritage with their connection to nature, spend an afternoon with Mario and Cheyene to experience an impactful day of learning. Did we mention each tour ends with a delicious treat? After our hike, the afternoon ended with some tea and spiced sugar bannock bites which we dipped into some homemade wild blueberry jam!
Stop 3: Georgies Shawarma
Where: 75 Elgin St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
For a flavourful and satisfying lunch, head over to Georgies Shawarma. This local gem offers mouthwatering Syrian cuisine, with generous portions. We enjoyed the classic chicken shawarma, and the falafel shawarma. Both are seriously delicious and is why Georgies is a great choice for foodies looking to indulge with vegetarian options! The fresh vibrant flavours and friendly service make it an ideal lunch or even dinner spot.
Stop 3: Thrive Tours
Where: 485b Gran St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
Ready for more outdoor adventure? Whether you’re interested in hiking, paddling, or wildlife watching, Thrive Tours offers a series of pre-planned and custom guided experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the Sault Ste. Marie area. Thrive Tours offers immersive and deeply engaging and educational tours and experiences that connect you to the rich culture and traditions of the local Indigenous people.
Guided by founders Brad and Amanda, try your hand at canoeing or kayaking on Lake Superior at Ojibway Park and learn about Indigenous food sharing, medicinal practices and cultural traditions of Indigenous communities. For us, this hands on experience included participating in a healing smudging ceremony before embarking on a quick paddle. To wind down the day, we shared a meal over an open fire and learned about the significance of Indigenous foods and how food is shared in connection to the land.
Eager to know what we ate? Good on ya! Sharing this connection, Brad and Amanda combine unique traditional Indigenous food ingredients like Bison and wild rice with ingredients sourced from their garden and other local producers to create a delicious camp side meal. Prepared with dietary restrictions in mind and with ingredients that are in season, we enjoyed cedar tea paried with pizza topped with bison, wild rice sweetened with maple, charred corn, and homemade tomato sauce for a truly unique showcase of blended traditional Indigenous practice and flavours.
Stop 4: Peace Restaurant
Where: 250 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (View Map)
End your trip with a delicious fusion dinner at Peace Restaurant. With a cool and fun atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh Asian fusion dishes and creative cocktails, toast to a memorable final day in Sault Ste. Marie!
Spend some time with their meticulously crafted cocktail list developed by the restaurants mixologist Gabrielle (It doesn’t disappoint, trust us!). We opted to try the peach bourbon sour named “Georgia’s” and the “June’s” a crafted sour drink with strawberry rhubarb syrup and gin.
To start the meal off you can’t go wrong with some shareables for the table like the fresh and tender edamame pods topped with chilli garlic salt and a plate of Tuna Crudo layered with coconut milk, soy ginger lime, pickled onion, soy pickled garlic, chilis, oils and radish.
The portions are generous here so an order of the Braised Beef Bao Buns with the Kimchi Egg Fried Rice dish topped with smoked bacon, kimchi, veg, tobiko are flavour packed meal combination that will leave you feeling satisfied!
Cheers to more delicious adventures in Sault Ste. Marie!
Sault Ste. Marie is a city brimming with friendly faces, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. This three-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of culinary delights and outdoor adventures, ensuring you experience the best that Algoma’s friendliest city has to offer. Happy exploring! Want more ideas for exploring the city? Hop on over to Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s website for loads of ideas!
