Facebook GroupThe St. Marys Rapids are really not very impressive as far as waterfalls go. They are basically just a very wide, very low rapids, with just a bit of exposed bedrock closer to the edges of the river. But this site has much historical significance for Ontario and First Nations alike. Throw in an easy, pleasant hike and the ability to see the locks, and this is a worthy stop.
The entire area has been modified through the years, with the construction of shipping canals, industry, power generation, etc. But access is pretty easy and given all the interesting heritage in the area, it’s worth a visit.
This used to be where all of the out flow from Lake Superior would pass on its way down to the rest of the Great Lakes. Some of the water is now diverted elsewhere for power generation and canal operation. Access is via a pleasant well-maintained gravel path across Whitefish Island, which is owned by the Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways.
To reach the island, visitors simply need to cross the footbridge at the Locks, which here are only used for recreational purposes (commercial shipping follows the locks on the USA side). The area along the river has some interesting industrial and navigational history that can be explored.
| Region | Algoma |
|---|---|
| County | Algoma |
| Near | Sault Ste Marie |
| Watercourse | St. Marys River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 5 / 0% |
| Ownership | Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways |
| Landscape | Big River, open |
| Size | Small-Large |
| Type | Rapids |
| Modification | International bridge, infrastructure |
| Access | Moderate |
| Top / Bottom | Easy / Easy |
| Trail conditions | Gravel |
| Hiking Time | 15 mins |
| Coordinates | 46.5081,-84.3531 |
| Parking | 46.5136,-84.3492  |
| Site ID | WOO.ALG.082 |
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