Welcome to Our Neck of the Woods. A Tour of SSM Ontario Attractions.

 On the face of it one living in any particular area of Canada may possibly think there isn't a whole lot to do. If they were to be asked to write about it they would soon discover there is a LOT more to their local area then meets the eye. There is so much natural beauty, many outdoor pursuits, and a large variety of tourist attractions to keep even the most picky person happy. I want to share just a bit with you about where we live in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

 This far North in Ontario it can feel pretty isolating with only the Trans Canada Highway connecting us to the rest of the world. If one is to scratch the surface though you can find all sorts of interesting sites to see and keep you occupied. Some that you may find on a site like Trip Advisor and some that you may miss if you don't know they exist. 

One of our kids favorite places to go is the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center. It's interactive movie is a must see as are all the great exhibits about Bushplanes. If you are a car enthusiast you may also be lucky to see some of the antique cars that are on display throughout the hanger. 

The Fire Spotter's Tower. You can climb up and look around the museum from a new angle

Another couple of worthwhile museum's to see are the Ermatinger-Clergue Historic Site and the Sault Ste Marie Museum.  If you are willing to go off the beaten path and experience more in the way of interesting museum's the Prince Township Museum is a great little one. The St. Joseph Island Museum is also a fantastic look into the past. Tour it's various out buildings to learn more about farming and pioneer life in the area.

Of course if you are visiting at this time of  year we still have lots of winter fun! The largest hill in the area Finn Hill is still LEGAL (that's ride sliding has been banned in some parts of the country due to it's dangerous possibilities) to slide on. Our city mayor has proclaimed that it will remain so as it has been a tradition for many generations. The hill is well taken care of with snow fencing, parking, ,and straw for traction to climb back up. Best free family activity winter can bring.  

If sledding isn't your thing there is downhill skiing at Searchmont, snowshoeing and cross country trails at Hiawatha Highlands, and indoor archery at the Rod and Gun Club. If all these wintry activities leave you missing summer have no fear there are a lot of outdoor summer pursuits as well. 

In the summer you can find kids filling up local parks as each neighborhood generally has one or two. You can see our family out canoeing in one of the many Ontario lakes found in the area. Not only is the fishing great.....

..okay well great doesn't always mean a HUGE catch! LOL. But you can and likely will see some amazing wildlife while out canoeing. Remember most animals like early morning so the early bird catches the worm ;) 

Painted Turtle

Turtles aside there is more to see. Our new Mill Market is also a temporary home to Entomica which although it is small is a real crowd pleaser. Once you leave Entomica you can stroll down the cities lovely boardwalk and enjoy the sculptures that are dotted along it. Follow it down to the Roberta Bondar Pavilion where there is often some outdoor activity taking place throughout the summer months. If you continue to walk the cities board walk you will come to the Art Gallery of Algoma and the city library.

Not feeling like walking? You can bike along the bike path which is part of an extensive trail system the city is working on named after our last mayor who passed away after a long battle with cancer. The John Roswell Hub Trail is impressive and a really great way for people to get out there and enjoy the city. If a long bike ride doesn't seem like your thing and you rather BMX then try out Velorution's Dirt Park. If you rather skateboard then check out the cities board park. 

If all that outdoorsy stuff has you exhausted and you rather relax you can bet you will find some great places to eat, shop, or poke your nose around in. Remember if you are coming for a visit you better check in with a local homeschool family aka us we would love to share some fun places with you!

Guess what? We have another exciting giveaway for you brought to you by The Canadian Homeschool Blogging Team! Details: Open to Canada only – excluding Quebec. Must be 18+ to enter. Ends April 15th, 2015 @11:59pm EST. Please use the entry form below!

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