Built at the turn of the 19th century, this building served as The Consolidated Lake Superior Company General Office Building – one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Ontario. It was designated in 1993 and is now home to the Algoma Conservatory of Music, a regional centre for music education, performance and recording.

This site is crucial to understanding the history of residential schools and reconciliation in Canada. The Shingwauk Residential School, which operated from 1874-1970, is now home to Algoma University, which offers cross-cultural education, healing and learning. Visitors can also explore the award-winning Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibition that tells the site’s history within the larger history of colonialism and reconciliation.

The Art Gallery of Algoma was designed by architect R.V.B. Burgoyne as not only an art gallery but a "people centre.” The building was opened in 1980 and currently houses work from the Group of Seven along with prominent Inuit, Indigenous and international artists. Their collection of approximately 5,000 artworks includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, installation works and decorative arts.

Bishophurst is a large neo-Georgian house constructed of common red sandstone and set in a treed, park-like setting, it functions as the “See House” of the Anglican Diocese of Algoma, and has served continuously as the home of the Anglican Bishop of Algoma. Of note is the front entrance enhanced by a columned portico and the recently renovated Lady Chapel.

Innovations in forest-fire management techniques, training and tools were pioneered at the Ontario Provincial Air Service, the historical home of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. During Doors Open, join an in-person discussion with Archive Assistant Candy Burns as she gives you an open-door view into forest fire-fighting history from pumps and hoses to waterbombing and training.

Francis H. Clergue arrived in the Sault in 1894 and established the Lake Superior Power Company and the Sault Ste. Marie Pulp and Paper Company Limited, building his own machine shop and foundry to create the machines he needed to run the businesses. Today, the property features pubs, restaurants, event spaces, The Rink and the train station.

The Clergue Blockhouse stands today as a reminder of two important periods in Sault Ste. Marie's history. The base of the blockhouse contains exhibits on the city and the fur trade while the top floor showcases exhibits on the early industrialization of Sault Ste. Marie and the man who made it happen – Francis H. Clergue.

Entomica Insectarium is an insect-based science centre located inside the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. A variety of live, exotic insects from around the world are displayed in beautiful, living environments. Founded in 2014, Entomica shares the fascinating, hidden and often-misunderstood world of insects. By showcasing insects in an engaging and educational way, they provide a hands-on experience for deeper learning.

Built in 1812-14 by Charles Oakes Ermatinger, the Ermatinger Old Stone House is one of the oldest stone buildings west of Toronto. It has served many purposes over the years – as a hotel, a sheriff's residence and, prior to being abandoned, apartments. Restored in 1967, the building is now a historical site and museum.

The North West Company Lock is located at the foot of Huron Street. It is actually two structures built almost 100 years apart. The stone replica lock seen today was built in 1896 and lies over the floor and framework of the original lock built in 1797. The lock was built to help laden canoes and boats navigate the rapids.

Tour the Ontario Forest Research Institute – one of the most beautifully designed buildings in Sault Ste. Marie. The Institute focuses on helping forests adapt to climate change, maintaining the genetic diversity of Ontario’s forests, studying forest diseases and invasive insects, and more. Constructed of local maple and glass, the building offers a work environment with plenty of natural light.

When Precious Blood Cathedral was built in 1875, it dominated the skyline. Local sandstone and timber were used in its construction. The design is in the Gothic revival style with a single nave, tall lancet windows, a slate roof and an impressive bell tower. Come and explore this beautiful building and learn more about its history.

Completed in 1895, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was recognized as a marvel of engineering – the first electrically operated lock in the world. The canal’s Powerhouse, constructed of red sandstone excavated from the canal, generated the electricity. The lock provided an all-Canadian waterway from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. While exploring the site, don’t miss the new Visitor Centre.

During 2021, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library – with two locations to serve you – celebrated 125 years of history. The North Branch, opened in 2020, contains a new archival facility that houses records dating back to 1822. During Doors Open, tours of the archives will be available by reservation only as space is limited.

Come and learn about Sault Ste. Marie through this informative walking tour and hear some of the fascinating stories behind many of the city’s iconic buildings – including the Algonquin Hotel, Precious Blood Cathedral, the cenotaph, the Old Stone House and Blockhouse, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the courthouse, several banks, the former YMCA and the Memorial Tower.

The Anishinaabek Discovery Centre was completed in 2019 as the new home of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig – the centre of excellence in Anishinaabe post-secondary education. The design was inspired by Chief Shingwauk's vision of a “teaching wigwam." The 7.3-metre (24-foot) barrel-vault timber roof is crafted of spruce and the dome structure mimics that of a traditional Anishinaabe longhouse.