This site is crucial to understanding the history of residential schools and reconciliation in Canada. The Shingwauk Residential School, which operated here from 1874-1970, is now home to Algoma University. Exhibits highlight foundational concepts of healing through education, designing for change, Indigenizing the museum and “Teaching Wigwam” as a contemporary education strategy. Visitors can enter their names in a draw!

The Art Gallery of Algoma's permanent collection includes nearly 6,000 works, with a strong focus on Canadian art. Highlights include pieces by the Group of Seven, Indigenous art, modernist work and pieces from other significant artistic movements. The Gallery Shop features products created by local artists, as well as items inspired by the Group of Seven and Indigenous art traditions.

Nestled among mature trees in a quiet, park-like setting, Bishophurst is one of Sault Ste. Marie’s architectural treasures. Built in 1876 from red sandstone, this gracious neo-Georgian residence has served as the home of the Anglican Bishop of Algoma for nearly 150 years. Highlights include the elegant front entrance framed by a classic columned portico and the beautiful Lady Chapel.

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 as a reminder of two important periods in Sault Ste. Marie's history. The blockhouse base contains exhibits and information on the fur trade (the base was originally the powder magazine). The top floor exhibit showcases the early industrialization of Sault Ste. Marie and the man behind it — Francis H. Clergue. Clergue lived on the top floor.

The Ermatinger Old Stone House is one of the oldest stone buildings northwest of Toronto. Charles Ermatinger and his wife Mananowe (Charlotte) ran their home and business here during the fur trade era. It has served many purposes over the years — hotel, sheriff's residence, courthouse and apartments. Restored from 1967-70, the building is now a historical site and museum.

Discover the haunted history of downtown Sault Ste. Marie on this heritage ghost walking tour. Explore eerie tales, hidden alleys and historical buildings as local legends come to life. Perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, this spine-tingling stroll will reveal the Soo’s spirited secrets after dark. Dare to walk where the past still lingers! Back by popular demand!

Step inside The Memorial Tower — an iconic structure and symbol of the sacrifices made by local men and women in the service of their country and the world. Artwork depicts action from six military conflicts dating back to the War of 1812. Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 will be onsite.

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.

Explore the Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI), one of the Sault’s most beautifully designed buildings. Constructed with local maple, granite and glass, it offers a unique work environment with natural light and a reminder of its northern Ontario location. OFRI is a Ministry of Natural Resources workplace, supporting forest research related to climate change, genetic diversity, invasive species and more.

Come and explore the new home of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 — complete with a museum where you can learn about the Sault’s miliary service over the years. Part of their new home is also an award-winning residential facility. In addition to museum artifacts, more military artifacts and exhibits will be available in the adjacent meeting rooms. (Photo: SalDan Construction Group)

Explore the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury, home to the 49th (Sault Ste. Marie) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery and the 33 Service Battalion. Today, army reserve and cadet units use the facility for military drills and training. Visit the Lest We Forget Remembrance and History Library and Last Post Museum. Learn about anti-aircraft guns and the Howitzer artillery gun outside.

Located in the old post office building, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum showcases artifacts that illustrate the city’s history. Over three floors of exhibit space and one and a half floors of archival space, exhibits include the Walter Wallace Military Gallery, Skylight Gallery, Marine Gallery, Music Gallery, Sports Gallery and the Durham Gallery, which features rotating exhibits.

Explore the world of true crime at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library! Join authors Judy Penz Sheluk and Amanda Capper to learn about researching real-life cases and transforming historical documents into gripping narratives. Sign up for a guided tour of the library, and along the way, learn about historical criminal cases and the collections that the library holds.

The North Branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library opened in 2019 — including a new storage space for the library’s archives (with some records that date back to 1822). During Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie, the Archive Technician will facilitate a tour of the spaces as well as show items from the archives. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity!

The location of the former Wawanosh Indian Residential School is now a place of quiet reflection. The school began in 1887 and closed in 1901 when the girls were moved to the Shingwauk Residential School. The intent of this sacred space is to create visibility and curiosity for passersby to help create awareness of the history of Residential Schools. (Photo: City of Sault Ste. Marie)